5 Commandments for Being a Good Sports Fan(in my opinion)
I think it was during the St. Louis Cardinals trek to winning the World Series when I started to really “question” if people who claimed to be Cardinal fans, were really “fans”. It really hit home over the past several weeks as the Fighting Illini, another one of my teams, faltered miserably and failed to get any post season bids. And in the process, lost their basketball coach, Bruce Weber.
With the growing popularity of social media, specifically Twitter in this case, it is pretty easy to gauge the sentiment and opinions of people who claim to like a particular sports team. And Twitter not only allows you to share your opinions but, even allows for arguments and debates as long as you’re willing to type keep typing in the virtual universe.
So, I started thinking; what really makes a good sports fan? And so, I came up with 5 Commandments that I think make for a good sports fan. You may have different ones or more than 5 but, here are mine:
Thou shalt stay positive – A true fan always thinks their fan is going to win. Even if the odds are against that happening, a true fan, should never articulate to the contrary. To use an old cliché, that’s why they play the games.
Thou shalt not bad mouth their team in Twitter Universe – Or on any other social media. Guys and Girls…that’s why they have chat forums. At least in the chat forum for your team, it’s most likely composed of fellow “fans”. So, you’re keeping the negative comments and diatribes, “in the family”.
Thou shalt not get personal – What is the point of dropping the F-bomb on a player or coach of a team of which you’re a fan. They may be elite athletes or in the coaching profession but, they’re still human. And as humans, they make mistakes and will screw up. This is especially true of college sports where you’re watching athletes who also happen to be young adults, typically from the age of 17-22. Remember when you were this age and how often you had to perform on a national stage, and oh by the way, not screw up. And these players and coaches have families. How would you like it if some stranger called your Dad, Mom, Sister, Brother, Spouse, Cousin, etc. a profane name? Think about that.
Thou shalt “temper” criticism if you never played the sport – If you have never played the organized sport to which you’re a fan, keep that in mind when being overly critical. If you’ve never had to catch a pass in front of a crowd, or make a free throw when the success or failure determines the game’s outcome, or get a base hit to drive in a run, you have the right to be critical but, use the previous commandment as a guideline when making your comments. I know it’s their “job” to catch the pass or make the free throw but, I once again remind you, these are people, human beings, not machines and they will fail sometimes.
Thou shalt be courteous when arguing – This is especially true when arguing with a fellow fan. Even if they break the other commands above, try to rise above the fray. I, for one, have been guilty of this but, I’ll start using the rule I use with email. Don’t tweet or post Facebook messages when you’re angry. Cool off first and ask yourself if it’s worth responding.
Please feel free to email me with your own Commandments or if you disagree. And remember, this isn’t an attempt to stifle anyone’s opinions. But, it’s time to bring civility to the virtual universe, especially when it comes to being a supporter of your favorite sports team.
For those who already follow these Commandments, congratulations! I hope to see you on Twitter or Facebook. Later….
Franklin era…needs to end.
As most of you know who have listened to my podcast or read my past blogs, I’m a pretty patient and forgiving Cardinal’s fan. I love the players and management. They make mistakes but, we all do; just because they’re paid professionals doesn’t make them any less human.
That being said, I think its time for Tony and Dave to accept the fact that Franklin isn’t the closer he was in the past. I don’t have a problem sticking with veterans but, when they fail to do their job on a regular basis, its time to reevaluate the situation. For the present time anyway, Franklin should not be our “defacto” closer.
For a more detailed read on the situation, read Bernie’s column here: http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/bernie-miklasz/article_e3d50e5c-0615-566c-8f12-4f293be6673a.html
But, Franklin had blown 4 saves already. He has an era over 11, has given up 8hits, 2walks and three homers in less than 5 innings. And the opposition is hitting .364 when he’s on the mound. Its time to get away from the finesse pitching closer and try to find a power closer. And we have two in the bullpen now; arguably three. Motte, Boggs and Sanchez; all would do fine in the closer role; at least try one of them out.
I would do one of two things if I were Tony:
- Use Franklin in certain situations; at least in the short term. When the opposing team is at bat in the 9th and we are facing either the bottom portion of the line up or the opposing team as a whole is poor offensively, bring in Franklin as a closer.
- Use Franklin as a setup reliever. His assortment of pitches would work fine in that role and allow him to get ins confidence back which I’m sure has take a “hit” recently.
Its time for the Cardinals to get back to a power pitcher as their closer. One who throws hard and gets strikeouts. And we have some available on the team right now. Let’s hope Tony reevaluates things and makes the right call.
Thanks for reading…be sure to listen to my podcast, “Redbirds of a Feather Podcast”. You can find on my website: www.redbirdsofafeather.com or iTunes. Give a listen.
Cards make some moves
The Cards made a move in my
opinion that will really add some offensive “pop” to the lineup. They signed
Lance Berkman, OF/1B, former Astro and Yankee. Until recently, teams were leery
of his physical condition due to knee problems. But, after losing weight and
rehab, his physical declared him fit and he’s now a Cardinal. Holliday has
already volunteered to go to RF with Berkman playing LF and Rasmus in CF. I
like this move. I think Berkman brings power to the lineup and another veteran
presence to the clubhouse.
Well, apparently Brendan
Ryan, the Cards current shortstop may be out of a job; at least as starter. The
Redbirds acquired Ryan Theriot from the Dodgers. Shortly afterwards, John
Mozeliak claimed if the season started today, Theriot would be the starting
shortstop. It was also indicated that , the Cardinals are indeed “shopping”
Brendan Ryan.
Now I for one, am not that
willing to give up one of the premier defensive shortstops in the NL for
another shortstop who is average defensively and only average offensively. Ryan
had a bad year offensively; it doubt the trend continues next year. The first
year he started, he ended the season with a .292 average. So, he has the
ability to hit for average.
What I would like to see happen is; instead of declaring
the “new guy” as the starter, let them fight it out in spring training. The
winner becomes the starter and the loser, the utility man.. Or we could also
platoon Theriot and Ryan. I would
hate for us to “give” Ryan away when he has such potential. We have an
excellent pitching staff of ground ball pitchers; they need Ryan’s defense.
If the season started today, here’s how what I think the
lineup should be:
1B – Pujols
2B – Schumaker
3B – Freese
SS – Ryan
LF – Berkman
CF – Rasmus
RF – Holliday
C – Molina
So, the Cardinals are still hoping to sign Pujols before
the season and also still looking for another starter and bench help. I’m
hoping the Cards keep Ryan but,, I’ll keep you posted. Thanks for reading.
Cards offense starting to come around…
A few weeks ago, while the Cards were in 1st place, their offense was “sputtering” along. Barely scoring runs, getting runners home, unable to get the “big” hit. But, that all changed as the Cardinals broke their slump and started playing baseball the way they are capable.
Albert started driving in runs again, Matt Holliday start to get walks and Colby is hitting again, now that he has new contacts. So, with the month of May behind them, the Cards will resume their rightful spot atop the NL Central.
On the down side, there have been some injuries that have also caused a slow down of the Cardinal machine. Kyle Lohse is likely out for the season with forearm surgery and Brad Penny had a back injury but, he should be back by mid-June. Despite the injuries to 2/5ths of our rotation, the depth of the pitching corps. has really helped. P.J. Walters, Adam Ottavino and others have helped the Cardinals withstand the injuries.
So, despite a frustrating and disappointing May, the Redbirds should still sail to the top of the NL Central when all is said and done. Here’s the bottom line; our young players have added depth that we were missing last year. David Freese, Jaime Garcia, Colby Rasmus, Mitchell Boggs have all made major contributions and if not for them, we may not be in first at this point.
Now, on another topic, a St. Louis sports writer has convinced me that Selig’s decision not to over turn the call regarding the perfect game was indeed the right decision. Moving forward, I do think MLB should consider using the replay in certain situations. What those situations would be is not for me to determine but, the call that “blew” the perfect game would be a good example. Kudos to A. Galarraga and the umpire on how they dealt with the situation.
For regular information on Cardinal Nation, check out my podcast every Sunday and Wednesday nite. You can find on www.redbirdsofafeather.com or iTunes. Thanks for reading.
Tasergate, steroids revisited(pt.1), and more…
Well, its been a few days since the tasering of the 17 year old idiot who ran onto the field during the Cardinals-Phillies game. Since that time, there have been countless articles and blogs written about the incident; some for the tasering, some against. And, to show that there is no shortage of idiots in the fandom of sports, another man runs onto the field a day later. Now I can almost( I said almost) give the 17 year old kid a pass for just being young and stupid.
But the man who ran onto the field the next time…he was 34! That imbecile should have definitely been tasered and shame on the Phillie organization for not doing so. I’m sure they’ll catch more flack for no tasering a grown man vs. tasering a 17 year old kid. Either way, if you have the guts to run onto a field in any sport, and disrupt the game, tasering is an acceptable show of force in my mind.
Recently…a Philadelphia columnist wrote a scathing article on Mark McGwire and Bob Selig. Here is the link: Article from Philly columnist. Now I’m pretty tired of all the commotion about Big Mac and steroids; coming from an opposing ball club’s columnist no less. So, I took some time and sent said columnist an email. If you care to read my response, here it is:
Since you choose to get personal in your opinion of a former Cardinal
player, I’ll get personal with you. You’re an ***. This must me a slow
news day in sports for you.
I won’t go the route as some who
believe the sports media knew about “juicing” but ignored it. I don’t
know if you did or didn’t; I think the assumption is that, you had more
access to players than the average fan so, maybe you knew, maybe you
didn’t. Your ridiculous article is “ridiculous” in part;by trying to
equate Big Mac’s “juicing” with Rothlesberger’s indiscretions with
women!?? Are you serious?
First, I don’t equate rape or sexual assault with the use of
steroids in sports. Also, though he wasn’t charged, someone was “hurt”
or embarrassed in this; most likely the woman. If you seriously think
the use of steroids, which is a victimless crime, is on the same level,
not only are you an ***…you’re an idiot! Oh, that’s right…some of
you in the media think you’re the victims. Victims because you were
being misled by these bad pro athletes into thinking their performance
was all natural, only to find out they may have had help with PED.
Please…if you and those of your ilk take yourselves that seriously,
you should find a new career.
I didn’t know the media was dubbed the judge and jury of the sports
world and its professional athletes. If you did any research you will
know that as many doctors and scientists say that PED do just that,
enhance performance; there are just as many that will argue to the
contrary or minimize its effect. Oh, and if you want to believe the fact
that, PED if nothing else, prolong a player’s career, so do surgeries,
rehab, etc. And you’re not even consistent in your attacks. Have you
written anything about A-Rod? Who to this day is still actively playing?
Or any of the other players who’ve used steroids? Going back to
Rothlesberger; he will still earn a lucrative salary; despite missing 6
games. Big Mac, not only did he retire, he turned down a lucrative
contract. Maybe due to guilt of steroids, maybe not. But to insinuate,
as many of your fellow sports writers point out, I doubt he apologized
just to get the job. He was ready to get back to baseball. He didn’t
have to apologize. But even when he did, you boobs in the media wanted
more.
You obviously don’t like Big Mac and you’re obviously not a
Cardinals fan. What you are is just another misguided, pompous sports
writer who thinks the sports world and its fans, give a damn about your
opinion. Well, here’s a news flash…its just an opinion and just like
that part of the anatomy you remind me of, everyone has one. And my
opinion was peppered with personal attacks because you chose to get
personal with the “…aging, pockmarked reminder”.
Just my opinion and I welcome comments; email me at redbirdpodcast@gmail.com.
Finally, Mr. Ernie Harwell will be missed. Here is my favorite line of his when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame: “…In baseball, democracy shines its clearest. The only race that matters
is the race to the bag. The creed is the rulebook. Color, merely
something to distinguish one team’s uniform from another. Rest in Peace.
Be sure to give a listen to my Redbirds of a Feather podcast. A new one every Wed and Sun nite. Thanks for your support.
Don’t sweat the stranded runners….
This week, as of 4/20, the Redbirds are in 1st place in the NL Central with a 9-4 record. Their starting pitching has been stellar; bullpen, better than average and a team batting average that belies their offensive talent. In other words, it will only get better. Yet, I’ve read many articles online about fans being overly concerned about stranded runners. Usually indcated as RISP(Runners in Scoring Position), the Cards rank near the bottom with this misleading stat. And here’s an interesting RISP stat; out of the Cardinals 17 homeruns, 12 of them are with runners in scoring position. They lead the majors in that department.
So, while they’re not playing “small ball”, they’re winning games and that’s what’s mostiNow, I’m not completely disregarding the importance of the RISP stat but, there are a lot of holes. I thought it was just me being overly optimistic but, if you have a minute, read this article by a fellow blogger, The RISP bogeyman. He makes several good points as to why there’s more to a team than the RISP average.
While the Redbirds have not swept a series yet, they have won them. Their starting pitching is the main reason why but the bullpen is now starting to come together and gets some meaningful holds and saves. Brendan Ryan is starting to hit finally and Penny is proving to be the workhorse we needed since we lost Piniero.
If Carpenter, Wainwright and Penny keep cranking out the innings, our bullpen will be well rested come playoff time. All and all, I’m very happy the way the Cardinals have started the season. Even though its early, every thing indicates them as being the NL Central champ and World Series champs. Stay tuned and for more info, check out my podcast at www.redbirdsofafeather.com or on iTunes.
Cards will win NL Central…Here’s why….
Let me give you three reasons why the Cards will win the NL Central this season.
Reason #1 – They have the best 3-4 punch in baseball. Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday are the only players together on a team that have each won a batting title. You have the BEST player in baseball along with one of the top 10 players in the league. I expect the tandem to give opposing teams and pitchers “fits” as we have some legitimate protection for Pujols all season and for seasons to come.
Reason #2 – The Redbirds have arguably the one of the best 1-2 punch in their pitching rotation. Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright, who were both legitimate Cy Young nominees will continue to dominate. The only question is which won will win 20 games first and who will have the lowest ERA and most strikeouts for the Redbirds.
Reason #3 – Coaching staff. Although, many blame them for the collapse of the Redbirds in the playoffs, the Cards already have one of the best managers in Tony LaRussa and the coaching staff of Oquendo, Duncan and McKay is one of the most seasoned around. They seem to get along great with the players and now add to the mix Mark McGwire. I think he will make a huge impact with the Cardinals as their new hitting coach.
The Cardinals are also deep on their bench; albeit young players, they proved their mettle with a successful spring. Our new 3baseman, David Freese will continue to impress and the tandem of Allen Craig, Nick Stavinoha and Joe Mather will surprise everyone as utility players and pinch hitters. And I think you’ll see Colby Rasmus continue to mature and play to his true ability.
The only real question is the starting rotation after Carpenter and Wainwright. If Lohse can get back to his old form and Brad Penny stays healthy and contributes lots of innings and a reasonable ERA, the questions will disappear.
So, I think the Cards are well equipped to win the NL Central and have enough weapons to overcome the Phillies. And finally win another World Championship. Get ready Cardinal Nation…its gonna be a great ride this season!
For more information, please give a listen to my free Cardinal Podcast at www.redbirdsofafeather.com or iTunes. A new podcast every Sunday and Wednesday nite. Give a listen.
By the way, I forgot to give the answers to the Trivia. Trivia 1 answer…Rogers Hornsby; Trivia 2 answer…Lou Brock and Trivia 3 answer…George Harper in 1928.
Thanks for reading.
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