Who's Calling the Shots, Yanks....or BIG PAPI?

[DODGER DEB]

The NY Times has this story today, regarding the All-Star game this year at Yankee Stadium, which is sure to give all SOX fans a good laugh....

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/23/sports/baseball/23ortiz.html?_r=1&th&emc=th&oref=slogin

Enjoy!

c.

[DickZ]

Thanks, Deb, for taking the time to let us know about that.

I hope that Big Papi won't participate in any home run derby-like activities. Those guys always wear themselves out and risk injury for something that can yield the same kind of glory you get from winning a Dancing with the Stars competition. That show is on a par in mindless insanity with a home run derby, but rarely does anyone pull any muscles by dancing.

[Boston Boxer]

it goes too show you how the Yankee organization has become paranoid and a little obsessed about the Sox. It is how we used to be a while back...my have times changed.

[KCGHOST]

I don't think any host team would be amused with the idea of a player from their main rival doing something like this at their place. On the other hand it is just for fun.

[sharrock]

This amuses be a great deal, but I also agree with KCGhost that any host team would be ticked off. If this were in Fenway and A-Rod were participating in a similar event I would be less-than-thrilled. Of course, Papi is one of the most popular players by fans and by players.

[PlayJay]

I think it's hilarious...

[Mattingly]

it goes too show you how the Yankee organization has become paranoid and a little obsessed about the Sox. It is how we used to be a while back...my have times changed.

So if the All-Star Game were held at Fenway and Alex Rodriguez or Bobby Abreu were the person being asked to hit the ball out of the park, you'd be cool with that? If this were held in Cincy and a Yankee were the featured attraction, wouldn't people be complaining about the Yanks' having undue influence on the game?

I personally think that if a stadium is hosting a game, then someone from that team--past or present--should be featured. Look at the 1999 ASG when Teddy was wheeled out. That, to me, was fitting.

I hate to be the party pooper, but I believe that any team's front office would be understandably upset at this.

I think that Ortiz is very popular, and while he has Ruth's physical features (to an even greater extent, in fact), I don't see see him having anything like his offensive power numbers. Then again, I could be very biased, but I thought it was a rub into the Yanks' FO faces.

I happen to like Ortiz, but I think that this would've been more appropriate at Fenway.

[hellborn]

I agree that this is something of a slap in the face to the Yanks FO and fans. Either this is somewhat ill conceived, or somebody in MLB is trying to get a dig in at the Yanks. The worst thing is that I could see Papi drawing some boos since there are surely going to be quite a few Yanks fans there, and that would ruin the "fun" of the event.
Giambi might have been a reasonable choice if he had been playing better and didn't have the sorry/PED? thing hanging over his head. If you pick a righty like ARod, you lose the Ruth comparison and he has to shoot for those way out there fences. Plus, ARod isn't cuddly like Papi...well, he's as cuddly as a muscle packed 260lb man can be.

I would guess that this is all going to go out the window with Papi's wrist injury...if he doesn't at least rest it over the break, assuming he's playing at all, somebody should be shot.
Hey, bring in John Goodman to fill in for the Babe!!! He had a nice lefty swing...maybe he could hit a foul into the stands behind the dugout, on his best swing.

[EXCELSIOR]

Hey, bring in John Goodman to fill in for the Babe!!! He had a nice lefty swing...

You must be talking politics

[hellborn]

You must be talking politics

Took me a moment to figure it out...

:cap:

[EXCELSIOR]

If it happens - which it shouldn't - it should be a lefty and he should have to hit the ball 490-feet, nearly dead center - like Mr. Ruth did. Even if someone managed that Ruthian feat (good luck!!!), it must be noted that the Babe did it under the most dramatically hostile circumstances possible. Moreover, he did it with two strikes against him - in a World Series Game!

And the pitch was not at all grooved - like it will be at this year's All Star Game. It was low & outside - a pitch aimed to shut down the Bambino from pulling the ball. Instead, he basically pushed it 490-feet(!) - thought to be the longest ball ever hit in Wrigley, as well as what may have been the longest ball ever hit in a World Series.

If they go ahead with this, LET 'EM MATCH THAT!

[EXCELSIOR]

Took me a moment to figure it out...

:cap:

I'm still trying to figure out Goodman's swing! Maybe they should have cast Rosie O'Donnell instead. Or is she righty?

[EXCELSIOR]

Babe's 1932 World Series "Ticket Booth" Home Run

Here's a look at what Ruth did. Ortiz already said he "definitely" plans to pull the ball down the RF line, toward the "314" sign. I say let him, or whoever is chosen to "replicate" Ruth's historic home run, at least be required to hit toward the true spot of landing - 490 feet, near dead center. (which would be well into the black batting eye at Yankee stadium).