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Morning Java: Jennings’ blessings 158
DEJAN KOVACEVIC, DK ON PITTSBURGH SPORTS Morning, Lunatics … • The Thursday column uncovers an inspirational meeting the Pirates had before the game. Edinson Volquez, Gregory Polanco and Jordy Mercer were among many who helped beat the Marlins, 7-2, last night, but here’s guessing nothing will leave a more lasting impression on that PNC Park crowd than Miami’s Dan Jennings being struck in the head by a line drive. My goodness, what a scene. So many people in such a tight quarter, and yet complete silence for the longest time. Hard to even describe it.
JAL’s The Great Airplane Strike Morning Links
1 Grantland
The Super-Rotation Rivalry
http://grantland.com/features/mlb-detroit-tigers-oakland-as-rotations/
2 CBS Sports
Padres vs Pirates Game Preview
http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/preview/MLB_20140808_SD@PIT/padres-pirates-preview
3 Sports on Earth
DECLINE OF THE CURVE
http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/88249076/overhand-curveball-evolution-mlb-history-of-the-game#!byH126
Decline of the Curve…a must read…wow!
Thanks for sharing DECLINE OF THE CURVE. Truly a treat to read.
Jordan, glad to see you seem to have resolved your blog-log-in-read troubles
Decline of the Curve – great article -thanks for the link. I also recommend Jordan’s book, A False Spring, about his time in the minors. Jordan is a fine writer.
I’m old enough to have seen Clemente play and the throw to 3rd by Polanco was Clemente-like. I also recall before batting helments, players at bat would wear hard liners under their cloth caps. Why don’t pitchers do the same now?
Alex Torrees for the Padres wears one. It looks weird, but after yesterday, we may see more.
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/06/22/padres-reliever-alex-torres-becomes-the-first-major-league-pitcher-to-wear-a-protective-cap/
Don’t know if it’s because of the lower mound, but today’s pitchers just don’t seem to come off their delievery ready to field the ball. It’s a wonder more of them don’t get conked. I saw Clemente break Bob Gibson’s leg with a line drive, too.
Re: Polanco….tremendous. A thing of beauty. But, I agree with you Adam…there was no one like Clemente. He had an amazing arm.
I was watching last night when Jennings got hit by that line drive. Just wow. Afterward he looked like he was on another planet. Hope he’s ok. Just horrible.
Saw it this morning and I agree. Very, very scary and horrible. Thank God he is ok…or at least what the video showed. They will know more today or so. Reason I never wanted to be a pitcher when I played ball as a kid. Always had that fear.
They are saying he has a concussion, Jandy. We knew that was going to be the case. It’s very fortunate that he didn’t also have his skull fractured or a lot of other things that could have happened.
Jim, I’m sure even Jennings is happy it’s just a concussion. I shudder every time I remember it…yikes.
Man, he did not look right. Staring straight ahead with glazed eyes for longest time. Only thought as they were attending to him was don’t waste time and get him immediately to the ER.
I almost got physically ill when that ball caroomed off his head. It was horrifying! Sure hope he has no lingering problems after the concussion Dx.
When they showed the view from behind home plate, and you could see how high the ball went into to the air to the SS behind 2b … that was chilling. Everything just stopped … at the stadium, in my living room, everywhere.
DK – I see the column of Jennings and the game coverage for the Miami Herald was written by John Perotto (“Special to the Herald”). How does that work? Do the Marlins have a beat writer or is this common at times to have another writer cover the game? I just was wondering.
Saw that Walker believes his back issue resurfaced sleeping in bad beds on the road.
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Solution: Bucs find brands/models he likes and hotels that use them and make accommodations only there in every road city. Money well spent.
No more sleeping for Walker.
Or maybe he can sleep upside down. Like a bat. Cuz we need his bat.
Bad hotel beds? Lordy.
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Where is Michel Therrien when you need him?
BOOM!
Straight from Walker.
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They’ve got to upgrade from Motel 6. Cheapskate Nutting.
Let’s put him in a plastic inflatable bubble while we’re at it.
Portable hyperbaric chamber.
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Hines Ward used one of those.
George: “Oh, no. So sorry. It’s the Moops.”
Bubble Boy: “It’s the Moors, you idiot. It’s a misprint.”
Don’t Ja!
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Made me laugh with the Motel 6 comment.!
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Good one!!
We’ll leave the light on for ya. But the mattresses – eh, not so much…
Didn’t Freddie Sanchez injure his back (while still a Pirate) getting out of a taxi when the team was on the road? He ended up on the DL over that as I remember it.
Commented earlier this week that our peripheral players needed to elevate their games in light of injuries.
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Guys are doing it — contributions all around. Tomlin’s “many hands in the pile” approach. Can only help team performance when other guys return.
Negative becomes a positive when every player has the attitude that they not only can contribute but they WILL contribute.
Agreed, DJ. This team has a lot of contributors, and will need that for the next few weeks at least.
I’ve heard of a twtter effort to have Bucs fans send get well wishes to Jennings. Great idea, and really demonstrates what Pittsburghers are all about. I hope he’s on the bump again soon.
DK actually forwarded Jennings’ twitter address last night from the game. It was a classy idea.
Yep – I tweeted him last night, too. And from perusing Jennings’ twitter site, all indications are that he’s a wonderful young man.
Evolution made tremendous adaptations. Amazing the human skull can take such a hit and still provide life saving protection. Simply, one of the worst things in sports to see. Might be time for pitchers to wear those protective hats, no matter how dorky they appear. God bless.
Amen!
Tyler Glasnow had 11 K’s/2 BB/2 hits/0 runs in 6 innings last night. He’s started 20 games this year, and only allowed runs in 9!
He’ll likely remain in Bradenton the rest of the year so he can pitch in the playoffs, and then go to Altoona. Hope we can keep this one healthy.
Healthy is the key. I’m looking forward to seeing him in Altoona
A little prospect hoarder love.
Always, DJ. I think it’s in my DNA. Thinking what could be.
I get the feeling it’s going to take a while for Glasnow to reach his potential, Jim.
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Seems he’ll go on a run showing decent control only to regress. Classic sign of an inability to repeat his delivery, which should be expected for a 6′-7″ 20 year old kid.
I agree with you there, NMR. Control will be the key for him, and it could take awhile to get it right. But, he just wipes out so many guys and doesn’t give up hits. It’s pretty rare.
An infuriating piece from Jason LaCanfora. Dean Blandino must be fired immediately. Not reprimanded, not suspended, not fined, but fired. Today.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/jason-la-canfora/24652025/is-this-the-nfl-ref-czar-on-cowboys-party-bus-irate-nfl-execs-say-yes
Anyone out there confident Roger Goodell will do the right thing ?
This voter says NO !
Can we impeach GODell?
If Goodell does the right thing, it will have nothing to do with what is actually right – only what he thinks is best for himself. We all know he plays favorites. Balt players do what they want. Jones & Kraft get special treatment. Rooneys back Goodell. It’s all confusing to me.
not at all. and the media types covering the NFL give Goodell a complete pass. NO hard questions coming from anywhere.
Oh Boy. This makes the NFL look like a Garage League,, WORSE than the NHL. Good job, Dean.
As for GODell? He’s do whatever he shouldn’t do. He’s an azzmunch.
And – it should cost the Cowboys organization something for having invited and compromised him.
Church and State lines being blurred all the over place. Jerry has been a busy boy lately.
Certainly did get quiet in there last night when Jennings got drilled. Folks were so uncomfortable, some said a prayer….personally I downplayed it for my kids. Not only did I not want to frighten them, but my middle child takes a month to lose that fear when stepping into box..
Wish Mr. Jennings a speedy recovery.
Classy of him to acknowledge the Pirate fans last night.
Balls off the skull are the scariest thing…………. surprised pitchers don’t wear a batting helmet, or at least a liner for more protection.
Coming back to the NFL, can we hardly wait for the day when Belichick becomes eligible for the Hall of Fame? For me, it’s a coaching equivalent to Bonds as a player.
Not even close. iMHO.
Please say more, Patrick. Both cheated in their professional capacity, both were caught. The difference?
I’d vote for Barry Bonds for Hall of Fame.
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McGuire too.
Pirates: ALL IN…but the egos! I like it…keep it going, boys.
Watched a little preseason NFL last night. Good to see football back again. Olivia Munn is dating Aaron Rodgers. I’m hoping to run into her at the gas station or something. Both the Steelers and my Bears had good off seasons. Excited about the year!
Hopefully she’ll have the same effect on his career that Kate Upton has had on Justin Verlander’s.
BOOM!
Milo, are you a comedian in your other life?
Karen, I dunno bout you, but if Milo weren’t here to post, I feel I’d be missing out on a lot. He makes my day so many times!
AGREE! Love the dry wit!
Milo: Kate Upton was guest host on Live with Kelly & Michael Friday morning. They mentioned her dating Verlander. I have a Justin Verlander bobblehead given away at a Richmond minor league game. Wondered if Kate got her own bobble doll, how many body parts would have to jiggle?
My son is 14 & according to independent 3rd parties in the know, an outstanding P.
The Jennings play made me wince. I think about my kid on the mound in the future. Hope P headgear is developed & mandated to be worn by non-professionals at the HS level and above.
Sure does make you more aware when things like this happen…even though they are more of a freak accident or occurrence. As a parent…makes one worry as well.
At 18, I was pitching in an Am. Legion game. I threw a fastball to a horse of a kid who hit a rocket back to the mound about 1 foot above my head. I heard the sizzle of the ball and felt the shockwave on my face as it passed over my head. Scared me sick. I never pitched again
Many moons ago my son got nailed right above his heart at Little League practice while pitching.I wasn’t there, thank God-would have had a heart attack myself.He went down like he was shot, taken to the ER-was in a sling for awhile & had a baseball bruise complete with stitches!
A couple of inches lower and to this day I can’t go there in my head!
Amazing the stuff that happens, and no one thinks twice about playing sports.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11324529/ray-rice-baltimore-ravens-plays-series-gets-cheers-pregame-introductions
Ray Rice receives a warm welcome from Baltimore? What a shock
What a horrible message this sends to female fans … well, actually, to all fans. 2 stinking games for what he did. He should be in jail. Goodell tries to ruin some guy’s lives, but other guys he foolishly gives a pass. How does he live with himself?
It’s all this NFL stuff the past couple years that has me shying away from the sport for a bit. I used to love football and the Steelers, but, I just have a taken a little break from things. The NFL needs to get their house in order. Get Goodell out there as a start.
He’s Evil
Mother Theresa….get those 9 wides out and kick his evil butt out of there!
If only I had the authority. I really can’t stand Goodell. he’s a black mark on the NFL.
You’re Mother T. What more authority do you need?! LOL!
That’s it! I’ma kick him where the sun don’t shine
Hello!!! You go girl!
National FELON League! Makes me sick!
@Wild Bill. Both had swelled heads, enhanced, in one case by hi tech thievery and one by injection of banned substances. Not being a Steeler or a Patriots fan, one “crime” makes me laugh and the other makes me cringe. And, to my knowledge, BB from Nantucket never lied to a G.
Grand Jury.
Got your thought, Patrick. Not many Steeler fans laugh about Belichick. It has been often said as well, and it’s true, that he hasn’t won a title since he was caught, even with Tom Brady as qb. I think the cheating made his career. We will see what happens in years to come.
Points for your response. Now a question that does make me cringe is what BB/Nantucket knew about Hernandez?
The kid had issues in college; he dropped down in the draft because of them. But BB took him – I’ll leave it at that, but say I hope it isn’t any worse.
A lot of people say Urban Meyer has some ‘splaining to do about how much he knew about Mr. Hernandez in Gainesville.
One of these yrs maybe the Tigers will stink, & having them declared our natural rival by Bud will be more fair. Right now, I’d like to play 4 with KC, Cleveland or Minnesota – like the other teams in our division – rather than the perennial WS contender that just acquired Price.
Hearing you loud and clear, Jim.
Sweet Jimmie,
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Luck of the draw!
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I didn’t hear whining when Pirates did NOT have to face Kershaw in any of the 7 games played in 2 series with the Dodgers. Luck of the draw.
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Just play the team put in front of you. Complaining just makes you appear as if being from Philly.
Your example doesn’t make any sense, Groat. Missing Kershaw, which we didn’t do 2x last year btw, IS luck of the draw. A slanted schedule is not luck of the draw. I’d just like to see it rotate is all.
Before this blog went on hiatus, I said Polanco was headed for a slump. LHP were eating him up, and he was not keeping his head on the ball on low, outside pitches. The result was a lot of soft flies to LF. The kid is adjusting. I love it. Talent usually finds a way.
Now let’s hooe he can carry that confidence against actual big league pitching.
Jim……….Polanco is gonna be a good one – he is just a kid! There will be some growing pains & we’ll all have to be patient. He is light years ahead of the previous RF options we have endured.
Agreed, Gunner. Just how good he’ll be, we won’t know for a few years. But, I feel pretty confident he’s going to be a good player.
He has way too much talent, Jim, not to adjust as the league adjusts. It’s going to be a blast to see him grow up!
Clear that (1) Polanco has all the tools to be very, very good and (2) he is no where near finished developing. I believe that is what NH was saying back in April and May, and of course that was mighty unopopular protection of the Wizard of Nutting. Marte is still developing too
I suffered a MILD concussion back in April, and when I saw the video I flashed back to my event. Guy ran up behind me and CLOBBERED ME OVER THE HEAD with a blunt object after I’d delivered a pizza!
I went down, but all I instinctively clung to was “I can’t let myself pass out.”
Once read that pizza delivery is one of the most dangerous jobs.
I’ve eliminated a few liabilities since then, Osh. That night I had my car topper on, and was sharing my music pretty loud, windows down. “Hello! Here I am!” in an apartment complex just doesn’t happen any more. I’ve been doing it 11 years now. First time. Hopefully the last.
wow!
Are you ok, Bay? How awful. Was he robbing you?
Jim, it’s so crazy, yes he was robbing me! (At first I wondered if I’d look too close at someone’s girlfriend) It happened so fast, just heard a few quick running steps behind me and BAM! When the cops got there, I said “No way he got money.” But at the hospital I was missing $25
That really sucks, Bay. I’m glad you are still among us. Hard to believe someone would do that for $25. If the guy said he needed $25 that badly, you would probably have given it to him.
Good Lord Bay! How terrible! I HATE people…
Baywatch: Glad to hear you came away from that okay. I don’t think I knew you went through all that.
Holy moly, Bay! And for a few bucks! Nothing surprises me anymore, though. There are bad apples out there…Be on guard. You never know when you’ll run into a rotten one. Sheesh!
Wow, Bay – are you ok these days?
Bill, of COURSE I’m OK! Have you not noticed how germane all my stuff is? LOL!
Glad to hear you’re OK, Bay.
You can speak German now? COOL! Maybe a bump on the head is the new Rosetta Stone!
Karen: You earned yourself a Groaner Foul for that one. Go sit in Time Out for 15 minutes. LOL!
DK, you considering bringing back the “recent post” section of the blog? Easy to miss posts when you refresh without it.
Not sure what i think about this:
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=458779
Don’t worry Jandy, not holding my breathe.
Now that’s cool! There’s still hope, but don’t hold your breath, Monster Mash, we don’t want you turning blue!
Looks like career opportunities may soon be opening up for a muzzled hockeymonster.
I think hope is lost. Monster sad…and muzzled
Hey, Hm – heard anything about the Nittany Lions hockey recruits for this year?
You’re about as muzzled as EYE am…
Erik Autio is a finnish dman coming to hockey valley. Played with Kapanen on U18 team. Thought he stood out. Looked like 2nd best dman after Julius Honka, Dallas’ 1st pick. Should be big help and expect him to run PP with Jensen.
If i remember correctly they’re pretty high on Conway too but haven’t seen him play.
Don’t hesitate to post more when ya hear about them. I’m all ears. 6 home games in October, though. Almost annoying to have a schedule like that.
Hmmm, they need to get their W’s up. Maybe all those home games will help. Coach Guy giving Loik more ice time wouldn’t hurt in that regard either. Assuming he at least pretends to care about going to class. And Thompson is 1 bad pass/turnover away from getting the PM treatment.
Help! My name is Ron and I live in Germany (retired Air Force, born/raised Neville Island). Can somebody please walk me through the process of adding an avatar to my profile? This group of lunatics seems to always be so helpful and supportive of one another. Thanks in advance.
No problem, Ron.
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Go to Gravatar.com and follow the prompts. Just make sure to use the same email address you use to log in here and you should be good to go!
Thanks, NMR (used to go to that NRM on Liberty), Wild Bill and Tom Let’s hope this avatar took. I live between Frankfurt and Mannheim, Germany,
Go to Gravatar.com, Mac. Follow instructions. Even I did it.
Ron, Where in Germany? I lived in Trier, Saarbrucken, Regensburg and Munich over the years.
Soggy course today at Valhalla. The boys can really pin hunt today!
Don’t everyone grab your calculators at once. But Bucs continue to lead the National League in best home record, 36 wins I believe it’s up to now.
Everyone join me in wishing Spunky and his better half congratulations in 42 years of supporting each other!
God Bless!
many ++++’s
Have 42 more, Lucky!
+++++++
Congrats! And Many more!!
Still “Spunky” after all these years?! Congrats!
+42
Congratulations, Lucky! Here’s to another 50!
Thanks to yinz all. The 26th is the date. Should put our wedding pic on as an avatar. I look like some punk with long hair. Wife hasn’t changed a bit. Still the beauty she was then.
Can’t wait to see the Punk in the Pic
I will mail the Purple Heart to your wife, reverend.
That’s been said many times, many ways.
Catching up with previous days…so my belated congrats to you an your wife, Lucky! Continued best and God Bless!
So it was the Cubs who put in a claim on Cole Hamels. Hope they don’t complete a trade; we don’t need him loose in our division.
My guess is they won’t be able to make one so quickly, but it could lead to one in the off-season, Bill. That’s when Philly can negotiate w all the team. I do think the Cubs are about to add to their pitching. I think they might make a run at Price also, and maybe Lester.
No reason for Amaro to deal Hamels NOW instead of waiting to put a few other clubs in competition as ‘leverage’. Plus Cubs can’t trade anyone on 40-man roster unless they clear waivers (so Baez and Alcantara are out). So I think this is good PR for Theo, but nothing to see here.
Cubbies must be swimming in cash, Jim.
I think the Cubs are doing just fine with cash, Bill. They still draw in the low 30′s, and the size of the market allows them to charge a high price per ticket. Plus, TV revenue. Yes, the Cubs are one of the “haves.”
35 years of following the game and it still jumps up and shows you how unpredictable it is. I had Locke and Volquez ready for the scrap heap hoping for a waiver trade for a starting pitcher. 14 runs in 2 games without Alvarez, Cutch, or Walker? I. know. nothing.
Sweet Jimmie,
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I don’t understand your comment: Why would Detroit consider getting rid of Price when he still has a year left before free agency? Isn’t that what gave him the value of Smyley and the hotshot minor league SS?
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Tigers kept Max Scherzer is same situation.
Sorry, Groat. I forgot that he had another year. Good catch. I do think, though, that the Cubs feel they are now close, position player-wise, to compete if they have a better staff next year. Now, they are going after a better staff. It started with Tanaka, which failed.
I agree with you about Cubs———the time for selling is about over.
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I think the time for buying is about to begin. And that bodes poorly for the Pirates and National League Central.
Cubs have more $$$ than anyone else in division.
And they have pretty smart Front Office.
Turning Arrieta around has been huge for them, Jim. That’s a legit #2, maybe more, out of nothing for three more years. Add an ace in the off season and they all the sudden have the second best rotation in the Division.
The Phillies have pulled Hamels back off waivers after the two sides were unable to strike a deal