Red Sox delayed in Chicago evokes memories
Ohtani a no go
Good morning, all and happy Saturday!
When the red-hot Boston Red Sox were delayed from leaving Chicago, following Thursday afternoon’s victory, no one thought their plane would depart until the following day. Numerous reports indicate mechanical problems forced the repeated delays, until the Red Sox finally left for New York to play the Mets four hours before last night’s 7:15 starting time. The Red Sox did make it.
It brought to mind the days, when I broadcast games and drove the team bus for the Kinston Blue Jays, at the time the Single-A affiliate for Toronto. Having a broadcaster drive the team bus would be unheard of today, but back then it was not unusual. There was an occasion or two, when the bus had a mechanical issue or the bus driver got lost - I guess my GPS wasn’t working - and we arrived an hour before the game. Fortunately, the players were understanding. They were probably happy they didn’t have to take batting practice in 100-degree heat, even though the air conditioning on our old, GMAC 4200 coach - double clutch, I might add - was spotty.
Be it the Red Sox of today or the Kinston Blue Jays of the early 1980s, the show must go on.
MLB draft starts today
MLB launches its draft of amateur players today in Philadelphia, site of this year’s All-Star game. The draft starts at 1 p.m. and has been reduced from three to two days. The first four rounds will be held today with the remaining 16 tomorrow.
The Chicago White Sox have the first selection. The Mets, the Yankees, Toronto, Philadelphia and the Dodgers will be penalized for exceeding the second threshold in the Competitive Balance Tax. That means they pick 10 slots later. In other words, the Mets, who were slated to pick 17th because of their record last season, will not select until number 27.
Here is a link to a more detailed explanation.
Ohtani scratched
Shohei Ohtani will not be attending Tuesday night’s All-Star game because of irritation in his left knee. He was also scratched from his pitching assignment last night and will only serve as DH this weekend. The Dodgers want him to rest through the break.
Ohtani turned 32 on July 5. Aaron Judge turned 34 on April 26. Although that might not be old, from an athletic perspective, the body starts to break down, regardless of how hard a player works to stay in shape. It will be interesting to see if Ohtani can avoid the nagging injuries that come with age, but at last check Father Time remains undefeated.
That is going to do it for today’s newsletter. Thank you for subscribing and have a terrific weekend!
DAN