Random, Scattered Baseball-Related Thoughts

So, there have been some baseball-related things on my mind as of late and some new happenings that I just don't understand. So let's get started.


Fish Get a New Tank

We'll begin with the Florida, soon-to-be-Miami, Marlins. Since 1993, the Fish have been trying desperately to get a baseball-specific stadium to escape from the horrible confines of Dolphin Stadium. Well, they finally got that stadium thanks to the city approving the new digs.

Deadspin already beat me to it, but this then fulfills one of the two criteria needed to fulfill the prediction made by Back to the Future II correct, as the Marlins will become the Miami Marlins in 2012. Now, if we can just get the Marlins in the AL somehow, although I would like to make it clear that I am not condoning the Cubs winning the World Series.

While looking through the design plans, I noticed this:

I apologize for the quality of what I'm trying to show, but is that at least a section and a half of obstructed-view seating? Aren't we past that in this day and age? And furthermore...A SECTION AND A HALF OF OBSTRUCTED-VIEW SEATING?

Great way to thank the fans for coming out. Either that thing is a pillar or it's a wall extending back to the stadium wall; regardless of which, it will block fans from seeing the action. Luckily, HOK is doing the construction, and I remember hearing them state that they will not build a stadium with obstructed seating. So, if I'm seeing this image correctly, then it will be addressed before completion of the project.

There are some more pictures here. I hope they nickname this thing "The Shell" or something to that effect, since it reminds me of a tortoise shell. One positive thing I will say, though, is that I like how the retractable roof doubles as an awning. That's a great design element.


WBC MVP?

The WBC ended with Japan defeating Korea in their fifth matchup of the tournament, and Daisuke Matsuzaka came away with the Classic MVP honor. Dice-K was 3-0 with a 2.45 ERA, and him and I have something in common now!

We both think he shouldn't have won the honor.

Matsuzaka has been reported as saying he thought that Hisashi Iwakuma should have won for his solid relief performances, and I think Ichiro should have garnered the title. Iwakuma could also have a solid claim to it, but really, Ichiro was the MVP of that team.

First off, in Japanese culture the oldest person is almost always the leader, and that was Ichiro, and the team acknowledged him as such. Secondly, his clutch performance in the final game alone should be enough to make him the MVP, but his stats were solidly consistent throughout the tournament.

He was first on Team Japan in hits, runs, and total bases. He also was third on the team in RBI. The only thing I can say that hurt his cause was the fact he only batted .273, which still isn't enough to not give him the honor. I think that with his leadership and his clutch performance he should be the WBC MVP, although I do acknowledge Matsuzaka and Iwakuma as solid choices as well.


Ken Burns' Baseball

Yes, I know, it came out 15 years ago, but I have never had a chance to see it all the way though. I've watched The Civil War before and loved it, so last night I sat down and watched just the first two innings (that's what the nine episodes are called). I have to say that I am completely captivated by the series, and I think anyone who is a baseball fan who hasn't watched them yet should.

So much interesting history is in this series and I'm really glad a great documentarian like Burns did this. One of my favorite parts about baseball is the history. I think that's why this sport almost always holds my attention and why I could talk about baseball all day, everyday. Also, Burns has stated that an "extra" 10th inning will be coming out in 2010 that will cover the events of 1994-2008.

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