tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66699512024-02-27T20:59:06.881-08:00Frinklin SpeaksA blog by Frinklin: meaning yet another collection of mundanities from someone with way to much time on his hands. Covered topics will include the basics: politics, sports, pop culture, video games and such. Also including an unhealthy obsession with the Seattle Mariners and all those lesser baseball teams.frinklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828795791550549105noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669951.post-1811731530989689162006-03-19T16:58:00.000-08:002008-03-14T17:12:12.938-07:00Amateur Book Review: The Last Nine Innings<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/1402205791/ref=dp_proddesc_0/102-4054562-6399364?%5Fencoding=UTF8&n=283155"><img alt="L9I.jpg" src="http://frinklinspeaks.mu.nu/archives/L9I.jpg" width="149" height="216" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Baseball is really, really hard.<br /><br />It's difficult to understand, oftentimes difficult to appreciate, and always difficult to play. <br /><br />This is not shocking news to anyone. It is however, the central premise behind this book. The game in present form is over a century old, and ingrained in the American character. Yet, it seems as much a mystery to us in 2006 as it was to those in 1906. What does it take to throw a baseball 95 miles an hour, to make it curve or slide, fall away or cut in? How does one, to paraphrase Pete Rose, take a round ball and a round bat and hit it square? How do we measure defense? What is the difference between a Gold Glove defender and a should-be DH? Euchner picks the brain of hundreds, from players and scouts to statheads and research scientists to try to find the answers.<br /><br />Does he? Is it even possible?<br /><br />Maybe. And probably not.<br /><br />Eucher uses the drama of the seventh game of the 2001 World Series as a backdrop. That series, between the Arizona Diamondbacks, a young team of old men and the New York Yankees - shooting for a fourth championship in a row - came just six weeks after 9/11, and it was both cathartic and ridiculously exciting. It wasn't the best series of the past 25 years, but coming after the horror of 9/11 and the wound inflicted on New York and America, it may have been the most important. The Yankees had won games 5 and 6 in dramatic fashion, with game-winning homers off Arizona closer BK Kim. <I>The Last Nine Innings</I> switches between a narrative of the final game and exploration of baseball itself. <br /><br />This is both the strength and the weakness of this book. The game, whether it leads to a examination of Roger Clemens' perfect pitching form or a discussion about whether Derek Jeter is one of the best fielding shortstops or the one of the worst, always grounds the more esoteric or technical discussion. It can also slow the narrative of both. While the author does a fine job of connecting the two, say a introduction of Roger Clemens and his insane training regiment which leads to a possible explanation for his late-career success and then picks up on the mound near the end of his start in game 7. But it can also meander, and the in-game action is sometimes absurdly slow. <br /><br />This book, despite clocking in at a mere 288 pages, is neither a quick or easy read. It requires concentration and it helps to either have some understanding of modern statistical analysis or at least an open mind to it. In that respect, I am probably the perfect audience: a baseball fanatic who understands the importance of modern stats, but has neither the brainpower nor wish to create my own. Meaning: I get what DIPS and OPS and VORP are, but please don't make me do the math.<br /><br /><I>The Last Nine Innings</I> is very much a worthwhile read for both the serious fan and the semi-serious. It would serve as a primer, I think, for those wanting to make the jump from one to the other.frinklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828795791550549105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669951.post-54819041720490762922005-06-22T17:26:00.000-07:002008-03-14T17:36:18.662-07:00Amateur Book Review: The TravelerEverything you know is wrong! <br /><br />The entire world, its business and politics on down are run - no, not by a dozen Jews in a Geneva basement - but by an ultra-secret order called the Tabula. Our early-21st century consumer society is actually the "Vast Machine", where nearly everyone lives under the Tabula's surveillance and control. Below the surface though, a fierce, ages-long war continues. The Tabula has been trying for centuries to eradicate the Travelers, seemingly normal men and women who have the ability to transcend this plane of reality and lead humanity. To the Tabula, they are a variable that can't be controlled and so must be eradicated. The Travelers, pacifists at heart, are protected by The Harlequins (no, not this <a href="http://www.eharlequin.com/cms/index.jhtml">Harlequin</a> or this <a href="http://www.urbanshogun.com/matrix/harley_quinn.jpg">Harley Quinn)</a>, merciless killers who have no reason to exist other than protecting Travelers. But now, in this technology-driven modern age, the Tabula has gained the upper hand. The Harlequins are shattered and the Travelers are all but extinct. This is the world of John Twelve Hawks' upcoming book The Traveler, the first part of a planned trilogy. <br /><br />The odds are good you're going to hear about this book. The publisher, Doubleday, has set up a huge marketing campaign built on forced world-of-mouth (10,000 advance reader copies already sent), a large Internet presence (half-dozen websites, such as <a href="http://judithstrand.blogspot.com/">this fake blog</a> set up by the Harlequin main character in her civilian disguise), and guerrilla marketing using various mysterious passages from the book. This book is being released in 18 countries, and already has been optioned for a movie with Steven Spielberg attached. The book itself is marvelously packaged: a wraparound cover showing <a href="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/038551428X.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg">an extreme close-up of the heroine</a> with a Traveler reflected in her sunglasses. The logo - on the galleys anyway- is on the back. The kicker to this marketing onslaught? A reclusive author who lives "off the grid" and refuses to do any interviews, even by email. The only contact had with the media was on a promo DVD released where he read passages off-camera sounding, in the words of <I>Publishers Weekly</i> "like Darth Vader's nephew". So the marketing is excellent; how is the book? <br /><br />Okay, but not great. How does that sound? This first installment follows Maya, a young woman who has buried her Harlequin heritage beneath the facade of Judith Strand. She's summoned to Prague by her paraplegic father and asked to finish his last mission. She refuses, until her father is brutally murdered by the Tabula. It seems that the mission was to protect Michael and Gabriel, two young Californians who may be Travelers. Michael, the older of the two, has tired of living off the grid and settles in as a shady real estate investor in Los Angeles. The younger brother Gabriel, who might as well hold a neon sign that says "HERO HERE", is the opposite. He's <i>coooooool</i>. While Michael has decided to live within the Vast Machine without knowing what it is, buying stuff and making money and probably voting Republican; Gabriel only drives motorcycles, jumps out of airplanes, and lives in the bad part of town. He probably keeps a perpetual 5-o'clock shadow and definitely has soulful eyes. <br /><br /><I>The Traveler</i> is briskly plotted, aside from a tedious section where Gabriel is trained to use his power. The book is polished to a very bright sheen; makes me wonder if Twelve Hawks really is a big unknown. There just isn't much here that says, "first time author", and a lot to suggest an old pro. It reads so briskly it nearly doesn't need a screenplay adaptation. It becomes difficult to read the book without wondering who will play these parts on the screen. Does Jennifer Garner or Kate Beckinsale play Maya? It quickly becomes distracting, and with all the manufactured hype planned for this book, and the rather ridiculous story of the author, it isn't easy to really get into this book. It seems very fake, much like the world it describes.<br /><br />It isn't without charm though. As mentioned, the book races pretty quickly to an interesting - if not particularly shocking - ending. The characters maintain a voice throughout. Gabriel is very self-consciously cool. Michael is a grasping twit. The most interesting of the bunch is Maya, the Harlequin. Raised to be a killing machine, she desperately wants to be more than that, and it's rather touching to see her succeed and fail simultaneously. The backstory to this work, the Tabula and Travelers and such, is interesting (in fact the brief descriptions of the history of the war is more so than much of the present action), if not particularly innovative. Anyone paying attention to pop culture the last 10 years will recognize snippets of the Matrix, Da Vinci Code, even Star Wars. The book is enjoyable though, for what it is: the ultimate airplane read.frinklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828795791550549105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669951.post-25132525349843377572005-04-21T17:12:00.000-07:002008-03-14T17:51:27.627-07:00Amateur Book Review: Sails on the Horizon: A Novel of the Napoleonic Wars<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1400063051/qid=1114130764/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-0129127-7530260?v=glance&s=books"><a href="http://frinklinspeaks.mu.nu/archives/sails.jpg"><img alt="sails.jpg" src="http://frinklinspeaks.mu.nu/archives/sails-thumb.jpg" width="200" height="200" border="0" /></a></a><br /><br />It is the year 1797. England is at war with Revolutionary France and her ally Spain. Young Lieutenant Charles Edgemont is at his post on the gun deck of the HMS <I>Argonaut</I> and he's about to see action for the first time, off the French coast at Brest. This, and the excellent battle scenes, begin Jay Worrall's first novel, <I>Sails on the Horizon</I>, a fine - if flawed - book that owes a lot to the tales of Horatio Hornblower and Lucky Jack Aubrey. We follow Charlie for one year, a year where he takes his own command. <br /><br />There is much to recommend about this book. Worrall obviously connects with the time period, and his love for maritime lore is obvious. <I>Sails</I> is full of the small details that make a book about this time so memorable, and wouldn't feel out of place in a Patrick O'Brien novel. The numerous battle scenes, a staple for this genre, are uniformly excellent. Worrall captures the terror, mayhem and sheer confusion of the naval battle well. These scenes, spread evenly throughout, are the heart of this book. <br /><br />The characters are less successful. The protagonist is a bit too perfect. Charles starts as a second lieutenant, hesitant and worried. The opening chapters, a battle between an over matched <I>Argonaut</I> and several Spanish vessels, is the highlight of the book. It's both a cracklin' battle scene and the best look inside the head of Charles Edgemont. He's hesitant about his abilities, worries about a very scared young midshipman and wonders he will ever really command his men. Edgemont sort of stumbles into the role of Captain and his doubts and fears ring truer than anything that follows. <br /><br />After the battle, things just go too damned well for Charlie. There is little reason to empathize with him, since he becomes a major landowner quickly, finds (and eventually marries) the girl of his dreams and starts out on a successful career. There aren't many obstacles, and what ones do come up, like his future wife Penny Brown being a Quaker who has major problems with being with a military man, are wrapped up quickly and neatly. There are also possible problems with his best friend Daniel Bevan, who now acts as his First Lieutenant by dint of Charlie joining the Navy a mere week and a half earlier. Again, this is quickly dealt with. Charlie is obviously The Hero, but he seems a cold one, too shiny and perfect to connect with. There is also a minor issue with Penny. She is a fine character, smart and engaging, but she talks in a very - even for the time - archaic way filled with "thees" and "thous". It starts as an amusing diversion, but becomes supremely annoying. There are times near the end of the book where the reader has to fight the temptation to skip her parts.<br /><br />Despite the flaws, <I>Sails on the Horizon</I> is an enjoyable book. The action scenes are excellent, and the potential is there for memorable characters, even if they don't quite pan out. This is obviously meant as the first chapter in a continuing saga, and I hope it does continue.frinklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828795791550549105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669951.post-1082270171604402292004-04-17T23:35:00.000-07:002004-04-17T23:40:12.810-07:00Frinklin doesn't live here anymore; he's moved to the new and improved <a href="http://frinklinspeaks.mu.nu">version 2.0</a>. You should come visit.frinklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828795791550549105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669951.post-1082093170647056022004-04-15T22:24:00.000-07:002004-04-15T22:30:09.153-07:00Well, this is just about it for the Blogspot version of Frinklin Speaks. Check out the new and improved <a href="http://frinklinspeaks.mu.nu">Frinklin Speaks</a>. The archives aren't over yet, and I haven't put all of my links in, but it's a work in progress. frinklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828795791550549105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669951.post-1081819086985377532004-04-12T18:17:00.000-07:002004-04-12T18:22:01.263-07:00Rock ON
<br /><a href="http://www.gaijindesign.com/lawriemalen/jedi" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gaijindesign.com/lawriemalen/jedi/jedimaster.jpg" width="285" height="123" border="0"><br>:: how jedi are you? ::</a>frinklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828795791550549105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669951.post-108174895773805232004-04-11T22:41:00.000-07:002004-04-11T22:54:15.090-07:00How many other couples do this?
<br />
<br />The <a href="http://ensie.diaryland.com">Mrs</a>. and I seem to have this amazing ability to bore our friends and family to tears by getting on movie-quoting jags. Someone will mention one of our favorites, usually <a href="http://imdb.com/title/tt0118842/">Chasing Amy</a>, <a href="http://imdb.com/title/tt0106677/">Dazed and Confused</a>, <a href="http://imdb.com/title/tt0151804/">Office Space </a>or what have you. Usually we start the whole conversation come to think of it. Anyway, it's off to the races..
<br />
<br />"I said no thalt, no thalt."
<br />
<br />"What's a Nubian?"
<br />
<br />"It'd be a lot cooler if you did..."
<br />
<br />The wife and I will then spend several minutes <em>acting out entire scenes</em>, not even noticing that whomever is present that isn't us is quickly going to bemusement to boredom to being really concerned about our sanity. And we will laugh hysterically like it's the first time we've ever heard this stuff, let alone said it.
<br />
<br />Is this normal? Do other couple have moments like this? Or are we completely crazy?frinklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828795791550549105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669951.post-108174818694708542004-04-11T22:30:00.000-07:002004-04-11T22:40:57.483-07:00Well we are a week into the new season.
<br />Most Suprising Team (Good Suprise Division) Detroit Tigers-Is there any question about this? Last year they started 0-9 on the way to losing 119 games. This year they start 5-1 and in first place at the 1-week mark. Of course they won't keep this up, but who cares? Enjoy it Tiger fans.
<br />
<br />Most Suprising Team (Lousy Suprise Division) Tie-Seattle Mariners and Philadelphia Phillies-Well, of course the last-team-to-win Mariners are going to place, but you have to give up for the Phils too. They have the very same 1-5 record, are already 4 full games behind the Marlins. Oh, and they open Citizen's Bank Park tomorrow. Should be fun. Will Philly fans merely boo? Or will they go ahead and throw things?frinklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828795791550549105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669951.post-1081746804685319702004-04-11T22:08:00.000-07:002004-04-11T22:17:17.873-07:00Okay gentlemen, <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=240411111">that's</a> more like it. The M's avoid matching the worst start in franchise history at the <em>very last minute</em>. Ichiro and Winn with RBI singles in the 9th, Boone homers in the 10th, and Shiggy picks up the win. Still, Moyer was off again, which is worrisome, and 3 walks in a 10-inning game, which is bordeline ridiculous.frinklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828795791550549105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669951.post-1081702122360684512004-04-11T09:46:00.000-07:002004-04-11T22:41:28.420-07:00Yes, it's true.. <a href="http://frinklinspeaks.mu.nu">Frinklin</a> has been invited to the cool kid's table. Once I get everything working (and figure out Movable Type, should only take 2-3 years), I'll be transferring everything to the new site. I hope everyone comes along. frinklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828795791550549105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669951.post-1081651487151818992004-04-10T19:43:00.000-07:002004-04-10T19:48:38.403-07:00Yeah, I know it's an add. Still worth seeing: <a href="http://http://www.jerry.digisle.tv/room.html">The Adventures of Seinfeld and Superman</a>. Check it out.frinklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828795791550549105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669951.post-1081647495657038372004-04-10T18:36:00.000-07:002004-04-10T18:44:30.750-07:00<a href="http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1081375812489&call_pageid=970599119419">The NASCAR ballet</a>? Are you kidding me? this is some horrid practical joke right? This is my favorite section:
<br />
<br /><em>At the wave of the starting flag, 30 dancers will round an oval-shaped stage to New Age music punctuated with the sounds of revving engines. Their suits will be festooned with logos from the show's sponsors. Above, three giant TV screens will show the action from different camera angles while a local sports anchor gives a live play-by-play</em>
<br />
<br />FESTOONED with logos? Perfect...
<br />
<br />Even better: One of the dancers described this as "a love letter" to NASCAR drivers.frinklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828795791550549105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669951.post-1081643795902837812004-04-10T17:34:00.000-07:002004-04-10T17:40:27.153-07:00Okay, <a href="http://http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=240410111">this one </a>should have been expected. Tim Hudson has owned the Mariners over the years. Still, fellas, could you make him work a little harder than 86 pitches over 9 innings? The bright spot was Gil Meche, who pitched very well. That and Freddy's performance against the Angels makes me a tad hopeful. frinklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828795791550549105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669951.post-1081628387614199042004-04-10T13:18:00.000-07:002004-04-10T13:23:38.840-07:00I really can't believe <a href="http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=514&e=6&u=/ap/20040410/ap_on_re_us/baptizing_the_dead">this</a>. It's almost to goofy to be offensive. Almost...frinklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828795791550549105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669951.post-1081622159800359302004-04-10T11:34:00.000-07:002004-04-10T11:45:33.700-07:00I love the Saturday newspapers. Nobody reads 'em, so they run any story they can think of. Like this: Les Carpenter on the Canuckleheads <a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2001899988_les10.html">playoff heartbreak</a>.
<br />
<br />I've been so wrapped up in baseball opening and troubles at work, I didn't even realize the NHL Playoffs had started. frinklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828795791550549105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669951.post-1081622041354386652004-04-10T11:27:00.000-07:002004-04-10T11:37:52.293-07:00As you might expect with a team that's 0-4, the numbers are really ugly. On offense: the M's are last in walks, last in HR, 11th in SLG, 12th in OBP and (odd for a team that hates K's) 2nd in strikeouts, only 1 behind Baltimore and they've played 5 games. Pitching is atrocious too: dead last in ERA, 1.8 points worse than then anyone, 11th in K's, and last in WHIP. Ugly, ugly ugly. I'm also glad to see I'm not the only one growing concerned. Peter over at Mariner Musings, has a very worried muse: If the M's are scuffling later in the season, will Edgar just <a href="http://all-baseball.com/marinermusings/">give it up</a>? Say it ain't so..frinklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828795791550549105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669951.post-1081581839881656592004-04-10T00:22:00.000-07:002004-04-10T00:27:50.296-07:00During this time of troubles, we all search for somewhere to belong. And I've found this: <a href="http://toasterology.blogspot.com/">The Church of Toasterology</a>. This may save me.frinklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828795791550549105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669951.post-1081581558405131082004-04-10T00:18:00.000-07:002004-04-10T00:23:08.903-07:00I was wandering around online newspapers, and I came across <a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2001899260_tobaccosuit09m.html">this</a>. It’s yet another lawsuit against tobacco companies, this time claiming that “light” cigarettes are fraudulent and may do more damage to smokers. It’s a different twist, but the idea is the same: I did something I knew was dangerous and it hurt me and it’s your fault. Look, I’m no fan of tobacco companies, they seem to be significantly more evil than most corporations, but this is ridiculous. If you’ve started smoking in the last 39 years (surgeon general warning have been around since 1965), and you get sick, it’s your own damned fault. It doesn’t matter if your brand is “light” or “low tar”, cigarettes will kill you. And you know it. frinklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828795791550549105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669951.post-1081580493117334712004-04-10T00:00:00.000-07:002004-04-10T00:05:23.840-07:00Jayson Stark has his first <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=1779172">Useless Info </a>column up. As always, it's interesting stuff. Most interesting to me: Brave 1B Adam LaRoche becoming only the 4th player in history to get his first 2 ML hits in the same inning.
<br />
<br />frinklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828795791550549105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669951.post-1081580116454990762004-04-09T23:50:00.000-07:002004-04-10T11:46:15.420-07:00Well, the Frinklin is a Loser Factor (FILF) struck again. The M's are now 0-2 in games I see, and 0-4 overall. This game, we see what the OF defense downgrade does. Look, let's be honest: Mike Cameron catches that ball. Other thoughts..
<br />
<br />Rich Aurillia might be scuffling a bit defensively, but he's off to a nice start with the bat.
<br />
<br />Rafael Soriano didn't seem to have anything tonight.
<br />
<br />Bret Boone does seem smaller than last year. Not that that means anything!
<br />
<br />The Angels aren't going to go undefeated either, they were killed in Texas 12-4. Still, they looked markedly better than the Mariners. I'm still really nervous. Meche against Hudson tomorrow. Good luck guys....frinklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828795791550549105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669951.post-1081563151785452452004-04-09T19:11:00.000-07:002004-04-09T19:16:22.076-07:00Well, I'm watching the beloved M's again on free preview night. One really good BoMel move: sitting Raul againt a lefty. Bad BoMel move: inserting the OF who cannot hit at all instead of the OF who killed lefties last year. frinklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828795791550549105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669951.post-1081477097578073692004-04-08T19:10:00.000-07:002004-04-08T19:22:30.590-07:00Okay.. triple <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=240408112">UGH</a>
<br />
<br />it's only 3 games right? In the long run it isn't any big deal?
<br />
<br />So why am I so damned nervous right now? This is just about the worst way to open the season I can think of, that's why. 0-3 and looking at nothing but division foes for the next month. The M's performance seemed to validate what the blogospheria has worried about since the beginning of spring training. They were blown out and they lost close. Raul (who seems freakishly popular at Safeco) showed shaky at best OF defense. The bullpen imploded. Now they have games at Oakland. Is it too early for must win games?
<br />
<br />Well, I guess we will find out. I'm off to watch the first game at Petco Park.frinklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828795791550549105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669951.post-1081473638685648182004-04-08T18:19:00.001-07:002004-04-08T18:25:22.873-07:00Well, this one makes sense, especially since I was born and raised there.
<br />Take the quiz: <a href="http://www.zenhex.com/quiz.php?id=12">"Which American City Are You?"<br><img src="http://www.zenhex.com/quiz/12/res6.jpg" border=0></a><br><b>Seattle</b><br>Your dark exterior masks a caffeine driven activism. You'll take up a cause and you'll get ugly to advance it.
<br />
<br />This is too goofy to pass up. <a href="http://www.debsfunpages.com/easterswf/rapeasterbunny.swf">Happy Easter </a>a little early.frinklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828795791550549105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669951.post-1081472128695525412004-04-08T17:55:00.000-07:002004-04-08T17:59:16.950-07:00Unlike the Mariners, San Diego keeps their Radio announcers separate from TV. I am not entirely sure why this is, but to be honest, I prefer it. Maybe I’m biased (no I AM biased), but the Pads announce teams just aren’t up to par. The radio team is Jerry Coleman and Ted Leitner. Coleman is like everyone’s favorite old uncle. He can be fun, and he tells great stories, but he loses his point every so often and never seems to remember anybody’s name. As an announcer, he’s definitely the excited type, much like Neihaus but lacking the flair. He does have a nice catchphrase (Hang a star on that one!) and enough goodwill built up that I bet he eventually wins the Ford Frick Award. His partner Leitner, on the other hand, is utterly unbearable. Long winded, endlessly opinionated but never informed, utterly charmless; Mrs.Frinklin says he’s some sort of San Diego institution, but I can’t tell why. More than anything, he seems like every bad stand-up comic’s idea of Radio Guy. The TV side is bearable, but nothing special. Matt Vasgersian handles play-by-Play. He practically screams ESPN anchor: blandly handsome, endless pop culture references, and the occasional mediocre impression. Mark Grant is his sidekick, and I like him. I’m not sure why, but I do. He’s very likable, somewhat goofy, and hardly ever throws the “I’m a former athlete” at his viewersfrinklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828795791550549105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6669951.post-1081406714289121772004-04-07T23:44:00.000-07:002004-04-08T22:55:19.890-07:00<a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=240407112">Ugh, Part 2</a>
<br />
<br />I should have known this would be a disaster game. See, I had a chance to watch the M’s. It’s the MLB cable package preview this week (I haven’t ever been able to convince Mrs. Frinklin to let me buy it, and I probably never will), and whenever I watch the Mariners, they lose. Usually rather spectacularly for that matter. I’m going to use this blog to track it. Call this the Frinklin Is A Loser Factor (FILF). So far, I’m hitting 1.000.
<br />
<br />And I think Jose-FREAKING-Molina is too.
<br />
<br />I didn’t totally give up on the boys tonight, but I did switch over to the Padres-Dodgers after it was 5-0. Another brilliant game, another heartbreaker for the Pads, this really isn’t the momentum they wanted headed into PETCO Park’s opening. I’m beginning to wonder about Bruce Bochy’s managing though. He has this brilliant reputation down here, one for the most part unsullied by the team’s recent lousiness. Anyway, Boch pinch-ran for Phil Nevin in the eighth inning, putting in Kerry Robinson. Robinson doesn’t score; the game stays tied at 1. Instead of moving Klesko from LF to 1B, Bochy pulls Klesko, puts Robinson in left, moves Ramon Vasquez from SS to first and inserts Khalil Greene at SS. The game eventually goes 11 innings, and 2 of San Diego’s best players aren’t in the game. You’re left with Giles-Robinson-Greene as your 3-4-5 hitters. Unbelievably, the announcers (Matt Vasgersian and Mark Grant) inform the audience that this was the correct decision! Even more unbelievably, had yesterday’s game gone extra frames, both Nevin and Klesko had already been pulled then too.
<br />
<br />Check out Mrs. Frinklin, and her story of <a href="http://ensie.diaryland.com/040408_70.html">our crazy dog</a>. It’s far more entertaining than mine was.
<br />
<br />frinklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828795791550549105noreply@blogger.com