Month: March 2010

Retaliation, spring training

Spring Training: A Walk Down Memory Lane

Posted on by Jason Turbow

The Brewers travel to Scottsdale tomorrow to take on the Giants during the first week of spring games. It’s not yet known whether Prince Fielder will make the trip, but if he does, it will be his first appearance against San Francisco since last Sept. 9, when he hit a game-ending homer in Milwaukee. At issue: the method of celebration utilized by Fielder and his teammates, which was not taken well by many in the Giants’ clubhouse.

There’s no prediction of retaliation here, but keep in mind that spring training is a popular time to settle old scores; because games don’t count, there’s little need for timing to be dictated by game situation.

Needless to say, we’ll be watching.

– Jason

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Review

A Little Love from the Merc

Posted on by Jason Turbow

A nice blurb from San Jose Mercury News Giants beat writer Andrew Baggarly yesterday, in support of The Baseball Codes:

Turbow and Duca are press box regulars at AT&T Park – Duca was the official scorer for Jonathan Sanchez’s no-hitter — and I’ve seen them collecting material for this book nearly every day at the ballpark for the past three years. It’s bound to be packed with a lot of great, funny anecdotes and the positive praise is already starting to filter in. I’m looking forward to buying a copy, myself.

Nice to get some appreciation from the hometown set. Thanks, Bags.

– Jason

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George Will, Review

George Will: Baseball Fan, Man of Impeccable Literary Taste

Posted on by Jason Turbow

George Will just called me. He’s planning a column about the book to run in the Washington Post on or near opening day. But here’s the thing: He didn’t call to ask about the book. He didn’t want to know anything about the writing or reporting or genesis or goals that isn’t already evident within its pages.

He just wanted to say that he liked it.

Scratch that. He just wanted to say that he loved it. His direct quote: “This is the greatest book in the history of books.” Seriously. He said that he couldn’t stop laughing as he was reading it.

It’s enough to tickle a first-time author pink.

My only regret is that he wasn’t contacted to write a cover blurb. Because, you know, “Greatest book in the history of books” would look pretty good over the title.

– Jason

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Dustin Pedroia

Dustin Pedroia, You Talkin’ to Me?

Posted on by Jason Turbow

So it seems that Dustin Pedroia wants a piece of me.

Apparently, WBZ’s Jonny Miller brought up The Baseball Codes to the Red Sox star, and relayed that many players on the current Boston roster are accused within its pages of stealing signs. For the rest of the story, we go to Comcast SportsNet New England’s Joe Haggerty:

As expected, Pedroia took exception to the accusation as only the feisty, colorful second baseman can when he’s sparked by a topic.

“That’s why I don’t read much because that’s 110 percent [expletive],” said Pedroia. “Give me the guy that wrote it and I’ll talk to him. I can tell you firsthand. We don’t tip signs because half of the guys on our team aren’t smart enough to see the fingers and all of that stuff. We don’t do that crap.

“I want the author. I’m fighting him.”

Never mind the fact that, contrary to what Miller reportedly told Pedroia, the book accuses nobody on the current Red Sox squad of any such thing. In fact, we mention two occasions in which Red Sox teams of the past were themselves victims of sign stealing (including one unbelievable instance against the Blue Jays in Fenway Park).

Still, the opportunity to fight Pedroia is intriguing.

Positives: I have at least a couple inches on the guy when it comes to reach.

Negatives: He undoubtedly outpoints me in fast-twitch muscles; he’s 13 years younger; he’s 10 pounds heavier (but certainly no fatter); he might pull a dirty pro wrestling maneuver and pummel me with his MVP Award while the ref isn’t looking.

Still, this is an opportunity that doesn’t come along too often. Bring it, Dustin. I shall fight the fight of a crazed wolverine until one of us either leaves on a stretcher or is laughing too hard to exit his corner.

Come discover the power of the press. I’m waiting.

– Jason

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