Reds prevent being swept by the Nats on Barry Larkin's birthday

Today is Barry Larkin's birthday.  If you don't know who Barry Larkin is, you don't know anything about baseball.  I'm from Ohio, and the Cincinnati Reds play an hour away from where I grew up.  My "first team" was the Reds.

Today the Reds wrapped up their series against the Washington Nationals, and today the Reds won (i.e. preventing a sweep).

It wasn't the most exciting baseball game.  I was late to Nationals Park and by the time I left the Diamond Lounge (i.e. with a full plate of food) the Reds were up 2-0.  Ummm, ok.  Hoping that the Nats would rally back I sat through the rain and some horrible Nats pitching.  Ross Detwiler (i.e. who usually comes through for the squad) wasn't able to get it done.  Don't even start me about Henry Rodriguez's speed and complete lack of accuracy...  At least, I didn't have to see Tyler Clippard on the mound today...  Ugh...

The Nats are off to battle the Atlanta Braves on Monday, and Stephen Strasburg will be on the mound.


THE WIRK

Yankees rout the Orioles, 13-3, since there is no MLB mercy rule

The Orioles could've used as much offense as they could get, but Nick Markakis could only sit and watch. He didn't play, since he had been injured after CC Sabathia's pitch the previous day. He sat in the dugout as his team got routed, and I could see that his wrist was wrapped.

I sat 5 rows from the New York Yankees dugout and watched the Yankees take on the Orioles and take the lead in the AL East.  I'm not going to go into the play by play, but let's just say that it always seemed as though the Orioles pitchers were loading the bases and/or the Yankees were scoring. 

The Yankees won the game with a score of 13-3.  Yes, the Yankees scored 13 runs. 

The father-son conversations sums it up nicely.
Son:  Dad, what's the score?
Dad: I think it's 2-0.  Maybe 3-0.
Me: I think it's 4-0.  Wait,  I see it.  It's 5-0.

Yes, it sounded like an auction, and it more or less felt like one. 

The Orioles started to rally in the 4th, but they could never score more than 3 runs.

You want to know who scored?  Everyone scored.  Ok, not everyone scored, but it sure as hell felt as though, every time you looked there was a Yankee crossing home plate.

Another fun moment in the game was when someone started yelling, "overrated" when Derek Jeter was at bat.  Yeah.  If you are an Orioles fan, you should probably tell that guy to be quiet, since Jeter ended up hitting a homerun.

If you're a Yankees fan, today was a BEAUTIFUL day.  If you're an Orioles fan, at least today's game is over and only counts as one loss.

Maybe MLB needs a mercy rule...  I know the Atlanta Braves came back from a 0-9 deficit against the Washington Nationals, but...

After crushing the Orioles today, the Yankees are back on top of the AL East.

THE WIRK

Nats defeat the Braves, 5-4, after 13 innings

I caught the Atlanta Braves v Washington Nationals game on Monday August 20th.  I'd flown back from Singapore, thrown my bags in my apartment, and walked out the door to meet Kathy (aka the world's biggest Chipper Jones' fan) so we could head to the ballpark.

Comfortably seated about 4 rows behind the Braves' dugout, we noticed that they were postponing the start of the game for rain, so off to Ben's Chili Bowl we went.

As we waited by a condiments station for the rain to stop, we witnessed a man reach into the onions to put some on his hotdog.  COME ON, PEOPLE!  If you can't get the onions or any of the condiments to dispense, you DO NOT reach your hand into the ingredient(s).  So gross.

The Nats rookie, Bryce Harper, and the Braves veteran, Chipper Jones

Once the rain stopped and before the start of the game, we settled back into the seats.  Quickly the Nats took a 4-1 lead at the end of the 1st.  Kathy didn't seem worried.  After the amazing comeback from a 0-9 deficit (i.e. at least I think that's what it was) in the last game we attended, I'm sure Braves' fans everywhere weren't scared.

Yes, the Braves rallied and the game was tied at 4 after 5 innings.

In what seemed like a marathon game that ended after midnight (i.e. on a night when I had just flown 24 hours) it seems like everyone was exhausted.  The Nats' bullpen was exhausted, and I was exhausted.  I would've closed my eyes a bit, if I could've, but the thought of getting pegged by a foul ball was enough to keep me up and aware.  ****  Incidentally, the man on my left, picked up a foul ball that was hit our way, after the people in the rows behind us couldn't snag it! 

Nats celebrate Espinosa scoring and the win by a score of 5-4

Chipper Jones heading to the bullpen at the end of the game

It took 13 innings, but Chad Tracy hit a single and Danny Espinosa scored to put the Nats up 5-4.  The Nats earned the victory, and I snagged some great pictures!


THE WIRK

Braves defeat the Nats 11-10, after 11 and Chipper Jones sets 3B RBI record

Friday, I casually pinged my friend, Kathy, to see if she wanted to go to the Washington Nationals' game.  I figured that the odds were good that she'd go, since she's a huge Chipper Jones fan.  Sure enough within about 20 minutes we had tickets to the game behind the Nat's dugout.  She chose that location so she could look into the Braves' dugout!!

Anyway, around the 5th inning and with the Nats up 6-0, the rain started.  It wasn't the torrential downpour that DC has been getting used to, but it was heavy and misty enough that we abandoned our seats and planned to watch the balance of the game on the concourse.  We should've only been standing for about 4 more innings and the Nats should've ran away with the victory, right?  Right?!?!

Wrong.

After 5 complete innings the Nats were up 9-0.  The game should've been over, right?  Right?!?!

Wrong.

As we stood on the concourse, and I ate my Dippin' Dots, Kathy kept rooting for her Atlanta Braves.  She kept saying that the Braves had terrible pitching, but that they could hit.

Stephen Strasburg was the Nats' starting pitcher.  It was his birthday.  He should've walked away with a Nats' victory, right?  Right?!?!

Wrong.

Chipper Jones and the Atlanta Braves played some exciting, amazing, extra-inning baseball to win with a score of 11-10, after 11 innings of action.  Closer to the 9th inning, Kathy and I settled in on the Braves' side of the field and she could hear "her people" (i.e. fellow Braves' fans doing the famous tomahawk chop and chant).  She was on "Cloud 10", until the Nats tied the game after 9 innings.

If you want the box score and/or the play-by-play, you're going to want to hit ESPN.com or another sports website. 

Aside from the score, here's your Chipper Jones' fun fact of the game:  Jones is now the all-time leader in RBI's for a third baseman with 1,598.  I was there.  I saw it. 

THE WIRK

Giants lost to the Braves, but I won with my Panda hat

Friday night I ventured out to AT&T Park for my second visit.  I drove to the Hayward Park Caltrain station and decided to head to the ballpark using public transportation (i.e. rather than fight traffic and pay more to park).  Yes, it's true.  I'm not a fan of public transportation, but when I travel I like to try to figure out the best way to do these adventures and most of the time, public transportation makes more sense.  ****  It cost $3 to park at the Caltrain station and the fare was $4.50 each way.  I can almost guarantee that it'd cost more than $12 to park by the park, so already I was a winner. 

Did you know that you could bring your own alcohol and consume it on the train on the way to the baseball game?  I didn't.  Oh, and if you're underage don't try to get away with it.  The train I was on had police on it to make sure people were of age.  Further, you're not allowed to consume alcohol or have an open container on the return voyage from the ballpark.

It was a short walk to the ballpark from the Caltrain station, and the scalpers I expected were plentiful.  For a rookie buyer this can be intimidating, but if you stick to your guns and know what you want, the scalpers respect it.  I wanted a premium field club ticket and the scalpers didn't have it.  I ended up going to the box office and luckily they had a premium field club ticket for me.

As I entered the park, I went to the concession stand and bought food.  I then went through the tunnel to my seat.  My seat was 3 rows behind home plate (i.e. if you don't count the 3 rows in the Lexus area).  FANTASTIC. 

In between innings, I scooped the $20 Panda hat, that I'd been coveting since my previous visit.  I couldn't have been happier, except that the World Champion San Francisco Giants lost to the Atlanta Braves.  ****  I really don't have a preference between either team, but when I visit a venue I usually root for the "home" team.

By the way, did you know that Lou Seal has his own 2010 World Series bling also?  Check out the picture!

Giants' pitcher, Madison Bumgarner, was relieved of his pitching duties in the 3rd.  Tommy Hanson ended up leading the Braves to victory.  The final score was 4-1.







Jason Heyward cross the plate to add a Braves' run

The lone Giants' run was scored by my favorite Giant, Pablo Sandoval.  So even though, the Giants lost, my evening wasn't a bad experience.  In fact, I can't imagine ever a bad time at the most beautiful ballpark I've ever seen!

THE WIRK

Weekend: Braves v Giants, Thunder v Nuggets, and Denver Aquarium ~ Posts to come

It's been a busy couple of days and now it's Sunday and there are more games on.  As I watch the Celtics work the Knicks on TV, I'm editing my pictures from the Atlanta Braves v San Francisco Giants game.  I'm also going through my trip to the Denver Aquarium yesterday and Game 3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder v Denver Nuggets series.  Yes, I finally made it to the Pepsi Center.

I plan to get these posts out tonight or by tomorrow night, so please check back.  In the mean time, I'm tweeting at TheWirk.

Enjoy!

THE WIRK

Beat the Streak 2011 MLB Contest ~ Don't pick Manny Ramirez

I'm not one to play fantasy sports, but I came across this "Beat the Streak" contest for the 2011 MLB season.  The object of the contest is simple.  For each "game day" pick a player who you think will get a hit.  Be the FIRST to beat the streak of 56 games with a correct pick, and you win $5,600,000.00  Yes, that number is typed correctly.  I double-checked it.  I don't know about you, but I could use $5.6 million.

Jason Heyward at bat v the Cubs
on April 8, 2010.  He went 0-4.

So far the longest streak is 8 games.  Atlanta Braves' Jason Heyward was hitless last night against the Milwaukee Brewers and killed my streak of 4 games...  Ugh.  ****  Actualy, I just took a look at my photo files, and just last year I saw him against go hitless against the Chicago Cubs...  Great.

Good thing, I checked my upcoming picks today because I had selected Manny Ramirez for an upcoming game. With Manny's retirement announcement today, I doubt he'll be hitting again ~ period.  Don't get me wrong, I liked Manny. 

Manny Ramirez debuted with the Cleveland Indians in 1993.  1993 was also my freshman year of college, in Northeast Ohio, so I spent many a night at Jacobs Field (i.e. now named Progressive Field).  Manny was loved in Cleveland.  1993-2002 were some great days for the Cleveland Indians.  Those were the days of David Justice, Kenny Lofton, Omar Vizquel, Sandy Alomar, Roberto Alomar, Jim Thome, and Manny Ramirez...  I'm sure I'm forgetting some folks, but you know what I'm talking about.

Come to think of it, my best friend (i.e. Chubs) had a picture of Manny Ramirez in his spare bedroom.  He loved that picture.  It may have even been autographed.  Oh well. 

Manny Ramirez at bat v Pirates, April 30, 2010

The last time I saw Manny Ramirez play was less than a year ago against the Pittsburgh Pirates.  In addition to it being my first time at Dodgers Stadium, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar threw out the ceremonial first pitch.  ****  Kareem's presence made the game extra special for me since I'm an "old school" Laker fan.

But I digress...  So, let's get back to this blog post's topic.

Play the Beat the Streak contest and test your luck.  Further, with ANOTHER announcement of an issue relating to baseball's drug policy, it's hard to love a cheater ~ especially a cheater who's calling it quits.  Therefore, if you have Manny in any of your fantasy baseball contests, replace him now.


THE WIRK

Giants v Phillies for the NLCS ~ Lincecum v Halladay, Game 1

Well, the NLCS match-up is set, and I can't wait to see the San Francisco Giants play the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park!  Game 1 has Tim Lincecum going up against Roy Halladay, and it should be an amazing battle... 

I guess it's time for me to hunt down some tickets and try to rearrange my schedule, since I really don't want to miss this match-up...  If you can help a girl out with access to tickets, please contact me via email at thewirk@gmail.com. 

If the Giants are more your "flavor", then I recommend you buy the Pablo (i.e. Sandoval) Panda hat like my friend, Mandy.

Panda hats, not your style?!?!  Well, for those of you that cheer for the Phillies, how about a Halladay jersey?!?!

****  The Giants victory today, was the last note of Bobby Cox's 29-year song as Manager of the Braves.  Thank you, Bobby, for all you've done for the Atlanta Braves and Braves' fans everywhere.  Enjoy your retirement!


THE WIRK

Manny Ramirez to help Chicago White Sox postseason push

As someone who watched Manny Ramirez when he was with the Los Angeles Dodgers once and numerous times while he was with the Cleveland Indians, I look forward to him joining former Tribe teammate, Omar Vizquel, on the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday.  ****  If only Manny could've picked up a couple of weeks ago, when the White Sox were "in town" so I could've seen more of a Tribe reunion (i.e. with Jim Thome on the field for the Minnesota Twins).

As someone who has "adopted" the Minnesota Twins, I'm also curious to see how the addition of Manny affects the White Sox and Twin's race to the finish (i.e. the post season) since the White Sox are currently only 4 games back...

I remember Manny's glory days in Cleveland.  The city loved the Tribe and it wasn't easy getting a ticket to the game since the team was so talented (i.e. Sandy Alomar, Roberto Alomar, David Justice, Jim Thome, Kenny Lofton, Manny Ramirez, Jose Mesa, and Omar Vizquel etc.).  It wasn't uncommon for me to see them running around town, at the movies on a Sunday, or just miss them as my car was going in for inspection.  ****  Ugh.  Now I'm reminiscing about the good old days at Jacobs Field in Cleveland and watching post-season games at Nautica...  Those were great times with friends.  Too bad the Atlanta Braves had the Tribe's number those years...

Question:  Why does Cleveland appear to be the farm team for every major sport?

Regardless, here's my prediction:  The Minnesota Twins maintain their spot on top of the AL Central.


THE WIRK

Checking in ~ Steinbrenner dies, NL wins, and Summer League

Yes, I am alive.  It's just been a slow news week.  George Steinbrenner died.  As an Ohioan, I claim him because he's from Rocky River...

Other than that the National League finally beat the America League in the 2010 MLB All-Star Game.  I'm pulling for the New York Yankees and the Atlanta Braves...

I'm off to Las Vegas for Summer League tomorrow...  I don't normally like to telegraph my passes ~ but it's been almost a week since I've posted sooooooo there...  I threw you a bone :-P


THE WIRK

The Cubs defeat the Braves @ Turner Field ~ Chipper Jones leaves the game injured

I love Atlanta.  I used to live here, and tonight I kicked off baseball season with a visit to Turner Field.  ****I like to make my travels transparent so I woke up at 4AM this morning to catch a 5:45AM flight. Generally I hop the earliest flights to ensure that I can arrive at a destination and work a full day (i.e. conference calls, emails, system testing). Today, after I was done working, I was able to take advantage of the fact that I was in my other home away from home. 

Lou Piniella's Cubs were in town to play the Bobby Cox's Braves.

After a rainy day, spent inside tethered to my laptop around 7PM a friend and I venrtured over to Turner Field.  We missed the opening pitch because of the Masters' coverage, and yes - usually I'm diligent about arriving at a stadium early and being in my seat in time for the opening pitch - BUT admitteldy, I was also curious to see how Tiger would perform today.  ****For those of you that are living in under a rock he shot a 68.

Arriving at Turner Field, I honestly felt like I'd never been there before.  Nothing looked familiar.  It was very strange.  In general, I'm "anti-change".  I value consistency.  However, Atlanta is like home and I have learned to "trust" the city.

My friend scalped 2 tickets outside, while I took pictures of the Hank Aaron statue.  ****There were other statues on display, but the Hank Aaron statue was the only one that I felt compelled to photograph.

With tickets in-hand, we proceeded to our seats on the 3rd base line. 

Great seats and great weather make for a fun, relaxing night out. I sat down in my seat, with the Cubs up 1-0 and Chipper Jones at the plate, in the 3rd inning. It was perfect timing to see the Braves' star at bat and  subesequently "walk" to first base.  Unfortunately, Chipper was was forced out at third later that inning and left the game with a side injury.  Omar Infante replaced him in the line-up.  According to ESPN.com, Chipper may not play in the upcoming series of games in San Francisco against the Giants (i.e. the Braves left immediately after the game to head out of town).

Chipper's last at bat of the night ~ he'd end up walking

The Cubs scored another run in the 4th inning to go up 2-0, and that would be the last run of the game. The Braves would make the game interesting (i.e. they did have more hits than the Cubs), and subsequently the Cubs utilized pitching roster.

The Cubs changing pitchers AGAIN

Ultimately the fire power I expected to see from Jason Heyward et al, failed to translate into runs tonight.

The rookie went 0-4 tonight

Melky Cabrera at bat ~ the Braves' last chance of the game

The next home game for the Atlanta Braves is on April 16 @ 7:30PM.  The Braves will be hosting the Colorado Rockies.

@ Turner Field

That's all for now.

THE WIRK