Daily Rant 5/19: Cards v. Reds Rivalry Right

Yesterday we learned that San Francisco Giants fan Bryan Stow was able to open his eyes in the hospital. You'll recall from Chizzy's earlier Daily Rant that Stow was attacked by two L.A. Dodger fans outside the stadium on opening day. Former Cincinnati Reds executive John Allen, recently assigned to help run the daily operations of the Dodgers, said that of this weeks Giants v. Dodgers series, "You won't be able to turn around in your seat without bumping into security personnel." Is that what baseball rivalries have come to? Well, yes, in some cases.

The rivalries that trump most of the baseball world are typically as follows:

1) Yankees v. Red Sox
2) Giants v. Dodgers
3) Cardinals v. Cubs
4) White Sox v. Cubs - a more recent one due to interleague play.

Well, add one more to that list. And this one is probably the best one going in baseball: The St. Louis Cardinals v. the Cincinnati Reds. Essentially, it's Chizzy v. KD when it comes down to it.

I had the opportunity to attend last Sunday's final game of the Reds sweep over the Cardinals (and yes, once Aroldis Chapman took the mound I felt like the game would be in jeopardy despite the Reds holding a 9-2 lead). While the crowd was more sparce than usual for this rivalry due to the weather, I sat next to a group of four Cardinals fans. I think Cardinals fans in general are some of, if not the best/most knowledgeable baseball fans you can find. The four I sat next to were know different.

Yeah, none of them liked Brandon Phillips, the same way no Reds fan likes Yadier Molina, but all four admitted that there's not a better second basemen playing right now than Phillips. I conceded that Molina is the best defensive catcher in the game, and that Albert Pujols is probably my second-favorite baseball player ever (sorry, it's tough to pass The Big Hurt, Frank Thomas).

Throughout the game we chatted about baseball, the Cardinals bullpen struggles, the Reds struggles to match their offensive numbers from last year (Jonny Gomes, I'm looking at you). It was great, and they all said I'd enjoy taking in a ball game in St. Louis - how could I not? The park is great, the fans are the best, and no matter who trots onto the field, you're going to see good, sound baseball. All that said, a former co-worker of mine whose father is Chief of Security at Great American Ball Park said that no additional personnel were needed to come in to police the crowd. Imagine that? A rivlary game that doesn't need more Carl Winslow's in the stands.

And the rivalry is heating up on the field too.

Last year, the Reds won the N.L. Central, but struggled mighitily against the Cardinals. There was a brawl to open an August series in Cinicinnati after the Reds Brandon Phillips called the Cardinals team "little bit&#s". While I don't agree with Phillips saying that, I think it struck sparks that will last for a while. Yadier Molina refused some dap from Phillips (his pre-at bat ritual is one of the stranger ones in baseball) and that sparked a fight (go to about :25 to see the start of the brawl). It saw former Cardinal Scott Rolen grapple with Chris Carpenter and Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto kick Carpenter and former Reds catcher Jason LaRue (essentially ending LaRue's career).

This year, at the conclusion of Sunday's game, Reds closer Francisco Cordero got into it with several Cardinals players and pitching coach Dave Duncan for hitting Albert Pujols on the hand in the top of the 9th. While Cordero's pitch didn't look like it was on purpose (the tying run was coming to the plate in the form of Matt Holliday) it still added to this rivalry.

The incident prompted Reds Hall of Fame announcer Marty Brennaman to say that Chris Carpenter was a "whiner" for complaining about mound conditions and firework smoke that lingered for several innings. Carpenter also said that last year the Reds didn't properly rub down baseballs on a day he was pitching. Brennaman went on to call Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan "infantile", prompting Cardinals Manager Tony La Russa to say that Brennaman "needs to continue to earn the respect" that got him into the Hall of Fame.

When one team's radio broadcaster is trading salvos with another teams manager you know it's going to be good. And that's what is so right with this rivalry. Two teams in the same division that look like their on a collision course to compete all season long (sorry JM, I don't trust your Brewers...knock on wood). But I think there's a mutual respect there, at least from everyone but Brandon Phillips. But it's going to be an outstanding baseball season, and a great rivalry for the next few years. This is especially nice considering there's not going to be any news on the NFL front until June 3rd; the NBA is getting locked out as soon as the Dallas Mavericks hoist the Championship Banner (yeah, I went bold there), but baseball, at least for this summer, is just right.

The Reds and Cardinals next series is July 4th - 6th in St. Louis. I'd suggest, if you're a fan of baseball, make sure you tune in as I suspect it will probably be for the division lead. Again.

The Daily Rant: Caught RED-handed? Admit it.

So in case you all don't know, 23 year old Cincinnati Reds pitcher Mike Leake was arrested Monday afternoon for theft. In the downtown Cincinnati Macy's in Fountain Square, Leake took the price tags off six "American Rag" shirts that had a total value of $59.88. Leake makes $400,000 this year, and when he signed as a first-round draft pick last year, he received a $2.3 MILLION signing bonus. From this fact pattern, a few questions immediately need to be asked. First, who in god's name is wearing American Rag t-shirts? With these buttons? Is this a barcode? Yes, yes it is. I'm pretty sure only dj's and Jersey Shore characters should be wearing these shirts. Second, why did you have a credit card and $250 in cash but STILL attempt to steal shirts worth less than $10 a pop? You definitely have the money. Third, since when did the Reds play in "Reds Stadium," as you said to the arresting officer, and not "Great American Ballpark." But the point of the article is not to question why people steal, the point is to just wonder why Leake has attempted to rationalize his actions by coming up with a horrible excuse.

Leake came up with the following, which in my mind makes him look even worse. He claims to have purchased the shirts at an earlier date. But he didn't like the shirts, so he returned to Macy's to exchange them. On his own. Without an associate's help. Without going to the checkout counter. Now, we've all returned things to a store before. You go to the counter, say "Hey nice salesperson, I'd like to exchange this for something else." Then you go get your item, return to the desk, and exchange it. There may be some minor variations to this procedure, but it's basically the same. Leake isn't a homeless person, isn't broke, and has the money to pay for the damn shirts and legal fees. He's not even an NCAA athlete that "allegedly" doesn't get paid to play. So rather than attempt to save face by giving a crappy excuse, just say this: I screwed up, it was an error of judgment, I'm sorry. Then everybody moves on.

The public is forgiving to celebrities. We all know this. But when people give crappy excuses, it makes them look foolish. Mike Vrabel, NFLPA representative and a named Plaintiff in the lawsuit against the NFL, was arrested last month for walking into a deli at Belterra Casino in Indiana and taking eight bottles of beer. Dude, I've been to Belterra. Bottles of beer are $3.50 a pop. By my count, that's $30, including tip. According to the police report, the Indiana Gaming Commission just asked Vrabel to pay for the beer and return to his room. But instead, Vrabel was arrested for a Class D felony and then released a report saying the entire thing was just a "misunderstanding." So why didn't you just tell the Gaming Commission "My Bad," fork over the $30, and walk away? Because he thinks that being a celebrity or an athlete puts you above the law.

Apparently stupidity doesn't just stick with players, as even coaches can't avoid this sort of thing. Former Seton Hall coach Bobby Gonzalez was charged with shoplifting a $1,400 manpurse... excuse me, satchel... from a Polo store in New Jersey. Gonzalez and his wife left a bag in a restaurant. When they didn't return for the bag in twenty minutes, restaurant staff looked into the bag, finding it empty with a ripped sensor inside. Gonzalez, who made $435,000 the year before an undisclosed contract extension was signed, claimed that the charges stemmed from "a series of miscommunications and misunderstandings." What were those Bobby? Seriously, I'd love to hear what miscommunications happened while security cameras showed you grabbing a bag, removing the sensor, and walking out of the store with it. Just say you screwed up. You're not going to go to jail, so admit that you had an error of judgment. He probably can't figure out for the life of him why he doesn't have a job right now.

So, a lesson should be learned for future millionaires that think about committing a petty offense such as this. The public doesn't have sympathy for millionaires who get caught red-handed stealing things that a majority of average citizens can pay for, like beer and T-shirts. And when celebrities try and steal even more expensive things when they can afford it, like Bobby Gonzalez and Lindsay Lohan, it makes it even worse. So if you do decide to make an error in judgment, just admit your mistake and move on rather than give the public shady excuses and heartless apologies. You're going to look a lot less foolish in the end, and you'll be able to move on with your life without a serious hit to your reputation.

Sports Quick Hits

Some plans got changed around for me this weekend, and I ended up at the Reds games on Saturday and Sunday. I didn't have time to come up with a specific article on one topic, so consider this our version of ESPN's bottom line...just more descriptive.

A quick aside here, but after attending 4 Reds games in this young season, I think I can say that Reds fans might be some of the worst foul-ball catchers out there.

- First up, Chizzy and I have our alternating mock draft underway. I'll be handling the odd numbered picks, and he'll take care of the even numbered picks. We should have that up in the next couple of days.

- Sticking with the draft, I can't provide you with full disclosure, but what I can tell you is that Chris Kouffman, from the "Draft Winds" series I mentioned in my mock draft, will have his "Path to the Draft" episode aired sometime early this week. Obviously some of it will be scrubbed out due to time constraints, as you have in any interview. If you'll remember he was asked to come on the show for their piece on Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett...and let's just say that at some point this week a bomb is going to be dropped. And I'm not talking a conventional 500lb bomb, or even a MOAB (Mother of all bombs - considered to be the most powerful non-nuclear weapon)...it's going to be full nuclear. I'll give you a heads-up on what to look for when it happens, if you can't tell.

- One last NFL nuggett for you. Judge Nelson's "a few weeks" ruling will be at two this Thursday. It remains to be seen on whether or not she'll end the lockout, thus allowing the players to return to working out at their facilites. No word yet on free agency or the trading of players. Mediation begins again tomorrow, and DeMaurice Smith's hat collection will be there.

- If you remember Chizzy's article about Bryan Stow, it's regrettable to hear that he was put back into a medically induced coma over the weekend. Please remember to keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

- Thanks to Schwendy's NHL Preview, I found myself watching some hockey in the past few days. I guess if I had to pick a favorite team, it'd be the Rangers, as that was my dad's team (we used to live near New York City when I was 3). They lost to the Captials in OT despite being ahead late into the 3rd period. I got up after the game, and when I came back to the TV, the Canucks - Blackhawks game was about to start. A fat guy started singing "Oh Canada", with a more than raucous crowd joining in to the point the fat guy stopped and simply held the mic up for the crowd. This video isn't from the playoff game, and I'm not sure if this is how "Oh Canada" traditionally works in Vancouver, as the same fat dude is singing in every YouTube video I could find, but to give you a sense of how much Canadiens love hockey, watch this. Keep in mind this is from 2009, but it was the same last week. I doubt we'll be seeing something like this in the States, eh?

- Barry Bonds was convicted on obstruction of justice. And you expected something else to happen? I think it'd be better for baseball history if Bonds, McGwire, Sosa, Palmierio, et al just came out and admitted they used steroids. I mean, really, you're telling me this guy became this guy by hard work in the gym? Please.

- If Dwight Howard were on any other NBA playoff team, that team would win the championship hands down. He scored 46, Jameer Nelson scored 27. No other player on the Magic scored more than 6 points. You do the math.

- Chizzy's NBA Preview was pretty in line with my NBA Playoff fantasy picks. I'm part of a league called the "Fantasy Heptathlon", where we bet on seven different sporting events each year. As defending champion of the NBA Playoff picks, let me just say that I felt very, very shaky with my selections this year. Here are my first round picks (we must correctly identify the winner and the length of the series. 1 point is lost for each game you're off. For instance, if you picked the Bulls to sweep, and they do, you get 8 points).

Eastern Conference:

Bulls over Pacers in 4 - I went ballsy with that one.
Heat over 76ers in 5 - Yeah, I think Philly could steal one.
Celtics over Knicks in 6 - I regret picking this series to last that long already.
Magic over Hawks in 6 - To quote Homer J. Simpson, "Doh!"

Western Conference:

Spurs over Grizzlies in 7 - Feeling pretty good about this after Game 1.
Lakers over Hornets in 4 - Damn you Chris Paul.
Portland over Dallas in 6 - I got nothing.
Thunder over Nuggets in 6 - I've got the Thunder going to the West Finals.

- I'll keep you posted on how I'm doing. Hard to tell after each series has only 1 game played. That said, how do the NBA Playoffs last so long? I mean really, these teams all play back-to-back home and away games half the year. Just for an example, Orlando and Atlanta won't play their Game 3 until this Friday. It's no wonder people watch March Madness more, though I'll make one guarantee however. All games in the NBA Finals, however many there are, will ALL be better than Butler vs. UConn.

That's it for now, keep on the lookout for our Alternating Mock Draft, and for the bomb that's about to be dropped regarding Ryan Mallett.

The Daily Rant: Let's Not Get Ahead of Ourselves

So, we've got about eight baseball games in the books. There's been a lot of talk amongst my friends so far about how the Cleveland Indians and Baltimore Orioles are 6-2. Or how the perennial last place Pittsburgh Pirates are in second place in the NL Central. And how the World Series favorite Boston Red Sox are 1-7. Just yesterday I saw a poll on ESPN that already something like 85% of America believes the Red Sox won't make the playoffs.

I got news for you readers. Don't get your panties in a bunch about the standings yet, because 8 out of 162 is not that much. In fact, it's 4.9%. Not too big of a sample size. Which means there's still 95% of the baseball season left. That's a lot of games. We had a close knit group of friends in high school. One of them, Curry (be thankful I didn't use your actual nickname), is a huge Reds fan. Every year he would get really jacked up because the Reds were holding on at or near the top of the division. JShy (a huge Sox fan) and I would laugh, because every year around June 1st the Reds would begin their descent into the depths of the NL Central standings. JShy would win the $5 bet they make every year about who has the better record, and my Cardinals would take the Central division; EVERYBODY WINS! If only that was the case now, as the Reds seem primed for a long stay near the top of the division. Hold on a second as I grab a tissue to wipe away the tears over the death of the Cardinals dynasty.

Bringing us back on topic, the moral of the story: just because a team has a good start to the season doesn't mean that will hold up over the next 154 games. Now, those who disagree, what is that I'm hearing? You want evidence? Okay. I got your evidence right here. The following is taken after eight games the last three years.

Division Leaders - (record on that date, final record, final place in the standings).
April 13, 2010:
AL East - Toronto (6-2, 85-77, 4th place). Surprising start, not so surprising finish.
Al Central - Detroit (6-2, 81-81, 3rd place). Not that surprising, picked by many to finish in top two.
AL West - Oakland (6-3, 81-81, 2nd place). Surprising start, surprising finish above the Angels, as most picked the Angels to win the Division.
NL East - Philadelphia (6-1, 97-65, NL East Champs). Defending NLCS Champ. Not a shocker here.
NL Central - St. Louis (5-2, 86-76, 2nd place). My team always finishes near the top of the division, so no surprise. Second place: Pittsburgh (3-3, 54-102, dead last). Surpising start, typically pathetic finish.
NL West - San Francisco (6-2, 92-70, World Series Champs). And remember that they snuck into the playoffs on the season's last day or two after the Padres collapsed like a card table over the season's final two weeks.
Result: 2 out of 6 first place teams make the playoffs. 33%. Big whoop.

April 13, 2009:
AL East - Toronto (6-2, 75-87, 4th place). Second place: Baltimore (5-2, 64-98, dead last).
Al Central - Kansas City (4-3, 65-97, dead last) and Chicago (4-3, 79-83, 3rd place). Kansas City: This year's Cleveland. Sorry Tribe fans. Don't get ahead of yourselves.
AL West - Seattle (5-2, 75-87, 3rd place). Popular preseason pick to win the division; yeah, that worked out.
NL East - Florida (5-1, 87-75, 2nd place) and Atlanta (5-1, 86-76, 3rd place).
NL Central - St. Louis (6-2, 86-76, NL Central Champs). I HATE MATT HOLLIDAY. I HATE MATT HOLLIDAY. I HATE MATT HOLLIDAY.
NL West - San Diego (6-2, 75-87, 4th place).
Result: One team in 1st place make playoffs. 16.7% Two others finish with the third and fourth worst records in baseball (KC and Baltimore).

April 9, 2008:
AL East - Baltimore (6-1, 68-93, dead last). Apparently Baltimore has a tradition of hot starts, as well as a tradition of last place finishes.
Al Central - Kansas City (6-2, 75-87, 4th place). Ditto for KC.
AL West - LA Angels (6-4, 100-62, AL West Champs). Great team from start to finish. At least until the playoffs.
NL East - Florida (5-3, 84-77, 3rd place). Another ho hum season for the Fish.
NL Central - St. Louis (7-2, 86-76, 4th place). Gimme a second while I have a moment to gather my thoughts after remembering the Cards' September dive bomb after the Rick Ankiel PED use broke. Where is that guy now anyway? Bueller? Bueller?
NL West - Arizona (7-2, 82-80, 2nd place). Worst division ever, with the Dodgers winning at 84-78.
Result: One team in 1st place makes the playoffs. 16.7%.

3 Year Sample Size: 18 First place teams, 4, I REPEAT, 4, make the playoffs. For a staggering 22% clip. And of those four, the 2008 Angels and 2009 Cardinals were World Series favorites, and the 2010 Phillies were the two-time defending NLCS Champs. ONLY the 2010 San Francisco Giants could be considered a surprising team to make the playoffs after leading the division through the first eight games.

Those stats are exactly why I'm fully confident in Boston's ability to make the playoffs. Baseball wins come with a little luck, and some teams get more than others over the first week of the season. The Cardinals are 2-6, but could easily be 5-3 if Ryan Franklin wasn't an incompetent closer who can't finish a game to save his life (not to mention that atrocious goatee).

If you want a sufficient sample size, get back to me on June 1st (and given the Reds' early 2000's annual June slump, that date may be too early). By that point we'll have over 25% of the season out of the way. Then we can really start evaluating which teams are legitimate contenders, and which teams just had a little fun for the first week of the season. Until that date, just enjoy what you can Orioles and Indians fans. Because the ride's going to be over soon.

*** On another note: I lost a bet this weekend. As much as it pains me to say this, and as much as I want to punch him in the face, congratulations Michael Schwendemann on your victory over me at Crooked Tree Golf Club yesterday. It only took an 18th hole meltdown for you to beat me. But I'm still ahead in the all-time standings: 192-4. Ass. ***