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Field of dreams from Little League to Pro
104 Plays3 years ago
Along with regular sports of the day I discuss the little league World Series, the field of dreams and the St Louis Cardinals!
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Transcript
Introduction to Talking Sports on the Bleachers
00:00:06
Speaker
Pay attention, son. This is for your own good. This is Gateway City Sports. You've got to get it done! This is Talking Sports on the Bleachers with Don Glenn. A confident young man. A superb athlete. A look at the sports issues of the day. Holy cow! Grab a seat, pop a cold one, and let's talk some sports. Gee, that sounds kind of interesting.
Current Sports News Highlights
00:00:53
Speaker
Well, here we are again. Glad to see you can make the day. We have a lot of news to talk about. Good thing I brought a full cooler.
00:01:02
Speaker
Spaceball is really heating up and we had yet another suspension. So, let's waste no time. Let's talk sports! Gentlemen, start your engines!
00:01:31
Speaker
Here's the snap, Romo looking, dumps it off, breaks it up, and her sentence! Her sentence was a goal line by Woodson! And there is your dagger! The rumors are true. You don't understand, I could've had class. I could've been a contender. I could've been somebody.
00:02:02
Speaker
Are you crying? There's no crying! There's no crying in baseball! Play-offs? Don't talk about it. Play-offs? You kidding me? Play-offs?
00:02:28
Speaker
for this young Cinderella. He's coming out of nowhere. He's got about 350 yards left. He's going to have about 500 yards left. Don't you think? He's got a vehicle that's... That's... Oh, he's got all of that one! I won't die, boy! I won't die, boy! Get out of here! You tell them, boy! Come here, boy! Nobody can beat me! You tell them right back!
00:03:02
Speaker
Hey, Dad? Do we have a catch? I'd like that.
Emotional Reflections on Field of Dreams
00:03:19
Speaker
Hello, my friends. You know, I just happen to think at the end of my opening there, it's quite appropriate with the Field of Dreams game having been played this week.
00:03:28
Speaker
And I think that scene between Kevin Costner and Ray Liotta, of course Liotta passed away earlier this year, is one of the most heart-tugging and iconic moments in movie history, at least for me anyway. I know there's no people who are going to talk about movies like Old Yeller and other things.
00:03:52
Speaker
I think the emotion, I think the feeling that you saw in that scene in Field of Dreams, to me, that was just fun. That was just an iconic moment to me. And I didn't get to see the game, but I went back and looked at some clips. And I saw the opening clip of Ken Griffey Jr. and Sr. coming out of the corn and doing their own
00:04:22
Speaker
want to have a catch moment. And then all the children and the parents that came onto the field playing catch in the outfield. I don't know who thought of that, whether it was NLB, whether it was Fox Sports. I don't know who. All I've got to say is kudos. Big time hit with me.
00:04:52
Speaker
Uh, I know I'm not the be all end all critic of everything, but that just struck me is that that's the way you do. That is why baseball is played. That is what fans come to see. Baseball generating in life. And as that, that was just fun. We'll talk a little bit more about the field of dream game later.
00:05:19
Speaker
Talking sports on the bleachers is a part of Gateways City Sports Network and at Gateways City Sports you can find articles on sports around the
Gateway City Sports Network & Listener Engagement
00:05:27
Speaker
city of St. Louis and the bi-state area. You can also check out the other podcast. If you're a Cobo Cardinal fan, then check out the team of rivals with Ron Nuggle, Pete Gettys and Elliott Dewey. You also have the Derek King sports show looking to add a few to the lineup and a few that are going to be coming back. So stay tuned and keep looking. We're going to have something. Now if we don't
00:05:48
Speaker
cover something that you like or that you want to see or you want to hear about. Excuse me, let us know about it. We'll do what we can to try and get somebody to cover that, get it all in the air. And I hope you'll check us out and give us a look-see.
Soldier Field Conditions Controversy
00:06:09
Speaker
So let's start with pro football. The preseason has started and we already have a dispute.
00:06:16
Speaker
Uh, during the game Sunday between the Chicago Bears and the Kansas City Chiefs, many people noted that the field at soldier stadium was not up to NFL standards, standards as it had, uh, divots and some, uh, bear spots and things of that nature. Um, uh, NFL PA president, uh, JC Tredder questioned the field's readiness. He posted on Twitter that, uh, yeah, I like that Tredder posted on Twitter. Okay. Yeah. Well, okay.
00:06:46
Speaker
Uh, the NFL said that the field, let's say he wrote this, the NFL said that this field met minimum testing standards. We clearly need to reevaluate what is an acceptable service for players to compete on. He went on to say, we need new testing metrics, looking at the performance and safety of every field the NFL can and should do better.
00:07:09
Speaker
Now, I've looked at some of the pictures on the field and they kind of looked like somebody had been playing golf on it. It looked terrible. I don't know how bad it was as far as being able to play on it, but it just didn't look good. And I remember back in the day when baseball and football teams shared stadiums and it was before AstroTurf, so you had
00:07:35
Speaker
Uh, the envy of the skinned infield part, the base paths and the pictures mound, um, you know, we're just nothing but dirt, um, you know, and clearly it wasn't safe, but they, you know, we didn't care about him when we were watching the sport. I mean, you know, uh, and of course, although it really did give a new meeting to the, or the real meeting to four yards in a cloud of dust when they got to that part of the field.
00:07:58
Speaker
Um, but if we, you know, you would get the rain or the snow, um, uh, or issues that rain mostly, that part of the vehicle would turn to mud, you know, and then you've got the problems with, so the, you know, astral curve was the, was the answer to that for those multi-use stadiums back then. Um, now bears coach Matt Everplus, uh, was non-committal. Now imagine that when he was asked about it, saying I'm new here, so I don't know the situation.
00:08:29
Speaker
But I know the guys are trying to do their best and the playing surface was passed by the NFL for us to be on. I thought it was firm and it was good. So that's where we'll leave it at. Now, quarterback, Bears quarterback, Justin Fields had a little different take on the situation. As Justin Fields said when he was asked about it, he said,
00:08:56
Speaker
The grass, I'll just put up this part of the quote, the grass could definitely have been better for sure. Uh, so Andy Reed, uh, not to be outdone, coach Reed had his, this comment to say a lot better than my high school field. And he added not much. Now, I can't believe we're talking about the field conditions in a preseason game. I had to, I just don't under, you know, that's fun anyway.
00:09:24
Speaker
Soldier Field does not have another preseason game scheduled for this season, but their first game is September 11th with the San Francisco 49ers. So hopefully they'll have their field in shape by then. Going to the DeShawn Watson scandal or suspension or case or whatever you want to
Deshaun Watson Suspension Debate
00:09:50
Speaker
call it.
00:09:50
Speaker
Watson played in the Browns preseason game against Jacksonville Jaguars. Watson has been given six game suspension, but is allowed to participate in preseason drills and exhibition games. The NFL, aka Roger Goodell, chose Judge Sue L. Robinson to oversee the case and she handed down the six month or six games suspension, saying it was in line with the current CBA and past cases of this nature.
00:10:18
Speaker
However, the NFL is now appealing that decision, which I'll get to this in a second, but they're appealing the decision, and it means they get to pick a different person to hear the case and have given a ruling. Now, Goodell and the NFL is seeking a year-long suspension. Early reports did say that they were seeking indefinite suspension, but evidently they have to kind of back down a little bit. But I'm sorry.
00:10:46
Speaker
And I'm not in any way condoning or minimizing what Watson did. I mean, if he, if even half of the reports are true, uh, you know, what he did is reprehensible. I mean, it's totally wrong. Uh, not acceptable in this day and age or in any day and age, really. Um, but I will have to say though, that when the prosecutor picks his own judge and that's what the NFL can do to be able to do, they're able to pick their own judge in this case.
00:11:16
Speaker
If that's happening, you are not going to get a fair outcome. Not in the least. I don't think so. I mean, they kind of, I think they got the fairest outcome they could have with judge Robinson. Um, but Goodell doesn't like that. So now he says, I want to, I want a different person to hear it. Now Watson, um, talks with CBS sports, uh,
00:11:47
Speaker
And I'm going to butcher this name and I apologize to the man. Aditi Kinca Bawawa. He specifically asked him about Robinson's note in the hearing. Now Watson's, uh, and that note was saying that, uh, uh, he showed a great lack of remorse for his actions. Now Watson had this to say about that. I'm truly sorry to all the women that I have impacted in this situation.
00:12:17
Speaker
He said that my decision that I made in my life that put me in this position, I would definitely like to have it back. I want to continue to move forward and grow and learn and show that I'm a true person of character. I want to keep pushing forward. In a meeting in Minneapolis, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell recently called Watson's actions as egregious and said the quarterback represented predatory behavior.
00:12:47
Speaker
It was his attempt to explain the league's push for the, for the, uh, the, uh, pending appeal. Now Watson has said he would accept an eight game suspension and a $5 million fine. Uh, but look for that to be rejected or basically not even considered by the NFL. The appeal is now in the hands of former New Jersey attorney general Peter C. Harvey, who was personally appointed by Goodell.
00:13:16
Speaker
So pardon me here, but folks, the fix is in. And Watson, if Goodell has anything to say about it, Watson will not play this year. I think you're going to have to bank on that. That's just the way it looks. I'm sorry, for those who are fans of the Browns or fans of Watson, Goodell's got an in for him. I think Goodell wants to make an example of young Mr. Watson.
00:13:48
Speaker
In the world of golf, they started their post-season and tipped off with the St. Jude championship. And it did take three extra holes, but will Zallatoris emerge from the fray as the winner?
Will Zalatoris' Victory at St. Jude Championship
00:13:59
Speaker
The St. Jude played at PPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee is the first stop in the FedEx Cup playoffs. Zallatoris squared off in the extra holes against Sepp Straka. Zallatoris started the event one over 71, but
00:14:16
Speaker
would have rounds of seven under, five under, and four under to go 15th under for the event in regulation. Straka meanwhile started strong with the six under, 64 right out of the gate and played solid golf throughout the round, throughout with rounds of 66, 68, and 67. Both men were a part in the first hole. The second holes were somewhat interesting is both men having bad luck off the tee. Xalatoras having to hit a round of tree
00:14:46
Speaker
Uh, when his shot went to the right and had a temporary fence that kind of kept his, uh, uh, backswing down, uh, he did not ask for, nor was he offered a drop or consideration. Uh, so he went with what he had. Uh, meanwhile, Straca, uh, just missed going into the water, but the ball was unplayable, uh, as it,
00:15:12
Speaker
would have required him to beastly stand in the water and try to hit. So he took his drop. Uh, he did manage to hit the approach shot from that drop within seven feet of the pin though. Uh, Zalatorus would, uh, uh, after he got out of his situation, uh, make a 14 foot par putt and Strachta would match that with his seven foot putt. Then on third hole, it even got weirder. Uh, Zalatorus again, straight off to the right where it would roll onto a rock wall.
00:15:42
Speaker
but not roll off into the water, it would kind of roll down and rep come to rest against the wall. Now, Straka, at that point, you would think had the tourney in his grasp. All he had to do is hit a nice clean shot and he's gold. Well, he took the same route as the Salatores only. His ball would hit the water. It found the bottom of the pond. This would cause him to have a drop. His next shot landed in a bunker.
00:16:12
Speaker
uh, which he hit out of and had a four foot putt for a double bogey. Now Zallatorus was trying to avoid the drop, but finally decided to let the discretion take over. And he did drop, so that put him a penalty stroke down. He was sitting two after his first shot. After his drop shot, he hit his approach with a seven feet for a bogey putt and the tournament win. It was Zallatorus' first PGA win.
00:16:39
Speaker
On the ladies side, the ladies played across the pond, as it were, in the ISPS Honda World Invitational presented by Aviv Clinics. The event was held at Galgorm Castle Golf Club, Massarene Golf Club in Antrim, Northern Ireland. Marga Stark won the event, going away, shooting a 20-under, 272 for four rounds. Her nearest competitor was Allison Corpus,
00:17:08
Speaker
who was 15 under for the tournament. Oh, well, you know, I've never had that experience where I've played, where I've been, been on the golf course and, and been in a competition and not had to worry about those around me. Uh, it seems like I was always stressing out about somebody, but, uh, you know, when you're playing, I guess there's no pressure, there's no stress. Kind of reminds me about buying a car from Piss Street Motors.
00:17:36
Speaker
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00:18:03
Speaker
Tell them Don Lynn from Talking Sports on the bleachers sent you. From buying car to racing cars. In NASCAR, Kevin Harvick made two wins in a row. Now last week, Harvick's first win in almost two years was at the Indy Road course. This week he showed he wasn't through as he won the Federated Auto Parts 400 at the Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Virginia.
00:18:26
Speaker
Joey Logano would dominate most of the race, but Harvick would overtake him with about a quarter of a race to go or a hundred laps, something around there. Using pitch strategy, Chris Buescher made a pit stop with about 60 laps to go, giving him an opportunity to gain ground. But Christopher Bell kind of waited there and pitted 12 laps later and was faster down the stretch than both Buescher and Harvick. But Harvick would be able to hold on for his
00:18:55
Speaker
60th NASCAR NASCAR win which ties in for 9th all-time with Kyle Busch Let us turn to Major League Baseball and You know How do I put the Padres?
Fernando Tatis Jr.'s Suspension Impact
00:19:14
Speaker
You know last week they thought they had the world One I mean
00:19:22
Speaker
They had just picked up Juan Soto, Josh Bell, Brandon Drury, Josh Hader. Fernando Tatis Jr. was due to be coming back soon. So you were looking at a potential murders row of Bell, Machado, Soto, Tatis. But as the, in the old laughing days, the pickle finger of fate stepped in.
00:19:51
Speaker
And Fernando Tatis Jr. has now been suspended for violation of Major League Baseball's PED policy. San Diego Padres star shortstop tested positive for the performance enhancing drug close to ball. And as per the MLB joint drug agreement, Tatis receives an 80 game suspension. The Padres released a statement saying this,
00:20:18
Speaker
We were surprised and extremely disappointed to learn that Fernando Tatis Jr. tested positive for a performance enhancing substance in violation of Major League Baseball's joint prevention and treatment program and subsequently received an 80 game suspension without pay. We fully support the program and are hopeful that Fernando will learn from this experience. Before Tatis can serve his suspension however, he has to be activated from the injured list that he's been on
00:20:48
Speaker
Uh, which hadn't happened yet. He was getting ready to do his rehab starts with so much little left in the season. You know, he won't be eligible if the suspension, when the suspension suspension, that's hard to say when the suspension kicks in, uh, he will obviously not be eligible for the playoffs. Um, so. You know, it becomes now, um, and you look at what he will miss. They've got 48 games left.
00:21:18
Speaker
I don't know, I did not check today to see if they had activated him yet, but you figure it's going to be at least a month or more into next season because I do not believe if he's on suspension, I do not believe he would be allowed to participate in spring training. So that would put him at least a month behind, so don't expect
00:21:45
Speaker
Tatis Jr. in the Padres lineup till I'm seeing probably June next year, between May and June, somewhere between May and June next year is when you'll see Fernando Tatis Jr. Now Tatis did release this statement. I've been informed by Major League Baseball that a test sample I submitted returned a positive result for close to ball.
00:22:12
Speaker
I should have used resources available to me in order to ensure that no banned substances were in what I took. I failed to do so. I want to apologize to Peter, Al, and the entire Padres organization, my teammates, Major League Baseball, and fans everywhere for my mistake. I have no excuse for my error and I would never do anything to cheat or disrespect this game I love.
00:22:42
Speaker
I have a little question about that with some of his bat flips and actions, but we'll let it go. I have taken countless drug tests throughout my professional career, including March 29th, 2022, all of which have returned negative results until this test. I am completely devastated. There is nowhere else in the world I would rather be than on the field with my teammates.
00:23:09
Speaker
After initially appealing the suspension, I have realized my mistake was caused by the cause of this result. And for that reason, I have decided to start serving my suspension immediately. I look forward to rejoining my teammates on the field in 2023. Now, as I say, I do not know if he has actually been activated so we can start serving the suspension
00:23:33
Speaker
But I would assume the Padres are going to use every opportunity to get him back on the quote unquote, active roster so that he can be suspended. Now to thesis in the second year of a 14 year, $340 million contract and the Padres were in the middle of a wildcard race. Currently after Sunday's action, they were five and a half games behind wildcard leader Atlanta, the Atlanta Braves and a half game lead over third spot occupied by the Philadelphia Phillies.
00:24:04
Speaker
the Milwaukee Brewers are a game and a half behind the Phillies. So they are in a little bit of a fight. I mean, they've got two teams that they got to watch out for that are within striking distance. I think the Giants are about seven games back. So they are probably, probably out of it. Um, but you never can tell. Um, now one would have to think that the Padres are envisioning having a, having that substantial murder as I had said.
00:24:29
Speaker
with Tatis and with Machado already on the team. And then you add Soto and Bell and, you know, Brandon Drewry is no stocks. He's a 20 home run guy, you know, so he's somebody you can put in the lineup, um, you know, to, to, to give Tatis a rest on the field and still keep Tatis' bat in the game as a DH. You know, Drewry's one of those types of guys that he's, he's got the ability to do damage in the lineup.
00:24:56
Speaker
So, you know, I think they were looking at this and then before you guys start having pity parties and crying towels because the crying towels, do not cry. You know, the old song, do not, don't cry for me Argentina. Don't cry for the San Diego Padres. Okay. They are still going to be good. Uh, they may still, like I said, look at the names I just mentioned, they still have Bell, they still have Soto, they still have Machado, they still have Jerry Cronenworth.
00:25:26
Speaker
This team is not going to be severely hampered by the Tati suspension because quite frankly, they've been playing with Adam all year anyway. So, you know, it's just no big deal. The Detroit Tigers fired executive vice president and general manager Al Avila.
Tigers' GM Firing and Future Prospects
00:25:50
Speaker
They did that last Wednesday, August 10th. Avila has spent the last seven years in the front office for the Tigers and 22 total years with the Detroit organization. He took over for Dave Dombrowski. Tiger Chairman Christopher Illich said in a statement, Al's loyalty and dedication has served as an example to all during his time as a leader in our baseball operations department. I will oversee the search.
00:26:20
Speaker
process for our next baseball operations leader in collaboration with several members of our baseball and business operations executive teams. Now the Tigers are 43 and 16 this season and Illich decided it was time to make a change. Illich also said that I want to reestablish our momentum and progress toward building a winning team and I am driven to find a talented executive to help us do that. Now
00:26:48
Speaker
Already names are floating around and you know, it always happens somebody gets fired name start floating around Here are five names and these were I think in the CBS dot-com CBS Sports dot-com report as the five names who are considered front-runners for Avila's job Dana Brown vice president of scouting for the Atlanta Braves James Harris assistant general manager of the Cleveland Guardians
00:27:17
Speaker
Billy Owens, Assistant General Manager of the Oakland Athletics. Pete Putila, Assistant General Manager of Houston Astros. And Cardinal fans, grab onto your whatever you got to hold onto. Take a seat. Randy Flores, Director of Scouting for the St. Louis Cardinals. Now, nobody knows that these five are absolutely on the list. That's just what's being reported.
00:27:43
Speaker
Nobody really knows. And no timetable has actually been given, uh, for Avila's replacement as of this date. Now some brighter news. The Little League World Series is about to start August 17th through August 28th and it's home in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, uh, at Howard J.
Preview of Little League World Series
00:28:04
Speaker
Lam- Lamadie Stadium and Little League Volunteer Stadium. Uh, this year will be the largest field, uh, in the, call it, in the Little League World Series.
00:28:14
Speaker
with four teams that have been added. International teams will be competing for the first time since 2019. There was no game in 2000, or no tournament in 2020, but at the pandemic, and at 21, international teams were not allowed into the US, again, because of the pandemic. So now the teams this year from the United States are, from the Great Lakes region, it will be represented by Hagerstown, Indiana, Little League.
00:28:42
Speaker
The New England region will be represented by Middleborough, Massachusetts Little League. Northwest will be represented by the Bonnie Lake, Washington Little Summer or Summer Little League. The Northwest represented excuse me, the metro represented by Massapequa, New York Coast Little League. The Mid-Atlantic will be represented by Holliday'sburg, Pennsylvania area summer baseball league. The Midwest
00:29:10
Speaker
will be represented by the Davenport Southeast Little League. Mountain will be represented by the Santa Clara Utah Snow Canyon Little League. In the southeast, the Nolensville, Tennessee Little League will be their representative. In the southwest, Pearland, Texas Little League will represent them. And in the west, the Honolulu, Hawaii Little League.
00:29:39
Speaker
Now the international group will feature the Asia Pacific, Taipei City, Chinese, Taipei, Phu Lin Little League, the Australia Queensland will be Australia, Brisbane, or excuse me, Australia represented by the Queensland, Australia, Brisbane North Little League, Canada, the Vancouver, British Columbia Little Mountain Little League, the Caribbean were represented by the
00:30:10
Speaker
Willemstead Curacao Pablo, Little League. Europe will be represented by, or Europe and Africa, excuse me, by the Bologna Italy, Emilia Romanjana, Little League. Japan will be represented by the Takazoka, Takazera, Takao, excuse me, Takarzuka, Japan, Little League.
00:30:38
Speaker
The Latin America will be represented by the Minagua Nicaragua 14 de September, a little league in Mexico. The Mexico, uh, group will be represented by Montemoro, Montemoros, Tamale, Tamalipas, Mexico, little league, uh, Panama by the Aqua Dries, Aqua Dies, Panama, cabazera, little league, and Puerto Rico will be represented by the one about,
00:31:09
Speaker
Puerto Rico Little League. And the last few years, uh, I think the last, uh, up until the pandemic, uh, uh, the Asian Pacific and, uh, uh, areas have been quite, uh, Asian Pacific and Japan, I should say, have been, have been kind of dominating what's going on. So, but good luck to all the teams and hope those kids have a lot of fun.
00:31:38
Speaker
One of these days, I do hope to get out there. I mean, I've seen some of the games on TV before, and it just looks like it'd be a fun, fun thing to do for a couple days, go out there and watch some Little League Baseball. But if you want to watch the games, it'll be broadcast on ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC, or you can stream it live on Fubo TV. Check your local listings. I'll tell you what.
00:32:06
Speaker
You know, one thing I think many parents worry about is protecting their kids at an event like this. I mean, you stop thinking, you've got people from all over the world. You've got, I don't know how many tens of thousands of just spectators and family and friends and, you know, all sorts of people that are going to come to this thing. So I just can't imagine
00:32:36
Speaker
what some of those parents are going to be going through. I mean, kids on the field, that's great, but what about, you know, little brother Johnny, little sister Sally, you know, they got to keep an eye on them in such a large crowd. But we all know how important it is to stay protected. You know, sometimes life throws you that curve ball, and that's when you need all state. Well, the Wiley Group has two locations in Festus and Arnold to serve you.
00:33:07
Speaker
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00:33:36
Speaker
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00:34:06
Speaker
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Celebration of 2022 Field of Dreams Game
00:34:30
Speaker
Now I mentioned the Field of Dreams game earlier at the top of the show here.
00:34:36
Speaker
This year was the second field of dreams game held in a ballpark trying to buy cornfields in Dyersville, Iowa. Now last year was the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox. Fantastic game ending up with a walk off home run by Tim Anderson.
00:34:48
Speaker
The atmosphere was electric. I saw the game on TV and you could even feel it through the television. I mean, you could just feel how, how that's the people there where they knew they were witnessing something special. Uh, you know, players coming out of the corner field, getting Kevin Costner. And, you know, then after the game, uh, for the rest of the, and the rest of the season, you know, the, both the white Sox and Yankees ended up in the playoffs and it was just a, uh, uh, fantastic event. Now this year's version.
00:35:18
Speaker
lacks to, or even for matter of fact, one team that's going to reach the playoffs, as that featured the Cubs and the Reds. The excitement though, seeing baseball without all the fancy trappings of the big city or the huge 40,000 seat stadium, because the seed capacity in Dyersville is only 8,000. It's 8,000. And you have the opening, as I said earlier in the program, the King Griffey Jr. and Sr.
00:35:46
Speaker
You had Ferguson Jenkins throwing out the first pitch to Johnny Finch. I mean, Hall of Famers, you had everything. And they even managed to bring back, albeit by hologram, Harry Carey to sing Take Me Out to the Bulge. Now, how flipping cool is that? I mean, give me a break. Again, I'm going to say kudos to Major League Baseball.
00:36:16
Speaker
to Fox Sports and those fans that were able to be there, you know, they were treated, even though the game was not probably as prolific as it was last year, you know, to be there in that setting, it just, I can't imagine what it would be like. One of these days I have got to try to get to that game. Hopefully they'll be having it in the
00:36:44
Speaker
someone sometime in the new future. I'll get to that in a minute. Uh, game is not high scoreings last year. As I said, uh, no, no baseballs landed in the corn, except in batting practice. Uh, now the council in the game, four to two, uh, doing the majority of the damage in the first inning with, uh, two outs starting pitchers. Nick Lidolo hit Patrick wisdom with a pitch. See ya Suzuki drove him home with a double to left field. Niko Horner then singled him home, singled scoring Suzuki.
00:37:14
Speaker
Ian Hapton doubled home, or doubled plating partner, or excuse me, doubled home Horner plating the third run. The Cubs would strike again in the fourth when back-to-back singles by Nelson Velasquez and P.J. Higgins had runners on first and second with one out. Nick Madrigal singled the score of Alasquez. Now Cubs pitcher Drew Smiley blanked the Reds for five innings and only four hits
00:37:42
Speaker
Uh, walking two and striking out nine. Uh, the Reds would get on the board in the seventh. Jose Barrio let off with ending with a double against Cubs reliever, Michael Rucker. Rucker then walked pinch hitter, Jake Fraley. And then Matt Reynolds, uh, hit a double plating both, uh, Barrero and Fraley for the only two red scores. Now I mentioned, hopefully it'll be here in the future. Uh, for those of you thinking this is going to be an annual event,
00:38:11
Speaker
That still may happen, but it won't be next year. They're going to be not playing there next year.
Future Developments at Field of Dreams Site
00:38:18
Speaker
Frank Thomas, who is part of the ownership group, told the Des Moines Register that due to construction, there will be no game in 2023. Now the plans are to put youth, baseball, and softball fields at the site and dormitories for the teams. Plans are also included a boutique hotel and a permanent facility for the Field of Dreams game.
00:38:40
Speaker
See, the current facility, while there is a field out there, it is mostly temporary, and much of the ballpark, especially the seating area, is taken down after the game. However, Major League Baseball will still be playing a role after this. At least that's the, according to the feasibility study that was done, and it projected the site could draw 136,000 visitors per year, create 81 jobs, and host 62 events per year.
00:39:09
Speaker
This would generate approximately $9.1 million after the first year the stadium is built. So now while there'll be no game next year, it is, oh well, let me backtrack a quick second. A lot of that projection though is based around Major League Baseball being there for that game or in making it a, playing an entire three game series there. I don't know what the plans are or how
00:39:38
Speaker
This feasibility study was working, but, you know, I would actually kind of, if they're going to go that route down the road, I would kind of like to see them play a three-game series at that venue, if you will. So while there's no game next year, I think Major League Baseball is still going to be very prominent in Dyersville, Iowa.
00:40:05
Speaker
All right. I want to end up today talking about the Cardinals.
Cardinals' Strategic Trade Moves
00:40:11
Speaker
So hang on to your hats, boys and girls. This could get long. No, uh, first of just a little bit of a revisit to the trading deadline. As I said last week, the front office did what they needed to do. They filled needs. They took care of the rotation. And that has been evident with the pitching performances of Jose Quintana and Jordan Montgomery.
00:40:34
Speaker
Now, since joining the rotation, both have pitched two games. Quintana is 2-0, Montgomery is 2-0. Quintana has pitched 12 innings, surrendered eight hits, three earned runs, walked forward, struck out 13. He has an ERA of 2.25 and a whip of one. And a whip of one. Now Montgomery has actually been more impressive. In his two games,
00:41:04
Speaker
Six hits, no runs, three walks, nine strikeouts, or eight strikeouts, and an ERA of zero, a whip of .81. The one thing that stands out about Montgomery is that in his first game as a Cardinal was against his former team, the Yankees, and he held into just two hits and one walk over five innings. Now, you can't talk about the Cardinals without talking about
Paul Goldschmidt's MVP Season
00:41:34
Speaker
the what some and many people are considering the leading MVP candidate, and that's first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. His slash line right now, 328-413-612, 28 home runs, 89 RBIs. He's drawn 58 walks, struck out only 98 times in 469 plate appearances. Now to give you some perspective, last year, in the entire year,
00:42:03
Speaker
He hit 294, 365, 514 with 31 home runs, 99 RBIs, 67 walks, 136 strikeouts. So with 48 games left in the season, it seems extremely likely Goldie would be well over the 30 home run mark. His career high is 36. That could be within reach, uh, and easily be over the a hundred RBI mark. And he's done that three times before his career, uh, with his high being 125.
00:42:31
Speaker
Uh, if his hitting continues, he will post his highest batting average ever. And he currently leads the major leagues in batting average, slugging percentage. OPS with the one, with the 1,026. OPS plus with the 193. He's currently fourth in home runs, uh, with six behind leader, Kyle Swarber, and only one behind third place, Pete Alonzo, and two behind second place, Austin Riley. He is scored, uh,
00:43:02
Speaker
He is second, excuse me, in RBIs, eight behind Petalon. So he's fifth in doubles. First in offensive war with his 6.0. Austin Riley and Manny Machado are second with a 4.9. That tells you the split there. He's a six there at 4.9. That tells you how kind of season the guys have in here, people. For all players, he is third with the 6.1 behind second place, Nolan and teammate Nolan Aronado, who has a 6.2.
00:43:32
Speaker
and former Cardinal, Sandy Alcantara, who is a 6.3. He's second in war for position players with a 6.1, again, behind Arenado. Goldie leaves the league in base-out runs added, win probability added, situational wins added, championship WPA and base-out wins added.
00:43:52
Speaker
Then you add what he's done just defensively, and it's an MVP season. I don't care how you slice it, it is an MVP season. Then you have Nolan Aronado, who's again, you watch him play, you watch some of the plays he makes, and it's just phenomenal what he does.
00:44:19
Speaker
And he's having a really good offensive season themselves. 297, 364, 559, 25, all run 73 RBIs. Then you have Rombre who since the All-Star game in 13 games has 39 play appearances. He's hitting 389, 436, 806 with four home runs and 10 RBIs. And this isn't his last 13 games since the All-Star game.
00:44:48
Speaker
He now has 689 career home runs after hitting two on Sunday against Milwaukee.
Albert Pujols' Home Run Milestone Chase
00:44:53
Speaker
The Cardinals are also 10 and three in that same stretch of 13 games. And most of his damage is coming against left-handed pitching, and we can't deny that or just gloss over it. Against left-handers, he is raking it. 351, 386, 662 with six home runs, 17 RBIs. But even though it's flipped, excuse me,
00:45:19
Speaker
versus right-handed pitching may not be as lofty. 176, 282, 315. He does have four home runs and 13 RBIs against right-handed pitching this year. So he's still producing. Now he's for the month of July. He hit 320, 364, 580 with three home runs and seven RBIs.
00:45:46
Speaker
And in August, he's hitting 368, 429, 895 with three home runs and six RBIs. So, you know, for those who said to bring him back was a waste of time, I'm going to have to differ with you on that. I mean, he's got a, he's 11 home run shy of 700. I don't know if he can make that or not, but it would really be so cool if he could. I mean, it really would.
00:46:15
Speaker
You know, Paul DeYoung since his return from the minor leagues after being demoted, he's hitting 292, 375, 646 with full home runs and 13 RBIs and only 56 plate appearances. So he's been maintaining a hot street since he's been back. And then you have the kids. You got Brendan Donovan, 281 with a 397 on base mark is now his slugging is not that great. I think he's around 350 on slugging.
00:46:45
Speaker
Uh, only three home runs and 300 plate appearances, but he does have 14 doubles. He's driven in 30 runs. Plus his versatility being able to play shortstop second base, third base, and the outfield, um, kind of reminds me of a certain secret weapon. I don't want to say that possible. Just throw it out there. Uh, Nolan Gorman, another young kid who has struggled at times, but there's no doubt that he has shown what he can do.
00:47:15
Speaker
I mean, his slash does show the struggle of the 242, 315, 465, but 13 home runs in 238 plate appearances, and he's driven in 28 RBIs. He's playing very good second pace. Um, and I think in the last month he's hitting well above 300, so, uh, he's bringing it on at the right time, getting hot. Uh, Lars Neutbarr since July has hit 308, 406, 539, three home runs, 14 RBIs.
00:47:43
Speaker
in just 96 plane appearances and has filled in all over the outfield. Now, that's not to say we're not having some issues. Tyler O'Neill, who had a really good June, 354, 385, 521, has had his struggles since coming back from the, uh, injury. Um, and, uh, July has not been, you know, the last couple months have not been his friend.
00:48:09
Speaker
181, 281, 333 for a slash. I got a couple home runs in that stretch, but he's showing a little bit more lately. He was a big part of the win the other night against Milwaukee. Dylan Carlson, and this kid's getting the raw deal. I mean, I wish the fans would just shut up about Dylan Carlson right now.
00:48:36
Speaker
People are blaming him for not getting Juan Soto. Well, you know, wah, wah, crying my eyes out. Carlson is an all-around good player. Is he the hitter Juan Soto is? No. I will say that, and I will agree with that 1,000%. He does not have the power of Juan Soto.
00:49:01
Speaker
And he may not be as good a hitter, and he's only hitting 236, 306, 395. But he has had some very good moments. And in that Sunday scheme against Milwaukee, he brought us back. So get off his back, people. It's not his fault. And quite frankly, if I'm John Moselak in the front office, and Washington is trying to sell me
00:49:31
Speaker
Juan Soto. We had no need for Josh Bell. He's trying to sell me Juan Soto and he wants Nolan Gorman and Dylan Carlson and a picture or two. I'm going to look at him and say, are you nuts? I said it a couple weeks ago on the Juan Soto deal that you trade Carlson
00:49:56
Speaker
Now you have no way to play center field and you've downgraded right field considerably with Soto. So, you know, we'll say, Oh, I had to look at that and say, no, this can't happen. You know, as good as Soto is, you know, we can't make a positive out of two negatives. And there would have been two negatives because I guarantee you they were going to deal Harrison Bader for Montgomery. They had to for pitching.
00:50:26
Speaker
Uh, now maybe if they would, if they would have traded Carlson, they would have, maybe they would have traded Burleson and another, uh, minor leaguer, uh, for Montgomery, or maybe they'd have traded a new bar and a, and a pitcher or something like that. Uh, but when you can get a pitcher like Montgomery for Bader, you got to do it. And then say no to Soto.
00:50:53
Speaker
because it's just all the ways to it. You can't sit there and get all the bright and shiny new toys and say yourself short in areas, at least that's in my opinion. I know a lot of people think I'm in, I've got bats in my belfry for that, but hey, that's just the way it is. Now for the pitching, besides Quintana and Montgomery,
00:51:18
Speaker
You know, what can you say about Miles Michaelis and Adam Wainwright that hasn't been said already this year? Both those guys have been just flat out phenomenal pitching late into games. Both of them have a complete game. And, you know, you look at their stats, they're about as close as you guys can get. Michaelis, 24 starts, 9 and 9, 3.44 ERA, 1.4, excuse me, 149 and 1 third innings. One complete game, as I said.
00:51:48
Speaker
114 strikeouts, 27 walks, 3.71 tip, and a 1.058 whip. Wainwright, 23 starts, 8 and 8, 327 ERA, a 143 third innings, one complete game, 116 strikeouts, and only 39 walks, a 371 tip, and a 1.193 whip. So if Quintana and Montgomery can keep up what they're doing,
00:52:16
Speaker
Uh, and you've got Michael listen, Wayne, right? Being as steady as they have been, you know, you've got four, you've got a good four man rotation that I will take into the playoffs against anyone. I I'm serious right now as a heart attack. Uh,
00:52:30
Speaker
Then you have rookie Andre Palante, who filled in and played a huge role, keeping this team afloat until they got the help in there. In 31 games and 10 starts, including 10 starts, he's five and four with a 303 ERA, 89 innings pitched with 64 Ks, 29 walks, a 386 FIP, and a 1.382 WIP. As a starter, not as
00:52:57
Speaker
good as a starter, really, I mean, statistic wise, I mean, but he has pitched very well as a starter. I think only one bad game is what's causing these numbers to be wonky, but in 10 games as a starter, he's 3-3 with a 3.98 ERA, 54-3 innings pitched, 40 strikeouts, 16 walks, and a 1.417 whip. As a reliever, 21 games, he's 2-1 with a 1.56 ERA.
00:53:24
Speaker
Say that again, 1.56 ERA coming out of the pen. 34 and two-thirds innings, 24 Ks, 13 walk, and a 1.327 whip. Now I had big hopes for Dakota Hudson, who has looked good at times, but you have to kind of also remember, this is his first full year after Tommy John surgery. So you got to have, you're going to have a little inconsistency and that's been his biggest thing. He's logged a fair amount of innings.
00:53:52
Speaker
110 innings, so he's been there, given us some innings. But he's got an ERA above four, and only 62 strikeouts to 50 walks. So hopefully he can get that turned around. And I guess I think that's what's going to happen this season with Dakota Hudson. He's going to be off and on. So hopefully next year he can get back to being the pitcher that I think he will be. And now, like last year, the bullpen has been strong.
00:54:19
Speaker
a strong point, even with questionable talent at times. And I'm talking about guys like Verhagen, Wittgren, McFarland. But Ryan Helsley has emerged to be the late inning guy and the go-to guy for tough situations and multiple innings. And he's kind of doing it all right now. In 39 games, Helsley is 6-1 with 48 and 2 thirds innings, 12 saves, has a 0.92 ERA.
00:54:50
Speaker
71 strikeouts to just 13 walks, a fifth of 1.8 and a whip of 0.67. Now last year's closer in the back half of the season, Giovanni Gallegos has had his issues, but certainly not horrible. 40 games, he's got 42 in the third innings pitched. Two and five with a 3.4 ERA, 11 saves, 63 strikeouts to 11 walks and a 1.063 whip.
00:55:18
Speaker
He's had some issues. He's had some control, not necessarily control, but pitching issues as far as being able to place and giving up some runs. But he still can be very effective. So I think they've got a pretty decent one-two punch. And now you add Palente. And this next guy, Jordan Hicks, into the mix. Now, Jordan Hicks, as I said earlier in a couple podcasts ago, him being a starter,
00:55:48
Speaker
Uh, trying to make him start at the major league level and stretch him out. Just was not going to work and it didn't. He ended up injured again. Uh, but since he's come back from his injury, um, and back in the bullpen, uh, he's three and two with a 4.12 ERA, 19, two thirds innings, 19 strikeouts and 10 walks, um, pitching well out of the bullpen. Um, so gives you, makes it just that much stronger. They add other guys in there like Paki Naughton and Genesis Cabrera, who
00:56:18
Speaker
You know, I've had some issues, but they put in some good innings for this team. And with guys no longer around, like Drew Verhagen and TJ McFarland, I think the pin is probably stronger than it ever has been. Now, the Redbirds currently need the division by a game and a half and a schedule that has heavy with games against the Cubs, Reds, and Pirates. So keeping hold of the central vision may not be a breeze, but I like our chances. I'll tell you that right now.
00:56:47
Speaker
I'll tell you what folks, that does it for me this week. As always, check out GatewayCitySports.com. Check out the show's website, this show's website, TalkingSports-OTB-GCS.OnPodium.com. Look out for this show on Spotify, Google Podcast, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.
00:57:12
Speaker
backtrack to when you go to the website, the show's website, subscribe to the website and get notifications on new episodes that are posted. Contact the show via Twitter at at TSO TB GCS or you can contact me personally at big D underscore GCS. Now I want to program you know here, be sure to tune in next week because we're going to have some fun folks. I will have the A train Arlington Lane as my guest and we're going to be talking
00:57:42
Speaker
NFL football. So until I see you again, be safe. Have fun. Come on back so we can talk sports on the bleachers. Goodbye for now. Thanks again for joining us and you have been listening to Talking Sports on the Bleachers. Here's hoping you have a great sports day.
00:58:20
Speaker
later.