Play Time

Today I purchased MLB 08: The Show for Playstation 2. Yes, I am broke and can’t afford any luxuries like PS3. MLB 08 has a few different features that is extremely helpful to all players. The main feature is the new Hitter and Pitcher Analysis. This is basically a history of every pitch thrown and in every count. For all you stat junkies (including myself) out there, this is definitely a plus.

Also, every player is affected by relatively each at bat. Their attributes are determined by how well each player performs in every game. I have yet to play a full game, because I spent hours creating Yankee prospects to be placed on my team. My brother (who hates sports) calls this the “Stat game” and can’t figure out why I spend so much time doing this. Maybe because I don’t know how to update rosters. I am too lazy to read the booklet. All you need to know is that Joba is a stud and Pavano is HEALTHY. I still cut him though.

The game-play seems like it has not been changed. But, there is a new feature that tells you exactly when to press the jump button to rob a HR ball. Can’t wait to play a game!!! (Guarantee you I will play the “Stat game” and just simulate each season). I would like to play all 162 games but it just takes way too long to do that. You say I can shorten my season? (I firmly believe it is not a season if you play 161 games or less). We comprehend statistics on a 162 game basis and not anything more or less.

The only issue I have with this game thus far is the soundtrack.  The soundtrack is just pitiful and outdated.  PS3 allows for users to make their own soundtrack.  Is this supposed to make us buy PS3?  Actually, it makes me want to have another Disco Demolition Night!

Anyway, you should definitely check out MLB 08: The Show. It will keep you occupied for quite a while, but turn the volume off.

Never a Dull Moment

I must admit, this past offseason was physically and mentally draining. But that is what being a Yankee fan is all about. The offseason is really just another mini-season in itself. So why don’t I touch upon some of the things that transpired the last few months or so.

1. Joe Girardi named new Yankees Manager: It was thought that Joe Torre would come back for what seemed like his 83rd consecutive year at the helm. He was offered a contract by the Stein Brothers, but he would have to take a pay cut. Ultimately, Torre could have earned a lot more money through accomplished incentives. Well, this didn’t fly with Mr. T and he and his staff bolted to LA, which really is a good fit for him. He used to be a broadcaster in LA before he became the Yankees Manager, so I am sure he feels really comfortable there. Joe Girardi and Don Mattingly were highly sought after potential successors to Torre. Can Girardi win the respect of the team, will he be too tough, can he handle a young pitching staff, will he get along with ownership and the media, is he too different from Torre? Will Mattingly’s demeanor be his enemy or ally, Could Mattingly’s hero status win him the job, is he ready to be manager? In the end, obviously Girardi won the job and this was a good decision.

2 . Johan Santana sweepstakes: Johan is considered by many as the best pitcher in all of baseball. What will a team have to give up in order to land Santana? Will the Twins just keep him and make a run at World Series? The Yankees didn’t want to part with Hughes and eventually was put in a package. The Twins declined the offer in hopes of the Yankees adding another piece…primarily Ian Kennedy. The Yanks knew Santana would have to wave his no trade clause and he would require a huge contract in order for any trade to go through. This would drive the price for Santana down. The Red Sox kept poking their heads in from time to time, just to make sure that the Yanks didn’t get him. The Sox had a couple of deals on the table apparently, but I don’t think they were serious. Although, with Schilling out for quite a while…would of, could of, should of. The Twins new GM overplayed his hand and had to settle for a trade with the Mets. If the Yanks couldn’t get him, the next best bet would be for the Mets to land him.

3. Mitchell Report Debacle: I really do hate bringing steroids up again and I don’t think that it needs to be discussed any further, but Clemens is probably a big fat liar. And McNamee is not a credible witness. Pettitte was unfortunately named in this report and his HGH use was found to be accurate. It is kind of fishy how he delayed his retirement and signed with the Yanks a day before the report came out.

4. A-Rod back with the Yanks: This was probably the strangest story of the offseason, although the end has yet to be written for Clemens and Pettitte. To make a long story short…Arod wants money, Arod blows off Steingbrenner’s request to talk, Arod follows agent and opts out, Steinbrenner essentially says he is no longer welcome back, Yankee fans hate him, money is not there on the open market, Arod calls Steinbrenner through a third party because the Yanks do have the money, Arod thought the Yanks didn’t want him back, Arod apologizes to Yankees and negotiates deal himself with Boras on the outside, gets record setting deal, Yankee fans love him. And we live happy ever after.

5. New Bosses: Due to his declining health and other factors, George Steinbrenner has relinquished his power and given it to his two sons: Hank and Hal Steinbrenner. Hank firmly implanted himself into the thick of every Yankee issue. Like father like son.  As previously stated in another post, he also can’t keep his mouth shut like his father. We will see if this is going to cause a big problem in the future for Cashman and staff.

This has been an amazing offseason and now I need a nap.

*major story lines included* (any others?)