I was watching a spring training game the other night between the Texas Rangers and someone I don't remember (yes, I need a life) when my favorite former Dodger Andrew Jones came to bat.
The Los Angeles Dodgers paid Jones $36 million for three home runs. $12 million per homer. He showed up for spring training last year, after signing the contract, out of shape, promptly got hurt and then did not understand why Dodger fans booed him after every strikeout or double play.
He had a year left to go on the contract, but the Dodgers agreed to pay him the money and let him leave. $18 million, take it and don't let the door hit you on the way out. I wish I could find someone willing to pay me $18 million to leave.
Our intrepid star signed with the Texas Rangers and when he came to bat the other night, the announcers commented on how happy and content he seemed in camp. ($18 million in the bank would seem to breed a lot of contentment). They also commented that he seems perfectly fine with the understanding that he will not be a starter and may not play much (he is satisfied getting paid not to play? what a shock!). These announcers went on and on about what a great fit Andruw Jones seems to be for the Rangers.
Andruw Jones may not be the worst free agent signing in baseball history and possibly not even the worst of the Dodgers (Jason Schmidt has to be in the mix for that). I hope he enjoys his spot on the Texas Rangers' bench. I hope he doesn't have to break a sweat all season and stays content doing just that. Let's just try not to make him out to be a great guy because he seems so content in training camp. In a time when not a lot of people have much to be happy about, especially in terms of jobs and money, Andruw Jones put 18 million reasons for happiness in the bank this winter.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
A Classic
The World Baseball Classic sort of snuck up on me. I did not think I would pay a lot of attention to it, then I saw an early round game and realized that these were All Star games. The Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and the U.S. were loaded with major league talent. The games were played with a high level of intensity. It certainly was not spring training for these guys.
In the end however, it was the game with very few major leaguers that was really the best. Japan vs. Korea. Sure, there were a few players I recognized. Ichiro has made his mark here in the states.
For the most part however, it was a lot of guys I had never heard of and probably will never see play again, yet the final game was gripping. It was tight throughout. The crowd of over 50,000 at Dodger Stadium was loud through the whole game. Korea tied the game in the 9th inning to send it into extra innings. Japan won in the 10th on a hit by, guess who, Ichiro.
You just don't see games like that in March. Frankly you rarely see games like that in any month other than October. What was great was the joy in the players and the fans. This was truly baseball for love of the game. It may be America's national pastime, but I would be hard pressed to argue that America has more passion for the game than Japan or Korea, at least based on what I saw over the last weekend.
The American team once again did not win. I commend many of the guys for giving up their spring training to be out there. I have a new respect for David Wright who played through an injury, and a potentially serious one at that, for his country. Chipper Jones, for his whining about the format, has gone down a few notches in my esteem.
The World Baseball Classic is a good event. I am looking forward to seeing it again. Bud Selig has done a lot of things wrong, but this event is not one of them.
In the end however, it was the game with very few major leaguers that was really the best. Japan vs. Korea. Sure, there were a few players I recognized. Ichiro has made his mark here in the states.
For the most part however, it was a lot of guys I had never heard of and probably will never see play again, yet the final game was gripping. It was tight throughout. The crowd of over 50,000 at Dodger Stadium was loud through the whole game. Korea tied the game in the 9th inning to send it into extra innings. Japan won in the 10th on a hit by, guess who, Ichiro.
You just don't see games like that in March. Frankly you rarely see games like that in any month other than October. What was great was the joy in the players and the fans. This was truly baseball for love of the game. It may be America's national pastime, but I would be hard pressed to argue that America has more passion for the game than Japan or Korea, at least based on what I saw over the last weekend.
The American team once again did not win. I commend many of the guys for giving up their spring training to be out there. I have a new respect for David Wright who played through an injury, and a potentially serious one at that, for his country. Chipper Jones, for his whining about the format, has gone down a few notches in my esteem.
The World Baseball Classic is a good event. I am looking forward to seeing it again. Bud Selig has done a lot of things wrong, but this event is not one of them.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Pop Culture President
President Obama went on the Tonight Show this week in an effort to connect with pop culture and sell his economic program. The interview went fairly well unless you are a Special Olympian. If the President can otherwise hold his tongue and minimize the shots at those less fortunate than he, he might try to appear on some other popular shows to sell his program.
For instance, how about a guest shot on an episode on "CSI:NY"? The investigative team could be examining the books of a fictional large financial services company to try and figure out where all the bailout money went. The President could show up to briefly encourage the investigators on their quest and pledge that his Treasury Secretary will provide them with any help they need. The scene could get dramatic when one of the characters offhandedly says they are still looking at Secretary Geithner's tax returns.
To keep up his appeal to younger voters, he could drop by "90210". He could speak to an assembly at West Beverly High and explain why all of their parents need to pay more in taxes. There will be an awkward moment in the Q&A portion when one of the characters chastises the President for not supporting Speaker Pelosi's condom distribution program in the stimulus bill (as I understand the show, condoms are something the characters need quite a bit). Still, the President ends up winning sustained applause from the kids at West Beverly.
He could then do a turn on the "Celebrity Apprentice". The Donald could assign each of the teams with the task of designing a plan to stabilize the banking system and the President picks the one he likes best. Somebody will get fired.
I think a cameo on "NCSI" might work to burnish his military credentials. The Navy investigative team could be called to the White House so the President can explain why he is no longer calling our guests at Guantanamo Bay "enemy combatants". While they are there the President can explain why he wants military members to pay for more of their own health care.
Lastly, I think an appearance on the final episode of "ER" is in order. The President could arrive, explain his health care program, heal all of the sick in the hospital leaving the show's characters with nothing to do as the final credits roll.
We now have a President who uses pop culture as no President has before. He can be everywhere and everything. Happy viewing America!
For instance, how about a guest shot on an episode on "CSI:NY"? The investigative team could be examining the books of a fictional large financial services company to try and figure out where all the bailout money went. The President could show up to briefly encourage the investigators on their quest and pledge that his Treasury Secretary will provide them with any help they need. The scene could get dramatic when one of the characters offhandedly says they are still looking at Secretary Geithner's tax returns.
To keep up his appeal to younger voters, he could drop by "90210". He could speak to an assembly at West Beverly High and explain why all of their parents need to pay more in taxes. There will be an awkward moment in the Q&A portion when one of the characters chastises the President for not supporting Speaker Pelosi's condom distribution program in the stimulus bill (as I understand the show, condoms are something the characters need quite a bit). Still, the President ends up winning sustained applause from the kids at West Beverly.
He could then do a turn on the "Celebrity Apprentice". The Donald could assign each of the teams with the task of designing a plan to stabilize the banking system and the President picks the one he likes best. Somebody will get fired.
I think a cameo on "NCSI" might work to burnish his military credentials. The Navy investigative team could be called to the White House so the President can explain why he is no longer calling our guests at Guantanamo Bay "enemy combatants". While they are there the President can explain why he wants military members to pay for more of their own health care.
Lastly, I think an appearance on the final episode of "ER" is in order. The President could arrive, explain his health care program, heal all of the sick in the hospital leaving the show's characters with nothing to do as the final credits roll.
We now have a President who uses pop culture as no President has before. He can be everywhere and everything. Happy viewing America!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Here to help
What can your country do for you? Everything apparently.
A global economic crisis has stressed, and nearly broken, the markets and some would say, the free enterprise system. The people are looking for answers and reassurance. The President has said "we're from the government and we're here to help". Can the government really solve the problem?
Lyndon Johnson launched a war on poverty 40 years ago and we still have poverty. Jimmy Carter created the Department of Education 30 years ago and our nation's educational system still fails many students. Going as far back as Roosevelt, we apparently still haven't gotten electricity to all of rural America, because those agencies are still around.
My definition of solving a problem is 1) identify the problem 2) come up with a solution and 3) implement the solution. After that, the problem should be solved.
For instance, let's say you notice the light is dim in a room of your house. You determine that a bulb in the lamp has burned out. Step one is complete (problem identified). You happen to have a new bulb ready to go and you will replace the burned out bulb. Step two is done (solution). You screw in the new bulb (thus implementing your solution) and the room lights up again (problem solved).
How would the government approach this problem?
First, there would be extensive hearings on whether the issue is really a light bulb being burned out or whether a more comprehensive lighting agenda is required. A task force or commission would be created to report back to the President. Perhaps a light czar would be appointed.
At some point the government might release the study which would conclude that it was shortsighted to merely replace one bulb in the house as eventually new bulbs would be needed throughout. The report would recommend creation of a Cabinet level agency to address the issue. There would be a paragraph in the State of the Union speech.
The head of the new agency would finally be appointed (after the first three choices withdrew because of tax problems) and would announce a goal of lighting the room within ten years.
Legislation would be introduced in Congress. There would be more committee hearings. Senators would appear on the floor of the Senate holding up light bulbs. The final bill would be loaded up with amendments related to other issues. The President would sign the bill and proudly announce that this legislation will light the room.
For another few years however, the lamp will still be dark. Members of Congress will announce that the program was not adequately funded. The agency will get bogged down in procuring the contract. There will be a scandal because the deputy secretary's brother in law owns a light bulb maker and got the contract without competitive bidding. The program will grind to a halt while Congress investigates. We will find out that the infamous brother in law was also a campaign contributor to the President and once attended a fundraiser. A picture of him shaking hands with the President will emerge.
The scandal will eventually die out (by the way, our light bulb still has not been replaced). There will be another Presidential election. The candidates will vow to replace that bulb in their first 100 days. The outgoing President will tout his substantial progress towards replacing the light bulb. The light bulb agency will ask for and receive an 8% increase in its budget. It will order new office furniture and redo the lighting in its offices.
The bulb will still be burned out, but your government is working to solve the problem in our lifetime. Don't worry about a thing.
A global economic crisis has stressed, and nearly broken, the markets and some would say, the free enterprise system. The people are looking for answers and reassurance. The President has said "we're from the government and we're here to help". Can the government really solve the problem?
Lyndon Johnson launched a war on poverty 40 years ago and we still have poverty. Jimmy Carter created the Department of Education 30 years ago and our nation's educational system still fails many students. Going as far back as Roosevelt, we apparently still haven't gotten electricity to all of rural America, because those agencies are still around.
My definition of solving a problem is 1) identify the problem 2) come up with a solution and 3) implement the solution. After that, the problem should be solved.
For instance, let's say you notice the light is dim in a room of your house. You determine that a bulb in the lamp has burned out. Step one is complete (problem identified). You happen to have a new bulb ready to go and you will replace the burned out bulb. Step two is done (solution). You screw in the new bulb (thus implementing your solution) and the room lights up again (problem solved).
How would the government approach this problem?
First, there would be extensive hearings on whether the issue is really a light bulb being burned out or whether a more comprehensive lighting agenda is required. A task force or commission would be created to report back to the President. Perhaps a light czar would be appointed.
At some point the government might release the study which would conclude that it was shortsighted to merely replace one bulb in the house as eventually new bulbs would be needed throughout. The report would recommend creation of a Cabinet level agency to address the issue. There would be a paragraph in the State of the Union speech.
The head of the new agency would finally be appointed (after the first three choices withdrew because of tax problems) and would announce a goal of lighting the room within ten years.
Legislation would be introduced in Congress. There would be more committee hearings. Senators would appear on the floor of the Senate holding up light bulbs. The final bill would be loaded up with amendments related to other issues. The President would sign the bill and proudly announce that this legislation will light the room.
For another few years however, the lamp will still be dark. Members of Congress will announce that the program was not adequately funded. The agency will get bogged down in procuring the contract. There will be a scandal because the deputy secretary's brother in law owns a light bulb maker and got the contract without competitive bidding. The program will grind to a halt while Congress investigates. We will find out that the infamous brother in law was also a campaign contributor to the President and once attended a fundraiser. A picture of him shaking hands with the President will emerge.
The scandal will eventually die out (by the way, our light bulb still has not been replaced). There will be another Presidential election. The candidates will vow to replace that bulb in their first 100 days. The outgoing President will tout his substantial progress towards replacing the light bulb. The light bulb agency will ask for and receive an 8% increase in its budget. It will order new office furniture and redo the lighting in its offices.
The bulb will still be burned out, but your government is working to solve the problem in our lifetime. Don't worry about a thing.
Monday, March 9, 2009
The speech
From time to time I have written about the speeches I would like to hear Barack Obama give. It seems to me that, with the massive stimulus, the bailouts and tax hikes, it is time for another. Here is a "what if he was just brutally honest":
"My fellow Americans. Thank you for tuning in tonight. Thanks to my administration, we corrected one of the many problems we inherited and you are still able to watch me without using one of those converter boxes.
I want to talk to you tonight about the state of our Union. When I ran for this job, I had no idea what a mess things were going to be. Really, I thought Hillary would win and I might get some name recognition, maybe a vice presidential nomination. I wasn't really planning on winning. The house is nice and all, but man what a mess. Did I mention we inherited that mess?
Many of you are scared tonight. Jobs are being lost and we feel like there is little we can do. We don't want to face the reality that people don't want to buy gas guzzling cars made by people getting paid $70 per hour when they can buy a more efficient car, made in America, from a nonunion company for much less. Go figure.
To address these problems I came up with an idea: let's throw a boatload of money at it. Sure Congress stuck some wild things in the bill, but hey, my Democratic friends have had eight years of not getting to spend money on the things they like, so tattoo removal programs made it in there. Maybe studying volcanoes doesn't create jobs, but it's pretty cool. Remember, I grew up in Hawaii, I am a big fan of volcanoes.
Still, it seems like the stock market doesn't like my program. Some say I should cut taxes, try to spur investment and business creation, but I wasn't elected to do that. Clinton did some of that and before he knew it, things were going well and he had time on his hands and you know what happened from there...it is important that a President stay busy working on the problems of America and we have enough to keep me busy for the next four years, and really, probably, for the next eight.
Did I mention I inherited this mess?
Some have criticized me for my negative tone, saying it is not inspiring hope. Do you think I like the fact that whenever I open my mouth the Dow seems to drop another 150? If I could say something that would drive the market up I would, but remember the market was already way down when I took office. I inherited this, remember?
Many don't like my plan to help people with their mortgages. I identify with people having trouble making the mortgage. Maybe they reached a little bit, tried to get the big house, said some things they thought people wanted to hear so they could get the house and then, one day, they find out they won, they got the big house and all that goes with it. They moved in, got the kids a puppy, had Oprah, I mean their friends, over. It was all good. After awhile however, they start feeling stretched a little thin. It's tough to keep up. Before you know it, you are behind on the payments and not sure what to do next. I get it.
So my fellow Americans, I am frustrated just like you. I don't really know where we are going next. This economy is something that I have never seen and I don't have all the answers. Pelosi really doesn't either. We are just shooting from the hip, hoping something works. Each night as I return to the residence, I pass the portrait of Jimmy Carter, you don't think that sends chills down my spine?
So tomorrow we'll try something else. Something has got to work. I know it, we're Americans, something will work."
It might not boost the nation's confidence, but it would be honest. Maybe we need some of that right now.
"My fellow Americans. Thank you for tuning in tonight. Thanks to my administration, we corrected one of the many problems we inherited and you are still able to watch me without using one of those converter boxes.
I want to talk to you tonight about the state of our Union. When I ran for this job, I had no idea what a mess things were going to be. Really, I thought Hillary would win and I might get some name recognition, maybe a vice presidential nomination. I wasn't really planning on winning. The house is nice and all, but man what a mess. Did I mention we inherited that mess?
Many of you are scared tonight. Jobs are being lost and we feel like there is little we can do. We don't want to face the reality that people don't want to buy gas guzzling cars made by people getting paid $70 per hour when they can buy a more efficient car, made in America, from a nonunion company for much less. Go figure.
To address these problems I came up with an idea: let's throw a boatload of money at it. Sure Congress stuck some wild things in the bill, but hey, my Democratic friends have had eight years of not getting to spend money on the things they like, so tattoo removal programs made it in there. Maybe studying volcanoes doesn't create jobs, but it's pretty cool. Remember, I grew up in Hawaii, I am a big fan of volcanoes.
Still, it seems like the stock market doesn't like my program. Some say I should cut taxes, try to spur investment and business creation, but I wasn't elected to do that. Clinton did some of that and before he knew it, things were going well and he had time on his hands and you know what happened from there...it is important that a President stay busy working on the problems of America and we have enough to keep me busy for the next four years, and really, probably, for the next eight.
Did I mention I inherited this mess?
Some have criticized me for my negative tone, saying it is not inspiring hope. Do you think I like the fact that whenever I open my mouth the Dow seems to drop another 150? If I could say something that would drive the market up I would, but remember the market was already way down when I took office. I inherited this, remember?
Many don't like my plan to help people with their mortgages. I identify with people having trouble making the mortgage. Maybe they reached a little bit, tried to get the big house, said some things they thought people wanted to hear so they could get the house and then, one day, they find out they won, they got the big house and all that goes with it. They moved in, got the kids a puppy, had Oprah, I mean their friends, over. It was all good. After awhile however, they start feeling stretched a little thin. It's tough to keep up. Before you know it, you are behind on the payments and not sure what to do next. I get it.
So my fellow Americans, I am frustrated just like you. I don't really know where we are going next. This economy is something that I have never seen and I don't have all the answers. Pelosi really doesn't either. We are just shooting from the hip, hoping something works. Each night as I return to the residence, I pass the portrait of Jimmy Carter, you don't think that sends chills down my spine?
So tomorrow we'll try something else. Something has got to work. I know it, we're Americans, something will work."
It might not boost the nation's confidence, but it would be honest. Maybe we need some of that right now.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Making Up is Hard to Do
Manny is back in LA. Manny Ramirez broke down and took the Dodgers $45 million offer. he had been hoping for a $100 million contract, but times are tough. All of you who are feeling bad about your 401K, think how this economy cost Manny. $60 million? Ouch.
I suspect however, that he will be able to pay for the groceries. The contract also lets him opt out and become a free agent again next year, so Dodger fans get to look forward to this dance all over again.
This has to be one of the strangest episodes in free agent history. Manny Ramirez can clearly mash. He is a .320 type hitter who will hit 40 home runs and drive in 120 runs. Who would not want someone like that?
Well, everyone apparently. No offers from any other teams. The Yankees, who you would think would love to get the ex-Red Sox star in pinstripes passed. The Angels, trying to compete with, and even surpass, the Dodgers in Southern California, passed. The Giants, who would love to tweak the Dodgers and recently cut ties with one of baseball's epic sluggers, said no thanks. Maybe the already auctioned off Barry Bonds' lounge chair.
You really have to work hard to be one of baseball's greatest sluggers and be so unwanted. You even electrify a new city and they make a "take it or leave it" offer. A week into spring training and no job? Wow.
So Manny is back with the Dodgers. The opt out provision should motivate him with dreams of landing that $100 million deal next winter. I am not so sure it will be there even then. Manny may hit .320, with 40 home runs and 120 RBIs for the Dodgers this year, but Manny is still Manny and teams will shy away. The winter of 2009-2010 may seem a little like "Groundhog Day".
Until then however, I am glad he'll be in the middle of the Dodgers' lineup. Welcome back Manny.
I suspect however, that he will be able to pay for the groceries. The contract also lets him opt out and become a free agent again next year, so Dodger fans get to look forward to this dance all over again.
This has to be one of the strangest episodes in free agent history. Manny Ramirez can clearly mash. He is a .320 type hitter who will hit 40 home runs and drive in 120 runs. Who would not want someone like that?
Well, everyone apparently. No offers from any other teams. The Yankees, who you would think would love to get the ex-Red Sox star in pinstripes passed. The Angels, trying to compete with, and even surpass, the Dodgers in Southern California, passed. The Giants, who would love to tweak the Dodgers and recently cut ties with one of baseball's epic sluggers, said no thanks. Maybe the already auctioned off Barry Bonds' lounge chair.
You really have to work hard to be one of baseball's greatest sluggers and be so unwanted. You even electrify a new city and they make a "take it or leave it" offer. A week into spring training and no job? Wow.
So Manny is back with the Dodgers. The opt out provision should motivate him with dreams of landing that $100 million deal next winter. I am not so sure it will be there even then. Manny may hit .320, with 40 home runs and 120 RBIs for the Dodgers this year, but Manny is still Manny and teams will shy away. The winter of 2009-2010 may seem a little like "Groundhog Day".
Until then however, I am glad he'll be in the middle of the Dodgers' lineup. Welcome back Manny.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)