Is the Home Run Derby Becoming the Slam Dunk Contest?

These two will NOT be at this year's Home Run Derby

The MLB All-Star Game and All-Star festivities are fast-approaching. With the All-Star rosters being announced and the fans now encouraged to determine who gets the final spot in each league, we’re getting a very good picture of who will be playing in Minneapolis next Tuesday. However, for Monday’s Home Run Derby, its still a little fuzzy as to which sluggers will be representing their respective league in this year’s new bracketed format.

According to CBS Sports’s Mike Axisa, both Mike Trout and Miguel Cabrera have turned down invitations to participate in the Derby. This will leave the event without two of baseball’s most potent sluggers.

The article also indicates that Baltimore’s Nelson Cruz will also consider declining. The White Sox’s Jose Abreu, who shares the league lead in home runs with Cruz, hasn’t shown much enthusiasm in participating and is still on the fence as of this writing.

With the number of big-time hitters turning down the chance of letting the Twin Cities crowd watch them sock a few dingers, I see some similarities to another All-Star side-contest in another sport: The NBA’s Slam Dunk Contest.

Over the years, the amount of star power in the NBA’s Slam Dunk Contest has waned. Fans have been begging to see stars like LeBron James and Kevin Durant throw it down on All-Star Saturday Night. The reasons why these stars declined tend to be the same as why some of the Home Run Derby participants have bowed down: not wanting to risk injury, preferring to just watch, or just not caring that much about the contest.

While its debatable if the lack of star power has an effect on quality, but it does have an effect on interest. When the Slam Dunk Contest rolls around, people tend to scoff at the idea of Jeremy Evans and Harrison Barnes dunking in the contest with higher-profile names sitting on the sidelines. In the case of the Derby, viewership has already been dropping. Will several missing swingers have a bigger affect on ratings?

I think it will. The league will come up with ways to make the All-Star Game and Home Run Derby entertaining, but as the players continue to make decisions based on their needs and their desire to focus on the actual season, more stars will chose to sit out the Derby. This in turn will affect the event’s already stagnant ratings.

This could mean huge trouble for the Derby moving forward. While the Slam Dunk Contest is based on creativity, the Home Run Derby is based on power. Coming up with a cool dunk is not quanitified by statistics, so a bench warmer could dunk as well as a superstar. However, if 6 of the top-10 home run hitters in baseball are sitting out the Derby, the difference in talent is much more noticeable.

Luckily, Jose Bautista, Troy Tulowitzki, and Giancarlo Stanton have been confirmed for the contest. These players should be big enough to pull in some fans for the 2014 contest. But the question will be how stars sitting out the contest will affect the 2015 contest and beyond.

Game of the Week: Rangers vs. Orioles 8/22/07

Happy Friday! I figured this week I'd give you the textbook definition of an Avocado Beatdown. On a late summer day in Baltimore, the Rangers came to town and smacked up the Orioles to the tune of 30 to 3.

A few records were broken in the process. For Texas, they set the modern MLB record for most runs in a game. However, the all-time record is 36, which was set in 1897. Baltimore set a record for most lopsided victory in franchise history as well as most hits allowed in a game in franchise history (29).

Oddly enough, the O's started the game with the lead, going up 3-0 after three innings. Then the bottom fell out and the Rangers reeled off 30 unanswered. Marlon Byrd hit a grand slam in the 6th, Travis Metcalf - who had been called up from AAA earlier in the day - hit one in the 8th.

Here's the box score of the game and a recap from ESPN.com.

Footage courtesy of Mid-Atlantic Sports Network. Jim Palmer and Jim Hunter with the call.

Biogenesis UnNaturals, Game 1 (at Mariners)

Time to take this show on the road, and it begins in the Pacific Northwest. It was Bartolo and the Gang taking on King Felix and the Seattle Mariners at Safeco. Colon was able to pull off the complete game shutout, giving up only two hits and a walk while fanning six batters. King Felix had a decent day on the mound as well, giving up four hits in six innings of work.

With two maestros on the hill, it came down to run support, and Seattle offered Hernandez none. Biogenesis got theirs in the form of Alex Rodriguez. A-Rod went 2-4, including a 2 RBI double in the 4th and a solo jack in the 7th.

So the UnNaturals get their first win in their first game. They will now head south on I-5 to the Bay Area, where they will take on both the Giants and the Athletics.

Biogenesis UnNaturals at Seattle Mariners
Aug 8, 2013	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Biogenesis (1-0)	0	0	0	2	0	0	1	0	0	3	5	1
Seattle (0-1)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0
W: Bartolo Colon L: Felix Hernandez

Scoring Summary
SCORING DETAILS			BIO	SEA
BIO	4	Rodriguez doubled to left. Cervelli scores, Braun scores.	2	0
BIO	7	Rodriguez homered to center.	3	0

Biogenesis UnNaturals
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Melky Cabrera, CF	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Francisco Cervelli, C	4	1	1	0	0	1	0	.250
Ryan Braun, LF	3	1	1	0	1	0	0	.333
Nelson Cruz, RF	4	0	0	0	0	2	0	.000
Alex Rodriguez, 3B	4	1	2	3	0	0	1	.500
Jhonny Peralta, SS	4	0	0	0	0	1	0	.000
Jesus Montero, 1B	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Yasmani Grandal, C	3	0	1	0	0	1	0	.333
Jordany Valdespin, 2B	3	0	0	0	0	1	0	.000
BATTING: 2B: Alex Rodriguez HR: Alex Rodriguez RBI: Alex Rodriguez (3)
FIELDING: E: Bartolo Colon

Seattle Mariners
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Dustin Ackley, 2B	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Franklin Gutierrez, CF	4	0	0	0	0	2	0	.000
Michael Morse, LF	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Kendrys Morales, 1B	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Raul Ibanez, DH	3	0	1	0	0	1	0	.333
Kyle Seager, 3B	3	0	0	0	0	2	0	.000
Michael Saunders, RF	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Ronny Paulino, C	3	0	1	0	0	0	0	.333
Brendan Ryan, SS	2	0	0	0	1	1	0	.000
BATTING: GIDP: Franklin Gutierrez

Biogenesis UnNaturals
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Bartolo Colon (W)	9.0	2	0	0	1	6	0	0.00

Seattle Mariners
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Felix Hernandez (L)	6.0	4	2	2	0	3	0	3.00
Shawn Kelley	1.0	1	1	1	0	2	1	9.00
Josh Kinney	2.0	0	0	0	1	1	0	0.00
PITCHING: WP: Felix Hernandez

Introducing: The Biogenesis UnNaturals

On Monday, suspensions were handed down by Major League Baseball to thirteen players that were connected to defunct anti-aging clinic Biogenesis of America. Through an investigation by MLB, Biogenesis was found to be distributing performance-enhancing drugs to players, including the thirteen suspended on Monday as well as four others that have already been punished for their involvement.

The seventeen players involved with Biogenesis run the gamut from superstar to impact player to minor leaguer. It made me wonder just how formidable a team of alleged PED users would hold up against their peers. Soooooo, I conducted an experiment of my own, utilizing MLB 13: The Show for the PlayStation 3.

I took all 17 Biogenesis players and placed them on the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (you see what I did there?), a AA affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. While I had 12 position players, I only had 5 pitchers. Since I would only need one starter for this experiment I just filled out the remaining relief spots, using other pitchers that had been suspended by MLB for using PEDs.

After all the maneuvering, I came out with the following roster:

Starting Pitcher: Bartolo Colon
Relief Pitchers: Fautino de los Santos, Sergio Escalona, Daniel McCutchen*, Guillermo Mota*, Jordan Norberto, and J.C. Romero*
Closer: Antonio Bastardo

Catchers: Yasmani Grandal
1st Base: Jesus Montero
2nd Base: Jordany Valdespin
3rd Base: Alex Rodriguez
Shortstop: Everth Cabrera and Jhonny Peralta
Left Field: Ryan Braun
Center Field: Melky Cabrera
Right Field: Nelson Cruz, Fernando Martinez, and Cesar Puello
Designated Hitter: Francisco Cervelli

The three pitchers with asterisks by their name weren't involved with Biogenesis. Daniel McCutchen was suspended back in April for 50 games. Guillermo Mota has been suspended twice; first in 2006 for 50 games then for 100 games in 2012. J.C. Romero was suspended for 50 games in 2009.

The experiment is simple: I play each of the MLB's 30 teams at their home fields and record the results. It will be interesting to see not only how this team holds up against the rest of the majors, but how to other teams will fare without some of their players.

So will the (alleged) cheaters prosper? Results in the coming days.

Game of the Week: Mariners vs. Indians 8/5/01

Just thought I'd switch up this week and give you a baseball game. Ever since my stint announcing home games for my team at school I've really been into baseball. This number comes from the 2001 season, the year in which the Seattle Mariners won an AL-record 116 games. However, one of their 46 losses came on a midsummer night in Cleveland.

Coming in, the Mariners had won 8 of their last 10. This was the third game of a four-game series against Cleveland, with Seattle taking the first two games of the set. For 6 1/2 innings, it looked like they would take this game, too, as they led 14-2 entering the bottom of the 7th.

Then the bottom fell out, as the Russell Branyan lead off the half-inning with a home run to right on the first pitch. The Indians would go on to score 12 runs over the final third of regulation (3 in the 7th, 4 in the 8th, 5 in the 9th) and then eventually win in the 11th on a Jolbert Cabrera walk-off single to left.

John Rocker was credited with the win and Jose Paniagua got the loss. Marty Cordova went 4-5 with a 2-run homer and a double.

Footage courtesy of ESPN, with Jon Miller and Rick Sutcliffe on the call.

Can the Southsiders Go Any Further South?

In case I haven't made it clear over the course of writing this blog, let me clear this up now: I am a White Sox fan. So if you've taken a look at the MLB standings lately you may notice that it hasn't been fun times for me this season. 

It was this time a year ago that the White Sox were in the discussion for the AL Central pennant. But after finishing the 2012 campaign with a 4-11 record over their last 15 games, it's been downhill. Chicago AL's bats have essentially had a power outage for much of the season. As of this writing, their .250 batting average is the 12th worst in the majors. Their .303 on-base percentage in the 4th worst. These numbers have rendered a lot of decent performances from the pitching staff - including Jake Peavy and Chris Sale - moot. Not that the pitching staff has been perfect either. Their 4.00 team ERA is only good for 19th in MLB. 

Now, the team stands at 39-57, and the big question is "Where do they go from here?" 

There are a lot of question marks on the horizon. With almost everyone on the trading block, who will actually be on there way out with two weeks remaining before the trade deadline? Guys like Alex Rios and Peavy, among others, have been talked about on rumor mills, but will Rick Hahn actually press the button on any deals? With 37 year-old Paul Konerko just coming off of an injury, are his days in black-and-white - or in baseball period - numbered? Rookie Josh Phegley is off to a nice start (.278 avg, 3 HRs). How does he figure into the team's long term plans? Personally, I am kind of excited to see how it all unfolds.

As a Chicago sports fan, I have experienced a lot of ups and downs with my teams, so some down years aren't going to to dampen my spirit. I feel that some bad times may be necessary before the team can make their way to the top again. Considering that the veteran talent and big contracts aren't producing, they may have to make way for young talent that will need time to develop. I am okay with that.

But ultimately, it falls on the front office to figure out which way they want to go. What will it take to make this team a contender again? Will it take big free agent signings? Minor league development? Maybe they stand pat and hope things get better. There are several ways the White Sox could go. But as they figure it out, it looks like things may get worse before they get better.

NBA 13: The Show Part 9 (The Finals, Game 7)

Thursday, June 20, 2013, 7:05 PM PDT at Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York, New York

Line Score

Angels: 3, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0; 4 Runs, 8 Hits, 1 Error

Yankees: 1, 0, 0, 0, 3, 0, 1, 0, X; 5 Runs, 13 Hits, 1 Error

Win: Joba Chamberlain Loss: Scott Downs Save: Mariano Rivera

Home Runs

Angels: Mark Trumbo

Yankees: Derek Jeter

So the Yankees, as proxies for the New York Knicks, have won NBA 13: The Show.

It was another come-from-behind victory, but not quite in the same vein as Game 6. Things got going almost immediately with Mark Trumbo hitting a three-run home run into center field to put the Angels up 3-0 in the top of the 1st. The Yankees could only answer back wit a Derek Jeter solo shot to make it 3-1 after 1. In the 5th the Angels added on a run off of a Mike Trout sac fly that brought in Chris Iannetta. But in the bottom half of the fifth the Yankees were able to level things. First came Mark Teixeira's double to right, bringing in Derek Jeter to make it 4-2. Then Curtis Granderson grounded to right for a 2 RBI single that brought in Alex Rodriguez and Teixeira to make it 4-4. With things even again, it was just a matter of which pitching staff would fold first. The Angels' staff was the one to break, as they gave up a run in the bottom of the 7th. Derek Jeter came in to score as Mark Teixeira grounded into a double play. David Aardsma was able to hold off the Angels' batters, and Mariano Rivera came in the 9th inning to close things out.

For the Yankees, starting pitcher Andy Pettitte went 6 innings, giving up 6 hits, 4 runs (all earned), and one strikeout with a 6.00 ERA. Derek Jeter finished 3-4 with a home run and an RBI.

For the Angels, starting pitcher Jason Vegas went 5 innings, giving up 11 hits, 4 runs (all earned), and threw 3 strikeouts, finishing with a 7.20 ERA. Mark Trumbo went 3-4 with a homer and three RBIs. Mike Trout went 2-3 with an RBI.

NBA 13: The Show Part 8 (The Finals, Game 6)

Tuesday, June 18, 2013, 7:05 PM PDT at Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York, New York

Line Score

Angels: 0, 0, 1, 0, 2, 1, 0, 3, 0; 7 Runs, 10 Hit, 0 Errors

Yankees: 2, 0, 0, 0, 0, 2, 2, 0, 2; 8 Runs, 16 Hits, 0 Errors

Win: Clay Rapada Loss: Ryan Madson

Home Runs

Angels: Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton

Yankees: Robinson Cano, Alex Rodriguez

...and we'll see you Thursday night!

A roller-coaster ride ends with a walkoff 2-run RBI single that ties the series up at three games apiece and sets the stage for Game 7 in the Bronx.

The fireworks started early with Robinson Cano blasting a two-run homer to right in the bottom of the 1st, making it 2-0. It seemed like starting pitcher CJ Wilson would be in for a tough day. However, he would go on to post four scoreless innings before allowing two more in the 6th.

In the meantime, the Angels spent their next five innings clawing back into the lead. Mike Trout was the one to put the team on the map. First, things got going in the 3rd when he hit a line single to right, bringing in Alberto Callaspo and putting LAA on the board. He then came back up in the 5th and notched a two run homer, giving the Angels the lead. Josh Hamilton then came in the next inning and hit a solo shot of his own to make it 4-2 after 5 1/2 innings.

However, the Yankees bats knew what time it was a promptly responded. In the bottom of the 6th Alex Rodriguez hit a two-run homer to right to level the score at 4. The next half-inning Derek Jeter hit an RBI double to bring in Kevin Youkilis and Ichiro and give the Yankees back, 6-4.

But the Angels just wouldn't go away. Pujols hit an equalizing home run to left field. Two batters later, Howie Kendrick grounded into a double play, giving Josh Hamilton time to advance home from 3rd base. Heading into the bottom of the 8th, the Angels had the lead back, and seemed to be on their way to winning the NBA 13: The Show Championship.

But the Yankees had just enough offense left in them in the bottom of the 9th. After a Brett Gardner groundout, Francisco Cervelli (who would be replaced by pinch runner Edgar Nunez), Ichiro, and Jeter were able to loaded the bases. Tasked with bringing in at least the tying run, Robinson Cano swung away. But he was unsuccessful, striking out while chasing a 1-2 low changeup. The Yankees were down to their last out, Alex Rodriguez. Down to his last strike, he hit a grounder that was just fair down the 3rd base line. This allowed Nunez to come in for the tying run and Ichiro to come in for the winning run.

Instant Classic.

For the Yankees, A-Rod finished 3-5 with a home run, 4 RBIs, and a strikeout. Derek Jeter went 4-4 with a walk, a double, a stolen base, and 2 RBIs. Starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda with five innings allowing six hits, 4 runs (all earned), a walk, posting 4 strikeouts, and finishing with a 7.20 ERA.

For the Angels, Mike Trout went 2-4 with a walk, a strikeout, a homer run, and 3 RBIs. Erick Aybar went 3-5. Starting pitcher C.J. Wilson went six innings, giving up 8 hits, 4 runs (all earned), a walk, and 4 strikeouts. He finished with a 6.00 ERA.

So there will be a Game 7 Thursday in the Bronx. Andy Pettitte and Jason Vargas will face for to determine which team will be the NBA 13: The Show champion.

NBA 13: The Show Part 7 (The Finals, Game 5)

Sunday, June 15, 2013, 6:05 PM PDT at Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, California

Line Score

Yankees: 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0; 1 Run, 1 Hit, 0 Errors

Angels: 0, 0, 1, 1, 0, 0, 0, 2, X; 4 Runs, 5 Hits, 0 Errors

Win: Jered Weaver Loss: C.C. Sabathia

Home Runs

Yankees: Mark Teixeira

Angels: Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, Chris Iannetta

After allowing the Yankees to get back into the series with two wins in Anaheim, the Angels were able to regain control with a complete game pitching performance by Jered Weaver. In 9 innings, Weaver gave up only one run on one hit; a Mark Teixeira home run in the 5th inning.

For the Yankees, C.C. Sabathia put up a decent performance, but it wasn't enough in comparison to Weaver's mastery. C.C. went six innings, giving up two runs on three hits. Two of those three hits were homers. Chris Iannetta was the first to strike, knocking a solo shot in the 3rd. Albert Pujols took his own personal trip around the bases the next inning. Joba Chamberlain came in the 7th in relief, but provided none when Mike Trout hit a two-run home run in the 8th inning. David Aardsma was immediately brought in to close out the half-inning.

The Angels now have a 3-2 lead in the series, with a chance to close things out in the Bronx on Tuesday. CJ Wilson will face off against Hiroki Kuroda. When these two took the mound in Game 2, both pitchers were able to shut down the offense as only one run was scored between both teams. However, that one run was scored by the Angels.

NBA 13: The Show Part 6 (The Finals, Game 4)

Thursday, June 12, 2013, 6:05 PM PDT at Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, California

Line Score

Yankees: 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 5; 6 Runs, 7 Hits, 0 Errors

Angels: 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 3, 0, 2, 0; 5 Runs, 7 Hits, 2 Errors

Win: David Aardsma Loss: Ryan Madson Save: Mariano Rivera

Home Runs

Yankees: Robinson Cano, Kevin Youkilis

Angels: Albert Pujols

For the Angels, it was the longest 9th inning ever...

The Angels were unable to close out the Yankees to take a three games to one series lead, losing 6 to 5. Coming into the 9th down 5-1, the Bronx side bombed two homers in opposite directions to take the lead back. David Robertson and Mariano Rivera came in the bottom of the 9th to seal the deal and tie the series a two games apiece.

Early on, there wasn't much offense to be had with a Brett Gardner double in the 4th bringing in the only run in the first five innings. It was until the bottom of the sixth that the bats really got going. Albert Pujols hit a 2 RBI grounder to left to put the Angels ahead. This was shortly followed by a Mark Trumbo RBI grounder to center to pad the lead 3-1. Pujols would strike again in the 8th with a two run homer to center to make it 5-1. LAA looked like they were on the verge of taking a 3-1 series lead. All they had to do was close out the next half-inning.

But some things just aren't that easy.

Things started off with Sean Burnett walking Curtis Granderson then giving up a Kevin Youkilis homer run to left, closing the gap to 5-3 Angels. Ryan Madson was then brought in, and things seemed to be back to normal with two quick outs.

Then things fell apart. Ichiro grounded to Madson, who was able to corral the ball, but was too slow to volley the ball to first for the final out. Then Eduardo Nunez, who came in the 8th to pinch-run for Derek Jeter, hit a flying single to right. This set the table for Robinson Cano to knock a three-run shot to center field, giving the Yankees the lead back for good 6-5.

Albert Pujols lead the way in hitting for the fallen Angels. He went 2-4 with a homer and 4 RBIs. Kevin Youkilis lead the way for the Yankees, going 2-4 with a homer and 2 RBIs.

With the series level, it's now a brand-new ballgame. We'll see Jered Weaver and C.C. Sabathia return to the mound for a crucial Game 5 on Sunday in Anaheim.

NBA 13: The Show Part 5 (The Finals, Game 3)

Tuesday, June 10, 2013, 6:05 PM PDT at Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, California

Line Score

Yankees: 0, 1, 1, 0, 0, 3, 0, 0, 0; 5 Runs, 8 Hits, 1 Error

Angels: 1, 0, 0, 0, 2, 0, 1, 0, 0; 4 Runs, 14 Hits, 1 Error

Win: Andy Pettitte, Loss: Jason Vargas, Save: Mariano Rivera

Home Runs

Yankees: Kevin Youkilis, Mark Teixeira

Angels: Mike Trout (2)

The runs finally came in for the Yankees, as they were able to stave off an 0-3 series deficit with a 5-4 victory in Anaheim.

After stressful bouts against aces Jered Weaver and CJ Wilson, Jason Vargas seemed like a change of pace for the Yankees. Vargas would go 5 2/3 innings, giving up six hits, four runs, and three walks. After 4 runs wasn't enough in Game 1 and being shut out in Game 2, it seems the Yankees got enough run support for Andy Pettitte to get him and the team a victory.

The game was a thriller, with the two ties and four lead changes. Things got going with a leadoff solo shot by Mike Trout. In the next half-inning, however, Kevin Youkilis responded with a solo homer of own, making the game level again. The Yankees then took the lead 2-1 in the next inning off of an RBI single to right. Things seemed to die down for a couple of innings until Mike Trout knocked a 2-run shot to left to give the Angels the lead again 3-2.

In the top of the 6th, however, the Angels would give up the lead as Mark Teixeira hit an equalizing solo shot to right. After a Granderson pop-out and a Youkilis double, the day was over for Vargas. Reliever Scott Downs was unable to stem the tide, as he would walk Brett Gardner then give up an RBI double to Francisco Cervelli. When the half-inning was over, the Yanks had taken a 5-3 lead.

The Yankees would hold the lead the rest of the way and were able to fight off charges in each of the Angels half-innings. Despite getting 6 hits and a walk in the final of third of the game, the Angels were only able to produce one run from it.

For the victorious Yankees, Kevin Youkilis went 2-4 with a home run and a double. For the Angels, Mike Trout paced the team with a 3-5 outing. He hit two home runs, bringing in three RBIs.

The Angels now lead the series two games to one. Game 4 will be in Anaheim on Thursday, with Phil Hughes and Tommy Hanson scheduled to face off.

Yessir, Yasiel

The first time I had heard of him was during the White Sox's first spring training game this season. The Sox were playing the Dodgers, and announcers Ken Harrelson and Steve Stone were discussing this prospect from Cuba named Yasiel Puig. "Hawk" was going on about all the comparisons he was drawing; Sammy Sosa, Bo Jackson. As big a homer as Harrleson is, it was interesting to see him bigging up another team's prospect.

As a basketball fan, I've heard people compare prospects to the greats all the time. If I had $5 for every really good college or high school player that was supposed to be the next Jordan, I could probably buy first level tickets to a Giants-Dodgers game. So when I heard Puig being compared to Bo Jackson, I waved it off as yet another too-high expectation set for a young prospect.

But after just a week, Yasiel has met that bar and jumped over it.

Eight games into his young career, he is batting .500 with 4 homers and 10 RBIs. He got those 10 RBIs in his first five games, which tied a record with two other players. Oh, and then there's the fielding plays. Those sweet, sweet fielding plays. In this first week and change, the Cuban defector that scouts only had four workouts to learn about has been impressive in his major league debut.

For the sake of baseball I hope that Puig goes on to have a legendary carry. I have a bit of pause though, as I can be cynical at times. The two players he tied that record with? Danny Espinosa (2010) and Jack Merson (1951). Espinosa is currently playing for the Nationals, hitting below the Mendoza Line. Jack Merson only played three seasons in the majors. I feel like Puig's abilities is what would separate him from the fate of those two gentlemen, but I'm basically just hoping that the good times don't stop rolling for Mr. Puig.

Now, if only the rest of his team could make the turnaround. A lot of the guys who were supposed to be carrying this team are injured or slumping. Yasiel has brought a some electricity back to Dodger Stadium, so it will interesting to see if this invigorates the 27-36 squad from rising out of the NL West basement.

NBA 13: The Show Part 4 (The Finals, Game 2)

Sunday, June 8, 2013, 7:05 PM EDT at Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York, New York

Line Score:

Angels: 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0; 1 Run, 6 Hits, 0 Errors

Yankees: 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0; 0 Runs, 6 Hits, 0 Errors

Win: C.J. Wilson, Loss: Hiroki Kuroda, Save: Ryan Madson

Home Runs:

Angels: None

Yankees: None

All the Angels needed was one run to take a 2 games to none lead over the New York Yankees. The run came in the top of the 7th when Howie Kendrick hit a sacrifice fly to right field, allowing Albert Pujols to tag up and score.

The Yankees did have a couple of chances to tie the game, but they couldn't close the deal. One instance came in the bottom of the 5th, when a Kevin Youklis hit down the first base line and over the fence had to be reviewed by the umpires. It was eventually called a foul ball and Youk would go on to strike out swinging. A second instance came in the bottom of the 6th. Derek Jeter was called out at the plate after attempting to come home from second off of a Alex Rodriguez single.

In the end, though, it was a pitcher's duel. For the Angels, C.J. Wilson worked 6 1/3 innings, allowing five hits and striking out five. For the Yankees, Kuroda worked 7 innings and gave up five hits, while striking out three. Ryan Madson came in for the save and pitched one inning, striking out all three batters he faced.

Game 3 is on Tuesday Night in Anaheim.

NBA 13: The Show Part 3 (The Finals, Game 1)

Thursday, June 6, 2013, 7:05 PM EDT at Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York, New York

Line Score:

Angels: 0, 1, 1, 0, 1, 2, 0, 0, 2; 7 Runs, 10 Hits, 2 Errors

Yankees: 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 4, 0, 0, 0; 4 Runs, 5 Hits, 0 Errors

Win: Jered Weaver, Loss: C.C. Sabathia, Save: Ryan Madson

Home Runs:

Angels: Josh Hamilton, Alberto Callaspo, Peter Bourjos

Yankees: Alex Rodriguez

On a rainy evening in the Bronx, the Angels were able to take Game 1 behind a good pitching performance from Jered Weaver. Weaver pitched five strong innings before giving up three hits then a grand slam in the 6th. C.C. Sabathia struggled in this outing, giving up five hits in five innings, including two solo homers; out to Josh Hamilton and another to Peter Bourjos.

The Angels started the game by scoring five unanswered runs in the first six innings. The Yankees finally answered back in the bottom of the 6th by getting the bases loaded. This set the table for an Alex Rodriguez grand slam that brought the Yankees within one. LAA was able to essentially put the game away in the top of the 9th when Alberto Callaspo knocked a two-run homer to left field.

For Los Angeles, Callaspo finished 2-4 with a home run, a double, 4 RBIs, a walk and two fielding errors. For New York, Alex Rodriguez went 1-4; his lone hit being the grand slam.

Game 2 is on Sunday in the Bronx, with CJ Wilson and Hiroki Kuroda scheduled to take the mound for their respective squads.

NBA 13: The Show Part 2 (The Results Post)

Over the past week I embarked on a weird experiment where I would simulate the NBA Playoff bracket using professional baseball teams. I left The Show's default rosters alone in this simulation. To keep from getting the same results, I cycled through the first four pitchers of each teams starting rotation and alternated home teams in a 2-2-1-1-1 format. I simulated up to the Finals, which I will reveal to you game-by-game.

Here are the results of the first three rounds. Scores in parantheses are listed [series winner's score-series loser's score]:

FIRST ROUND

EAST

#1 Miami Marlins def. #8 Milwaukee Brewers 4 games to 1 (5-4, 5-4 (10), 7-10, 2-1 (11), 1-0)

#4 New York Mets def. #5 Chicago White Sox 4 games to 2 (3-2, 2-6, 5-0, 9-10, 1-0, 3-2 (10))

#6 Atlanta Braves def. #3 Indianapolis Indians 4 games to 0 (8-4, 2-0, 5-0, 7-0)

#2 New York Yankees def. #7 Boston Red Sox 4 games to 2 (8-2, 5-6 (10), 3-0, 3-4 (12), 3-1, 4-2)

WEST

#8 Houston Astros def. #1 Oklahoma City RedHawks 4 games to 2 (0-5, 13-8, 7-4, 5-6, 9-5, 4-0)

#4 Los Angeles Angels def. #5 Memphis Redbirds 4 games to 2 (6-2, 6-0, 7-3 (11), 4-6, 5-8, 4-2)

#6 Oakland Athletics def. #3 Colorado Rockies 4 games to 1 (3-1, 13-8, 7-9, 2-1, 4-1)

#7 Los Angeles Dodgers def. #2 San Antonio Missions 4 games to 0 (13-0, 4-1, 10-2, 6-3)

SEMIFINALS

EAST

#1 Miami Marlins def. #4 New York Mets 4 games to 3 (6-8, 3-0, 1-5, 1-9, 7-6, 5-2, 5-4)

#2 New York Yankees def. #6 Atlanta Braves 4 games to 1 (9-0, 3-4 (14), 5-1, 12-2, 8-4)

WEST

#4 Los Angeles Angels def. #8 Houston Astros 4 games to 0 (13-4, 5-1, 4-0, 3-2 (10))

#6 Oakland Athletics def. #7 Los Angeles Dodgers 4 games to 1 (4-1, 7-5, 7-2, 1-5, 7-2)

CONFERENCE FINALS

EAST

#2 New York Yankees def. #1 Miami Marlins 4 games to 0 (3-0, 12-0, 3-2, 8-7)

WEST

#4 Los Angeles Angels def. #6 Oakland Athletics 4 games to 3 (2-1(11), 1-0, 1-7, 6-7 (12), 3-2, 1-4, 8-0)

So it will be the Yankees and the Angels - representing the Knicks and Clippers respectively in the exercise - facing off in the finals. I'm not particular surprised that the Heat and Spurs aren't facing off like they are in real life, considering their proxies (the Marlins and the Missions).

A lot to unpack from these first three rounds, and I'll just spill my thoughts out in bullet-point form:

• First off, a sadface for my White Sox not getting past the Mets in the First Round [ :-( ]. Considering the season the Sox have had so far though, I'm not too surprised. But the Mets? C'mon man!
• I'm also not surprised that the minor league teams didn't last. A couple of teams did put up a fight, though. The RedHawks gave the sorry Astros a scare by taking 2 games, including Game 1 5-0 behind a strong pitching performance by Erik Bedard. The Memphis Redbirds also went down swinging against the Angels, as they were able to stave off elimination by taking Games 4 and 5. Looks like the PCL has some pretty scrappy teams down there.
• The Marlins/Mets series was particularly intense, with The Fish coming back from down 1 game to 3. Game 7 came was settled by a walk-of homer by Giancarlo Stanton. How cool is that? And how very Mets of the Mets to blow that series lead. Payback for beating my Sox!
• I was excited when I initially had the Yankees and Red Sox slotted to face off. The series delivered, though the Red Sox really had to scrap for those two victories. The road since for the Yankees has been a bit easier, taking down the Braves (which I thought would be closer) and housing the Marlins (of course).
• That Angels/Athletics series was another good one. The Angels really sent a message in Game 7, though, as Jered Weaver pitched a shutout and the LA hitters were able to give him run support and then some.

So the Finals are set: New York vs. LA (well, Anaheim). Who will win it? Will it be the power hitting and tough pitching of the LA Angels? Or will it be those Legendary Damn Yankees? This series will be simulated alongside the NBA Finals, with results revealed the next day. Game 1 is tonight.

NBA 13: The Show

For the past two months, the NBA Playoffs have been charging along. At times it's been entertaining, at others not so much, but tomorrow we will begin the final round.

For about a month, I have been a proud owner of a PlayStation 3 as well as three video games for the system. One of those games is MLB 13: The Show, the baseball game so great that it was actually the catalyst for me becoming a PS3 owner.

At some point in the recesses of my mind, these two concepts intertwined into one cooky idea.

What if I ran an NBA Playoff simulation, but replaced the NBA teams with their baseball counterparts?

It was weird, sure, but I kind of wanted to see where it lead, and I had the technology to find out. So I looked at the playoff bracket, switched out with whatever MLB or MiLB team is in that city and simulated using MLB 13: The Show.

Here are the teams I used for this experiment. I explain some of my executive decisions in parentheses:

EAST

1. Miami Heat = Miami Marlins

8. Milwaukee Bucks = Milwaukee Brewers

4. Brooklyn Nets = New York Mets (since both teams reside on Long Island)

5. Chicago Bulls = Chicago White Sox (both are owned by Jerry Reinsdorf, and I'm a Sox fan, so....)

3. Indiana Pacers = Indianapolis Indians (AAA)

6. Atlanta Hawks = Atlanta Braves

2. New York Knicks = New York Yankees (The more popular teams in NYC in their respective sports)

7. Boston Celtics = Boston Red Sox

WEST

1. Oklahoma City Thunder = Oklahoma City RedHawks (AAA)

8. Houston Rockets = Houston Astros

4. Los Angeles Clippers = Los Angeles Angels (the two less popular teams in LA in their respective sports; Clippers also played select home games in Anaheim in the mid to late 90's)

5. Memphis Grizzlies = Memphis Redbirds (AAA)

3. Denver Nuggets = Colorado Rockies

6. Golden State Warriors = Oakland Athletics (since both teams are neighbors in Oakland. Some years down the road I'll have to use the Giants, though)

2. San Antonio Spurs = San Antonio Missions (AA)

7. Los Angeles Lakers = Los Angeles Dodgers (The more popular teams in LA in their respective sports; Laker legend Magic Johnson has stake in the Dodgers)

With the teams set, I dove into my simulation. I left The Show's default rosters alone in this simulation. To keep from getting the same results, I cycled through the first four pitchers of each teams starting rotation and alternated home teams in a 2-2-1-1-1 format. All I had to do was sit back, watch, and write down the final scores.

Results coming up in the next Gamer's Journal post...