Sanchez an example of all-or-nothing hitters
WHY WOULD anyone who watches local teams be perplexed by Gary Sanchez’s batting slumps? He’s another new-standard, predominantly cheap home run or strikeout guy. He swings for home runs on 0-0 or 0-2 pitches.
Former MLB pitcher John Burkett, now 54 — he was 22-7 for the 1993 Giants — is averaging 211 on the Pro Bowlers Seniors tour (thanks to G. Cornell for this catch).
Riquina Williams of the WNBA’s L.A. Sparks, who was suspended 10 games for allegedly assaulting her ex-girlfriend and threatening another woman with a gun, was recruited to and played for the University of Miami, which still specializes in arrested male scholarship student-athletes.
Good, heads-up job by NBC’s Mike Tirico on Thursday, suddenly clamming up during British Open coverage so we could hear Jon Rahm, one back, and his caddy discuss Rahm’s shot into 18.
The first-place but fading Twins allowed the Mets to bust it open with six runs in the eighth Wednesday, starting when left fielder Eddie Rosario dropped an easy fly trying to one-hand it. Preventable? Of course. But so what?
Recall Reds excessive home plate home run poser Derek Dietrich whose rank immodesty was on display early this season? He’s now batting a very modest .214, striking out in 36 percent of his at-bats.
Mike Francesa, asked by a caller to explain why anyone would care whom he likes to win the British Open, replied he has selected “four or five” golf winners this year. OK, big shot, forget five, name four — and no lost tapes! Go ahead!
The Cubs’ Javier Baez, even in postseason games, has shown an irreversible disinclination to run to first base. He dogs it. This week, the MLB Players Alumni Association named him the Cubs’ winner of its “Heart & Hustle Award.”
Rob Manfred I Love Kids Game of the Week: Saturday, Reds-Rockies. The 6:10 start was weather-delayed 3 hours and 10 minutes. It began at 9:20, ended at 1:12 a.m.
I do think it’s unfair that U.S. women’s soccer team players are paid less than Yoenis Cespedes.
By the way, what’s now in media fashion — questioning the Mets’ wisdom in naming agent Brodie Van Wagenen GM — wasn’t nearly as much at issue when he was hired. In fact, it met with much blind approval.
Fabulous piece Wednesday on MSG/NYRA’s “Saratoga Live”: sorta retired and still cherished race-caller Tom Durkin, so often heard on NBC, hosting onehour tours of the trackside National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
“Hello, honey? I’ve got bad news and good news.” Giants reliever Will Smith, in one inning Tuesday, allowed four hits and three earned runs. He was slapped with a blown save and rewarded with the win!
With Lance Armstrong contributing long distance to NBC/ NBCSN’s Tour de France coverage, CNBC will soon add Bernie Madoff.
Happy 75th birthday, Smokey the Bear!