One of the questions we ask Loons players and coaches in our 'Inside the Dugout' series is the nicest of their teammates. It is one in a group of 'teammate identification' questions and, while some questions render a good mix of responses, others incite some names more frequently than others. When asking about the nicest, several Loons have quickly responded with Pedro Guerrero. The best way to describe Pedro is to take a page from Jonah Hill's character's book in the movie, Superbad, when describing a fictional classmate as "...a sweetheart of a guy." That's "Pedey." But, that's just my opinion...one of the clubhouse favorites spills his guts.
Inside the Dugout: Pedro Guerrero
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Monday Trivia Question: Who is the youngest player to win a batting title? Weekend Trivia Answer: Jean Van De Velde
I saw final installment of the Christopher Nolan's Batman triology, The Dark Knight Rises last Saturday at a special 9AM showing at Midland's NCG Theatres. I've never seen a 9AM movie before but I loved it, especially considering that the movie was basically a three hour commitment, when it was done, I still had an entire day ahead of me. Nothing was really that different except for that I didn't get popcorn--it just didn't sound too appealing that early in the morning. As for the movie, I could piggyback on the trendy: It was awesome or Oh...my...gosh...BEST...MOVIE...EVER but I'll hit you with this one: It was phenomenal. Seriously, though, I loved it and I'm not always the guy that loves the trendy movie but I thought this movie was very well done, I loved the interwoven storylines and how they all come together at the end. But, despite my enjoyment for the movie, the Colorado shootings were still fresh on my mind.
I'm not going to start some rant directly about the tragic happenings--that's been done and done and done and frankly, being 100% uninvolved in the tragedy, I almost feel like it is unfair to those truly impacted. I will, however, reveal my biggest fear in life...and yes, it is bigger than public speaking.
People get into fights and arguments and sometimes go their separate ways on shaky ground. It might eat at that person or both people but, in most cases, they know that it will get resolved within minutes of their next interaction. That next interaction...that inevitable interaction...Until it doesn't happen. Unfortunately, for the family and friends of the Colorado shooting victims--and the family and friends of those whose lives are lost each day--that next interaction does not physically exist. That, to me, is a tremendous tragedy.
My biggest fear in life is that my last interaction with a family member or a friend is negative and I never get the opportunity to get back on positive ground. Because of this, my last words to my family members--be it in person, on the phone, by text, email, or any other means of communication--is always 'I Love You.' I mean it, too. I want to know those were my last words to them should anything happen. And for friends, I just do my best to never leave on anything other than positive terms. Have I taken some chances by violating these terms? Yes. And I'm thankful for every opportunity I get to make things right with the people with whom I argue. But, if I may wrap up my soapbox, I just want to reinforce the importance of your interactions with those that mean the most to you. Cherish them. Enjoy them. Remember them. Remember them with a smile on your face. Remember them with love in your heart.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Most Interesting Story No One is Talking About
Say what you want about Ron Artest or...Metta World Peace. He's crazy. He's a bad person. He's a goon. He's a thug. What do I think? I think he's a person with great intentions who does not always demonstrate who he truly is through his actions. I'm not a doctor, but I believe he's had to overcome and still battles with medical challenges that have influenced the decisions he has made. I think he's one of the most intriguing athletes I've ever come across. Never have I observed someone do something so heinous, only to follow it up with an explanation and corresponding actions that make you want to forgive him. And then, the next time he does wrong, his comments make you want to say, Yo, bro, I'm not an idiot...Don't try that excuse. But, at his core, I think he's much more good than bad. We all struggle with various challenges of various degrees...I think Metta struggles with his own demons. He grew up in a rough neighborhood where violence and what we perceive as "thuggish actions" were all he knew--they were ingrained within him. I think he's tried to overcome that and grow beyond that person, but still has to fight it. I root for him. I think he tries to be a better person and to help others. Maybe you agree, maybe you don't. Either way, check this out. And be sure to listen to the audio link at the bottom and take the time to hear Metta discuss everything. Love him. Hate him. Either way. The guy is so intriguing.
Weekend Trivia Question: Paul Lawrie has the largest 54-hole comeback in the British Open Championship, winning after trailing by 10 strokes, defeating whom? Thursday Trivia Answer: Joe Wilhoit (69 games; Joe DiMaggio had a 61 game hitting streak)
Next week we will release the great-grandaddy of 'em all--the 'This...Is...Loons...Trivia' CHAMPIONSHIP. The matchup? Second-year Loons third baseman, Jesse Bosnik, versus the Cinderella story, a fifteenth-seed who guessed that Africa was a country in South America, Pratt Maynard.
We interviewed each finalist in preparation of next week's BIG EVENT. Here's what they had to say...
-Packers OL, T.J. Lang, with some wise advice directed towards his peers
-The Cubs having some airport fun
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Wednesday Trivia Question: Who has the longest Minor League hitting streak of All-Time? Monday Trivia Answer: Steve Stricker (12)
One of the most exciting parts of watching a Loons game is watching James Baldwin III. Don't look at his numbers. JB's still young, still learning, and still growing as a baseball player. All you need to do is watch him move. He doesn't "run" or "race" or "sprint." No, no...he "flies." When I attended baseball games growing up, I looked forward to my favorite team and favorite players hitting home runs. Now, watching the Loons, I find that I root for a JBIII extra-base hit to see him turn on the jets. It's incredible. I sat the speeding bullet down and got to know him a bit more...
Monday Trivia Question: Which active golfer has the most PGA Tour Victories without a major victory? Weekend Trivia Answer: Yogi Berra and Buster Posey
-Great gallery of current/former stars when they were young...Who is your favorite?
-Perhaps the most upset you'll hear Vin Scully get on a Dodgers broadcast...Can anyway convey disappointment as smoothly and as calmly as Vin? This sounds so much better than the Hawk Harrelson's of the world who yell and scream and kick and moan.
This is a great way to remember the late Aaron Collins' dying wish.
I think it's important for everyone to try and positively impact someone's life on a daily basis.
I've never really liked Jay Cutler. He always seems upset and miserable--I understand that he just does not wear his emotions on his sleeve. The got a unique opportuntiy to take part in one of baseball's cooler traditions: singing ?ake Me Out to the Ballgame at Wrigley Field. And, as is par for the course, he looked miserable...
Mascots put themselves out there, doing crazy tricks and stunts and all sorts of wacky things. They almost always execute their task, but when they don't--so longas they're unhurt--its hilarious
Weekend Trivia Question: Who are the only two catchers to have won a World Series and started an All-Star Game before the age of 25? Thursday Trivia Answer: Augie Garrido and Andy Lopez
Our fine friends over at Bennigans "chip" in--pun intended--providing us with Cheeseburger Chips
And also adding to the entertainment is our Bennigans bartending buddy, Bob (well, really its Rob but, you know, Bob and Robert...one in the same...just go with the whole B thing).
And be sure to check out Jared's great chat with Keno Davis, former National Coach of the Year and the leading man of the CMU Chippewa Men's Basketball program
After a two-week hiatus, Tuesday Tabletalk is back and better than before...long distance style with Andrew Edge. Our favorite former catcher checks in with us and we catch up with him. What's on the docket? Better yet, what isn't on the docket....
And check out Brad Golder's interview with Steve Johnson, the 16th former Loon to make it to the Major Leagues.
A team's manager very much impacts a broadcaster in the minor leagues. They can dictate, to some extent, our level of access and their level of openness determines how accurately we can convey the heartbeat of the team. John Shoemaker is a broadcaster's dream. He's accomodating and flexible. He is so passionate about the game and he loves to teach. Most importantly, though, he's a great guy. I have very much enjoyed spending time with Shoe. Get to know him a bit...
The British Open Championship is next weekend. We'll be bringing you live updates throughout all four days.
Who's going to win?
A: Tiger Woods, Luke Donald, Lee Westwood, Bubba Watson, Rory McIlroy
OR
B: The Field
Guess correctly and enter a drawing to win a Hole in One Golf Book (2), offering you 69 free rounds of golf or a $30 Range Gift Card to Big Als' (5).
Winners will be announced on SportsNight Monday, July 23rd. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A minor league roster changes more frequently than a high school teenage girl changes outfits before going to meet up with friends. By way of either a promotion or an injury, the Loons have lost a dominant left-handed reliever, two Midwest League All-Stars, "the Godfather," and a toolsy outfielder, among others. Yet, I'd say their biggest loss came earlier this week when they demoted a catcher who had seen just 17 at-bats over five games this season.
On Tuesday, I received a text from Andrew Edge that read: they're sending me to Arizona. I was crushed, but happy at the same time.
I met Andrew last summer when he was putting together a strong year for the Ogden Raptors. When Ogden came to Great Falls, MT, home of the team I was broadcasting for, the Great Falls Voyagers, I was excited to see a close friend of mine and a former college mate, Adam Dedeaux. Adam and I had planned on grabbing dinner his first night and he asked if it was okay if his roommate tagged along. Happy to meet someone new--and sympathetic to the quality of the team's hotel in Great Falls--I had no problem allowing another to join in on the fun. That roommate was Andrew Edge. I drove them home a few hours later after a great meal...I think Andrew had me laughing for all but a handful of minutes.
When I looked at the initial roster of this years' Loons squad, I was excited to see Andrew. He and I weren't best of friends by any means, but it was a familiar face. I didn't really know much about Andrew other than he had a great sense of humor.
Andrew was relegated to bullpen catcher duties. Its not an official position, but, rather, a label for the third catcher, who, typically is not on the active roster. In my experiences, most bullpen catchers are without much of a future in professional baseball (but, usually, they have a very bright future beyond the lines). They have a meaningful last name, or they are just good guys the organization likes to have around. Andrew, on the other hand, has a lot of talent. A great arm with a lot of pop in his bat, Andrew was anything but the typical "bullpen catcher."
Joining Edge on the roster were catchers, Pratt Maynard (3rd round) and Jan Vazquez (6th round). Three guys competing for one spot in the lineup. Essentially, three guys fighting each other for their future. In an industry full of guys already with unmatched levels of competitiveness, you'd imagine the catching trio harbored some level of animosity for one another; especially Edge, for the other two, as the odd one out.
As a guy picked in the 24th round, Edge does not come with the same type of commitment from the Dodgers organization. Their investment in him is minimal, especially compared to his catching counterparts. Every professional organization--even outside of sports--will give guys in which they have a greater investment more opportunities. Andrew was victimized by this process. And, I say that to identify why he was almost always the odd-man out, but not to diminish the contributions of Jan and Pratt, both of whom are also key members of this Loons squad and deserving of their opportunities.
Yet, these three were as close as any set of Loons teammates. They were always supporting each other--the first to offer congratulations when one succeeded and the first to offer condolonces and support when one struggled. And it wasn't for show. It was genuine. It was done when no one was around.
And, Andrew, specifically, waking up each day knowing that he wasn't playing, showed up each day with an objective to get better. Despite being inactive, Edge was routinely the first one at the park getting extra hitting and extra instruction. If he wasn't happy with his round of batting practice, he would be frustrated--far from the laissez-faire attitude you see from players who don't play.
Go back and re-watch several of our Monday Inside the Dugout videos and you'll find that Edge was recognized as the team's hardest worker. More than that, he was a great teammate and a great guy to have as a leader and a model, too.
Going to Arizona, Andrew will finally have a chance to receive consistent playing time. He gets his opportunity. I hope he takes advantage of it and, I know, all his teammates in Midland share that sentiment. He has been a great teammate since day one, and now they get to be great organizational-mates for him.
We have now reached the Final Four stage of Loons Trivia. The biggest Cinderella Story, Pratt Maynard, is featured in this week's matchup versus the three-seed and solid trivia player, Scott Schebler. Does Pratt's journey continue, or does he improbable run finally end? Find out...
Thursday Trivia Question: Who are the only two coaches to have won a College World Series with two different programs? Wednesday Trivia Answer: Joe Morgan and Davey Concepcion & Robinson Cano and Derek Jeter
And, most importantly, with the ESPYs tonight, it brings back memories of one of my favorite speeches of all time. It is Jimmy Valvano's speech from the 1993 ESPYs and it still gives me chills every time I hear it.
Deron Williams signs his contract with the Nets via his iPad
Wednesday Trivia Question: Jim Thome recently hit his 13th walk-off home run--the most of all time. It broke a six-way tie of those with 12. Who are the remaining five with 12 walk-off home runs?
Tuesday Trivia Answer: North Carolina, San Francisco, Kentucky, Ohio State, and UCLA
So, I got some bad news. Andrew Edge, the star of Tuesday Tabletalk, is leaving the Loons and heading to Arizona. I say its bad news because everyone loves having him around. But, at the end of the day, it will get him at-bats and give him his deserved shot. He hit over .400 in limited time here and the guy has a big bag of talent, now its time for him to show it off. This doesn't mean the end of Tuesday Tabletalk, as we are going to try and make it work long distance, but we also have a group of great guys in that Loons clubhouse that will step in when needed. Andrew wanted to send his best to everyone in Midland--he would have come on but he is packing and getting everything taken care of.
I'm going to write a little bit more about this either tonight or later this week.
Who is Nick Akins? In his second go-around with the Loons, I wanted to figure that out. At times, he is very involved in the conversation and insightful. Other times, he is quiet--is he unhappy to be here? Unfriendly, even? No. Not at all. Surprisingly, he's just shy. I probably learned more about Nick than I had anyone else from this segment. I always liked Nick--he and I have gotten along well since day one-- but I now I think I understand him.
We are taking our All-Star Break as we refresh and rejuvenate. Inside the Dugout returns Monday, July 9 and everything falls in place thereafter. So please take a look back and enjoy all that's existed on our blog and also check out some of our interview highlights from the last few months.
Week Trivia Question: LeBron James won his first NBA Championship after winning his 115th career playoff game. Who is the only NBA player to have played in more playoff games before winning his first ever Championship?
Weekend Trivia Answer: Harmon Killebrew (MLB) and Jerry West (NBA)
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