Baseball Tease

The Red Sox season began yesterday, which I couldn't be more happy about being a diehard Sox and baseball fan.  Granted they lost, but it was a close game, and after last season, when they won the World Series, I'm not complaining.  I'm just happy they're back.  One thing I'm not happy about though, is the off day right after the first game for most teams.  I understand why Major League Baseball does it because of fear of rain delays, and in the Sox case, they're visiting the White House, but you've already hyped up Opening Day, so why kill the excitement with an off day?  Not to mention, if they're playing the same team, it seems pointless to give them a day off so early.  Save those days for later in the season when players actually need it.  I know this rant is very dumb, but I can't help it.  I love baseball, and as much as the average person thinks it's boring, I can't get enough of it.

Baseball, why do you have to tease us so?  Oh well, I'm sure you'll make it up with an exciting regular season.  Here's hoping!  And here's to the days of summer! 

Baseball Hall Of Famers

Major League Baseball elected 3 new Hall of Fame players yesterday: Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and Frank Thomas.  With those 3 and the managers already elected by the Veteran's Committee, Cooperstown is going to be bustling in July (which is a good thing, considering how last year was such a dud).  Of course, yesterday's voting didn't come without some controversy.  Some people didn't vote for certain players, causing them to fall short of election or fall off the ballot entirely.  I understand why there's such uproar in the baseball community, especially being a fan of baseball and many of the the players on the ballot, but all of baseball's problems regarding the Hall of Fame can't be solved in one day, so let's not argue about things we can't change.  Let's celebrate the work of three great baseball players.  "The Big Hurt" Frank Thomas is one of the greatest 1st baseman and right handed hitters of all time, while Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine's resume's speak for themselves.  I'm just one person, but I want to say Congratulations!

MLB Free Agency

(L-R) Carlos Beltran, Jacoby Ellsbury, Marlon Byrd, Matt Garza, Brian McCann, and Hiroki Kuroda are just some of the free agents who have signed, or are still on the market

The Winter meetings started in Orlando officially today, but besides when the Red Sox signed Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford to terrible contracts years ago, they've usually been a letdown to the weeks prior, in which at least one marquee free agent signs somewhere.  Last week was no exception as many stars took their "talents", as LeBron James would say, to new teams.  The biggest free agent Robinson Cano signed a mega 10 year, $240 million dollar contract with the Seattle Mariners, while Jacoby Ellsbury, Brian McCann, and Carlos Beltran signed with the New York Yankees for some questionable dollars.  None of this is anything new in baseball, but mega contracts for players during free agency is starting to become a problem, if it hasn't already been for the past decade.

Major League Baseball is not the only sport with contract issues, but they are the one that gives out the most money, has guaranteed contracts, and no salary cap.  It's bad enough that other smaller teams do not have an advantage signing free agents because they do not have enough funds, but it is even worse when players who aren't stars are getting paid as one, like Robinson Cano; he is a good player, and arguably the best 2nd baseman in the game, but his stats don't blow me away, he's never won an MVP, and is not the transcendent superstar Barry Bonds (despite PED allegations) or even Derek Jeter ever were.  Not to mention, he doesn't hustle all the time, which is a problem for any athlete.  For a team like the Mariners, who are starving to win, I see what they're trying to do, but I don't see this ending well since when was the last time a long term contract went well?  Manny Ramirez, Derek Jeter, etc.?  Those guys are once in a generation players, and as hard as it is to believe, another Robinson Cano will come along someday.  Baseball is not changing any time soon, especially with egotistical superstars who want money, but for the better of teams, I hope it changes.  No one is worth that much money!  And think of everything else that money could be used for.  Other players, advertising, improving the ballpark.

When a player asks, unless it's a good deal, just say no!

Go Crazy, Folks...

In honor of tonight's Game 6 NLCS match-up between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the St. Louis Cardinals, I thought it fitting to post a clip of Ozzie Smith's famous home run called by the legendary Jack Buck (Joe Buck's father).  This call was before I was born, but since I grew up listening to baseball on the radio, I've heard it many times.  And like all baseball people, we are rooted in our history, which this call is definitely a part of.  Enjoy, and let's go Dodgers just so we can have a Game 7.

The Man They Call "Cutch"

Andre McCutchen's play has bought excitement and hope back to the Steel City

At the end of every original Lone Ranger episode from the 40s and 50s, they have a person not know who their masked savior was, only to have someone say, "Why that's The Lone Ranger!", with Clayton Moore saying "High Ho Silver".  Now, Andrew McCutchen isn't The Lone Ranger, but he is one of the reasons why the Pittsburgh Pirates are relevant again to baseball, which is great for the sport because they're a proud franchise that has struggled for 20 years.  Years ago, people didn't know who he was because he didn't play for Boston, New York, or Los Angeles, but because of the season he's having, no one will ever not know who he is.  Why, he's Andrew McCutchen, or as many people call him, "Cutch".

Andrew McCutchen is a five-tool baseball player, which for those of you who don't know, means he can hit for average, hit for power, run, throw, and field.  There are very few players like that, which makes McCutchen special already, but along with that he carries himself well on and off the field.  Athletes like Johnny "Football" Manziel and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. are praised by so many people, but they don't carry themselves the way McCutchen does.  He's a quiet, humble person, and leads his team by example and his play.  Along with that, he remembers where he came from, and chose to stay with the original team that drafted him (a rarity in any sport, let alone baseball).  Sports analysts think he'll never be a star in Pittsburgh, but he already is!

It's tough for me to pick my favorite baseball player because I have so many from "King" Felix Hernandez, Dustin Pedroia, to Clayton Kershaw, but Andrew McCutchen is something different.  And he's been that way ever since he got drafted.  With that in mind, I thought I'd show you all an ESPN clip that ran a few days ago, talking about McCutchen's family and life as a Pittsburgh Pirate, which was inspiring to see.  I love Andrew McCutchen, but if you don't, you will after watching this video.  Enjoy!

MLB All-Star Break: Thoughts For All 30 Teams At The Break

With Major League Baseball's All-Star Game tonight, that means we've reached the halfway point of the season, which is hard to believe, since I still remember the first game of the season between the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers.  I love baseball, but like any sport, it can drag on at times, which is why I'm glad it's the All-Star break now, because now we can focus on the important stuff.  Games are more meaningful, records can/will be broken, and players can get traded for that late playoff push.  At the same time, I can look back on the first half of the season so far, which has been as exciting as ever.  Here's my thoughts for all 30 teams (based on current division leader standings).

AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST

• Boston Red Sox: Gotta love my hometown Sox.  After last season's debacle with Bobby Valentine as manager, they have surprised people by actually still being in contention.  Free agents like Shane Victorino and Johnny Gomes have been better than expected, and Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz are playing off the charts right now.  They still have issues with their pitching staff and bullpen, as Jon Lester and others have struggled, but I have a feeling they'll still be playing important games in September, which is more than I expected back in April.  GO SOX!
• Tampa Bay Rays: The Rays are a streaky team when it comes to offense.  Sometimes they hit, and other times they can't, but when they hit and pitch, they contend.  It's no different this year as Evan Longoria is playing at an MVP level, and the pitching staff is returning to their form.  I think they make the news sometimes for the wrong reasons (like Joe Maddon or one of their players complaining about something), but as a fan, you have to respect their team for their peskiness.
• Baltimore Orioles: Last year, the Orioles were the fluke of baseball in many analysts and fans eyes since they won so many close games, and didn't have any stars.  Well, this year, they're not winning many close games, but they definitely have stars.  They have Manny Machado, one of the best young players in the game, Chris "Orange Crush" Davis, Adam Jones, etc; the list goes on and on.  Along with that, they have one of the best in game managers in Buck Showalter, so even though the standings say they're in third place, I have no doubt they'll have changed spots before the season is over.
• New York Yankees: Out of all the teams that is probably happiest that the all-star break is here, I think the Yankees have to be the happiest because their team is a mess.  Free agents acquisitions like Vernon Wells and Travis Haftner were okay at the start of the season, but now they've returned to their pedestrian selves and struggled, which has been difficult for a team missing so many key players like Derek Jeter, Mark Texiera, etc.  To add onto their list of problems, Alex Rodriguez is appearing in the news for every bad reason imaginable, whether it's mouthing off or something drug related.  The Yankees should be worse, but because of Joe Girardi's managing, they aren't, so he deserves serious Manager of The Year consideration. 
• Toronto Blue Jays: The Blue Jays are the most disappointing team this season because they made all the moves to contend by making big splashes (i.e, R.A Dickey and Jose Reyes), but haven't played up to their potential.  Everyone has seemed to regress, and while they still score a lot, there's not many other positive things I can say about their team.  I love their jerseys though, and if everyone was healthy, they'd definitely be better than what they are.

AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL

• Detroit Tigers: There's no such thing as the perfect player, but Miguel Cabrera is certainly making a case for it.  Everything he does, he does well (even his fielding has improved).  I didn't think he could do better than last year, but he's on pace too.  Prince Fielder and him are doing their usual damage, but Max Scherzer has stepped up and taken the mantle as best pitcher of the team away from Justin Verlander.  They're in first place now, but have so many pitching issues, that I see it being a problem unless they make a deal at the trade deadline, or Miguel Cabrera carries them, which I'm sure he'll do. 
• Cleveland Indians: Under Terry Francona, the Indians are taking the baseball world by surprise since they're actually in contention now.  Some people have called them the Orioles of last year, but their team isn't as good as the O's were.  Yes, they're in second place, but they have so many flaws and players playing out of their mind that I know it can't last all season.  The bad players are producing and the supposed good ones like Michael Bourn are under-performing. Maybe I'm wrong, but I'll have to see it to believe it.
• Kansas City Royals: The Royals are frustrating to me because they have all the talent in the world, but still have trouble succeeding.  Their homegrown talent like Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas are playing terrible, and they trade Will Myers, their best hitting prospect for James Shield.  I understand the need to win now, but that's still a risky move.  They're middle of the pack now, and have talented players like Alex Gordon, Salvador Perez, and backup Jarrod Dyson, but they'll have to do something at the deadline if they want to compete this year.  Pitching was supposed to be one of their strengths, but so far, it's not.
• Minnesota Twins: I'd by lying if I said I followed of watched a lot of Twins games this year, but from what I've heard, they've been decent.  Their pitching staff is nothing to write home about, but they still have one of the best players in the game in Joe Mauer (even though he doesn't catch much anymore, which is where his true value is).  On a side note though, it's great to see Justin Morneau playing, since he was a top 15-20 player until concussions ruined his career.  Hopefully, he'll stay healthy and finish the season strong.
• Chicago White Sox: The White Sox are a dreadful team with an unlikeable roster.  They should trade their talent like Adam Dunn, Alexis Rios, and Alexei Ramirez for prospects, but it's unlikely they will.  They could even trade their star players like Chris Sale, but I doubt that happens unless they are blown away.  Oh well, at least they still have Ken "Hawk" Harrelson saying "You can put it on the board...YES"!

AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST

• Oakland Athletics: Billy Beane has done it again.  He builds a roster of players with the little payroll he has, yet competes every year.  This year, it's been particularly surprising since their hitting and pitching haven't been as good as last year, but they've had players step up like Bartolo Colon and Josh Donaldson.  I want to say they'll fall off, but they never do just like the Rays.  They just have fun and play baseball, which is what a lot of teams need to do.
• Texas Rangers: The past few years, the Rangers have been one of the most consistent teams in baseball hitting, pitching, and making the playoffs.  This year, they started off strong, but slow starts and injuries to some of their key players has hurt them.  Despite my dislike of their team (for whatever reason), I have to give them credit since they have so many players I love watching like Yu Darvish and Adrian Beltre.  Also, on the whole Ian Kinsler issue, yes he should change spots for Jurickson Profar or just get traded.  You do what's best for the team, not what's best for you individually.
• Los Angeles Angels: For the second year in a row, baseball's highest spending team has stumbled out of the gate.  They may have the best young player in Mike Trout, but have Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton, two albatrosses on the field and on their payroll.  Injuries have killed them (especially the one to Jared Weaver), but there comes a time when you just have to admit that a team has chemistry issues, and I think this team has it.  Can they turn it around?  Sure, they have the talent too, but if they don't, I wouldn't be shocked to see major changes.
• Seattle Mariners: Felix Hernandez, hands down, is one of my favorite players in any sport!  He has the talent and swagger that Pedro Martinez had when he was in Boston.  It's too bad though that their team always struggles, whether it's pitching or hitting.  Everyone said this year would be different for the Mariners because of the players they bought in, and the fact the fences at Safeco have been moved, but that hasn't impacted their record much.  On the bright side, Raul Ibanez is having a revival season for the team and King Felix is just dealing!  Enough said!  Even though this year looks like it'll be another wash, I see huge things for their future.
• Houston Astros: The Astros are in complete rebuild, so there isn't much I can say about them.  I like how they signed Jose Altuve showing they are committed to the future, and their draft seemed productive, but it will be years before we see whether their moves paid off. 

 NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST

• Atlanta Braves: The Braves started hot out of the gate faster than I imagined, winning many of their games in April because of the bat of Justin Upton.  But he cooled off, and some of his teammates like his brother B.J Upton, and Jason Heyward have yet to pick it up for various reasons.  They've gotten surprisingly consistent play from slick fielding Andrelton Simmons and "The Janitor" Even Gattis, but I question how long they can keep it up.  Injuries are catching up to them, and their division lead is dwindling.
• Washington Nationals: Bryce Harper is a stud, and before he was injured making a death defying play, you could make a case that he was MVP of the National League.  But we all know that's not how it works.  Bryce was hurt, and it affected his team greatly as their offense struggled.  Although, some blame has to go to Ryan Zimmerman, their expensive third baseman who can't even throw to first base right now.  I think they have the ability to catch up to the Braves, but if Stephen Strasburg can't turn it around, than everyone's predictions about the Nationals making the playoffs will be wrong.  Maybe he needs a break like last year, but this team can't afford any miscues.
• Philadelphia Phillies: When I look at the Phillies roster, I question so many of their moves because they have so many washed up and expensive players like Ryan Howard, Delmon Young, and Jonathan Papelbon.  They're making a bit of a run now, but everyone knows there is no way they can contend, so they should trade what they have and try to get as young as possible.  Cole Hamels may be untouchable, but I think everyone else isn't.
• New York Mets: New York's other finest team.  In terms of the regular season wins, they don't have many, but they have had major bright spots this year.  Matt Harvey has made people forget about R.A Dickey and is starting the All-Star Game tonight, David Wright is hitting, and they've had some memorable comeback wins.  I'd be concerned with some of their top prospects like Zach Wheeler since they haven't done well in their short major league careers yet, but I'm excited for them.  And I look forward to the All-Star Game tonight.
• Miami Marlins: The Marlins are one of the laughingstocks of MLB because of the deal they made last off-season trading just about everyone they signed, and leaving Giancarlo Stanton alone to carry a team by himself.  There's no doubt in my mind he can do it, but he's been injured a majority of this year, which has made this team even more unwatchable than usual.  As bad as their team is, at least they have some young players to build around, so when their deceitful owner is gone, maybe that team can make some noise. 

NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL

• St. Louis Cardinals: Along with the Rangers, the Cardinals have been one of most consistent teams in baseball the past few years.  Under Tony LaRussa, it was obvious because they had the best player in the world in Albert Pujols, but they're both gone, and yet, they still succeed.  Some fans were upset they let Albert go, but it was for the best because now they have money to sign their younger players like Yadier Molina, Allen Craig, and Adam Wainwright, leading me to believe they'll contend for a long time. 
• Pittsburgh Pirates: Andrew McCutchen is one of the best young center fielders and players in baseball, but not many people know about him since he plays in Pittsburgh, which is a shame because he's fun to watch.  He's a 5-tool player, clutch, and a great leader for his team, enhancing the play of teammates like Pedro "El" Toro Alvarez and Jason Grilli.  The Pirates have the longest streak of losing seasons in North American sports, but I know it'll end this year because this team has more talent than the last two years.  Yes, they could fade like in previous seasons, but I believe, and will have my black and gold on cheering my team away from home.
• Cincinnati Reds: I can't stand the Reds, like the Rangers, but I can explain why I dislike this team, DUSTY BAKER!  He may have a lot of wins as a manager, but he is terrible.  He can't manage in games, and blows out pitcher's arms (i.e, Mark Prior and Kerry Wood).  Sure he hasn't done it recently, but he'll probably do it to Aroldis Chapman.  Aside from my Dusty hating, I can't say many negative things about the play of the Reds.  They have so many great players, and did one of the best trades this off-season, getting Shin-Soo-Choo, which has stabilized their lineup and outfield.  Hopefully, they don't catch my Pirates, but if they do, I wouldn't be shocked.
• Chicago Cubs: Theo Epstein has done the best job he could the past year and a half trying to rebuild the Cubs, and while I think he's done an okay job, I still think he's been disappointing.  All of his moves are questionable, and the roster he's assembled stinks.  They're unlikeable like the White Sox, and some of their star players from last year, like Starlin Castro and Anthony Rizzo have regressed drastically.  I don't know how good it looks for them, but at least Wrigley Field will be getting renovations.
• Milwaukee Brewers: A couple of years ago, the Brewers used to be one of the best teams in baseball, with one of the best players in baseball in Ryan Braun.  Things gave changed though.  The team has gone south, and Braun has made the news for performance enhancing drugs.  I used to like him, but I can't stand cheaters, so he deserves whatever punishment he gets.  It may be harsh, but I'm an old school baseball guy.  Despite all this negativity, at least they have Jean Segura.

NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST

• Arizona Diamondbacks: The Diamondbacks have a lot of youth on their team I like a lot, such as Paul Goldschmidt and Patrick Corbin.  I haven't seen many of their games, but everything I have seen has been positive, besides their bullpen, which is atrocious.  People say having a good closer is overrated, but look at the Red Sox.  You need a closer or else you'll give games away.  The D'Backs need a closer, but Heath Bell and David Hernandez aren't the answer.
• Los Angeles Dodgers: Like the Angels, the Dodgers are a disappointment because of their record with the talent they have.  They have arguably the best pitcher in baseball in Clayton Kershaw, Matt Kemp, Zack Greinke, Hanley Ramirez, Adrian Gonzalez, etc.  Hell, even Yasiel Puig, as good as he's been, hasn't gotten their team above .500.  Sure, you could make the case they haven't been good because of injuries, but lots of teams with injuries get by.  I just think this team has chemistry issues. They could make the playoffs because their division is so weak, but if they do, they won't go far. 
• Colorado Rockies: The Red Sox and Pirates are the team I root for on the East Coast, but on the West Coast, I root for the Rockies.  I thought so highly of their team this year, I thought they'd make the playoffs, which may sound ridiculous now, but before injuries hit, they were one of the top teams in the National League.  Troy Tulowitzki is the best shortstop, and one of my favorite players in the league, but it's unfortunate him, Carlos Gonzalez, and Dexter Fowler can't stay healthy at the same time.  If they did, there's no doubt in my mind they would be above .500.  I definitely see a big turnaround for the second half though.  You can quote me on that.
• San Francisco Giants: Back in 2010, before the Giants won their first World Series in however many years, I rooted for them, but now, I can't stand them because they're kind of like the Yankees and always win.  Despite how I feel, I have nothing but love and respect for Buster Posey and Marco Scutaro.  I can't stand Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum though, so it's good to see them struggling since it means other teams I like can take advantage of them.  To say they're done though, would be silly, so I'm not counting them out yet.
• San Diego Padres:The Padres or "Pod Squad" as I've called them, are having a terrible season.  Their pitching is terrible, and the hitters who did well last year like Chase Headley are having trouble because of injuries.  I'd be lying if I said I knew many players on their roster, so I won't try to name any of them.  In years I'm sure they'll improve, but right now, they stink, and need major changes or they'll keep being near the bottom of the barrel.

A Home Run Derby Suggestion

Ken Griffey, Jr. participating in the Home Run Derby during better times

For those of you who follow baseball (and for those of you who don't), tonight is the Home Run Derby, one of the highlights of Major League Baseball's All-Star Game.  I usually love watching the All-Star Game because I like seeing all the players from different teams coming together to play, and I love how the hosting city gets so excited for it.  But I cannot stand the Home Run Derby itself as an event.  Maybe it's because it's too long, or maybe it's because Chris Berman commentates it terribly.  Regardless, the event needs to change.

As much as I advocate change though, I don't know how MLB could make the event more interesting.  It already has all the star's in it competing and giving it their all.  I think in the 90s it was interesting because that was when home runs exploded (for reasons we are all aware of now), but now the event is stale.  Home runs, while still impressive, just aren't as amazing as they used to be.  Compared to slam dunks and goals in other sports, which can always look different, home runs are home runs.  So how can the Home Run Derby get better?

My suggestion is to eliminate the Home Run Derby all together.  As a baseball purist, I know it sounds like blasphemy, but let's be honest, not many people watch it.  In place of the Home Run Derby, I say we have two all star games like how the NBA does with their Rookie-Sophomore Challenge.  You have the starters voted in and picked by the managers playing the game that counts, which makes sense because it's for home field advantage in the World Series, and have the other players play for exhibition or charity.  It sounds crazy because of the risk of other players getting hurt, but it would solve so many issues people currently have with the All-Star Game.  With two games, there would be more all stars, meaning someone is less likely to get snubbed.  Also, with one roster actually playing the main game, then each side will have the best team available competing for home field advantage, which is what I want!  I love every team being represented by a player, but since this game counts, I want the stars like Miguel Cabrera and Buster Posey playing the whole game, not two innings.  Everything I'm saying may sound crazy, but like I said, it's just a suggestion.   

Unwritten Rules Of Baseball

Baseball is my favorite sport, but like any sport, it has some things I don't quite understand, such as unwritten rules.  When I say unwritten rules, I mean like, no throwing above the head, or retaliating for a hit teammate.  Well, it's safe to say that the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers didn't give a damn about that yesterday because they played a baseball game yesterday that had everything: home runs, hit batters, ejections, bench clearing brawls.  It was crazy and something I've rarely seen before.  The only memorable game that comes to mind is in 2004, when the Red Sox and Yankees played a game with a bench clearing brawl.  That's right, the famous game with the Jason Varitek/A-Rod fight and Bill Mueller's heroics, which propelled them to the playoffs and eventually the World Series.

A trip down memory lane for those of you who don't remember or simply didn't watch baseball.  What a game this was!

So why talk about this with better sports topics, such as the Miami Heat getting demolished by the San Antonio Spurs, or the Stanley Cup Finals starting today?  One reason is because I don't want to overwhelm everyone reading, since odds are, they can find coverage of Lebron or the Cup on ESPN.  The other reason is because of what I said above.  I love baseball!  I love the simplicity of it, the unlimited length, the tradition, the fact that it's probably the most laid back and family friendly of all the four major sports, but I do not like what I saw yesterday.  I like good, competitive baseball, not people acting like punks.  It gives a bad image to the sport, which baseball doesn't need with their steroid controversy.

And briefly mentioning the Dodgers, what a mess they are.  Last year they traded for Adrian Gonzalez and Josh Beckett, which was a perplexing move, while this free agency, they just go out and sign everyone.  On paper, they look like a good team with Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke, Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, and the phenom Yasiel Puig, but their team stinks, showing that money can't make up for bad team chemistry.  Oh well, at least there's still Vin Scully, who is still a delight to listen to even at his age.  That's one bright spot to come out of what was a crazy night in LA.  Rules are there for a reason guys, and while baseball may have unwritten ones, play the game the right way, and stuff like this will never happen.

The Start Of Baseball Season

MLB's "I Play" commercial getting me fired up for the start of baseball season

In less than 3 hours, Major League Baseball will kick off it's 2013 season with it's first game of the season, which is the the Texas Rangers vs. Houston Astros.  It's not the most marquee match-up in the world, considering the Rangers have lost so many players (Josh Hamilton, Mike Napoli), and the Astros basically sold away their entire team, but I'm still excited for it.  The Rangers have Yu Darvish pitching, who is an American League Cy Young favorite, going against an Astros team making their debut in the American League after being in the National League for 50 years.  

This may not be the best game MLB could have picked to start off the season, but who cares?!  The wait is over, and baseball is back!  6 months since the last game of last season may not seem like a long time to people, but for me it is, which is why I am glad my favorite sport is finally about to begin.

Felix Hernandez: Return Of The King

Mariners fans are going to get used to seeing King Felix celebrate the next couple of years

There's that song from The Lion King that's called "I Just Can't Wait To Be King", when young Simba sings about the day he will become king.  The difference between him and Felix Hernandez; Simba wasn't king right away, while Felix Hernandez has been called King Felix for about as long as I can remember.  Yesterday, the big news in Major League Baseball was that Felix Hernandez resigned with the Mariners for  5-7 years for around 135.5-170 million dollars (nothing is exact because different outlets have different numbers).  The contract, once officially announced, would be the largest contract in history for any pitcher.  As tremendous an achievement it is that Felix finally got the contract he deserved, the more impressive thing to me is that he chose to stay in Seattle.

Loyalty is a dying thing in sports now.  Players want to leave teams for more money, chances to win, exposure, etc, but Felix chose to stay in Seattle because he was getting his due, he loves Seattle, and he believes they can contend while he's there.  It seems like it will be a difficult task with how stacked the American League is, but with their ace and many top prospects, hopefully things can change this season.

I don't need to say all the numbers Felix has since you can look them up and marvel at them like I have.  I just wanted to post about him since he's one of my favorite athlete's, and he just made history. As a diehard Red Sox fan, I'm a little bummed he didn't come to Boston since he would have helped the team so much, but I'm glad he's doing what makes him happy in his life.

Being in Boston, they say that Pedro Martinez was one of the best pitchers of his time.  I didn't watch baseball back then until 2003 when Pedro was arguably past his prime, but now that I love the sport, I'm glad that I will be able to see one of the great pitchers of my era flourishing in his environment like so many others have.  Felix Hernandez many not be what Randy Johnson was on the Mariners, but now that he's resigned with them, his place in their history will be immortalized.  Congratulations King Felix on returning to Seattle, but in all honesty, you never left, which is why I thank you as a baseball fan!

King Felix already has a Cy Young award, but can he add a World Series?