Well, here we are, passed the halfway point in the season and looking at the standings, it’s turning out to be one heck of a season. The Yankees seem to have a firm grip on that first place position, but everyone else is still battling for that second place spot. Since we are at the halfway point, I’ll invite you to sit back, relax and read a lil’ thing I like to call, "What Zak has learned so far…"
What have I learned about the Mets? I’ve learned that Lipson is still one heck of a pitcher, long hair and all. That guy can paint the plate, throw with power and has a devastating slider. Even more impressive, he’s turned himself into one of the best hitters in this league! – Sommer has a CANNON behind home plate…runners beware! – Bobby Hill has a lethal bat, and probably the ugliest, but very effective pitching delivery – DDT has to be one of my favorite guys in this league and Marv still loves taking the mound, pitching well and then never letting you forget about how effective he is, or about the time he struck you out with the bases loaded and two outs to end the game.
What have I learned about the DBacks? Reaper has probably the best slider I’ve ever faced! How that guy can still throw gas, throw that slider, make plays in the field and then down 9 "pops", I’ll never know??? – Billy Lyons throws VERY hard! – Robbie C can still cover ground in CF and rake at the plate, even after a year off – Carli loves to stir the pot, even if it means he’s going to get tossed from the game – Dickie is a great guy to be around, but only in small doses…HAHAHA…just kidding buddy and that Reynolds/Levy combination on the mound/behind the dish is deadly. It’s almost like they can read each other’s mind…great chemistry boys.
What have I learned about the Padres? Biemiller is hitting .722…WOW! Paul So, Steve Miranda and Waylen make for a potent 1-2-3 pitching squad – Roter swings from his A*S every pitch, but he’s the type of guy I love playing with…I KNOW I’m going to get 110% of him on every play of every game. I completely respect that – Matt and Mike Cooper or not Jason Gerrard…hahahaha…sorry boys, had to get a dig in there representing Jay…they do however, make up probably the best SS/2nd combo in the league – Justin has a ROCKET in CF…didn’t know that, that’s for sure!!!
What have I learned about the Red Sox? AJ, hurt hand and all, is still the best power hitter in this league. There’s no one I’d rather have at the plate in crunch time then that guy! – Desi and St. John can always make me laugh, even if they’re not trying to be funny, great guys! – Rob Cole still has a six pack – Adam Hook is probably the slowest pitcher I’ve ever faced (but he still easily beat us) – "Postie" has to be the nicest guy in the league, hands down! – Wilcox can cover ground in CF and their rookies (Kirsh, Patton) like to smack talk to my teammates (Webb, Vent)
What have I learned about the Yankees? Rocco has really developed into quite the ball player. You’ve come a long way since I first met you buddy! Now about that "Enter Sandman"…- Kerny is one cool cat, and throws VERY hard – Moncayo is always fun to be around – I don’t think I’ve ever seen Andy Dalton smile…I think he’s actually a Terminator sent back from the future. In all honesty, glad to have you back as Prez…keep up the good work – Chick is probably the best 3B in the league and Dwayne has a wicked boat(early campaign on my part to be part of your team outing if you go on it again this year)
What have I learned about my team, the White Sox? Bucky has really worked hard and has become a very good pitcher. Thanks for all your help with running the team and learning how to juggle lineups, half games and still be liked – Godard is like Greg Maddux…probably the smartest guy I know when it comes to baseball…and porn – Vent is always good for a laugh, and loves porn – Andy B gets beat up every game but still keeps playing…you’re a warrior – Zimm is very fast – Webb has great defense and a very good bat – Demsky has the coolest nickname in the league (CornFlake) – Doc loves to try and deceive base runners – James Dean has the coolest real name – Sutherland throws a very good splitter – Brandon loves to play baseball, even after a cortisone shot and Gord can still swing a mean stick, especially when it’s needed.
So what have I learned? I learned this league is full of good players, but more importantly, great guys. I love playing in this league and feel honored to be a captain. I thank every one of you for coming to the park each and every game, giving your all and making my life a little better for knowing you.
Thanks guys,
Zak