Blog Feed: The Baseball Continuum

A Day With Legends: The 2013 Pepsi Max Field of Dreams Game

Published on 2013-05-19 14:33:19

You may have heard of the Pepsi Max Field of Dreams game, probably semi-heard during commercial breaks of MLB Network. Well, basically, it’s part old-timers game, and part fantasy camp. Two teams play a 6-inning game… with the catch being

MVP of Yesterday (May 18, 2013): Joey Votto

Published on 2013-05-19 10:28:54

Joey Votto had six plate appearances yesterday. He reached base six times. 4 hits, 2 walks, a HR and a comparatively unimpressive 2 RBIs. And so, he is the MVP of Yesterday, his 2nd of the year. MVP standings after … Continue reading →

MVP of Yesterday (May 17, 2013): Aramis Ramirez

Published on 2013-05-18 12:13:40

Aramis Ramirez had 6 RBIs yesterday, but the Brewers lost, so I guess he’s now eligible for a “I won the MVP of Yesterday and all I got was this T-Shirt” T-shirt. Note: There is no such T-shirt. As always, … Continue reading &

Picture of the day: Bo walks on a wall

Published on 2013-05-17 17:32:18

MVP of Yesterday (May 16, 2013): Will Middlebrooks

Published on 2013-05-17 15:39:42

Will Middlebrooks had only one hit yesterday, but it was a big one: a 8th-inning double that brought home three runs to put the Red Sox ahead 4-3, which would turn out to be the final score. MVP Standings, as … Continue reading →

The Unwritten Rules of Watching Baseball

Published on 2013-05-16 20:29:11

There are unwritten rules of playing baseball, but what are the unwritten rules of watching baseball? Or at least rules of thumbs or something… Well…. Veeck’s Law: The knowledge of baseball at a major league game is usually inverse

MVP of Yesterday (May 15, 2013): Shin-Soo Choo

Published on 2013-05-16 12:16:44

Yesterday’s MVP? Shin-Soo Choo of the Reds, who went 4-5 with 2 HR and 3 RBIs in Cincinnati’s win against the Marlins yesterday. MVP Standings, as always, after the jump: Bryce Harper: 3 Brandon Moss: 2 Jordan Zimmermann: 2 Miguel …

How the Yankees are pulling it off

Published on 2013-05-15 13:52:16

As of this writing, the New York Yankees are in first place in the American League East with a 25-14 record, despite the fact that they are supposed to be old, injured and dysfunctional. I mean, that’s what everyone was … Continue reading

Picture of the Day: Hank Gowdy

Published on 2013-05-15 11:27:48

MVP of Yesterday (May 14, 2013): Carlos Gonzalez

Published on 2013-05-15 10:08:05

Carlos Gonzalez had five plate appearances yesterday. He got a hit in all of them, and two of them were homers. This allows him to narrowly beat out Clayton Kershaw for the MVP of Yesterday. MVP Standings after the jump. … Continue reading U

Picture of the Day: Meeting to dicuss ground rules

Published on 2013-05-14 12:27:32

MVP of Yesterday (May 13, 2013): Aaron Hicks

Published on 2013-05-14 10:39:28

Aaron Hicks of the Minnesota Twins had the game of his young career, hitting two home runs and robbing another. MVP Standings, as always, after the jump: Bryce Harper: 3 Brandon Moss: 2 Jordan Zimmermann: 2 Miguel Cabrera: 2 Yu … Continue readi

MVP of Yesterday (May 12, 2013): Chris Sale

Published on 2013-05-13 13:32:49

Chris Sale threw a one-hitter against the Angels. Seriously, it seems like everything has been thrown this year EXCEPT a no-hitter. MVP Standings under the jump: Bryce Harper: 3 Brandon Moss: 2 Jordan Zimmermann: 2 Miguel Cabrera: 2 Yu Darvish: ̷

Picture of the day: The Owners of the American League, 1911

Published on 2013-05-12 12:27:20

MVP of Yesterday (May 11, 2013): Adam Wainwright

Published on 2013-05-12 11:57:37

Adam Wainwright brought a no-hitter into the 8th in his shut-out victory over the Rockies. This is usually a good way of getting an MVP of Yesterday. MVP standings, as always, after the jump: Bryce Harper: 3 Brandon Moss: 2 … Continue reading &

Quote of the Day (May 11, 2013)

Published on 2013-05-11 22:31:34

Ty Cobb: When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch.

Picture of the day: Batboys?

Published on 2013-05-11 10:45:16

MVP of Yesterday (May 10, 2013): Shelby MIller

Published on 2013-05-11 09:43:41

Lots of choices for yesterday- Jon Lester, for example, threw a one-hit, no-walk shutout, and Alex Cobb of the Rays struck out 13, which is really amazing when you consider he didn’t even go 5 full innings… but Shelby Miller … Conti

Quote of the Day (May 10, 2013)

Published on 2013-05-10 18:08:50

Bill James: Do we need to have 280 brands of breakfast cereal? No, probably not. But we have them for a reason – because some people like them. It’s the same with baseball statistics.

The All-Announcer Team

Published on 2013-05-10 15:18:02

This certainly has been done before, but I thought I’d do it: What if you had to make a team made up of announcers and color commentators (either as regulars or as common fill-ins) from either TV or Radio, assuming … Continue reading U

Expanding on my idea for future WBCs

Published on 2013-05-10 13:41:09

Awhile ago, I briefly had some thoughts on how the World Baseball Classic could change and expand in the future. I figured I would expand a bit on that for this, the BASEBALL CONTINUUM 1ST ANNIVERSARY SPECTACULAR (or, rather, the … Continue rea

Picture of the Day: Random photo of Ward Miller of the St. Louis Federal League team

Published on 2013-05-10 12:06:58

MVP of Yesterday (May 9, 2013): SCOTT KAZMIR!?!?!

Published on 2013-05-10 11:51:44

Yesterday, Scott Kazmir through six 5-hit innings, striking out 10. Yes, Scott Kazmir. And for this, resurrecting his career when all thought it was over, he is named MVP of Yesterday. MVP Standings after the jump: Bryce Harper: 3 Brandon … Con

Quote of the Day (May 9, 2013)

Published on 2013-05-09 20:23:26

Joe Garagiola sums it all up: Baseball is drama with an endless run and an ever-changing cast.

The First Anniversary Spectacular Has Just Started

Published on 2013-05-09 14:52:56

Well, it turns out that I didn’t get to all of my ideas for the First Anniversary Spectacular (and, honestly, I didn’t want to overflow the inboxes of people who subscribe to this via e-mail THAT much), so in the … Continue reading

Link of the undetermined amount of time: Nachos.

Published on 2013-05-09 12:55:27

Smithsonian Magazine‘s website has an article up on the history of ballpark nachos. This is important, people.

Picture of the Day: It Hit The Railing

Published on 2013-05-09 12:00:23

As you can see, Adam Rosales’ hit struck the railing above the yellow line, meaning it should have been a game-tying HR.

MVP of Yesterday (May 7, 2013): Angel Hernandez

Published on 2013-05-09 11:06:57

Angel Hernandez, Umpire, was instrumental in Cleveland’s victory over Oakland yesterday, somehow missing a call even with the help of replay that would have shown that Oakland’s Adam Rosales had hit a game-tying HR in the 9th inning. But,

Quote of the Day (May 8, 2013)

Published on 2013-05-08 22:37:40

Take it, YogI: Little League baseball is a very good thing because it keeps the parents off the streets.

Famous For Something Else: Rethinking Jim Thorpe’s Baseball Career

Published on 2013-05-08 18:16:04

It’s sometimes said that Jim Thorpe, for all his great talent, couldn’t hit a curveball, and that baseball was his worst sport. Well, maybe, but then you look at his statistics. Take a look: Year Age Tm Lg G PA … Continue reading &#

The Favorite Memories of Baseball Writers, Bloggers, Analysts and Fans

Published on 2013-05-08 17:00:45

For this first anniversary, I decided to write. Not just articles, though. I decided to write people- as many of the baseball writers, analysts and bloggers I could think of. I asked what seemed to be a simple question: what … Continue reading

Bizarre Baseball Culture: The Shield must solve “The Ballpark Murders”

Published on 2013-05-08 16:10:39

In Bizarre Baseball Culture, I take a look at some of the more unusual places where baseball has reared it’s head in pop culture and fiction. One of the main types of Superhero is the patriotic hero, wrapped in the … Continue reading →

The Two Rules that Could Speed Up the Game

Published on 2013-05-08 14:21:06

The biggest complaint about baseball is that it can go very, very long, and is more-or-less getting longer as batters are encouraged to work the count. But what can be done? You can’t just tell players they can’t try to … Continue r

Thank You, Capitalism: Five Baseball Things You Need to Own (By Michael Clair)

Published on 2013-05-08 11:34:07

And now, a special guest post by our friend Mike Clair from Old Time Family Baseball: Sure, anyone can purchase a throwback jersey, have a wall dedicated to obscure bobbleheads, and even tattoo phrases like “TOOTBLAN” on their toot-maker

MVP of Yesterday (May 7): Matt Harvey

Published on 2013-05-08 09:27:30

Okay, Matt Harvey is the MVP of Yesterday- I mean, if not for a Alex Rios infield-hit he would have had 9 perfect innings (although who knows what may have happened in the 10th, assuming he still would have pitched, … Continue reading →

Picture of the day: Ballgame at Manzanar

Published on 2013-05-08 07:04:56

During WWII, as the nation entered a hysteria after the Pearl Harbor attacks, Americans of Japanese descent were rounded up and moved into internment camps. One of the great shames of American history, the internees none-the-less formed communities i

Welcome to the The Baseball Continuum 1st Anniversary Spectacular

Published on 2013-05-08 07:00:55

At 4:27 PM on May 8th, 2012, the Baseball Continuum opened. In honor of that, there will be plenty of posts today honoring this anniversary. So be sure to check back frequently!

Quote of the Day (May 7, 2013)

Published on 2013-05-07 21:44:02

From Lefty Gomez, an underrated source of baseball quotes: “The secret of my success was clean living and a fast outfield.”

Random Video Of The Undetermined Amount Of Time: Matt Kemp is awesome

Published on 2013-05-07 15:15:44

Matt Kemp visited a disabled Dodgers fan after a Giants-Dodgers game last weekend and signed a ball for him. And gave him his hat. And his jersey. And his cleats.

Picture of the Day: Harry Moran, Buffalo of the Federal League

Published on 2013-05-07 10:37:34

MVP of Yesterday (May 6, 2013): Stephen Drew

Published on 2013-05-07 10:18:40

Yesterday’s MVP was Stephen Drew (beating out, amongst others, Andrelton Simmons), who went 4-5 with a HR and 3 RBIs, including the game-winning double in extra innings. MVP Standings (after jump): Bryce Harper: 3 Brandon Moss: 2 Jordan Zimmerm

Quote of the Day (May 6, 2013)

Published on 2013-05-06 21:40:02

Bob Uecker: The way to catch a knuckleball is to wait until the ball stops rolling and then to pick it up.

Picture of the Day: A Weird and Clearly Edited Photo of Rube Marquad

Published on 2013-05-06 14:31:10

MVP of Yesterday (May 5, 2013): Yu Darvish

Published on 2013-05-06 10:59:08

Justin Verlander may have had a no-hitter through seven, but Yu Darvish struck out 14 and gave up only 4 hits (although two of them were homers) as he got the tough-luck no-decision against the Red Sox yesterday. Darvish is … Continue reading &

Quote of the Day (May 5, 2013)

Published on 2013-05-05 21:51:22

Bill Veeck: If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can’t get you off.

Cool Link: Diamond Mines Scouting Reports Database

Published on 2013-05-05 14:54:12

Continuum Global News has been delayed until the First Anniversary Spectacular this Wednesday. In it’s stead, here is a cool link. The Hall of Fame is opening an exhibit about scouting, which is neat. But even cooler is that they’ve ̷

Picture of the Day: Young Branch Rickey

Published on 2013-05-05 12:29:25

MVP of Yesterday (May 4, 2013): Miguel Cabrera

Published on 2013-05-05 11:38:21

Miguel Cabrera is good at baseball. We all know this, but when he gets 2 HRs and 6 RBIs like he did yesterday in the 17-2 Tigers rout over the Astros, we are reminded of it.  It’s his second MVP … Continue reading →

Quote of the Day (May 4, 2013)

Published on 2013-05-04 20:57:02

Gene Mauch: “I’m not the manager because I’m always right, but I’m always right because I’m the manager.”

Picture of the Day: Ray Schalk

Published on 2013-05-04 12:05:28

MVP of Yesterday (May 3, 2013): Drew Stubbs

Published on 2013-05-04 10:37:03

Drew Stubbs went 4-5 and had the game-winning RBI with his extra-innings double to give the Indians a 7-6 victory over the Twins. MVP Standings (after jump): Bryce Harper: 3 Brandon Moss: 2 Jordan Zimmermann: 2 Clayton Kershaw: 1 Yu … Continue

Quote of the Day (May 3, 2013)

Published on 2013-05-03 20:44:57

A little bit of Stengelese tonight: There are three things you can do in a baseball game. You can win, or you can lose, or it can rain.

Picture of the day (May 3, 2013): Babe Ruth at a Milk Bar

Published on 2013-05-03 14:41:05

MVP of Yesterday (May 2, 2013): Denard Span

Published on 2013-05-03 09:34:22

Going 3-4 with 2 RBIs and a walk, Denard Span is the MVP of Yesterday. According to Fangraphs, Span had the best WAR (Wins Above Replacement) and the third best Win Points Added amongst hitters yesterday, as he paced the … Continue reading U

Quote of the day (May 2, 2013)

Published on 2013-05-02 19:34:18

Nolan Ryan: “It helps if the hitter thinks you’re a little crazy.”

Picture of the day: Connie Mack takes in a game from the stands

Published on 2013-05-02 14:48:33

MVP of Yesterday (May 1, 2013): Jordan Zimmermann

Published on 2013-05-02 11:48:04

Mike Napoli had a great day at the plate, going 3-4 with 2 HRs, but that came in a blowout win. Jordan Zimmermann, however, went 8 scoreless innings in a tight 2-0 Nationals’ win over the Braves. With Strasburg having … Continue reading &

Quote of the Day (May 1, 2013)

Published on 2013-05-01 22:36:51

Pete Rose: I’d walk through hell in a gasoline suit to play baseball.

One week until the 1st Anniversary Spectacular!

Published on 2013-05-01 15:47:48

Why haven’t there been as many big, long articles on the Continuum of late? Well, as I’ve said earlier, it has to do with the fact that coming up is the Baseball Continuum 1st Anniversary Spectacular! It’ll have new installments 

Picture of the day: Stereograph of men and women playing baseball

Published on 2013-05-01 11:13:55

MVP of Yesterday (April 30): Tim Hudson

Published on 2013-05-01 11:02:43

Tim Hudson threw 7 innings of 3-hit ball, giving up one run. But don’t worry, he got that run right back with a home run of his own. MVP Standings (after jump): Bryce Harper: 3 Brandon Moss: 2 Clayton Kershaw: … Continue reading →

Quotes of the Day (April 30, 2013)

Published on 2013-04-30 20:24:12

I forgot to do a quote of the day yesterday, so here are two quotes from Satchel Paige: “If a man can beat you, walk him.” “I ain’t ever had a job, I just always played baseball.”

German ballplayer Donald Lutz made history last night

Published on 2013-04-30 14:25:30

Last night, during the Reds-Cardinals game, history was made: Donald Lutz made his debut, grounding out in his lone pinch-hit AB against Adam Wainwright. What’s so special about that, you ask? Well, Lutz, in making his Reds debut, became the &#

Picture of the Day: An Old Baseball Card

Published on 2013-04-30 11:26:36

MVP of Yesterday (April 29, 2013): Brandon Moss

Published on 2013-04-30 10:53:43

Well, there was a 19-inning thriller between the Athletics and Angels last night, and the A’s finally came out on top when Brandon Moss went deep in the 19th for a walk-out. It was his second dinger of the night … Continue reading →

Baseball Continuum Classic Story: The Biggest Stories That Haven’t Happened Yet (Originally published April 10, 2013)

Published on 2013-04-29 18:59:56

In the wake of NBA Center Jason Collins “coming out of the closet” today, and becoming the first “Big Four” active player to do so, I was reminded of a post I did earlier this month: The Biggest Stories That … Continue r

Picture of the Day: Joe DiMaggio giving a kid some hitting tips

Published on 2013-04-29 14:19:21

MVP of Yesterday (April 28, 2013): Giancarlo Stanton

Published on 2013-04-29 13:55:11

Giancarlo Stanton didn’t do well in the WBC, he wasn’t so hot in Spring Training either, if memory serves. And he hasn’t been doing well in the regular season either. But, well, the one guy on the Marlins you can … Continue re

Quote of the Day (April 28, 2013)

Published on 2013-04-28 21:56:43

Casey Stengel on the 1962 Mets: “Can’t anybody here play this game?”

Review of “42″

Published on 2013-04-28 16:32:11

“Continuum Global News” will return next week, but better late than never, here’s my review of 42: Jackie Robinson was, without question, the most important baseball player of the 20th century. While Babe Ruth may have been the most

Picture of the Day: The Many Pitches of Yu Darvish

Published on 2013-04-28 12:35:01

MVP of Yesterday (April 27, 2013): Carlos Gomez

Published on 2013-04-28 11:25:59

Going 3-5 with a HR and 2 RBIs that helped the Brewers to a 6-4 win over the Dodgers, Carlos Gomez is the MVP of Yesterday. Go below the jump for the MVP Standings: Bryce Harper: 3 Clayton Kershaw: 1 … Continue reading →

Quote of the Day (April 27, 2013)

Published on 2013-04-27 20:51:25

Amazingly, I haven’t done a Yogi-Ism yet. Time to solve that: “You can observe a lot by watching.”

Picture of the day: A Team of Young Glass Workers, 1908

Published on 2013-04-27 14:49:57

MVP of Yesterday: Jordan Zimmermann

Published on 2013-04-27 10:56:26

Anibal Sanchez may have had 17 Ks, but Jordan Zimmermann‘s 1-hit, 1-walk complete game 1-0 shutout victory over the Reds wins the MVP of Yesterday. The reason is that- while Sanchez’s game was better, Zimmermann’s performance was mo

Quote of the Day (April 26, 2013)

Published on 2013-04-26 21:20:01

Mike Piazza on slumps… and the one man he thought never got any: “One thing anyone can go through is a slump. Unless you’re Greg Maddux, it’s going to happen to everybody.”

Picture of the day: Ted Williams goes fishing

Published on 2013-04-26 16:29:31

MVP of Yesterday (April 25, 2013): David Ortiz

Published on 2013-04-26 10:08:18

Going 3-4 with a homer and two RBIs, David Ortiz is the MVP of Yesterday. MVP Standings (after jump): Bryce Harper: 3 Clayton Kershaw: 1 Yu Darvish: 1 Cliff Pennington: 1 Cliff Lee: 1 Chris Davis: 1 Justin Upton: 1 … Continue reading →

Quote of the Day (April 25, 2013)

Published on 2013-04-25 17:10:12

Today’s quote comes from pollster (and former baseball sabermatrician) Nate Silver: Any one game in baseball doesn’t tell you that much, just as any one poll doesn’t tell you that much.

Picture of the Day: Nice Catch, Jerry!

Published on 2013-04-25 11:25:59

Whoops! Looks like the GIF isn’t working. So go to this link to see a nice catch by Jerry Hairston Jr.

Off-Topic Thursday: Summer Trailer Spectacular

Published on 2013-04-25 11:00:37

During the off-season, I occasionally had a “Off-Topic Tuesday” where I talked about stuff outside of baseball- usually something related to popular culture. Well, during the season, look for “Off-Topic Thursdays”, in which, w

MVP of Yesterday (April 24, 2013): Alex Cobb

Published on 2013-04-25 10:08:50

Going 8.1 innings, giving up just 3 hits and striking out 7, Alex Cobb of the Rays is yesterday’s MVP. Go below the jump for the MVP standings: Bryce Harper: 3 Clayton Kershaw: 1 Yu Darvish: 1 Cliff Pennington: 1 … Continue reading →

Quote of the Day (April 24, 2013)

Published on 2013-04-24 18:00:26

Today’s quote comes from Jim Abbott: “One of the beautiful things about baseball is the history.”

The Famous For Something Else Index (as of April 24, 2013)

Published on 2013-04-24 16:18:13

Want to see all of the “Famous For Something Else” features so far? Go through the links below: Mario Cuomo (Governor of New York State from 1983-1994) Randy “Macho Man” Savage (Wrestler) Ricky Williams (NFL Running Back) John

Famous For Something Else: Scott Patterson

Published on 2013-04-24 14:55:38

I’m starting to scrape the bottom of the barrel of baseball players who became famous for doing something else, to the point where I’m now doing TV actors I had to look up on IMDB. So, anyway, here are the … Continue reading →

Picture of the day: The First (Exhibition) Game at Ebbets Field

Published on 2013-04-24 11:23:14

MVP of Yesterday (April 23, 2013): Mark Ellis

Published on 2013-04-24 10:54:38

The MVP of Yesterday is Mark Ellis, who went 4-5 with two homers and two four RBIs in the Dodgers’ win against the Mets. Honorable Mentions: Adam Wainwright, Justin Upton, Howie Kendrick, Patrick Corbin MVP standings below the jump: Bryce ̷

Quote of the Day (April 23)

Published on 2013-04-23 18:25:38

Today’s quote comes from Hank Aaron: Failure is a part of success.

RANDOM THING: Ninja Baseball Batman

Published on 2013-04-23 12:28:31

I am working on an article about my memories of some of the great baseball video games of the past, but while doing research, I have found something that will blow everyone’s mind: Ninja Baseball Batman. What is Ninja Baseball … Continue

Picture of the Day: Bubbles Hargrave

Published on 2013-04-23 11:24:20

Bubbles Hargrave had a brief appearance with the Cubs before WWI before becoming a mainstay of the Cincinnati Reds in the 1920s. Here’s a picture of him with the Cubs, from the Library of Congress:

MVP of Yesterday (April 22, 2013): Jay Bruce

Published on 2013-04-23 10:17:20

The MVP of Yesterday is Jay Bruce, who went 2-5 with a HR and 3 RBIs. However, it’s not just that: in the bottom of the 13th inning of Cincinnati’s game against the Cubs, his 2-run double tied up the … Continue reading →

Quote of the Day for April 22, 2013

Published on 2013-04-22 19:09:52

From Honus Wagner: “I won’t play for a penny less than fifteen hundred dollars.”

Picture of the day: Johnny Evers and “Gettysburg” Eddie Plank

Published on 2013-04-22 11:39:16

MVP of Yesterday (April 21, 2013): Joey Votto

Published on 2013-04-22 11:17:44

Yesterday’s MVP is Joey Votto, who went 3-5 with a HR. Honorable Mentions: Nelson Cruz, Yuni Escobar, Greg Holland, Ervin Santana MVP Standings (under jump): Bryce Harper: 3 Clayton Kershaw: 1 Yu Darvish: 1 Cliff Pennington: 1 Cliff Lee: 1 R

Quote of the Day (April 21, 2013)

Published on 2013-04-21 16:30:50

Today’s quote is by Connie Mack: “There has been only one manager, and his name is John McGraw.”

Continuum Global News (Week leading up to April 21): News from Japan, Korea, Mexico, Europe and More

Published on 2013-04-21 12:00:06

News and Standings from across the wide world of baseball (THIS IS A BIG POST SO THERE IS A JUMP AFTER THE FIRST FEW PARAGRAPHS): Asia: In Asia, baseball season is now in full swing, with Japan, Korea and Taiwan … Continue reading →

Picture of the day: Desmond Jennings, Center Fielder, does a unassisted double play

Published on 2013-04-21 11:31:11

This can only happen when a hit and run play goes horribly, horribly wrong.

MVP of Yesterday (4-20-2013): Bryce Harper… again.

Published on 2013-04-21 10:39:40

3-for-3. Two homers. 3 RBIs. A walk. All in a close 7-6 Nationals win. Bryce Harper is pulling ahead in the MVP standings (which can be found after the jump). Honorable mentions: Daniel Nava, Lorenzo Cain, Joey Votto, Chris Davis, … Continue re

Quote of the day for April 20, 2013

Published on 2013-04-20 22:38:37

From Leo Durocher: “Baseball is like church. Many attend, few understand.”

Picture of the Day: Fenway back in the 1910s

Published on 2013-04-20 10:55:14

MVP of Yesterday (April 19, 2013): Matt Harvey

Published on 2013-04-20 09:53:53

The MVP of Yesterday is the Mets’ Matt Harvey, who out-pitched Stephen Strasburg, going 7 innings of 4-hit and one run ball while striking out seven. Honorable Mentions: Travis Hafner, Yu Darvish, Wandy Rodriguez, Justin Ruggiano MVP Standings

Quote of the Day for April 19

Published on 2013-04-19 21:18:57

Today’s quote comes from Bob Feller, on his time in World War 2: I’m no hero. Heroes don’t come back. Survivors return home. Heroes never come home. If anyone thinks I’m a hero, I’m not.

Picture of the Day: Derek Jeter Scouting Report

Published on 2013-04-19 11:05:21

By way of Reddit and Twitter, here’s how the Colorado Rockies scouted Derek Jeter of Kalamazoo, Michigan back in 1992: Let’s see here… this Rockies scout figured he had below-average hitting potential, but good speed, fielding, arm

MVP of Yesterday (April 18, 2013): Chris Johnson

Published on 2013-04-19 08:15:01

Yesterday’s MVP was Chris Johnson of the Braves, who went 3-4 with a HR and 2 RBIs in a tight 6-4 win over Pittsburgh. Honorable mentions: Matt Wieters, Cody Ross, Yovani Gallardo MVP Standings after the Jump: Bryce Harper: 2 … Continue r

Quote of the day for April 18, 2013

Published on 2013-04-18 17:33:26

Ty Cobb on Babe Ruth: I can’t honestly say that I appreciate the way in which he changed baseball — from a game of science to an extension of his powerful slugging — but he was the most natural and … Continue reading →

Picture of the day: One of these guys is a Hall of Famer. I sure hope you can spot him.

Published on 2013-04-18 12:48:03

MVP of Yesterday (April 17, 2013): Bryce Harper

Published on 2013-04-18 12:45:55

Bryce Harper may not have had the most RBIs or the clutchest hits. But he did have 4 hits… despite flu-like symptoms that had him at one point vomiting between innings. With this, Harper becomes the first two-time winner of … Continue rea

Quote of the Day for April 17, 2013

Published on 2013-04-17 21:35:52

Babe Ruth on Ty Cobb: “Cobb is a prick. But he sure can hit. God Almighty, that man can hit.”

Picture of the day: Boston Strong

Published on 2013-04-17 16:08:35

The MVP of Yesterday (April 16, 2013): Miguel Cabrera

Published on 2013-04-17 11:59:53

By going 3-5 with a HR and 4 RBIs in a win against the Mariners, Miguel edges out David Wright, Joe Mauer, Robinson Cano and others for the MVP of Yesterday. The MVP standings can be seen below the jump: … Continue reading →

Quote of the Day for April 16, 2013

Published on 2013-04-16 18:54:59

Today’s quote comes from Roberto Clemente: ”Any time you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don’t, then you are wasting your time on Earth.”

Picture of the day: You’ll believe a ballplayer can fly

Published on 2013-04-16 12:03:17

(That’s a GIF of Ben Revere making a catch that would make Jim Edmonds proud.)

The MVP of Yesterday: The Real Heroes

Published on 2013-04-16 05:00:25

Today, I’m not going to write about yesterday’s baseball MVP (although I did pick one- you can see who it was by going down). Instead, I’m going to talk about real heroes. People like these guys. Or these guys. Or … Continue r

Quote of the Day for April 15, 2013

Published on 2013-04-15 17:00:47

This is a new feature where I will post a quote every day. From now on, expect three to four posts every day, sometimes five: MVP of Yesterday, Picture of the Day, Quote of the Day and a unique post … Continue reading →

Picture of the Day: 42

Published on 2013-04-15 09:54:45

(This picture was taken by PVSBond, used under a creative commons license)

MVP of Yesterday (April 14, 2013): Hiroki Kuroda

Published on 2013-04-15 09:18:34

Throwing a complete game 5-hit shutout against the Orioles, Hiroki Kuroda of the Yankees is the MVP of Yesterday. Honorable Mentions: Michael McHenry, Clay Buchholz, Josh Hamilton, Austin Jackson MVP Standings (after jump): Clayton Kershaw: 1 Yu Darv

Picture of the Day: Oscar Stanage

Published on 2013-04-14 14:03:58

Today’s random find from the Library of Congress Flickr Feed is of Oscar Stanage, who played parts of 14 years in the big leagues, mainly with Detroit.

MVP of Yesterday (April 13, 2013): Adam Wainwright

Published on 2013-04-14 11:49:42

Perhaps had Matt Harvey gotten a no-hitter, he would have been the MVP. But he didn’t so Adam Wainwright wins it. In his 8-0 complete game shutout victory over the Brewers yesterday, Wainwright not only struck out 12 while giving … Contin

Picture of the day: Everett Scott (also, a look at some of the weird connections between him, Wally Pipp, and Lou Gehrig)

Published on 2013-04-13 15:11:21

Cal Ripken broke Lou Gehrig‘s record…. but who had the record before Lou Gehrig? Well, the answer is this man, Everett Scott. He played in 1,307 straight games from Juny 20, 1916 to May 6, 1925. It remains the third … Continue readi

MVP of Yesterday (April 12, 2013): Justin Masterson

Published on 2013-04-13 11:35:06

The MVP of Yesterday is Justin Masterson of the Indians, who threw a 5-hit shutout with seven strikeouts that allowed the Indians to pull off a 1-0 walk-off victory over the White Sox on a Nick Swisher single. Honorable mentions: … Continue rea

Blog Dealings for April 12 (and notes on the oncoming 1st Anniversary)

Published on 2013-04-12 13:00:22

Okay, some brief blog dealings for today: In order to have a better product and not just a list of scores, the “Continuum Global News” feature will from now on become a once-weekly feature, released on the weekends. However, on … Co

MVP of Yesterday (April 11): Bryce Harper

Published on 2013-04-12 10:53:33

Going 2-3 with 2 RBIs and 2 walks, Bryce Harper helped pace the Washington Nationals to a 7-4 win over the White Sox. Honorable Mentions: Adam Jones, Prince Fielder, Josh Donaldson, Doug Fister, Pre-Injury Zack Greinke MVP standings (under jump): 

Carlos Quentin has broken The Code and will suffer the consequences

Published on 2013-04-12 10:44:35

The Code. The unwritten rules by which all baseball players live by, held intuitively inside every clubhouse from Little League to the Majors. Rules like… Don’t steal when you have a big lead. Don’t mention a no-hitter in progress.

Video of the Undetermined Amount of Time: Quentin charges Greinke

Published on 2013-04-11 23:33:14

Carlos Quentin charged the mound against Zack Greinke during tonight’s game between the Padres and the Dodgers. Here’s the video if you missed it.

Neat Website of the Undetermined Amount of Time: Bleacher Weather

Published on 2013-04-11 16:19:51

After seeing what Target Field looks like today, I thought I’d share a link with you: Bleacher Weather, which superimposes the location of stadiums onto a weather map and gives you forecasts when you click on the stadium locations.

Continuum Global News for 4-11-2013

Published on 2013-04-11 14:31:37

News and Scores from around the world of baseball: NPB (Japan, from games of 4-10-2013): Seibu Lions 4, Chiba Lotte Marines 1 Fukuoka Softbank Hawks 7, Orix Buffaloes 6 Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters 4, Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles 1 Hanshin … Co

The MVP of Yesterday (April 10, 2013): Brandon Moss

Published on 2013-04-11 10:32:50

The MVP of Yesterday is Brandon Moss of the Athletics, who went 3-5 with 2 walks, a triple, a HR and 5 RBIs. The .318 WPA was one of the highest in the big leagues yesterday, as well. Honorable mentions: … Continue reading →

Continuum Global News for 4-10-2013

Published on 2013-04-10 15:13:10

Scores and News from around the world (below the jump): NPB (Japan- games from 4-9): Seibu Lions 4, Chiba Lotte Marines 1 Orix Buffaloes 4, Fukuoka Softbank Hawks 2 Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters 6, Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles 0 Yomiuri … Contin

The Biggest Stories That Haven’t Happened Yet

Published on 2013-04-10 11:26:08

I once wrote an article on things that hadn’t happened in a baseball game yet. Today’s article is about something else: the biggest baseball stories that haven’t happened yet, the ones off the field (or at least not only on …

The MVP of Yesterday (April 9, 2013): Robinson Cano

Published on 2013-04-10 10:30:48

The Yankees again routed the Indians yesterday, led by Robinson Cano, who went 4-6 with a HR and 5 RBIs. While the game wasn’t close enough for this to truly make a difference, it is hard to ignore, making him … Continue reading →

Continuum Global News for 4-9-2013

Published on 2013-04-09 10:23:36

Recent results from around the world: NPB (Japan- through 11:06 AM ET of 4-9-2013): Chiba 3, Seibu 2 Orix 2, Fukuoka 1 Rakuten 9, Hokkaido Nippon Ham 1 Hanshin 2, Yomiuri 0 Chunichi 5, Yakult 0 Hiroshima 9, Yokohama 2 … Continue reading →

The MVP of Yesterday (April 8, 2013): Travis Hafner

Published on 2013-04-09 09:43:22

Travis Hafner is the MVP of Yesterday, as he went 2-3 with a HR, 4 RBIs and two walks in his return to Cleveland with the Yankees. Honorable Mentions: Clay Buchholz, Ervin Santana, Marty Foster’s blown call, several members of … Continue

The MVP of Yesterday (April 7, 2013): Billy Butler

Published on 2013-04-08 12:18:21

There were lots of good candidates for the MVP of yesterday, but I’m going with Billy Butler of the Royals. The main reason for this is because Butler’s 7 RBIs made up seven of Kansas City’s 9 runs as they … Continue reading &

Today is the 20th Anniversary of “The Sandlot”

Published on 2013-04-07 15:06:52

Today is the 20th Anniversary of The Sandlot. Two things: A) This makes me feel old (I must have watched that movie on VHS 200 times as a kid). B) If you haven’t seen this movie, well… you’re killing me, … Continue reading 

Continuum Global News (April 7, 2013): Current Standings

Published on 2013-04-07 11:46:36

Below the jump you can find the current standings of some prominent leagues outside of the USA: NPB (Japan- current as of April 7): Central League: 1.Yomiuri 7-0-1 2.Yakult 5-4-0 3.Yokohama 4-4-0 4.Hanshin 3-5-0 5.Chunichi 3-6-0 6.Hiroshima 2-5-1 Pac

The MVP of Yesterday (April 6, 2013): Justin Upton

Published on 2013-04-07 11:21:43

The MVP of Yesterday was Justin Upton, who went 3-5 with 2 homers (including the game-winner) in the Atlanta win over Chicago- during which his brother B.J. homered earlier in the 9th inning to tie the game. And, really, that … Continue reading

The MVP of Yesterday (April 5, 2013): Chris Davis

Published on 2013-04-06 06:25:28

The MVP of Yesterday- and a good leader for MVP of the whole first week of play- is Chris Davis of the Orioles, who’s 8th inning grand slam put the O’s ahead for good against the Minnesota Twins. His 4th … Continue reading →

Blog Dealings: The Weirdest Search Results

Published on 2013-04-05 16:33:31

WordPress provides me with a list of search results that bring people to the Continuum, but, well, sometimes they can be very strange. Here are some of the weirdest search results that have brought people to this blog, as well … Continue readin

Continuum Global News (April 5, 2013)

Published on 2013-04-05 12:51:30

Results and news from leagues around the world yesterday: NPB (Japan) scores from April 5: Hanshin Tigers 7, Hiroshima Carp 6 (in 12) Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles 17, Chiba Lotte Marines 5 Yokohama Bay Stars 2, Tokyo Yakult Swallows 1 … Continu

The MVP of Yesterday (April 4, 2013): Cliff Lee

Published on 2013-04-05 11:47:10

Cliff Lee had 8 IP, 2 hits allowed and 8 strikeouts against the heavy-hitting Braves offense yesterday- a good way to notch up the first win of Philadelphia’s season. Honorable Mentions: Chris Davis, Andy Pettitte MVP Standings (after jump): Cl

Video of the Undetermined Amount of Time: Manny Goes Deep in Taiwan

Published on 2013-04-04 15:21:50

Well, you saw the Continuum Global News earlier today, but here’s a last bit: Manny Ramirez has hit his first HR in Taiwan, and it was also the 7000th total HR in the CPBL’s history. Here’s video:

Continuum Global News (April 4, 2013)

Published on 2013-04-04 11:40:46

The latest in International Baseball News: In Japan’s “Spring Koshien”, Urawa Gakuin won the tournament. The “Spring Koshien”, unlike the “Summer Koshien”, is a invitational tournament and isn’t as pres

The MVP of Yesterday (April 3, 2013): Cliff Pennington

Published on 2013-04-04 09:33:11

A bit of an “out there” pick today, but Cliff Pennington of the Diamondbacks was a key player in Arizona’s win over St. Louis yesterday, going 3-6 with 2 BB, a run scored and the game-winning walk-off single in the … Continue

Coming Soon: Continuum Global News

Published on 2013-04-03 16:58:42

Remember the WBC, and how the leadup to it had the Continuum have all of that news compiled from around the world? Well, starting tomorrow, the Baseball Continuum will begin a (more-or-less) daily look at baseball beyond America with… Continuum

The MVP of Yesterday (April 2, 2013): Yu Darvish

Published on 2013-04-03 10:48:17

It’s hard to argue with a guy who was one out away from a perfect game. In fact, had, for example, Elvis Andrus made a miracle play and gotten Marwin Gonzalez out, Yu Darvish would have found himself in the … Continue reading →

The 2013 Opening Day II Diary-Blog

Published on 2013-04-02 13:16:56

If you were foolish/devoted enough to read yesterday’s Opening Day Diary-Blog, you are sure to love today’s Opening Day II Diary-Blog, as I write about the opening games for the teams that had to wait until today to play and … Conti

Cool Website: The National Pastime Museum

Published on 2013-04-02 11:26:46

The National Pastime Museum is an online museum and timeline of baseball until the 1950s, with articles and pictures of unique memorabilia and artifacts thrown in. Check it out.

The MVP of Yesterday (April 1st, 2013): Clayton Kershaw

Published on 2013-04-02 10:16:07

In this new semi-daily feature that semi-replaces Picture of the Day, I will decide who was yesterday’s MVP… Yesterday had plenty of possible MVPs: Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg showed why the Nationals are World Series favorites, Fr

The 2013 Opening Day Diary-Blog

Published on 2013-04-01 09:36:55

Throughout Opening Day, I’ll be blogging. So check back on this thread throughout the day. Go BELOW THE JUMP, since this could get long. 10:00 AM- This thread is posted automatically. I’ll be back later. 10:23 AM- Watching Intentional Tal

Video of the Day: People Will Come

Published on 2013-04-01 07:07:31

Ray, people will come Ray. They’ll come to Iowa for reasons they can’t even fathom. They’ll turn up your driveway not knowing for sure why they’re doing it. They’ll arrive at your door as innocent as children, longing fo

Picture of the day: The Season Begins Here

Published on 2013-03-31 17:21:15

Tonight, the first game of the season will take place here, at Minute Maid Park in Houston: This picture, by Barclay C. Nix (as the picture says), is used under a Creative Commons License.

The 2013 Season Prediction Spectacular

Published on 2013-03-31 15:10:50

Okay, so maybe it’s not so spectacular. But here’s my predictions for division winners, awards, etc.: American League: East: Tampa Bay Rays Central: Detroit Tigers (best record) West: Oakland Athletics Wild Cards: Blue Jays and Angels MVP

2013 MLB Preview part 5: 162 Things Guaranteed to Happen in the 2013 MLB Season (Part 4)

Published on 2013-03-31 13:42:31

Okay, part 1 of the 162 can be found here. Part 2 is here. Part 3 is here. Now, the final installment of the 162 things guaranteed to happen in the 2013 MLB Season. Go below the jump and buckle … Continue reading →

Random Thought: Have more MLB-Service Academy games

Published on 2013-03-30 20:34:57

Sorry that the remaining predictions aren’t up yet- it will be tomorrow during my preview spectacular. Instead, a random thought: As I mentioned earlier today, the Yankees were playing Army at West Point.I watched some of the game, and it ̷

Picture of the day: West Point, 1914

Published on 2013-03-30 10:29:30

Today, the New York Yankees are playing a game in West Point against the Military Academy team. Almost 100 years ago, Army’s baseball team looked like this (from the Library of Congress Flickr Feed). Check it out and then go … Continue re

The Alamodome is going to be hosting baseball this weekend

Published on 2013-03-29 16:35:02

As I noted way back in November, the Rangers and Padres are going to be playing a 2-game exhibition series in the Alamodome in San Antonio. Well, that series is coming up this weekend. Tonight (Friday night) and tomorrow (Saturday), … Continue

2013 MLB Preview part 4: 162 Things Guaranteed to Happen in the 2013 MLB Season (Part 3)

Published on 2013-03-29 14:50:53

Part one can be found here. Part two can be found here. Go below the jump for even more… 82. Johan Santana will not throw a pitch during the season. 83. During a hot-streak by the Dodgers, somebody will pay … Continue reading →

Picture of the day: Johan in happier days

Published on 2013-03-29 09:15:18

Johan Santana will almost certainly be placed on the DL and is expected to miss the entirety of the 2013 season after a re-tear in the anterior capsule of his left shoulder was detected in an MRI. Surgery is a … Continue reading →

2013 MLB Preview part 3: 162 Things Guaranteed to Happen in the 2013 MLB Season (Part 2)

Published on 2013-03-28 20:07:34

Did you read the first part of the 162 things yesterday? If not, you should. Go below the jump for today’s things: 63. No MLB team will win as many games in a row as the Miami Heat did (not … Continue reading →

Picture of the day: Photographers

Published on 2013-03-28 10:20:56

Today’s random find from the Library of Congress Flickr feed: Lots of photographers at the 1912 World Series. Look at those old cameras!

Random Video of the Undetermined Amount of Time: Manny Ramirez in Taiwan

Published on 2013-03-27 17:43:56

Here is video proof that Manny Ramirez is now playing in Taiwan:

Back up and running: Baseball Continuum Facebook

Published on 2013-03-27 17:05:14

Do you use Facebook? Well, good news, after a few months of sporadic-at-best updates, I have begun to once again post some updates from the Continuum on the Facebook site. So feel free to “Like” the Continuum here. In general … Cont

2013 MLB Preview part 2: 162 Things Guaranteed to Happen in the 2013 MLB Season (Part 1)

Published on 2013-03-27 13:34:00

What’s going to happen in this, the 2013 Major League Baseball Season? Well, I have 162 ideas- ranging from the serious to the sarcastic. At the end of the year, I’ll look at what my record was. Hopefully I will … Continue reading &

Picture of the Day: Grover Cleveland Alexander

Published on 2013-03-27 05:57:17

Today’s random find from the Library of Congress Flickr feed: A picture of Grover Cleveland Alexander.

A reminder: Tip Jar

Published on 2013-03-26 11:18:36

A friendly reminder: you can help keep the Baseball Continuum up and running and with plenty of fresh content by donating to the Tip Jar, which can be found on the side of the front page. All donations would be … Continue reading →

Cool Link: What if sports team territories were actually done by proximity to the stadium?

Published on 2013-03-26 08:18:32

Today’s link is of sports team territories. It is basically based on the idea of what the “territory” of each sports team (they have NFL and NBA in addition to MLB) would be if it was actually based off of … Continue reading &

Picture of the day: Morrie Rath

Published on 2013-03-26 05:59:07

Today’s random photo from the Library of Congress Flickr Feed is of 1910s second-basemen Morrie Rath.

Picture of the day: Orval Overall

Published on 2013-03-25 12:47:36

Today’s random picture from the Library of Congress Flickr Feed is of Orval Overall, who has one of the most fun-to-say names in baseball history.

Florida Gulf Coast University Basketball vs. Fresno State Baseball: What’s the bigger Cinderella?

Published on 2013-03-25 12:16:23

Florida Gulf Coast University is the darling of the NCAA basketball tournament, becoming the first 15-seed to advance to the Sweet 16. It is already being called one of the greatest Cinderella stories in college history. But I had to … Continue

Bizarre Baseball Culture: Dash Dartwell’s PED use for justice

Published on 2013-03-24 08:45:14

In Bizarre Baseball Culture, I take a look at some of the more unusual places where baseball has reared it’s head in pop culture and fiction. Steroids and other performance-enhancers are, to sports, a plague. They provide some players an … Co

Picture of the day: Polo Grounds stands, 1912

Published on 2013-03-24 07:01:31

This picture, which I found on the Library of Congress Flickr feed and basically chose just because I felt like it, is of the stands of the Polo Grounds during the 1912 World Series. Look at all those hats!

2013 MLB Preview, Part 1: First Things That Pop Into My Mind

Published on 2013-03-23 11:10:38

Okay, time to play a bit of a game with myself: For every team in Major League Baseball, I type out the first (printable) thought I have on them. Sometimes they will actually have to do with the coming season, … Continue reading →

Picture of the day: Chris Sale, FGCU

Published on 2013-03-23 07:03:28

Before last night, the main athletic claim to fame for Florida Gulf Coast University was that it produced White Sox pitcher Chris Sale. Y’know, this guy: This picture, taken by Keith Allison, is used under a Creative Commons license.

Random Video of the Undetermined Amount of Time: Who’s on First?

Published on 2013-03-22 11:19:54

An oldie but a goodie:

Picture of the day: Harvard Eddie

Published on 2013-03-22 08:54:29

Eddie Grant was probably the best MLB player to ever come from Harvard, and was even called “Harvard Eddie” during his career. Sadly, both his life and his career were cut short when he died during World War I. (Picture … Continue r

The time where the 76ers drafted two future MLB Players

Published on 2013-03-21 18:37:22

Just in time for March Madness, here’s a weird connection between hoops and Major League Baseball. To be more specific, one year (1996), the Philadelphia 76ers drafted two college basketball stars who eventually made the rosters of Major League

Picture of the day: End of the Palace of the Fans

Published on 2013-03-21 05:27:08

From 1902 to 1911, the Cincinnati Reds played in the “Palace of the Fans”. But, as other stadiums became more advanced and less susceptible to fire, the Reds decided to just trash the Palace and build a new stadium (what … Continue

Picture of the day: Fans at Shibe Park

Published on 2013-03-20 18:22:34

This photo, from the Library of Congress, shows fans at the 1914 World Series in Shibe Park, Philadelphia.

The Dominican moves to the top spot in the Post-WBC Baseball Continuum Rankings

Published on 2013-03-20 17:14:06

With the WBC over, the Baseball Continuum Rankings have been updated. The rankings take into account both individual games as well as the overall 1-16 rankings that the WBC participants ended up being ranked into at the end. And the … Continue

And now, some thoughts and suggestions on the World Baseball Classic

Published on 2013-03-20 12:05:45

The Dominican Republic can lay claim to being the champions of the 2013 World Baseball Classic, going undefeated in the tournament and shutting out Puerto Rico in the final game, 3-0. Robinson Cano was rightfully named tourney MVP, although one ̷

When were record chases first noticed?: Cal Ripken’s Consecutive Game Streak

Published on 2013-03-19 17:08:30

I’ve been looking through the old SI Vault, curious as to when various record chases were first noticed by Sports Illustrated. So, in this new feature, I look at when the first reference to Cal Ripken‘s pursuit of Lou Gehrig‘s ̷

Picture of the day: Remember the Maine

Published on 2013-03-19 12:11:29

Much of baseball’s spread in the Caribbean was at least partially because of the United States’ increased presence in the region after the Spanish-American War. And that war, at least officially, was started because of the destruction of

WBC Finals Preview: Dominican Republic vs. Puerto Rico

Published on 2013-03-19 11:57:43

It’s all come down to this:  Dominican Republic vs. Puerto Rico for the WBC title. The Dominican is going for a perfect tournament, but Puerto Rico, with a win, could make all those previous games for the Dominican irrelevant. It’s ̷

Picture of the day: The World Tour comes to Japan

Published on 2013-03-18 14:34:59

I was so sure that Japan was going to beat Puerto Rico that I had been planning on having this photo of the 1913-14 World Tour players from the White Sox and Giants with members of Japan’s Keio University… whoops. … Continue reading

WBC Semi-Final Preview: Dominican Republic vs. Kingdom of the Netherlands

Published on 2013-03-18 12:12:55

It’s a showdown tonight, a grudge match four years in the making. In one corner, the mighty Dominican, now by far the biggest fish in the increasingly small WBC pond. In the other corner, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the … Continue rea

Picture of the day: WBC Trophy

Published on 2013-03-17 13:09:23

The first two World Baseball Classic trophies went to Japan, where will this one go? This picture was taken by Geoff Livingston, and is under a creative commons license.

WBC Semi-Final Preview: Japan vs. Puerto Rico

Published on 2013-03-17 10:07:40

The game between Japan and Puerto Rico, on paper, should belong to the Japanese team, a seasoned squad that relatively breezed into the San Francisco round and which will be playing with far more rest than Puerto Rico, which will … Continue rea

Bizarre Baseball Culture: Crummy Teams, Fanatics, and Pokémon in “The Double Trouble Header”

Published on 2013-03-17 10:00:43

In Bizarre Baseball Culture, I take a look at some of the more unusual places where baseball has reared it’s head in pop culture and fiction. In a first for Bizarre Baseball Culture, we’re going international to look at one … Continue r

Picture of the day: I got it!

Published on 2013-03-16 09:58:32

Roger Bernadina, of the Nationals (and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, it should be noted), underneath a fly ball. Photo by “Afagen”, used under a Creative Commons license.

Games aren’t played on paper

Published on 2013-03-15 22:33:09

With Team USA’s 4-3 loss to Puerto Rico and elimination from the World Baseball Classic, there are certain to be many theories as to why, once again, the Americans failed. Some are legitimate (lack of conditioning compared to teams from …

Picture of the day: Erick Aybar, Hero of the Dominican

Published on 2013-03-15 12:37:33

After his go-ahead hit last night in the instant-classic game between the Dominican Republic and Team USA, it’s unlikely that Erick Aybar will ever have to pay for a drink in the Dominican again. This photo was taken by Keith … Continue r

Famous for Something Else: Danny Ainge

Published on 2013-03-14 14:56:53

Danny Ainge was an All-Star with the Boston Celtics, and later would become an award-winning executive for them after he hung up the uniform. But before he started his professional basketball career, the BYU grad had a short career with … Conti

Picture of the day: Kirby in Cooperstown

Published on 2013-03-14 10:54:07

Today would have been Kirby Puckett‘s 53rd birthday. In honor of that, here’s what his plaque in the Hall of Fame reads: This picture was taken by “Islespunkfan” and is used under a creative commons license.

Coming up on the Baseball Continuum (March edition)…

Published on 2013-03-13 22:47:34

As the WBC continues and Opening Day draws near (Thank the Baseball Gods!), here’s a look at what you can expect from the Continuum by the end of the month: Perhaps the most out-of-left-field (pun intended) “Bizarre Baseball Culture”

Jurickson Profar will be playing for Team Netherlands after all- here’s why that matters

Published on 2013-03-13 20:45:16

Jurickson Profar will be playing for Team Netherlands after all, taking over for the injured Yurendell de Caster. So why does that matter? Well, for one Profar (a switch-hitting middle infielder) is the top prospect in baseball, according to MLB.com

The WBC-is-fine Update

Published on 2013-03-13 12:42:34

A few days ago, I wrote about why the World Baseball Classic probably isn’t going anywhere, despite the doom-sayers. So, here are some things that further back up my that the World Baseball Classic is going to continue: The ratings … Cont

Picture of the day: Captain America

Published on 2013-03-13 05:03:10

David Wright had five RBIs in Team USA’s victory over Puerto Rico last night, and now has 10 RBIs in the tournament overall. Adding that to his stellar performance back in 2009, and he has been dubbed by Matt Vasgersian … Continue reading

Weird thing I noticed today

Published on 2013-03-12 18:44:59

Okay, so Old Hoss Radbourn was a player in the 19th century, most notable for having 59 wins in 1884. But, guess what? Baseball Reference has a Twitter feed for him listed. See? It goes to the parody Old Hoss … Continue reading →

Picture of the Day: College of Cardinals

Published on 2013-03-12 14:48:40

Lame wordplay? Absolutely. Neat photo of the 1986 Cardinals during Spring Training? Yes. This picture by Jeff Marquis is under a creative commons license.

Baseball Streaks that nobody would want

Published on 2013-03-12 14:36:20

The Baseball Reference Play Index is having a free trial until April 15, allowing people to look at some parts of B-Ref normally not open to unpaying eyes. And while you could use this to find things like the most … Continue reading →

WBC Round 2 Preview: Pool 2 (Miami)

Published on 2013-03-11 17:19:55

Japan and the Netherlands have already qualified for the final four of the WBC, but who will join them? That will be decided in Miami, where three of baseball’s traditional powers are joined by the surprising Italian team to determine … C

Video of the undetermined amount of time: The crazy Cuba-Netherlands game

Published on 2013-03-11 10:29:21

In case you missed that awesome game between Cuba and the Netherlands this morning, MLB has this little recap for you:

Link of the day: Dutch baseball words

Published on 2013-03-11 10:00:59

After a shocking 7-6 upset over Cuba, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, AKA “Honkbal”, is headed to San Francisco for the WBC semi-finals, with only a relatively meaningless game for seeding remaining against Japan before they head to Ameri

Picture of the day: Fernando-Mania never died

Published on 2013-03-10 20:27:02

Mexico may not have advanced in the WBC, but they certainly were popular with the fans during their time there. Just look at the crowd trying to get pitching coach and Mexican baseball legend Fernando Valenzuela to sign for them … Continue read

“Wait, Mo, don’t go!”

Published on 2013-03-10 20:06:09

Not many players are sad to see Mariano Rivera retire- at least, not many outside of players who call the Bronx home, but maybe these players are less happy than others- since they have the best Batting Averages of active … Continue reading 

Four reasons why the WBC (probably) isn’t going anywhere

Published on 2013-03-10 14:40:21

If you were to believe the internet, whether it be one of those good professional articles that sort of hint at it or an ignorant person in the comments section of some other blog, then you’d think the WBC is … Continue reading →

Headlines for March 10, 2013

Published on 2013-03-10 10:53:20

Looking at how newspapers from around the world are covering baseball, thanks to the Newseum’s front pages page: Subject: Canada-Mexico WBC Fight Toronto Star: “A ball game to make Don Cherry proud” Vanguardia (Saltillo): “Der

I asked Buster Posey a tongue-in-cheek question, he gave me a short-but-reasonable answer

Published on 2013-03-08 15:36:46

So, Buster Posey did a “Ask Me Anything” earlier today on the website Reddit. I wish I had some deep insightful question to ask him, but my mind kind of froze and I decided to give him a softball question … Continue reading →

WBC News and… Dickey vs. the Mexican National Team (and Gallardo vs. USA)

Published on 2013-03-08 10:29:02

Okay, here’s the WBC news for today: Brett Lawrie hurt his ribcage, and Deolis Guerra also is out of the WBC. Got that? Okay, good, now, time for a little bit of a preview for the USA-Mexico game tonight. It … Continue reading →

Picture of the day: Honkbal Forever

Published on 2013-03-08 09:55:30

It is well known that I am a big fan of the Dutch word for baseball: Honkbal. In Dutch, apparently honk means home, purpose or goal, but thanks to the fact that it means something entirely different in English, it … Continue reading →

Picture of the day: Baseball In Italy

Published on 2013-03-07 13:00:19

Here’s a picture from a playoff game between Parma and Nettuno in 2006:

In Case You Missed It: WBC Pool C, D and 1 Previews

Published on 2013-03-07 11:07:41

With Pools C and D of the WBC’s first round starting, and Pool 1 of the second round (it is happening earlier so that there is less jet-lag later on) also beginning, here are the previews of those pools. Note … Continue reading →

Early WBC News for March 7, 2013

Published on 2013-03-07 10:41:22

The late-night results for the WBC-MLB exhibitions last night: Team USA lost 8-7 to the Rockies… sort of. You see, all 8 of the Colorado runs came off of Rockies minor leaguers who filled up the last few innings of … Continue reading U

Late WBC News for March 6, 2013

Published on 2013-03-06 20:46:50

Not much news, other than Javy Guerra pulling out of the WBC (apparently a problem with his surgically repaired shoulder) and being replaced on Mexico by A’s farmhand Arnold Leon. Here are the results of WBC-MLB Exhibitions, at least those R

HUMOR: The Coming Apocalyptic Season for the New York Yankees

Published on 2013-03-06 18:37:23

Derek Jeter is hurt. Alex Rodriguez is hurt and under a steroid cloud. Mariano Rivera is coming back from an injury. Curtis Granderson is hurt. Mark Teixeira is hurt. Ichiro was in a car accident (he’s fine). Heck, Brian Cashman … Continu

Picture of the day: Packed House in Taichung

Published on 2013-03-06 13:38:54

The games in Taichung that featured the home team were all packed-house games, as this picture from the game against the Netherlands shows: This photo, taken by “孤雲出岫 Free Cloud”, is under a creative commons license.

WBC Round 2 Preview: Pool 1 (Tokyo)

Published on 2013-03-06 12:49:30

Well, Pool 1 of Round 2 of the World Baseball Classic is all set. Go below the jump for a preview of the pool, and also consider looking back at my predictions for Pool A and Pool B of the … Continue reading →

Early WBC News for March 6, 2013

Published on 2013-03-06 10:18:46

Go below the jump for the latest WBC News: Okay, so the replacement for Mark Teixeira is Eric Hosmer of the Royals. While Hosmer had a sophomore slump last season and certainly isn’t a sexy name to replace Teixeira, he … Continue reading

Late WBC News for March 5, 2013

Published on 2013-03-05 18:11:31

Go below the jump for today’s WBC news: If today’s games between WBC teams and MLB Teams mean anything (and it’s unlikely that they do, seeing as how they are exhibition games that had minor leaguers on loan take over … Contin

Link of the Day: Baseball Statues

Published on 2013-03-05 11:53:49

No picture of the day today, instead, here’s a link to a site that is cataloging baseball statues around the country (and, more broadly, sports statues around the world).

Early WBC News for March 5th, 2013

Published on 2013-03-05 11:04:18

Not much news today, merely one late pull-out due to injury as well as a replacement of somebody who had been injured. In fact, both of today’s news item is in the form of an embedded tweet: Canada adds free … Continue reading →

Late WBC News for March 4, 2013

Published on 2013-03-04 18:41:17

Go below the jump for the latest WBC news: The scheduled starters for tonight: Rob Cordemans (Netherlands) vs. Dushan Ruzic (Australia) Brazil and Chinese starts unknown Won-Jun Chang (Korea) vs. Yao-Hsun Yang (Taipei) Now, more news: R.A. Dickey is

Picture of the Day: Votto

Published on 2013-03-04 11:58:33

Joey Votto will be taking part in the WBC, so here’s a random picture of him: This photo, used under a creative commons license, was taken by “Another Pint Please”.

Early WBC News for March 4, 2013

Published on 2013-03-04 11:36:47

Not much news due to the fact the Western players are arriving and having initial workouts, but there is some: Jesse Crain of the White Sox has had to pull out of Team Canada due to a shoulder injury (apparently … Continue reading →

WBC News for March 3, 2013

Published on 2013-03-03 19:20:51

In case you didn’t notice, there wasn’t any early World Baseball Classic news today. There are two reasons for this: A) Catching up on sleep deprivation from watching some of the Asian WBC games B) There really wasn’t much news, 

Picture of the day: The Big Egg

Published on 2013-03-03 14:46:52

The teams that advance from Pool A and Pool B of the WBC will play here, the Tokyo Dome, also called the “Big Egg”. Creative Commons license, taken by Nakashi.

Late WBC News for March 2, 2013

Published on 2013-03-02 18:22:51

Some final WBC news before tonight’s games (go here for news from earlier in the day)… after jump. Tonight’s pitching assignments: Andre Rienzo goes for Brazil against Ismel Jimenez of Cuba. Tom Stuifbergen goes for the Netherlands

Picture of the day: Barry Larkin is a man of many talents

Published on 2013-03-02 14:18:10

When not managing Brazil to near-upsets of Japan or watching his son tear up the ACC, Barry Larkin travels the world as an ambassador for baseball and America, allowing him to also partake in other activities, like Cricket: This photo, … Contin

Mid-Day WBC News for March 2, 2013

Published on 2013-03-02 13:47:40

Just a few bits of WBC news before tonight: The replacement for Chris Perez is David Hernandez of the Diamondbacks. Earlier reports had him switching from Mexico to Team USA (bringing the hackles from the WBC’s critics), but it turns … Co

On Day 1 of the WBC

Published on 2013-03-02 13:14:03

Some thoughts on Day 1 of the WBC…. …The Brazilians aren’t screwing around. They very easily could have won that game against Japan had a few plays turned out different, perhaps even had a single play gone differently. This is ̷

Late WBC News for March 1, 2013

Published on 2013-03-01 19:23:33

Okay, you can see the early news here, or go below the jump for the most recent news. Injuries and “personal issues” have taken out two more WBC players: Jose Valverde has dropped out of Team DR due to “personal … Continue rea

Ham Fighters, Grandserows, Sleepwalkers and Robots of Doom: Great Names of International Baseball

Published on 2013-03-01 18:40:00

As the World Baseball Classic starts, people are writing articles about it, usually falling into two camps: telling people they don’t know what they are missing, or telling everybody they think the tournament is stupid. You know what camp I 

Picture of the Day: Chien-Ming Wang

Published on 2013-03-01 12:57:37

From back in the day (2007) comes this photo of Chien-Ming Wang, taken by Keith Allison and used under a creative commons license. Wang pitches tonight for Team Chinese Taipei in the WBC.

The Baseball Continuum’s 2013 WBC Preview Coverage

Published on 2013-03-01 11:44:36

Below are links to all of the Baseball Continuum‘s WBC preview coverage (but not the news coverage, since that was more time sensitive): Pool Previews (includes looks at each team and their nation’s baseball history and culture): Pool A (

Early WBC News for March 1, 2013

Published on 2013-03-01 10:46:41

Last night’s news can be found here. For the latest news, go below the jump: Yomiuri Giants 8, Team China 1 last night. Cuba, meanwhile, beat the Softbank Hawks 10-8 (don’t have a link to that one). The starters for … Continue readi

Five Questions Ahead of the World Baseball Classic

Published on 2013-03-01 05:00:06

Here are five questions ahead of the 2013 World Baseball Classic: 1. What non-MLB player will most impress people? Who will be this year’s Yu Darvish, Aroldis Chapman, pre-injury Dice-K or Yoennis Cespedes? 2. Is this finally the year that R

Late WBC News for Feb. 28, 2013

Published on 2013-02-28 20:15:49

Miss this morning’s WBC news? Go here. For today’s WBC news, go below the jump. First off, bad news on the injury front for Puerto Rico and Venezuela (and the Giants); Torres out a week (and out of WBC) with … Continue reading ͛

World Baseball Classic Preview: Pool D (Arizona)

Published on 2013-02-28 13:51:42

USA. Canada. Mexico. Italy. Those are the four teams in the D Pool of the World Baseball Classic. Go below the jump for the preview: About the Venue: There are two venues in this pool: Chase Field and Salt River Fields … Continue reading ͛

Picture of the Day: Hiram Bithorn

Published on 2013-02-28 11:30:36

Hiram Bithorn (also known as Hi Bithorn) was the first Puerto Rican to play in Major League Baseball. The largest stadium in San Juan is named after him, and has this statue of him outside of it: This picture, used … Continue reading →

Early WBC News for Feb. 28, 2013

Published on 2013-02-28 11:01:42

The World Baseball Classic draws ever closer! Go here if you missed last night and go below the jump for the latest news! Warm-up games from last night: Softbank Hawks (NPB) 2, Brazil 0: Paulo Orlando 0-3. Andre Rienzo 1 … Continue reading U

Way-Too-Fitting Baseball News of the Undetermined Amount Of Time: Well Played, Mauer.

Published on 2013-02-27 21:55:40

Welcome to Way-Too-Fitting Baseball News! Today’s news…. Joe Mauer‘s wife is pregnant….. with twins. This has been Way-Too-Fitting Baseball News!

Late WBC News for Feb. 27, 2013

Published on 2013-02-27 19:19:10

If you missed the early news, go here. If you want to see tonight’s WBC news, go below the jump. Here’s MLB Network’s broadcasting crews for the WBC, as well as more information on how you can watch the WBC … Continue reading

World Baseball Classic Preview: Pool C (San Juan)

Published on 2013-02-27 18:32:31

Pool C is sure to be an interesting pool, with three big baseball countries that have plenty of history against each other as well as a Spanish team that will be able to call on some ringers that could make … Continue reading →

Picture of the day: Carlos Beltran slides

Published on 2013-02-27 12:33:31

Carlos Beltran slides in during the NLDS last year. This image, used under a creative commons license, was taken by Keith Allison.

Early WBC News for Feb. 27, 2013

Published on 2013-02-27 11:56:30

World Baseball Classic from the morning and overnight can be found after the jump: Something I forgot to mention last night, but Gregory Koach on Twitter also mentioned to me that he had found a WBC app. Here are the … Continue reading →

Late WBC News for Feb. 26, 2013

Published on 2013-02-26 20:29:15

If you missed the World Baseball Classic news from earlier today, go here. For tonight’s news and notes, go below the jump. First off, if you are a subscriber to certain television subscribers, you will be able to stream the … Continue re

World Baseball Classic Preview: Pool B (Taichung)

Published on 2013-02-26 15:23:10

Pool B is a tough one. All four teams involved in it- Taipei, Korea, the Netherlands and Australia- all have the ability to win on any given day, and all four also have professional leagues of their own. While the … Continue reading →

Picture of the Day: The Scene of the Action

Published on 2013-02-26 13:03:51

Pool B of the World Baseball Classic (a preview will be up later today) will be taking place here, at Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium. Not exactly the much to look at from the outside, but the way they pull up … Continue reading U

Early WBC News for Feb. 26, 2013

Published on 2013-02-26 08:35:58

For last night’s news, go here. For today’s news…. go below the jump. In Asia, warm-up games have resumed: Samurai Japan’s may have beaten Australia twice, but they still seem to be having trouble with actual NPB teams, as the

Late WBC News for Feb. 25, 2013

Published on 2013-02-25 20:54:47

If you missed the news from earlier today, go here. For the news from the day, go below the jump: To fill Russell Martin‘s spot, Team Canada has called on John Suomi of the Phillies organization. By the way, Russell … Continue reading 

World Baseball Classic Preview: Pool A (Fukuoka, Japan)

Published on 2013-02-25 16:21:15

Pool A of the World Baseball Classic has two traditional powerhouses, Japan and Cuba, and two countries where baseball is a niche sport, Brazil and China. Go below the jump for the preview: About the Venue: The Fukuoka Dome (officially … Contin

Picture of the day: Upper Deck

Published on 2013-02-25 11:59:26

Ever wonder what the most distant seat in baseball is? Well, it’s not really a seat, but I nominate this: This photo of Rogers Centre taken from the CN Tower is used under a creative commons license and was taken … Continue reading →

Early WBC News for Feb. 25, 2013

Published on 2013-02-25 11:11:21

Want the WBC news from overnight? Go below the jump… There weren’t any exhibition games yesterday, far as I can tell, so this is much shorter than the usual. I’ve moved forward in time on my Time Warner Cable guide, … Continue

Late WBC News for Feb. 24, 2013

Published on 2013-02-24 19:53:41

If you missed this morning’s WBC news, go here. For some news from during the day, go below the jump. Some notable WBC players in action today (this isn’t all of them, just a sampling): Joe Mauer (MIN/USA): 0-2, BB … Continue readin

Random Video of the Undetermined Amount of Time: Aaron vs. Oh

Published on 2013-02-24 14:16:38

Here’s a video of parts of an exhibition home run derby between Hank Aaron and Sadaharu Oh in November, 1974. Aaron won, 10-9.

Picture of the Day: Robinson Cano

Published on 2013-02-24 10:52:59

Continuing the international flavor of the Pictures of the Day, here’s a picture of perhaps the best player who will be suiting up for the Dominican Republic this year: Robinson Cano. This photo is used under a creative commons license …

Early WBC News for Feb. 24, 2013

Published on 2013-02-24 10:35:50

For last night’s news, go here. For news from the overnight, go below the jump: Results from warm-up games in Asia: Japan 10, Australia 3 as the Japanese jumped upon the Australian relievers once again. Australia is headed back to … Conti

Late WBC News for Feb. 23, 2013

Published on 2013-02-23 20:02:06

If you missed the news from earlier today, go here. For news from the day, go below the jump. How WBC players did today in Spring Training action: Washington 3, Mets 5 David Wright (NYM/USA): 0-3 Houston 8, Philadelphia 3 … Continue reading 

Picture of the day: Go Dutch!

Published on 2013-02-23 12:43:04

Today’s picture, used under a creative commons license and taken by “.m for mattijs”, is of a young Dutch honkbal fan cheering on the Orange during last year’s Haarlem Baseball Week.

Famous for Something Else: George Halas

Published on 2013-02-23 11:46:26

George Halas is best known for being a Hall of Fame coach and player in the NFL, primarily for the Chicago Bears. But he also had a short baseball career with the Yankees: (Go below the jump) Year Age Tm … Continue reading →

Early WBC News for Feb. 23, 2013

Published on 2013-02-23 10:21:49

If you missed last night’s WBC news, go here. For the stuff from overnight, go below the jump: Korea’s offense is still… well… offensive. They managed only one run in a 2-1 loss to NC Dinos, their second loss to … Contin

Late WBC News for Feb. 22, 2013

Published on 2013-02-22 19:20:58

Go below the jump for the latest WBC news: MLB Spring Training results today for players who will be in the WBC: Detroit 2, Atlanta 1: Miguel Cabrera (DET/VZ): 0-3 Omar Infante (DET/VZ): 0-3 Andrelton Simmons (ATL/NED): 0-2 Ramiro Pena … Contin

Picture of the day: Baseball in Rural Cuba

Published on 2013-02-22 12:57:58

This picture, used under a creative commons license and taken by “nutallp”, shows a pick-up game of baseball in rural Cuba. Nice.

The Countdown to the WBC is on

Published on 2013-02-22 12:18:09

Okay, with only a little more than a week left until the World Baseball Classic begins, here’s what to look for on the Baseball Continuum in the coming days: More of the news: if anybody has to drop out at … Continue reading →

Early WBC News for Feb. 22, 2013

Published on 2013-02-22 10:36:39

Only one bit of news for this morning, but it’s a big one: The full PDF of the World Baseball Classic 28-man rosters, complete with what team the player is normally on. It can be downloaded here.

Team USA would win about 127 games

Published on 2013-02-21 22:36:56

Inspired by Ground Ball With Eyes’ look at the 1992 Springfield Nuclear Power Plant Softball Team, I decided to take a look at how well Team USA’s World Baseball Classic team would do if they were playing a season of … Continue read

Late WBC News for Feb. 21, 2013

Published on 2013-02-21 21:06:00

Well, the 28-man rosters have been released… but sadly they aren’t available to the general public yet, since the WBC website has yet to be updated and I can’t find a PDF version of the rosters either. So until I … Continue re

ATTENTION: Spring Training games have started

Published on 2013-02-21 15:02:06

Spring Training games started today as the Red Sox defeated Northeastern University today, 3-0 in a abbreviated game. Jarrod Saltalamacchia had a double, Pedro Ciriaco had an RBI, and Daniel Bard gave up a hit and struck out three in … Continue

Early WBC News for Feb. 21, 2013

Published on 2013-02-21 09:51:08

Last night’s news can be found here, go below the jump for the latest World Baseball Classic news from the overnight: Still no full release of the 28-man rosters for the WBC, so until then… Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deportes … Continue

Late WBC News for Feb. 20, 2013

Published on 2013-02-20 19:53:35

If you missed today’s earlier WBC news, go here. For the news that has happened since then, go below the jump: Well, final rosters were due today, but so far I have only been able to find the rosters for … Continue reading →

Picture of the day: John McGraw

Published on 2013-02-20 12:44:38

From the Library of Congress Flickr stream comes this public domain image of John McGraw:

Early WBC news for Feb. 20, 2013

Published on 2013-02-20 11:32:09

News from overnight and the morning on the World Baseball Classic is under the jump: Team USA’s trainer will be Gene Monahan, who was the trainer for the Yankees during Joe Torre‘s time there. He’s coming out of retirement at …

Late WBC news for Feb. 19, 2013

Published on 2013-02-19 19:21:11

Miss the earlier WBC news? Go here. If you want WBC news that transpired from today, go below the jump. The likely-final pitcher added to Team USA’s roster is the well-regarded but statistically-unspectacular Nationals’ lefty starter Ross

Picture of the day: They have plaques too…

Published on 2013-02-19 11:14:08

Ever wonder what Japan’s Hall of Fame inductees look like? Turns out they are a lot like America’s Hall of Fame inductees… Photo used under a creative commons license, taken by Craig Wyzik.

Early WBC News for Feb. 19, 2013

Published on 2013-02-19 09:11:26

Go below the jump for the latest WBC news: Each WBC team has a reserve list for players who have agreed to join the team if a player is injured. It’s been confirmed that Jamey Carroll, utility infielder for the … Continue reading →

Late WBC news for Feb. 18, 2013

Published on 2013-02-18 19:29:30

If you missed the news from earlier in the day, go here. For tonight’s news, go below the jump. From Rangers Camp: As rumored, Jurickson Profar won’t be playing for Team Netherlands this time around, and although Adrian Beltre has …

Blog Dealings for Feb. 18, 2013

Published on 2013-02-18 11:35:25

Okay, a few new things here on the blog: The Continuum Baseball Rankings now have their own page at the top of the main page. Another WBC update will be coming later today. If you missed the earlier one, go … Continue reading →

Picture of the Day: Say Cheese

Published on 2013-02-18 10:57:16

From the Library of Congress Flickr feed, here’s a public domain picture of Germany Schaefer hard at work taking photos for what are probably future pictures of the day.

Early WBC news for Feb. 18, 2013

Published on 2013-02-18 08:40:54

See today’s early World Baseball Classic news below the jump: As expected, the Mets are going to forbid Johan Santana from pitching in the WBC. Due to his injury last season, the Mets are able to do this. Barring last-minute … Continue re

Random Video of the Undetermined Amount of Time: Snowball Fight!

Published on 2013-02-18 08:18:02

From Big League Stew comes this video of Dayton and Gardner-Webb having a snowball fight during a weather delay:

Baseball players celebrating their birthday today

Published on 2013-02-17 16:15:42

Just for those of you sick of the 50th birthday of Michael Jordan, I now present to you a list of five baseball players who were born on February 17: Wally Pipp Josh Willingham Ed Brandt Rod Dedeaux (who would … Continue reading →

Picture of the Day: Calisthenics

Published on 2013-02-17 15:47:13

This image is from the State Library of Florida and has no known copyright restrictions. It’s of the Brooklyn Dodgers doing calisthenics at Spring Training in 1949.

WBC news for Feb. 17, 2013

Published on 2013-02-17 15:01:50

Go below the jump for the latest news on the World Baseball Classic: Samurai Japan’s first warm-up game didn’t go very well, as they had only three hits in a loss to the Hiroshima Carp. Video from the game is … Continue reading U

Famous for Something Else: Michael Jordan

Published on 2013-02-17 09:35:29

If you don’t know who Michael Jordan is, you have either been in a coma for the last thirty years or you have come from another planet (although even people from other planets knew who Jordan was in his prime). … Continue reading →

Videos of the Undetermined Amount of Time: Even More Old IL Baseball from the 30s

Published on 2013-02-17 06:10:49

Late Friday (but posted early Saturday), I found some old videos of International League baseball, circa 1932. Well, more of them are being uploaded, so here they are: Rochester Red Wings (Billy Southworth, Specs Toporcer) vs. Buffalo Bisons (Bubbles

Picture of the day: Reggie. Spring Training. 1973.

Published on 2013-02-16 12:11:48

Today’s picture is from the Flickr stream of “Barnkat” and is used under a Creative Commons license. In it, we see Reggie Jackson, in all of his afro’d glory, talking to Bill North during Spring Training, 1973.

Early WBC news for Feb. 16, 2013

Published on 2013-02-16 10:39:52

It’s time again for World Baseball Classic news! Go below the jump for the latest: Jose De La Torre, a reliever for the Red Sox, has confirmed he’s playing for his native Puerto Rico. The Rangers have told Jurickson Profar … Continu

Videos of the Undetermined Amount of Time: Old-Time IL Baseball

Published on 2013-02-15 23:05:09

Somebody on YouTube has been putting up videos from the 1930s of the Rochester Red Wings. These are home videos, somewhat haphazardly edited but of good quality, Here, for example, is a video (somewhat haphazardly edited) of games between the …

Picture of the Day: Early Spring Training

Published on 2013-02-15 15:58:50

Is it a problem that I could identify Justin Verlander and I think Phil Coke based simply on Verlander’s profile and I-Think-Coke’s facial hair (unless Todd Jones is now a coach for the Tigers or something…)? This image is under 

The Continuum Baseball Rankings as of February 14 (but posted on 15), 2013

Published on 2013-02-15 10:05:06

The IBAF (International Baseball Federation) has a list of World Rankings for baseball, but that is a list for the production of national teams- not how successful a baseball country is at producing MLB players, or producing the best MLB … Cont

Early WBC news for Feb. 15, 2013

Published on 2013-02-15 09:02:08

Sorry about the lack of updates last night. So, after the jump, the latest World Baseball Classic News: Chase Headley will likely join Team USA if anybody drops out due to injury. Ryan Vogelsong will likely pitch game 2 of … Continue reading &#

Picture of the day: Valentine was big in Japan back in the day

Published on 2013-02-14 11:13:43

In honor of Valentine’s Day, here’s a picture of an advertisement of Bobby Valentine selling food in Japan back in 2007: This is under a Creative Commons license, and was taken by “Jpellgen”.

Early WBC news for Feb. 14, 2013

Published on 2013-02-14 10:36:36

Today’s World Baseball Classic news is available after the jump (due to length): In addition to every single game of the tournament, MLB Network will also be showing lots of spring training. Some of these games will include WBC teams: … C

A little bit of late WBC news for February 13, 2013

Published on 2013-02-13 18:43:42

Go here for earlier news of the day on the World Baseball Classic. Cuba’s national team roster has been confirmed completely for the WBC now. The only way it will now change will be if there is a last-second injury: … Continue reading 

Picture of the Day: Fukuoka Dome

Published on 2013-02-13 15:28:11

The Fukuoka Dome will be the site of the Pool A games of the 2013 WBC, and normally is the home of the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks. Here’s what it looks like during a between-innings celebration: This image is used under … Continue reading 

Early WBC News for Feb. 13, 2013

Published on 2013-02-13 12:02:09

As we near the World Baseball Classic, I’ll be collecting news and notes about it. Due to length, it starts after the jump. Team Japan will be reporting for camp tomorrow. Workouts start Friday. Korea is already training in Taiwan. … Cont

(Not Exactly) Famous For Something Else: Josh Booty

Published on 2013-02-13 11:04:27

Tonight, MLB Network debuts a new show called The Next Knuckler, in which Tim Wakefield and MLB Network’s resident goofball Kevin Millar will host a group of ex-quarterbacks, who they will try to teach the magic of the knuckleball, with …

BREAKING NEWS: All of the WBC Games on MLB Network will be live- except for Korea vs. Netherlands

Published on 2013-02-12 10:21:12

I mentioned in one of my World Baseball Classic Q&As that MLB Network was going to broadcast the WBC, but noted that there was only one MLB Network and sometimes there might be more than one game going on. So, … Continue reading →

OLYMPICS CONTINUUM: In which the IOC kicks out wrestling, basically the oldest sport there is

Published on 2013-02-12 09:33:14

Well, let it not be said that Olympics discriminates based on age: they have reportedly cut wrestling from the 2020 Olympics. Yes, wrestling. One of the oldest sports in the world and one practiced unquestionably around the world, a mainstay …

Well, that was quick…

Published on 2013-02-11 19:45:23

Earlier today, I had a list of 15 things that were going to happen in Spring Training. But, well, it was only a few hours late and it turns out that number five on the list isn’t going to happen, … Continue reading →

The COMPLETE Grand World Baseball Classic Question and Answer

Published on 2013-02-11 15:21:18

If you don’t want to read the WBC Q&A posts one by one, feel free to go below the jump to see the whole thing. In addition, don’t forget that Joe Connor’s WBC Guide remains on sale. Part 1: The … Continue reading →

The grand World Baseball Classic Question and Answer (Part 4: Miscellaneous)

Published on 2013-02-11 14:56:05

If you haven’t seen the previous Q&A installments, you can find them here, here and here. Today’s WBC Q&A covers basically everything else that is left on the World Baseball Classic that I haven’t covered elsewhere. Go below the jum

New Countdowns: Spring Training games and the WBC

Published on 2013-02-11 12:56:07

With pitchers and catchers now beginning to report, there are now two new countdowns on the side of the main page: The first is to the first spring training games (exhibitions by the Red Sox against college teams), and the … Continue reading &#

15 things guaranteed to happen in Spring Training

Published on 2013-02-11 12:17:32

The following things are guaranteed to happen during spring training: 1. At least one player per team will be declared to be in the best shape of his life. 2. On at least one day, basically every Grapefruit League game … Continue reading →

Coming this week on The Baseball Continuum…

Published on 2013-02-10 13:27:03

Sorry, but the WBC Q&A’s final part has been delayed until sometime this coming week. So, for now, here’s a preview of stuff that (probably) will also be joining it: The Continuum Baseball Rankings- In which I scrape together world …

World Baseball Classic Update: Gio Gonzalez upgrades the USA rotation

Published on 2013-02-10 11:38:57

With Kris Medlen and Andy Pettitte out and Justin Verlander still making up his mind, the Team USA rotation was down to R.A. Dickey, Ryan Vogelsong and Derek Holland. Hardly a rotation of slouches (you could do very well in … Continue reading &

World Baseball Classic update: In which Felix Hernandez drops out and Venezuela doesn’t take it well

Published on 2013-02-09 11:31:40

Not wanting any type of freak injury or something mess up his mega-contract negotiations, Felix Hernandez has dropped out of the World Baseball Classic. Venezuela, which takes the WBC very seriously, is not happy. At all. How not happy are … Co

The grand World Baseball Classic Question and Answer (Part 3: Nationality and other eligibility stuff)

Published on 2013-02-08 15:53:16

Part one can be found here, Part two can be found here. Today’s Q&A is about the World Baseball Classic’s roster rules, you can see it after doing the jump: How big are the rosters for the WBC? A World … Continue reading →

And now, a quick thought…

Published on 2013-02-08 11:32:06

If Felix Hernandez is worth $175 million dollars over 7 years… … just how much will Clayton Kershaw and Justin Verlander be worth? (The answer: At least that.)

The grand World Baseball Classic Question and Answer (Part 2: The Game Rules)

Published on 2013-02-07 17:06:16

Okay, if you saw yesterday’s post, you are no doubt prepared for another round of questions and answers about the World Baseball Classic. Today, we look at some of the rules and regulations of the tournament… after the jump: Okay, …

Picture of the day: Walter Johnson gets a car

Published on 2013-02-06 12:00:53

Another image from the Library of Congress Flickr stream, this one is of Walter Johnson receiving a car. But why is he receiving a car? Well, from 1911 to 1914, the MVP was awarded a car  from Chalmers Automobile. The … Continue reading →

The grand World Baseball Classic Question and Answer (Part 1: The Basics)

Published on 2013-02-06 11:10:41

The World Baseball Classic, and people’s coverage of it, is often filled with innuendo, missed information or taking hearsay as fact. It’s happened to me, it’s happened to the actual media, and it’s happened even to Major Leag

Worry: Will U of Miami grads simply be assumed to be guilty?

Published on 2013-02-06 10:45:36

One thing that noticed- and worries me- in the recent wave of PED news is that many of the players have a big connection: The University of Miami. Ryan Braun played for the University of Miami. Yasmani Grandal played for … Continue reading U

Picture of the day: Connie Mack didn’t need a uniform

Published on 2013-02-05 12:13:24

Another picture from the Library of Congress Flickr stream. This time, it’s of Connie Mack, who didn’t wear a uniform during his long managerial career, instead famously opting for a fancy suit. Can you imagine if Joe Girardi or Charlie &

Famous for something else: Kurt Russell

Published on 2013-02-05 10:27:38

Kurt Russell is an actor who has starred in films like Miracle, Escape from New York and Big Trouble in Little China, but in his youth, he played minor league baseball: Year Age Tm Lg Lev Aff G PA AB … Continue reading →

Humor: WHERE IN THE WORLD IS ALEX RODRIGUEZ?

Published on 2013-02-05 09:59:33

The Yankees have seemingly sent Alex Rodriguez into hiding, to keep him away from reporters and paparazzi. Not going to stop me. I know EXACTLY where Alex Rodriguez is. He’s somewhere here: Yes, Alex Rodriguez is somewhere on Planet Earth. R

One week until pitchers and catchers!

Published on 2013-02-04 10:15:57

As we near pitchers and catchers, we now have a countdown to 8:00 AM of February 11 over on the side of the page. The 8:00 AM time is just some random time, since just putting it at midnight wouldn’t … Continue reading →

49ers, 34-24.

Published on 2013-02-03 10:01:10

That’s my prediction, anyway.

Coming in the next week on the Baseball Continuum

Published on 2013-02-02 13:07:42

The Continuum kicks back into high gear on Monday, with more WBC stuff, more “Bizarre Baseball Culture” and various other stuff. Apologies for how the last few days have not been to the usual standards, but sometimes, you need to …

Picture of the day: Medicine Ball

Published on 2013-02-01 14:27:35

Today’s picture is a random little thing from Library of Congress Flickr stream of a medicine ball being sent to Reds manager Joe Tinker, circa 1913. Weird, huh?

Could a MLB team be heading to Korea in 2014? Or the Netherlands? Or both?

Published on 2013-02-01 13:22:05

According to an article linked to from MyKBO, there are some talks in the works by the KIA Tigers to try to get an MLB team to travel to Korea to play them in an exhibition game to open the … Continue reading →

Famous for something else: John Lynch

Published on 2013-02-01 10:57:22

John Lynch made 9 Pro Bowls and won a Super Bowl during his career as a strong safety in the NFL, and he now does some broadcasting on FOX. But he does hold a unique spot in baseball history as … Continue reading →

Famous For Something Else: John Elway

Published on 2013-01-31 16:56:46

Unlike some other failed two-sport athletes, John Elway’s stats in the minors were actually pretty good. That said, I’d say he probably made a good decision focusing on the NFL. Year Age Tm Lg Lev Aff G PA AB R … Continue reading &#

The Meaning of Jackie Robinson

Published on 2013-01-31 13:03:32

The true meaning of Jackie Robinson (who would turn 94 today) is often forgotten. I, like many others, have grown up in a sports world where it has not mattered what the color of a player’s skin was, only his … Continue reading →

Image of the day: Happy Birthday

Published on 2013-01-31 10:40:15

I believe Google speaks for all of us here: Happy Birthday, Jackie Robinson.

Picture of the day: Larry Kopf

Published on 2013-01-30 15:59:00

Today, I just picked a random picture from the Library of Congress Flickr feed (meaning no copyright restrictions). I got this picture of Larry Kopf, who played with Cleveland, Philadelphia (as seen in the photo), Cincinnati and the Boston Braves 

Famous for Something Else: Ricky Williams

Published on 2013-01-30 12:38:01

Before he played twelve seasons of professional football, Ricky Williams played baseball in the Phillies system, reaching as high as short-season low-A Batavia. Here are his stats from his time on the diamond: Year Age Tm Lg Lev Aff G PA … Con

The PED Double Standard

Published on 2013-01-30 12:07:32

As you all definitely know, baseball was hit by a steroid scandal yesterday. You may have also heard that such a thing struck the NFL, where news again surfaced that Ray Lewis had used a type of “deer-antler spray” that … Continue r

Picture of the day: Eddie Cicotte

Published on 2013-01-29 14:59:14

After Shoeless Joe Jackson, the best player involved in the Black Sox scandal was Eddie Cicotte, an ace pitcher who was as crooked as he was successful. His career 2.38 ERA is 24th best in history and it’s likely he … Continue reading 

Learn words through baseball news: Cacique

Published on 2013-01-29 11:22:12

In the Miami New Times article, it was revealed that one of Alex Rodriguez‘s code names was “Cacique”. So what does Cacique mean? Well, according to Dictionary.com: ca·cique [kuh-seek] Show IPA noun 1. a chief of an Indian clan or

The End of A-Rod

Published on 2013-01-29 11:01:32

Today was the end of the Age of A-Rod. Oh, he might not realize it yet, although I suppose he might, but I would be shocked if he plays again, and if he does play, I doubt he will even … Continue reading →

Picture of the day: Bill Klem

Published on 2013-01-28 12:49:29

Bill Klem, generally regarded as the best umpire of all time, umpired 37 years in the big leagues, worked in 18 World Series, and is said to have gained the respect of even the famously feisty John McGraw. This is … Continue reading →

Bizarre Baseball Culture: The Little Wise Guys and the Absent-Minded Natural

Published on 2013-01-28 12:39:58

In Bizarre Baseball Culture, I take a look at some of the more unusual places where baseball has reared it’s head in pop culture and fiction. There is nothing new under the sun. That is one way to sum up … Continue reading →

Picture of the day: Babe? Are you okay, Babe?

Published on 2013-01-27 11:42:32

Today’s picture is of Babe Ruth after a collision with a concrete wall. Ouch! This picture from 1924 can be found on the Library of Congress Flickr stream, and has no known copyright restrictions.

Taft added to the Presidents Race

Published on 2013-01-26 13:53:36

An update to my post on racing mascots: The Washington Nationals have added another president to their race, perhaps to keep interest in the race after Teddy Roosevelt finally winning. So who’s the new president? Is it JFK? Woodrow Wilson? R

Medlen out of World Baseball Classic… due to baby

Published on 2013-01-26 10:14:32

Well, scratch Kris Medlen off of Team USA’s starting rotation, as he won’t be pitching due to the fact that his wife will be having a baby any day now. Now, there have been plenty of people who have complained … Continue reading 

Picture of the day: Disconnect between perception and reality

Published on 2013-01-26 10:04:34

The general perception of the World Baseball Classic is that, almost universally, fans want their favorite team’s players- and especially pitchers- to avoid it like the plague. Which is why it’s interesting when I saw poll results on ESPN

Danger lurks everywhere, if you are a ballplayer!

Published on 2013-01-25 12:50:19

Remember, folks, baseball players are not like normal people. When they get hurt, we find out all of the embarrassing details as of why. If you had ruptured your spleen in a freak snow-shoveling accident, it would be known only … Continue readi

Picture of the day: Old Baseball Cards were weird

Published on 2013-01-25 09:31:14

Many old baseball cards were done back before cameras were all that good, especially in outdoor conditions. So instead, the action was staged indoors, like this card of Billy Sunday, who would later become a noted evangelical preacher after his ̷

Dear MLB Network: Steal these three ideas

Published on 2013-01-24 15:59:15

In 1928, sliced bread hit the market. Presumably, the phrase “best thing since sliced bread” was started shortly after. Amongst the things better than sliced bread: MLB Network. But MLB Network isn’t perfect, so, if anybody from MLB

Justin Upton to the Braves: Brothers in Baseball (and the many inexplicable appearances of the Padres)

Published on 2013-01-24 12:06:25

Well, that escalated quickly. I wake up, turn on the the TV, and then, BOOM! Upton family reunion in Atlanta. No, seriously, after seemingly endless rumors and innuendo over the last year or two, Justin Upton is finally leaving Arizona. … Conti

Picture of the day: Cobb and Mathewson

Published on 2013-01-24 05:55:38

The 1911 World Series was between the Tigers and Giants. That meant that two of the greatest stars of the early 20th century faced each other: Christy Mathewson and Ty Cobb. This photo is from the Library of Congress Flickr … Continue reading &

WBC Roster Analysis: Australia

Published on 2013-01-23 21:00:28

In 2006, Australia went 0-3 and in 2009 the Australians only did slightly better, going 1-2 (upsetting Mexico and then losing two straight, although they came close to upsetting Cuba). So how might they do this time around? Well, Australia … Co

Picture of the Day: Chick Gandil

Published on 2013-01-23 05:49:28

Chick Gandil was, in many ways, the mastermind of the players’ side of the Black Sox scandal. Earlier in his career, however, he played in Washington. Check out that old glove! This photo is from the Library of Congress Flickr … Continue

WBC Roster Analysis: Puerto Rico

Published on 2013-01-22 08:44:09

While Puerto Rican baseball has, as I’ve said before, seen better days, the roster that Puerto Rico has in this WBC will have plenty of MLB experience, and will have at least two genuine stars: Carlos Beltran and Yadier Molina. … Continue

Picture of the day: Casey Stengel wears sunglasses

Published on 2013-01-22 06:00:35

And now, because nobody asked for it, an image of a young Casey Stengel wearing sunglasses, circa 1915. This photo, from the Library of Congress Flickr, has no known copyright restrictions.

WBC Roster Analysis: Dominican Republic

Published on 2013-01-21 17:15:31

The Dominican Republic, like the USA and Venezuela, has yet to live up to it’s baseball pedigree when it comes to the WBC. They went down in the semifinals in 2006, and were embarrassed by the Netherlands twice in 2009. … Continue reading

Picture of the Day: 44 and 24

Published on 2013-01-21 05:28:06

In the days leading up to the Presidential Inauguration (which is today), the Baseball Continuum will be posting pictures celebrating the relation between the presidency and baseball. These are not meant to be an endorsement of either side of the 

Coming this week on The Baseball Continuum:

Published on 2013-01-20 14:16:00

Coming in the next seven days on the Continuum: More WBC Roster Analysis The long-awaited and at least once-delayed return of Bizarre Baseball Culture, which will focus on an old public domain comic book (again). One of these days I’ll …

My Blogathon post is up…

Published on 2013-01-20 12:10:28

My post over at the Old Time Family Baseball blogathon is now up and can be found over there. So check it out.

One-sentence prediction for the NFC and AFC Championship round.

Published on 2013-01-20 11:43:49

The Patriots and 49ers will win today and meet in Super Bowl XLVII. No further analysis needed. (Oh, crud, that’s two sentences. Sorry, everyone!)

Picture of the Day: President Bush at the World Series

Published on 2013-01-20 05:00:09

In the days leading up to the Presidential Inauguration, the Baseball Continuum will be posting pictures celebrating the relation between the presidency and baseball. These are not meant to be an endorsement of either side of the political aisle nor

Another Picture of the Day: Perfect Knight

Published on 2013-01-19 19:35:46

Outside of Busch Stadium, there is a simple statue of a left-handed Cardinal at the bat. There are only two things inscribed upon it: The man’s name on one side, and on one of the other sides, a quote: “Here … Continue reading ͛

Some quick blog dealings

Published on 2013-01-19 13:46:22

Just a few quick blog dealings for today: -First off, a big thanks to everyone who has visited the Continuum this month so far. Already, January is the most successful month in the site’s history, and this has been the … Continue reading

WBC Roster Analysis: The Netherlands

Published on 2013-01-19 11:47:30

What, did you expect me to do the Dominican Republic first after I did Team USA? Well, sorry to disappoint, as I’m focusing on the Dutch today. The Netherlands may seem, on the surface, to be a country unlikely to … Continue reading ͛

Picture of the Day: JFK throws out the first ball

Published on 2013-01-19 10:11:04

In the days leading up to the Presidential Inauguration, the Baseball Continuum will be posting pictures celebrating the relation between the presidency and baseball. These are not meant to be an endorsement of either side of the political aisle nor

Video of the Undetermined Amount of Time: Celebrating Earl Weaver as he lived

Published on 2013-01-19 09:59:55

Earl Weaver passed away this morning somewhere in the Caribbean, with his wife by his side, he was 82. But what better way to celebrate Weaver, the Earl of Baltimore, than to showcase him as he lived: Fighting with his … Continue reading →

The Lone Man to play in MLB and the NHL (and other MLB/NHL connections)

Published on 2013-01-19 06:01:03

Hockey is back! (Crickets) Well, anyway, there have been far fewer two-sport athletes in baseball involving hockey than there are basketball or football. In fact, there has been a grand total of one player who has spent time in the … Continue r

Picture of the Day: Babe and a future president

Published on 2013-01-18 19:04:19

In the days leading up to the Presidential Inauguration, the Baseball Continuum will be posting pictures celebrating the relation between the presidency and baseball. These are not meant to be an endorsement of either side of the political aisle nor

WBC Simulation: USA vs. Canada

Published on 2013-01-18 16:39:12

On Sunday, March 30, 2013, Team USA and Canada will play the final Pool D game at Chase Field in Phoenix. Canada will technically be the home team. It’s entirely possible that who has advanced in the WBC would already … Continue reading &

Be sure to check out the Old Time Family Baseball blogathon

Published on 2013-01-18 11:03:05

An unrelated note today on one of our friends on the baseball blogosphere: Old Time Family Baseball. It’s a blog much like this one, with no real theme but baseball and great content that is at least vaguely related to … Continue reading

Famous for something else: Randy “Macho Man” Savage

Published on 2013-01-18 07:00:07

Randy Poffo’s baseball career took a turn for the worst as he was hit by a series of injuries, but he found a second career as Randy “Macho Man” Savage. Year Age Tm Lg Lev Aff G PA AB R … Continue reading →

The WBC provisional rosters as they are now

Published on 2013-01-17 22:01:19

I was able to find the WBC provisional rosters as they are right now in this PDF file: 2013-World-Baseball-Classic-Provisional-Rosters_011713 You’re welcome.

Quick Impressions of the other 15 WBC rosters (and a link to the US)

Published on 2013-01-17 15:23:48

More rosters were revealed at 4 PM, go below the jump for my quick run-down of them. It will be updated as the rosters are revealed on television. Also, note that the rosters (which I will link to when I … Continue reading →

WBC Roster Analysis: Team USA

Published on 2013-01-17 09:49:04

So, Team USA’s roster has been released, here’s how it looks (they’ve released 27 names, the 28th will be named later): Jeremy Affeldt – San Francisco Giants – LHP J.P. Arencibia – Toronto Blue Jays – C Heath

Famous for something else: Randy “Macho Man” Savage

Published on 2013-01-17 07:00:07

Randy Poffo’s baseball career took a turn for the worst as he was hit by a series of injuries, but he found a second career as Randy “Macho Man” Savage. Year Age Tm Lg Lev Aff G PA AB R … Continue reading →

Quick Hits: Baseball Hoaxes

Published on 2013-01-17 06:36:00

To the best of my knowledge, there has never been a hoax in baseball quite like the one that is going on with Manti Te’o, but there have been a few “good” hoaxes: Tim Johnson was the manager of the … Continue reading →

Late WBC news for Jan. 17, 2013 and preview of tomorrow

Published on 2013-01-16 21:34:48

Only one last bit of news tonight: Hainley Statia, a Brewers minor leaguer, will be playing for the Dutch. Now, tomorrow’s schedule: MLB Network’s Hot Stove will be the de-facto Team USA announcement special, with the announcement itself

Late WBC News for Jan. 16, 2013 (Part 2 of ?): Cuba’s roster

Published on 2013-01-16 18:03:08

Cuba has released their roster through their state-run Latina Prensa.  Here’s how it looks: Catchers: Yulexis La Rosa, Frank Camilo Morejon and Eriel Sanchez. Infielders: José Dariel Abreu, Luis Felipe Rivera, José Miguel Fernández, Andy Ib

Late World Baseball Classic news for January 16, 2013 (Part 1 of ?)

Published on 2013-01-16 16:54:52

Okay, some more WBC news to go over as you ponder the bizarre tale of Manti Te’o… Joe Nathan is out. Andrelton Simmons will be playing for the Netherlands. Orioles minor leaguer Jonathan Schoop is expected to play for the … Continue

Rosters (and possibilities/non-possibilities) of the World Baseball Classic as of 12:30 PM of Jan. 16, 2013

Published on 2013-01-16 11:22:32

While we all wonder if Justin Verlander will change his mind and join the WBC (he’s leaning to no, at least for the initial round), here’s the latest news: Xander Bogaerts, one of the top prospects of the Boston Red … Continue readi

Rosters (and possibilities/non-possibilities) of the World Baseball Classic as of 1:17 PM of Jan. 15, 2013

Published on 2013-01-15 12:17:04

Today’s WBC news: The third catcher for Team USA will be J.P. Arencibia. Perhaps not coincidentally, he’s one of the catchers for the Blue Jays, and will be one of the people responsible for trying to catch R.A. Dickey‘s knuckleball

Now available for purchase: Joe Connor’s “World in a Ballpark”

Published on 2013-01-15 11:53:01

The Baseball Continuum is proud to offer for purchase the World Baseball Classic guide, World in a Ballpark: Baseball Goes Global, written by published international baseball writer Joe Connor. Connor is a world-traveling freelance writer who has w

So, here’s how Team USA looks right now (and how it may look on Thursday)

Published on 2013-01-14 20:48:33

World Baseball Classic rosters are made up of 28 players, of which 13 of them must be pitchers and two of them must be catchers. So far, these are the players who have been confirmed or all-but-confirmed to be playing … Continue reading →

Late World Baseball Classic news for January 14, 2013 (Part 2 of ?)

Published on 2013-01-14 16:37:19

More WBC news that has come out (or that I just found) since earlier: Buster Posey is out, but there are other members of the Champion Giants playing in the WBC. There’s the previously mentioned Ryan Vogelsong, but also Jeremy … Continue

Late World Baseball Classic news for January 14, 2013 (Part 1 of ?)

Published on 2013-01-14 15:22:18

News on the World Baseball Classic front since my post this morning: Anthony Rizzo IS going to be playing for Italy. According to Troy Renck, The question of Troy Tulowitzki, much like that of Joey Votto, is based on that … Continue reading 

Rosters (and possibilities/non-possibilities) of the World Baseball Classic as of 12:13 PM of Jan. 14, 2013

Published on 2013-01-14 11:13:57

Today’s news so far: Tyler LaTorre, who is in the Giants system, is expected to play for Italy in the WBC. Another player who may be playing for Italia: Anthony Rizzo of the Cubs. Miguel Tejada will be a part … Continue reading →

Famous for Something Else: Mario Cuomo

Published on 2013-01-14 06:00:56

In “Famous for Something Else”, we look at how people famous for things other than baseball did during their baseball careers. Mario Cuomo was governor of New York State from 1983 to 1994. But in his younger days, he played … Contin

Late World Baseball Classic news for January 13, 2013 (Part 3 of probably 3)

Published on 2013-01-13 21:53:08

Okay, last update for the night… I hope. In his article on the latest round of players to commit to Team USA, Jon Heyman mentions that Troy Tulowitzki will be held back from Team USA do to injury concerns. I … Continue reading →

Late World Baseball Classic news for January 13, 2013 (Part 2 of an undetermined number)

Published on 2013-01-13 18:06:36

Okay, more news on Team USA, this time from Jon Heyman of MLB Network and CBSsports.com: R.A. Dickey, Andy Pettitte & Ryan Vogelsong in team USA rotation for wbc. story coming on @cbssports — Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) January 13, 2013 … Cont

Late World Baseball Classic news for January 13, 2013 (Part 1 of an undetermined number)

Published on 2013-01-13 17:33:33

Okay, late news on the World Baseball Classic: As a patriotic song once said, “The Yanks are coming, The Yanks are coming!” In this case (according to Barry M. Bloom of MLB.com), it’s Mark Teixeira (who played for the USA … Co

Thursday is World Baseball Classic Roster Day

Published on 2013-01-13 16:56:50

At least, according to Barry M. Bloom of MLB.com it is: WBC roster announcements according to @mlb: 10 am ET Thurs for USA, 4 pm for rest on MLB Net. MLB.com with complete coverage. — Barry M. Bloom (@Boomskie) January … Continue reading U

Rosters (and possibilities/non-possibilities) of the World Baseball Classic as of 2:44 PM of Jan. 13, 2013

Published on 2013-01-13 13:44:01

The list is a bit different this time, set up by COUNTRY, not IN/OUT/IN-BETWEEN. This is being done because more players are joining or turning down invites by the day. Today’s news: Albert Pujols, who you may have heard of … Continue rea

Russell Wilson probably made the right decision

Published on 2013-01-13 10:11:55

Russell Wilson plays for the Seattle Seahawks today, but he once played in the Colorado Rockies organization. Looking at his career .229 BA, I’d say he probably made the right decision. Year Age Tm Lg Lev Aff G PA AB … Continue reading &#

Late World Baseball Classic news for January 12 (Part 2 of who-knows-how-many, 9:20 PM)

Published on 2013-01-12 20:19:44

Well, two more commitments for the WBC since 6 o’clock: Chris Perez and Vinnie Pestano, both relievers (and good ones) for the Cleveland Indians. I am happy to say that I will be pitching for Team USA in the upcoming … Continue reading &#

Late World Baseball Classic news for January 12 (Part 1 of who-knows-how-many, 6:00 PM)

Published on 2013-01-12 17:00:33

World Baseball Classic news that I didn’t have during my “Who’s In/Out/In-Between” and my other posts earlier today. They will be edited in to tomorrow’s edition of my listings for the WBC: Mike Trout won’t be play

The first 23 players of Team Canada have been revealed

Published on 2013-01-12 15:10:44

Canada has released the first 23 players who are officially on their provisional roster, here’s a photo of the roster that they released on Twitter: Now, a few notes on this roster: Joey Votto is still expected to take part, … Continue re

Also, the probably-final roster for the Korean National Team at the WBC

Published on 2013-01-12 11:07:48

Dan from MyKBO sent this along to me, although I may have tweeted it earlier this week: what is expected to be the final roster for the Korean national team for the World Baseball Classic, complete with uniform numbers, uniform … Continue readi

Yes, the Canadians are revealing (most of) their roster today

Published on 2013-01-12 10:44:13

At 3:30, to be exact: Banner ready for @wbcbaseball Team Canada Provisional Roster announcement at 3:30 PM ET today (23 names only) twitter.com/baseballcanada… — Baseball Canada (@baseballcanada) January 12, 2013

Who’s in/out/in-between of the World Baseball Classic as of 11:18 AM of Jan. 12, 2013

Published on 2013-01-12 10:18:25

NOTE: SINCE THIS WAS PUT UP THIS MORNING MORE NEWS HAS COME OUT. GO TO THE FRONT PAGE FOR THE LATEST.

Off-Topic: Short NFL predictions for the weekend

Published on 2013-01-12 06:45:16

Okay, here we go: Ravens at Broncos: It will be cold, yes, and Peyton Manning doesn’t do well in cold. However, I still think he’ll do well enough, barring the Ravens defense taking the ball away multiple times. In other … Continue

Review: The Living Baseball Card

Published on 2013-01-11 15:03:00

The baseball card. Is there anything so low-tech and yet interesting as it? And remember how, when you were young, you’d look over those statistics, look at the cool photos, and maybe see a line or two about the player … Continue reading

Who’s in/out/in-between of the World Baseball Classic as of 2:30 PM of Jan. 11, 2013

Published on 2013-01-11 13:30:09

Today’s World Baseball Classic news as of about 2:30 PM and a reminder that, as more WBC news continues to trickle in, keep an eye out later for any later updates: Adam Jones is in for Team USA. The USA … Continue reading →

Six days or so until 28-man rosters come out for the World Baseball Classic

Published on 2013-01-11 08:42:11

Saw this from MLB.com’s Angels beat writer Alden Gonzalez: Preliminary 28-man rosters for all 16 clubs participating in the World Baseball Classic will be announced next Thursday, the 17th. — Alden Gonzalez (@Alden_Gonzalez) January 11, 2013

And now, another trailer for “42″

Published on 2013-01-10 16:08:31

While I’m not going to do the grand analysis of the first trailer, here’s the latest trailer for the Jackie Robinson biopic, 42, starring Chadwick Boseman and Harrison Ford. Keep an eye open for Christopher Meloni as Leo Durocher, Alan &#

I’ve updated today’s earlier WBC news.

Published on 2013-01-10 15:35:42

Just a heads-up for anybody reading this blog for WBC news, but two more items of World Baseball Classic news came about shortly after today’s post: Jonathan Lucroy of the Brewers has tweeted that he’ll be playing. Andrew McCutchen appare

Who’s in/out/in-between of the World Baseball Classic as of 1:19 PM of Jan. 10, 2013 (updated AT 4:31 PM)

Published on 2013-01-10 12:18:31

Today’s World Baseball Classic news- depending on whether any more news comes out, there could be another update tonight: According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Phillies don’t expect to lose many players to the WBC. They are likely t

A proposal to revamp Hall of Fame voting

Published on 2013-01-09 19:49:06

One of the major gripes with Hall of Fame voting is that it is the Baseball Writers’ Association of America that does the voting. Even some of the writers themselves gripe about it, and many organizations actually forbid their writers … C

Who’s in/out/in-between of the World Baseball Classic as of 3:40 PM of Jan. 9, 2013

Published on 2013-01-09 14:40:38

Spanning the internet to bring you the latest WBC news and notes: Troy Tulowitzki still wants in for Team USA, and swears his injuries last season won’t be a problem. So I’m moving him up from under consideration to possibly/likely, ̷

The tragedy of today’s HOF voting: Kenny Lofton being dropped

Published on 2013-01-09 13:24:36

Yes, nobody was elected to the Hall of Fame today, meaning that the only people going into the Hall this summer will be long-dead old-timers. It is sad to see Biggio and Piazza not get in when their connection to … Continue reading →

Obituary: The Bullpen Phone

Published on 2013-01-08 21:18:04

The Bullpen Phone- at least as a landline- died today, to be replaced by a new on-field communication system utilizing cellphones (brought to you by T-Mobile). Phone, who may well have been as old as 83 (it’s a bit vague), … Continue read

Who’s in/out/in-between of the World Baseball Classic as of 1:14 PM of Jan. 8, 2013

Published on 2013-01-08 12:13:16

Today’s news as of posting time: Probably the biggest name to confirm his participation for Team USA since Joe Mauer and David Wright were announced by WBC officials, Ryan Braun has said he’s in for Team USA. Since it isn’t …

Blog dealings: WordAds

Published on 2013-01-07 21:52:54

You might notice that there are now some more advertisements on the Continuum. The reason for this is because this site is now under WordPress’ WordAds program, which allows people who use WordPress to make a little money from their … Con

Who’s in/out/in-between of the World Baseball Classic as of 7:30 PM of Jan. 7, 2013

Published on 2013-01-07 18:30:49

Today’s news for the WBC: Braves’ beat writer David O’Brien tweeted out some possible Braves players that could play in the WBC. He mentioned the previously-known Craig Kimbrel and Kris Medlen for Team USA, but he also mentions Juan

Random Video of the Undetermined Amount of Time: George Carlin talks about the differences between football and baseball

Published on 2013-01-07 10:21:34

(If the video doesn’t work, go here)

Who’s in/out/in-between of the World Baseball Classic as of 1:41 PM of Jan. 6, 2013

Published on 2013-01-06 12:40:59

Some semi-midday news: Anibal Sanchez appears to be in for Venezuela. So I’m putting him in possibly/likely. An article from a Dutch-language site on American sports mentions briefly that the Netherlands National Team hopes that Rick Vandenhurk

Who’s in/out/in-between of the World Baseball Classic as of 3:16 PM of Jan. 5, 2013

Published on 2013-01-05 14:15:34

Today’s news: -A Venezuelan sports website has news about some of the players who will or will not be on the roster, which is expected to be released sometime around the 16th. Now, my Spanish isn’t very good, but between … Continue

Short Predictions for the NFL Wild Card Round

Published on 2013-01-05 08:36:33

Nothing too deep, just quick predictions: I see the Bengals upsetting the Texans, as Houston basically backed into the playoffs, which doesn’t exactly seem like a good omen for them, even if they are playing at home. The night game … Cont

Now offcially www.baseballcontinuum.com!

Published on 2013-01-05 05:48:03

For months, baseballcontinuum.com simply rerouted to baseballcontinuum.wordpress.com, but no more! Starting last night, baseballcontinuum.com stands for and is mapped to the whole site, this will allow for easier sharing of links and potentially othe

Who’s in/out/in-between of the World Baseball Classic as of 8:46 PM of Jan. 4, 2013

Published on 2013-01-04 19:46:17

Today’s news: An article at the Atlanta Braves official site says that Craig Kimbrel (who we knew about already) and Kris Medlen (who’s new) are “both expected to compete” for Team USA. I have to admit, somehow I totally forgo

Suggestion: Count in terms of stadiums

Published on 2013-01-04 12:54:30

You occasionally hear of weird ways of measuring things. Perhaps the best baseball example is the Altuve, which measures things based on the size of Astros 2B Jose Altuve. But one baseball-related unit of measure I sometimes use when I … Contin

Who’s in/out/in-between of the World Baseball Classic as of 7:54 PM of Jan. 3, 2013

Published on 2013-01-03 18:54:21

Today’s news: Miguel Montero of the Arizona Diamondbacks basically confirmed he was going to play for Venezuela in the WBC on Twitter. So into possibly/likely he goes. The Cincinnati Enquirer‘s John Fay has some WBC tidbits in his latest

Who’s in/out/in-between of the World Baseball Classic as of 7:54 PM of Jan. 3, 2013

Published on 2013-01-03 18:54:21

Today’s news: Miguel Montero of the Arizona Diamondbacks basically confirmed he was going to play for Venezuela in the WBC on Twitter. So into possibly/likely he goes. The Cincinnati Enquirer‘s John Fay has some WBC tidbits in his latest

Wednesday Links: Mister Baseball

Published on 2013-01-02 11:43:36

I’ve featured links to a site that covers Japanese baseball, and a site about Korean baseball, so today, I’m putting up a link to a site on European baseball. It’s called “Mister Baseball“. It has nothing to do with that

Wednesday Links: Mister Baseball

Published on 2013-01-02 11:43:36

I’ve featured links to a site that covers Japanese baseball, and a site about Korean baseball, so today, I’m putting up a link to a site on European baseball. It’s called “Mister Baseball“. It has nothing to do with that

Who’s in/out/in-between of the World Baseball Classic as of 8:13 PM of Jan. 1, 2013

Published on 2013-01-01 19:13:45

Not much today: Taylor Green, of the Milwaukee Brewers, is “in line” to play for Team Canada. I’m putting him in as possibly/likely. As usual, check under the jump for the full list. IN (OFFICIALLY CONFIRMED BY THE WBC): Ryan …

Who’s in/out/in-between of the World Baseball Classic as of 8:13 PM of Jan. 1, 2013

Published on 2013-01-01 19:13:45

Not much today: Taylor Green, of the Milwaukee Brewers, is “in line” to play for Team Canada. I’m putting him in as possibly/likely. As usual, check under the jump for the full list. IN (OFFICIALLY CONFIRMED BY THE WBC): Ryan …

WBC 2013 Projections: Dominican Republic Version 2.1

Published on 2013-01-01 14:38:38

It’s time for another round of projections for the Dominican Republic’s World Baseball Classic roster. Those that have already been confirmed fully by the World Baseball Classic organizers are italicized. As usual, the rules I used in mak

WBC 2013 Projections: Dominican Republic Version 2.1

Published on 2013-01-01 14:38:38

It’s time for another round of projections for the Dominican Republic’s World Baseball Classic roster. Those that have already been confirmed fully by the World Baseball Classic organizers are italicized. As usual, the rules I used in mak

New Year’s Resolutions

Published on 2013-01-01 10:41:48

So, what resolutions do people in baseball have this year? I have some thoughts… Stephen Strasburg and the Washington Nationals… play the whole season, and not be shut down during the stretch run. Toronto Blue Jays… party like it

New Year’s Resolutions

Published on 2013-01-01 10:41:48

So, what resolutions do people in baseball have this year? I have some thoughts… Stephen Strasburg and the Washington Nationals… play the whole season, and not be shut down during the stretch run. Toronto Blue Jays… party like it

Images of 2012: Won’t be too long…

Published on 2012-12-31 19:00:09

Okay, so this is an Instagram image. But it’s a good one. It is of Opening Day in San Francisco this season. And, by the way, only about a month and a half until pitchers and catchers report, about two … Continue reading →

Images of 2012: Won’t be too long…

Published on 2012-12-31 19:00:09

Okay, so this is an Instagram image. But it’s a good one. It is of Opening Day in San Francisco this season. And, by the way, only about a month and a half until pitchers and catchers report, about two … Continue reading →

2013 WBC Team USA projections Version 2.2

Published on 2012-12-31 12:07:14

It’s time for another round of WBC projections for Team USA! Like last time, players who have been absolutely super-confirmed to be playing are in italics. I note the changes from last time where applicable. A refresher on my selection …

2013 WBC Team USA projections Version 2.2

Published on 2012-12-31 12:07:14

It’s time for another round of WBC projections for Team USA! Like last time, players who have been absolutely super-confirmed to be playing are in italics. I note the changes from last time where applicable. A refresher on my selection …

Images of 2012: Year of the Panda

Published on 2012-12-30 12:08:26

The 2012 World Series MVP, Pablo Sandoval. Photo by Geekstinkbreath, used under a Creative Commons license.

Images of 2012: Year of the Panda

Published on 2012-12-30 12:08:26

The 2012 World Series MVP, Pablo Sandoval. Photo by Geekstinkbreath, used under a Creative Commons license.

Who’s in/out/in-between of the World Baseball Classic as of 7:03 PM of Dec. 29, 2012

Published on 2012-12-29 18:02:23

The news tonight on people dropping in or out of the World Baseball Classic: As expected, Michael Young won’t be taking part in the WBC for Mexico (his mother is of Mexican descent) or the USA, as he goes into … Continue reading →

Images of 2012: Year of the Trout

Published on 2012-12-29 18:00:02

Without further comment: Mike Trout. Photo by Keith Allison. Used under a Creative Commons license.

Images of 2012: Oriole Magic

Published on 2012-12-29 12:00:53

Despite claims to the contrary, the Baltimore Orioles continued to win. And win. And win. Making the playoffs for the first time since 1997, defeating the favored Texas Rangers in the Wild Card Game and then going the distance against … Continu

Who’s in/out/in-between of the World Baseball Classic as of 9:43 AM of Dec. 29, 2012

Published on 2012-12-29 08:43:44

The latest news on participants in the WBC: Martin Maldonado of the Brewers is like to play for Puerto Rico. So I’m putting him in as possibly/likely. A rumor on an Orioles message board is that Adam Jones will play … Continue reading 

Coming Up in the final days of 2012

Published on 2012-12-28 14:45:06

In the final days of 2012 at the Baseball Continuum: New projections for Team USA and Team Dominican Republic. A look at the “Living Baseball Card” project. Images from 2012. And maybe the awaited return of “Bizarre Baseball Culture

Images of 2012: Perfection

Published on 2012-12-28 11:28:00

Images from 2012… There were three perfect games this season, a record, but perhaps the most unexpected was the first one, by Phil Humber. He no-hit the Mariners in April. He’s somewhere underneath his teammates in the picture below. (Pho

Who’s in/out/in-between of the World Baseball Classic as of 2:51 PM of Dec. 27, 2012

Published on 2012-12-27 13:51:38

The latest news on the WBC: Jim Johnson has now been fully confirmed not to be playing in the Classic. The latest update on the Korean roster looks like this. Also, there are some reports I’ve found here and there … Continue reading ͛

Video of the Random Amount of Time: Weird Taiwanese Animation of Hiroyuki Nakajima’s signing with the Athletics

Published on 2012-12-26 12:29:22

NMA is an Asian company that makes CGI animations that are… unusual takes on the news. In this case, they’ve made a little CGI animation of Hiroyuki Nakajima, Japanese shortstop, and his signing with the Oakland Athletics. Clearly, somebo

Merry Rickeymas from the Baseball Continuum

Published on 2012-12-25 07:29:29

You know the story of who inspired this holiday: His birth was an unusual one, but he grew up to perform amazing feats, and spoke in words that have been repeated again and again throughout history. Later in life, he … Continue reading →

Coming Soon: WBC Simulations on Out of the Park Baseball

Published on 2012-12-23 11:33:17

I’m a big fan of a game called Out Of The Park Baseball. It’s a baseball simulator, which can let you do almost anything. If you want to, you can replay baseball history just as it was, or you could … Continue reading →

Who’s in/out/in-between of the World Baseball Classic as of 11:45 AM of Dec. 22, 2012

Published on 2012-12-22 10:45:43

I didn’t get the list of changes to World Baseball Classic participants last night, but here it is now: Bad news for Team Canada: After having arm surgery to remove bone chips, Scott Diamond will be out of the WBC. … Continue reading U

Who’s in/out/in-between of the World Baseball Classic as of 10:15 PM of Dec. 20, 2012

Published on 2012-12-20 21:13:54

Today’s news regarding players and the World Baseball Classic: Ryan Dempster has said that he is undecided on whether he will pitch in the WBC. So I’ll put him in the under consideration category. Go below the jump for the … Continu

My five best position players, pitchers, and managers- just in time for the “End of the World”

Published on 2012-12-20 09:45:39

Well, here it is. One day until the end of the world, according to the Mayans. Never mind that the Mayans actually didn’t predict that 12-21-2012 was the end of the world, or that the Mayan culture didn’t see history … Continue read

Who’s in/out/in-between of the World Baseball Classic as of 5:00 PM of Dec. 19, 2012

Published on 2012-12-19 16:00:29

Today’s news on World Baseball Classic participation: Alessandro Maestri, AKA Alex Mestri, an Italian who spent some time in the Cubs system and now pitches for Orix in the NPB, has received an invite from Team Italy, according to Yakyu …

Cool Baseball Link: MyKBO.net (@MyKBO)

Published on 2012-12-19 11:01:10

I’ve featured Yakyu Baka on the side of the Continuum for awhile, so now is perhaps a good time to link to perhaps it’s Korean equivalent: MyKBO.net. MyKBO.net, as the name suggests, is about the Korean Baseball Organization and Korean &#

If I Were Commissioner: The Return of Barnstorming

Published on 2012-12-19 09:04:48

In “If I Were Commissioner”, I pretend that I am in charge of all of baseball… For years, back when ballplayers needed some extra money to hold them over during the off-season and the owners also were looking for ways … Contin

Who’s in/out/in-between of the World Baseball Classic as of 7:30 PM of Dec. 18, 2012

Published on 2012-12-18 18:30:09

Today’s changes: According to a Venezuelan news article that I translated with Google, 1B/DH Luis Jimenez would like to play for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. Jimenez had a cup of coffee with Seattle last season. Therefore, I am R

Headlines from around the Continuum: Dickey-Officially-Traded Edition

Published on 2012-12-18 11:40:38

Baseball-related headlines from the front pages of major newspaper, as seen from the the Newseum website. R.A. Dickey deal is finished Globe and Mail (Toronto): The $24,000,000 Knuckles Toronto Metro: Dickey’s All In National Post (Toronto): DI

Who’s in/out/in-between of the World Baseball Classic as of 8:48 PM of Dec. 17, 2012

Published on 2012-12-17 19:48:39

The latest ins and outs for the WBC: As expected of a player with a new team, a history of injury and a love of routine, Josh Hamilton does not expect to play in the World Baseball Classic. Perhaps not … Continue reading →

Ye Olde Base Ball Continuum: December, 1912

Published on 2012-12-17 10:48:10

The LA84 Foundation offers archives of old periodicals and magazines from sports history, many of them dealing with baseball. So, in the spirit of good humor and retrospective, I’ve looked at what was being written about baseball in December 19

The (AL) East is Wild

Published on 2012-12-17 08:58:49

The American League East is in a interesting situation. For years, after all, there were some things that were for certain: The Yankees and Red Sox could be expected to come in first and second (sometimes flipping the order), the … Continue rea

No posts this weekend

Published on 2012-12-14 19:39:54

Out of respect for the victims of the people in Newtown, Connecticut, I will not be posting this weekend. I will resume posting on Monday. Please keep the people touched by this horrible tragedy in your thoughts.

Headlines from around the Continuum, Josh Hamilton to the Angels edition

Published on 2012-12-14 09:46:43

Headlines about the biggest baseball news from the Newseum web site: Story: Josh Hamilton signed by the Angels, spurns Rangers Orange County Register: No Joshin’! Hamilton completes Angels’ lineup Long Beach Press-Telegram: Angels Raid R

Who’s In/Out/In-Between for the World Baseball Classic as of 8:45 PM of Dec. 13, 2012

Published on 2012-12-13 19:44:38

After a few days, we now have another confirmation about the World Baseball Classic. Shane Victorino has said he will be playing for Team USA. Since it’s not official (since technically the Red Sox need to approve it), I’m placing …

The West Is (Number) One

Published on 2012-12-13 14:52:19

Josh Hamilton, the prize hitter on the free agent market, is a Los Angeles Angel of Anaheim. And so continues the movement of baseball’s greatest talents to the west. While it is true that Hamilton was already in the West … Continue readi

Australian All-Star Game: A possible look at Team Australia’s WBC Roster

Published on 2012-12-13 08:16:30

The Australian Baseball League’s All-Star Game is coming up, and it pits the league’s best Australian players against the league’s best foreign players. This allows, interestingly, for something of a glimpse of what Australia’

Number 12s for 12/12/12

Published on 2012-12-12 11:12:58

It’s 12/12/12! So in honor of 12/12/12, perhaps it’s a good idea to note that two number 12s have seen their numbers retired in Major League Baseball. The more notable of them is Roberto Alomar, who’s number 12 has been … Cont

Did you know…

Published on 2012-12-11 17:48:19

Four quick factoids that you may find interesting. Did you know….. …that “Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades” was first coined by Frank Robinson? He did it in 1973 in Time. …that Michael Vick, Tom Brady, J

Blog Note: Now receiving from Baseball-Reference Newsfeeds

Published on 2012-12-11 15:42:15

This is just a quick note: starting today the Continuum will be featured in Baseball-Reference.com’s “player news” sections, so as you are browsing B-Ref you might come across a link to this site. These links will be to articles whe

With apologies to SI, this week’s sign of the apocalypse

Published on 2012-12-10 20:20:51

Sports Illustrated often has a feature where they point out a sign of the apocalypse. Deadspin also does this occasionally, mainly to point out how SI’s sign is mild compared to actual world events. I, for one, nominate this: Pablo … Cont

So about the weekend…

Published on 2012-12-10 11:40:49

Things we learned over the weekend: The Dodgers have a lot of money You know how I wrote that analogy of how the Yankees are like Godzilla sleeping between rampages? Well, the Dodgers think that’s adorable. This weekend, they’ve signed

Who’s In/Out/In-Between as of 7:22 PM of Dec. 9, 2012

Published on 2012-12-09 18:22:04

Today’s movers and shakers: Alfredo Aceves has apparently volunteered to play for Team Mexico… as a catcher. He’s a pitcher usually. So either there was some sort of joke he made that got lost in translation in Nick Cafardo’s

Bo Jackson: Faster than Hamilton?

Published on 2012-12-09 16:00:15

Early on in the life of this blog, I declared Reds’ farmhand BIlly Hamilton as the fastest man in baseball. Possibly ever. Using some rudimentary math that admittedly had plenty of caveats, I found that they he would be running … Continue

Sunday Trivia

Published on 2012-12-09 10:49:22

Here’s a new one: Below are 10 trivia questions. After the jump, you will find the answers. The answers, by the way, will be in white text, so you may need to highlight them to see. So here we go: … Continue reading →

In/Out/In-Between of the WBC as of 8 PM on December 8, 2012

Published on 2012-12-08 19:00:30

Today’s changes: The Boston Globe reports that David Ortiz almost certainly will be unable to play in the WBC, due to his Achilles’ injury not being fully healed yet. The complete list is below the jump: IN (OFFICIALLY CONFIRMED BY …

Michael Young leaves the Rangers, removing another career-with-one-team man

Published on 2012-12-08 14:52:50

Michael Young wasn’t drafted by the Texas Rangers- he came as a Minor Leaguer in a trade with the Blue Jays- but he has for years been Mr. Ranger. But now, he is headed to Philadelphia, waiving his no-trade clause … Continue reading ͛

The Yankees are just sleeping

Published on 2012-12-08 05:23:12

When I was younger, I had a thing for Godzilla movies. But I sort of realized that, at the end of each movie, there probably should have been a scene where the Japanese government realized that Godzilla was going to … Continue reading →

In/Out/In-Between of the WBC as of 9:34 PM on December 7, 2012

Published on 2012-12-07 20:34:11

To better show the changes to the list, I’ll list the ins/outs and in-between that are new and then, below the jump, there is a list of all of the players who are in or out (or somewhere in between). … Continue reading →

Random videos of the undetermined amount of time: Big long things for me to watch later

Published on 2012-12-07 11:04:17

Sometimes, you just don’t have time to watch some of the most interesting/weird/random videos about baseball on the internet. So, if you have some time, feel free to watch these videos that I’m saving for a really slow day. The … Co

In/Out/In-Between of the WBC as of 8:39 PM on December 6, 2012

Published on 2012-12-06 19:39:13

Who’s playing in the WBC? Who’s dropped out? Who is still being considered or might be taking part? Well, go below the jump for it: IN (OFFICIALLY CONFIRMED BY THE WBC): Ryan Rowland-Smith- Australia Luke Hughes- Australia Yan Gomes- Braz

2013 World Baseball Classic Provisional Roster Analysis: Korea

Published on 2012-12-06 13:54:10

While the western WBC teams have yet to release provisional rosters publicly, the Thanks to @MyKBO for making this and sharing it with everybody on Twitter, as well as making the statistics available. Go after the jump for analysis. Pitchers: …

Random Semi-Humorous Post: And they say American fans don’t care about the WBC…

Published on 2012-12-06 13:31:02

The WBC is an afterthought for most Americans, aside from freaks like me. But let it not be said that everyone has that opinion. Rest assured, the WBC is a big deal for some people. Just look at what I … Continue reading →

Winter Meetings Actions and Reactions: Part 5 (Ben Revere-is-traded edition)

Published on 2012-12-06 12:01:36

Action: OFFICIAL: @phillies acquire OF Ben Revere from @twins for pitchers Vance Worley and Trevor May. #WinterMeetings — MLB (@MLB) December 6, 2012 Reaction: The Twins had two good center-fielders. Now they have none. However, they also had very

2013 WBC Team USA projections Version 2.1

Published on 2012-12-05 21:52:38

Well, with some players beginning to confirm their inclusion or non-participation in the WBC, here are my latest projections. While Team USA is hurt by the fact that Bryce Harper (who likely wants to spend the spring preparing for what … Contin

In/Out/In-Between of the WBC as of 9:00 PM on December 5, 2012

Published on 2012-12-05 19:59:46

Continuing as your source for the WBC, go below the jump for the latest update of players that are in, out or somewhere in-between of the WBC. IN (OFFICIALLY CONFIRMED BY THE WBC): Ryan Rowland-Smith- Australia Luke Hughes- Australia Yan … Cont

Winter Meetings Actions and Reactions: Part 4

Published on 2012-12-05 16:29:06

Action: Yankees have just been priced out of Jeff Keppinger and Eric Chavez. #mayanapocalypse — Jorge Arangure (@jorgearangure) December 5, 2012 Reaction: It is true. The Yankees apparently were in on Jeff Keppinger and Eric Chavez, looking to get

As of 10:03 PM of December 4, 2012, here’s who is IN and OUT of the 2013 WBC

Published on 2012-12-04 21:03:27

Here’s an update of yesterday’s post. To save space, go after the jump to see the list. IN (OFFICIALLY CONFIRMED BY THE WBC): Ryan Rowland-Smith- Australia Luke Hughes- Australia Yan Gomes- Brazil Andrew Rienzo- Brazil Justin Morneau- Can

Winter Meetings Action and Reactions: Part 3

Published on 2012-12-04 13:49:00

Action: Sources: Dan Haren in agreement with #Nationals, one year, $13M. Pending physical. — Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 4, 2012 Reaction: Dan Haren could very well end up being the fifth starter for Washington. Fifth. This is a three-t

2013 WBC Provisional Roster Analysis: Japan

Published on 2012-12-04 11:41:32

While most of the western WBC teams aren’t going to reveal their full rosters until January, Japan has already come up with a provisional roster of 34 players. Eventually, they will cut it down to 28 players, but for now, … Continue readi

At 8 PM of December 3rd, 2012, here’s who is IN the WBC and who is OUT of the WBC

Published on 2012-12-03 19:00:35

Surprisingly, the provisional rosters for the WBC will be released in January this time around, at least for Team USA. I saw some rumors about this earlier, and it mainly has to do with the fact that the teams that … Continue reading →

WBC News from the Winter Meetings (WILL BE CONSTANTLY UPDATED THROUGHOUT THE DAY)

Published on 2012-12-03 13:13:29

This is the Winter Meetings World Baseball Classic update post. I’ll post links and news that I find on Twitter or other online sources about WBC news from the Winter Meetings here. Come back later as more stuff is added. … Continue readi

Winter Meetings Action and Reaction: Part 2

Published on 2012-12-03 12:03:35

Part of a feature in which I react to the news coming from the Winter Meetings. Action: Hall of Fame 16 member pre-integration committee elected three new members: Hank O’Day (umpire), Jacob Ruppert (Yankees owner), Deacon White — Scott Mille

Action and Reaction, Winter Meetings, Part 1

Published on 2012-12-03 09:00:57

Throughout the Winter Meetings, I’ll react to the acts that are going on in Baseball. Action: Free-agent reliever Brad Lidge has informed his agents, Rex Gary & Jim Turner, that he plans to retire. One of the all-time class acts. … Contin

Q and A: The Winter Meetings

Published on 2012-12-02 16:28:38

Baseball’s “Winter Meetings” are about to get going in Nashville. You may be wondering why this is happening, and what it is. So, here’s a little question and answer for those of you wondering about it. What are baseball’

WBC Roster Watch: The first indications of the 2013 Dominican Republic Roster?

Published on 2012-12-01 17:25:06

The Dominican Republic national team has a official Twitter feed. It’s in Spanish, of course, but thanks to the internet, here’s what it had to say yesterday, according to Google Translate: Tony Pena, as a leader, will lead the coaching &

Coming soon: All-New WBC projections

Published on 2012-11-30 23:25:42

Next week, at the Winter Meetings, the provisional rosters of the World Baseball Classic will be announced. Essentially, these are lists of players who have indicated they will take part if asked. This does not necessarily mean they will ultimately &

Headlines from around the Continuum: November 30, 2012

Published on 2012-11-30 10:03:39

Headlines from around the world, courtesy of the Newseum’s website. Story: Denard Span traded to Nationals for prospect Alex Meyer Star Tribune (Minneapolis): SPAN DEALT TO NATS (Subhead: “Twins get pitching prospect Meyer in trade”

A detailed look at the BBWAA HoF ballot, Part 1: The Unquestionable and the guys who may have been HoF before alleged drug use and so may make it anyway

Published on 2012-11-30 08:00:26

In a world without steroids, where all of the magic numbers of the 1990s and early 2000s were just because of superhuman ability and extremely hard work, this is how this article would start: “Bonds, Clemens, Piazza, Sosa, Biggio, and … C

Cheat Sheet: (Almost) All of the Most Recent Champions (as of Nov. 29, 2012)

Published on 2012-11-29 09:15:02

(Note: Not included are leagues still in session) So, who’s the defending champion in the…. The Top Leagues: …MLB? San Francisco Giants …NPB? Yomiuri Giants …KBO? Samsung Lions …CPBL? Lamigo Monkeys …Mexican

Random video of the undetermined amount of time: Ichiro is awesome, sells wine doing so

Published on 2012-11-28 22:58:25

Is this real or fake? Does it matter? Click the link below if it doesn’t show up correctly for you. #sato #yunker #ichiro suzuki #health and beauty… by JPCMHD

A few statistics that show Marvin Miller’s impact on baseball

Published on 2012-11-27 14:41:22

Marvin Miller, the man behind the Major League Baseball Players Association’s rise from an ineffective organization to the most powerful labor organization in the history of the country, has passed away at the age of 95. There are many people &

2013 WBC Team USA projections Version 2.011

Published on 2012-11-26 18:52:16

With more stuff coming out about what players might or might not be taking part in the WBC, here’s another update of how Team USA looks. As we get closer to the tournament and some players start to drop out … Continue reading →

Long-Term Deals: The Way to the Future

Published on 2012-11-26 11:15:13

Two things caught my eye this morning, and while on first glance you would think they aren’t related, in fact they may be tied together. The first is an article by Jeff Passan on how the money involved with regional … Continue reading 

Links of the undetermined amount of time: Grantland and Sports On Earth

Published on 2012-11-25 16:35:36

When I am asked- and I am never asked- where to find the best sportswriting on the internet, I point (well, I would point if I was ever asked) to one of two websites. The first, and the older of … Continue reading →

If Indiana Jones looked for baseball things…

Published on 2012-11-24 11:44:41

If Indiana Jones looked for baseball things, what would he be looking for? I have a few ideas. This is similar to my post in May about the great mysteries of baseball, but is a bit more in-depth. The Bobby … Continue reading →

Things to be thankful for this year in Baseball

Published on 2012-11-22 13:00:42

Happy Thanksgiving! Here are some things to be thankful for this year: Be thankful for Bryce Harper and Mike Trout, extraordinarily talented young players who we should be seeing for years to come. Be thankful for Justin Verlander’s ability to

With Brazil in, a capsule look at the 16 countries in the WBC

Published on 2012-11-20 16:49:46

The Brazilians did it. Somehow, much like they had done earlier in the tournament, they slayed Goliath, defeating Panama for the second time in front of over 10,000 screaming Panamanians, surviving one final rally by the Panamanians to win it …

The Hidden Beauty of the World Baseball Classic

Published on 2012-11-18 12:58:55

One of the complaints about the World Baseball Classic- alongside ones such as worries about injuries and the fact that it takes place during a time of year that already has an A-level sporting event (March Madness)- is that it’s … Contin

2013 WBC Team USA projections Version 2.01

Published on 2012-11-17 12:05:39

With more stuff coming out about what players might or might not be taking part in the WBC, here’s another update of how Team USA looks. As we get closer to the tournament and some players start to drop out … Continue reading →

Headlines from around the Continuum: November 17, 2012

Published on 2012-11-17 11:28:22

Baseball headlines from around the world, courtesy of The Newseum Story: Melky Cabrera signs with Toronto Blue Jays Saturday (Toronto) Star: Here’s to a good year- Reported signing of Melky Cabrera caps week of impact moves for Jays Toronto Sun

A New Strangest Stadium: The Alamodome

Published on 2012-11-16 16:27:41

Earlier this year, I did a blog post about the strangest stadiums ever used in baseball. There is now another one to add to the list: The Alamodome in San Antonio, which will play host to exhibition games between Texas … Continue reading →

Headlines from Across the Continuum: November 16, 2012

Published on 2012-11-16 13:41:18

The Newseum puts up the front pages of major newspapers from around the world every day. In this new semi-regular feature, I look at some of that news. Story: Miguel Cabrera wins AL MVP El Nacional (Caracas, Venezuela): Miguel Cabrera … Continu

Another random video of the unknown amount of time: New Zealand does the Haka

Published on 2012-11-15 13:15:23

New Zealand is a multi-cultural country that pays tribute to it’s significant Maori roots in various ways. One of those ways is by doing the Haka, a Maori dance, before sporting events. So, for the World Baseball Classic, that means … Con

World Baseball Classic Qualifier Preview: Panama City (Panama, Brazil, Nicaragua, Colombia)

Published on 2012-11-15 11:48:50

It’s time for more qualifiers for the World Baseball Classic, as pools in Taipei and Panama are about to get started on November 15 (although, technically, the first game of the Taipei bracket will be on November 14 on the … Continue read

HUMOR: The future of the Miami Marlins

Published on 2012-11-14 18:53:20

As noted yesterday, the Marlins traded almost every notable player they had to the Blue Jays. However, there are reports that this is just the beginning, that Ricky Nolasco may be next, and that Logan Morrison may also be on … Continue reading

World Baseball Classic Qualifier Preview: New Taipei City (Taipei, Phillippines, Thailand, New Zealand)

Published on 2012-11-14 17:10:42

The “Asian pool” of the World Baseball Classic qualifier takes place in Taipei, and the home team should be able to easily win it, and surely that is what the tournament’s organizers expect, since it has already been announced as &#

Off-Topic Tuesday has been cancelled… BECAUSE OF A MEGATRADE

Published on 2012-11-13 19:40:36

The planned “Off-Topic Tuesday” has been cancelled due to a shocking mega-trade: the Marlins have done it again. In their long history of firesales, they may have outdone themselves, trading almost every notable player they have not named

BOOK REVIEW: “Baseball Is Just Baseball: The Understated Ichiro” by David Shields

Published on 2012-11-12 16:16:42

The most famous baseball player since 2001 is almost certainly Derek Jeter. But perhaps the most interesting player of the time period is Ichiro Suzuki. Or, rather, Ichiro… no last name needed. The first and greatest Asian everyday-player in ML

Random Video of the Undetermined Amount Of Time: Chicks Dig the Long Ball

Published on 2012-11-11 11:56:12

The 90s. Clinton was president, Super Nintendo was awesome, MTV still showed music videos, people were all fascinated by this new “internet” and, of course, there were a ton of home runs. Nike knew this, and made a commercial to … C

Coming up this week on the Baseball Continuum:

Published on 2012-11-10 12:17:34

Coming this week: SUNDAY: A random video of the undetermined amount of time. MONDAY: A review of Baseball Is Just Baseball: The Understated Ichiro by David Shields. TUESDAY: Off-topic Tuesday and a WBC pool preview WEDNESDAY: A WBC Qualifying pool &#

The More You Know: What is the Posting System?

Published on 2012-11-10 11:56:17

One of the big things in the baseball news today is that the Dodgers are the winning bidder for the rights to negotiate with Ryu Hyun-Jin, one of the best pitchers in Korea. This is the result of the posting … Continue reading →

Now up: The Glossary

Published on 2012-11-08 11:27:17

I sometimes use a lot of acronyms and words that some may be confused by. Therefore, I have created a glossary that can be found at the top of the page. Let me know if there is anything you want … Continue reading →

Some presidential quotes about baseball for Election Day

Published on 2012-11-06 08:59:45

In the spirit of Election Day, a bipartisan collection of quotes about baseball, with a quote from every president since Taft, with the exception of Wilson, Harding and Lyndon Johnson, who didn’t have good baseball quotes. A big ups to …

Off-Topic Tuesday: One Last Thing on Star Wars…

Published on 2012-11-06 06:08:35

There was one last piece of advice I wanted to give Disney about their purchase of LucasFilm and Star Wars, which I didn’t really think about until after I had hit the “submit” button of the previous post on the … Continue rea

My WBC Projections as of Nov. 4, 2012

Published on 2012-11-04 10:45:16

One of the most popular parts of the Baseball Continuum have been the WBC roster projections. Therefore, here’s a look at my roster projections so far, with links to the most recent versions of each roster, in descending order of … Contin

WBC 2013 Projections: Dominican Republic Version 2.0

Published on 2012-11-03 10:44:06

My previous projections for the Dominican Republic are now rather out-of-date due to injuries, etc. So, here are new projections, taking into account new developments as well as injuries that might take out certain players. Like the USA projections,

When small cities had MLB teams, Post-1876 Edition

Published on 2012-11-02 13:22:45

Yesterday, I talked about how some of the teams in the National Association, the first Major League (according to some), were from very small cities, cities which were in some cases smaller even than modern-day stadium capacities. Well, once the R

When very small cities had MLB teams…

Published on 2012-11-01 11:50:53

Major League Baseball’s history is long and often full of twists and turns. And in the earliest days of professional baseball, it wasn’t organized very well. As a result, some cities, so small that they make the current small markets R

The 2012 Baseball Continuum Awards

Published on 2012-10-31 19:27:59

No prestige! No fancy trophy! No publicity! It’s time for the 2012 Baseball Continuum Awards, where I honor the best of the 2012 baseball season! Of note is that I’m not going to split it by leagues, instead focusing on … Continue r

(Off-Topic) Some suggestions for Disney about LucasFilm

Published on 2012-10-30 16:32:06

Amazingly, the Walt Disney Company has bought LucasFilm, George Lucas’ long privately-held company. In short, this means that Disney now owns Star Wars (they’ve already said we can expect Episode VII in 2015) and Indiana Jones. As we are in … Continue reading →

Coming this offseason on the Baseball Continuum

Published on 2012-10-29 15:57:48

So, baseball’s season may be over, but the Baseball Continuum never is quiet. Here are some things to look forward too over the next few months: World Baseball Classic projections and coverage The return of “Bizarre Baseball Culture”, where I … Continue reading →

Prediction vs. Reality: Game 4 of the 2012 World Series

Published on 2012-10-29 12:06:54

Throughout the 2012 World Series, I’ll be taking a look at what I thought I’d be writing alongside what actually happened. What I thought I’d be writing before the series: Well, it’s over. The 2012 Major League Baseball season- started … Continue reading →

Prediction vs. Reality: Game 3 of the 2012 WS

Published on 2012-10-28 13:30:19

Throughout the 2012 World Series, I’ll be taking a look at what I thought I’d be writing alongside what actually happened. What I thought I’d be writing (about the time the bases were loaded): Well, this series will go at … Continue reading →

Prediction vs. Reality: Game 2 of the 2012 WS

Published on 2012-10-26 12:10:52

Throughout the 2012 World Series, I’ll be taking a look at what I thought I’d be writing alongside what actually happened. What I thought I’d be writing: Something that started with “Madison Bumgarner has allowed the Tigers to get back … Continue reading →

Prediction vs. Reality: Game 1 of the 2012 WS

Published on 2012-10-25 11:39:56

Throughout the 2012 World Series, I’ll be taking a look at what I thought I’d be writing alongside what actually happened. What I thought I’d be writing: Justin Verlander is the new face of baseball. He’s won the Rookie of … Continue reading →

Nuggets of Info heading into the World Series

Published on 2012-10-24 11:32:38

Here are little nuggets and factoids as we head into the World Series: The last time the Detroit Tigers won the World Series, it was 1984, when they defeated the Padres in five games. On that Padres team: Bruce Bochy, … Continue reading →

The Continuum’s 2012 World Series Preview

Published on 2012-10-23 15:38:00

It’s the 108th World Series! If this were the Super Bowl, we’d give it a cool Roman numeral name, like World Series CVIII, but that’s not how it works, so it’s just called the “2012 World Series”. On paper, it … Continue reading →

The 3-in-1 hit Was Fine

Published on 2012-10-23 11:57:32

So, like a demolition crew, the Giants won 9-0 last night in a eventually rain-soaked Game 7. The game’s signature play, however, was Hunter Pence’s double during the third inning. You can see a GIF of the play over at … Continue reading →

Humor: The Laws of Game 7s

Published on 2012-10-22 10:12:13

Tonight is one of the greatest events in any sport: a Game 7. While I messed up and assumed that Adam Wainwright was starting tonight, it does not change the fact that it’s a Game 7. Win or lose, do-or-die, … Continue reading →

Which team could “take” the Tigers? It could depend on how the LCS ends.

Published on 2012-10-20 20:09:48

Well, thanks to Barry Zito’s vintage performance last night, the Giants have forced the Cardinals back to San Francisco, where St. Louis and Chris Carpenter will have to beat Ryan Vogelsong in Game 6, or, failing that, will have to … Continue reading →

Victory has defeated the New York Yankees

Published on 2012-10-18 20:46:00

With the utter and definitive sweep that the Detroit Tigers have just finished doing to the New York Yankees, now is as good a time as any to finally post this, which has been in the works in one form … Continue reading →

Profiles in Folly: The Aggressive At-Bat Stat, teaching kids to swing at everything

Published on 2012-10-17 11:02:49

I’ve got a book called The Dickson Baseball Dictionary, by Paul Dickson. It’s an expensive and expansive book, and I believe I was only able to afford it during the great Borders going-out-of-business sale of 2011. As the title suggest, … Continue reading →

Blog Dealings: Stats on this Site that probably only interest me

Published on 2012-10-16 14:04:18

WordPress has a feature where you can see from what countries people are looking at your blog from, as well as what they are searching for. The results for me are quite varied and in some cases surprising. So if … Continue reading →

How the series look right now

Published on 2012-10-15 12:47:58

It is, as I have noted before, almost impossible to predict October. Who would have thought, for example, that Derek Jeter would get hurt, that Robinson Cano would enter a record-breaking slump, or that the Reds would lose three straight … Continue reading →

2013 WBC Team USA projections Version 2.000001

Published on 2012-10-14 12:16:24

With Derek Jeter’s injury last night, I already have to make a modification to yesterday’s projected roster. This roster is exactly the same as yesterdays, with the only difference being Jimmy Rollins replacing Derek Jeter (and changes to the lineup … Continue reading →

2013 WBC Team USA projections Version 2.0

Published on 2012-10-13 16:44:57

Since my last projection for the Team USA roster, some guys have said definitively they won’t take part, others have said they would like to, some have gotten injured, and still others haven’t said anything. Therefore, this is a total … Continue reading →

How FOX will be marketing the possible World Series matchups

Published on 2012-10-13 16:02:06

A fun game to play during the playoffs is: What series does FOX want? After all, it’s no secret that FOX cares not for parity or entertainment, they care only for the ratings and money. However, the sad truth for … Continue reading →

HUMOR: Who, exactly, are the baseball gods? (Part 1 of an undetermined series)

Published on 2012-10-12 14:25:19

We often hear about the “baseball gods”, unseen deities who influence the fortunes of ballclubs and their players. It is this pantheon that brings about late-game rallies, fielding misfortunes and playoff runs. Last night, for example, it could be said … Continue reading →

Images of Game One of the ALDS

Published on 2012-10-11 15:11:11

Baltimore was miserable on Sunday: it was cold, the sky was dark, and then it rained. And rained. And rained. And then, finally, Game One of the American League Division Series, which was eight innings of exhilaration and one of … Continue reading →

Random Video of the Undetermined Time: Before Ichiro, there was Maddux

Published on 2012-10-10 11:24:06

As I work on my recollections and photos from Game 1 of the American League Division Series between the Orioles and Yankees, perhaps now is a good time to talk about perhaps the signature play of Game 2: Ichiro’s dancing … Continue reading →

On Infield Flies and Jeffrey Maier (OR: Why the Cardinals could win the World Series but would not be known for the infield fly play)

Published on 2012-10-06 23:57:10

In baseball, little things can mean a lot. And those little things sometimes are forgotten by all but those who felt themselves wronged. Some have had problems with how the St. Louis Cardinals benefited from the infield fly call in … Continue reading →

You cannot predict the playoffs, but I guess I have to try

Published on 2012-10-05 12:06:53

Billy Beane is on the record that his #### doesn’t work in the playoffs. His words, not mine. And he’s right. You can build the best team possible for 162 games, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you will be able … Continue reading →

Putting things in perspective

Published on 2012-10-04 10:32:10

During the Athletics-Rangers game yesterday, I saw somebody (one of the Oakland reporters) retweet this: Stephanee Neshek is the wife of Pat Neshek. Pat Neshek is a right-handed reliever for the Oakland Athletics, notable for his rather quirky delivery. He … Continue reading →

Blast From The Past: How My Predictions Look Going Into Game 162

Published on 2012-10-03 10:42:59

In the past, I’ve looked at how my predictions from before the season at the Cardinal Courier turned out. So, going into Game 162 of the 162 game season, it’s time to look at how my predictions have turned out. … Continue reading →

If there is a three-way tie for the American League, then the Rangers are the 2 seed

Published on 2012-10-01 15:42:56

There is a possibility, however remote, that the Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees and Texas Rangers will all end up with the same record. For example, let’s say the Rangers slump at the end of the season and go 1-2 … Continue reading →

Since the Orioles were last in the playoffs…

Published on 2012-10-01 12:24:57

On October 15, 1997, the Cleveland Indians defeated the favored Baltimore Orioles in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series 1-0 in an 11 inning game on the strength of a Tony Fernandez home run. And that was the … Continue reading →

The Strangest Stadiums: Weird Parks Themselves

Published on 2012-09-30 11:26:36

One of the reasons why baseball is different is because of how the playing field’s dimensions are different in essentially every ballpark. However, this can also lead to some weird stadiums. I mean, we’re talking utterly bizarre, stadiums or fields … Continue reading →

Random Video of the Undetermined Amount of Time: America’s Spider-Man

Published on 2012-09-28 08:33:47

A few days ago, I posted the video of Hiroshima outfielder Masato Akamatsu and his so-called “Spider-Man” catch. Travis Snider did basically the American version of that catch yesterday:

The Ultimate Unofficial Guide to Racing Mascots

Published on 2012-09-27 12:44:28

There are rumors that the unprecedented may happen before the end of the season. No, not that the Orioles could make the postseason… something far more unprecedented: Teddy Roosevelt may win the Washington Nationals’ Presidents Race. You see, in Washington … Continue reading →

Your super-early preview of the 2013 World Baseball Classic Round of 16

Published on 2012-09-25 17:16:07

Major League Baseball has released when, who and where the main World Baseball Classic will be. So, as one of the internet’s only sources for WBC news and analysis (based on the large number of hits I get from people … Continue reading →

Football Continuum: The Seattle Screwjob

Published on 2012-09-25 13:48:15

Sports has had many blown calls in history: Jeff Maier, Hull in the crease, the 1972 Olympic Basketball mess (I’m still reasonably sure that Doug Collins is forming a Ocean’s Eleven-style team to go steal the gold medals back from … Continue reading →

Great Baseball Lies: The Number of Hits Ty Cobb Had

Published on 2012-09-24 13:15:23

On September 11, 1985, Pete Rose got his 4,192nd base hit, passing the immortal Ty Cobb for most hits in MLB history. Except… he probably had already passed him a few days earlier, on September 8, 1985 at Wrigley Field. … Continue reading →

Analyzing the “42″ Trailer Far Too Closely

Published on 2012-09-21 18:13:40

While certainly there is plenty to talk about today, whether it’s the Pirates’ crazy player development “training” or the whole thing about Melky Cabrera, but instead, I’m going to be putting a spotlight on something else: a movie trailer. The … Continue reading →

Random Video of the Undetermined Amount of Time: The Spider-Man Catch

Published on 2012-09-20 11:39:43

A few years ago, Masato Akamatsu of the Hiroshima Toyo Carp made one of the greatest catches in baseball history. I recently stumbled across it again, so here it is: You can see, of course, why it’s been called the … Continue reading →

The Joy, Misery and Oddity of the Late-Night Baseball Game

Published on 2012-09-19 15:56:29

I, like many Americans, live in the Eastern Time Zone of the country. Games in the east start at seven, give or take. Central games start up at eight. The west coast games get started at ten. While I usually … Continue reading →

Early Look at the Panama City and Taipei pools of the WBC

Published on 2012-09-18 09:18:37

Okay, now the other two qualifying pools for the WBC don’t get started until November (as opposed to the first two, which are coming up THIS VERY WEEK), but I think it’s a good idea to do an early look … Continue reading →

World Baseball Classic Qualifier Preview: Regensburg (Germany, Canada, Czech Republic, Great Britain)

Published on 2012-09-17 17:56:48

As I have previously mentioned, the World Baseball Classic’s qualifying rounds are about to start. I have, of course, done extensive projections for many of the already-qualified teams, but I am also doing overviews for each qualifying pool as rosters … Continue reading →

World Baseball Classic Qualifier Preview: Jupiter, Florida (Israel, Spain, France and South Africa)

Published on 2012-09-15 15:31:44

The World Baseball Classic starts soon! Well, the qualifiers do, anyway. For the first time ever, there are four qualification pools to decide who reaches the Round of 16. Two of those pools- in Panama and Taipei- will be in … Continue reading →

For Sale: The Boston Red Sox?

Published on 2012-09-13 19:11:09

Earlier this season, a rumor came out the the Yankees might for sale. So I decided to come up with a sales pitch for the team. Now, the Red Sox have been rumored to be on sale. They probably aren’t, … Continue reading →

The Best Hitting Pitchers in Baseball

Published on 2012-09-13 14:08:55

Davey Johnson has said, possibly jokingly, that Stephen Strasburg might still see game action as a pinch-hitter. It’s not as crazy an idea as you’d think, as Strasburg was hitting .277 with a home run this season, but it does … Continue reading →

The Spoilers

Published on 2012-09-12 16:05:03

The resurrection of the Baltimore Orioles, it could be said, began last September. Buck Showalter had said early on that he would be playing his regulars in games against contenders, while using the September call-ups in the games against also-rans. … Continue reading →

Other Sports Team Names derived from Baseball

Published on 2012-09-11 10:31:09

Given that baseball is the oldest professional team sport in America, it is hardly surprising that other sports teams often derive their names from baseball teams, usually those that they once shared a city with. In general, they fall into … Continue reading →

Random Video of the Undetermined Amount of Time: The Start of the 1983 World Series

Published on 2012-09-08 10:34:15

On Youtube, you can find almost anything. For example, the start of the 1983 World Series between the Orioles and Phillies, Live (back then) from Memorial Stadium. ABC had the game, and had Al Michaels, Howard Cosell and Earl Weaver … Continue reading →

2013 WBC projections: The Netherlands

Published on 2012-09-07 10:18:17

The Netherlands was the biggest surprise of the 2009 WBC, defeating the Dominican Republic twice and advancing to the second round. Then, in the 2011 World Cup, they actually won the whole tournament, beating out the mighty Cubans in the … Continue reading →

Great Baseball Lies: No, the tie does NOT go to the runner! Maybe. It’s complicated.

Published on 2012-09-06 12:53:22

It is a rule born of the schoolyard, and of Little Leagues, repeated by announcers and fans throughout the nation: if the ball and the runner tie, especially at first base, then the tie goes to the runner. I myself … Continue reading →

Panic in the Bronx

Published on 2012-09-04 23:17:49

Derek Jeter said on Monday that he wasn’t panicking. In fact, I seem to recall him saying that nobody was panicking, and was even asking the press if they were panicking. Rule of thumb number one of panicking: If you … Continue reading →

The Orioles stink at everything, especially losing

Published on 2012-09-04 08:39:25

Some interesting statistics and rankings of the 2012 Baltimore Orioles: 22nd: Their rank in team Batting Average (.245) 23rd: Their rank in team OBP (.310) 17th: Their rank in team OPS (.719) 18th: Their rank in runs scored (569) 17th: … Continue reading →

It’s Labor Day, and Baseball remains the most peaceful work environment in sports

Published on 2012-09-03 15:55:42

What the heck is going on? No, I’m not talking about how the Orioles continue to defy the laws of the universe (again), I’m talking about how, on this Labor Day, Major League Baseball remains the most stable place in … Continue reading →

The races that will define September

Published on 2012-09-02 13:05:32

It’s September, and while Green Day once asked that they be woken up when it ends, baseball fans would be wise to stay awake, because, once again, September looks like it will be a crazy month for baseball. Here are … Continue reading →

Random Non-Baseball-related Video of an Undetermined Amount of Time:

Published on 2012-08-31 16:14:54

You probably saw this on ESPN. It still needs to be posted, as it is one of the most error-filled sports video… ever. So, to sum it up: the receiver of the punt muffs it, the Kent State guy grabbed … Continue reading →

No, Joe Mauer is not getting traded.

Published on 2012-08-29 09:09:35

So, apparently Joe Mauer has been placed on waivers. Now, technically, seemingly every player is placed on waivers at one point or another almost every year, just as a formality to get an idea of what is out there. 99.8% … Continue reading →

Putting baseball money in perspective

Published on 2012-08-28 11:47:08

$5.6 Billion: The amount of money ESPN is spending over a eight-year extension of their MLB broadcasting rights. $700 Million: The average per-year cost of that deal. $695 Million: The current GDP of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, given current … Continue reading →

How Baseball is Different

Published on 2012-08-27 12:18:29

Baseball is a weird game, completely unlike anything else in the North American sportscape (with the exception of it’s children) and like few other sports in the world, period. For example: Baseball can, literally, last forever: There is no limit … Continue reading →

The Black Swan and the Rise of the Dodgers

Published on 2012-08-26 19:39:56

In my rundown of The Palace Hotel Putsch, I noted that there was one possible outcome that we wouldn’t see coming. Actually, it was a category of possible outcomes: the Black Swan. Here’s what I wrote: A black swan is … Continue reading →

Bizarre Baseball Culture Theater: The Time Mark Wahlberg Shot Derek Jeter

Published on 2012-08-24 07:35:00

From the 2010 comedy The Other Guys:

The Marlins go early and Ozzie gets some final naughty-words in during the final episode of the 2012 edition of “The Franchise”

Published on 2012-08-23 13:51:23

So, it is done. The Franchise on the Miami Marlins is done. Much like, it should be noted, the Marlins’ playoff hopes. This was why it has ended early, only going seven episodes instead of the originally planned eight. Showtime … Continue reading →

Great Baseball Lies: Roger Clemens is NOT pitching in the Minor Leagues this Saturday

Published on 2012-08-22 17:45:01

As you all likely know, the Rocket is back. Roger Clemens, last seen escaping government perjury charges, will be lacing them up for a start with the Atlantic League’s Sugar Land Skeeters. However, you see some news articles saying this … Continue reading →

Bizarre baseball connections and other trivia

Published on 2012-08-21 14:58:37

Weird connections between baseball and other areas, most of which have nothing to do with baseball. All of these are true: Victor Conte, steroid guru, was a member of the band Tower of Power for a few years in the … Continue reading →

Updates on previous posts

Published on 2012-08-20 17:47:39

Let’s look back at developments from some previous posts…. Jeff Kent, rumored to be appearing on Survivor, will, indeed, appear on Survivor. The Orioles still are not dead. The stuff that has never happened still has not happened. The Franchise‘s 2012 … Continue reading →

Uganda, the LLWS, and a milestone for African baseball

Published on 2012-08-18 14:47:07

If there is one continent out there that can truly be said to be untouched by baseball, it is likely Africa. Baseball is, of course, popular in North America, Asia, and parts of South America. There are small professional leagues … Continue reading →

Ozzie Guillen is silent, Jose Reyes’ streak ends, and Eritrea comes into play in the 6th episode of “The Franchise”

Published on 2012-08-17 10:07:54

First off, let me show you the “Carlin Word” count for Wednesday’s episode of The Franchise for Ozzie Guillen: (this space intentionally left blank) ….. There weren’t any. The total number of times he’s used a swear word on The Franchise … Continue reading →

Further Thoughts on Melky Cabrera’s Steroid Suspens— HOLY COW, ANOTHER PERFECT GAME!

Published on 2012-08-16 13:26:02

Well, as I said yesterday, Melky Cabrera, having a career year that seemed too good to be true, apparently… was too good to be true. He was busted for PEDs- increases testosterone, to be more exact. His suspension severely hurts … Continue reading →

Melky Cabrera has been caught for PEDs

Published on 2012-08-15 14:07:27

Melky Cabrera has become the first major non-Manny Ramirez steroid suspension in quite awhile, testing positive for a banned substance. To his credit, Cabrera has apparently fessed up and admitted that he took something he shouldn’t have. If only all … Continue reading →

The Players v. Bobby Valentine (AKA The Palace Hotel Mutiny)

Published on 2012-08-15 11:31:04

Baseball is full of stories of teams that turned on their managers. In the early 1950s, for example, the St. Louis Browns were so happy that Rogers Hornsby had been fired that they gave Bill Veeck a trophy in appreciation … Continue reading →

My roster projections so far for the 2012-2013 World Baseball Classic (as of Aug. 14, 2012)

Published on 2012-08-14 15:08:56

For those of you who want to see all of my projections for team rosters in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, here’s a list of those I’ve done so far, in order of when I did them, as well as … Continue reading →

2013 WBC Projections: Australia

Published on 2012-08-14 15:01:50

Australia is sort of a weird country when it comes to baseball. Plenty of people play it, but it’s an afterthought on the national level. They have lots of professional players and even a professional league of their own, but … Continue reading →

Getting a lay of who is still in it, who isn’t, and who could get back into it

Published on 2012-08-14 11:42:55

Well, with the Olympics now over, it’s time to return to 100% baseball mode. Okay, 97% baseball mode. You never know when I might decide to go off on a tangent about football or the movies or something. But right … Continue reading →

Cool Website of the Undetermined Amount of Time: SABR’s Biography Project

Published on 2012-08-13 20:19:27

One of the great places on the baseball-related internet is the Baseball Biography Project run by SABR (the Society of American Baseball Research). It is exactly what it says it is: a project to put up biographies of baseball figures. … Continue reading →

Baseball Public Service Announcement: Manny Machado

Published on 2012-08-11 14:10:16

We interrupt this regularly scheduled blog for a special Baseball Public Service Announcement to inform you of Manny Machado of the Baltimore Orioles, who hit two home runs in just his second MLB game. That, by the way, made the … Continue reading →

Episode 5 of The Franchise is Wives’ Day

Published on 2012-08-10 12:48:29

Episode 5 of The Franchise (Miami Marlins edition) is definitely different from the previous episodes. For one thing, by now everybody knows, in the aftermath of the trade deadline, that this team isn’t going to be the paradigm-shifting one that … Continue reading →

Great Baseball Lies: Old replica uniforms with names on the back (and other inaccuracies)

Published on 2012-08-09 09:06:02

Quick: What’s wrong with the picture below? Okay, how about this? The answer is: Neither of them are correct. In fact, they both have anachronisms in them: the Ruth jersey, for example, has the famous “NY” logo on the jersey … Continue reading →

Baseball’s children

Published on 2012-08-08 15:56:54

In a bid to combine their powers and increase the chances of returning to the Olympics, baseball and softball’s international federations (the equivalent to soccer’s FIFA or basketball’s FIBA) recently decided to merge. How well this will or won’t work, … Continue reading →

Olympics Continuum: Why not joint hosting bids?

Published on 2012-08-06 11:22:03

I stumbled across an article today that caught my eye: a city councilor in Toronto, worried about the gigantic cost that hosting an Olympics brings to a city, has suggested that there be a joint bid between Toronto and an … Continue reading →

What type of Olympians would MLB stars be?

Published on 2012-08-04 19:13:36

Getting into the Olympic spirit, the folks across the pond at the BBC have created a neat little website that lets you enter your height and weight and it then tells you which Olympian is similar to you. Well, in … Continue reading →

RETRACTION- The Orioles are not dead

Published on 2012-08-03 08:22:31

On July 17, I declared that the Orioles’ playoff hopes were dead. However, since then, the Orioles have somewhat stabilized, and are now 6.5 games out of 1st in the AL East and only 1.5 out of a Wild Card … Continue reading →

Ozzie Guillen doesn’t show up that much as the Trade Deadline dominates in the 4th episode of “The Franchise”

Published on 2012-08-02 20:33:36

This week’s episode of The Franchise focused on the Trade Deadline, primarily focusing on the front office, the players being traded, and the players being traded for. Go after the jump for thoughts and the weekly count of Ozzie Guillen’s … Continue reading →

Olympics Continuum: The insane greatness of Michael Phelps

Published on 2012-08-01 07:40:16

Throughout the Olympics, the Baseball Continuum will branch out to give the occasional look at the XXX Summer Olympic Games. This is the Olympics Continuum. Michael Phelps won two more medals “last night” (actually early afternoon EST, but don’t tell … Continue reading →

Clearing the debris after the Trade Deadline

Published on 2012-07-31 20:24:47

Maybe it was the Olympics. Maybe it was because the 2-Wild Card format means more teams are “in it”, but this seemed a rather underwhelming trade deadline. While it wasn’t quite as boring as what Glen Perkins was saying it … Continue reading →

Coming Soon: The Trade Deadline Review

Published on 2012-07-31 07:58:28

Quick post right now to note that, later today/tonight, keep an eye open for the Trade Deadline Review, where I figure out the winners and losers of the trade deadline.

Olympics Continuum: Samuel L. Jackson tweets the Olympics (Rated R for Language)

Published on 2012-07-30 08:40:10

Throughout history, many great men have looked at sports despite being outside of it. Presidents. Philosophers. Poets. Authors. But none, perhaps, are more wise, more charismatic or more badass than Mr. Samuel L. Jackson, who has been watching and tweeting … Continue reading →

The End of the Liriano Era

Published on 2012-07-29 11:33:24

It is done. Francisco Liriano is no longer a Minnesota Twin, traded to the White Sox for lefty starting prospect Pedro Hernandez and utility-man Eduardo Escobar. In some ways, the fact he got traded for such an uneven haul is … Continue reading →

Useless Research: Ben Sheets and Olympic Years

Published on 2012-07-28 06:50:28

Ben Sheets first came into the eyes of casual baseball viewers when he stunned the Cubans with a complete game shutout for the Olympic Gold. And, as I stated earlier, he has seemingly resurrected his career this year. Last night, … Continue reading →

Hail to the Rookies (Marte and Harvey)

Published on 2012-07-27 08:48:43

Last night was a good night for rookies making their MLB debut. Starling Marte, a well-regarded prospect for the ascendant Pirates, instantly made an impact. By “instantly”, I mean literally the first pitch he saw, which he sent over the … Continue reading →

Off-Topic- Olympics Continuum: Stuff to Keep in Mind (HUMOR)

Published on 2012-07-26 22:00:44

Opening Ceremonies are Friday, but already the Games of the XXX Olympiad (which are really going to mess up some internet content filters with those Roman numerals) have begun with some early-round soccer games. While you can find Olympic previews … Continue reading →

The fire sale begins and family takes center stage in the oddly low-swearing third episode of “The Franchise”

Published on 2012-07-26 10:43:22

It’s time again for the Miami Marlins’ edition of The Franchise. Last time, I noted that there was no reference to Ozzie Guillen’s feud with Bryce Harper over the amount of pin-tar on his bat. Well, that basically opens up this … Continue reading →

Great Baseball Lies: “Keep your eye on the ball!”

Published on 2012-07-25 06:17:21

Baseball is full of lies. One of them is pounded into every Little Leaguer in America: you need to keep your eye on the ball from as soon as it leaves the pitcher’s hand until you are ready to swing … Continue reading →

Lost history: A US-Cuba Series was “likely” in the late 70s

Published on 2012-07-24 12:00:01

According to a December 22, 1977 article from the AP in the Youngstown Vindicator, there were discussions of a series between an MLB All-Star Team and the Cuban National Team: It, of course, never happened. It wasn’t until the late … Continue reading →

The Yankees are just trying to play their role now

Published on 2012-07-23 18:13:53

The Yankees have traded for Ichiro. A few years ago, this would have been earth-shattering news that would have caused large amounts of hair to be pulled out, rioting would have engulfed the Northwest (it still might- they still are … Continue reading →

The 1942 Service All-Star Team

Published on 2012-07-23 10:17:45

In 1942, the AL All-Stars played a team of players who had entered military service but who had yet to go to the Atlantic or Pacific Theatres. There is information on that game in the 1943 Baseball Guide by the … Continue reading →

Party like an Aught-Star: Ben Sheets and the Oakland Athletics

Published on 2012-07-22 10:08:19

Ben Sheets is now 2-0. The Athletics have beat the Yankees three straight to open their series. Although I can’t be sure, I’m going to have to guess that I’ll be playing a Nintendo Gamecube tomorrow, as soon as I … Continue reading →

In the 1940s, you could actively stalk baseball players

Published on 2012-07-21 19:01:16

Before the internet, or even The Baseball Encyclopedia, stats for previous seasons often were in the form of baseball guides, often from The Sporting News. Also in there, however, were more strange things. Some of them, for example, had a … Continue reading →

Taking a day off

Published on 2012-07-20 10:14:34

I was going to write a off-topic story about what I was looking forward to with the release of The Dark Knight Rises. But after hearing the tragic news from Colorado this morning, I feel as if it would be … Continue reading →

The Second Episode of 2012′s “The Franchise” saw Ozzie Guillen say the F-Word about 18 times, and other observations

Published on 2012-07-19 15:36:38

The second episode of this season of The Franchise wasn’t as long or as good as the first, but it still entertained while providing a unique look at the Miami Marlins, focusing primarily on Giancarlo Stanton’s surgery, Logan Morrison’s trip … Continue reading →

“Moneyball” is a book that has shaped America. No, seriously.

Published on 2012-07-18 07:59:40

The Library of Congress recently released a list of 88 Books that Shaped America, which are part of a current exhibit at the Library. It’s a pretty good list of books (which had to either be written by an American … Continue reading →

Billy Hamilton is the fastest man alive

Published on 2012-07-17 15:30:48

Watching the Futures Game out of the corner of my eye a few weeks ago, a guy named Billy Hamilton (Reds Organization) hit a triple. A very, very, fast triple. A triple that, if the outfielders had been slower or … Continue reading →

Obituary: The 2012 Baltimore Orioles’ Playoff Hopes

Published on 2012-07-17 11:46:48

The Playoff Hopes of the Baltimore Orioles passed away last night at the age of 89 games, dying shortly after a 19-7 trouncing at the hands of the Minnesota Twins, who sometimes don’t even seem to score 19 runs during … Continue reading →

Kevin Youkilis returns to Boston (AKA: The People vs. Bobby Valentine)

Published on 2012-07-16 07:57:38

I was in Boston, it was perhaps two or three days after Kevin Youkilis was traded to Chicago, exchanging his red for white. Figuring that Youkilis gear would now be on sale, I went to a Red Sox store on … Continue reading →

Random Video of the Undetermined Amount of Time: Baseball at the 1956 Olympics

Published on 2012-07-14 10:24:03

I’ve been working on making WBC projections for Australia, and while doing so I came across this Australian documentary clip of when baseball was played as a demonstration sport at the Melbourne Olympics in 1956 at Melbourne Cricket Ground. For … Continue reading →

Baseballcontinuum.com now sends you here

Published on 2012-07-13 16:10:10

Just a bit of house news: the website address of www.baseballcontinuum.com now redirects you here, to, well… The Baseball Continuum. You don’t need to update your bookmarks or anything like that, but it does makes it easier to navigate here, … Continue reading →

Things that still haven’t happened in baseball

Published on 2012-07-13 12:53:22

From Tom Haudricourt’s twitter feed: #Brewers Zack Greinke will be first pitcher to start 3 consec games in same MLB season since White Sox’s Red Faber in 1917 (Elias). — Tom (@Haudricourt) July 8, 2012 The thing about baseball is … Continue reading →

The 33rd Anniversary of Disco Demolition Night

Published on 2012-07-12 19:33:17

It was July, 1979. Jimmy Carter was president, ESPN was still a few months away from it’s first broadcast and Laverne & Shirley was the most watched show on television. Against this backdrop, a DJ named Steve Dahl and fellow … Continue reading →

2013 WBC Team USA projections Version 1.1

Published on 2012-07-12 13:35:48

I previously did a projection of a possible Team USA for the 2013 WBC, but with injuries and other developments occurring, I’m revisiting it to make some small changes. Where there haven’t been major changes, I haven’t really changed what … Continue reading →

Review and observations of the first episode of the 2012 edition of the Franchise (and the debut of the “Ozzie Guillen ‘Carlin Word’ Counter”)

Published on 2012-07-12 10:48:40

The first real episode of The Franchise aired on Wednesday night (a preview episode aired earlier in the year, and this episode recycled some of the material from that). While last year they dealt with the relatively-boring San Francisco Giants, … Continue reading →

Blast from the past: How my predictions look after the first half

Published on 2012-07-12 09:07:28

Earlier, I looked back at how my predictions from my time at the Cardinal Courier were doing this season. So, after the jump, another update on those predictions. Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder will do fine in their new cities … Continue reading →

Was that the worst (non-tie) ASG of all time?

Published on 2012-07-11 13:13:54

So, the All-Star Game last night was a disappointment. It was a 8-0 drubbing of the AL, led by the NL’s Ryan Braun and the Giants contingent. It had it’s moments: the KC fans giving Chipper Jones a big round … Continue reading →

2013 WBC Projections: Canada (if they qualify)

Published on 2012-07-10 11:56:29

It’s a little late for Canada Day, but here are some projections for the Canucks. Well, projections for what they’ll be if they qualify, because they have to: they lost both of their games in 2009, falling to Team USA … Continue reading →

Questions for the All-Star Break

Published on 2012-07-09 12:59:36

Here are some questions to ponder over the All-Star Break- not about how teams shape up for the second half, but about the events of the Break itself. Everything is after the jump. Will we hear anything about the World … Continue reading →

Sunday Links and a preview of the next week

Published on 2012-07-08 07:25:50

Some links that caught my eye and a preview of what will be on the Baseball Continuum in the week ahead. On Friday, Miguel Gonzalez of the Orioles defeated the Angels for the first win of his MLB career. He … Continue reading →

Well, that makes sense.

Published on 2012-07-07 07:00:18

Most Baseball Reference pages for pitchers look like this: Well, Jim Abbott wasn’t like most pitchers, due to the fact that he didn’t have a right hand. To field, he would switch his glove from his right arm onto his … Continue reading →

Mini-Bizarre Baseball Culture- Tony Stark: Baseball Fan

Published on 2012-07-07 05:17:15

In Bizarre Baseball Culture, I take a look at some of the more unusual places where baseball has reared it’s head in pop culture and fiction. This is a smaller installment of that. In the trade paperback entitled The Five … Continue reading →

Humorous musings: Things from the first half that prove the Mayans are right (and wrong)

Published on 2012-07-06 09:53:25

As we near the All-Star Break, it is time to remember that, according to the Mayans, this is the last MLB season we will see, as the world as we know it is due to end this December. After all, … Continue reading →

2012-2013 WBC Projections: Panama

Published on 2012-07-05 08:28:26

Of all the teams that have failed to win any games over the first two WBCs, the Panamanians probably are the best of the bunch. So it isn’t really a surprise that they will be hosting a qualifying pool in … Continue reading →

July 4th: The Luckiest Man

Published on 2012-07-04 10:20:02

It was July 4th, 1939. Lou Gehrig was a dying man. Earlier that year, he’d ended his 2,130 consecutive game streak, taking himself out before a game in Detroit for the good of the team (he was hitting .143 with … Continue reading →

The possibly upcoming resurrection of the Home Run Derby

Published on 2012-07-03 10:12:31

Perhaps it was because I was still basically a kid, perhaps it was because we had no idea what was really fueling those moonshots, but the Home Run Derby once was a time where the baseball gods came down to … Continue reading →

My 2013 WBC Projections so far (as of July 2nd, 2012)

Published on 2012-07-02 14:46:55

For those of you who want to see all of my projections for team rosters in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, here’s a list of those I’ve done so far, in order of when I did them, as well as … Continue reading →

The Cape Cod League: Pure Concentrated Americana

Published on 2012-07-02 11:07:34

Over the last week, I’ve been vacationing in Massachusetts. And, of course, I made sure to see all of the sites: the USS Constitution, Quincy Market, the Old North Church, the JFK Library and Museum, and, of course, Fenway Park. … Continue reading →

Projecting the Puerto Rican 2013 WBC Team

Published on 2012-07-01 18:52:53

Puerto Rico isn’t the baseball factory it once was. Once Puerto Rico was included as part of the draft, it ceased to produce as many prospects and as a result the entire culture of baseball on the island has suffered. … Continue reading →

An act of unnecessary baseball research: Miguel Tejada and Aaron Sorkin

Published on 2012-07-01 05:00:22

During the pilot episode of Aaron Sorkin’s The Newsroom (a good show, if a little soapboxy), newsman Will McAvoy is reminiscing with his old flame/new executive producer MacKenzie McHale and remembers that he once went to an Orioles game with … Continue reading →

Jim Thome: Just another 500 HR hitter to play for the Orioles

Published on 2012-06-30 17:30:11

Jim Thome is, according to MLB Network, going to the Baltimore Orioles. It makes sense: the Phillies have been floundering with their bats on the DL and every starting pitcher not named Cole Hamels either hurt or having a sub-par … Continue reading →

Other baseball movies that need to happen

Published on 2012-06-28 07:18:59

After Moneyball drew widespread acclaim and pretty good box office, baseball movies seem to be having a renaissance.A movie on Jackie Robinson is in the works (with Harrison Ford as Branch Rickey and The Express star as Jackie). Disney is … Continue reading →

Random Video of the Undetermined Amount of Time: Game 6 of the 1986 World Series… in RBI Baseball

Published on 2012-06-27 09:33:51

RBI Baseball was one of the great baseball video games of all time. A few years back, somebody used the game to recreate the final inning of Game 6 of the 1986 World Series, complete with Vin Scully commentary.

Back then: Fenway Park 100 years ago

Published on 2012-06-26 13:06:30

From the Library of Congress is this image of Fenway Park in 1912- 100 years ago! The photo is from what is now right field. A larger version can be seen here. Yes, that gigantic wall filled with advertisements is … Continue reading →

2013 WBC Projections: Mexico

Published on 2012-06-25 11:59:21

Mexico is a bit of an engima. They play lots of baseball in Mexico, but it’s still far from the passion they have for futbol. They have a big professional league of their own that is regarded by MLB as … Continue reading →

What Franchise has the best Championship Percentage?

Published on 2012-06-24 06:15:16

The New York Yankees, are of course, the most successful sports franchise in North America (if not the world) by number of titles: 27. And it’s entirely possible that they could have gotten another one in 1994 had the strike … Continue reading →

Great Predictions in History: Umpires work both leagues

Published on 2012-06-23 11:01:20

It seems surprising now, but until relatively recently the AL and NL had different sets of umpires, often trained by different people and using different equipment. It wasn’t until 2000 that the two leagues unified the umpiring crews. That said, … Continue reading →

Stuff that has happened since the last time Jamie Moyer pitched for the Orioles

Published on 2012-06-22 15:14:07

On September 16, 1995, Jamie Moyer came in and pitched 1.1 innings in a relief appearance for the Baltimore Orioles against the Yankees. The game was called due to rain after six innings. Moyer has not pitched for the Orioles … Continue reading →

2013 WBC Projections: Venezuela

Published on 2012-06-22 10:19:03

Venezuela. After the USA and Dominican, it provides the most players to the big leagues. But, much like the USA and DR, it hasn’t really played up to the number of big leaguers they have. Their best finish has been … Continue reading →

Jeff Kent on Survivor… and other retired ballplayers who should do “reality” TV

Published on 2012-06-21 13:13:05

Jeff Kent is one of the greatest hitting second-basemen of all time (he leads the position in career homers), and a likely future Hall of Famer. He also infamously fought Barry Bonds in the dugout once.  He is also, according … Continue reading →

Random Video of the Undetermined Amount of Time: Ichiro Pitches

Published on 2012-06-20 08:30:09

In 1996, Ichiro Suzuki pitched during a NPB All-Star Game. This is video of that event. Sadly, Hideki Matsui was pinch-hit for.

An Eyewitness account of Evan Longoria’s setback

Published on 2012-06-19 10:55:55

So, I was at the ballpark last night. Evan Longoria was in town with Durham on a rehab assignment- having injured his hamstring earlier in the year. I’ve seen him before in the big leagues, but the chance to see … Continue reading →

What’s the worst seat in Fenway?

Published on 2012-06-19 10:30:17

Okay, so I’ll be heading to Fenway Park later this year, thus allowing me to scratch another thing off my baseball bucket list. But one does not simply go to Fenway, one must plan. Fenway Park, after all, is from … Continue reading →

Great Predictions in History: Expansion will water down the Majors… in the late 60s.

Published on 2012-06-18 08:00:51

Occasionally, you hear about how watered down the Majors are compared to what they’d be if there were fewer teams. There is some truth to that, but it ignores the fact that A) the fact that so many cities can … Continue reading →

In honor of Father’s Day: the game of catch from Field of Dreams

Published on 2012-06-17 13:28:46

Today is Father’s Day. It is required, of course, to dwell upon the great history of father-and-son baseball players. However, it’s a busy day today, so I’ll just cut to the chase and embed a video of Ray Kinsella’s game … Continue reading →

WBC 2013 Projections: Dominican Republic

Published on 2012-06-16 17:00:31

As I stated at the end of my 2013 Team USA projections, I’ll also do some projections on possible players for the other teams as well. Here, for example, is the Dominican Republic. The Dominican, in some ways, has been … Continue reading →

Cool Baseball Websites: FanGraphs

Published on 2012-06-16 12:43:06

Another site I often visit is FanGraphs, especially it’s scoreboards, which show the probability of a team winning the game at any given point. For example, you can see just how much that three-run homer in the fifth helped, or … Continue reading →

Great predictions in history: The NL is lost to New York City forever

Published on 2012-06-15 14:51:29

From the December 1957 edition of Baseball Digest comes this story: Although, to be fair to Daley, he mentioned in the article that that statement was only true if there wasn’t expansion: “Only in such an eventuality- at least, that’s … Continue reading →

Projecting a possible 2013 USA WBC team

Published on 2012-06-15 05:20:03

Joe Torre will be managing the 2013 WBC team. As I mentioned during my musings on what a baseball dream team in 1992 would have been like, I guess now is as good a time as any to try to … Continue reading →

An Alternate History: What if there was a baseball dream team?

Published on 2012-06-14 12:48:44

I previously talked about how the IOC should put baseball and softball back into the Olympics. But it got me to thinking: what if MLB had been on board with the Olympics and had sent dream teams overseas? I’m not … Continue reading →

Perfect Perfection

Published on 2012-06-14 12:26:47

Matt Cain did not just throw a perfect game last night. No, he threw one of the most perfect perfect games. One of the greatest games in history, in fact. It had everything: drama, close plays, a legendary catch and … Continue reading →

Baseball needs a better trophy

Published on 2012-06-13 10:13:11

On Monday, the Stanley Cup was handed out. It is a a nearly 120-year-old trophy that is more revered than the actual event that is played for the right to have it. People have drunk out of it, had their … Continue reading →

Somebody get Harper and Trout into the All-Star Game

Published on 2012-06-12 10:44:42

The two great young stars of baseball right now, I mean the really young stars, are the Angels’ Mike Trout (20) and Washington’s Bryce Harper (19). They are in opposite leagues, hit from opposite sides of the plate, play on … Continue reading →

Stony Brook: The North will rise again

Published on 2012-06-11 12:05:59

Stony Brook made it to the College World Series yesterday, defeating perennial power LSU, on LSU’s home turf, and in near-dominating fashion too. The super-regional series went to the full three games, but Stony Brook easily could have swept, having … Continue reading →

The War for the (AL and NL) East

Published on 2012-06-10 15:26:58

The greatest division races are already shaping up to be in the (AL and NL East). Teams that had been afterthoughts are now in the mix, perennial powers have found themselves in the cellar. Things are changing quickly, so by … Continue reading →

Great Predictions in History: Nobody will break Ruth’s Record (says Duke Snider in 1957)

Published on 2012-06-10 12:40:30

From Baseball Digest in October, 1957: The record he speaks of is his 60 HR in 1927. Among the reasons that the record won’t be broken are the fact that Ruth didn’t have to deal with the media pressure as … Continue reading →

They call the AAA team the Norfolk Tides (but the All-Stars don’t wear blue)

Published on 2012-06-09 16:59:50

Brian Roberts. Miguel Tejada. Nate McLouth. Jamie Moyer. Between those four players, there are 10 All-Star Game selections. And yet, all four of them are currently at Baltimore’s AAA affiliate in Norfolk. There are several other ex-MLBers on the Norfolk … Continue reading →

No-Hit Fever!

Published on 2012-06-09 12:33:21

After six Mariners combined to no-hit the Dodgers last night, it is now official: America has no-hit fever. And the only solution is… I have no idea. It was enough when no-hitters were getting thrown against bad teams like the … Continue reading →

Bizarre Baseball Culture: Doll Man fights the Baseball Bandits

Published on 2012-06-09 08:00:05

It’s time for another installment of Bizarre Baseball Culture, where we look at some of the weirdest uses of the National Pastime in the history of pop culture (no matter how low or high-brow). This time, continuing the series of … Continue reading →

Coming this weekend on the Baseball Continuum…

Published on 2012-06-08 12:09:35

Nothing new today, folks, as I am busy putting together new stuff for the coming weeks. Here’s a preview of what will be up this weekend: On Saturday, tune in to read another tale of Bizarre Baseball Culture, as we … Continue reading →

Some interesting names from the MLB draft… and why it might not matter

Published on 2012-06-07 10:51:55

The draft is over, so, of course, there are some stories here and there about some of the ballplayers who were drafted. Mainly, those stories about those who are the offspring or other relatives of former big leaguers. This is … Continue reading →

Great predictions in History: Interleague Play… in 1955

Published on 2012-06-06 12:18:23

From Baseball Digest in January 1954: Interleague in 1955? Well, apparently it was considered. Nate Dolin, the Cleveland Indians director of operations and AL schedule representative, wanted it to happen. He even got Walter O’Malley to agree with him. He … Continue reading →

The Mauer deal is still worth it

Published on 2012-06-04 14:47:29

Joe Mauer is still the face of the Minnesota Twins, and one of the faces of baseball in general, but he’s been under siege ever since he signed his 10-year extension and the Twins moved to Target Field. He’s not … Continue reading →

The Not-An-Expert Q&A preview of the MLB Draft

Published on 2012-06-03 13:51:14

Tomorrow, the MLB draft begins. As I mentioned before, College Baseball is sort of the odd man out in college sports. And, as I referred to in that post, a lot of high schoolers get drafted in the MLB draft. … Continue reading →

Back Then: Red Sox Fans

Published on 2012-06-02 13:59:00

The Library of Congress has lots of pictures from the earlier part of the 20th century available for free online. Take this picture of Red Sox “Royal Rooters” during the 1910s: (Click the picture for a bigger view) As you … Continue reading →

What is wrong with the Orioles?

Published on 2012-06-02 09:00:09

It’s too early to declare the Orioles’ season, which I wrote about awhile back, as heading down the tubes. But it is definitely not looking as good as it once did. They’ve lost six straight. They’ve fallen out of first. … Continue reading →

Thoughts on Johan’s no-no night

Published on 2012-06-01 21:44:40

There is site out there that came to my attention shortly after Johan Santana completed his no-hitter tonight: Nonohitters.com. It was written by a Mets fan who kept count as the Mets continued to not have a no-hitter. The person … Continue reading →

Why nobody pays attention to College Baseball, outside of the CWS

Published on 2012-06-01 19:02:27

In basketball, the NCAA tournament is in many ways a far bigger event than even the NBA Finals as the marquee event for the sport. In football, the passions in some regions for college teams are larger than that of … Continue reading →

Exit, Magglio

Published on 2012-06-01 15:09:23

Magglio Ordonez will retire this weekend. He’ll go down as one of the better right-handed hitters of his generation and should receive at least some consideration for the Hall of Fame. I don’t think he’ll make it, but he should … Continue reading →

There are only three games tonight

Published on 2012-05-31 16:06:29

Presented for you, the games tonight: Three games. That’s all. Seriously, I understand that sometimes the travel days just all line up, but the idea that MLB’s schedulers would have only three games is ridiculous. Seriously, try to space out … Continue reading →

Well, that was weird.

Published on 2012-05-31 08:30:32

Okay, so yesterday: The Texas Rangers lost to Seattle 21-8. Normally weird stuff like that happens when the Rangers play the Orioles. Matt Kemp is hurt again. I blame the SI Cover Jinx. Hawk Harrelson lost his mind. The Orioles … Continue reading →

Somebody sign Jamie Moyer, please

Published on 2012-05-31 05:10:32

Jamie Moyer was designated for assignment on Wednesday. Only time will tell whether he will get picked up by somebody else. But I hope he will. He is, by all accounts, one of the best people in the game. And, … Continue reading →

Bizarre Baseball Culture: Amazing Mystery Funnies #22 has exploding baseballs

Published on 2012-05-30 18:10:30

There is a story that, during one of their several hundred attempts to assassinate or overthrow Fidel Castro during the 1960s, the CIA considered sending him baseballs that would, after a time, explode in his face. With that in mind, … Continue reading →

May 30: Helluva day in history for shortstops

Published on 2012-05-30 12:37:10

May 30 is notable as a day for shortstops: It was the day of a unassisted triple play, and the day where some of the most notable achievements by shortstops started. Take a look: May 30, 1927: Jimmy Cooney, Cubs’ … Continue reading →

Baseball Players who are within Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon

Published on 2012-05-29 14:37:19

We all probably know about the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon. It posits that Kevin Bacon is the center of the Hollywood universe, and that basically any actor is within seven movies of him. Technically, this isn’t true: Dennis Hopper … Continue reading →

Addendum to today’s earlier post: The Green Light Letter

Published on 2012-05-28 19:14:11

As I noted earlier today, many ballplayers have answered the call of duty, especially during the World Wars. What I didn’t note was that, especially in WWII, there were so many players that either volunteered or were drafted into the … Continue reading →

Ballplayers who gave everything

Published on 2012-05-28 10:00:08

On this Memorial Day, it is as good a time as any to mention some of the ballplayers who gave their lives serving in America’s armed forces. The DeadBallEra site has a list of those who died while serving America, … Continue reading →

Who is Dylan Bundy?

Published on 2012-05-27 11:57:07

This is a baseball public service announcement. You may have been hearing about somebody named Dylan Bundy on ESPN. And perhaps you are wondering: “Who is this Dylan Bundy?” The answer: Only one of the best pitchers in the minors. … Continue reading →

Red Sox vs. Rays: Saturday Nights Aren’t Right for Fighting

Published on 2012-05-27 08:25:50

A lot of people read my take on Friday night’s yelling match between the Rays and Red Sox coaching staffs, and how I (along with ESPN’s Buster Olney and Mike Greenberg) thought it wasn’t over. It still might not be. … Continue reading →

One giant leap for outfielder kind

Published on 2012-05-26 16:55:56

Did you see this catch? You probably have, it’s been all over the internet. Amazing, right? It’s so awesome that, if you were to pitch it to Hollywood, they’d laugh you out of the room. Not even a screwball comedy … Continue reading →

Red Sox, Rays, and a Friday Night Fight

Published on 2012-05-26 10:00:32

So, during the 9th inning of Friday’s game, the Red Sox and Rays had basically the most heated bench-clearing in the history of baseball that did not feature a single ejection. It all started when longtime Boston enemy Luke Scott, … Continue reading →

Cool baseball sites: The Baseball Gauge

Published on 2012-05-26 08:57:09

From the itself-good Seamheads site is the Baseball Gauge. Why is it a cool baseball site? Well, for one thing, it automatically calculates the best at positions based on Wins Above Replacement (WAR). For another, it also lets you customize … Continue reading →

Bizarre Baseball Culture: Captain Marvel teaches baseball… to Martians

Published on 2012-05-26 08:55:02

Baseball has an unusual relationship with the rest of popular culture. There are more baseball movies than basically any other kind of sports movie (with the exception of boxing, which is very easy to stage), Charlie Brown’s ineptness on the … Continue reading →

Why the IOC should add baseball (and softball) back to the Olympics

Published on 2012-05-25 14:03:12

The London games are coming up later this summer, but for the first time in years, baseball won’t be a part of it. When baseball, along with it’s sister sport* softball, were kicked out (to later be replaced by golf … Continue reading →

Predictions from history: The 1950 World Series would be between the Tigers and Dodgers

Published on 2012-05-25 09:06:50

From the November 1949 issue of Baseball Digest: Actually, it ended up being the Yankees vs. Phillies. They were close though: both the Tigers and Dodgers finished second in their leagues!

Google Maps: The Official Measuring Stick of Major League Baseball

Published on 2012-05-24 11:00:50

The latest MLB CBA was released today. It is primarily boring legal mumbo-jumbo. But one thing caught my eye, in this section about money and such that a player gets when they are on a injury rehab: Yes, MLB determines … Continue reading →

For Sale: The Yankees?

Published on 2012-05-24 09:15:37

According to the Daily News, the Yankees may be put up for sale by the family Steinbrenner. The most valuable team in American sports- if not all of sports (I’m not really up on the price of Europe’s soccer teams … Continue reading →

The best Twitter Feeds for baseball fans

Published on 2012-05-23 17:24:22

You can, and should, be following my Twitter feed at @DanJGlickman (hey, we’re told to advertise ourselves these days), but there are some other great baseball twitter feeds to follow, such as… The big-name national writers They seem obvious, but … Continue reading →

Will MVP Baseball return?

Published on 2012-05-23 10:56:15

Baseball is paradoxically both one of the best sports for video games to be made on, yet also one of the worst. It is one of the best due to the general obsessiveness of baseball fans, the vast number of … Continue reading →

Jair Jurrjens has gone missing

Published on 2012-05-22 17:34:14

So, Monday night I went to a game between the Rochester Red Wings and Gwinnett Braves. The pitcher was somebody who they claimed was Jair Jurrjens. However, I don’t think it was actual him. Jair Jurrjens, after all, is a … Continue reading →

Great Mysteries in Other Sports

Published on 2012-05-22 14:54:33

Yesterday, I gave some of the great mysteries in baseball. But there are plenty of mysteries beyond the diamond as well. For example: Was, as some conspiracy theorists claim, the 1985 NBA Draft lottery fixed so that Patrick Ewing would … Continue reading →

The Blight of the TV Blackout

Published on 2012-05-21 13:45:23

The greatest bane of the Major League Baseball fan in existence is not high ticket prices, competitive imbalance or rainy days. It is the dreadfully antiquated blackout policies of Major League Baseball on television. Drawn up long before the internet, … Continue reading →

Great Mysteries in Baseball

Published on 2012-05-21 11:45:59

Baseball is a sport where there are a lot of thing that are unexplained or unknown. For example… Where, exactly, does Lena Blackburne’s Rubbing Mud come from? How and why did Big Ed Delahanty fall over Niagara Falls in 1903? … Continue reading →

Wherever they end up, the Athletics better keep their name

Published on 2012-05-20 13:11:55

For seemingly the last decade or so, the Athletics have tried to escape from Oakland (home of the infamous Oakland Coliseum, where the crowds are small and the foul territory is the size of the Titanic) and find their way … Continue reading →

Headlines from the past: Black Sox acquitted… but still banned.

Published on 2012-05-19 10:12:13

Often forgotten is that the “Eight Men Out” actually were acquitted of their role in the scandal by the jury (it is a bit complicated as to why- it includes confessions going missing, amongst other things). Judge Kennesaw Mountain Landis … Continue reading →

Justin Verlander will get his third no-hitter… and probably a fourth. And maybe a fifth and sixth.

Published on 2012-05-19 09:21:20

I wasn’t at a TV last night as Justin Verlander, the best pitcher in baseball, was throwing a no-hitter. I was at a ballgame. I heard about it after he’d finished seven, but by the time I got to the … Continue reading →

The time I (sort of) saw Jesse Orosco break a baseball record

Published on 2012-05-18 08:27:43

In the annals of baseball record-holders, you can find some of the greatest names in the game: Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Cy Young, Pete Rose, Walter Johnson, Tris Speaker, Rickey Henderson, Cal Ripken… By comparison, Jesse Orosco doesn’t really stand … Continue reading →

Twins. Red Wings. It’s a revolving door.

Published on 2012-05-17 17:29:31

Quick, ignore the logos and team names, what team is this?: Well, it’s the Rochester Red Wings. But it’s filled with players who have been a part of the Twins over the rather disastrous past season-and-a-half. Revere is now back … Continue reading →

The Return of Costas to Postseason Baseball?

Published on 2012-05-17 14:14:57

News item: TBS will air the two Wild Card play-in games. In addition, MLB Network will air two games of the Division Series. Comment: Besides the fact that this makes MLB Network even more important (it already was getting close … Continue reading →

Blast from the past: How my predictions look so far

Published on 2012-05-17 12:00:05

Back in April, I wrote my predictions of what would happen in the 2012 season as part of my column for the Cardinal Courier. I’m going to return to those predictions now and in the future to see how I’m … Continue reading →

How long can the Orioles keep this up?

Published on 2012-05-17 09:06:32

The Orioles won again last night. In 15 innings, they defeated the Royals, rallying in the 9th to tie the game and then taking the lead for good with a Adam Jones homer in the top of the 15th. With … Continue reading →

Correct Predictions in History: Retractable Roofs

Published on 2012-05-16 12:24:54

In the past week (the first in the Continuum’s history), I’ve brought predictions of yesteryear about how Kiko Garcia was going to be the Orioles’ shortstop of the ’80s and how bizarre the 2044 baseball season would be. So, to … Continue reading →

Why baseball is the best sport to follow on a day-by-day basis

Published on 2012-05-16 07:41:52

Baseball’s long season is one of it’s greatest strengths and one of it’s greatest weaknesses. While football long ago has been able to surpass baseball in casual followers thanks to the fact you only have to pay attention two or … Continue reading →

Baseball Continuum featured on HardballTalk

Published on 2012-05-15 15:40:12

A big thanks to Craig Calcaterra over at HardballTalk for having a story about the analysis of “Rockets on the Mound.” It’s brought a ton of readers to that post, which makes me quite happy, as it is a fun little … Continue reading →

Rockets Rigby’s baseball career was only the beginning…

Published on 2012-05-15 12:36:36

Okay, so out of curiosity, I did some googling as to whether anybody else had written about the bad-but-interesting tale of Rockets Rigby and baseball in the year 2044. They hadn’t. At least, not as of this morning. I did, … Continue reading →

Great Bats in History

Published on 2012-05-15 11:06:51

Josh Hamilton’s bat is dead. No, I don’t mean his hitting ability, I mean his bat. Literally. It cracked a bit over the weekend. But this was no ordinary bat. It will go down in history as one of the … Continue reading →

Baseball in the Year 2044: A look at “Rockets on the Mound”

Published on 2012-05-14 15:48:37

The internet is a great place. Really, it is. And one of the reasons it is great is that you can find practically anything on it. Take, for example, short stories. There are countless stories that are in the public … Continue reading →

Random Thoughts (Mainly on movies)

Published on 2012-05-13 15:40:58

And now, time for some random things. I don’t mean things like suddenly typing out random numbers and letters like, I dunno, CHJCSKSUTX4M or something. I mean, just a few things that are on my mind that aren’t baseball-related. Go … Continue reading →

The Art (and Question) of the Farewell Tour

Published on 2012-05-13 13:28:27

It is a given these days that future Hall of Famers announce their retirements in advance, so that they can receive their applause from the rest of league. It is a good tradition, allowing even every city and fanbase to … Continue reading →

East Coast Bias and ESPN Sunday Night Baseball Part 4: The Blue Jays

Published on 2012-05-13 09:14:17

(Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3) As part of my study of ESPN’s scheduling patterns for Sunday Night Baseball, I was somewhat surprised to see that the  team with the biggest discrepancy between performance and appearances on SNB were … Continue reading →

A little thing about Sexism, Racism, Anti-Semitism and Bigotry in general

Published on 2012-05-12 15:48:18

A few days ago, there was a news story that Our Lady of Sorrows, an Arizona high school run by a breakaway sect of the Catholic Church, had forfeited a game against Mesa Prep due to the fact that Mesa’s … Continue reading →

East Coast Bias and ESPN Sunday Night Baseball Part 3: Who gets ignored

Published on 2012-05-12 11:54:47

As noted yesterday and the day before, ESPN does indeed have East Coast teams on Sunday Night Baseball more than many teams from other areas. However, it isn’t because ESPN wants teams closer to Bristol, it’s just that teams on … Continue reading →

Cool Old Baseball Headlines: The Beginning

Published on 2012-05-11 15:46:55

Huzzah, internet! Google used to scan a bunch of old newspapers, and although they stopped doing it, the ones they did before they ceased the scanning are still there. Thus allowing us to see such headlines as this beauty from … Continue reading →

East Coast Bias and ESPN Sunday Night Baseball, Part 2

Published on 2012-05-11 15:18:22

As we saw yesterday, ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball does, in general, feature more eastern teams than teams in other parts of the country. But, as I said yesterday, that isn’t telling the whole story. Yes, there is an East Coast Bias in … Continue reading →

Texas + Baltimore= Wackiness

Published on 2012-05-11 10:48:31

On May 10, 1972, the Texas Rangers (formerly the Washington Senators) faced the Baltimore Orioles for the first time. The game was a tight pitching duel between Dave McNally and Pete Broberg, who both went the distance. In a strange … Continue reading →

Great Predictions in History: Kiko Garcia will be the Orioles’ shortstop of the future (in 1980)

Published on 2012-05-10 19:40:28

Google Books has lots of old Baseball Digest issues available. It is interesting to see how previous generations thought. And, so often, it is fun to see how wrong they were. Take this headline from March, 1980. Kiko Garcia had … Continue reading →

Thoughts on Andy Pettitte’s Upcoming Return

Published on 2012-05-10 13:02:22

So, Andy Pettitte is coming back to the majors, and will start for the Yankees this coming weekend. It’s been a tough few weeks for Pettitte, having to testify in the Roger Clemens trial while doing his warm-up starts for … Continue reading →