Brandishing, another altogether.

Rick Pitino has used the former, advertising terminology, regarding his mission at U of L. As in “rebranding the program.” I hate such talk, but know what he means.

Brandishing is what former Cardinal baller Terrence Williams has been charged with. As in waving a gun about in a threatening manner toward the mother of his child.

The former might be a reprehensible concept as far as college athletics are concerned, but it’s accepted behavior, even the norm these days.

The latter is a crime.

T-Will’s pro career has been spotty at best. This development certainly can’t help his standing with the Celtics, who apparently can opt out of their contract with Williams anytime before Halloween.

The occurence, sadly, is not surprising. It was well known in and around the U of L community that Williams had a predilection for packing heat.

While he was one of the more popular U of L players of the Pitino Era, I found him to be a most disagreeable sort. Frankly, he’s my least favorite Cardinal of the Pitino Era, but that’s neither here nor there. I certainly don’t wish him ill. But do hope that justice is served. The charge against him is serious.

* * * * *

At the other end of the spectrum is Teddy Bridgewater.

Who, it is reported, has asked Charlie Strong and the U of L starmaker machinery to forgo any Heisman Trophy PR campaign.

* * * * *

An eagle-eyed reader sent me the latest Capital One Cup Standings.

Even that program’s web site doesn’t fully explain how the points are calculated. But the purpose is to measure the strength of the entire athletic programs of the nations’s colleges. Louisville’s male athletes rank 3d behind Michigan and Indiana, which are knotted at the top of the standings.

U of L’s female athletes rank 16th.

I know that national championships get you points. I’m not sure if how far a school advances in the post season is a factor? Or, if league titles count?

Whatever. Those lofty perches confirm what Louisville Cardinal fans have been saying to each other this entire school year: “It’s a great time to be a Cardinal fan.”

* * * * *

By the by, the U of L nine won the Big East regular season pennant with a sweep of Pitt last weekend.

* * * * *

Coming soon are some of the biggest events internationally in car racing.

Indy 500.

Monte Carlo Grand Prix.

Coca Cola 600.

And the grandest event of them all, coming up on the 25th of the month right across the river on the hallowed asphalt of the Jeffersonville Sportsdrome.

School Bus Figure 8s.

To paraphrase someone more eloquent than myself, about a far lesser event, “You ain’t been nowhere, or ever done nothin’ til you been to the School Bus Figure 8s.”

There is no exhilaration in the world of sport quite like seeing a couple of big yellows t-boning at the crossroads.

* * * * *

I would be remiss if I failed to mention that my Detroit Red Wings are up 2-1 on Chitown in the Western Division semis of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The Black Hawks have been on cruise control all season after starting out unbeaten in something like their first 25 games. The boys from Hockeytown seem to have caught the Second City gang looking ahead.

* * * * *

While I’m on the subject of sports you could care less about, and to clear off the desk, did you notice what’s happened recently in the world of European soccer?

Of course not. Briefly . . .

Lowly Wigan upset Manchester City in the FA Cup Final.

Athletico Madrid beat crosstown rival Real Madrid for the first time in like a quarter century to capture the Copa del Rey.

And Dortmund Borussia will face Bayern Munchen in all-German Champions League Final on the 25th. (Don’t worry the game at Wembley will be over in time for you to make it across the river to the Sportsdrome.)

As I’m sure you’re aware, this matchup is also totally unexpected. An all-Spanish final would have been chalk. Dortmund bested Real Madrid by aggregate score in the semis, while Bayern bashed Messi-less Barcelona, 4-0 and 3-0. (Each match has two games, one on each team’s pitch. Total score advances. Away goals trump home goals.)

* * * * *

Brett Favre is still retired.

Later.

– Seedy K

Fourteen teams in the Top 25 lost last week. And that doesn’t include not-in-Top-25 Wisconsin, who gave a Top 10 performance in Bloomington before going Bottom 150 in a loss to Iowa.

It’s conference play time. So much fun it is.

* * * * *

Loyal reader CookieMan called me on the carpet this morning for not mentioning in my blog on U of L/ Syracuse that the Cardinal football team — at least about 1/3 of it — was introduced. To the expected, raucous Standing O. The intro came during the fist media timeout of the 2d half. When, sigh, the Cards were up 48-40.

Five time MLB All-Star Fred McGriff was also in the house yesterday.

* * * * *

Manti Te’o spoke yesterday. Or, so it is said. To Jeremy Schap in a non-videoed conversation.

Apparently he said he “embellished” his romance, but was still the victim there.

Okay, Manti, whatever you say.

Truth, even I have had enough of this “scandal.”

But I’d be remiss if I didn’t use the bully pulpit the refresh your memories about a real tragedy in which Notre Dame football is involved. Not so valiantly either.

I’m talking about the suicide of Lizzy Seeberg, a young woman who really existed. And who is now really dead. She took her own life after allegedly being intimidated by Fighting Irish pigskinners after reporting a sexual assault by one of their teammates.

You can read more details here.

Dave Zirin, the Thomas Friedman of sports columinsts (usually astute, but always arrogant and self righteous) weighed in even more heavily here.

So, tell me Athletic Director Swarbick, does Lizzy’s tale bring you to tears like that of your hallowed linebacker?

* * * * *

Charles Barkley was in full form last night during the UK/ Auburn game.

He called pro agents, “scumbags.”

* * * * *

Now falling near the top of the list of Teams That Will Probably Make The NCAA Tournament That You Don’t Want Your Contender To Face: Colorado State Rams.

Larry Eustachy’s team is 15-3 after last night’s W over Vegas.

Eustachy could always coach. Now that he’s been clean and sober for awhile, he can really coach.

Also perched to prey in that category: Dana Altman’s Oregon Quack.

* * * * *

Atlanta and the 49ers are getting read to kick off.

I sure hope today’s games are exciting. Because I could care less who wins.

* * * * *

In case you haven’t noticed, and I’m sure you haven’t, the NHL opened play this weekend.

* * * * *

In case you haven’t noticed, and I’m sure you haven’t, Part Deux. FC Barcelona lost yesterday in La Liga. They blew a 2-0 lead to lose 2-3 at Real Sociedad.

They now stand 18-1-1 on the season.

* * * * *

Lance Armstrong is still an asshole.

* * * * *

Earl Weaver was such the grouch, he never got quite as much respect as a manager as he deserved.

The same fate came upon his passing.

He bought the farm on the same day as all-time all-star, all time Hall of Famer, all-time good guy, Stan Musial. How cool was the former St. Louis Cardinal who had one of the most unique batting stances ever? He alway carried a harmonica in his sportcoat pocket.

May you both rest in peace.

– Seedy K

]]> http://score.leoweekly.com/2013/01/20/sunday-sound-off-the-full-manti-much-more/feed/ 1 http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/10/29/monday-morning-qb-a-lot-of-this-a-little-of-that/ http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/10/29/monday-morning-qb-a-lot-of-this-a-little-of-that/#comments Mon, 29 Oct 2012 14:38:05 +0000 c d kaplan http://score.leoweekly.com/?p=7950 So, yesterday I couldn’t help but think of the somewhat famous Tennessee Williams’ quip:

“There are but three cities in the United States. New Orleans, New York and San Francisco. All the rest is Cleveland.”

Thinking of New York because of the justified hullabaloo about Hurricane Sandy and all the mess going on in the northeast. Not to mention the Giants comeback over a comeback against those Cowboys.

Thinking of New Orleans because Sunday night is “Treme” night, no matter what else is going on. Last night, Davis actually went to Fats Domino’s house. Cool.

Thinking of San Francisco because The City’s magnificent Giants sliced and diced my Tigers to win the World Series in a four game sweep.

Actually thinking of Cleveland too because the Browns eked out a 7-6 W over woeful San Diego. (And aren’t we all on pins and needles until Thursday night’s boffo Chargers vs. Chiefs NFL-TV battle?)

* * * * *

Were Detroit’s conquerors anybody besides those irrepressible Giants, I would surely be much sadder than I am.

Don’t get me wrong. I still can’t figure out why the Tigers decided to mimic against SF what the Yankees had done in the ALCS? Which was to allow their bats to sleep to sleep through the games.

But Bochy’s crew got timely hitting and great pitching. And, by all accounts, it’s a fun gang of guys. I don’t know that I have ever seen as loose a dugout in the Bigs as the Giant’s.

Good for them.

* * * * *

The NBA starts play this week.

Which makes at least one reader of mine really happy. (Because all I get from him are emails, demanding more coverage of the play for pay boys.)

Here’s what struck me while previewing the rosters of the teams. I didn’t recognize very many of the players.

I’m a reasonably obsessed viewer of college hoops, tracking players around the country, not only those who play around here or on Big Monday. But the NBA rosters are filled with foreigners and one & doners. Which makes it hard for the casual fan to relate to those he’s seeing on the court.

Jonas Jerebko? Mirza Teletovic? Larry Sanders?

Then there are the guys of whom there are faint recollections. Kosta Koufos. Didn’t he flame out at Ohio State, but left after one season anyway? Steve Novak. Isn’t he that lanky guy who used to reign threes on the Cards? Sebastian Telfair. He’s the paradigm of former future U of L stars, right? Unless it’s Amir Johnson.

Terrance Williams? Name nowhere to be found.

* * * * *

Notre Dame, sad to say, apparently has a really good football team. Especially on the defensive side.

Even though it’s clear to me that Oregon has the second best team in the country and should get a crack at ‘Bama, make no mistake. If the Irish win out, they will play for the BCS. I’m pretty sure it’s in the Bible somewhere. Early on too, like in Genesis.

* * * * *

If Louisville wins the Big East and qualifies for the BCS, the Cards now seem destined for New Orleans’ Sugar Bowl.

Here’s why. After all the arrangements are taken care of, and schools have been slotted where the place cards put them, there will be two squads left. Louisville and future league mate Boise State, which will automatically qualify if it finishes in the top 16 of the standings. Fiesta gets first choice and, as things stand now, it’s going to match the two of the following trio that don’t get slotted with the Crimson Tide: K State, Notre Dame and Oregon. Sugar is next, and the general feeling is that the Cards are a more attractive opponent for the SEC team than Boise.

All that said, if U of L wins out, it will be, as they say, some kind of miracle. With Halloween coming up, it’s appropriate to note that Louisville has been playing Beat The Reaper all year. And winning . . . so far.

* * * * *

The NBA isn’t the only hardwood game tipping off this week.

U of L welcomes the Pikeville Elishas to the Yum! on Thursday.

Kentucky plays its first exhibition that same evening against something called Northwood, a school with campuses in Michigan, Texas, Switzerland and Florida. I believe the Cats are balling against the Seahawk team that resides in West Palm Beach. That would be in Florida.

IU also plays Thursday. Against Indiana Wesleyan. Which foe, when it comes to number of campuses, trumps those Northwood folks many times over. IW has 17 campuses. Including one out there off Blankenbaker Parkway near I-64. And a few in Ohio. ??????

* * * * *

Look who is back on top in NASCAR?

That Jimmie Johnson fella.

* * * * *

In the UK/ Mizzou “football game,” there were 7 fumbles in the battle’s first 20 minutes of action.

* * * * *

I think the Breeder’s Cup is this coming weekend.

Yawn.

* * * * *

Don’t be surprised if this is Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim’s last season.

Seems like a lot of his players have been more than one toke over the line through the years, but the coaching staff has looked the other way.

Frankly, that behavior, which seems very familiar personally, has never bothered me. College kids smoke pot. Basketball players are ostensibly college kids.

Apparently the NCAA frowns on schools that make rules then don’t follow them.

* * * * *

Around here all the gridiron talk is whether Charlie Strong will be gone after this season?

I have no information whatsoever. I haven’t even heard any innuendo.

But my observations of Strong tell me he wasn’t just woofing when he told Jim Rome he’s not cut like that. I’d be very surprised if Strong were coaching somewhere besides Louisville next season. Hopefully with a new assistant for special teams.

* * * * *

There is one benefit from the World Series being over so soon. Don’t have to listen to Tim McCarver anymore.

Stay classy, sports fans.

– Seedy K

My Tigers were five, six runs down in the World Series opener. It was obvious that San Fran’s scintillating play at the end of the NLCS was not about to abate.

Pablo Sandoval had already gone yard twice. Justin Verlander was off, pitching as he did in his pitiful All-Star game stint.

There was a certain air of inevitability about this one.

At which point, the Film Babe interrupted my despondency.

“Turn on Palladia. 945. Jon Cleary and Allen Toussaint are playing Longhair.”

“I’m watching the game.”

“TURN ON 945.”

So I did. Thank you, Joanie. “Make It Funky,” a splendid two-hour look at New Orleans music, was on.

I was saved from Sandoval’s third tater, Valverde’s 54.0 ERA third of an inning, etc, etc.

There are a few things I love more than Tigers’ baseball. The tradition of New Orleans music is certainly one of them.

Fister’s pitching tonight. Go Tigers.

* * * * *

One nuance I did observe in Justin Verlander’s recent shut down outings was that the umps were giving him the corners. An extended strike zone made it manifest that Yankee and A’s batters chase pitches they might not otherwise.

Behind the plate last night was Gerry Davis, a true vet, umping his record-tying 112th post-season game. (Jerry Crawford and Bruce Froemming are the other two who have called that many.) Joe Buck and insufferable Tim McCarver actually pointed out that Davis is known for his rigid strike zone. Interesting phenomenon. When Davis is behind the plate, a strike really needs to be a strike.

While that didn’t seem to bother Barry Zito, it sure contributed to Verlander’s way less than stellar outing.

Yes, the Giants are indeed red hot. Credit to them. They are on their game. If the Tigers aren’t careful, San Francisco could blow through this series in four or five.

* * * * *

I have not hidden my disdain for Tim McCarver’s commentary. He is old and in the way. The word doddering comes to mind. Last night, he didn’t even catch his sidekick’s reference to former Giant star Barry Bonds.

But McCarver did tell one great story. About a 16 inning affair in ’62 or so, when Juan Marichal and Warren Spahn went at it for 16 innings in a game eventually won 1-0 on a play by Willie Mays. Both hurlers threw well over 200 pitches.

* * * * *

Now, to soothe the savage beast, some more Toussaint playing Longhair. Enjoy.

– Seedy K

Didn’t think so.

Surprisingly, Celtic is up early, 1 nil. But you really really don’t care, right?

I’ll move on.

* * * * *

Despite all the negative tests, Lance Armstrong did take performance enhancing drugs, it seems.

Imagine my surprise.

Those 7 Tour de France titles. Forgettaboutem.

As I’ve mentioned before, cyclists taking drugs doesn’t bother me that much. They all did it. Perhaps still do. So that evens things up. Besides, that event is far and away the most arduous sporting contest in the world, so all the more power to them if they need some juice to pump 12 miles up a 12% grade after cycling 100 miles.

Armstrong though is another matter. He’s been so aggressively arrogant about the whole thing.

Bottom line, the guy’s a real schmuck. He’s helped raise tens of millions to fight cancer. Good for him. He’s still a putz.

Disgrace suits him.

* * * * *

As a Tigers fan, I was kind of hoping St. Louis would take the NLCS.

Not that I like the Cardinals. I don’t. They still have the stench of retired Tony LaRussa about them.

But Detroit and St. Louis have a rather testy World Series history. ’34. ’68. ’06. Kind of a rivalry there. A renewal of tensions would have been an interesting dynamic.

But, San Francisco continued its resilient run. Three elimination game wins over the Cardinals. To match the three over the Reds. Six straight elimination game Ws. Got to admire that.

I don’t hate the Giants. But I’ll be sure to be rooting against them.

First pitch tomorrow night.

* * * * *

Iniesta just tied the match 1 apiece for Barca in the 45th minute, right before halftime.

* * * * *

Would somebody please explain the concept of defense to Dana Holgorsen?

The state of West Virginia would be most appreciative.

* * * * *

It’s that time of the year, kids.

When I start to rant about how there’s no college football playoff. And how even the new soon to be seen four team playoff isn’t enough.

Right now, Alabama, Florida, K State, my Quack and, sigh, Notre Dame would all deserve a shot. At the very least.

Eight teams is the absolute minimum number of title contestants that should be competing. Sixteen would be optimum. That way, every school with even a glimmer of a claim to contest for the championship would be included.

Four’s a start. It will expand in the years to come. Because . . . well . . . money talks. And ESPN shall wish it to be so.

* * * * *

No I don’t have any idea why Chane Behanan is in The Rick’s doghouse.

My guess is Pitino needed somebody on the team to rag on, so he pulled Chane’s name out of a hat.

* * * * *

Does the winner of the Ohio State/ Penn State game this weekend get time off its sentence for good performance?

* * * * *

Beaver fever. Oregon State is 6-0. The half dozen Ws is twice as many as it captured all last year. The school hasn’t been 6-0 since the oughts. The 19 oughts.

* * * * *

Why did Cincy go and lose at Toledo last Saturday?

* * * * *

The NHL and the player’s association are still at loggerheads. No pucks yet. Sigh.

Oh yeah, I forgot, you’d just as soon have an update on Messi. (Still 1-1 in the 65th minute.)

* * * * *

Since the real refs returned to the NFL, there hasn’t been much to talk about in the play for pain league.

* * * * *

Our local cable network now carries NBA TV. Haven’t watched for a nanosecond.

– Seedy K

]]> http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/10/23/tuesday-sports-update-a-little-of-this-some-of-that/feed/ 1 http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/10/19/broom-job-tigers-sweep-yanks/ http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/10/19/broom-job-tigers-sweep-yanks/#comments Fri, 19 Oct 2012 15:10:14 +0000 c d kaplan http://score.leoweekly.com/?p=7921 Pity the poor housekeepers in Motor City today.

The brooms they normally use are not to found in their normal spot in the cleaning closet. They are firmly ensconced in flag poles around this proud but rusting city.

Sweep.

There’s no need to recite the stunning statistics bearing out Detroit’s dominance over the fabled New York Yankees in the ALCS. But I shall remind one and all that it’s the third post-season meeting in a row when the Tigers have defused the Bronx Bombers.

This is fall fun.

So, if you see a guy walking about town this weekend in a fashionably ugly, cut from traditional itchy wool, 1909, Ty Cobb-era throwback that makes him look even heavier than he already is, that would be me.

If not now, when?

* * * * *

Today I admire Omar Infante, the mid season second sack pick up who solidified the Tiger infield.

He’s a wise man, Infante.

The final pop up of the game, of the series, was a play where he would 99 44/100% of the time call off lumbering first baseman Prince Fielder. Except that last evening, Fielder, pogoing his considerable avoirdupois up and down, let it be known, while the ball was still escalating, that he would be the one to catch the clincher.

Infante demurred. Good choice.

Fielder’s a Tiger legacy. Grew up in the clubhouse of Tigers/ Briggs Stadium, while his dad was going yard 40, 50 times a season.

When Fielder addressed the press with his son sitting on his lap, the only thing sweeter would have for his estranged pop to walk in the clubhouse and for father and son and grandson to embrace.

Maybe next week.

* * * * *

Improbably for Detroit, which struggled most of the season, didn’t find themselves atop their division until the last week of play, there will be a next week.

The Tigers will journey possibly to San Francisco, more than likely to St. Louis to play the ever stalwart Cardinals in the Series.

The Tigers and Cardinals have contested the World Series title before. Oh my, have they.

In ’34, the Gas House Gang got the better of Detroit. But only after Tigers’ fans let it be known they were in the house. They flung fruit and other detritus on the field at Ducky Medwick, who was pulled from the game by Commissioner Kennesaw Mountain Landis. Imagine Bud Selig doing that?

(That some, perhaps most of that fruit had been purchased at my grandfather’s fruit stand right outside the player’s entrance to Brigg’s Stadium makes me mighty proud.)

In ’68, Mickey Lolich won three times, beating Bob Gibson in Game 7 on two days rest for the crown.

In ’06, the Clydesdales prevailed again over Detroit in five.

* * * * *

All of which is to say, the next couple of weeks are going to be fun for the kid.

A couple of important U of L Cardinal football games.

Basketball media day.

And my Detroit Tigers against San Fran or St. Looey in the Series. Even the prospect of listening to Joe Buck and insufferable Tim McCarver won’t dampen my ardor.

– Seedy K

Verlander, Coke, Delmon and Miggy had led my beloved Tigers to a Game 3 W over the hated Yankees in the ALCS, taking a 3 nil lead, and I was on the phone talking with my pal David, who is usually in bed and asleep by 9:00. 9:30 at the latest.

But Dave’s a baseball fan, and has adopted the Tigers this season, now that his Reds have gone down.

Was it midnight yet? Must have been, I couldn’t get to sleep until after 1:00.

Anyway, bleary eyed all the time now due to one late finishing game after another, I shared my fear. We’re both Louisville Cardinal fans. Too much so, our cardiologists have advised.

“I don’t know if I can make it through an NCAA championship run,” I told him.

Sporting contests are harrowing when you have a visceral rooting interest. Maybe this incredible post season run by the Tigers is like spring training for hoops. If so, I should be ready.

Of course, I’m feeling good about Detroit’s chances of moving on to the Series. Up 3-0 with two more games in Comerica, I gotta be somewhat confidant. Even if Sabbathia is going tonight for the Yanks and Cano finally got a hit and A Rod will probably be back in the lineup tonight with renewed focus and the law of averages says NY is too good to be swept like some leaves on a sidewalk.

But I’m a fan. Jeez, I own a Tiger throwback jersey, the kind Ty Cobb wore. Which I’d wear more often were it not fashioned of itchy wool, and cut so that I look 30 lbs. heavier than I am.

Yes, I’m also a fatalist. I worry, right? No lead is big enough. No title secure until the trophy is in the case.

Today I have legitimate empirical evidence for my fretting.

Remember the most famous comeback ever from 0-3? Sure you do. BoSox in ’84. Down by that margin to these very same Yankees in this very same ALCS, Beantown won the AL pennant, then continued on to take their first World Series since Paul Revere was riding after dark.

Remember when, exactly when in 2004, Boston started its comeback?

I’ll tell you when.

October 17.

Have you noticed what today’s date is?

Which means I’ve hardly finished my coffee and my stomach is already mumblin’ and grumblin’ and wonderin’ what midnight tonight will feel like? First pitch isn’t for nine more hours.

And U of L doesn’t play its first real game for 25 more days.

Trust me, that cardiologist of mine is on speed dial.

– Seedy K

A blown save.

A blown ankle.

The continuing demise of a $30 million man.

The escalating decisions facing two managers, Series winners both.

Game 2′s first pitch is at 4:07, about a half day after Detroit salvaged an overtime W in Game 1. I am sleep deprived. I can’t imagine how the players feel after last night’s emotionally draining proceedings?

* * * * *

There’s been more than a bit of speculation this season whether the Jim Leyland Era had run its course in Motown?

Until the Tigers passed the faltering ChiSox late for the division title, Detroit was considered an underachiever. Much of the problem was blamed on the bullpen. Closer Jose Valverde didn’t blow a save during the entire 2011 regular season. This season he blew five and became decreasingly effective as the Tigers crept to the title.

Set up guy Joaquin Benoit, severely effective last season, served up an Idaho’s worth of taters this year.

More than a few Tiger fans wondered not if but when Leyland would switch about his late game rotation? Put some trust in Phil Coke, Octavio Dotel and/ or Al Alburquerque? Drew Smyly??????

After last night’s Valverde meltdown, his second in his last two appearances, today was fish or cut bait time for Leyland.

Papa Grande has turned into Papa Ooo Mow Mow this week. Against Oakland he gave up winning runs in ALDS Game 4. Which forced the Tigers to use ace Justin Verlander to secure the series. Which he did in Grande style.

Last night Valverde was handed the ball with a four run lead. Two two-run homers later, the Yanks had life and the Tigers looked shell shocked. Fortunately they survived, thanks to steeliness, Delmon Young and some nifty relief work from, uh, Drew Smyly.

This afternoon, Leyland announced Valverde was being set down as the team’s closer . . . temporarily.

Seems to me, Benoit might join him for some pine time. Last night, he barely survived the 8th, giving up a couple of line shots before closing out the inning . . . barely.

* * * * *

All that soap opera notwithstanding, the baseball nation — outside Detroit — has turned its lonely eyes to Derek Jeter.

Which Yankee icon shall be sitting out the rest of the season with a cast on his broken ankle.

So, Joe Girardi, who has faced a similar decision — Sit down a key cog, or not? — as Leyland due to mega-millionaire Alex Rodriguez under-performance, now has to figure out how to replace the centerpiece of his squad.

Rodriguez to SS?

GM Brian Cashman says no. Jayson Nix, come on down.

Meanwhile, Raul Ibanez is doing his best Dusty Rhodes impersonation. The Yankee sub has three homers in two games.

Fortunately the one last night didn’t spell defeat for Detroit.

* * * * *

A tip of the hat to Tiger starter Doug Fister.

The hurler survived, not one, but three bases-loaded jams. Through guile, and with defensive help from SS Jhonny Peralta.

And a tip of the hat to my Tigers. They went from muttering over Valverde’s deplorable stint on the mound, throwing helmets and bashing coolers in frustration to steadying themselves and winning the game with two runs in the top of the 12th. And 3 1/3 innings of steady relief from Dotel and that rookie Drew Smyly.

– Seedy K

]]> http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/10/14/tigers-win-ny-jeter-valverde-lose/feed/ 0 http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/10/09/loving-the-baseball-playoffs/ http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/10/09/loving-the-baseball-playoffs/#comments Tue, 09 Oct 2012 14:09:15 +0000 c d kaplan http://score.leoweekly.com/?p=7894 “It’s a generational thing.”

It was my pal Bob weighing in. He was talking about baseball. Not just his lack of interest in the playoffs which started over the weekend. But about the game itself.

Bob’s a fortysomething. He’s not into the National Pastime. He grew up playing soccer.

Arsenal is his team. He knows that in the English Premier League the standings aren’t called standings at all. The list of team records is called the Table. It’s early in the season across the pond. His team sits in 7th place. That’s a couple of spots behind my EPL team of choice, Tottenham Hotspur.

I like them because of the way cool name.

But, if they lose, I still sleep well.

But when it comes to the Detroit Tigers, I’m all in. (Okay, there are limits to my fandom. At St. James the other day, there was a marvelously artful giclee of a photo taken of fans lingering outside Briggs Stadium on Opening Day. Michigan and Trumbull is about as reverential as corners come in Motor City. I kept the several hundred bucks in my pocket.)

I don’t track batting averages like I did in my adolescence. I don’t subscribe to a site that would allow me to watch all the regular season games on my computer. I guess I’m fair weather. The Tigers have been relevant the last few seasons. I pay attention as summer turns to autumn.

Memories run deep. I fondly recall the day my Aunt Martha took cousin Eddy and me to watch the Tigers play the Indians on Opening Day at Briggs Stadium later Tigers Stadium now RIP. It was the year after Al Kaline became the youngest player to win the batting crown. He got a couple of hits off Mike Garcia.

So after the Tigers surge finally subdued the wannabe White Sox for the AL Central crown, I cleared my schedule to catch their post season games.

Bob’s right. It is a generational thing.

Bob played soccer.

I played Little League. That’s the way the God we prayed to in the 50s meant for it to be. I was a catcher. I still savor that glorious scent coming from the league’s storage shed when opened so we could get equipment before games, a mixture of sweat and Rawlings and dirt encrusted after swirling from a play at the plate.

* * * * *

It’s been an intriguing post season so far.

Justin Verlander took care of business in the opener against Oakland. Detroit came back thrice for the W in Game 2, which featured a key run for each nine scored on a wild pitch.

The Tigers head to the Bay, needing only to hit .333 to advance to the ALCS.

The amazing Orioles and the ever present Yankees are knotted at a game apiece, heading to the Bronx. Game 1 was classic Yankees. Knotted going into the 9th, they scored at will to seal the deal. Game 2 was classic Orioles circa 2012. A one-run W.

The Reds are strong. They won two on the road.

Ubiquitous St. Louis knotted their series with upstart Washington, plating a dozen in Game 2. The Nats are hanging in there, thought don’t be looking for their ace Stephen Strasburg. He’s been benched for the remainder of the season. Which move in the name of future success by management is going to look like either the biggest blunder since the BoSox traded The Babe to the Bronx, or brilliant if the post season rookies happen to pull off the championship.

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One thing I love about the divisional series round of the playoffs is the TV coverage. The color guys explain the game, provide nuance and insight. No histrionics. Just strategy, expressed in a straight forward manner.

During the Series, we’ll have to endure wordy Tim McCarver, who is waaaaaaaaay past his prime.

So, some of you sports fans are tuned in. Others are watching Fox Soccer. Or football reruns. Or camped out in Lexington for Midnight Madness.

I’m counting down to tonight’s first pitch in Oakland at 9:07. But I’m sure I’ll catch an inning or two of that prelim they’re playing up the river at Great America. And reminiscing about the one game way back when I got to take the mound.

– Seedy K

Yesterday I ate lunch with a bunch of fellows, U of L fans all, except for John, who likes the Cards but favors blue a bit more. Soon enough the conversation got around to comparing column inches of Courier-Journal coverage between you know who(m) and you know who(m). Of course, the plaint was that Louisville was being give short shrift . . . as always.

Then this morning there was an email in my inbox from a much more measured fellow, who now is all Cards all the time, but was a Cats fan when I met him. (No, it’s not John Yarmuth, but that description also holds true for my former editor, currently employed in D.C.) Here’s what this fellow asked, “why-oh-why is the C-J (and one supposes the local TV folk as well) so in love with UK and Coach Cal?”

Hmm. My response: “State university. Large following in Jefferson County. Defending national champs. Coach Cal, a PR genius. Just had their pre-season photo session which always generates pub, as it will for U of L. Bottom Line: They’re THE CATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Even with the C-J’s stature precipitously in freefall, I’m of the generation that still cares about our local print newspaper. But, I’ve never really been bothered by how much coverage they afford the state’s two flagship schools. In this age when you can read all you want about any subject at any time simply by turning on your favorite internet access device, it matters not a whit.

But the rivalry, and the enmity attendant thereto, certainly abide as strongly as ever.

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What I do care about is the woeful editing and proofreading that now plagues the daily. I know I should give it up, but I simply can’t help myself. (Besides these blogs are filled with lots of errors, so people in glass houses, etc, etc.)

Kentucky went from a 14 point favorite over Top 25 Mississippi State in yesterday’s edition to a 10 1/2 point underdog today.

A 24 1/2 point swing in the spread. Hmmmmmmmmmm.

Talk about smart money making a move early in the week. Uh, no. Yesterday’s line was obviously a typo. One of the many that plague the Courier these days every day. Such a pity.

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Get ready for more baseball commentary here, starting with the playoffs this weekend.

My Detroit Tigers survived, so I’ll be tuning in with more than a passing interest as long Jim Leyland’s nine is alive.

Baseball aficionados will often talk about how the subtleties of the game make a difference, even if they are hardly noticed by the casual fan. The Tigers shuffled along behind the ChiSox for most of the season. Every once in awhile they’d tie for the AL Central lead, then fall back.

Until last week when Detroit beat Kansas City for a pivotal victory. The winning run came in the bottom of the 8th, when Jhonny Peralta hit into a sure thing double play that would have ended the inning. Except that RF Andy Dirks took out the guy covering 2d, so he couldn’t make the throw to first to complete the DP and end inning. Which allowed PH Don Kelly to score the winning tally.

The stuff teams work on in March won it for the Tigers in September.

This came the night after Anibal Sanchez, out of the blue, hurled a masterful 3-hit shutout.

Detroit never looked back. The Chicago White Sox flinched.

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The surest sign yet that hoops season is just about upon us?

No, it’s not the photo spread of Anthony Davis wannabe Nerlens Noel in the paper.

It’s the news that yet another major injury has hit the Louisville camp before the official beginning of practice. So now we bid a sad adieu to the Mike Marra Era.

The Rick might want to check the practice facility for ghouls. Or Jimmy Hoffa’s body and the curse that surely goes along with it.

One guy’s opinion. An exorcism is in order.

– Seedy K