I know absolutely full well that the Mark Buehrle perfect game has been covered non-stop over the past four days as I enter into my initial sports post. It has been described by people that were at the game, press that interviewed the players, and paid writers that have been perfecting the craft for a lot longer than I've been alive. With that said, it is overwhelming likely that his perfect game will be the only White Sox perfect game that I have the pleasure of witnessing in my lifetime. There have been 17 in the entire modern era of baseball, and let me tell you that the modern era of baseball includes times when cars, radios, and phones were heresay.
The best part about this perfect game was probably the overwhelming joy in the voices of the men that covered the game. I used the Ed Farmer quote as my title for this post as I listened to the final inning with co-workers at the office. Nothing could top the sheer elation in the voice of Hawk Harrelson as he shouted into the mic after Alexei hit Konerko with the final out. I realize that you either love Hawk or you hate Hawk, but most of the people that hate Hawk just wish they had someone in their press box like him cheering for their team. I'll save the Hawk rant for another time and place, but the Buehrle no-hitter crossed city team lines. Cub fans couldn't help but enjoy what a display this lefty that tops out around 88-89 mph on the gun put on for a little over two hours. That is without a doubt my favorite part about Mark Buehrle. When he toes the rubber, I can tune in to watch a game that will finish before I have to go to bed. He gets to the mound and does the job like he has for 7+ seasons.
I heard on a radio show the day after the game that a person would have to buy season tickets to one team for 730 consecutive years to guarantee themselves a perfect game based on probability. That is mind boggling. My favorite statistic from the game was that Buehrle went through the 3rd rated hitting lineup in the major leagues to accomplish that feat. The untold story was that 5 of the 9 starters in the Tampa Bay lineup were on the all star team for the American League a week before the game. That is why I had to briefly give my kudos to the best White Sox pitcher of my lifetime and hope for many more victories to come.
On a side note, I was selected to be a member of the Big Ten Network fan council, so I'll be reporting for my first meeting on Tuesday at the Big Ten football Kickoff Luncheon in Chicago. If I get any health tips for Joe Paterno or beverage insight from Juice Williams, I'll be sure to pass them along.
Fantasy Reality Check
Each sports column will include a mini-post on fantasy sports. Currently, we're in the dog days of summer, but training camps are starting to open and football season is on the way. My first bit of advice is to have your fantasy football draft on Labor Day weekend. All the final cuts have been made and no one will face a late preseason injury. That's all for football at this point, but on to baseball. Colby Rasmus appears to be the odd man out in the Cardinals outfield now that Matt Holliday has been acquired. He'll likely see some platoon time with Ankiel. Rotisserie league players who are on pace to exceed their innings pitched should package a position player with a mid level starter for a slight upgrade. Use the empty roster spot on a rock solid middle reliever who will help in strikeouts along with ERA and WHIP. Head-to-head league players should know their team by now and make trades to solidify six categories. That is all it takes to win every week. Let your buddy have the regular season title, then bust him in the finals with your six category studs.
I'd like to take what you said about how impressive Buehrle's perfect game was a step further. Purely based on facts and outcome (rather than entertainment), this could be argued as the best game ever pitched in baseball history. Yes, I know that sounds crazy but an argument can be made for it. I know this opinion will anger Cub fans as images of Kerry Wood striking out 20 comes to mind.
ReplyDeleteTampa's season OPS was .803 after that game (give or take a few thousandths of a percentage point). The game was played in an extremely hitter-friendly ballpark, and the White Sox put a far below-average defensive team on the field. Several examples: a fringe major league 3Bman in Josh Fields was playing first base. A rookie short stop with less than a half season under his belt was playing third base (Gordon Beckham). Yes, Wise's catch was incredible but most perfect games require several great defensive plays. Buerhele needed only one.
On a bigger picture, Mark Buehrle has clearly generated one of the largest ROI's for any team's pitcher staff. He hasn't made the big bucks like a C.C. (you should compare their stats. Freightening close, except Buehrle is actually quite clutch in the post season) and was drafted into the major leagues in the 38th round.
Skip, Don Larsen? World Series? How is that not the runaway winner for best pitching effort?
ReplyDeletePete, I already love your blog.
This certainly broaches the topic of situation when discussing greatness. Is Robert Horry one of the best closers in NBA history based on situation? In that statement, probably yes. Overall, not likely to be picked first in a pickup game at the Y. I personally believe that Buehrle's perfection has been elevated by the proximity of his effort to the all star game when 5 of these players were members and time elapsed. I just don't think many national media members are used to seeing a guy work that quickly and that enhances the level of domination. Statistically 17 guys can claim the best pitched game ever, but situational perfection would likely include barstools for a Mr. Larsen and a Mr. Wise.
ReplyDeletePick up Garrett Jones if he is still available in your leagues.
ReplyDeleteBuehrle will go HOF if he doesn't retire early.
Jones has been on quite a tear during the month of July. I might just have to give him a flier soon especially if Adrian Gonzalez stays in this current funk.
ReplyDelete