Rick Hummel, HOF, St. Louis Post-Dispatch with Charley Steiner on XM

Discussing the tragic death of Champion Cardinals relief pitcher Josh Hancock, Hummel relates his professional interaction with him. Noting there's a pretty wide cavern between Cardinals players and the local press (ie the players aren't thrilled with the ink-stained types), Hummel says Josh Hancock was an exception, that he was very open with writers like himself. Says Josh figured these writer guys "have a job to do" so he went out of his way to be cooperative with them. First, I understand Rick is a HOF writer, but this characterization of baseball writers makes me puke.

• Mr. Hummel, first, no one said you had to take the job.

• 2. No one in the world is obligated to make someone else's job easy.

• 3. Your tone was sickening--you sounded as if you & your writer pals pity yourselves, are deserving of the pity of others, or live under a unique black cloud.

• 4. To even try to make what you do acceptable is unacceptable. It should be outlawed.

• 5. With your influence, Mr. Hummel, your first priority should be to prohibit all baseball writers from entering dressing rooms or locker rooms of anyone they cover. These are and should be private areas. Even Dibs and Kevin Kennedy have said several times they won't go into players' locker rooms as they consider them private space for the players.

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ALERT THE MEDIA! ALERT BOB NIGHTENGALE! GET JOE NATHAN ON THE PHONE FOR A QUOTE!!!

IF DEREK JETER HADN'T HIT A HOME RUN IN THE 8TH, IT WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN A "SAVE " OPPORTUNITY FOR A BOSTON CLOSER. (The gap would've been 4 runs, so no save). THEREFORE, NO BOSTON CLOSER

• WOULD'VE RECEIVED A " SAVE" TODAY. WHICH WOULD'VE MADE THEM BAD, RIGHT? I MEAN, NO SAVE EQUALS BAD, ANY SAVE EQUALS GOOD. SO, THANKS MAINLY TO DEREK JETER, A CLOSER'S CAREER IS NOT QUITE AS BAD.
• SO, JOE NATHAN MUST HAVE A QUOTE ON THIS NEAR TRAGIC FAILURE DUE TO LACK OF A SAVE THAT WOULD'VE BEEN EXPERIENCED BY ANY BOSTON CLOSER IF DEREK JETER HADN'T HIT A HOME RUN.

LET'S GET SOME GOOD DISCUSSION GOING ON TV TONIGHT (which means ESPN), AND GET SOME HALL OF FAMERS ON FOR THEIR OPINIONS ON THIS NEAR FATAL SITUATION. BETTER YET, CALL AN EMERGENCY MEETING OF THE BBWAA AND GET SOME NEW BONUSES AND NEW AWARDS. (BUT FOR GOD'S SAKE, DON'T MENTION ANY STATS INVOLVING A LATE INNING PITCHER COMING IN WITH BASES EMPTY AS OPPOSED TO RUNNERS ON BASE, AND DEFINITELY DON'T BRING THE RANKING OF HOMERUNS GIVEN UP BY CLOSERS/IP.)

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SELIG ENDORSES MARVIN MILLER FOR HALL OF FAME

"Commissioner Bud Selig said yesterday that he believed Marvin Miller deserved to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame, a surprising endorsement considering that Miller created the Players Association that was in protracted conflict with the owners for many years.Selig put in a word for the retired Miller as he spoke of the need for “adjustments” in the Hall’s reconstituted veterans committee.

• The veterans committee is controlled by the Hall of Fame, not Major League Baseball, but Selig has input as a member of the Hall’s board of directors. Selig made his remarks at a meeting of the Associated Press Sports Editors in New York."

From New York Times article by Jay Schreiber, 4/27/07, "Selig Says Miller Should be in the Hall." BUT THE NEW YORK TIMES REPORTED 4/4/07:

• “We don’t tell the Hall of Fame what to do,” said Pat Courtney, a spokesman for Major League Baseball. “We think that’s a good thing.”

Since most interested in this story are BBWAA members or would like to be, nothing will be done.

• Item from 4/4/07 NY Times article by Jack Curry, "Artifacts Tied to Steroids Find Place in Hall's Museum."

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"Monster Mash" singer dies

"Bobby "Boris" Pickett, whose spot-on Boris Karloff impression made the record a Halloween favourite, died of leukaemia aged 69 in Los Angeles.

While famous as a one-hit wonder, the song charted three times in the US - in 1962, 1970 and in 1973 when it also reached number three in the UK.

• The record's fans included Bob Dylan, who sang Pickett's praises before playing the single on his XM Satellite Radio program last October.

"Our next artist is considered a one-hit wonder, but his one hit comes back year after year," he (Dylan) said."

Story from BBC, 4/27/07

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Schilling "Meets the Press" via his blog

"Schilling offered $1 million to anyone who could prove the blood on his sock was not authentic. But it's unclear where the sock is. Schilling has said he put it in the laundry; on Friday he wrote that he suspects a Yankees clubhouse employee still has it. The pitcher donated another bloodstained sock worn in Game 2 of the World Series to the Hall of Fame."

• ""If the blood on the sock is fake, I'll donate a million dollars to that person's charity, if not they donate that amount to (Schilling's charities for ALS research)," he wrote."

"Schilling also ripped several members of the national sports media for exaggerating stories based on their own insecurities and for "rolling their eyes" when he talks about his faith in God. His recommendation: "Put them all on an island somewhere.""

• ""If you haven't figured it out by now, working in the media is a pretty nice gig," the pitcher wrote. "Barring outright plagiarism or committing a crime, you don't have to be accountable if you don't want to.""

from AP story, 4/27/07, on Sporting News.com, quotes from Schilling's blog, 38pitches.com

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JJ PUTZ GETS A BIG-TIME SAVE, NOT A CHEAP COOKIE

The Dude of the Day is Mariners late inning reliever (aka 'closer') JJ PUTZ, who pitched 1.2 innings COMING IN WITH MEN ON FIRST AND THIRD and ONLY 1 OUT. THE FIRST MAN PUTZ FACES COULD BE THE WINNING RUN FOR THE OPPOSING TEAM (Oakland), but he got the guy out.

• Putz comes back in the 9th, and got all the hitters out, no runners reached base. Putz got the "Save" for his effort. But it's really a joke, because he got no more credit for his work than a pitcher who only pitches for 1 out with a 3 run lead, and no men on base.

Therefore, Putz was robbed. But, he's Dude of the Day.

• P.S. Since Frankie Rodriguez "didn't get a 'Save' today, is Bob Nightengale going to write an article about how scary that is, how historic? Of course, Krod didn't have a Save Opportunity either--didn't pitch at all. But Bob Nightengale doesn't look at anything but the Total Save stat--an accumulator handed out by some managers--a 1 out save with no men on base and a 3 run lead is the same to him as a 5 or 6 out save with runners on base.

If someone in authority wanted to do something about this they certainly could.

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Bernie Williams would have to make the phone call

Joe Torre on WFAN with Mike Francesa and Chris Russo is asked about the zero batting average on the Yankee bench. Mike says he knows he's biased, but what the heck would it take to get #51 Bernie Williams back here? Joe says Bernie would need to play baseball somewhere before he could be any help to the Yankees. Joe said he spoke to him about 10 days ago at a Paul O'Neill fund-raiser, but offered no glimpse there could be a reunion. It sounds like Bernie would have to play in the minors somewhere first. Francesa closes the interview by saying:

• "WE'VE GOTTA GET #51 BACK ON THE TEAM."

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Yankees' immediate prospects & villains--NY Times

George Vecsey, 4/26/07 NY Times says,

• "With some Yankee fans growing restive, blaming Torre for the injuries to three starting pitchers, Hughes will try to stop the slide that has reached five straight losses."

Those who've "blamed Torre" have usually done so about his use of the bullpen. The same people understand he has no choice since the starting pitchers haven't done well, but if any blame has come into it for the starters, it's been the new conditioning program, its administrators and Brian Cashman for being in charge of the whole thing.

• Next of course is baseball media's obsession with Roger Clemens. I don't want Clemens, I'd rather lose than have him on the team (as someone else has said). But baseball media speak with mostly 1 point of view as there is 1 source that "defines the daily discourse" in sports. Vecsey:

"Then there is a broader issue: everybody must do their part to make this a Yankee team that Roger Clemens could be proud of."

• I wasn't aware this was the case. Has anyone from Yankee management said this is so? Or does the media just say whatever it wants knowing the Yankees won't do anything about it? But I do agree with Vecsey on the following point:

"Right now the Yankees would settle for the second coming of Aaron Small."

• Then Vecsey provides insight you won't find in the pea brains of chronic complainers:

"Then the fans are itchy because Torre has used Pettitte twice in relief, which indicates exactly what Torre thinks about his bullpen at the moment. If Casey Stengel or Billy Martin sprang a surprise on everybody, that would be a sign of genius, or at least flexibility.

• •Martin was known to use a certain left-handed starter named Guidry from the bullpen for an out or three. Guidry, who made 27 relief appearances from 1977 through 1988, some of them under Martin, is now the Yankees’ pitching coach who had something to do with Pettitte’s brief and apparently harmless relief appearances."

Items from NY Times article by George Vecsey, "Is Yankee Prospect Holding Place for Clemens?" 4/26/07, Times Select

• Baseball scholars may be aware that NY Times employees are not allowed to vote for baseball awards. Also, Mr. Vecsey has written extensively about the NY Mets, the other team in town. Finally, the NY Times is part owner of a baseball team in another city. In case you were going to add or subtract weight for any of Vecsey's writings, these things might help.

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Fired Imus Producer (Bernie) to appear on Hannity-- Fox, Thurs. 9PM

(Multichannel News) _ "Former Imus in the Morning producer Bernard McGuirk will make his first public comments since his firing on Fox News Channel's Hannity & Colmes http://www.foxnews.com/hannityandcolmes Thursday at 9 p.m. (EST).

McGuirk was fired along with radio host Don Imus."

• AP Story, 4/25/07 via radiobroadcastnewsroom.com

• CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU BERNIE!!!

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Press-Enterprise reporter resigns over gifts from officials

On staff at the Southern California newspaper for 16+ years, the reporter so far said he took cash or gifts from 3 public officials about whom he reported, one who is now mayor. The newspaper itself is saying that's all it knows, can't ascertain if favorable reporting took place. I wonder if Press-Enterprise archives are available for readers to examine since the paper says it can't figure it out.

• "Tim O'Leary, a reporter with The Press-Enterprise since 1990, resigned his position Tuesday after disclosing to senior editors that he had taken gifts from elected officials -- including a $500 check from one official -- in late 2003.

O'Leary took the money that was offered to him by then City Councilman Chuck Washington of Temecula after O'Leary's house in Fallbrook was destroyed by fire. O'Leary has covered Temecula city government for several years.

• Washington is now the city's mayor.

The gift came to light after O'Leary tried to return the money earlier this month.

O'Leary said he considered the money a helping hand from someone who wanted to assist him during a difficult time in his life."

• (There are lots of people in Southern California who could've helped him. Instead, this guy has continued his hallowed role as a newspaper reporter for at least 3 years after the proscribed behavior).

From article in the Press-Enterprise (Southern California), 4/24/07, no author listed, "P-E Reporter Resigns over Gifts from Officials."

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Todd Jones-- strict MLB dress code for himself, Zumaya, Guillen

"In last year's playoffs, I got a nice letter from the fashion police about my lucky undershirt. Seems it was cool when I was playing on lousy teams to wear whatever T-shirt I thought was lucky, but now I'm having to wear an MLB-authorized lucky T-shirt. I put the letter in one of those round files we all keep by our desks. Then a funny thing happened in spring training: I was fined $1,000 and told to find an MLB-sanctioned lucky T-shirt or I would be fined $5,000. The next time after that, I would be suspended.

• And get this: When Joel Zumaya got new tattoos, he didn't check with MLB on the color schemes, so he has been told to sever his arms or wear long sleeves when he pitches. Perhaps MLB could cut a deal with an ink company and come up with authentic tats for all the guys.

The topper came last week when MLB sent Carlos Guillen a friendly reminder to tuck in the pockets where he keeps his batting gloves--or else he, too, will be fined and possibly suspended."

From The Sporting News article by Todd Jones, "Fashion Police." 4/25/07

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AP, Ft. Worth Star-Telegram consider returning Katie Journalism Awards

***Club's president at the time said awards judging was "confidential," but now entire awards program might be cancelled for 2007.

• "The Press Club of Dallas may have to review the last three years' worth of Katie Awards, one of the Southwest's most prestigious journalism prizes, because of the possibility they were rigged, the club's president said Monday.

The entries for the 2006 Katies apparently never went before judges, and competitions from 2004 and 2005 are being probed, club President Tom Stewart said.

• Stewart said he believes the competitions might have been rigged by the club's former leader, who has won 10 Katies in the past four years and has a criminal record.

The Associated Press is considering returning its Katie Awards if they prove to be tainted, said Dale Leach, the Texas bureau chief.

• Rex Seline, managing editor/news for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram , said the newspaper staffers were proud of the work they submitted for consideration. “The journalism still stands. But obviously, the awards are tainted, and we will return them,” Seline said in a story in his own newspaper.

Albanese did not return phone messages or e-mails left by The Associated Press on Monday. But in an interview last week, she said the 2006 Katies were properly judged. She could not produce names, Albanese said, because of confidentiality agreements with the judges."

• Stewart said he was unaware of any such agreements."

• From Dallas Morning News article, 4/25/07, Press Club of Dallas May Review Katie Awards."

And this from November 2006 (part of the period of time in question):

• "The Fort Worth Star-Telegram was named the best major market newspaper for the fourth year in a row at the annual Katie Awards, a multistate competition for the media and communications industry. The Press Club of Dallas announced the winners Saturday night."

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I don't think this should be covered under "Freedom of Speech"

Tyler Kepner in his NY Times article, 4/25/07 says the following:

• "Of course, by midseason, the Yankees hope to have Roger Clemens in their rotation, too. But Clemens is still at least a month from deciding whether to pitch this season."

Have the Yankees said this to Mr. Kepner and no one else? If they haven't, what is his source? Should the Yankees sue for misrepresentation at minimum if Kepner has made this up? The rest of the article deals with factual and detailed subject matter, not speculation and jokes.

• Why "of course?" Some people don't want Clemens and would rather lose than see him on the Yankees again, as I recently posted on this blog.

If in fact the Yankees haven't told Kepner they hope to hire Clemens, they should seek compensation from Kepner and the New York Times for this remark in my opinion.

• From the NY Times article by Tyler Kepner, "Hughes Did not Hear First Call to the Mound," 4/25/07

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Both Tigers and Angels get "blown saves" in same game

Angels end up winning in 10 innings 9-8, but closers from each team got a blown save. Somewhat unusual.

Detroit IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA Bonderman 6.0 11 7 5 1 8 0 3.18 Rodney 2.0 0 0 0 0 3 0 6.30 Jones (BS, 2)(L, 0-1) 1.1 2 2 2 1 0 0 3.38

LA Angels IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA Escobar 5.2 5 4 3 2 6 0 3.71 Speier (H, 5) 0.2 2 1 1 0 1 1 1.50 Shields (H, 4) 1.1 1 1 1 1 1 0 5.23 Rodriguez (BS, 1) 1.1 2 2 2 2 2 1 4.00 Oliver 0.2 1 0 0 1 1 0 11.81 Moseley (W, 2-0) 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1.17

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ESPN Doctored Reactions to 4 Red Sox Homeruns v Yankees--NY Times 4/24

"It was the third inning when Manny Ramírez, J. D. Drew, Mike Lowell and Jason Varitek each hit bases-empty homers to put the Red Sox ahead, 4-3. Each one was accompanied by a colorful verbal send-off by ESPN’s Jon Miller.

• As ESPN rolled the replay of Drew’s drive, Miller said, “Theo Epstein was watching and was pretty impressed.” In a taped reaction shot, Epstein, the Red Sox’ general manager, appeared to say, “Oh my God.”

A few minutes later, as ESPN replayed Lowell’s shot, Miller said, “Manny Ramírez was watching it from the dugout.” Ramírez jumped off the bench, exultant, and hugged a teammate or a coach.

• Then the third inning ended, and ESPN offered a sequence of the four home runs, and this time, Epstein’s reaction no longer came after Drew’s home run, but after Varitek’s, the last in the record-tying run.

In the seventh, the sequence was shown again, and Ramírez’s reaction was shifted to look like he was celebrating Varitek’s shot, not Lowell’s. Epstein’s reaction shot followed, again making him look like he has been stunned by one home run when he was really amazed by another.

• In the sequence that ended the broadcast, ESPN shifted Epstein out of his original reality to look like he was reacting to Lowell’s home run, not Drew’s or Varitek’s.

Jed Drake, an ESPN senior vice president, said that once the reaction shots were shown in correct order, the judgment was that they were then available as “exclamation points on the overall sequence. There was no ulterior motive to say they were all tied to Varitek’s home run.”

• From NY Times article, "Replays of Red Sox Homer Feat Tell Different Story" by Richard Sandomir, 4/24/07.

Perhaps such disregard for sports fans contributed to ESPN's losing 31% of its prime time audience in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2006 (reported on this blog 4/10/07 via Mediaweek 4/3/07).

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Risks being labeled insane, ridiculous--he speaks the truth not behind a computer but in real life

"There are a lot of people who hate the Yankees and they want it to be the end of Mariano." Comment by John Sterling on Yankee radio broadcast, Monday, 4/23/07 10:24 pm.

• (Unlike any employee of ESPN, Fox, any BBWAA member, or any other so-called expert, John Sterling has seen every pitch Mariano Rivera has ever thrown in the Major Leagues since 1995).

Mentioning the enormous press coverage if Rivera has a bad outing. Please address all your conspiracy theories to your Mommie or to Mr. Sterling.

• P.S. Line on Rivera tonight 10 pitches, 10 strikes. That will make headlines NOWHERE. And in the words of Bartolo Colon, "Maybe Mo didn't win the Cy Young because he didn't "have enough "saves."" Number of "saves" Rollie Fingers had when he won the Cy Young: 28.

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Ouch! YES Network cameras show Joe Torre, the Island

On tonight's Yankee-Devil Rays game, the YES cuties up north show a long promo for an upcoming Boston series loaded with MTV-like shots. First, there's always a series coming up with Boston, 2nd I don't watch them, and 3rd who can absorb what the promo is telling you. Unless you're quite hip or on mushrooms. My point is what followed. We come back to the game after a fireworks-like promo to a shot of 1 man, standing all alone leaning on the railing in the dugout viewing the game. The man depicted was of course Joe Torre, placed dramatically--I don't know if this shot was live or tape, but it was pointed--by the guys at YES. There are many bosses at YES, but I think George can still call one of them up and say, "Make Torre look like he's twisting slowly, slowly in the wind."

• P.S. I wouldn't use this approach, it's a waste of time. It's been tried and doesn't work. Nor will it change how Joe Torre manages the bullpen.

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NO METAL BATS IN NYC--OVERRIDES MAYOR'S VETO

NEW YORK -- "Metal bats will be banned from high school baseball in the nation's largest school system starting this September after the City Council on Monday overrode a mayoral veto of the bill.

• The measure outlawed metal bats under the theory that they produce balls with greater velocity and raise the risk of injury because of less reaction time. Opponents, including Little League Baseball and equipment suppliers, say there is no evidence metal bats are more dangerous.

Youth leagues and lawmakers are proposing similar bans in other areas, including New Jersey, where a 12-year-old boy went into cardiac arrest and suffered serious injuries after a batted ball struck him in the chest.

In New York City, Mayor Michael Bloomberg vetoed the bat ban this month, saying the issue should be left up to those who run the youth leagues, not the government. But the City Council overwhelmingly knocked down the veto by a vote of 41-4."

AP story, from ESPN.com

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Parroting the "Saves" stat--writer states obvious but politically dangerous; risks label of crazy, silly & threat to his paper's credibility

"As the save totals continue to be parroted as meaningful, it's worth noting Twins closer Joe Nathan's week. Wednesday, he started the ninth, allowing three hits and an earned run. Thursday, entering with two out in the ninth, he allowed a hit before ending the game with a strikeout. Saturday, he started the ninth and struck out all three batters.

• Nathan had one appearance that was superb, one that was so-so and one that was dreadful - and was rewarded a save for each."

Information is "parroted" as meaningful...when often it's not. All power to the "parrots" of course. And why shouldn't they take it if it's freely given? From NY Post article by Phil Mushnick (stats freely available to anyone), "ESPN fails again to take out Trash," 4/23/07.

• What's happened to Karl Ravech? He used to loudly bash anyone who brought up the 'total saves' number, blaring that it only meant the guy (not his guy) had "more opportunities." If he's stopped doing that, then ESPN has succeeded in changing baseball awards voting.

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Sweeny Murti on WFAN about Yanks v Dice-K, but leaves us in the dark

Sweeny did his phone report on WFAN in the 10 PM hour, went into a long, gloomy recitation about Chase Wright's performance through the third inning. He detailed historic stats in the entire history of the Yankee franchise related to his performance, on and on. At the time of his report, the game was tied at 4-4, but Sweeny has yet to mention this fact. He hasn't said a word about who was pitching for the Red Sox yet. Finally, Murti reluctantly mentions "Jeter ended up getting a homerun off Dice-K to even the score up with the Red Sox." The end.

• All we've heard about for 6 months is this pitcher Dice-K. What no one has heard about til a week ago is Chase Wright, who was a double AA pitcher, never even pitched in AAA yet, and his first major league game was a week ago. And Sweeny Murti made the big story about this kid Chase Wright giving up 4 runs (all HR) to the Red Sox. He's a rookie pitcher, yet Murti spends 95 of his report knocking him. Could he at least tell us anything about what kind of stuff Dice K has?

He says nothing about the 3 runs the Yankees got off Dice K in the first 2 innings, nothing about how this "greatest pitcher on earth" is pitching. Does Sweeny have a boss anywhere? Possibly a willow-the-wisp or non-existent empty suit over at CBS Radio? Is he pitching another job somewhere? Why should any fan have to put up with this kind of incompetence?

• P.S. Congratulations to Chase Wright for going into baseball's biggest snake pit and blanking the opponent for 2 innings. It fell apart after that, but the fact is the Yankees had no one else to start the darn game, so thanks. I'm prepared for the Yankees to lose tonight, Dice K has been unhitable much of the time. I don't need the facts dressed up, but I would like the facts. The guy's sole job is to be a Yankee beat reporter, but he doesn't even sound like he's interested in baseball, much less the Yankees.

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"Dweeb of the Week: ESPN News"---Raissman

"Dweeb of the Week : ESPN NEWS For totally overplaying the "confrontation" between Charlie Manuel and WIP talkie Howard Eskin. ESPN News pounded this story. They positioned the beleaguered Phillies manager's pop-off as if it were John Chaney's 1994 meltdown with John Calipari. That was legit. That was big-time TV confrontation. Manuel-Eskin? Small potatoes.

• Manuel never threatened Eskin. He never got truly testy during his postgame press conference - he did have to be physically restrained in the clubhouse after the press conference. Still, ESPN News acted like it had a major clash on its hands. ESPN News took a misdemeanor and tried turning it into a capital offense."

From NY Daily News column by Bob Raissman, 4/22/07, "Three's a Crowd" (second to last item in column)

• I agree and noted on 4/18/07 on this blog:

'No one in baseball (eg. Charlie Manuel) should take queries from radio guys so seriously.'

• Mr. Raissman points out Charlie didn't take it nearly as seriously as ESPN wanted you to believe. Is Vince Doria still head of ESPN News, "defining the daily discourse?"

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How information travels- Shelly Palmer

"Far from being in the control of the realm, information now displays many of the characteristics we attribute to living things. It is born, it evolves, it eats, it excretes, it mutates--but, interestingly, it can no longer die. This was true on a small scale even before the "great unwashed" learned to blog.

• However, this is the first time in history that an idea (good or bad, true or false) can travel worldwide instantaneously and live on with a permanent, un-erasable, record of itself. Burn all the books you like, the knowledge lives on in the ether.

The most interesting attribute of BlogMobs is the way they self-assemble. These swarms of ideas evolve into points-of-view and then metamorphose and mutate into the next phase of their existence--gaining or losing the power to influence their audience. It is a fascinating twist on our ability to communicate and, for organizations that rely on central control (like governments and corporations), it is not necessarily a good thing.

• Perhaps the legacy of RSS (Really Simple Syndication--the specification which enables blogging) will be the empowerment of a true Fifth Estate with a collective mind of its own and the ability to amplify the voice of the people above all others. Which begs the question: "Can any traditionally organized government withstand an ideological force of this magnitude?""

From article by Shelly Palmer, "BlogMobs--The Attack of the 5th Estate," 6/29/06, linked from his article, "Imus in a Techno-Political World," 4/20/06 in The Huffington Post.

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Dallas Press Club Awards now seen as fraudulent

"Five months after the Press Club of Dallas handed out 179 awards for the best journalism and mass communications in the Southwest, the group's leaders said they can't name a single judge involved in picking those winners.

The Dallas Press Club counts some of the area's largest corporations among its supporters, as well as prominent media professionals.

The question of judges, canceled events, questionable credit card spending and the resignation of the group's president, show an organization in turmoil. These issues and others have led the foundation that supports the Press Club to pull its $4,000 monthly stipend."

• From Dallas Business Journal, 4/14/07, "Questions Dog Dallas Press Club"

And from the Dallas Morning News, "stunned" to find criminal background of recently departed president of Dallas Press Club who arranged ficticious judging.

• From Dallas Morning News, 4/20/07, "Press Club Immersed in Turmoil."

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Dan Shaughnessy on YES Network with his book

In the pregame show Friday night Kim Jones did an interview with Dan Shaughnessy, just general chat, and showed a copy of a book he's selling. I'm sure Dan is really a neat and swell guy, and it's great the YES Network management has its priorities straight. You guys are just so cute and so sneaky, gosh. (This isn't a commentary on Kim Jones but on the top guys at YES or Goldman Sachs whoever's in charge these days).

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CBS sues KCAA to stop IMUS rebroadcasts

"CBS Radio has gone to court to stop San Bernardino-based KCAA 1050 AM from re-broadcasting Don Imus' radio show. A federal lawsuit filed this week in Riverside says the station and its license-holder are violating copyright and seeks $150,000 for each time KCAA does it.

The suit seeks an immediate halt to the rebroadcasts with a temporary restraining order as well as a jury trial for the alleged copyright infringement by KCAA and its license holder, Broadcast Management Services in Texas.

The station management says it's a First Amendment issue, but CBS Radio attorneys say in court papers, "Copyright infringement is not protected by the First Amendment."

A hearing is set for Tuesday at federal court in Riverside before Judge Virginia A. Phillips.

CBS Radio also wants attorney's fees and any profits KCAA and Broadcast Management made by re-airing Imus' show.

"This is unlawful prior restraint," KCAA's attorney, Brian Oxman, said in a phone interview Thursday.

Since Monday, KCAA has rebroadcast old Imus episodes, cutting in with live calls from listeners and reading e-mails and letters from the public on the air.

Oxman said that the purpose of the forum is to educate the public.

"If you were rebroadcasting for a profit, sure, that's infringing a copyright," Oxman said. "There's no way in the world that this is copyright infringement."

On Tuesday, CBS Radio's lawyers wrote a cease and desist letter to the defendants.

"With all due respect, my compliance with your letter will sever a nationwide forum that CBS should encourage on the issue of abridging the freedom of speech," Lundgren responded in an e-mail.

He said it the responsibility fell to the affiliates to interact with the public response to Imus and said that as a license holder, a time for re-runs should have been given to the affiliates."

• From the Press-Enterprise article by Vanessa Franko, "CBS Suing KCAA Over Imus" 4/20/07

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Dear John Sterling & Suzyn Waldman, Mark Feinsand used you again on Yankee radio

John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman are too polite to correct him, but again tonight Feinsand takes his opportunity to put down Mariano Rivera. Posada's name came up in the brief conversation, Feinsand raises his voice to make a big point about Posada, who's been getting more well-deserved press recently. In effect Feinsand says loudly that he's said "over and over,"

• Posada's the MOST IRREPLACEABLE PERSON ON THIS TEAM, AND I MEAN MORE IRREPLACEABLE THAN MARIANO RIVERA. I MEAN LOOK WHO HAS TO TAKE CARE OF THINGS WHEN RIVERA IS OUT FOR A MONTH LIKE HE WAS LAST YEAR...

Why is Feinsand obsessed with putting down Rivera, given the multitude of topics he could discuss in his radio spot?

• He again misinforms listeners about the duration of this incident and its context. It was exactly 3 weeks and Rivera's efforts in the Boston massacre and other late August games put the Yankees in the position where they didn't have to worry about Boston for the month of September. The team lost nothing from his absence.

But Feinsand yells 'A MONTH' with no response from Suzyn or John. (Fernando Cuza apparently doesn't care about his client).

• WHY DIDN'T JOHN OR SUZYN CORRECT HIM? What about mentioning that RIVERA LEAD THE LEAGUE IN IP FOR LATE INNING RELIEVERS, SEVERAL TIMES HAVING OUTINGS OF 2 IP AND ONCE EVEN 3IP? WHY IS IT ONLY NEGATIVES AND LIES?

Passivity reigns--you're not allowed to defend yourself in this society. You're supposed to be bullied and shut-up--that's the message in baseball and America today. Feinsand looks to advance his career, is well rooted in MLB, and the Yankees themselves apparently don't care that many people are misinformed via their own broadcasts. Everything I've said here is a matter of public record, it's on tape if anyone is interested.

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Theo Epstein, Kevin Kennedy chat with Mike and Chris on WFAN

Kevin with Mike and Chris before going over to his XM show, talking about Yankees-Red Sox, was invited by Mike to compliment the Sox starting pitching. That wasn't Kevin's bag, though. I do like Kevin's non-stop enthusiasm for the game, his perspective on building players from the ground up. The subject of injuries is raised by Mike, Kevin notes what he's said many times, which is he doesn't see teams warming up on the field enough before every game. Chris notes Joe Garagiola said the same thing recently. Kennedy says Dice-K looks good, has great array of pitches, but so far Kevin sees guys like Pedro and Clemens in a higher class. Time will tell, of course.

• Theo says in effect 'runs allowed' may be more important for the Red Sox this year than 'runs scored,' and has gotten them some wins so far this season. On the Mirabelli trade last year, he says sending him out was a mistake. First part, Josh Bard was mentally worn out and was 'destabilizing the team and the clubhouse.' (I wonder if the articles ridiculing him in the Boston Globe helped matters. Where were Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson for that injustice?) Theo said he should've given Cla Meredith more time, brought him up too quickly from the minors and traded him too soon. (Theo & Kennedy appeared separately).

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The Yankees & their fans paid $105 million in rev. sharing & luxury tax to other teams in 2006

"The Yanks had an operating loss of $25 million last year because the team had a $200 million payroll and paid $105 million in revenue-sharing and luxury taxes.

• Baseball’s 29 other teams made money, generating profit of almost $500 million, according to Forbes. The sport drew a record 76 million fans last year.

The Mets were the second-most valuable team at $736 million. The Red Sox were third at $724 million."

From Bloomberg News, NY Times, 3/20/07, "Yankees Valuable Even at a Loss"

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Yankees lose another $25 million--Forbes (Marlins make most)

30	Florida Marlins	244	8	36	122	+$43.3
4	Los Angeles Dodgers	632	31	67	211	27.5
28	Pittsburgh Pirates	274	10	37	137	25.3
18	Cleveland Indians	364	4	27	158	24.9
2	New York Mets	736	22	83	217	24.4
22	Colorado Rockies	317	6	28	151	23.9
23	Cincinnati Reds	307	12	13	146	22.4
5	Chicago Cubs	592	32	0	197	22.2
12	Seattle Mariners	436	2	23	182	21.5
26	Milwaukee Brewers	287	22	42	144	20.8
29	Tampa Bay Devil Rays	267	28	15	134	20.2
3	Boston Red Sox	724	17	33	234	19.5
10	Washington Nationals	447	2	56	144	19.5
15	Chicago White Sox	381	21	10	173	19.5
7	San Francisco Giants	459	12	32	184	18.5
11	Houston Astros	442	6	12	184	18.4
14	Baltimore Orioles	395	10	38	158	17.1
8	Atlanta Braves	458	13	0	183	14.8
25	Minnesota Twins	288	33	31	131	14.8
24	Oakland Athletics	292	24	31	146	14.5
6	St Louis Cardinals	460	7	53	184	14.0
13	Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim	431	17	8	187	11.5
9	Philadelphia Phillies	457	8	38	183	11.3
17	Texas Rangers	365	3	73	155	11.2
20	Toronto Blue Jays	344	20	0	157	11.0
19	Detroit Tigers	357	22	59	170	8.7
27	Kansas City Royals	282	18	14	123	8.4
21	Arizona Diamondbacks	339	11	68	154	6.4
16	San Diego Padres	367	4	48	160	5.2
1	New York Yankees	1,200	17	79	302	-$25.2

Forbes, Business of Baseball, April 19, 2007. Can the average Yankee fan afford to go to games?

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Party time in Minnesota--Twins #1 increased $ value--Forbes

Team	Current Value 1 ($mil)	1-Yr Value Change (%)	Debt/Value 2 (%)	Revenues ($mil)	Operating Income 3 ($mil)
25	Minnesota Twins	288	33	31	131	14.8
5	Chicago Cubs	592	32	0	197	22.2
4	Los Angeles Dodgers	632	31	67	211	27.5
29	Tampa Bay Devil Rays	267	28	15	134	20.2
24	Oakland Athletics	292	24	31	146	14.5
2	New York Mets	736	22	83	217	24.4
19	Detroit Tigers	357	22	59	170	8.7
26	Milwaukee Brewers	287	22	42	144	20.8
15	Chicago White Sox	381	21	10	173	19.5
20	Toronto Blue Jays	344	20	0	157	11.0
27	Kansas City Royals	282	18	14	123	8.4
1	New York Yankees	1,200	17	79	302	-25.2
3	Boston Red Sox	724	17	33	234	19.5
13	Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim	431	17	8	187	11.5
8	Atlanta Braves	458	13	0	183	14.8
7	San Francisco Giants	459	12	32	184	18.5
23	Cincinnati Reds	307	12	13	146	22.4
21	Arizona Diamondbacks	339	11	68	154	6.4
14	Baltimore Orioles	395	10	38	158	17.1
28	Pittsburgh Pirates	274	10	37	137	25.3 Forbes, Business of Baseball, 4/19/07

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Why I like The Sporting News

Today, 4/19/07, they have an article by Tom Gatto, and on the same page is the following:

• "About Gatto: Tom Gatto picked up the Sporting News as a kid (back when it was still running hockey box scores!), and he's been hooked ever since. The New Jersey native and lifelong Mets fan worked for a dozen years as a newspaper editor/writer before joining TSN in 2000 as a senior editor."

They give you a little background about the writer and his fan-ship. On April 17, 2007, an article by Chris Bahr gives this info:

• "About Bahr: Associate editor Chris Bahr has been with the Sporting News since 1996 and has been writing for SportingNews.com since the launch of the website in 1997. He penned the daily, interactive Sports Bahr column until 2003 and now writes regularly about baseball and football for the Fantasy Source in addition to his MLB blogs on SportingNews.com."

His fandom isn't mentioned in the bio, but toward the end of his 4/17 article Mr. Bahr says,

• "And before you accuse me of wearing pinstripe-colored glasses, remember that this forecast is coming from a die-hard Red Sox fan." (Chris had made a somewhat optimistic prediction about 1 player who happened to be on the Yankees and was anticipating he'd be attacked for having a pro-Yankee bias).

I'm not involved in predictions but others are. It doesn't seem to have hurt writers/reporters who've simply given a few facts about their life experience.

• Many baseball reporters/writers and pundits say they're not a fan of any 1 team and have taken steps to keep their own backgrounds and team fan-ship unknown to the rank and file fan. I don't conclude that a reporter will always put his guys in a favorable light. But with today's instant communications, there can be hundreds of story lines put forth over the career of a player, and not too much checking on each one before it gains wide acceptance. It's just nice The Sporting News venue has some bios and fan backgrounds there along with the opinions.

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State of New Mexico Still Backs Imus's Charity Horse Race

Santa Fe, N.M.--"The troubles of fired radio shock jock Don Imus won't affect state support of a horse race along the old Santa Fe Trail this fall that will benefit Imus' ranch for ill children.

The head of the New Mexico Sports Authority, Dennis Latta, said the state isn't going to turn its back on the project because of what happened with Imus. The authority is a race partner, helping with logistics.

Imus was fired from his radio show last week after using a racial slur to refer to the Rutgers women's basketball team."

• I don't agree that's why he was fired. He was fired due to a lack of management.

"The 500-mile endurance horse race from Santa Fe to Independence, Mo., is slated for September.

Proceeds go to the Imus Ranch near Santa Fe, where youngsters with cancer and other illnesses spend time during the summer."

AP Story, krqe.com News 13 website

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Pavano feels need to vamp with ice packs for reporters

Although doing his best Sarah Bernhardt impression, a NY Times reporter says the writers somehow managed to get by Pavano and talk to someone who actually pitches for the Yankees, Chase Wright. The Times' headline shows only 1 way of looking at it: "Torre Rewards Wright with a Start in Boston." Well, it also stems from the fact that Torre has no one else to throw in the snake pit, jeez. Personally, I can't watch those games, can't wait til they're over.

• "A group of journalists stepped aside to let Pavano pass while pressing closer to Wright, a rookie left-hander who, like Pavano, has a record of 1-0. (Carl Pavano had ice on his sore right forearm as he walked past Chase Wright’s locker).

The reporters brought news from Manager Joe Torre to Wright: He would start for the second time in the major leagues Sunday night against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.

“First I’ve heard of it,” Wright said. When asked his reaction, he smiled and said: “Excited. Good deal.”"

From article by Joe La Pointe, NY Times, 4/19/07, "Torre Rewards Wright with a Start in Boston." cookies req.

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John & Suzyn pay tribute to Kitty Carlisle Hart

In the Yankee radio booth John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman note the passing of Kitty Carlisle Hart at the age of 96. John and Suzyn both big fans of musical theatre, and Suzyn actually has experience on the Broadway stage. She mentions appearing with Miss Carlisle in Man of La Mancha. John recommends everyone see one of the great Marx Brothers movies, A Night at the Opera, which also featured Kitty Carlisle at Irving Thalberg's insistence.

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Francesa re: Phil Pepe Jr. & Billy Martin, Jr.

Francesa mentions the duo, Pepe's son & Billy Martin Jr., are in business as agents. 2 of their clients happen to be Yankee pitchers Chase Wright (debuted Tues. night) and Sean Henn.

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No one in baseball (eg. Charlie Manuel) should take queries from radio guys so seriously

Let the hipster radio guys build traffic to their websites, pad their resumes, fill up the airwaves, etc. People actually in baseball need to realize that's often all that's happening when they're being interviewed. Aside from any other issues, Manuel apparently became upset following a question asked him by a Philadelphia radio guy. I recall hearing Keith Foulke interviewed on a Boston radio station a year or 2 ago, and he seemed to take the questions seriously and very much to heart. This shouldn't be the case. Those being interviewed can be pleasant and forthcoming, offer some kind of information, but consider the circumstances: what do you know about the questioner and why do you give his often lame questions or remarks so much weight? Is he a proven intellectual giant? In most cases,no.

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Joel Sherman: Chase Wright=Ted Lilly

Joel Sherman on WOR-TV after the Indians-Yankee game is asked about the AA lefty pitcher the Yankees moved up for tonight. He says, "I see Ted Lilly." Although he gave up 2 walks to the first 2 batters, a total of 3 in his 5 innings, Sherman says it was understandable considering the circumstances and the extreme cold and rain. Says Wright is normally a "touch and feel" pitcher---up to you.

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Unsung hero of Virginia Tech massacre: 77 year old Mr. Librescu

The man on the left is the Virginia Tech massacre's version of the "Let's Roll" passenger in the 9/11/01 World Trade Center massacre. Liviu Librescu was an engineering professor and a Holocaust survivor. Mr. Librescu used his body to block a door, yelling at a group of students in the room to get out while they could. The murderer then broke down the door and shot the 77 year old gentleman in the chest. (Pictured on the right is Mr. Librescu's son Aryeh, who was interviewed from his home and wasn't a student at the campus). Photo from Virginia Tech.

• NEGLIGENCE EQUALS DEATH--MORE DAMNING EVIDENCE AGAINST VA. TECH:
• NOW NBC ANNOUNCES RECEIPT OF PACKAGE FROM KILLER IN THE 2 HOUR WINDOW IN WHICH THE VA. TECH ADMINISTRATION AND/OR POLICE HID IN FEAR AT THE COST OF 32 DEATHS, OTHERS MAIMED.
• THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS IN A PASSIVE SOCIETY, SO CONGRATULATIONS TO THOSE WHO WANTED THAT--YOU GOT IT.

4/18/07, 5:35PM--I started this blog talking about matters related to baseball THAT ARE THE RESULT OF A CULTURE OF PASSIVITY. I mentioned passivity earlier in this post, now find words on the subject of 'passivity' in the Va. Tech massacre from someone who says it better than I:

• "Nonetheless, it’s deeply damaging to portray fit fully formed adults as children who need to be protected. We should be raising them to understand that there will be moments in life when you need to protect yourself — and, in a “horrible” world, there may come moments when you have to choose between protecting yourself or others. It is a poor reflection on us that, in those first critical seconds where one has to make a decision, only an elderly Holocaust survivor,***Professor Librescu,*** understood instinctively the obligation to act.

"We do our children a disservice to raise them to entrust all to officialdom’s security blanket. Geraldo-like “protection” is a delusion: when something goes awry — whether on a September morning flight out of Logan or on a peaceful college campus — the state won’t be there to protect you. You’ll be the fellow on the scene who has to make the decision. As my distinguished compatriot Kathy Shaidle says:

When we say “we don’t know what we’d do under the same circumstances”, we make cowardice the default position.

I’d prefer to say that the default position is a terrible enervating passivity. Murderous misfit loners are mercifully rare. But this awful corrosive passivity is far more pervasive, and, unlike the psycho killer, is an existential threat to a functioning society." — Mark Steyn, a National Review columnist, is author of America Alone.""Article by Mark Steyn, 'A CULTURE OF PASSIVITY." 4/18/07. INSTEAD OF OUTRAGE YOU HAVE WEEPING AND MOURNING. IT WAS ALL PREVENTABLE, BUT LET'S NOT TELL ANYONE.

8:10PM--The tapes have been heard, NBC will now tell us what to think. I've seen no evidence I should believe a word NBC's Steve Capus says, so I prepare for him to blow smoke. (Steve's been in the news quite a bit in the past week). But this really takes the cake. The 8PM NBC radio news reports in shrill & alarming tone: the killer "compared himself to Jesus Christ." Thank heaven, they've solved the whole thing for us, gee, I'm so relieved. So Christianity is the main problem, now we know what to fix.

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Jesse Barfield in Yankee radio booth with John Sterling & Suzyn Waldman

Jesse very excited to watch his son Josh Barfield playing 2nd base in Yankee Stadium for the Cleveland Indians. Jesse a former all star right fielder for the Yankees sounds like a natural in the booth as well (was just there for the bottom of the 2nd inning) loves baseball, and all discuss Josh's impressions of NL vs AL. Jesse says one main difference in pitchers is:

• In the AL a pitcher behind in the count will throw an off speed pitch.
• In the NL a pitcher behind in the count will throw a fastball away.

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Advice on how to handle "closers" from Stan McNeal & Todd Jones

I just thought both of these from The Sporting News were interesting: Stan McNeal's especially for what he reported about Gagne's use, and Todd Jones' on comparing his own development to what it's like being a 'closer' in Houston.

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TIME and NEWSWEEK flip-flop--BACK USING IMUS

I thought Time and Newsweek said they were done associating themselves with Imus for publicity and financial gain? (Covers appearing the week of 4/16/07).

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So much for "advertisers dropping out"--Office Depot drops in

Listening to Imus reruns and discussion earlier today on KCAA radio, I heard a commercial for Office Depot which of course is in the same business as Staples. Staples received much publicity for canceling their advertising on the Imus show early on. Nice to hear Office Depot has a more considered approach.

• Update: KCAA says none of the commercials in the re-runs were paid for, ie the spots ran in the original programming and the station just chose to re-run them at no charge in the repeats. So apparently it was not the case that Office Depot or anyone else ran out & bought time on the Imus re-runs.

From the Press-Enterprise, 4/24/07

• But you can still listen til this Friday.

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Beware MLB teams jumping into fancy "carbon debt" scams

I'm a fan of energy conservation, solar and wind power, but not of the "carbon debt" scams that at least 1 baseball team, the Cincinnati Reds, has jumped into. In their case, it seems the Reds' official wants to feel like a movie star--he got the idea for paying carbon debts from watching the Oscars. (As posted on this blog on April 3, 2007). As should be obvious, the burgeoning 'carbon debt' industry is full of scams. Here's 1 article about the black market in "carbon credits" in Australia.

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WaPo Ombudsman on Sports Reporters' gambling on events they cover

"Should sports reporters be allowed to bet on events they cover? Of course not, especially since most sports betting is illegal. But does that extend to a pool, common in many newsrooms and offices?

Reader Bill Sullivan of the District raised the question after a blogger, Sean Jensen of AOL Sports, said he participated in a "high price" pool while covering the Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Ga., with renowned Post columnist Tom Boswell; Leonard Shapiro, a former Post staffer who covers golf on contract; and John Feinstein, a best-selling author and Post freelancer.

Sullivan called the pool "disturbing" and said it "would appear to be a deeply serious breach of journalism ethics," especially because "Boswell and Shapiro had criticized athletes for gambling because it has a corrupting influence on the sport.

"Do Post editors condone this sort of conduct -- particularly since the bets were placed on an event the reporters were covering for the paper? How much was wagered and how long has it been going on? How do the reporters justify their moral criticisms of others when they themselves engage in the same illegal behavior?"

The pool is a tradition going back about 25 years in a house rented by Boswell, Shapiro and other sportswriters who cover the Masters, Boswell said. Feinstein joined about 15 years ago. Jensen was the new guy in the house."

• This is more interesting to me in the category of "clubiness" or "in-crowd" of sports writers. These people are only human beings, not Gods, and it's important to see examples of that.

From the Washington Post, 4/15/07, by Deborah Howell, "Did a Betting Pool Cross the Line?"

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Death by Political correctness at Virginia Tech

Shhhh--the media are defining the Virginia Tech terrorist massacre in ways that ensure similar events will recur. Such as:

• A Tragedy
• Cause for Weeping
• Sad
• Cause for thoughts and feelings
• Need for extended therapy

This is exactly the action plan that allowed this massacre to take place and will allow more in the future. The only appropriate word for it is outrage. These things can easily be prevented, there are always others who have prior knowledge of their likelihood.

• AND SAY NOTHING FOR FEAR OF "OFFENDING SOMEONE'S FEELINGS," ETC.

The reason you can't leave your home today is because of "political correctness," the rule of avoiding anything controversial. Those who've bought and sold this philosophy are the real mass murderers.

• IF ONLY WE'D BEEN MORE 'UNDERSTANDING' OF THE MASS MURDERER, IF WE'D GIVEN HIM MORE GOVERNMENT 'PROGRAMS,' IF WE'D ALL JUST KEEP QUIET, MAYBE HE WOULDN'T HAVE GOTTEN MAD ENOUGH TO KILL US.

I don't see how Virginia Tech can survive this as it's clearly negligence on the administration's part. The lawsuits may do them in. (Some parents already call for firing of Va. Tech president and campus police chief).

• HERE WE GO: The murderer, an "English major whose creative writing was so disturbing that he was referred to the school's counseling service."

Yet, these school officials are so blindingly incompetent they're also contradicting themselves today:

• "He was a loner, and we're having difficulty finding information about him," school spokesman Larry Hincker said.

Since the previous statement about his referral to counseling is in the same article, the "spokesman" is obviously incorrect. Quotes in AP story by Adam Geller published by Yahoo News, 4/17/07, "Gunman's Writings Were Disturbing."

• UPDATE: Emphasizing fear instead of prevention is the opposite of what's needed. Thom Loverro of the Washington Times makes things worse by doing the former in his 4/17/07 column. Now I know where he stands: "Reminded Again of Frailty of Life," is not helpful.

Someone gets a clue at University of Colorado, 4/18/07 Of course, most School Massacres are Preventable says German psychologist at sister college of Virginia Tech, 4/18/07

• FROM THE NY TIMES, 4/18/07--PLENTY OF INFO ABOUT THE KILLER IS READILY AVAILABLE. WHY HAVEN'T VA. TECH OFFICIALS BEEN ARRESTED FOR CRIMINAL NEGLIGENCE?

"The hostility in the videos was apparent in 2005, when Mr. Cho’s sullen and aggressive behavior culminated in an unsuccessful effort by the campus police to have him involuntarily committed to a mental institution in December.

For all the interventions by the police and faculty members, Mr. Cho was allowed to remain on campus and live with other students. There is no evidence that the police monitored him and no indication that the authorities or fellow students were aware of any incident that pushed him to his rampage.

Despite Mr. Cho’s time in the mental health system, when an English professor was disturbed by his writings last fall and contacted the associate dean of students, the dean told the professor that there was no record of any problems and that nothing could be done, said the instructor, Lisa Norris."

Article in the NY Times, 4/18/07, "Killer Showed Troubled State in Fall 2005," by Shaila Dewan and Marc Santora

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Francesa--"I'd rather lose than see Clemens back as a Yankee."

Mike Francesa just said this on his WFAN radio show with Chris Russo. I'm noting it for 2 reasons: First, because I agree with him, and Second, Francesa is a Yankee fan and doesn't want Clemens back. Most of what you read from the baseball media assumes that the Yankees and their fans want this guy. I don't know about team management, but at least 2 fans would "rather lose" than see Clemens on the team.

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AD AGE CREDITS MARKETERS FOR IMUS, THEN FLIP FLOPS & CREDITS EMAILERS

"NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- Procter & Gamble was the first to walk away from Don Imus on April 6 -- yes, that was the Friday before the media frenzy erupted and almost a full week before the radio host's corporate bosses realized they had no choice but to pull the plug on the curmudgeon's show."

• As I've noted elsewhere, this isn't news. P&G reliably dumps everything at the first email from social groups. NOT NEWS.

"If the whole Imus debacle tells us anything, it is that today the marketers are truly the reigning power in the fragmented media world.""

• You are so wrong.

"The week's events underscored what many pressure groups had proved in similar content controversies -- that the best way to effect change in media is to go after the ad dollars. There are so many media options today that it is easier for a marketer to pull out of a media outlet than put up with the negative publicity and the risk of a fall-off in sales."

• Now they credit the emailers, so it's not really the marketers...

"What's more, marketers have grown accustomed to those who have grievances about media content***clogging up their inboxes*** and switchboards. Hence, P&G getting out of "Imus" two days after he first made his "idiot comment meant to be amusing" about the Rutgers women's basketball team; well before Al Sharpton arrived on the scene; and at a time when only a small handful of media outlets had even reported the incident."

• From Ad Age, 4/16/07, "Imus Mess Makes Arbiters of Advertisers," Andrew Hampp

YOU GUYS ARE ALL OUT OF TOUCH. THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE THERE WAS NO BOSS AT CBS RADIO TO TAKE CHARGE OF THE EMAILERS AND TO TELL DON IMUS NOT TO LOWER HIMSELF BY GOING ON HUSTLER AL SHARPTON'S SO-CALLED RADIO SHOW.

• IT HAPPENED BECAUSE OF WEAK MANAGEMENT IN A COMPANY THAT ACTUALLY SPECIALIZES IN REFRIGERATORS AND LIGHT BULBS.

P.S. Celebrity Ad Guy Donny Deutsch's name is featured on the Ad Age front page asking for positivity. What he really means is just shut up and listen to him. Sorry, I can't do that.

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Branch Rickey 3rd during Padres-Dodgers game

Branch Rickey's grandson says a movie about the Jackie Robinson story is aiming for release this fall and Robert Redford will be playing the role of Mr. Rickey. Branch Rickey III sounds like the nicest person you'd ever want to meet. In response to a query by an ESPN announcer, he noted his grandfather was quite religious and never attended a baseball game on a Sunday. Branch Rickey III is president of the Pacific Coast League.

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Jason Whitlock--Sharpton & Jackson are in it for the money

When I criticized his and Jesse Jackson’s irresponsible and divisive methods of seeking social justice Friday morning, Al Sharpton dismissed the attack by questioning my credibility to lodge a complaint.

“There are always guys that are not in the ring who want to call the fight,” Sharpton said. “You know that going in the ring; you’re going to have critics … You can’t satisfy people who are not in the ring.”

It’s a clever response. It ignores the obvious.

• Jesse and Al don’t want anyone else in the ring. They’ve turned the fight for racial equality into a money and fame pit, a place to wrestle for camera time, “consulting” jobs and handshake deals that would make NCAA investigators blush in astonishment.

If people with a modicum of integrity were allowed in the ring and, more importantly, allowed to choose the opponents and the length of the battle, the money would run dry and Jesse and Al would be forced to look for real work.

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Typical upwardly mobile Yankee beat writer, Mark Feinsand

Feinsand again shows he's pitching for his next glamorous job, using his position as a Yankee beat writer to propel him. Today he wastes Yankee fans' time with a column on how Mike Piazza might like to be a Yankee, oblivious to the fact no one here wants Piazza.

• Feinsand, Yankee management has already stated this as a courtesy, it should be obvious anyway. If you paid any attention to Piazza's performance the last couple of years on the Mets, you'd know why no one here wants him. The NY Times and some connected to glossy sports publications adore him for some strange reason, so maybe you're trying to get noticed by big-wigs at those places. That's what many Yankee beat writers do--use the job as a platform for other things.

Feinsand does his usual on Yankee radio today making sure he rapidly takes over John and Suzyn's interview. This way, he gets his own predictable anti-Yankee agenda across, today comparing Carl Pavano's injury to one another Yankee pitcher had in 2006--as far as I can ascertain, erroneously.

• First, as Suzyn and John announced, the team is "taking Pavano's word for it" about his 'injury' at this point. It hasn't been characterized as anything yet by a doctor.
• Unlike Pavano, the other pitcher Feinsand worked into his speech had more innings pitched than any other late inning reliever at that time (August 31), including a number of multi-inning appearances. Pavano has only pitched in 1 game. How would Feinsand know to characterize Pavano's injury in the way he did?

This shouldn't be a free-for-all. If someone's going to have his picture in the paper everyday, his name all over the media as an authoritative source, and receive the good graces of John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman on every Yankee radio broadcast, I expect him to be respectful of the facts.

• UPDATE: 5:10 PM Tuesday 4/17/07 Jon Heyman on ESPN 1050AM in New York with Michael Kay says he thinks Pavano's injury is probably "a fraud." He doesn't believe the guy. This is in response to Michael Kay saying "it's the same thing Rivera had last year." Where did Kay get this information? Possibly Brian Cashman's interview in the previous hour where he said Pavano "thinks it's the same thing Mariano Rivera had last September." This is what I heard him say. So far, I've heard no doctor's diagnosis, just Pavano invoking Rivera and having that publicized to millions by Feinsand, Cashman, and Michael Kay. At least Jon Heyman exhibits signs of having a conscience.

Update #2, 1:37PMET Friday, 4/20/07, Feinsand appears on Charley Steiner's XM show and says again, Pavano "has the same thing Rivera had last September." He also mentions Pavano had an MRI YESTERDAY (4/19) and was diagnosed with a 'mild elbow strain.' If the diagnosis was only made 4/19, how did Feinsand know what it was 5 days ago? Did he examine Pavano? Did the doctor tell Feinsand the diagnosis was the same as Rivera's which has been described endlessly as a 'forearm strain?' Steiner didn't follow up. He wants to keep his job.

• Update #3, approx. 5PM, Friday 4/20/07, Joe Torre on WFAN with Mike and Chris says Pavano's injury is "really a forearm strain rather than an elbow strain." The forearm would be more in line with the Rivera incident, however, Feinsand has said it's an "elbow" thing.

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