Pricey Situation

The Red Sox are in danger of mimicking their epic collapse they had at the end of the 2011 season. That's right I said it. You might think that's coming out of left field but it's one of the first things I thought of when Dan Shaughnessy's wrote the details of the confrontation between Multi-time All-Star pitcher David Price and Hall of Fame pitcher and current team broadcaster Dennis Eckersley.  It was reported at the time that Price yelled at Eckersley on the team plane about comments he thought were too harsh. Now with Shaughnessy's article the dirt has been revealed. Price waited for Eckersley to board to embarrass Eck in front of the entire team to which many players reportedly applauded Price. 

The other big thought I had was ship Price out. With the trade deadline approaching and the timing of childish outbursts from Price being reported it would be irresponsible of Dombrowski if he didn't at least see what kind of value trading David Price would bring. After starting the season on the disabled list Price has been pitching well of late. He's a former Cy Young winner and only a couple season removed from being one of the league's best pitchers so he does have value. His contract is bad but his attitude is worse and getting rid of that attitude that belongs to the leader of the clubhouse is the best option at this point. The clubhouse is full of young impressionable players who seem to be learning how to be a professional from Price, and that is sad.  Oh but they need him for the playoffs right? Yeah they do... I mean they would if he actually could perform well in the playoffs. Considering he has no success as a starter in his playoff career. This is a case of addition by subtraction. The kind of attitude that Price has is not the kind that winners have. If you think chicken and beer was pathetic wait till we see what happens if Price is still the leader when the intensity of a pennant race in September is too difficult.

Zach Grenkie

43 2/3… This is a lot more than a number.  As many of you may know the meaning of this number is the amount of consecutive innings Los Angeles Dodger pitcher Zach Grenkie has pitched without allowing a run.  It’s also a symbol of the recognition Grenkie is finally receiving.

  In 2002 Grenkie was selected by the Kansas City Royals with the 6^th pick in the first round straight out of high school.   In 2006 he took a year off of baseball due to a social anxiety disorder.  Many people including Grenkie, thought his career would be over.  Grenkie was able to overcome his anxiety and rejoined the Royals in 2007.  He won the American league Cy Young award in 2009. 

A huge contract such as Grenkie’s $20 Million + a year can get in the head of athletes and affect their ability to play to their potential.  It’s kind of funny how it hasn’t for Grenkie considering his personal obstacles.  Nope not Grenkie, he has arguable been the best pitcher in baseball since signing the deal with the Dodgers in 2013.  He is doing all of this as a player who plays the most mental position in the most mental sport. 

Grenkie’s scoreless innings streak is impressive and he deserves all the credit and recognition he is receiving.  The most impressive part about it though, is the adversity he has had to fight through on his way to where he is today.  That is what makes him inspiring.   

What. A. Game.

They'll be partying in Kansas City tonight.  A game with expectations for a pitcher's duel has become a classic give and take by both teams.  For the first time since 1985 the Kansas City Royals are in the playoffs and they cashing in.  Down 7-3 in the eight the Royals relentless offense with the help of speed and some small ball tied it up in the 9th.

In the tenth inning the Royals trust a just drafted pitcher out of college in a pressure filled situation and he nails it. Finnegan pitched a 1.2.3 tenth, scoreless 11th before being relieved in the 12th.  Oakland Scored in the 12th but the Royals refused to quit.  Eric Hosmer hit a one out triple and then scored the tying run.  Later in the inning catcher Salvador Perez, previously 0-5 hits one down the third base line driving in the winning run.

THANK YOU CAPTAIN

"NOW BATTING FOR THE NEW YORK YANKEES, THE SHORTSTOP, NUMBER 2 DEREK JETER... NUMBER 2"- Bob Sheppard

An entrance that won't happen again…

 

In his final at bat at Yankee Stadium he went out in style.  He walked off in the bottom of the ninth.  It was a perfect ending to his last ever home-stand.  In his last at bat, on the road at Fenway Park vs. the Yankees’ arch rival Boston Red Sox, Jeter hit a classic Derek Jeter hit, an infield single which he legged out and drove in an RBI. He left to a standing ovation and chants of his name by the Fenway Faithful.  Truly a classy end to a career that never lacked in class.  

Before the game the Red Sox honored Jeter with former Red Sox greats, Former Celtic Paul Peirce, Former Patriot Troy Brown, and Bruins Legend Bobby Orr.  My favorite part however was when Pete Frates, creator of the famous ALS ice bucket challenge, was honored as well.  He thanked Jeter for participating in and spreading awareness to the ice bucket challenge and ALS.  It was a cool moment especially considering Frates was a baseball player for Boston College before he was diagnosed. The Sox ended the ceremony by giving Jeter a piece of the Green Monster which read RE2PECT.  A word that along with class defined his career.  He played with class and respect.

In an age where many athletes are just about the money, and winning isn't everything. Jeter gave it all every single time he stepped on the diamond.  He was the leader of one of the most historic sports franchises and helped the Yankees win five World Series titles. He was a perfect example for young baseball players to try to emulate on the field with his effort and leadership.  At the age of 26 Jeter was a 3 time World Series champion yet he never was satisfied.  He went in to each season with the goal of winning it all again, a goal he always did his best to achieve.  Players in the MLB today grew up idolizing Jeter.  He was a great role model in an industry where most players don't want to be one.  Next season won't be the same without him, the world of Baseball just lost a phenomenal, but in 5 years the Cooperstown will gain a legend.  

Thank You Jeter, the world of baseball tips its cap 2 you... Hell of a career.