When are Major League Baseball teams going to learn? I mean first it was the San Francisco Giants, then the Chicago Cubs (thanks for that one), and now its the Cincinnati Reds. Manager Dusty Baker destroys young pitchers arms' like no other and now Edision Volquez needs Tommy John Surgery, rut roh.
People have been waiting for the Reds to be the next big thing with guys like Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Volquez, Johnny Cueto, and others. Also you add a lights out closer like Francisco Cordero, you really believe that this team was ready to make the next step. Now they find themselves in last place in the National League Central worse than the Pittsburgh Firesale Pirates. How has Dusty Baker's ass hasnt been shown the door yet. You have to fire this guy because there is no reason this team is in last place.
I also feel bad for Volquez due to the fact he is probably out for a year in a half or so. In addition, he will probably never have the same velocity and the power he throws with. Furthermore this makes the Josh Hamilton trade two times worse. I think this proves some scouts reasons why to take position player instead of pitchers. They are just complete wild cards that could be the next Cy Young or the next Mark Prior (not traded for but you get the idea, also a Baker guy).
Do it for the Cincinnati fan base and make a statement by firing Dusty Baker.
-Charlie.
The New Logo
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
An Interview with Mike Votto (Way Better than Joey)
I know its early but thats because Ron tooks forever to get his interview in. Anyways this is my buddy Votto and we discuss movies, baseball, and little bit of football...
1. Now if you havent been paying attention to ESPN, Bill Simmons gave his "Movie of the decade" and I am curious whats your opinion on the movie of the decade?
It is always difficult to choose the movie of the decade. Any decade. So many factors go into it, so I could make three or four different lists. Do you do the what film best represents the 00's, or what is the single best cinematic achievement of the past ten years? Or could it be the film that has the highest repeat-viewing occurrence? Well, if I had to narrow it down, I would say the follow:
Best Cinematic Achievement: Dancer in the Dark (Lars von Trier, 2000, Denmark) - Great film with an interesting concoction of dramatics and musical qualities.
Best Film That Represents The 00's: There Will Be Blood (Paul Thomas Anderson, 2007, United States) - A larger-than-life ego thirsty for competition and industry. Ring any bells?
I can never give a straight answer on these types of questions, but those two are among the best films to be produced in the last ten years.
2. What has been your favorite movie in 2009 so far and why?
So far, the year has produced some gems that I never thought I would like (The Hangover and Star Trek, among them), but I have to give the front runner status to Pixar's UP. They have my best of 2008 with Wall-E, and this picture looks like a hard one to beat for the rest of the year. I've never been captivated and emotionally moved so quickly within the running-time of the picture as I was in UP. I haven't liked Pixar's banner pictures (The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, Cars) but the last three have been above excellent. They have proven that animation is not just for kids.
3. Staying on the 2009 theme, what is the one movie you are looking forward to seeing?
The film I'm most anticipating is a little-known action-mockumentary called District 9 by first-time feature director Neill Blomkamp. If you haven't heard of this movie, you will within a month, because this has sleeper hit written all over it. Produced by Peter Jackson, the film is a mockumentary about the persecution of an alien race living in a modern Johannesburg. The movie looks like a two-hundred million dollar production, but it was made for thirty - this guy is the real deal. He was slated early in his career to be at the helm of the Halo adaptation before the budget blew up and the studios got scared off. Hopefully, this movie will make Blomkamp the next Spielberg and that picture can get made. If you haven't seen his work, check out the trailer for District 9 and his commercials for Halo 3. Unbelievable.
4. Now I watched Back to the Future Part II tonight and in my opinion, it might be the most dated movie out there with flying cars by 2015 although still watchable. What movie to your memory is the most dated?
I would have to say that an older film like Death Race 2000 would be a great candidate. To think that someone in the mid-1970's would think that by the year 2000 we would have a cross-country racing circuit that rewarded drivers for plowing into pedestrians is kind of ridiculous. Awesome movie, nonetheless.
5. If you had to hang out with one Michael J. Fox character who would it be? Teen Wolf, Marty McFly, or Alex P. Keaton?
Wow. Never has such a question been posed to me. I think I would have to go with Marty McFly because he's got everything a guy his age could want. He's got access to a pretty sweet ride (just can't punch it to 88 all the time, but it is definitely a chick magnet), a friendship with probably the coolest old dude of all time, and he can time travel. That trumps the awesome basketball skills of Teen Wolf and the conservative-aspirations of Alex Keaton any day of the week.
6. What is your favorite genre of movies and why?
I would have to go with horror - no doubt about it. I like it because it has so many avenues and so many different results. You have zombie, vampire, werewolf, slasher, torture, and many more sub-genres to choose from that you don't have with something like dramas or war films. It is also one of the few genres where watching the worst pictures are sometimes the best viewing experiences. If you don't believe me, watch "Death Bed" and tell me you didn't have a blast watching that awful piece of junk.
7. We have discussed at lengths about Entourage and I will be honest I am concerned its headed downhill quick, do you agree?
I was concerned about Entourage at the end of last season, when I saw Martin Scorsese rear his head. I knew how the next season would open in that very instance. What is Martin Scorsese's worst film? Bringing Out The Dead? New York, New York? Those two movies are the worst he ever made, and they are totally above average cinematically. So of course Vince is going to be back on top, just like with Aquaman. So now where to go? Boys playing with toys is how they have gone, and frankly, I've seen that. I can show you when the show has jumped the shark: the Ferrari race in last week's episode.
8. Is there any chance we might see a screenplay by Mike Votto in the next couple of years or is that something you wont pursue?
I've written SEVERAL screenplays in the past, but none of them have honestly impressed even myself. I actually like working more within literature instead of films, so I've been working on a massive novel for the good part of five years now. You'll all see that soon.
9. Now lets go on to sports, we put a Sunday ban on the Brewers so we will not give them much mention except this.. how happy are you to see Bill Hall go to AAA?
Ecstatic. Obviously, by the end of July 31, we will see him dealt to another team in a multi-player deal for a prospect or maybe a middling pitcher. He's not a good player anymore, and for a team with raw talent working the infield, he's just holding players like Mat Gamel or Casey McGehee back. I have some affection for Bill Hall - if one can remember back far enough, he was the bee's knees in Milwaukee. I loved watching Hall swing the bat back in the middle part of the last decade, but like all things, over time it just wears away. Hopefully he'll ride off into the sunset of his career - I just hope he finds a team other than the Brewers to do that with.
10. Whats one team that you feel needs to make move before the trading deadline tomorrow?
Normally, I would say the Milwaukee Brewers, but we are sitting at four games back to a blistering hot Chicago Cubs and a newly-reworked St. Louis Cardinals, so I'm going to have say that a team like the Colorado Rockies or Atlanta Braves are going to have to do some work to make a run at the wild card. Both are in divisions with surefire champs sitting at the top, so they need to make like the Brewers of '08 and shell out some top prospects for the glory of a wild card entry.
11. How would you feel if you were a Pittsburgh Pirate fan and your team traded 8 out of the 9 guys on the opening day roster? Would just leave them or do you stick with them?
Honestly, the Pirates are the laughing stock of the NL Central, which has been dubbed in the past as one of the worst divisions in the MLB. And I think that the front office has gotten sick of it, and they are legitimately trying to make a change. If I was a fan, I would be apprehensively optimistic at the gung-ho response to restructuring a god-awful team. A team like Pittsburgh needs the city to be behind their team, just like Milwaukee. If we don't have faith, we don't show up - and the Pirates are showing their fans that they want to make a run eventually.
12. Whose the one team that has "won" the trading deadline?
The Philadelphia Phillies, without a doubt. They pick up a former powerhouse in free agency (Pedro) and trade for a surging Cliff Lee - they want the World Series more than any other team in the league. While the Dodgers sport a better record, I think the Phillies are still the best NL team, and they aren't sticking with the tried-and-true. This front office wants to crush in the post-season and with that roster, they are definitely on their way.
13. The PED List has struck again with David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez, do you care and does the list need to come out?
To an extent, I do care. Baseball is a hell of a sport, and one that has been a part of my life for a long time. I want it to be a level playing field with the few true stars shining brightly because the better the competition, the better the games. With this latest revelation, it does nothing more than confirm fears about these two players that I've had for the good part of a decade. It sucks to have that thought in the back of your head every time a superstar comes to the plate because that just signals the death of something innocent about the game. They should just release the list, ban every player who test positive from the Hall of Fame in hopes that they are forgotten by future generations. We shouldn't idolize the Manny Ramirezes of world while the Wille Stargells are being forgotten.
14. Tell everyone at Chucks Corner, why you hate Joey Votto who shares a last name with you..
.
I hate that he pronounces his own last name wrong. It is not "Vah-toe" but instead it is appropriately pronounced "Vote-o". Apparently, many of my northeastern relatives have pronounced it the way Joey does, but that doesn't make it correct. On top of that, I also loathe the questions about my relationship with him from pretty much every person I meet. No, I don't know him. Yeah, I know our name is pretty rare and unique. Yes, I'm sure that I don't know him. Not to mention I hate hearing Steve Phillips say my last name wrong in MLB2K9 for the Xbox 360.
14. The standard question on the interview... whose your world series matchup and why?
Phillies and Red Sox because I think that the two have the best pitching staffs to handle the post-season. Phillies are proven and the Red Sox, even though their success are only recent, are ready to go toe-to-toe with a great pitching team because of their season-long experience with the Yankees.
15. How happy were to see Brett Favre not become a Minnesota Viking?
I have been a Packer fan for as long as I can remember. For most of my life, Brett Favre was my sports god. He could do no wrong because he brought me the greatest sports joy of my life - a Super Bowl. But before I am a Brett Favre fan, I am a Packer fan. What he did last year was beyond betrayal for me. He had it all during that first retirement: the admiration of millions of Packer loyalists, the respect of the notoriously fickle media, and the legacy of a man who somehow grew bigger than a team that was already larger than life. Then he forced the hand of a coach and front office that wanted to build the Packers into a championship-caliber team without him - and then the New York Jets made him an offer he didn't want to refuse. He came back with one of his worst seasons, and subsequently re-retired, but this time it seems to be for good. I'm happy he won't be donning a Vikings jersey, but Brett Favre died a long time ago for me. There is still a part of me that wanted to see Favre get sacked by the Pack just to exact a little revenge on him.
16. Does the media make NFL a much bigger deal than it needs to be with all the training camp coverage?
I think that training camp coverage is a bit overblown as of late, and a lot of that has to do with the past couple of Brett Favre debacles. Unfortunately, the Favre situations in Green Bay, New York, and Minnesota held great sway over the architecture of each team, so knowing where he would end up was an important question that needed to be answered. But the one thing I hate most about the coverage is the quarterback duels - who cares and why do you insist on creating drama between teammates? Just wait until week one and find out who's your quarterback for the rest of the year.
17. Continuing on with that question, when do you care about football again, either college or NFL?
When it comes to College Football, I don't really care about it until the last two weeks or the division championship games. The structure is so out of wack that I don't tend to care much unless it is a big-time battle or there is a trip to the championship on the line. The NFL, on the other hand, is something I watch from two weeks prior to the first game because that's when you get a glimpse of the team that will be carrying your hopes for the next couple of months.
18. Plug anything you want to, the stage is yours
Chuck's Corner is a great daily stop for all my sports needs, so if this is the first post you read, stick around because Charlie is an absolutely insightful writer. If you are ever looking for a more alternative blog for movies/television/media/music, come over to my blog AmericanFerox (http://americanferox.blogspot.com). I've also launched a 24/7 video channel that specializes in exhibiting exploitation cinema called Cloudburst Releasing on LiveStream (http://www.livestream.com/cloudburstreleasing). We show film programs every Monday-Friday from 6PM-11PM CST. Stop by anytime and check out the unique content we have streaming.
Thanks Mike.
-Charlie.
1. Now if you havent been paying attention to ESPN, Bill Simmons gave his "Movie of the decade" and I am curious whats your opinion on the movie of the decade?
It is always difficult to choose the movie of the decade. Any decade. So many factors go into it, so I could make three or four different lists. Do you do the what film best represents the 00's, or what is the single best cinematic achievement of the past ten years? Or could it be the film that has the highest repeat-viewing occurrence? Well, if I had to narrow it down, I would say the follow:
Best Cinematic Achievement: Dancer in the Dark (Lars von Trier, 2000, Denmark) - Great film with an interesting concoction of dramatics and musical qualities.
Best Film That Represents The 00's: There Will Be Blood (Paul Thomas Anderson, 2007, United States) - A larger-than-life ego thirsty for competition and industry. Ring any bells?
I can never give a straight answer on these types of questions, but those two are among the best films to be produced in the last ten years.
2. What has been your favorite movie in 2009 so far and why?
So far, the year has produced some gems that I never thought I would like (The Hangover and Star Trek, among them), but I have to give the front runner status to Pixar's UP. They have my best of 2008 with Wall-E, and this picture looks like a hard one to beat for the rest of the year. I've never been captivated and emotionally moved so quickly within the running-time of the picture as I was in UP. I haven't liked Pixar's banner pictures (The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, Cars) but the last three have been above excellent. They have proven that animation is not just for kids.
3. Staying on the 2009 theme, what is the one movie you are looking forward to seeing?
The film I'm most anticipating is a little-known action-mockumentary called District 9 by first-time feature director Neill Blomkamp. If you haven't heard of this movie, you will within a month, because this has sleeper hit written all over it. Produced by Peter Jackson, the film is a mockumentary about the persecution of an alien race living in a modern Johannesburg. The movie looks like a two-hundred million dollar production, but it was made for thirty - this guy is the real deal. He was slated early in his career to be at the helm of the Halo adaptation before the budget blew up and the studios got scared off. Hopefully, this movie will make Blomkamp the next Spielberg and that picture can get made. If you haven't seen his work, check out the trailer for District 9 and his commercials for Halo 3. Unbelievable.
4. Now I watched Back to the Future Part II tonight and in my opinion, it might be the most dated movie out there with flying cars by 2015 although still watchable. What movie to your memory is the most dated?
I would have to say that an older film like Death Race 2000 would be a great candidate. To think that someone in the mid-1970's would think that by the year 2000 we would have a cross-country racing circuit that rewarded drivers for plowing into pedestrians is kind of ridiculous. Awesome movie, nonetheless.
5. If you had to hang out with one Michael J. Fox character who would it be? Teen Wolf, Marty McFly, or Alex P. Keaton?
Wow. Never has such a question been posed to me. I think I would have to go with Marty McFly because he's got everything a guy his age could want. He's got access to a pretty sweet ride (just can't punch it to 88 all the time, but it is definitely a chick magnet), a friendship with probably the coolest old dude of all time, and he can time travel. That trumps the awesome basketball skills of Teen Wolf and the conservative-aspirations of Alex Keaton any day of the week.
6. What is your favorite genre of movies and why?
I would have to go with horror - no doubt about it. I like it because it has so many avenues and so many different results. You have zombie, vampire, werewolf, slasher, torture, and many more sub-genres to choose from that you don't have with something like dramas or war films. It is also one of the few genres where watching the worst pictures are sometimes the best viewing experiences. If you don't believe me, watch "Death Bed" and tell me you didn't have a blast watching that awful piece of junk.
7. We have discussed at lengths about Entourage and I will be honest I am concerned its headed downhill quick, do you agree?
I was concerned about Entourage at the end of last season, when I saw Martin Scorsese rear his head. I knew how the next season would open in that very instance. What is Martin Scorsese's worst film? Bringing Out The Dead? New York, New York? Those two movies are the worst he ever made, and they are totally above average cinematically. So of course Vince is going to be back on top, just like with Aquaman. So now where to go? Boys playing with toys is how they have gone, and frankly, I've seen that. I can show you when the show has jumped the shark: the Ferrari race in last week's episode.
8. Is there any chance we might see a screenplay by Mike Votto in the next couple of years or is that something you wont pursue?
I've written SEVERAL screenplays in the past, but none of them have honestly impressed even myself. I actually like working more within literature instead of films, so I've been working on a massive novel for the good part of five years now. You'll all see that soon.
9. Now lets go on to sports, we put a Sunday ban on the Brewers so we will not give them much mention except this.. how happy are you to see Bill Hall go to AAA?
Ecstatic. Obviously, by the end of July 31, we will see him dealt to another team in a multi-player deal for a prospect or maybe a middling pitcher. He's not a good player anymore, and for a team with raw talent working the infield, he's just holding players like Mat Gamel or Casey McGehee back. I have some affection for Bill Hall - if one can remember back far enough, he was the bee's knees in Milwaukee. I loved watching Hall swing the bat back in the middle part of the last decade, but like all things, over time it just wears away. Hopefully he'll ride off into the sunset of his career - I just hope he finds a team other than the Brewers to do that with.
10. Whats one team that you feel needs to make move before the trading deadline tomorrow?
Normally, I would say the Milwaukee Brewers, but we are sitting at four games back to a blistering hot Chicago Cubs and a newly-reworked St. Louis Cardinals, so I'm going to have say that a team like the Colorado Rockies or Atlanta Braves are going to have to do some work to make a run at the wild card. Both are in divisions with surefire champs sitting at the top, so they need to make like the Brewers of '08 and shell out some top prospects for the glory of a wild card entry.
11. How would you feel if you were a Pittsburgh Pirate fan and your team traded 8 out of the 9 guys on the opening day roster? Would just leave them or do you stick with them?
Honestly, the Pirates are the laughing stock of the NL Central, which has been dubbed in the past as one of the worst divisions in the MLB. And I think that the front office has gotten sick of it, and they are legitimately trying to make a change. If I was a fan, I would be apprehensively optimistic at the gung-ho response to restructuring a god-awful team. A team like Pittsburgh needs the city to be behind their team, just like Milwaukee. If we don't have faith, we don't show up - and the Pirates are showing their fans that they want to make a run eventually.
12. Whose the one team that has "won" the trading deadline?
The Philadelphia Phillies, without a doubt. They pick up a former powerhouse in free agency (Pedro) and trade for a surging Cliff Lee - they want the World Series more than any other team in the league. While the Dodgers sport a better record, I think the Phillies are still the best NL team, and they aren't sticking with the tried-and-true. This front office wants to crush in the post-season and with that roster, they are definitely on their way.
13. The PED List has struck again with David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez, do you care and does the list need to come out?
To an extent, I do care. Baseball is a hell of a sport, and one that has been a part of my life for a long time. I want it to be a level playing field with the few true stars shining brightly because the better the competition, the better the games. With this latest revelation, it does nothing more than confirm fears about these two players that I've had for the good part of a decade. It sucks to have that thought in the back of your head every time a superstar comes to the plate because that just signals the death of something innocent about the game. They should just release the list, ban every player who test positive from the Hall of Fame in hopes that they are forgotten by future generations. We shouldn't idolize the Manny Ramirezes of world while the Wille Stargells are being forgotten.
14. Tell everyone at Chucks Corner, why you hate Joey Votto who shares a last name with you..
.
I hate that he pronounces his own last name wrong. It is not "Vah-toe" but instead it is appropriately pronounced "Vote-o". Apparently, many of my northeastern relatives have pronounced it the way Joey does, but that doesn't make it correct. On top of that, I also loathe the questions about my relationship with him from pretty much every person I meet. No, I don't know him. Yeah, I know our name is pretty rare and unique. Yes, I'm sure that I don't know him. Not to mention I hate hearing Steve Phillips say my last name wrong in MLB2K9 for the Xbox 360.
14. The standard question on the interview... whose your world series matchup and why?
Phillies and Red Sox because I think that the two have the best pitching staffs to handle the post-season. Phillies are proven and the Red Sox, even though their success are only recent, are ready to go toe-to-toe with a great pitching team because of their season-long experience with the Yankees.
15. How happy were to see Brett Favre not become a Minnesota Viking?
I have been a Packer fan for as long as I can remember. For most of my life, Brett Favre was my sports god. He could do no wrong because he brought me the greatest sports joy of my life - a Super Bowl. But before I am a Brett Favre fan, I am a Packer fan. What he did last year was beyond betrayal for me. He had it all during that first retirement: the admiration of millions of Packer loyalists, the respect of the notoriously fickle media, and the legacy of a man who somehow grew bigger than a team that was already larger than life. Then he forced the hand of a coach and front office that wanted to build the Packers into a championship-caliber team without him - and then the New York Jets made him an offer he didn't want to refuse. He came back with one of his worst seasons, and subsequently re-retired, but this time it seems to be for good. I'm happy he won't be donning a Vikings jersey, but Brett Favre died a long time ago for me. There is still a part of me that wanted to see Favre get sacked by the Pack just to exact a little revenge on him.
16. Does the media make NFL a much bigger deal than it needs to be with all the training camp coverage?
I think that training camp coverage is a bit overblown as of late, and a lot of that has to do with the past couple of Brett Favre debacles. Unfortunately, the Favre situations in Green Bay, New York, and Minnesota held great sway over the architecture of each team, so knowing where he would end up was an important question that needed to be answered. But the one thing I hate most about the coverage is the quarterback duels - who cares and why do you insist on creating drama between teammates? Just wait until week one and find out who's your quarterback for the rest of the year.
17. Continuing on with that question, when do you care about football again, either college or NFL?
When it comes to College Football, I don't really care about it until the last two weeks or the division championship games. The structure is so out of wack that I don't tend to care much unless it is a big-time battle or there is a trip to the championship on the line. The NFL, on the other hand, is something I watch from two weeks prior to the first game because that's when you get a glimpse of the team that will be carrying your hopes for the next couple of months.
18. Plug anything you want to, the stage is yours
Chuck's Corner is a great daily stop for all my sports needs, so if this is the first post you read, stick around because Charlie is an absolutely insightful writer. If you are ever looking for a more alternative blog for movies/television/media/music, come over to my blog AmericanFerox (http://americanferox.blogspot.com). I've also launched a 24/7 video channel that specializes in exhibiting exploitation cinema called Cloudburst Releasing on LiveStream (http://www.livestream.com/cloudburstreleasing). We show film programs every Monday-Friday from 6PM-11PM CST. Stop by anytime and check out the unique content we have streaming.
Thanks Mike.
-Charlie.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Brewer Hiatus Over... Still the Same
Unfortunately for me, its back to talking about the Milwaukee Brewers and things havent got any better since we last talked about the Crew. I am done for awhile at least bitchin about the Brewers for the sole reason of I have finally lowered my expectations and just dont expect too much.
I realize with fifty-eight games left that the Brewers would probably have to go somewhere in the range of 37-21 to get a playoff spot if we are lucky and to me I just cannot see that happening. Therefore I am hoping that they get to eighty wins so E can pay me ten dollars which I will spend on Brett for the Chicago Cubs finishing ahead of us in the division.
In situations such as this one you really want to blame someone and at one point last week I wanted to throw General Manager under that bus yet now I realize that not every season will be like last year. As Brewer fans, I think we have to realize that we are not the Boston Red Sox or the New York Yankees where every year we are making push plus dealing at the end of July. You hope that every year you will be in the playoffs but when you have a team like the Crew does now, you have to understand that injuries happen destroying most teams.
Rickie Weeks getting injuried was easily the worst thing that happened to the Brewers. Weeks was on his way to an All-Star game and we finally had a lead off hitter who was setting the table for Ryan Braun/Prince Fielder like it was nobody business. If we dont lose Weeks, I think there would be a lot of the 10-8 games which the pitching staff we have. Still Weeks would have helped keep us in some ball games.
On to the pitching which again falls under the injury category. If Dave Bush doesnt get a vicious rocket shot off his arm who knows where the Crew might be. At that time, Manny Parra was struggling mightily but no one else was. Then as Bush pitching got worse, it appears the whole staff just slumped even more. His injury plus Jeff Suppan's injury is the death knelt for this team.
You can say that I quit on the Brewers but to be honest, I hope they got on some massive run pulling themselves into the race on September 1st. But I just cant wait for that to happen because I have been waiting since June.
-Charlie.
I realize with fifty-eight games left that the Brewers would probably have to go somewhere in the range of 37-21 to get a playoff spot if we are lucky and to me I just cannot see that happening. Therefore I am hoping that they get to eighty wins so E can pay me ten dollars which I will spend on Brett for the Chicago Cubs finishing ahead of us in the division.
In situations such as this one you really want to blame someone and at one point last week I wanted to throw General Manager under that bus yet now I realize that not every season will be like last year. As Brewer fans, I think we have to realize that we are not the Boston Red Sox or the New York Yankees where every year we are making push plus dealing at the end of July. You hope that every year you will be in the playoffs but when you have a team like the Crew does now, you have to understand that injuries happen destroying most teams.
Rickie Weeks getting injuried was easily the worst thing that happened to the Brewers. Weeks was on his way to an All-Star game and we finally had a lead off hitter who was setting the table for Ryan Braun/Prince Fielder like it was nobody business. If we dont lose Weeks, I think there would be a lot of the 10-8 games which the pitching staff we have. Still Weeks would have helped keep us in some ball games.
On to the pitching which again falls under the injury category. If Dave Bush doesnt get a vicious rocket shot off his arm who knows where the Crew might be. At that time, Manny Parra was struggling mightily but no one else was. Then as Bush pitching got worse, it appears the whole staff just slumped even more. His injury plus Jeff Suppan's injury is the death knelt for this team.
You can say that I quit on the Brewers but to be honest, I hope they got on some massive run pulling themselves into the race on September 1st. But I just cant wait for that to happen because I have been waiting since June.
-Charlie.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Good Luck White Sox...
I would like to start off saying that I warned White Sox's fans that this deal would be the thing people would remember about this team for the next five years and also spell the end for Kenny Williams as General Manager.
The fact that you might not even get to see Jake Peavy pitch this season should be disappointing to the fans of the team and because its an ankle injury, they have no worries about his arm. In addition, you have to be concerned that he is going to the National League to the American League where Matt Holiday did a great job of proving how bad that can be. I feel like the same could happen with Peavy. Holiday went from Coors Field (which I think I could hit a homer out of) to McAfee Coliseum (where they would better off using aluminum bats. Isnt this a complete replica with Peavy except the opposite?
I just think this has all the making of being a bad deal with the general idea of trading away four pitching prospects. Granted there are some that argue trading pitching is the way to go because more can happened to a pitcher instead of a powerful bat. Then again, they can turn out to be John Smoltz or the many others that have been dealt in prospect deals. Clayton Richard seems to have all the makings of being a stud pitcher for awhile and honestly I think San Diego is handling this the right way.
They realize that the Padres may not make it back to the playoffs in two years but they kept around the hometown kid Adrian Gonzalez and they have a couple young budding superstars on their team. With thirteen rookies on a twenty-five man roster, you cant expect much (minus against the Brewers) but the future sure looks bright.
-Charlie.
The fact that you might not even get to see Jake Peavy pitch this season should be disappointing to the fans of the team and because its an ankle injury, they have no worries about his arm. In addition, you have to be concerned that he is going to the National League to the American League where Matt Holiday did a great job of proving how bad that can be. I feel like the same could happen with Peavy. Holiday went from Coors Field (which I think I could hit a homer out of) to McAfee Coliseum (where they would better off using aluminum bats. Isnt this a complete replica with Peavy except the opposite?
I just think this has all the making of being a bad deal with the general idea of trading away four pitching prospects. Granted there are some that argue trading pitching is the way to go because more can happened to a pitcher instead of a powerful bat. Then again, they can turn out to be John Smoltz or the many others that have been dealt in prospect deals. Clayton Richard seems to have all the makings of being a stud pitcher for awhile and honestly I think San Diego is handling this the right way.
They realize that the Padres may not make it back to the playoffs in two years but they kept around the hometown kid Adrian Gonzalez and they have a couple young budding superstars on their team. With thirteen rookies on a twenty-five man roster, you cant expect much (minus against the Brewers) but the future sure looks bright.
-Charlie.
Man of the Week: Jeon Woo
As part of fan week, I have decided to make the biggest fan of Chucks Corner... the Man of the Week. Jeon Woo wrote in this email to me and ask me to post it... here we go.
deeper apologies to you for absence. my Internet has not work lately very well so instead i had to murder many snake. many sports are happening lately what do we talk about first. i do not know how you say so many stories so quickly. baek tell me many time that you are human magic organized. i am so very so happy to have friend week i can wait not anymore for chuck corner fans to read what i say. i hope you will put my letter online and show love for friend!
In tennis many good player from across the world but no match is bigger than baek against pyeyong on two day from now. pyeyong is champion many time but baek is young and strong like hose. i hope you and friends on site will cheer baek.
football is also popular and breaking news from jeon! Samuel Eto'o leaving Barcelona Spain! do not believe me http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMTA4NzQ5MTk2.html
this move will make him score more goal for milan in italy and milian in Italy will win more too. five best soccer players in world 1. ronaldo 2. park chu young 3. lion messi 4. torres 5. s
baseball season is excited also as well. favorite player is Ramirez. chuck corner has you touch the hair is it real? it look like ten thousand rope ? he hit the ball very far and we are sad his leg brake made him miss fifty games. glad he is better now.
now time for not sports.link for friend http://v.youku.com/v_playlist/f283371o1p4.html
JEON
Thank you for that awesome email Jeon, take care man. Also I would like to announce that our very own Coach P is working on an expose to find out the true answer to Bathroomgate. Should be a fun one.
-Charlie.
deeper apologies to you for absence. my Internet has not work lately very well so instead i had to murder many snake. many sports are happening lately what do we talk about first. i do not know how you say so many stories so quickly. baek tell me many time that you are human magic organized. i am so very so happy to have friend week i can wait not anymore for chuck corner fans to read what i say. i hope you will put my letter online and show love for friend!
In tennis many good player from across the world but no match is bigger than baek against pyeyong on two day from now. pyeyong is champion many time but baek is young and strong like hose. i hope you and friends on site will cheer baek.
football is also popular and breaking news from jeon! Samuel Eto'o leaving Barcelona Spain! do not believe me http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMTA4NzQ5MTk2.html
this move will make him score more goal for milan in italy and milian in Italy will win more too. five best soccer players in world 1. ronaldo 2. park chu young 3. lion messi 4. torres 5. s
baseball season is excited also as well. favorite player is Ramirez. chuck corner has you touch the hair is it real? it look like ten thousand rope ? he hit the ball very far and we are sad his leg brake made him miss fifty games. glad he is better now.
now time for not sports.link for friend http://v.youku.com/v_playlist/f283371o1p4.html
JEON
Thank you for that awesome email Jeon, take care man. Also I would like to announce that our very own Coach P is working on an expose to find out the true answer to Bathroomgate. Should be a fun one.
-Charlie.
A Sitdown with Ron...
Probably the funniest thing I read all week and in typical Ron fashion this about a week late. I have another interview waiting which will probably go up on Monday. Anyways this is a great read and as you can see the questions are a bit dated, enjoy.
1. Alright Ronnie, I will give you a softball in the first question... How critical was this latest Brewer's home stand?
Well first of all Curtis, I must say that I am quite honored to even be considered for an interview on your site. I've been following you here at Curtis' Cranny for a couple months now and I must say this is truly sports knowledge I wished I had. You do solid work, Curt. (Is it cool if I call you Curt?). Really though, I'm sorry that my interview has taken me kind of long to complete but I've been real busy watching Starbury TV. If $15 sneakers made by asian slave kids wasn't enough to make him your favorite athlete, starbury tv should definitely do it. Anyways onto the questions...
It was extremely critical, and quite frankly, it could be remembered as the home stand that pretty much determined the Brewer's season. The pitching, especially starting, has been horrendous and it's become apparent that there are just way too many holes on this team to fix through trade. 2-4 so far and the best they can do is a split with the AAAA Natinals. To sum it all up, It makes me want to jump through a window.
2. In your opinion, do the Brewers make another move before the deadline? In addition, quick thoughts on Felipe Lopez?
It's tough to call, Clint. So much has changed with the direction of this team the past couple of weeks. We looked like certain buyers not long ago, even dating back to the Lopez trade a week ago and now our pitching is so bad that we may sell a little bit at the deadline. I doubt we will actually be sellers, but one player I wouldn't mind seeing go is JJ Hardy. Trade him for some pitching, then bring up Alcides and give him a go at SS and have Counsell fill in when needed. Plus, think of all the trashy/annoying/fat chicks who only like Hardy that may not come to games anymore. As Michael Scott would say, that's a win-win-win situation.
My quick thoughts on Lopez are that he's a solid all-around player who has done well so far in a Brewer's uniform. It's just too bad that much his work so far has been for naught mainly because of the pitching. Although he's not likely to stick around past this year cause of Weeks, I do think an extension is something the front office should, at the very least, look into.
3. With the recent Brew-ha-ha with the Pirates, I am convinced Milwaukee is one of the toughest teams in the MLB in terms of fighting, do you agree and who could be better than them?
I most certainly agree, Carl and the simple answer to the second part is no one. If the invention of my "Bench Clearing Brawls" video game ever comes to fruition, I definitely think the '09 Brewers will be one of my legendary teams. Just take a look at that lineup, there's at least three 99, if not 100 overalls, in there with Fielder, Kendall, and Cameron. Not to mention, guys like McGehee, McClung, Stan Kyles (coaches would be included), Dale Sveum, Weeks, and Cameron. I could go all day because just about everybody on that team is a certified ass-whooper However, I'd probably fire Macha in the first week, cause he's just non-confrontational and doesn't like to fight. There would be no room for that in "Bench Clearing Brawls" the video game.
4. How would you explain the Crew losing during the day games? Are they partying with you too often when they are at home or what?
Me and the Brewers know how to get down, Sammy. But I don't think that's the reason, I think it's a combination of bad luck and the shadows caused by the stadiums layout. The players have made it known that they hate the presence of the shadows. However, the Brewers did win their most recent day game and I would like to credit that to the presence of Hornswoggle. So my simple solution is just bring Hornswoggle in for every day game. Problem solved, Calvin, problem solved.
5. With Braun's big day on Wednesday are you expecting a big home stand from Braunie himself?
I answered yes when you initially sent me this and now a week later, it's looking good. Braunie really heated up during this home stand and he's just about the only player that played consistently well during it. It's so weird but that guy should never change his at bat song from "Go Getta." He gets rid of it and goes into a slump, then he brings it back and gets really hot. I don't know what the song does for him, but it's borderline-freaky. Maybe it's just me though, I'm not sure if anybody else has even noticed that. Anybody agree?
6. How big of a threat do you see the Houston Astros as in the NL Central
Not much of one, their pitching is not very good similar to the Brewers. I just don't see them keeping it up, too many holes in their rotation and especially bullpen. Last of all, I don't know if this fits here, but thank god we didn't sign Carlos Lee long term. The guy is good, just not worth what we were going to give him and we'd have no where to put people.
7. Keeping on with the Central, How big of a difference does Matt Holiday make for the Cardinals? I mean the protection behind Albert Pujols would be nuts.
He makes a difference and all, but I really don't think it's as big as some people are making it out to be. If you look at the numbers Holliday is really not having that spectacular of a year. He's had a pretty good past month or so and don't get me wrong, I think he's a good player. Its just that I believe Coors Field inflated his numbers a bit, as it has done for many in the past. I linked an article when you posted about the deal that you can use as reference as why it may not be that good of a trade. Anywho, I picture him turning out like Jeffrey Hammonds post-Rockie. I kid, I kid. But we can hope.
8. I am stealing this from ESPN but do you think the Los Angeles Dodger fans have been too welcoming to Manny Ramirez?
Stealing something from ESPN is never a good idea, Chris. That's like stealing jokes from Carlos Mencia, which either means somebody has already used it or it's a huge piece of shit. In this case, I think this question is a huge piece of shit. Too welcoming? What does that even mean? I see nothing wrong with fans getting very excited about a player like Manny, it happens all the time in just about every sport.. ESPN is trying to make much ado about nothing cause he ditched their beloved Red Sox. If this was the Yankees or the Red Sox that worshipped a player like Manny, which they have in the past, ESPN would be going just as crazy. Were any fans ever more annoying than Red Sox fans during their World Series run two years ago? I mean were talking about the same network that follows the every move of any Yankees player. "Too welcoming" is the hard-on Steve Berthiaume gets when Baseball Tonight has a phone-in with a member of the Yanks or "the nation" as he so ridiculously calls the Red Sox. Dodger fans have done nothing wrong, ESPN can go suck it.
9. I ask this question in the last interview but we will do it again... right now whose your world series matchup and do the Crew make the playoffs?
Even though the Phils just got Lee, I still see the Dodgers from the NL. And from the AL I'm going to pick the Yankees, as much as I hate to. In the case of the Brewers, it doesn't look good. But have I ever been one to quit on them? Hell no, I will never jump off that bandwagon. So with all that, you heard it here first Chuck---- the Brewers are going to rise from the dead and shock the world to take the NL Central this year! YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN!
10. Now move on the NFL, can you explain better than I can earlier this week, how can ESPN not cover the Big Ben stuff until so late? And do you think anything will come out of it?
Cause they suck, Cameron, cause they suck. ESPN is garbage all around, unfortunately it's just about all there is to watch for around-the-clock sports. As for the second part, it's a civil suit so he won't get jail time or anything and also the woman seems kind of crazy. Side note, she was pretty ugly too IMO. Probably like a 5. So even if it was consensual, still fairly embarrassing that a pro qb settled for that.
11. Since you have a ton of time sitting on your ass, I figure you are watching SportsCenter who are you more sick of hearing Michael Vick or Brett Favre?
They're both annoying, but how can you not say Favre? So repetitive and overplayed. At least he's staying retired though.
12. Moving on to the NBA, Lebron James getting dunked on was about as disappointing as your video game play, and now does Nike look like big idiots for taking this tape away?
Huge low-blow, you've gone too far. I refuse to answer this question, Lewis.
13. Tim Tebow: Do you love him, hate him, respect him but still dislike him, what are your thoughts on every body's golden boy?
Honestly, I don't really care about the guy. He seems nice though, we'd probably get along if we ever met.
14. When are you getting Twitter or a blog so you have some to plug?
I don't know exactly when or if, Ian. But I would like to garner some plug for my new movie coming out the next month. It's called Posse, and basically it's about this hip actor living big in Hollywood. But it's more than just that, it's an action-packed two hours that hinges on whether on not this hip actor will get the big role in the next huge movie. I can't tell you what happens next, you'll have to see it for yourself. You'll probably be surprised. Macaulay Culkin from those Home Alone flicks plays the agent, really funny guy. He'll bring lots of big laughs.
My final parting words though are this --- in the notorious tree house bathroomgate incident that took place in the late 20th century, Doz was the one that took the shit under the tree house. Although I was there at the time, I am fully innocent. I know now that my name with be cleared thanks to you, Derek! Keep up the good work!
-Charlie.
1. Alright Ronnie, I will give you a softball in the first question... How critical was this latest Brewer's home stand?
Well first of all Curtis, I must say that I am quite honored to even be considered for an interview on your site. I've been following you here at Curtis' Cranny for a couple months now and I must say this is truly sports knowledge I wished I had. You do solid work, Curt. (Is it cool if I call you Curt?). Really though, I'm sorry that my interview has taken me kind of long to complete but I've been real busy watching Starbury TV. If $15 sneakers made by asian slave kids wasn't enough to make him your favorite athlete, starbury tv should definitely do it. Anyways onto the questions...
It was extremely critical, and quite frankly, it could be remembered as the home stand that pretty much determined the Brewer's season. The pitching, especially starting, has been horrendous and it's become apparent that there are just way too many holes on this team to fix through trade. 2-4 so far and the best they can do is a split with the AAAA Natinals. To sum it all up, It makes me want to jump through a window.
2. In your opinion, do the Brewers make another move before the deadline? In addition, quick thoughts on Felipe Lopez?
It's tough to call, Clint. So much has changed with the direction of this team the past couple of weeks. We looked like certain buyers not long ago, even dating back to the Lopez trade a week ago and now our pitching is so bad that we may sell a little bit at the deadline. I doubt we will actually be sellers, but one player I wouldn't mind seeing go is JJ Hardy. Trade him for some pitching, then bring up Alcides and give him a go at SS and have Counsell fill in when needed. Plus, think of all the trashy/annoying/fat chicks who only like Hardy that may not come to games anymore. As Michael Scott would say, that's a win-win-win situation.
My quick thoughts on Lopez are that he's a solid all-around player who has done well so far in a Brewer's uniform. It's just too bad that much his work so far has been for naught mainly because of the pitching. Although he's not likely to stick around past this year cause of Weeks, I do think an extension is something the front office should, at the very least, look into.
3. With the recent Brew-ha-ha with the Pirates, I am convinced Milwaukee is one of the toughest teams in the MLB in terms of fighting, do you agree and who could be better than them?
I most certainly agree, Carl and the simple answer to the second part is no one. If the invention of my "Bench Clearing Brawls" video game ever comes to fruition, I definitely think the '09 Brewers will be one of my legendary teams. Just take a look at that lineup, there's at least three 99, if not 100 overalls, in there with Fielder, Kendall, and Cameron. Not to mention, guys like McGehee, McClung, Stan Kyles (coaches would be included), Dale Sveum, Weeks, and Cameron. I could go all day because just about everybody on that team is a certified ass-whooper However, I'd probably fire Macha in the first week, cause he's just non-confrontational and doesn't like to fight. There would be no room for that in "Bench Clearing Brawls" the video game.
4. How would you explain the Crew losing during the day games? Are they partying with you too often when they are at home or what?
Me and the Brewers know how to get down, Sammy. But I don't think that's the reason, I think it's a combination of bad luck and the shadows caused by the stadiums layout. The players have made it known that they hate the presence of the shadows. However, the Brewers did win their most recent day game and I would like to credit that to the presence of Hornswoggle. So my simple solution is just bring Hornswoggle in for every day game. Problem solved, Calvin, problem solved.
5. With Braun's big day on Wednesday are you expecting a big home stand from Braunie himself?
I answered yes when you initially sent me this and now a week later, it's looking good. Braunie really heated up during this home stand and he's just about the only player that played consistently well during it. It's so weird but that guy should never change his at bat song from "Go Getta." He gets rid of it and goes into a slump, then he brings it back and gets really hot. I don't know what the song does for him, but it's borderline-freaky. Maybe it's just me though, I'm not sure if anybody else has even noticed that. Anybody agree?
6. How big of a threat do you see the Houston Astros as in the NL Central
Not much of one, their pitching is not very good similar to the Brewers. I just don't see them keeping it up, too many holes in their rotation and especially bullpen. Last of all, I don't know if this fits here, but thank god we didn't sign Carlos Lee long term. The guy is good, just not worth what we were going to give him and we'd have no where to put people.
7. Keeping on with the Central, How big of a difference does Matt Holiday make for the Cardinals? I mean the protection behind Albert Pujols would be nuts.
He makes a difference and all, but I really don't think it's as big as some people are making it out to be. If you look at the numbers Holliday is really not having that spectacular of a year. He's had a pretty good past month or so and don't get me wrong, I think he's a good player. Its just that I believe Coors Field inflated his numbers a bit, as it has done for many in the past. I linked an article when you posted about the deal that you can use as reference as why it may not be that good of a trade. Anywho, I picture him turning out like Jeffrey Hammonds post-Rockie. I kid, I kid. But we can hope.
8. I am stealing this from ESPN but do you think the Los Angeles Dodger fans have been too welcoming to Manny Ramirez?
Stealing something from ESPN is never a good idea, Chris. That's like stealing jokes from Carlos Mencia, which either means somebody has already used it or it's a huge piece of shit. In this case, I think this question is a huge piece of shit. Too welcoming? What does that even mean? I see nothing wrong with fans getting very excited about a player like Manny, it happens all the time in just about every sport.. ESPN is trying to make much ado about nothing cause he ditched their beloved Red Sox. If this was the Yankees or the Red Sox that worshipped a player like Manny, which they have in the past, ESPN would be going just as crazy. Were any fans ever more annoying than Red Sox fans during their World Series run two years ago? I mean were talking about the same network that follows the every move of any Yankees player. "Too welcoming" is the hard-on Steve Berthiaume gets when Baseball Tonight has a phone-in with a member of the Yanks or "the nation" as he so ridiculously calls the Red Sox. Dodger fans have done nothing wrong, ESPN can go suck it.
9. I ask this question in the last interview but we will do it again... right now whose your world series matchup and do the Crew make the playoffs?
Even though the Phils just got Lee, I still see the Dodgers from the NL. And from the AL I'm going to pick the Yankees, as much as I hate to. In the case of the Brewers, it doesn't look good. But have I ever been one to quit on them? Hell no, I will never jump off that bandwagon. So with all that, you heard it here first Chuck---- the Brewers are going to rise from the dead and shock the world to take the NL Central this year! YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN!
10. Now move on the NFL, can you explain better than I can earlier this week, how can ESPN not cover the Big Ben stuff until so late? And do you think anything will come out of it?
Cause they suck, Cameron, cause they suck. ESPN is garbage all around, unfortunately it's just about all there is to watch for around-the-clock sports. As for the second part, it's a civil suit so he won't get jail time or anything and also the woman seems kind of crazy. Side note, she was pretty ugly too IMO. Probably like a 5. So even if it was consensual, still fairly embarrassing that a pro qb settled for that.
11. Since you have a ton of time sitting on your ass, I figure you are watching SportsCenter who are you more sick of hearing Michael Vick or Brett Favre?
They're both annoying, but how can you not say Favre? So repetitive and overplayed. At least he's staying retired though.
12. Moving on to the NBA, Lebron James getting dunked on was about as disappointing as your video game play, and now does Nike look like big idiots for taking this tape away?
Huge low-blow, you've gone too far. I refuse to answer this question, Lewis.
13. Tim Tebow: Do you love him, hate him, respect him but still dislike him, what are your thoughts on every body's golden boy?
Honestly, I don't really care about the guy. He seems nice though, we'd probably get along if we ever met.
14. When are you getting Twitter or a blog so you have some to plug?
I don't know exactly when or if, Ian. But I would like to garner some plug for my new movie coming out the next month. It's called Posse, and basically it's about this hip actor living big in Hollywood. But it's more than just that, it's an action-packed two hours that hinges on whether on not this hip actor will get the big role in the next huge movie. I can't tell you what happens next, you'll have to see it for yourself. You'll probably be surprised. Macaulay Culkin from those Home Alone flicks plays the agent, really funny guy. He'll bring lots of big laughs.
My final parting words though are this --- in the notorious tree house bathroomgate incident that took place in the late 20th century, Doz was the one that took the shit under the tree house. Although I was there at the time, I am fully innocent. I know now that my name with be cleared thanks to you, Derek! Keep up the good work!
-Charlie.
Rachel Phelps Owns the Indians
If you dont know where that reference is from that you havent watch enough Major League in your time therefore I am very disappointed in you. Anyways the reason I say that Phelps might own the real life Indians is they just like the Pittsburgh Pirates have traded away their cornerstones of the franchise in the past couple of days. First it was Cliff Lee and now its Victor Martinez who was dealt to the Red Sox.
For Cleveland, they did get pitching prospect Justin Masterston who should be pretty good for the Tribe. But this has to be the last deal made and try to rebuild the team back in Cleveland. That also means that General Manager Mark Sharpio and Manager Eric Wedge need to leave as well because to me they didnt nothing to help the situation. Remember that Cleveland was a game away from being in the World Series in 2007 and now they are one of the worst teams in baseball. That just doesnt happen overnight.
This was a huge deal for Boston because they have had no offense to save their soul in the past couple of weeks and it had appeared that the New York Yankees were ready to pull away with the division. As Lee Corso would say, "Not so fast my friend!" The Red Sox look poised to make another run at the American League East title and the American League Pennant. Martinez also brings a great clubhouse attitude to the team which I think is lacking with the BoSox who have the personality of brick wall. He is always smiling and gives every teammate a handshake after the game is over. To me that will help propel the Red Sox more than anything.
-Charlie.
For Cleveland, they did get pitching prospect Justin Masterston who should be pretty good for the Tribe. But this has to be the last deal made and try to rebuild the team back in Cleveland. That also means that General Manager Mark Sharpio and Manager Eric Wedge need to leave as well because to me they didnt nothing to help the situation. Remember that Cleveland was a game away from being in the World Series in 2007 and now they are one of the worst teams in baseball. That just doesnt happen overnight.
This was a huge deal for Boston because they have had no offense to save their soul in the past couple of weeks and it had appeared that the New York Yankees were ready to pull away with the division. As Lee Corso would say, "Not so fast my friend!" The Red Sox look poised to make another run at the American League East title and the American League Pennant. Martinez also brings a great clubhouse attitude to the team which I think is lacking with the BoSox who have the personality of brick wall. He is always smiling and gives every teammate a handshake after the game is over. To me that will help propel the Red Sox more than anything.
-Charlie.
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