Well, it's official: the doldrums are upon us...

[MiketheangrydrunkenCUfan]

The end of the NBA Finals always bums me out, since it's the last genuinely exciting sporting event until BTPCF starts up again in late August/early September. I dread this time of year more than anything. These last 2 1/2 months just seem to crawl by. I just can't get excited about baseball. My favorite team has the best record in the majors with their superstar serving a 50-game suspension, and I really couldn't care less. By the time baseball is actually worth watching, CFB season is already in full swing. I guess NCAA 10 comes out in about a month, but EA hasn't put out a decent CFB game in 7 years, so I'm not getting my hopes up for that. I wish I could just hibernate...

Edit: Oh yeah, and props to the Lakers. We'll get you next year...

[TheJON]

The end of the NBA Finals always bums me out, since it's the last genuinely exciting sporting event until BTPCF starts up again in late August/early September. I dread this time of year more than anything. These last 2 1/2 months just seem to crawl by. I just can't get excited about baseball. My favorite team has the best record in the majors with their superstar serving a 50-game suspension, and I really couldn't care less. By the time baseball is actually worth watching, CFB season is already in full swing. I guess NCAA 10 comes out in about a month, but EA hasn't put out a decent CFB game in 7 years, so I'm not getting my hopes up for that. I wish I could just hibernate...

Edit: Oh yeah, and props to the Lakers. We'll get you next year...

Umm......you do realize that the greatest sport on earth (baseball) is in mid-season right now, don't you???

[Screw_Michigan]

Can't you fucking read? He said he doesn't care for baseball.

You need to place yourself at the business end of a shotgun balst immediately, for the sake of humanity.

[TheJON]

Can't you fucking read? He said he doesn't care for baseball.

You need to place yourself at the business end of a shotgun balst immediately, for the sake of humanity.

Naw, I stopped reading when I read the line about "the last genuinely exciting sport" before football season. Figured that with a statement as ridiculous as that there was no point in going on further into the post.

[MiketheangrydrunkenCUfan]

Umm......you do realize that the greatest sport on earth (baseball) is in mid-season right now, don't you???

Get back to me when it gets a clock. Or at least a finite limit on how many times a catcher can go to the mound or a batter can step out of the box to adjust his junk.

[MuchoBulls]

Baseball is just getting started now that the NHL season has just ended. I just can't get into the NBA anymore. I tried watching some of the Finals, but the games, and the officiating were horrible.

[Left Seater]

Totally with Mucho, didn't watch a minute of the finals and didn't miss a thing.

[Van]

I'm actually going the opposite direction. With all the amazing new ballparks in MLB, all of which offer outdoor day games on grass, and with our new HD box, I'm actually moving away from the NBA and back to baseball. (College football is still my number one, by a wide margin, of course.)

I love the telecasts from Wrigley and places like that. I just love the way it's looking like a Timeless American Summer at all these parks. I watched the Cardinals-Indians game last night, and it was in Cleveland, and even despite all the birds that stadium looked like a little slice of heaven.

It actually made me long to see the midwest. Games back there just look like such a good time, once the weather becomes nice. Everybody looks so carefree. It's just a cool thing to see.

I grew up on baseball, and I still enjoy going to the occasional Giants game at AT&T Park, and the slow, pastoral nature of the game just doesn't bother me. It just feels good these days, to watch baseball. It's sort of a throwback feeling. It still feels like a kid's innocence, watching baseball.

I also like the fact that the actual game hasn't changed much over the past sixty years. Yeah, the steroids issue produced a huge upswing in offense, but since they were all on it, pitchers included, the game seemed to move along at an acceptable pace. We became shocked and outaged, because of what we learned, but otherwise we wouldn't have cared, or even noticed. Now that the numbers are coming back down, the game isn't hurting because of it. It still looks the same.

Even despite the advent of the shrunken strike zone and all the specialized relief pitching in today's game baseball today still looks very much like it did in the Mickey Mantle and Roberto Clemente eras. A lot of that has to do with all the throwback stadiums, and even the throwback unis. In the other three major sports (I guess it's now debatable as to whether hockey could still be considered a major sport in the U.S.) the stadiums/arenas just plain don't have the nostalgic charm that we see with MLB. Going to an NBA game feels nothing like going to an MLB game.

It's like a lot of classic rock, for me. The older I get, the more I appreciate it. The older I get, the less I appreciate glitzy, gilded bullshit. Despite all its issues (most of which wouldn't be issues, were it not for the incredibly all-pervasive nature of today's media) baseball still feels pure. It's still a really pleasant pastime, and when the match-ups are just right October is still badass.

[Nolesy]

I used to just loath baseball. My son got me to take him to some FSU games this spring and I actually enjoyed it. I got to learn the smany stratigies employed and saw many "games with in the game".
Now thrying to put together a roadie to Tampa to see the Rays.

P.S. It is my opinion that FSU baseballers are superior to fotballers as far as class, fan apreciation, and just playing for the love of the game.

[PSUFAN]

Yep, it's definitely doldrums time. Good thing the doldrums hit during the summer, when there is a ton of stuff to do. I just took a 15 minute walk in downtown Pittsburgh, and saw probably 100 beautiful young ladies...summer has distinct advantages, doldrums notwithstanding.

[Screw_Michigan]

I wasn't aware any hot babes still resided in the "City of Champions." Oh, wait...

Van, Wrigley is a toilet, and its fans are the sewer of baseball.

[PSUFAN]

I wasn't aware any hot babes still resided in the "City of Champions."

Yes, plenty still do. You have to be hetero to notice them, though...sorry, fellah.

[socal]

I'm actually going the opposite direction.

<-------------->

Shit. Don't go there.

...looked like a little slice of heaven.

.
.
.

It's like a lot of classic rock, for me. The older I get, the more I appreciate it. The older I get, the less I appreciate glitzy, gilded bullshit. Despite all its issues (most of which wouldn't be issues, were it not for the incredibly all-pervasive nature of today's media) baseball still feels pure. It's still a really pleasant pastime, and when the match-ups are just right October is still badass.

Wrong.

A lot has changed with the stadium experience. Many have classic rock or disco or pop or Flamenco song, presumably player favorites, blaring throughout the ballpark as they walk up to the plate. Closers coming out of the pen, managers making a change on the mound, third base coaches scratching themselves, there are songs for every one of 'em. Pre-game, post game, and every moment in between seems saturated with noise. Fuck. Unplug everything. Take down the lights at Wrigley and every ballpark. Then you've got purity in the sounds of the game.

[Van]

socal, agreed, but today's MLB in-stadium experience is still a lot more like it used to be than your average NBA game, which now consists of equal parts MTV broadcast, Showgirls audition and "hip-hop fan fest extravaganza."

The game on the court has also ground to a halt, with all the two man games and inside out/drive and dish isos. Then there's the constant march to the freethrow line.

Baseball still plays the same, and it still looks the same. The in-stadium experience may now have you occasionally listening to Kid Rock between innings (depends on the stadium; not all of 'em do it), but you still have balustrades, signage all over the walls, Vin Scully's voice and the smell of Dodger dogs wafting all over Chavez Ravine, etc.

The game still moves the same, and it still feels the same.

[Screw_Michigan]

A lot has changed with the stadium experience. Many have classic rock or disco or pop or Flamenco song, presumably player favorites, blaring throughout the ballpark as they walk up to the plate.

On the money. At an average Nats game, you hear three different AC/DC songs (two at least twice), Even Flow no less than four times (I love PJ, but despise the prevalence of Even Flow), Phil Collins' In the Air Tonight (for Adam Dunn), some flamenco Puerto Rican shit, some 50, and a lot of other shitty songs.

BRING BACK THE ORGAN!!!!!!

I do agree with Van, for the most mart. Especially on the disgrace that is NBA basketball.

[Screw_Michigan]

I wasn't aware any hot babes still resided in the "City of Champions."

Yes, plenty still do. You have to be hetero to notice them, though...sorry, fellah.

Nah. I just haven't had the desire (or need) to set foot in you decrepit shithole of a city since 2003. According to 88's logic, if it wasn't for Cleveland, you'd be Detroit (or something like that).

[PSUFAN]

if it wasn't for Cleveland, you'd be Detroit

^^ destined to be a classic...

[King Crimson]

i love the game of baseball. i go to the ballpark (Denver) 4-5 times a year but long gone are the listen on the radio, read Sporting News religiously days of summer for me. i don't really watch on TV or follow the standings much anymore. same with the NBA. i just don't really care that much. to be honest, i'd rather go to the local high school field (which i do from time to time) and watch a few innings than watch MLB on TV.

now, i am a big fan of the golf majors and will watch a PGA event on the off-weeks if it's close as well. if i wasn't teaching this summer, i'd be at Bethpage with my pops who is a USGA rules official. sorta bummed about that, but can't beat 16 weeks of money in 5 weeks teaching summer term.

[Screw_Michigan]

can't beat 16 weeks of money in 5 weeks teaching summer term.

GOD DAMN UNIONS!

[Screw_Michigan]

I'm still a huge MLB honk, which might be to my detriment since we have AAA baseball here in Washington (at least AAA ownership and management). I live three blocks from Nats Park, so I buy the $5 tickets that go on sale only two hours before the game (the point is to get people to enter the park early and spend money, but I don't). On weekends, I'll buy a few beers or sneak a couple 24oz Buds in (this works easier during cooler nights when I can wear a coat), but I've been trying my hardest to not get hammered at weeknight games. Not only is it refreshing to get in and out of a major league park with only spending $5, it's refreshing to actually take in a whole game and not leave after the seventh because you're buzzed and beer sales are done. Sometimes I'll cave and buy an italian sausage, but that's rarely.

If I lived in the burbs, or in the Midwest still, I could take in some HS and college, but there aren't too many HS games going on in the District itself.

AT&T National is here in Bethesda in a few weeks. If I can find a way to get out there (shouldn't be a problem), I'll probably go for the Pro-Am or the first round. $15 isn't bad to stare at hot trim and walk the course.

[King Crimson]

can't beat 16 weeks of money in 5 weeks teaching summer term.

GOD DAMN UNIONS!

far from it. no union i know of for college adjunct professors. it's tough to get the summer gig and we meet everyday for 2.5 hours. you work.

[MiketheangrydrunkenCUfan]

can't beat 16 weeks of money in 5 weeks teaching summer term.

GOD DAMN UNIONS!

far from it. no union i know of for college adjunct professors. it's tough to get the summer gig and we meet everyday for 2.5 hours. you work.

Nothing wrong with that. If the students get full credit for it, why shouldn't the profs get full pay? I loved knocking out 6-9 credit hours in the summer.

[King Crimson]

GOD DAMN UNIONS!

far from it. no union i know of for college adjunct professors. it's tough to get the summer gig and we meet everyday for 2.5 hours. you work.

Nothing wrong with that. If the students get full credit for it, why shouldn't the profs get full pay? I loved knocking out 6-9 credit hours in the summer.

hell yeah. i love teaching the summer classes. everybody's got a story (anal workaholic, slacker, stoner, need .25 credits to graduate, etc.) and, fuck, this is one of the best times of year in Boulder and the campus is beautiful. kids do the reading (sometimes), too. which makes lecture actually "work" unlike the semesters when the party machine is cranking. kids are relaxed, not focused but only have one class or maybe two.

[MiketheangrydrunkenCUfan]

hell yeah. i love teaching the summer classes. everybody's got a story (anal workaholic, slacker, stoner, need .25 credits to graduate, etc.) and, fuck, this is one of the best times of year in Boulder and the campus is beautiful. kids do the reading (sometimes), too. which makes lecture actually "work" unlike the semesters when the party machine is cranking. kids are relaxed, not focused but only have one class or maybe two.

One of the last classes I took at CU was a 3-week "Maymester" class - American Film Comedy. Great stuff. We would meet for lecture from 9-12:30 and then watch a movie afterwards. It was practically a full-time job, but I got 3 credits in 3 weeks. I forget the instructor, but he definitely knew his shit. We went from Keaton, Chaplin, Marx Bros. and the screwball comedies of the 40s & 50s all the way up to the present day. The only bummer was that we had to watch a few musicals along the way.

[Screw_Michigan]

unlike the semesters when the party machine is cranking

Party machine was cranking during the summer at my school. Less kids around, but the ones who were still around, like the regular school year never ended.

[King Crimson]

unlike the semesters when the party machine is cranking

Party machine was cranking during the summer at my school. Less kids around, but the ones who were still around, like the regular school year never ended.

but the difference is you only have one class that meets mid-morning and with the other 21 hours in a day, even the most entuusiastic party reprobate can find some time here or there to spend an hour or two studying if only every other day. which is my point about "everyone has a story"....people need the summer credits for whatever oddball reason.

[The Seer]

The doldrums will be shorter with the afterglow of a championship carrying me through part of the summer....can't sit through a baseball game until September...but somehow can watch golf (at least the majors)....and golf IS faster than baseball.....this summer I can watch SuC implode; and marvel at the impenetrable teflon surrounding their football program....if Buss empties his wallet - and Bynum stays healthy and improves.....repeat.....
It is socal so there is shit to do without all the humidity of the primitive east....if 3 border patrol agents were within 5 miles of Staples there would've been zero rioting....

[Van]

this summer I can watch SuC implode

What's going on this summer, involving USC?

[SunCoastSooner]

I'm enjoying the confederations cup... other than damn Chilean and an American fucking us against the Azzuri yesterday.

[The Seer]

this summer I can watch SuC implode

What's going on this summer, involving USC?

You haven't received your correspondence? Open tryouts for the hoops team...no experience necessary....

[Van]

Thought you were talking football.

[War Wagon]

Get back to me when it gets a clock.

Actually, the fact that baseball doesn't have a clock is one of many reasons why it's such an enjoyable passtime. A half-inning can last 3 or 30 minutes.

Van says the game "feels" the same. Well duh, it IS the same, and it's the closest to perfection that any game can ever be devised. No matter how hard MLB has tried to fuck up baseball, it just can't be done.

[Van]

Yep, WW, I definitely like the fact that there's no clock assigned to any aspect of baseball.

[MiketheangrydrunkenCUfan]

I thought this article really hit the nail on the head...

http://www.playboy.com/articles/forum-p ... index.html
(there's no nudity in the link, but here's a C&P if you don't want to open it at work)

Perfect Game: How to Fix Baseball
by Bill James

Baseball’s approach to fixing its problems is to say that baseball is a perfect game. We know it is a perfect game because, after 150 years, infielders are still throwing out runners at first base by a single step.

Suppose an actor could, for his own reasons, hold up a movie for, let’s say, 90 seconds before he delivers the next line. What would that do to the movie? I know: It would make it a Merchant-Ivory production, but that was a rhetorical question. The point is that when you go to a baseball game the batter will, for reasons enhancing no one’s enjoyment except his own, step out of the batter’s box and delay the action for 10, 20, 40 or 90 seconds just because he feels like it. This has precisely the same effect on the entertainment value of a baseball game as it would on a movie—and you can’t shoot him. Shit, you can’t even zap him with a stun gun. And you can’t tell him to cut the crap and get in there and hit, because one of the ways baseball is a perfect game is that baseball has no clock. That’s perfect, you know.

Of course, until about 1950 baseball games did have a clock, a big yeller one that goes away in the evening. In 1950 the average baseball game took about two hours to play, and 70 percent of Americans said baseball was their favorite sport. Once they took the big yeller clock out of the game, though, the games started stretching out, and more and more people started saying they were football fans. But you can’t fix baseball because, you know, it’s a perfect game. If you make the bastard stay in the box and hit, they might throw him out at first by two steps and ruin everything.

We’re making some progress on that, actually; there are now rules intended to limit the batter’s freedom to delay the game. These rules will become effective when they issue the umpires stun guns or, failing that, consistently refuse to call time just because the batter asks for it. When we get that under control, something else will push the games longer. A few years ago pitchers held up the game by throwing repeatedly to first base. That problem went away on its own when the steroid era hit and the game went back to being about hitting home runs. But the more homers batters hit, the more managers change pitchers.

Pitching changes are worse on television because, on television, they’re always brought to you by somebody, and when the “call to the bullpen is brought to you by…,” it’s never really somebody you’re eager to hear more about. I like Johnny Cash, Beyoncé, Bob Dylan, Aerosmith, small children, Dolly Parton, Jimmy Kimmel, Kate Beckinsale, chocolate cake and Florida beaches, but none of them has ever brought me a call to the bullpen. It’s always some damned phone company with a new plan to bamboozle you with free text messaging and indecipherable fees for indeterminate other services.

The fallacy of the concept of the perfect game is that baseball changes so much. In the 1950s the average team used fewer than 200 relievers (relief games) a season. Now the average is close to 500. So if it was a perfect game then, it must be a hell of a mess now, right? It’s only logical. The average baseball game now has more than twice as many strikeouts as it did when I was born. Was it perfect then, or is it perfect now?

People ask me all the time, “What would you do if you were commissioner of baseball?” What they mean is “What would you do if you were commissioner of baseball in 1937?” All the power isn’t in the commissioner’s hands anymore. It hasn’t been for generations. Some has gone to the unions, some has gone to the TV networks, some has gone to the owners, and some has gone to the agents.

Baseball doesn’t need a strong commissioner; nothing vibrant would benefit from an autocrat. Baseball needs a general, widespread understanding among all the power brokers that it is not a perfect game; it is a commercial entertainment in competition with other commercial entertainments, and it has issues.

In the 1950s hitters would sometimes go through the season without breaking a bat. Now players have more bats than Carlsbad Caverns. You can’t get through a game without dodging flying lumber. The game is just different. It was a great game then; it’s a great game now. It’s a greater game now. It wouldn’t hurt to speed it up a little.

[War Wagon]

The point is that when you go to a baseball game the batter will, for reasons enhancing no one’s enjoyment except his own, step out of the batter’s box and delay the action for 10, 20, 40 or 90 seconds just because he feels like it.

Total horseshit. Bill James wrote that? Then he's a fucking bean counting idiot who doesn't know a damn thing about baseball other than measuring stats. Or he just wanted to get an article printed in Playboy. I'm supposed to take an article in Playboy seriously?

Hitting a baseball is all about timing. Pitching a baseball so as to not have it hit is all about timing. If some pitcher is standing on that mound finger-fucking the baseball, it's a batters right to ask for time, which the umpire must grant. The batter can step out, but if the ump doesn't grant him time, he's fucked.

And no, they don't take 90 seconds to step back in the box. Ever

[Van]

A baseball game takes as long as it does now because of tv, increased offense and the increased use of relief pitching.

Make it a day game, with no national tv, and make it a 2-0 game with two complete games and you've got yourself a sub-two hour ballgame.

Hell, that Indians-Cardinals game I watched the other night, the one where the Indians pitcher shut out St Louis, that game barely surpassed the two hour mark.

Batters taking too much time at the plate has fuckall to do with anything.

[Van]

I'm not asking for a two hour game. I'm not bitching about anything. I'm merely stating a fact, you fucking moron. I'm telling you why baseball games have gotten to be so long: tv, increased offense, and extra relief pitchers.

I don't give a fuck how long the game goes. Once I'm there, I'm in no rush. What do I care if it's a two hour game, or a three hour game? However long it takes, that's how long I'm there. Being there is better than not being there, so I'm usually in no great hurry to get outta there.

If anything, I like longer games, because I like offense. I'd usually rather see a three hour 7-5 game than a two hour 1-0 game.