World Series: Nobody Asked Me, But… (A Jimmy Cannon Tribute)
The late Jimmy Cannon was a legendary sportswriter for the now extinct New York Herald Tribune. He was also a fanatic about baseball and boxing. Every Sunday, he would publish a column titled “Nobody Asked Me, But…” in which he would put these priceless tidbits about sports and anything that came to his mind out there for thought. As a tribute to his genius, nobody asked me, but here are a few comments on this year’s World Series.
World Series Media Hype
A good portion of the media is trying to sell the idea that the World Series games will be six-inning affairs for the Cubs. Because if they don’t have a lead after six innings, it’s game over when the Cleveland bullpen takes over. But while the Indians bullpen has been virtually unthinkable, that was yesterday and this is today. And if you don’t believe that, just ask Mariano Rivera, the greatest closer ever, about the 2001 World Series against Arizona.
Kyle Schwarber
I don’t question anything Joe Maddon does. A short time ago, the 25-man roster of the Cubs was released and Kyle Schwarber was on it. With only a few days of baseball activity in Arizona to prepare, it was a gutsy move by Maddon and it’ll remain a storyline to follow throughout the World Series.
Brrrr… It’s Cold
Predictably, temperatures have been in the mid-to-low forties for first two games and will most likely even carry on to Chicago. This is not baseball weather and more serious consideration should be given to playing the World Series at a neutral site. The bone-chilling weather shouldn’t affect Jon Lester, who relies on two- and four-seam fastballs, as much as Corey Kluber, who needs a firm grip on the ball to spin off his nasty slider.
Jason Heyward
Jason Heyward will see a lot of playing time in this World Series whether anyone likes it or not. A short series is built on pitching and defense and Heyward is a premier right fielder defensively. By now, everyone knows what a huge bust he’s been with the bat. But again, that was yesterday and this is today.
World Series Celeb Cam
I hope FOX doesn’t get too carried away with shots of celebrities in the stands, but you know they will. It’s bad enough that we have to put up with those annoying “promos” for shows they’re debuting this fall with actors we’ve never heard of before supposedly enjoying a game they’ve never heard of before.
Fans – Behave Yourselves!
We don’t need another Steve Bartman touching a fair ball incident. And we don’t want another Jeffrey Maier catching a non home run by Derek Jeter (video below). Although, I kind of liked that one…
Please, No Bitching About Instant Replay
This is the World Series and the umpires stationed in the Chelsea neighborhood in New York City better be on their toes. But if it takes 10 minutes to get a call right, that should be all that matters. Just don’t take 10 minutes and still get the call wrong.
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Next: Schwarber and the Indians Bullpen
A Message for the Indians
If your game plan is to try and run on Jon Lester, please run. Don’t just stand there doing these silly dances hoping beyond hope that you’ll get inside his head – because you won’t.