Lest you think, even for a second, that George Radbourn (no relation to Old Hoss) was not a man of his century, please inspect the image above (salient points noted) and then think again.
Image taken from the very useful BR Bullpen.
Joe Blanton is both (a) a pretty good, probably underrated, major-league pitcher (averaging 2.9 WAR per season over his six-year career) and (b) not as talented as his Phillie rotation mates. It’s the latter of these points that makes for the slightly awkward SI cover pictured here.
Perhaps it’s my imagination, but there appears to be a second distinction between Blanton and his teammates — namely, the ability (or lack thereof) to express a cohesive message visually.
Using the part of the human brain designed to read facial expressions, one gets a pretty clear sense of what four of the pictured pitchers is trying to say here, as follows:
Roy Halladay: [In a German accent, if possible] Weakness repulses me.
Cliff Lee: I’m staring into the sunshine of my talent.
Roy Oswalt: Were circumstance to dictate that I hunt for my own food, this wouldn’t be any sort of a problem.
Cole Hamels: Not until you’ve holstered your gun, sir.
Joe Blanton, though? It’s not clear. If one sees his expression, it’s only through a glass, darkly. What, Joe, is going on in those eyes of yours? What language is it that your goatee speaks?
We’re pleased to present here the inaugural post from Mr. Patrick Cain. Mr. Cain’s work has appeared in ESPN The Magazine and Bloomberg Businessweek, among other publications. His skill set includes “talking to people and then writing it down” — a trait that will hopefully make the pages of NotGraphs brighter than the brightest summer day. In what follows, he shows off his ability to embed video, as well.
It’s not easy being a Yankee. The 2011 season, with division rivals sharpening their teeth, will be no different. Would anyone blame a Bronx Bombers are having problems sleeping? Friends at NY-based sports-humor group, 12 Angry Mascots, understand they understand what’s really behind a lack of z’s. Thankfully, Curtis Granderson is a good sport.
The group performs next on April 7 at The Peoples Improv Theater.
Is this the best possible use for Google Alerts? If not, I’m thinking it’s close, at least.
H/T: Unfettered Joy
If today you watch only one profane video of an Ozzie Guillen impersonator explicating a tale of Jazz-Age pathos, then please, please, please make it this one. Believe me when I say this is buffering time well spent.
(Steely yet grateful gaze: Big League Stew)
You scared of Emilio Bonifacio? You should be.
The “Deal With It” meme has been circling for some time now. Apparently, it may have its’ origins in High School Musical according to this detailed discussion of the meme. Let’s not let that spoil the fun.
Florida Marlins fans may be well acquainted with the flaws in Emilio Bonifacio’s game. You know what? He cares not, as he’s the likely fore-runner for the starting third base spot now that prospect Matt Dominguez was sent down. Cue the gif.
You know what, though? We may have found the high-water mark for this meme, the moment at which the wave will break and recede, leaving all manner of broken links in its path as it returns. Well, it’s either the Bonifacio gif, or this one.
H/T: Erik Manning (Bonifacio), CajoleJuice (Nosewash)
Earl Weaver was one of the greatest managers of all-time. He was also, when it comes to the use of profanity, delivered to us straight from the firmament. What follows is perhaps Weaver at his most resplendent. Among the things you will learn: Fleas steal bases, Terry Crowley’s roster spot is an act of almsgiving, and some things are more important than tomato plants. And, in the name of all that is holy, this is not safe for work …
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YKxf3OkpJc&playnext=1&list=PL15C099B073554987
And for the kids who prefer things set to the throbbing beats of rave parties, there’s this …
Also:
Reader and writer Bryz directs us to this image of Eric Sogard (from the latter’s MLB.com page), whose omission from Team Joy Squad may or may not represent an error on the part of this author.
There must be something in the water in Kansas City.
What is it about the players in royal blue that inspires such melodious intent? First we had a triptych to Jeff Francoeur that drew inspiration from the righteous tunes coming from Barry Manilow and Sara McLaughlin, and now Will McDonald at Royals Review has added Bruce Chen and Mike & The Mechanics to the musical lineup.
What you’re about to witness comes courtesy of loyal NotGraphs reader Reynaldo, who said:
I have no idea what the purpose of this video is, but when I saw it I thought of Notgraphs so here you go.
The purpose of the video, to these eyes at least, is educational. Never, ever test Ichiro’s arm.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2grLJR7eaM
Boom, Ichiro. Literally.
Thank you, Reynaldo. Thank you so damn much.