Beltre weighs options while Angels wait - Yahoo! Sports
Now that they’ve composed themselves since the Crawford debacle, the Los Angeles Angels are in the hunt. They have the greatest need, should be feeling the most pressure to sign someone for the middle of their order and their defense, and have the money. The club has discussed with Beltre’s agent, Scott Boras, the basic framework of a contract, according to sources, but not much more than that.
I guess there's no real hurry for the Angels to sign Beltre, that is, until another "mystery team" swoops in a nabs him. But which team, other than the Angels are; 1) interested; 2) have the cash; 3) have the need?
MORE LINKS AFTER THE BREAK...
Relievers Are Not Worth Multi-Year Deals - FanGraphs Baseball
As a group, teams have paid for premium production and instead received the same level of performance that they could have expected if they had signed minor league free agents. The evidence couldn’t be any stronger: signing guys like Guerrier and Crain to three year deals is just throwing money away. It’s not that they’re bad pitchers; it’s that relief pitchers are so prone to huge swings in performance that trying to project the long term future of any of these guys is simply folly.
I've always thought that teams could build a good bullpen for a relatively cheap cost. Something around $8-$10M for 6 relievers. This is where I think smart teams save on payroll; bullpens, 4th outfielders, infield utility, and 5th starters. After allocating most of their payroll to the 9 starters (8 position players and DH), and four starting pitchers, a team shouldn't devote more than $15-$18M on the rest of their 25-man roster. Am I wrong?
The Best Baseball Books Of 2010 - BaseballAmerica
We could almost have compiled a top 10 out of nothing but biographies. But that wouldn't be as much fun, so Mays and Cronin, both strong works, will have to settle for near-miss status. Unique releases from Josh Wilker and pitcher-turned-penman Dirk Hayhurst give us some variety. We even have that rare breed, the realistic baseball novel, courtesy of Jeff Gillenkirk.
Some people use the off-season to catch up on their reading. Here's a list to help figure out what to read. By the way, I've read both the Wilker and Hayhurst books and I found both to be very good. At the moment I'm just getting started on Crazy '08 by Cait Murphy after spending the past couple weeks reading non-baseball books Outliers and The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell and dot.com by John Cassidy (also all very good).
Metrodome memories - Peter Schmuck - baltimoresun.com
The situation did bring back some memories, however, since I was in the Metrodome for the only time the roof failed while there was an event taking place underneath it. That was on April 26, 1986, when a severe windshear tore the roof above the bleachers in right center field and dumped rainwater into the stands during the ninth inning of a game between the Twins and California Angels.
The roof ended up caving in on the Angels in Anaheim that year also.
December 17 - BR Bullpen
1928 - National League President John Heydler's designated hitter idea gets the backing of John McGraw, but the American League is against it.
1953 - In a tax-avoidance scheme, the New York Yankees sell Yankee Stadium and Kansas City properties for $6.5 million in a deal with Johnson Corp and the Knights of Columbus, who immediately lease the property back to the Yanks.
1964 - The Yankees fire long-time television and radio voice Mel Allen. This well-known broadcaster popularized the 'going, going, gone' home run call and often said 'how about that' to describe happenings on the ball field.
Happy b-day:
1886 - Jack McAdams, pitcher (d. 1937) I don't know who this guy is, but he reminds me of her.
1968 - Curtis Pride, outfielder
0 recs | 302 comments
It's not over yet.
With that said, all the Angels homers should be happy, Right? But my gut tells me that this is a sign of the new times from our owner Arte. I believe that the majority of his decisions to not spend what it takes to get the players he wants has more to do with the economy and the fact that he doesn’t want to priceout his fanbase. All fine with me so long as he brings up our best prospects and lets them play. This would give the fans some hope and promise for the future of the organization.
Dono Romantico - December 17, 2010
you are missing the fact that
Arte tried to sign Crawford to that ridiculous contract, so your idea that he doesn’t want to spend what it takes to get the payers he wants doesn’t really ring true. I mean, if Crawford wanted to be an Angel he would be, and Arte would’ve invested $140m into him.
and I’m missing something, why should all the Angels homers be happy? because of 2 lefty BP arms and the resigning of Mathis?
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
everyone can speculate what the Angels offered to the players they went after
but the bottom line is that the Angels have struck out when it comes to getting the big free agents they have coveted.
Dono Romantico - December 17, 2010
But that wasn't your argument.
Your argument was that we are entering an era of austerity. Given what was offered to Crawford, that’s simply not the case.
What we’ve entered is a period of inexperienced and undynamic leadership.
Turks Teeth - December 17, 2010
So by your "logic"...
…the Yankees failed to offer enough money to Cliff Lee, and therefore struck out.
Except they offered MORE money than did the Phillies. So did the Rangers. Lee wanted to play in Philadelphia, and he didn’t want to play in NY or Arlington.
Crawford was given apparently identical offers by the Red Sox and Angels and decided he would prefer to play in Boston. Konerko in 2006 was offered more money by the Angels (and even more money by the Orioles) but he elected to return to the White Sox. Sometimes, players take offers for reasons which aren’t entirely mercenary.
Your theory has no legs. Back to the Hundred Acre Wood with you, Eeyore.
George Kaplan - December 17, 2010
I would say
by his logic the Yankees offered a large sum of money to Lee, he chose to go to another team, therefore the Yankees are tightening their belts due to the economy. whaaaa?
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
look at the vast majority of free agents the Yanks have gone after in recent years
and you will find that they almost always get their man. Same cannot be said for the Angels of recent years.
Dono Romantico - December 17, 2010
you are 100% correct
but did I say that that wasn’t the case? no. I said that Arte was willing to spend, which was contrary to your original post.
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
If I may
I think Dono’s point is that we have no recent concrete evidence of Arte’s willingness to spend, since he hasn’t actually landed a big fish in several seasons. Lots of talk, no results.
I think this is a valid point, but it does not inexorably point to any one conclusion. My read on the situation is that Arte is willing to increase payroll significantly in order to land the right player, but he’s not going to pay one cent more than they are worth. That’s his right, and it’s okay by me, but I wish that he’d stop saying that he’s willing to spend “whatever it takes” when all the recent evidence is decidedly to the contrary.
rspencer - December 17, 2010
Agreed.
thebigtizzle - December 17, 2010
okay boys. please tell me in the last two seasons what big free agent
the Angels have gone after and landed?
Dono Romantico - December 17, 2010
That's not the point
Your theory is that the Angels are in an austerity program because they haven’t signed a marquee free agent this year.
In no way have you proven your theory. Find a way to do so and you can have a discussion. Until then, you’re just another whiner.
George Kaplan - December 17, 2010
same can be read into your reply my friend.
Whiner? Whatever you say. I only offer an opinion. I do not intend to come off as “all seeing all knowing baseball guru” nor someone who intentionally insults other posters with my “I’m smarter than you baseball facts” . Just a Angels fan bro. A little sarcasm, yes. Arrogance, never.
Dono Romantico - December 17, 2010
The very definition of "feckless"
If you’re unwilling or unable to defend your statements, you’re probably in the wrong venue.
George Kaplan - December 17, 2010
Dono is long known
as a disingenuoous coward around here whose only real value is a drunken wit in game threads when one or the other team is getting slaughtered.
Rev Halofan - December 17, 2010
Disingenuous Coward???
and here it is I thought that we are all Angels fans wanting the same thing. A successful Halos team to win the World Series every season if they could. Regardless of how all of my fellow passionate HH posters feel we need to get there, I find it interesting that infighting and name calling is the norm here amongst people who all like the Angels.
I would hope that if I ever had the pleasure of running into any HH poster at a game, we could have a beer and enjoy the game without arguing over who is right rather than root for the Angels.
Dono Romantico - December 17, 2010
He just wanted to use the word "disingenuous" today
How full of candor he is!
Raaddad - December 17, 2010
ha ha
just used it over at the Huffington Post too, Dono is a good warm up.
Rev Halofan - December 17, 2010
What do you do for them?
Just freelance stuff or is it related to your art mag?
Commander_Nate - December 17, 2010
You're a liberal Rev?
RexTookMyStash - December 17, 2010
You can buy me a diet coke at the stadium any time Dono
Your thirteenth silver bullet is on me!
Rev Halofan - December 17, 2010
that would be a disingenuous offer
because you are projectingassuming that I drink coors light.
Dono Romantico - December 17, 2010
I was implying that you drank water
try a Coors Light and tell me I am wrong here
Rev Halofan - December 17, 2010
how many times do I have to say it
I don’t drink coors light
Dono Romantico - December 17, 2010
not even when the bottle
says EVIAN?
Rev Halofan - December 17, 2010
I prefer Fiji or locally bottle Niagra water
Dono Romantico - December 17, 2010
NIAGRA FALLS!!
Slowly I turn, step by step, inch by inch. . . .oh, sorry.
rspencer - December 17, 2010
Why you! I oughtta moitalize you!
red floyd - December 17, 2010
REV!!
May I remind you that the stadium is a Pepsi account
Moondoggy - December 17, 2010
All blogs are the same way
Go look at PSA, LSB or anywhere else and you’ll see it.
Truth is, I mainly come here to feel better about myself.
Commander_Nate - December 17, 2010
I come here to be feckful
rspencer - December 17, 2010
Then don't
Write something and then, when it’s disproven, claim that you meant to write completely different words instead of the words that you actually did write.
jjackflash - December 17, 2010
I never agree with Dono
But I had to rec his comment. It may be the most insightful thing I have read this offseason. My goal for today — not to make any negative or snarky comments to anyone.
Brody - December 17, 2010
Don't waste your time
Higz - December 17, 2010
like Turk said
that wasn’t your original argument. you were saying Arte is saving his money due to the economy, which simply isn’t the case AT ALL. he tried to spend $140m on Crawford (not speculated, confirmed by Reagins). so your point about the economy, ticket prices, etc. just does not have any truth to it.
that is what we all responded to. trying to steer the argument in another direction as if your point the whole time was that they keep striking out on FAs is not going to change the fact that your original point is unfounded.
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
That's an critique of execution, not budget.
The Angels opened 2010 with the eighth largest payroll in the game at $105M, and took on $10M more before the season was done, pushing them to the seventh highest payroll in the game.
One can critique front office strategy. One can critique the execution of that strategy. But it’s silly to critique the owner’s willingness to spend, given that the Angels’ budget was double that of the two teams that outpaced us in the AL West last season.
Turks Teeth - December 17, 2010
Im going to have to agree
Its hard to find actual statistics on things like free agency near misses, or complete failures so I dont expect Dono to produce anything but purely anecdotal evidence.
From anyone closely following the Angels they can tell you without fail that this front office tried and failed to sign the elite Free Agens, get Vlad big bat, and just generally fail horribly at anything to do with the FA market.
Can I go to baseball reference and post you a Angel FO Free Agent Conversion %, no, so stop asking for things that dont exist. As baseball fans anecdotal stories are just as good as OBP.
PhiSlamma - December 17, 2010
I think we all agree with that
but that wasn’t the point we were arguing with him since that wasn’t even close to the original point he was making.
but yeah, this FO sucks at getting the big time free agents it goes after.
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
No He Wasn't
Crawford was offered way substantially less by the Angels and it
was reported that the Angels were like 45 minutes late to the
meeting. Fact is the offer was way too low for even Crawford to
consider given that the top teams were offering him way more
monies and longer contracts. The Angels went thru the motions
to make it seem they tried to get Crawford but, everything points
to the opposite including being late to the meeting like 45 minutes
way to late. That tells you they were not really going after Crawford.
JimmyBlue - December 18, 2010
I would argue this
but I see others have already done so for me.
so lemme just say, YAWN
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
Went thru the motions and nothing else!
All the Angels did was go thru the motions and nothing else! They
were not serious about the offer because it was too far and too low
to be even competitive! It had no chance of being accepted by Carl
Crawford by any stretch of imagination. That is fine but, it is dishonest
to say they went after Crawford. The fact is they did not! Although, the
Angels made it appear they did! Of course, it did not cost the Angels
a penny did it?
JimmyBlue - December 18, 2010
Arte tells Boras to Suck It!
Wouldn’t it be great if Choakland was the only offer Boras could get for Beltre? Thanks for the memories, Scotty!
I know, cutting off our new 3rd baseman to ashuage our egos, probably not a good idea.
If we do throw him Tori money, I hope he doesn’t revert to M’s-Beltre.
AngryFan - December 17, 2010 via mobile
uh
He was pretty good with the M’s…
ryanfea - December 17, 2010
if he went to Oakland
we’d be screwed. last season their pitching was better than ours, so if they added Beltre to the group of other guys they’ve already added, well then they would have improved much more than the Halos have. not to mention we finished behind them last season, and that was without Beltre, DeJesus, Willingham and Matsui.
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
Why would willfully hobbling our favorite baseball team assuage our egos?
Because we’re so invested in Arte’s brittle pride that we’d prefer him to icily tiptoe around the sport’s premier player agent like an abused spouse forever recalling the last blow?
If Arte has either reservations or prohibitions in dealing with Boras, it can only hurt the team in the long run. This isn’t about an individual owner saving face. Boras is a fact of the game — and GMs need to play the game, or Boras will play it for them.
Turks Teeth - December 17, 2010
No Beltre
Just preparing myself for when we whif & fail to sign him! Hope Arte cancels his dugout suite!
AngryFan - December 17, 2010 via mobile
Damn
you are a good writer (among others here)
Raaddad - December 17, 2010
Thanks, dad.
With a little more gray in my beard and a good puffy chair, maybe I’ll direct it to something more than rushed emails, fanposts, and tweets one day. ; )
Turks Teeth - December 17, 2010
When you sober up
You’ll wince when you read your post.
There is far more at work here than your petty dislike for Scott Boras.
George Kaplan - December 17, 2010
Boras = Satan!
My dislike for Boras is much more than petty.
AngryFan - December 17, 2010 via mobile
Boras = agent
If he’s not doing everything he can to get his clients the most money possible then he’s not doing his job.
Epic Dean - December 17, 2010
i wish Boras represented bloggers
i would want him his as my agent
Rev Halofan - December 17, 2010
Exactly. The MLBN guys were joking about that the day after Werth got his deal
Epic Dean - December 17, 2010
I'm with you Epic Dean...
I have respect for anyone that is the best of their industry….
I just hate that he reps Kendry and Weaver :-/
BigGame48 - December 17, 2010
That is His Job
If Boras was such a bad agent then, he would have been out of
business a long time ago! The fact is he is the best out there
so that, players go to him knowing that although, they pay him
top dollar——they get rewarded with big, fat juicy contracts just
the same. Ask Manny Ramirez for instance, he still got like
$50 million from the Dodgers for 2 years despite, being injured
for a long time!
JimmyBlue - December 18, 2010
That is an absolutely misguided emotion
Or a fundamental misunderstanding of what Boras does and his role in the contract process.
Either way, your dislike is completely off base. If you don’t like him because he took your parking space at Ralphs, that is completely different. Disliking him because he’s at the top of his field is just weird.
George Kaplan - December 17, 2010
Outside the lines
currently reading Keith Richard’s memoir. The Stones were never my favorite, but this is a fabulous read (little heavy for airplane use, however). The Mantle book looks good and I enjoyed her take on Koufax — but I am hesitant to get all Yankee’d out over the holidays — any reviews out there?
Moondoggy - December 17, 2010
Max Byrd's "Grant" is a great literary historical novel
There’s an excellent cd version of it as well (I go through 20-30 books on cd a year—a lot of driving…). Thank God for great “readers” who can make the joy of listening to a good book that much better.
Raaddad - December 17, 2010
The difference b/t Grant's autobiography
(which is considered one of the best of the genre), is that Richards gets oral sex….a lot!
Moondoggy - December 17, 2010
lol
that was a fun part of the book. Another difference is in style, of course; Byrd is an excellent under-rated writer of fictional narrative; Grant, a master of autobiography (with some help from Twain, I believe). Imagine writing your whole life’s story whilst dying from mouth cancer?! Unbelievable.
Raaddad - December 17, 2010
I read 6-10 books a quarter
at UC Irvine. I enjoy it, too, but I’m not sure how many I’d read once I graduate in June.
Currently reading (for fun/personal enlightenment) The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien. Pretty good for a Sux fan…
feNOMINAL - December 17, 2010
A friend got me
this book for my birthday
red floyd - December 17, 2010
One of the best war/anti-war novels of all time
and a popular book assigned in American colleges.
When the narrator is looking for his friend in the muck—o my God—not for the faint of heart.
Raaddad - December 17, 2010
"a popular book assigned in American colleges"
I believe we know which way this book leans.
Dono Romantico - December 17, 2010
so far
I’d say it’s pretty neutral. I only have another 40 pages or so and it isn’t politically slanted either way. just because the author, as a young man, was almost a draft dodger and educated, doesn’t mean that the book is liberal (as you refer/imply to educational system being).
it’s not a damning condemnation of the war, it’s just confusing situation that none really understood.
feNOMINAL - December 17, 2010
Dude
O’Brien is a decorated veteran of the Vietnam war who ultimately served his country honorably and well. There is no “line” or agenda here—he merely tells his story and it is a beautiful tragic masterpiece.
Raaddad - December 17, 2010
I'd say
that I enjoyed reading Dispatches by Michael Herr more, but I know many others who would disagree.
if you’re into that kind of thing, you can check out my own wannabe, unedited story here.
feNOMINAL - December 17, 2010
I like them both
but my fave of the genre is All Quiet on the Western Front. Erich Maria Remarque is simply one of the great writers of the 20th century, though a man without a country once the Nazi’s kicked him out of Germany.
Raaddad - December 17, 2010
That is probably my favorite book out of all the ones I was ever assigned
Homage to Catalonia is up there as well.
Then there’s always Earth: The Book if you’re looking for something easy on the eyes.
Commander_Nate - December 17, 2010
Remarque wrote a series of books
about vets returning home after WWI that are totally different from “All Quiet” and brilliant. They all feature beautiful enigmatic women and the poor vets’ struggles to deal with them. Some of the best dialogue I’ve read. My favorite is a little known masterpiece called The Black Obelisk.
Raaddad - December 17, 2010
Interesting
Maybe I’ll give that a look if I ever venture out of the foreign policy, econ and DVD sections at Borders.
Commander_Nate - December 17, 2010
I asked my wife for Pat Barker's "Reconciliation" trilogy for Christmas
Americans should know more about WWI. The sentimental way in which we remember WWII just makes war seem so heroic and noble. From all accounts, war actually kind of sucks.
Suboptimal - December 17, 2010
If there is a hell...
…it probably looks a lot like the trenches in World War I.
The_Question - December 17, 2010
wilfred owen
favorite poet. amazing wwi anti-propagandist. wrote from the trenches.
feNOMINAL - December 17, 2010
You're not wrong.
No more than 10% of salary in the bullpen.
No more than 10% of salary on the bench.
GM Turk’s Axioms #1 & #2.
Turks Teeth - December 17, 2010
I read more than 10 books a *WEEK*.
Is there an option for “more than 100”?
red floyd - December 17, 2010
ever read the world's best seller?
Dono Romantico - December 17, 2010
Dianetics?
George Kaplan - December 17, 2010
athiest?
Dono Romantico - December 17, 2010
Is faith in the mercenary success of bible salesmen a precondition of faith in Christ and the Father?
Because that’s the argument you just made.
Turks Teeth - December 17, 2010
best-seller is worng
most read, most copies printed is correct, but many are given away, not sold.
So his argument is even weaker, really.
Rev Halofan - December 17, 2010
thanks Rev.
Dono Romantico - December 17, 2010
Humorless?
George Kaplan - December 17, 2010
a subjective reply by both of us
Dono Romantico - December 17, 2010
I was gonna guess the Guinness Book of World Records
Commander_Nate - December 17, 2010
I was going to guess The Koran
or Buddha’s teachings.
Most of the people of the world are not Christians or Jewish, btw, DR
Raaddad - December 17, 2010
does it matter what one's religion is?
what matters is the character of the individual.
Dono Romantico - December 17, 2010
quality of character is greater
than preference of Star Wars over Star Trek (insert other fairy tales here as applies)
Rev Halofan - December 17, 2010
I like it better when Dono's a drunken wit
when he gets into deep philosophy, it strangely unsettles me.
Moondoggy - December 17, 2010
A large number of those people can't read though,
but are told what the Koran “says”. This is what has led to the rise of so many fundamentalists. I would be willing to bet the same could be said of other religions as well.
rmhalofan - December 17, 2010
you just described most of the States below the Mason-Dixon
Moondoggy - December 17, 2010
+1
Raaddad - December 17, 2010
Im no religious freak
but the Bible IS, in fact, the best selling book of all-time. It is also true that it is the most given away book by organizations and institutions that BOUGHT them. Though it is like water to some, it is not a natural resource and must be printed at a cost and SOLD.
The Koran and buddhist teachings are usually printed in formats that are local and non-commercial. Schools, libraries, mosques and the like print them out for people.
thebigtizzle - December 17, 2010
Lord of the Flies?
clover_black - December 17, 2010
In the original Hebrew.
red floyd - December 17, 2010
You're my hero
Can you come up and talk to my students sometime?
They don’t believe us when we tell them that people like reading books of all sorts.
I think they feel we are some sort of prehistoric creature doomed to live out our last days in total lameness
Raaddad - December 17, 2010
Evelyn Wood?
That’s pretty amazing that you could even find the time. It takes me an average of one week/one book (unless its REALLY good).
WiHaloFan - December 17, 2010
More than 3000+ books a year?
I have a couple pals who make a modest living as book reviewers (of some note), and they read perhaps three books a week.
How do you read more than one book a day, and what’s your profession, if I may ask?
Turks Teeth - December 17, 2010
I think Red is including comic books and graphic novels
lol
Raaddad - December 17, 2010
porno graphic novels
that he can only read with one hand
Moondoggy - December 17, 2010
ROFL
red floyd - December 17, 2010
Could be a bookie, talking up his sportbooks.
Turks Teeth - December 17, 2010
Math fail
10 books a week is about 500/year
red floyd - December 17, 2010
Reading
Girl With the Dragon Tattoo right now. only 200 pages in, and so far its been just setting the story, but the people I’ve talked to who have read it say it starts slow but gets really good. so I’m just ploughing through until the point where i can’t put it down. Bought all 3 books in the series, so I’m heavily invested at this point.
Wihalo, how’d you like the Gladwell books? I’ve read Tipping Point and Blink recently (I liked Blink a lot more than TP), but have been waiting for Outliers to come out in paperback.
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
I'm enjoying the "Girl' trilogy--moving on to the last one soon
I like reading about crazy women who kick ass
The Swedish film version of “Dragon” was pretty cool too
Raaddad - December 17, 2010
the entire Swedish take on the "Millennium" Trilogy
was very well done. All three books were fabulous.
Moondoggy - December 17, 2010
I plan on watching the movie
just as soon as I’m done with the book
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
The girl has hairy armpits in the movie.
clover_black - December 17, 2010
did you just ruin the ending for me?
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
Well, it ruined my fwapping session...
so yeah.
clover_black - December 17, 2010
That's euro-babes and hippy chicks for ya bro
don’t knock it til you try it
Raaddad - December 17, 2010
The movie butchers the book
Epic Dean - December 17, 2010
don't they all?
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
Well, not always
Bladerunner, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Fight Club, and the immortal “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” of course, to name a few.
Raaddad - December 17, 2010
well yeah
there are definitely outliers to that. but more often than not, the movie doesn’t do the book justice, which is understandable considering how much more a book can offer to the reader from a story standpoint.
I f’ing love Fight Club, book and movie.
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
Totally agree on both points
1. Fight Club is definitely the most popular fictional text with men ever written (and viewed). It’s quite a phenomenon.
2. Bad films from good books—cases in point: Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold and The Road by Cormac McCarthy. Some of us had been waiting eagerly for those films to come out, and both were huge disappointments.
Lovely Bones particularly sucked—dude needs to stick to Hobbits, methinks.
Raaddad - December 17, 2010
Hobbits... or horror...
Dead Alive = pure awesomeness.
clover_black - December 17, 2010
Now there's a movie that needs to get made
Or “movies” I guess I should say. I read The Hobbit at like 12 or 13 in the form of an old, wrinkled, yellowed paperback that was part of a box set that my dad had owned since he was a kid. Read most of it on the way to and from Vegas that summer. Changed my life, dude.
Commander_Nate - December 17, 2010
Agreed.
Seems like there are plenty of setbacks with that movie. I wonder if its finally green-lighted?
clover_black - December 17, 2010
it is
PJ has taken over the helms as director since Guillermo Del Toro backed out. there have been labor issues though in NZ last I heard, but I know the movie will be made. they just cast Cate Blanchett again in her role as that elvish queen (can’t remember her name), which is odd since she didn’t appear in The Hobbit book.
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
I'm pretty sure that got worked out
Link
Most entertainment folk in New Zealand were pissed off about the labor dispute as well because they thought it would basically scare away any big productions in the future.
Commander_Nate - December 17, 2010
read both books
and was eager to see both movies too. saw The Road, and meh. never saw Lovely Bones because I heard it sucked.
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
I think The Road suffered most from being TOO faithful to the book. Most people I know thought it was well made, but they just didn't want to watch.
Mayheminthehood - December 17, 2010
good point
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
Also, I love McCarthy. Blood Meridian is my favorite book. Ever.
Mayheminthehood - December 17, 2010
Yep--agreed
The master of making violence something beautiful.
They’ve been working on a film project for awhile, I believe Ridley Scott. I could see Jeff Bridges as the Judge.
Raaddad - December 17, 2010
Jeff Bridges is awesome
he was on Kevin and Bean this morning and he just seems/sounds like he’s always stoned.
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
hahahaha
Raaddad - December 17, 2010
Ridley Scott is off. Last I read it was now the dude who did Little Children.
I’ve never been a fanboy type to say these sorts of things, but I do with Blood Meridian: DONT MAKE IT A MOVIE. It’s un-filmable and will only be a let down.
The Judge is tough…he’s an 8ft tall ablino haha. The best suggestion I’ve ever heard is John Malkovich, but I think he’s getting too old looking. Malkovich from 10 years ago would’ve been perfect.
Mayheminthehood - December 17, 2010
never read the book
but what about Danial Day Lewis? that guy can seriously act.
his performance in Gangs of New York was just beautiful. and I heard he’s signed on to play Abe Lincoln, which just seems like a role he was born to play (just like DOV).
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
I'd be down with DDL. He'd have to gain some lb's though.
Mayheminthehood - December 17, 2010
Good point
Maybe you could CGI him into a 7 foot bald guy
Raaddad - December 17, 2010
I refuse to watch the film version of the The Road
And I’m a huge Viggo Mortensen fan, but it was poorly executed, based on reviews I have read.
blochead - December 17, 2010
Blade Runner, while an awesomely great film, still varies from PKD's "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?"
But I really think that’s due more to the nature of the medium than anything else.
red floyd - December 17, 2010
Disagree
The film culls out a lot of peripheral material and hones in on the major plot and character elements. Besides, Noomi Rapace is hot.
(I do have fears that the American version will suck)
Raaddad - December 17, 2010
I felt like the chopping changed large parts of the story
Epic Dean - December 17, 2010
Would love to hear details
but probably not here even with a “spoiler alert” ;) (maybe at an HH event?)
You raise a good point as well, though; it’s one thing to chop—filmmakers have to do that—but if the “chopping” changes meaning and our understanding of the essential parts of a text, then it is problematic and can ruin the story. Chopping out all of the Chief’s interior narration in Cuckoo’s Nest sucked, but the film was still a faithful and amazing adaptation.
Raaddad - December 17, 2010
I'm with you on this one
Subtitles and all (I usually HATE reading movies), I loved the way the movies were presented.
Moondoggy - December 17, 2010
All three were very good.
Read ’em before they were the “hot” read.
rmhalofan - December 17, 2010
Blink was the first Gladwell book I read
and to me, the best. Tipping Point and Outliers were interesting, but not as good. Maybe because I read them back-to-back.
WiHaloFan - December 17, 2010
have you read Freakanomics?
similar to Gladwell, but it doesn’t have those parts which seem a little agonizing to get through. at least, thats what I thought.
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
I have it, but haven't read it yet.
I’m switching things up a bit and getting into some historical baseball stuff.
WiHaloFan - December 17, 2010
understandable
gotta keep that baseball appetite quenched somehow
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
That is on my reading queue
I have only read bits and pieces up to this point and was highly intrigued, but it has to wait its place in line.
blochead - December 17, 2010
if you plan on buying a house soon
read it. otherwise, get to it when you can.
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
If you like Steigg Larsson and contempo-European detective/mystery fiction
I recommend two other authors in that genre basically who are excellent story-tellers:
1. Alan Furst: He’s American/English I believe but is a brilliant writer who focuses on the European theater in WWII and the espionage going on at the time. “The Polish Officer”
’
2. Henning Mankell: Another Swedish author with middle-aged detectives solving grizzly crimes. “The Return of the Dancing Master”
Raaddad - December 17, 2010
thanks for the suggestions
jeez, I’m going to need to write all these good suggestions down in a notebook or something to refer back to once I’m done with the Millenium trilogy.
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
No problem. All these people so popular now internationally
were all inspired by our great mid-20th-century masters: Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler.
Raaddad - December 17, 2010
Sweet. Just finished the 3rd book tonight so I'm looking for some stuff to read
Should be useful if I get a bunch of borders gift cards for xmas
Epic Dean - December 18, 2010
Pfft
I read two books just yesterday in less than an hour. “Frog and Toad Are Friends” and “Don’t Bite Your Friends.”
Higz - December 17, 2010
Pop-up books are the bees knees.
Fred Fredrix - December 17, 2010
neither of those is a pop-up, but I don't disagree with you!
Higz - December 17, 2010
Frog and Toad rock
Moondoggy - December 17, 2010
Arte is willing to spend but none of the top free agents want to play here.
Why is that?
Fred Fredrix - December 17, 2010
no ESPN coverage
few if any lucrative post-career endorsement possibilities
Rev Halofan - December 17, 2010
We need a guy like Bo Belinsky that wouldn't care about the endorsements.
Just wants to bang the Hollywood stars! Scarlett Johannson is single again. We need to make THAT a selling point to come to the Angels!
Monkeyspanked - December 17, 2010
Napoli is probably
frothing at the mouth
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
makes you wonder why
guys like Torii came here as much as he loves the camera. If Arte indeed, knows these things, how can he ever expect to land a major free agent?
Dono Romantico - December 17, 2010
This isn't exactly accurate
Crawford did choose to play in Boston over Anaheim despite apparently identical offers. The other players who recently rejected our offers, however, were offered more by the Yankees. We offered Sabathia $140 million, and the Yankees gave him $161 million. We offered Teixeira $160 million, and the Yankees gave him $180 million. Same was true last year with Lackey and Figgins, although I would not consider them top free agents.
Hopefully, we make the best offer to Beltre. If we do, I have to assume he will take it. If we do not, I have no idea what Plan B might be.
Brody - December 17, 2010
Plan B (randon Wood)
clover_black - December 17, 2010
He asked what the plan was, not the punishment.
Commander_Nate - December 17, 2010
Why? All the groupies flock to Mathis and Napoli
mustard_man - December 17, 2010
Since June, I read all 15 Jack Reacher books by Lee Child
And Term Limits and Transfer of Power by Vince Flynn. Plus All-stars of the Deadball Era (NL and AL)
Plus Guardians of Ga’Hoole books with my daughter…
Dresden Files by Jim Butcher are prob my favs though.
That’s my 2 cents that are worth less due to inflation and taxes. So I probably owe you guys now. Damn it.
Nice to talk about something other than the nothing that’s going on with the Angels FO.
Monkeyspanked - December 17, 2010
What is Dresen Files about?
Raaddad - December 17, 2010
It's kind of Harry Potterish, but for adults
The guys a wizard that works in the normal world as a private eye.
Monkeyspanked - December 17, 2010
Dresden files used to be a pretty cool TV show also.
I imagine the books are good.
rmhalofan - December 17, 2010
Dresden and Angel talk together on one site = sweet!
Muggs - December 17, 2010
Hope you all have happy holidays and a Feliz Navidad that doesnt involve Pedro at 3B instead of Beltre
Jesse78 - December 17, 2010
10 books a year is about right.
Yesterday I finished Super Sad True Love Story. Despite the weird title, it’s a great sci-fi, near future dystopia book. The last 100 pages or so is some freaky shit.
Mayheminthehood - December 17, 2010
anybody read any Kurt Vonnegut?
I’ve read many, and enjoyed all. my favorites though were The Sirens of Titan and Cat’s Cradle. I read a while ago that Leonardo DiCaprio was trying to make a Cat’s Cradle movie. I so hope this happens, I would love to see that crazy story on the big screen, and done right.
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
I've been hoping for a Cat's Cradle movie. I know Richard Kelly(Donny Darko, The Box) wrote a script for it and was attached at one point. That was a handful of years ago though, probably still in development hell.
Mayheminthehood - December 17, 2010
Vonnegut is easlier my favorite author.
I’ve read everything he’s written (that I know of), and Cat’s Cradle is my favorite too.
WiHaloFan - December 17, 2010
My faves are
God Bless You Mr Rosewater, Slaughterhouse 5, and Breakfast of Champions
Raaddad - December 17, 2010
Player Piano ranks really high with me.
I think I’ve read this one the most times out of all the Vonnegut books. I guess I should amend my earlier statement, Player Piano is my favorite, with Cat’s Cradle a very close second.
But truthfully, rankings are pointless. I like them all.
WiHaloFan - December 17, 2010
Player Piano = Fantastic read
halofan4life - December 17, 2010
after I finish
O’Brien, I plan on finishing Cat’s Cradle. The only other one I read by him is SH5.
feNOMINAL - December 17, 2010
Been a while. Cat's Cradle is the Ice-9 book, right?
Vonnegut is a bit too… odd… for my tastes.
I do like PKD, though.
red floyd - December 17, 2010
correct
Ice-9 is in that one
and yes, they are very odd
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
PKD!!
I’ve been reading and re-reading his books since 1964.
Fred Fredrix - December 17, 2010
The next book I'm starting is Warlock by Oakley Hall. Anybody ever heard of it? Someone recommended it to me years ago, just got it off of Amazon.
Mayheminthehood - December 17, 2010
never heard of it, but sounds interesting
I love Amazon. Until last week I would always go to Barnes & Noble, but after I spent $17 on The Dragon Tattoo paperback there, then saw that I could get the whole trilogy new for $25 on Amazon, I am converted for life.
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
Warlock was impossible to find, so that's mainly where the Amazon came into play. I love them all, to be honest.
I have Borders Rewards Plus and the Barnes and Nobles equivalent, so I use those to either buy from their brick and mortar’s or their websites. It’s cool because with buying a book a week, I get enough points to get about a free book every few weeks.
The best is Borders coupons. They send out one 33-40% off coupon every couple weeks, even more so during the holidays. If you have rewards programs you get another 5-10% off. Barnes and Nobles doesn’t give you crap, to be honest.
Mayheminthehood - December 17, 2010
I should've just said "Buy 4 get 1". Disregard that poor excuse for a sentence above.
Mayheminthehood - December 17, 2010
you really like your Westerns, eh?
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
If they're good, then hell yes. Unfortunately, those are few and far between.
I grew up reading my grandpa’s Louis L’Amour novels. Unfortunately as you grow older, you realize those are horrible books and have the same problems as most westerns do. McCarthy does them well. Another good example is the book True Grit(which I hear the new movie is closer based on than the John Wayne movie). When done right, they are right in my wheelhouse.
Mayheminthehood - December 17, 2010
I've found myself lately
being much more in to Westerns (movies and TV). not sure why, but my wife even commented on this to me a couple days ago.
did you ever watch the HBO series Deadwood? I’ve been watching the dvds on netflix and can say its a damn good show.
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
Oh yes. Deadwood was appointment tv for me during it's run. I hated the way it ended(not story wise, but HBO's decision to cut the series out of the blue) and then fans were strung along for awhile about a couple 2 hour specials to wrap the show up.
Mayheminthehood - December 17, 2010
I should say that's also what brought upon the Warlock recommendation. A writer for the local weekly here said it's right up the alley of Deadwood fans.
Mayheminthehood - December 17, 2010
interesting
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
I've read Deadwood scripts before, just for that amazing dialogue. Not since Lyndon B. Johnson has the word "Cocksucker" been used to such great effect.
Mayheminthehood - December 17, 2010
the dialogue is amazing
I can’t believe sometimes the sentences that Swerengen says. Ian McShane can seriously act.
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
It's poetry. The many scenes where Swerengen is left in his office/room to think over his next move are on par with the best of the classics.
Mayheminthehood - December 17, 2010
very true
what was up with him keeping that indian head in a box and conversing with it? when I first learned what was in the box I was like WTF???
got a couple episodes left in season 2 before I have to let the wife get some dvds through our netflix before I can start season 3. something tells me the new Twilight movie isn’t going to be up to par with Deadwood though.
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
Haha...well, it's kind of funny how throughout the show, he is in his room mulling over what to do, out loud. All while either talking to the indian chief's head, or getting head from his favorite girl. Always chuckled at that.
Mayheminthehood - December 17, 2010
good point
head is always involved. lol
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
Deadwood!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My favorite all-time show (I just got back)
Al Swerengen is one of the greatest villains of all time
Raaddad - December 17, 2010
The book "Deadwood"
is pretty good too—but the show was way better
Raaddad - December 17, 2010
the town of Deadwood
(in S.D) on the other hand is a small, faintly skeevy place, unless you like small casinos, buildings that used to house whore houses, alcohol, and Harleys in which case it’s awesome. Been there a couple of times.
rmhalofan - December 19, 2010
True
Went there this summer. Almost got into a fight with a ef-in tour bus driver for trying to run over my mother-in-law. Actually, maybe I should have thanked him lol
Raaddad - December 19, 2010
Borders Rewards FTW!!!
It should be called the “Super Best Friends Club” or something.
Commander_Nate - December 17, 2010
yeah, I'll still go to B&N/Borders
just because I love being amongst all those books and browsing around. I’ll check out that Borders program though, it sounds pretty good.
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
I hear ya. B&N is WAY more of a fun place to go and kill time. Borders I tend to not be in for more than 5 minutes, if I can help it. That's probably why they're so stingy with coupons.
Mayheminthehood - December 17, 2010
you nailed it
Borders aren’t setup as well as B&N, which is why I’ve always gone to B&N. it just seemed more fun.
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
The Burdett books went a long way in helping me understand my wife and her family
none of them are from Bangkok, mind you. But he nails the life philosophy of the Thais. My wife prays for material items (car, jewelry, etc.) then goes to the Wat to give offerings when she gets them. Considering that Enlightenment is freedom from such wants and desires, it is a delicious paradox.
Moondoggy - December 17, 2010
Adrian Beltre...
Couldn’t be bothered to add this as a fanshot… But I saw this on a Texas Rangers forum (bleach) and thought it ‘could’ (if it’s real) be interesting…
Adrian Beltre Facebook
BOOM! AAAAAAAH!
TheQuestforMerlin - December 17, 2010
WOW
did he really post this on his facebook?
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
Now that is the million dollar question...
Or should I say 64 – 90 million dollar one…
TheQuestforMerlin - December 17, 2010
Oh hamburgers!
Commander_Nate - December 17, 2010
Zoinks!
TheQuestforMerlin - December 17, 2010
I won't believe that's real
unless Beltre makes a public statement acknowledging that those comments are his.
Brody - December 17, 2010
I say we friend him and all tell him to join the Angels, Halos Heaven social networking power
TheQuestforMerlin - December 17, 2010
apparently Beltre didn’t read that post by that douche DFA from the A’s blog. according to him, in 3 years the Angels will have no players, just a monkey in a stadium.
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
Which would still be more people than the A's have in their stadium.
Commander_Nate - December 17, 2010
Oh SNAP!!!!
red floyd - December 17, 2010
+10
thebigtizzle - December 17, 2010
Dunno how real the page is
because of the link to his Celtics fan page on the wall
Epic Dean - December 17, 2010
what are the odds
Jesse78 is behind it?
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
Drat, foiled again by that pesky kid?
TheQuestforMerlin - December 17, 2010
0% Chance that is the real Beltre
ryanfea - December 17, 2010
70% of the time, you are probably right, 100% of the time
TheQuestforMerlin - December 17, 2010
"The doctors say he has a 50/50 chance of living"
“But there’s only a 10 percent chance of that.” (We miss you, Leslie…)
The_Question - December 17, 2010
62% of all statistics are made up
red floyd - December 17, 2010
That's interesting...
Make up improves women’s looks by 62% (half the time).
WiHaloFan - December 17, 2010
Greinke changed agents. Somewhat interesting thing to do at this time of year.
Mayheminthehood - December 17, 2010
http://twitter.com/ed_price/status/15810077885734912
Mayheminthehood - December 17, 2010
Here is Rosenthal on the LAA and Crawford
I posted this elsewhere but decided to put it here
Link
hauldog - December 17, 2010
hasn't it come out
that CC’s agent set the deadline and that both teams had similar offers and he simply chose Boston? I thought that had been made clear.
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
I've never seen that
Everything I read said the Angels set the deadline
I could be very wrong.
hauldog - December 17, 2010
I thought the same
until a poster on here corrected me, so I did some research and he was right. CC’s agents set the deadline.
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
I thought the Angels set the deadline too
That’s from the Sean McAdam article breaking down the process. Now with today’s LAT article, it’s hard to figure out who’s telling the truth (Moreno or the McAdam).
WiHaloFan - December 17, 2010
This is an issue I have with Rosenthal's argument...
And
After saying we ‘botched’ by putting a deadline on one free agent (i.e. justifying half of his article) he says we should go ahead and put a ‘deadline’ or ultimatum on Beltre and Boras. So are we being smart or botching the Beltre discussions currently? Or will the answer be found in some reverse-argument when Beltre eventually signs a contract…
TheQuestforMerlin - December 17, 2010
rosenfail
nolander - December 17, 2010
Most of these guys have never even negotiated a parking spot.
wumbug - December 18, 2010
DOES ANYONE THINK WE HAVE A SHOT AT GETTING
1 of the top three 1st baseman FAs next year?…
Yankees are out.
With Pujols, Fielder and A.Gonzo our biggest competition would prob be the Mets, Cards, Redsox… any chance we land 1?
Plus if Kendry has a great year he would make an amazing trade chip.
C.A._Rep_Los_ANGELS - December 17, 2010 via mobile
I've been saying Pujos all off-season, which is why I don't mind not spending exorbitant amounts of money on CC or AB.
One of my best friends is from Kansas, still lives back there. He’s a diehard Cards fan and usually knows his stuff. He thinks it’s either Cards or Angels next year for Pujols, with advantage Angels.
Mayheminthehood - December 17, 2010
Gonzo is signing an extension
Pujols is almost certainly going to re-sign with the Cards. If Albypants does not, it will be one of the biggest failures of any organization in baseball history considering Pujols will go down as one of the greatest right handed hitters of all time, if not THE best.
If Smacky McHomerun hits free agency he will command a 10/300 contract. The angels will offer 5/80, set a deadline and fail.
Fielder is the second coming of Mo Vaughn. Expect the Angels to overpay and overpay mightily then see him break his fat bone eating a bucket of lard and be useless.
PhiSlamma - December 17, 2010
Gonzo should tear that offer up
Crawford’s deal made it obsolete
hauldog - December 17, 2010
Pujols will sign the first billion dollar contract in sports history
linkbruin - December 17, 2010
if Kendry has a great year
then we don’t need any of them.
A-Gon will sign an extension with Boston just as soon as the season starts (waiting for tax reasons)
Pujols will stay with STL
and do you really want Fielder? I don’t. I could see the Rangers trading for him if they are behind in the division before the deadline next season.
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
In my dream scario, Kendry DH's.
Mayheminthehood - December 17, 2010
scenario, rather.
Mayheminthehood - December 17, 2010
I preferred scario...
TheQuestforMerlin - December 17, 2010
Apparently Scario is an Italian hamlet. So I guess my dream version of that town has Kendry living there.
Mayheminthehood - December 17, 2010
We have the beginning of a film script methinks...
Kendry’s Big Day Out
TheQuestforMerlin - December 17, 2010
It'll be like Captain Corelli's Mandolin meets Eat Pray Love meets A Good Year meets Bad News Bears 3.
Mayheminthehood - December 17, 2010
thats a sure fire Oscar winner
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
And The Motorcycle Diaries!
TheQuestforMerlin - December 17, 2010
Yes
wumbug - December 18, 2010
No shot.
You can bet your ass on that and not worry about what you’re going to sit on.
LittleCupcakes - December 17, 2010
Pujols
The Yankees are NEVER out. They can afford to pay him $30+ million/year; and they’d be happy to have him and Teixeira share 1B/DH duties. Most likely he stays with the Cardinals, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see either Boston (which will need to replace Ortiz) or the Mets (they need to do something, and Beltran will be coming off the books) throw a shitload of money at him.
jjackflash - December 17, 2010
The Yankees are NEVER out.
thebigtizzle - December 17, 2010
Reading "59 in '84"
about Old Hoss Radbourn.
Who was also apparently well-known for giving the “finger” when photographed.
LittleCupcakes - December 17, 2010
Arte says we never made an official offer to Crawford and there is a "significant" offer out to Beltre
Link
Epic Dean - December 17, 2010
so it is confirmed
they have made Beltre an offer.
the stuff about Crawford is confusing, but I’m at the point where I just don’t give a shit anymore what went down with him. he’s gone.
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
Guess that means there is no Angel Deadline
hauldog - December 17, 2010
I'll take Arte at his word.
And I hope that “significant” means just that.
angelslogic - December 17, 2010
The "what we believe to be" part is not confidence inspiring
hauldog - December 17, 2010
Boras is shopping it around no doubt
Hopefully it was high enough to scare other teams away.
Commander_Nate - December 17, 2010
The poll asks the question "How Much Do You Read in a Typical Year?"
Then it proceeds to mention only books. Is reading books the only type of legitimate reading? I’m an avid newspaper and magazine “reader.” I also read tons of on-line sites that cover local and national news and current events. I read court case decisions, sports articles, blogs, and yes an occasional book (especially ones dealing with politics). Does that make me an underachieving reader?
I’ve always wondered why BOOKS (especially silly romance novels and even other types of fiction) carry such “gravitas” in the realm of reading. I for one don’t waste my time with them.
Jerome Corsi – yes, John Grisham – no.
angelslogic - December 17, 2010
You're only grazing:)
Reading a book represents a significant investment of time, and books allow a much greater exploration of the subject at hand.
And they weigh more, so that explains the gravitas.
LittleCupcakes - December 17, 2010
Well, there are good books and then there are ones you find at supermarket checkout lines.
Mayheminthehood - December 17, 2010
You mean the National Enquirer doesn't qualify?
angelslogic - December 17, 2010
Compromise
Penthouse Letters
Moondoggy - December 17, 2010
I never thought I'd be writing to you, but....
red floyd - December 17, 2010
:)
Moondoggy - December 17, 2010
well since there was a link regarding books
I think thats where the poll question came from. no need to take offense to it. we get it, you can’t read. :-p
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
Probably not so much an underachieving reader
but rather somebody who takes things a little too literal.
clover_black - December 17, 2010
Reading Greg Graffin's new book "Anarchy Evolution"...
and I’m about a quarter of the way through and really enjoying it. Much more entertaining than his thesis and includes a ton of early Bad Religion history.
Wytelitning - December 17, 2010
I want to know if that book is good. I'm interested in anything that guy has to say.
halofan4life - December 17, 2010
Like I said, not done but would highly recommend based what I have read
Intriguing parallels are made between punk rock and naturalism that helps you understand more how the guy’s mind works.
Wytelitning - December 17, 2010
I just finished that right after Thanksgiving
It’s a great read. He does a great job explaining how his twin careers in scientific academia and the music business shaped his naturalist worldview, which is shared by many people but is difficult to explain in some cases. The part about his trip to the Amazon after he graduated college and when Bad Religion was on hiatus was really good, I thought. Everyone’s got an eye-opening experience like that in their life where you’re forced to face reality and figure out what you want to do.
Is yours signed? Apparently he signed every copy of the first run. It sold out of all the Borders near me and I had to order it online. I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the book and found his signature.
Commander_Nate - December 17, 2010
It was...
I had pre-ordered it several months in advance.
“Shared by many people but difficult to explain”…I couldn’t have said that better myself.
Wytelitning - December 17, 2010
Nice
Commander_Nate - December 17, 2010
Beltre's options are limited
None of the “big market” teams need a 3b.
Toronto ust signed encarnacion nd i doubt he’d want to play in toronto
indians- rebuilding
giants- already $120 mil payroll, unlikely
texas- they’d either have to trade young or convince him to pay dh/1b wth beltre at 3b
oakland- pulled their 5 yr/64 mill offer
beltre wants 5yr/75-90 mill, with angels budget approaching 139 mill that might be too much.
MagicMike23 - December 17, 2010
Just finished reading "The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman
It is an excellent read for you and your kiddos.
blochead - December 17, 2010
Brandon Wood
Let’s be honest here, the whole team couldn’t hit last year. Brandon has that Ryan Braun or Troy Tulowitzki potential and upper management will regret pulling the plug on him early. If this guy switches up his batting stance, Get a little bit more comfortable at the plate, Sky’s the limit for em.
Not to speak in Basketball terms but look at how well Michael Beasley is playing? The Miami Heat traded him for merely nothing and he’s now playing to his potential with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The same could happen with Brandon Wood.
Adrian Beltre doesn’t deserve to be in a Angels uniform. Period.
Follow your Dreams - December 17, 2010
in all seriousness
is this Brandon’s mom?
2pintsofbooze - December 17, 2010
I laughed
Raaddad - December 17, 2010
me 2
Moondoggy - December 17, 2010
um..............wow
hauldog - December 17, 2010
This is Brandon Wood isn't it?
blochead - December 17, 2010
Are we
talking about 2010 B-Wood. He has more problems than simply switching batting stances. One of which is he has 0 patience at the plate. He’s Vlad without the amazing contact skills. Vlad was able to swing away at some crazy pitches, but it worked due to power and amazing hand eye coordination. He, like Pujols, is a freak of nature. B-Wood has power, but he makes little contact. No use being super strong if you can’t hit the ball.
phoenix15 - December 17, 2010
It might take Wood playing for another team...
to realize that potential.
WiHaloFan - December 17, 2010
A team that does not belong to Major League Baseball, perhaps
Suboptimal - December 17, 2010
Any fans of the Master and Commander series with Aubrey and Maturin?
I love those books by Patrick O’Brian. Two Brit dudes who read them beautifully (books on CD) are Patrick Tull and Richard Brown.
Raaddad - December 17, 2010
Master and Commander series...
+1
Working on the Sharpe series by Cornwell now
Red Sniper - December 17, 2010
Yes
But I much prefer Cornwell’s new Alfred the Great series. His Saxon/Norseman first person narrator, Utred of Bebenberg, totally kicks ass. A lot of blood and guts and humor as well.
Raaddad - December 17, 2010
I concur
rmhalofan - December 19, 2010
Dirk Pitt series by Clive Cussler
Though they’ve become too formulaic.
Also a fan of Faye Kellerman’s Peter Decker and Rina Lazarus mysteries.
red floyd - December 17, 2010
What is a good Kellerman to start with?
Raaddad - December 17, 2010
Faye or Johnathan?
For Faye Kellerman, start with “The Ritual Bath”.
I couldn’t begin to tell you what the best Johnathan Kellerman is (I haven’t read him).
red floyd - December 19, 2010
Right here. Up to The Nutmeg of Consolation
Stirrups - December 17, 2010
Dude.
You may not be into books on CD (I listen driving, cooking, washing dishes, etc.), but I’m telling you there’s nothing like listening to O’Brian read by either of the 2 dudes I mentioned above. You got to try it at least once. :).
Btw, my fave is the first book in the series and probably The Mauritius Command.
Raaddad - December 17, 2010
If you like old-school nautical stuff...
Then you might like the Tierra Incognita series by Kevin J. Anderson. The third and final book isn’t out yet, but I’ve read the first two and they are friggin’ sweet. They require a solid attention span though – each of the first two books were over 600 pages.
Here is a link to the first book.
Commander_Nate - December 18, 2010
Looks good
Thanks for the tip
Raaddad - December 18, 2010
Best book I read this year is Tent Life in Siberia. It’s a very good telling of a real life adventure undertaken by the telephone companies back in the early days sending people to Siberia in order to connect the world via telephone wire. I couldn’t put it down and highly recommend it.
Jesse78 - December 18, 2010
I for one hope we dont sign Adrian Beltre. the guy is a crumb bum. I forsee another mo vaughn debacle if we do sign him.
robi s - December 19, 2010
And the proof of your assessment is?
Epic Dean - December 19, 2010
Define "crumb bum"
Is that a desperate homeless guy?
Raaddad - December 19, 2010
House of Grass
This is arguably the greatest gothic type novel ever written, but can be a hard read. Well worth the time as it is brilliant. Mark Z. Danielewski.
Raaddad - December 20, 2010
New blogger here
I just believe that Arte should tell Bored Ass that someone else paid a higher amount for his “Suite Behind Home Plate’” and that person actually will come to the games and actually watch the games,instead of being a “Bored Ass”He just wants to be seen .
Joe Halo777 - December 22, 2010
Apathy and Other Small Moral Victories...
Office Space gone wild. Great read that leaves you bursting with laughter.
Downing Rules - December 23, 2010
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