BWA is probably, and by probably I mean definitely, not the best idea I've ever had...but people like passion, and hey. I'm here for the people.
I have two things I want to cover today.
1. Donald Sterling
2. The importance of a bullpen that doesn't blow EVERY EFFING LEAD EVER. (Dramatized for effect)
So yesterday I did a basic rundown of what was going on in the sports world and things that irked me. I purposely left Donald Sterling out and let's just say a good friend called me on it last night.
I don't like commenting on things like this for multiple reasons. The first being that I'm white and no matter how tactfully I word my thoughts, some one is going to throw that fact in my face. So, disclaimer: I know. I'm still allowed to have an opinion and I try to express mine respectfully so if you DO have a problem with what I'm going to say please also try to remain respectful.
The second being that my very wise father once told me that race, religion, and politics were three conversations best left undiscussed with 99% of the people you come into contact with. Sorry Papa Bear, but we're nailing 2 of 3 on the head today.
To catch you up to speed: The clippers owner, Mr. Donald Sterling, was caught making racist remarks on a recording that was released to the public earlier this week.
Yes, It's insane. He owns a team in a league in which the majority of the players are non-whites, its 2014 and racism SHOULD no longer exist, and it seems that his comments were truly what he believes. Probably the craziest part is the fact that he makes these comment to his mixed girlfriend. (Which is mind boggling to me. How does one seem to be a true bigot in a recording but also dates a half black woman?)
The Clippers players have been put in an unfair position but have chosen to silently protest by wearing their Clippers issued clothing inside out, except their uniforms. Sterling requested a meeting with Coach Doc Rivers, who declined.
Today Sterling was fined 2.5 million dollars for the comments and handed down a life long ban from the NBA.
Good. Right?
Something just rubs me the wrong way about the fact that a vengeful ex-girlfriend could release an illegal recording and face zero consequences. In fact, she's being rewarded with an (alleged) book deal and goodness knows what kind of money for handing over the recording. (She claims that she didn't hand over that recording, but she recorded it and it got out somehow. She is absolutely to blame.)
I agree something drastic needed to be done. The NBA simply can't have an owner that is racist. There's not room for that in today's society and with the amount of people that the NBA reaches it must convey that message. But a lifetime ban? What do y'all think? I really can't wrap my mind around it being the right decision or not because I don't think anybody is fully qualified to make that call. It's just mind blowing to me that we hand down a ban that harsh and yet people who lie and cheat to get ahead, which in my mind is just as bad, serve year long bans and step back into the adoring eye. What if it had been a player?
Too many "what if's." My brain hurts.
Which brings me to something that makes my insides physically hurt.
HOW IMPORTANT IS A BULLPEN?
Y'all it's basically a miracle that I didn't actually break my keyboard pounding out that last line because it was typed with quite a bit of anger and force. (Sorry baby MacBook. You do nothing to deserve such abuse.)
I know I briefly mentioned yesterday about the Angels fans starting a #blowpen campaign.
It's sort of clever. It's sort of funny. It's unfortunately all to accurate for more than one team in the AL west.
Take tonight. I'm sitting at a sports bar watching the Astros, the Cards, and the Rangers-Flyers playoff game. (One of those was NOT worth watching and I may or may not have listed it last.) My head is on a constant swivel.
Cut to the Astros game. I notice the camera cut to a shot of pitching coach Brent Strom picking up the bullpen phone. Quick glance to how many pitches Cosart is at, (85ish), andddd cue verbal "NO. NO NO NO. PUT IT DOWN."
It's a one run game. He's 23! LEAVE HIM IN THERE. But seriously, leave him in there. I do not trust the bull pen one bit.
"But Katelyn! The Astros have won their last two games!"
Yeah, because of actual bat participation, and because McHugh pitched a DEEEEEEP gem on Sunday. (Can we take a moment to appreciate how great Dallas Keuchel's twitter handle is?)
It's seriously to the point where when I see the phone to the bullpen being picked up, I just automatically hand the other team runs. Don't believe me? In the Saturday win Williams BLEW the save, and then picked up the win thanks to some big bats...and then almost blew it again. Yikes.
Anyone that knows me knows that I'm basically all about pitching. I've always believed that the best offense is a good defense. Love starting pitching. I think it's so crucial to success its unreal. Every team I've seen in the world series has had some serious depth at starting pitcher. I also love closers. How crazy is it that some of these guys really only have two pitches and still are so successful?
I think I've always undervalued the rest of the bullpen. Like, yes I obviously understand that having good relief guys is important, but since I don't really subscribe to a pitch count theory I guess I've just always kind of forgotten the need?
It's also kind of difficult when one of your favorite college pitchers was known for throwing complete games. It's funny how that can kind of skew your idea of the norm.
It makes you appreciate how good the Yankees had it with their basically Closer A and Closer B situation in Robertson and Rivera. D-rob is your set-up guy in the 8th, Rivera...well you know. The greatest closer of all time. When you routinely expect your starters to go 7 quality innings...well, theres not really much need for much of a bullpen, eh?
I know it's a new problem for Angels fans, but it's certainly not a new problem for Astros fans.
Now how do they fix it?
That my friends, is a multi-million dollar question. Literally.
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