A Showcase: Thoughts on the 2013 All Star Game
So now comes the most boring day in all of sports. Nothing is going on, which makes it the perfect day for me to blog. I know some of my fellow bloggers like to pretend they are too cool for the All Star Game, and that’s fine. Some people are too cool for a Neil Diamond live rendition of “Sweet Caroline.”
Just a side note, why did that happen? That’s a Boston thing. The Caroline that’s sweet is Caroline Kennedy. They sing the “bah bah bah” in the mid 8th inning in Fenway. The All Star game was played in New York. Neil Diamond is a New Yorker (he was born in Brooklyn) so I guess that fits. But play a different song, Neil.*
*The lovely Latte has pointed out on Twitter that Neil Diamond performed that song to remind people about the Boston Strong campaign. So, I suppose that's alright. Visit her site if you know what's good for you.
Anyway, I kind of like the All Star Game. Not because it counts, but because it's a showcase.
I was really happy to see (hear, rather, because I listened to the All Star Game on the radio) that all the Jays made appearances. José Bautista contributed a sac fly (a less charitable person would be asking “Where the hell was that over the weekend against the Orioles?” but I'm charitable), Encarnación got an at bat and Jim Leyland, likely thrilled he actually had a bullpen to work with, got both Brett Cecil and Steve Delabar work. Cecil struck out Domonic Brown of the Phillies, and then Delabar struck out Buster Posey.
"For me, it was very special for my teammates," Encarnación said. "They played in the All-Star Game and they did what they had to do, they did their jobs, they got it done. Cecil pitched great. Delabar pitched great, too. Bautista drove in a run."
It was the last All Star appearance for Mariano Rivera, who was named game MVP. He ran out to “Enter Sandman” to ovations from both benches and the crowd. He then threw cutters.
"How to be a true professional," Delabar said. "The way that he goes about his business. Just talking to him, you see why the guys in front of him pitch the way they do, because they know that you want to get the game to him, you want to do well for him."
That’s nice and everything, but get him to show you the cutter, you fool!
One of my favourite things to come out of the Fan Cave during All Star festivities:
Because, Bautista dancing.
And this is my favourite video I've seen in a long time. I just love the reactions when people realize.
The AL won 3-0 in a game dominated by pitching. And that's basically it for that game. And I hope those of you who felt too cool still feel too cool.
The Derby was marred for me by people complaining on Twitter about winner Yoenis Céspedes inability to speak English. Because "this is America." Confirming for me that people are the worst.
What did it take for Cespedes and his family to come to the US (in America) from Cuba (also America)? "Their travels included four countries, six boat rides, two trips to jail, an immigration raid, accusations of human trafficking and a dispute with a Dominican baseball agent." And yes, they speak Spanish in parts of America.
And he hasn't learned English because he's been practicing this:
This also happened:
In other news, Encarnación caused a bit of controversy for being blunt.
But he’s not wrong either– and I'm sure it was much easier for him to take the diplomatic route here than it would have been for Edwin, who is kinda fucking nailing it this year. Not a lot of blame Encarnación could have put on himself, so… the truth seems like a solid way to have gone, I guess. I don't know.
Oh, it's fine. Everyone knows what the problem with this team is. I've looked at the numbers. I don't recommend you look at the numbers, because they aren't pretty, but trust me. And it's not a coincidence that during that June win streak when everything seemed possible and glorious that the starters were going deep into the game, giving way to the bullpen. Which has been nails.
I had trouble watching that series against Baltimore last weekend. To the Jays pitching staff- I know
he's big and dreamy, but you aren't dating Chris Davis. You don't have to give him what he likes. He likes it when you pitch him low and away.
BUST HIM IN, if you can.
Josh Johnson- you can. I don't know what exactly the problem is- but I am getting serious AJ Burnett vibes. Not current Pirates Burnett or final year of Jays' contract Burnett, who would be useful, but big time arm that is getting wasted. Due to brain malfunctions or something.
Johnson seems to get beat on a pitch and loses his groove, sometimes for the rest of the game. And it's brutal to watch. So much talent, not enough strikes. But apparently, he's not going anywhere.
In a sort of pre-promotion, I'm on the next episode of Definitely Not JaysTalk. I'll post a link on my Twitter feed. I talked a lot about the first half and did the interview while contemplatively sitting on my bed. I'm worried it's depressing. But we'll see.
Also, I made my TV debut. So if you have ever had the urge to know what I look/sound like, here you go.