It was just about a year ago this time that I was on my to the "House That Ruth Built" to see the 2008 Home Run Derby. Funny how times have changed. Now I'm sitting here writing this blog, eating a bowl of cereal, wondering what I'm gonna do until I watch the 2009 Derby on a HD television! Although I didn't really intend on going to the 2009 All-Star Game festivities, I bought a couple scratch tickets with the intention of winning and spending every red cent on going. But it didn't really turn out the way I intended, as you can see. Anyways to brighten up my day and make up for not attending this year's derby, let me share a couple fond memories of my experience at "The Old Yankee Stadium".
It was a special night at the Yank, I was accompanied by a longtime friend Jimmy Pepperchini as most people refer to him. The stadium was bumping like a techno club in the heart of Jersey! We settled into our seats one row back of the left field wall, and thought we were in prime position to catch a couple long balls. Little did we know that the lefties were going to be in the limelight, and we were too close to the wall for any of the righties who launched homers (which was a rarity).
Anyways, we got to see Josh "the comeback kid" Hamilton put on a record performance and launch a complete bomb out of Yankee stadium into the dark big apple sky! My buddy Jimmy got to see his favorite band Three Doors Down perform live in center field, and to top off the night we both got some T.V. time on ESPN as Ryan Braun launched a jack over our heads. It was a great time, to say the least. I've spectated many sporting events in my lifetime and would highly recommend MLB All-Star Game festivities to anyone! It was a blast, and you gotta get to a Derby and and All-Star Game before your time on earth is done!
Now to preview the 2009 competition. The N.L. has a stacked slate of huge 1st basemen competing in tonight's Derby, while the A.L. has a couple unorthodox power hitters, but don't overlook the A.L. guys! I can see one of them putting on a show, remember the Derby is for the fans so expect a good one. Obviously the hometown guy and current HR leader in the Major's, Albert Pujols, looks to be the favorite, the guy is a straight beast and is one of only 11 players in Major League history to have 32 HR's before the All-Star break. However, I'm gonna go out on a limb and say he's a little too hyped for tonight and Pujols will not win this years derby. I'm going with the A.L. guy and Haverhill, MA native and Northeastern Alumni, Carlos Pena. We shall see what unfolds tonight at 8 p.m. I hope everyone tunes in with a couple brewski's and friends, because I know I'll be loving every moment of it.
Since it is the Midpoint of the Major League Season, I figured it's only fitting for me to introduce and announce my inaugural mid season awards. My fantasy team is struggling, but my motto in fantasy is just like that of a NCCA team in March Madness "survive and advance". All ya' gotta do is make the playoffs in fantasy and anything can happen, so that's where my second half aspirations lie, snag that playoff bid and make something happen. Now for the awards...
N.L. M.V.P- Albert Pujols ( Avg: .332 Avg, 32 HR, 87 RBI) Filthy, straight filthy, the dude is on pace to hit 60 HR's and knock in 150 RBI's, and possibly win the triple crown. A lock to hit 500 HR's as well. I really don't even need to say anything else, you all know how nasty he is.
A.L. M.V.P- Joe Mauer ( Avg: .373 Avg, 15 HR, 49 RBI, OBP: .447) This was a tough one with no clear cut pick in the A.L. However, with no one combining stellar power numbers with a decent average in the A.L. I had to go with Mauer since his batting average is so high and he has the capability to bat .400, which some have said and still say will never happen again, best of luck to ya' Joey!
N.L. Cy Young-Tim Lincecum (10-2, ERA: 2.33, K's: 149, Whip: 1.05)- Tough decision here, with Dan Haren being just as stellar through the midpoint as "The Freak". However, Lincecum's scoreless inning streak of 29 innings, and his league leading 149 K's put him over the top. I know they say you can't judge a pitcher by his win/loss record but he's 10-2 and that deserves some judgement.
A.L. Cy Young-Zack Greinke (10-5, ERA: 2.12, K's: 129, Whip:1.08)- Another tough one to decide halfway through. But I had to go with Greinke over Edwin Jackson and Roy Halladay, just for the way he started the season. However, he has been somewhat lackluster after his unbelievable start. I can definitely see him falling off in the second half, especially with that Kansas City bullpen behind him. Look for Halladay and Jackson to stay consistent till the homestretch and don't count Beckettt and Verlander out of the conversation.
N.L. Rookie of the Year-Pablo Sandoval ( Avg: .333, 15 HR, 55 RBI, OBP: .385) Clear cut pick for N.L. Rookie of the Year "Kung-Fu Panda" is tearing it up in the N.L. on top of that he's a very talented defender, utility guy who can play several positions. I was shocked to see him blow Jonathan Sanchez's perfect game the other night when he couldn't make that routine play at third, luckily Sanchez still preserved the no-hitter for the first of the year.
A.L. Rookie of the Year- David Price ( 3-3, ERA: 4.71, K's: 47) Not to many to choose from right now, Nelson Cruz has been on a tear but I can't see him continuing to put up those types of numbers. Matt Wieters was the pick at the beginning of the season but he hasn't panned out thus far. Price's stats are sub par up to this point, but he's been pitching a lot better as of late. Look for him to be a crucial part of that rotation, with the Ray's contending for the A.L. East title down the stretch.
That's the first of hopefully many awards to come, we'll see how they stack up at seasons end. Hope everyone watched the season premiere of Entourage, looks like its gonna be a good one.
Peace out!
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