Philip Humber’s Perfecto

Just finished watching my 2nd Perfect Game and 3rd no-hitter live (on TV).  All 3 games by the White Sox.  Congrats to Philip Humber.

But after that dominating performance in a hitters park (Safeco in Seattle), you need a shower.

There, isn’t that better.  Thanks Alexei for helping us out.

How come you didn’t see the whole game?

Oh yeah!  Red Sox vs. Yankees is always more important than the rest of Major League Baseball.  Thank God I live in a blue area.  Or should I thank Bud Selig so he doesn’t take it away.

AL Central

Opening Day is coming around the corner.  The real opening day that is, not the one that took place in Japan.  I’ve seen a lot in print about how bad the White Sox are going to be this year.  I heard today that Sports Illustrated predicted us with 99 losses and a last place finish in the central.

I disagree.  As someone who watches a lot of games and reads a lot of print from Chicago, and reads a lot of insiders blogs on the White Sox, I feel like I know more than SI or ESPN because they are focusing on everybody (except ESPN, they only focus on the Red Sox and Yankees) where as I only focus on my team.  That makes me smarter in my book, and my blog, so those “experts” can bite me.

I agree it’s certainly the Tigers division to lose.  But last time it was the Tigers division to lose, they bombed.  Sort of like in ‘06 when we were supposed to mow down the central, and we sucked.  And let’s face it, after the Tigers, nobody is all that great.  I hear how much better Cleveland and Kansas City are and I’m sure they are better, but I don’t see them any better than the Sox.  I never count out the Twins because they always seem to be in the thick of it.  I’m sure they might have been there last year if it wasn’t for injuries to the M&M boys.

Do I think the Sox are going to be lights out and play awesome?  No.  But I don’t see where anybody is heads above us either.  And while I do think the Tigers will take the division, I don’t see it by double digit wins like everybody else.

If you compare our lineup with anybody else’s, I don’t see major differences.  I think the Tigers have the best team, on paper.  And I think that the Sox, Royals, Twins and Indians are pretty comparable.  I see the White Sox and Twins fighting it out for 2nd and the Indians and Royals trying to stay out of last.  The Indians and Royals haven’t shown me anything but young talent, but haven’t been able to put it together yet.

I’m expecting a huge year from Dunn.  He’s been to good for too long and I think last year was a fluke.  My only questions offensively are Rios (always seems like he doesn’t care), Viciedo and Morel because they are young.  I also think that Beckham will be back to his old self, I hope anyways.  Konerko and AJ will be who they always are, and that’s a good thing. 

My questions in the pitching staff are all in the bullpen.  I think we have some great starters in Danks, Peavy, Floyd, Humber and Sale.  If Humber and Sale can duplicate their success from last year, the starters will be fine.  The bullpen consists of some rookies which is where the question marks lie.  But the anchors are Crain and Thornton, who either one could be closing come opening day.  Addison Reed has looked really well and has been mentioned as a closer as well.

Obviously, my opinions, and I’m White Sox biased.  But I’m not expecting the Tigers to run away with it.  And I am certainly expecting more than 63 wins from my Sox.  Has SI ever gotten much right when it comes to predicting anyways.

Randomness

Well, rumor has it that tomorrow the Colts are announcing that they are parting ways with Peyton Manning.  I guess we will find out who are Colts fans and who are Manning fans.  I am both, and I will probably root for Peyton wherever he ends up.  Probably Miami since that is where all my favorite team’s players seem to be running for.  But I am, and will remain, a Colts fan.  I’m not overly huge on the NFL like I am MLB or NCAA so it won’t hurt too much if we suck again.  The nice thing is there is only 1 game a week to watch.  That’s how I survived last season.  It sucks more when the White Sox suck because I try to watch as many games as I can and as we all know, there are a lot more games to be disappointed when watching MLB.

I got all my Sox cards reorganized on Sunday, I spent about 10 hours finishing them up.  I think my wife thinks I’m nuts spending all that time playing with baseball cards but that’s ok, she’s stuck with me now.  I got my Luis Aparicio cards set aside and as soon as I get them logged into my player collection pages and have lists, then I can get them put away as well.

I bought my son a 2012 Topps rack pack or hanger or whatever they are called for my son.  He opened them and started putting them in teams, then got his other cards and put them in with their teams.  My wife says he’s doing it because I bought them and doesn’t care what they are.   But I don’t care, I had fun.  I had him reading off the team names hoping he’ll pick them up.  Maybe he’ll even watch some games with me this year.  Yeah, I doubt that will happen.  But I can dream.  It would be nice if he would get as excited as I was when he pulled the Mickey Mantle or Bob Gibson inserts.  I still get excited about pulling Hall of Famers so I guess I can’t complain that they are all over the new sets.

Spring training is under way.  Now to get to some of the televised games so I can at least watch some baseball.  Right now I’d settle for being able to follow them on a stat tracker or my phone or something.  All I get right now is a few tweets here and there.

Since this is (was) an all word post.  I went over to My Sports Obsession Tumblr  and grabbed some pictures I’ve posted there and stuck them in here.  Just to show what you’ve been missing.  OK, it’s a shameless plug.  But I did need some pics to liven up the post so there you go.  At least the pics match something in the following paragraph.  Well, except for the Michigan baseball, although, it’s above the paragraph about my Tumblr, so technically, I could have posted anything from over there and it fits.

Trade with Potch

Before I get to the trade post (because I know how much all of you like them) I wanted to give a shout out to Gavin Floyd of the White Sox.  If you haven’t heard, check out the article here.  You don’t see too many good stories about today’s athletes.  And yes, I would have given him a shout out even if he played for another team.  If you don’t read the trade post below, be sure to check out the Pujols cartoon at the bottom.

Potch of “Potch Wheeler and the Cardboard Heroes” saw a couple of cards he wanted, I believe out of some update packs and I sent them his way, in exchange, he sent me these.  Potch must have gone through my want lists because he sent me a bunch of Sox I didn’t have.  I’ll just post the new and the old and spare you all the years in between.  Here’s the new.

Big thanks for the Allen & Ginter’s because I don’t buy any packs of these.  Not exactly my favorite set.  I do like the design, I just don’t like all the other non-baseball cards that come with it so I don’t buy the packs.  I really like the Hometown Heroes inserts as well.  And the Aparicio up there as well.  I’ve been getting a lot of his cards and he was one of my favorite vintage Sox players.

He also sent me these 1977 Topps and an 1984.  I always like the vintage.  I’m waiting to see which vintage team set I finish first.  Between all you bloggers, I’ve been slowly filling them up.  I think 1975 is the closest but I still need quite a few of those too.

Thanks for the trade Potch, as always, it’s great trading with you.  And it’s nice to see your original blog name back as well.

I also ran across this cartoon today and had to post it, it is too funny.  Well, maybe not to you Cub fans.

Photo Cleansing #12

Before the Photo Cleansing commences.  Just wanted to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.  Although I haven’t been around a lot lately, I am definitely thankful to all of you.  For the trades, the chance to read your blogs, and just for bringing my love cards back to me.  I have a lot to post in the next week or so, been getting a lot of trades in, plus free cards and contests winnings, some ebay purchases and some group breaks.  Eventually I’ll get everything scanned and caught up.

Let’s start this off with an advertisement.  If you’re a fan of an AL Central team, I have the DVD set collection for you, check them out.

But seriously, on to the pics.  We are going right to the vintage pics today.

George Brett, upon retiring if I remember correctly.

When I saved this pic, I knew who they were, of course now, I can’t come up with the names.  But talk about a great pic.

Normally I wouldn’t post Rickey in a Yankees uniform, but I couldn’t help posting this ad when I read the top. 

Not vintage enough for you, how about these.

Roberto Clemente sliding in safely.

Jackie Robinson trying to steal home.

And how about Whitey Ford, Mickey Mantle and Billy Martin.

I just don’t follow the NFL closely enough to find a bunch of pics of those, when I do, it’s Colts pics and lets face it, we don’t really want to discuss them this year do we?  But we can discuss the Maize and Blue as they go into the Ohio game.  Yes I know there is supposed to be State after that, but I’m taking Brady Hoke’s stand in never calling them that.  And I hate when former cheaters, err, I mean students say they went to “THE” you know, university.  Arrogant bastards,  Sorry!  Anyways, here’s some pics.

The Hemingway touchdown, that they ruled wasn’t a touchdown, but it was.

Denard gets in an open field, there is no catching up to him.

And our featured RB, who has been awesome as of late.

And next week’s cover will be sort of like this one, just newer.

And now let’s talk about that popular sport that once was.  The NBA, I just have 2 words.  WHO CARES!!!   Yep, that’s about it.  But I do have respect for the past NBA, back when it was good, which is where this final pic came from.

So like the NBA, I’m done.  Hope you all had a good Thanksgiving.

Photo Cleansing #11

Before I get to the photo cleansing, I’ve got to get around to scanning some cards I got in from ebay.  Also I bought a rack pack of Topps Update to post, I’m going to try to get a little better at posting,  That’s my goal for this month.  I’ve had most of these pictures for awhile so they may be a little outdated.

For those that are new around here, I save photo’s I like as I go through blogs and when I get a few, I’ll post them here for your enjoyment. And it takes less space storing them here then on my computer.  Here we go.

I’ll start off my teams or at least 2 of them.

One thing I like about Denard is when he breaks free, nobody catches up with him.  He usually puts distance between him and the defenders.  I was at this game, BTW.  My next tickets are for the Nebraska game, I’m really looking forward to that.  It’s on the 19th.

Ozzie has left the White Sox, I liked him, but this year I kind of got my fill of him and was ready for him to go.  It’s a wait and see on Robin Ventura, I don’t have a problem with the hire.  It’s basically an unknown since he has no experience which is why I’m going the wait and see route.

We celebrated the 6 year anniversary a week ago of this.

How about some humor.

Notice the ESPN sign on the left.  Although I wonder if it’s not photoshopped.

How about some vintage.

A good post about Manny Ramirez

I named the title that way just because I didn’t want anybody to skim this post thinking it was about his newest press.  I’m sure by now, you’ve heard about Manny and his domestic dispute last week.  Last I heard, he shoved his wife and she hit her head.  Doesn’t really matter, doesn’t really surprise anyone I’m guessing.   I’m not a Manny fan by any means.  Didn’t like him when he played for the White Sox.  I didn’t mind signing him for those few months because whatever you want to say about Manny, he can hit.  Well, except when wearing a White Sox uniform apparently.  But I have a personal story that involves Manny and I figured it would be a good time to share.

Awhile back, when Manny was still with the Red Sox.  My now, ex-wife and I took my then father-in-law to his first MLB game.  He was a Yankees fan and since I couldn’t get any decent tickets for the Yankees game against the Sox, I got White Sox/Red Sox tickets figuring a Yankee fan would root for my Sox.  Between innings my ex would hold a sign that said “This is my dad’s 1st MLB game” trying to get on TV.  We were sitting in the front row on the left field line.  After a half inning where the outfielders were throwing the ball around, Manny looked over to us, held up the ball and nodded.  I nodded back and he tossed it to us.  He threw it to 1 hop us because he was out in his position.  He threw it to my father-in-law.  While he sat back and waited for it, a kid reached in front of him and grabbed it and took off.  Manny looked at us and shrugged.  My ex wanted me to go after the kid.  I told her that her dad should have gone after it, I can’t take the ball from the kid.  She was pissed but she got over it.

I just wanted to give Manny a little good press since he can’t produce any on his own.  He impressed me that day, even though he probably didn’t think nothing of it, it made our day.  I did get my father-in-law to his first Yankees game that next year.  And what was going to become an annual trip to US Cellular Field stopped after his 1st Yankee game due to his passing in a car accident.  But I am glad we got him to his first MLB game and his first Yankees game.

Thank you Manny Ramirez and just because you don’t hit baseballs anymore, doesn’t mean you can hit other things, just saying.

Sports Illustrated meanest players

This came across my Google reader and while I’m shocked, I’m also not.  215 players voted that AJ Pierzynski was the meanest player in majors.

Now obviously, I don’t know him personally but from what I’ve seen, he’s a very likable guy and teammate.

I understand why opponents don’t like him with what happened in the ALCS with the Angels.  The Angels fan at work hates him with a passion.  But all he really does is play hard.  He does everything he can to win the game.  Chicago fans love him and he’s one of my favorite players on the team.  I know he had a falling out with Minnesota and I’m not entirely sure what happened there with teammates but I know everyone in the White Sox clubhouse says he’s a great guy.  Now I’m not stupid enough to think there aren’t secrets out there that they keep quiet.  But I know, everything I hear out of the Chicago media, is nothing but nice.

I love that when he strikes out, he slams his bat down.  He’s pissed, at himself.  Today he made the final out with 2 men on in a 1 run game and he slammed his helmet down.  He wasn’t mad at the umpire, he wasn’t mad at the pitcher or the other players, he was mad at himself.  That tells me he cares, he wants to win.  Why would you not want that on your team.  I see video footage of him all the time goofing off with teammates and the media.  When he’s on the field, he’s business.  But you see him before games or in video footage outside the game, he’s all smiles.

The SI article doesn’t say anything about the criteria for the vote or even if it was just a write down the meanest player.  Technically, it’s not an article but a photo gallery.  AJ is the kind of guy you love to have on your team and hate to play against him.  That doesn’t make him mean, that makes him a competitor.  I for one, am an AJ fan.  And I hope he retires as a White Sox because I don’t want to see him on another team.

Here’s a link to the gallery – Sports Illustrated

Some Things are Bigger than Baseball

Most of you don’t know this but my father died of cancer when I was 8 yrs old.  Back in 1981.  So when the following story was happening, I followed it closely.  And was a big fan of his.  After going through this post, and remember his story, I’m thinking about adding him to my personal collections.

I borrowed this article from - http://chitwoodandhobbs.com/ – If you have a tumblr account, you can reblog this so I assume it was ok to post it here with a link to their site.

Dave Dravecky began his major league career in 1982 with the San Diego Padres. Five years later he was traded to the San Fransisco Giants while they were embroiled in a heated pennant race. Dravecky proved to be a valuable pickup by pitching a shutout in Game 2 of the NLCS, however, they team would eventually lose to the Cardinals.

The following season disaster struck and a cancerous tumor was found in Dravecky’s left arm, his pitching arm. He underwent surgery to remove the tumor and as a result much of surrounding muscle needed to be removed as well. There was doubt as to if Dravecky would ever pitch again. Dave Dravecky refused to give up and his athletic drive pushed him through rehab to a highly anticipated comeback. On August 10, 1989 Dravecky pitched eight strong innings to earn a win against the Cincinnati Reds. Dravecky survived cancer and proved that he was strong enough to once again pitch in the majors. Or so it was thought.

Five days later Dravecky was called on to make a start in Montreal against the Expos. He got things off to a strong start by pitching three innings of no-hit baseball. Things took a turn for the worse and in the sixth inning he found himself in trouble. Dravecky gave up a lead off home run and hit the next batter. The following batter was Tim Raines. Dravecky wound up to fire a fastball but upon releasing the ball from his grip he heard an explosion in his left ear and Dravecky collapsed in pain. He had snapped his pitching arm in half. It’s extremely hard to watch. It makes my stomach turn. It’s like LT and Theisman except there’s nobody in the way of the injury.

The injured Dave Dravecky stayed with the Giants team that later went on to win the National League Pennant. In the midst of the NLCS win Dravecky ran unto the mound and broke his arm a second time while celebrating. During the ensuing surgery it was discovered that cancer had returned to his arm. The cancer and surgeries ravaged his arm to the point where both his arm and shoulder were amputated.

Saying it’s a sad story is a tremendous understatement. Yet Dave Dravecky soldiers on. Soldiers on isn’t an accurate description. Dave Dravecky flourishes and has turned his story of heartache into a motivational speaking career.

Trade with Sluggo

As I have mentioned in a few posts, I traded with my cousin to get some trade bait and he also sent me some White Sox cards.  He does card shows and was looking for some Braves and Rays cards to sell so I sent those his way.  Here is some of what he sent me for my PC.

And of course, since he’s a Notre Dame fan and he knows how big of a Michigan fan I am.  He sent me this.

He was good at ND, at least in football, not so great with the Cubs.  The above card is definitely for trade, or a flame, whatever comes first.

Photo Cleansing #7

Got a bunch today so we’ll get right to it.  We’ll start with the home team – the Chicago White Sox.

The 1904 Chicago White Sox

“Shoeless” Joe Jackson

The 1983 All-Star patch in Chicago.

And some others.

Gatorade ad for Derek Jeter and his 3000 hits.

Oops.  BJ Upton got beat by a girl.

Could have been worse though.  He could have been this Gatorade cooler getting a beat down by Brian Wilson.  Speaking of Brian Wilson, WTF is this?

Brian Wilson at the ESPY’s.

OK, let’s get to some vintage to get that last image out of our head.

Ty Cobb – 1907

Babe Ruth – 1929

JR Richards & Nolan Ryan – not quite as vintage, but wow, I forgot how hideous those uniforms were.

And on to some NBA

Remember the original “Dream Team” and Christian Laettner.  And of course we can’t have a Photo Cleansing without the following.