I had the pleasure last night of seeing Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares in concert. I won’t attempt to describe their music, but I will say that if you ever have a chance to watch them perform, by all means do so. What they are able to produce using only their voices is stunning.
You know what else is stunning? The way Chan Ho Park is pitching in the World Baseball Classic. In case you’ve missed it, Park has saved two of Korea’s three victories so far, including the 3-2 upset of Japan to finsh play in Pool A.
Which leads to this quote from Padres manager Bruce Bochy: “The way he’s closing, we may have to flip-flop him and Clay Hensley.” I’m still not getting my hopes up too much, but wouldn’t it be something if the Pads actually got something out of Park this year? Maybe it’s just spring but I’m starting to believe that there’s at least a chance it might happen.
Speaking of the Korean team, they’ll be playing an exhibition game against the Padres in Peoria Friday night. And speaking of the WBC, Pool B gets started on Tuesday. Padres farm system graduates Rodrigo Lopez and Jake Peavy square off at 1 p.m. PT in Phoenix. We’ll get an In-Game Discussion going for that.
Aki’s performance against Korea really highlighted the difference in talent levels. Aki was sharp but he just blew away the three guys he faced, striking out the side and making them look like little leaguers. Chan Ho looked good against Japan though, and they’re definitely a cut above the other teams in that pool.
Did anyone stay up late to watch that game? I don’t know anything about Korean baseball but Seung Yeop Lee’s homerun and Jin Young Lee’s diving catch have to go down as two of the greatest plays in Korean history.
If there’s any time to get excited about the possiblity of Park producing for the Pads, I’d say Spring is the time.
Here’s hoping.
The new website looks great! I love the banner at the top.
New digs look good, Geoffrey N. Young. How much? 850K? (s) Good for you for getting your own place. Maybe someday I’ll leave blogspot (thumb in mouth), but not just yet.
Heard Jerry and Teddy today doing the Royal game as I played hooky from work (son is ill). They liked the line up, but said the pitching would make or break the season. Guess I agree.
Park as bull pen guy or closer, is that whats going on here? Spring fever has indeed hit hard. Would be great since he makes so damned much money.
BTW, Geoffrey, what ever happen with that Yahoo baseball league we all joined? Was I supposed to do something other then sign up? No rush, just asking.
Ouch! Kirby P … RIP
Great update Geoff!
I said all along that Park would end up in the ‘pen and Hensley would start…
Very sad day. I’ll never forget Kirby’s catch and HR in Game 6 of the ’91 World Series. Definitely one of the greatest WS games ever.
Nice article about Kirby in the Minneapolis Star Tribune:
http://www.startribune.com/10017/story/287541.html
Anthony: That was a great game, and I’m sure you’re right about those two plays, especially in light of Ichiro’s comments.
Chase: Thanks much! Sometimes I miss working downtown (I used to have that view from my office).
PM: The Yahoo leagues will draft on the last two Fridays in March depending on which league you’re in. I’ll put up reminders as we get closer to the events.
PF: Yes, good call! You’ve been claiming that for a long time and I thought it might just be wishful thinking. I am glad to see that Bochy is at least considering the possibility.
Interesting discussion with The Book writers:
http://baseballanalysts.com/archives/2006/03/the_great_discu.php
they mentioned VORP of Jessica Alba.
Got your attentions, didn’t it?
And for you, Geoff:
language and baseball, what a treat at
http://baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=4831
enjoy.