Cheers to the Jays big bats; jeers to baggy uniforms
Tuesday, April 8, 2008 | 11:17 PM ET
After being ridiculed for most of last season by just about everybody, I want to tip my hat to the Jays hitters. They have really worked hard and stepped it up.
From the first series against the New York Yankees, you could see how there was a different approach at the plate. David Eckstien's at-bat against Mike Mussina was a great example of working the count, laying off of tough pitches and showing the rest of the offence what Mussina was trying to do; Alex Rios fouled off several pitches and eventually drew a walk that set the stage for Big Frank's dramatic grand slam against the world champion Boston Red Sox.
But what was just as impressive as the grand slam was that, the last time Frank faced Manny Delcarmen, a reliever for Boston, he sat on a change-up, got it and crushed it. So when he faced him again on Sunday, he was looking for the heater (i.e. fast ball), he got it first pitch and deposited it into the left-centerfield stands. What a great approach.
No love for Manny's glove
There was a lot of confusion about why Manny Ramirez had to change his glove the other day. Does it make a difference having a longer glove than the rules allow in the outfield, which is 13 inches? That rule has to be enforced because it's an unfair advantage for the outfielder who has the "unauthorized" glove. Why you might ask? Well, because he can possibly go over the wall and bring back a home run that he normally wouldn't be able to get to, or catch a sinking liner in the gap, or a ball over his head. You see, every inch counts! And they call this the game of inches, don't they?
I remember having a teammate when I was with the Yankees: he was a bit short in stature, let's just leave it at that, but his glove was made for Yao Ming! That glove went down to his ankle. During a day game in Anaheim, when they were still the California Angels, my teammate made a spectacular diving catch in the left-centerfield gap and the Angels manager complained so much that the umpires came out and measured his glove during the game. Needless to say, he had to get another glove to finish the game.
Fashion tips from the Style Master
What ever happened to the fashion police in baseball? Have you guys seen these uniforms some of these guys are wearing today? Some of them look like the old Negro League uniforms. My uncle played for the Cincinnati Clowns and I have photos of his team. Those were some ugly, baggy uniforms. So, have we gone retro? Listen, can you believe that some of the guys have their uniform pants made like their street jeans? Come on now! Let's get out of
the music videos and on to the field.
Some of you may think I am joking, but I am serious. Let's keep the integrity of the game. Take it from me, I love to style - my family calls me the Style Master - but it's with taste and off the field. What's funny is you may think these guys are trying to cover up bad bodies, but they're not. Most of these guys have sculpted bodies under all that fabric. Take it from me, they better enjoy having a young, athletic body while they can because time does take it's toll.
Can the baggy uniforms be the reason that female attendance has gone down a bit? Chicks may dig the long ball, but if the uniform isn't fitting, in the baseball stands, the chicks ain't sitting.
Good deals for Rios and Hill
Man, the Tigers are in the cellar in the American League Central! That is amazing. Remember how I mentioned that it's important to stay injury-free, and on paper how things can look? Well, the Tigers may look like an almost unbeatable team going into the season, but the injuries and poor performances have tripped them up so far.
It's still early and that is why the Jays aren't getting too excited about all of this. But it sure is nice to get off to a good start and against two of baseball's better teams. It does wonders for a team's confidence and that builds momentum and takes some of the pressure off.
And I have to congratulate the Jays for rewarding Alex Rios and Aaron Hill with long term contracts. The Jays showed that they are committed to winning now and in the future. Hey fans, looks like we have brighter days ahead.
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Inside Baseball with Jesse Barfield »
About the Author
Jesse Barfield returns to the booth with the Rogers Blue Jays Baseball
on CBC broadcast team for the 2008 season as an analyst, after making
his debut with the program in 2007.
Barfield, a favourite with Canadian baseball fans, was selected by the
Blue Jays in the ninth round of the 1977 amateur draft, debuted with the
club in 1981 and helped the franchise reach the playoffs for the first
time in 1985.
A two-time Gold Glove winner with a cannon for an arm, Barfield led American
League outfielders in assists for three straight seasons (1985
– 87). Barfield was selected to the American League All-Star Team in
1986, a season in which he blasted 40 home runs to lead the majors while
driving in 108 runs. He was traded to the New York Yankees in 1989,
where he completed his playing career.
In 1,428 career games, Barfield was a .256 hitter with 241 home runs and 716 RBIs.
Recent Posts
- Spoiler tag suiting Jays down the stretch
- Wednesday, September 3, 2008
- My memories of Yankee Stadium run deep
- Friday, August 29, 2008
- Blue Jays will be in a battle to the finish
- Saturday, August 23, 2008
- Blue Jays could be a different team down the stretch
- Friday, August 15, 2008
- A day to remember in The House That Ruth Built
- Saturday, August 9, 2008
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Comments
J.P. Marko
Jesse,
Your page is the best. I agree with James P and appreciate all your insights with respect to the unusual aspects of the game. I totally agree with you on the "baggy" uniforms. They're an embarassment. I also noted in the recent Jays/A's series that a lot of players are wearing big honkin necklaces sporting chunks of beads and whatnot.Did you notice too?
Posted April 12, 2008 01:33 AM
Barb
Alberta
Jesse! Wow, I am so happy to have come upon this blog. Forgive me, but I am a major fan of yours! Being out here in the west, I never got to see you play live, but you will always make the list of my all-star outfielders...those amazing throws to nail 'em at the plate? OUTSTANDING!
Heartily agree on the need for patience at the plate. It drives me nuts to see guys constantly going for the fences. I've always felt the best teams are the ones that nickle and dime you for runs...work the count for a pass...steal one...then chug in on a single. Or is that too National League? :)
Looking forward to future postings!
Posted April 12, 2008 12:32 AM
James P
Toronto
Jesse,
Your blog is the best on CBC.ca. You always tell it exactly like it is and do it with a nice mix of commentary on the Jays and ecclectic insights into things like Man Ram's glove and silly baggy uniform. Keep up the good work.
Posted April 11, 2008 01:49 PM