12/21/24
November 08, 2006
US all stars sweep Japan.: Ryan Howard was named the MVP of the US/Japan Series also. Here is the link with the complete coverage from MLB.com. This is the first time a sweep by the US has happened since 1935.
Finally,a sport we can compete in annd win on an international stage.
posted by sickleguy at 10:34 AM on November 08, 2006
posted by mjkredliner at 11:28 AM on November 08, 2006
What was your point MJ? Didnt the article just say the MLB swept the Japan All stars. So should we discount the most recent wins for the latter? In that case Spain still isnt that good at basketball, they only won the last competition. Argentina is the man, but wait we clocked Argentina this year, so we're still the man. Yay!
posted by Drallig9399 at 12:30 PM on November 08, 2006
Yawn. My point is perfectly clear Drallig. MLB All-Stars vs. Nippon Professional Baseball is not a truly "international" competition, and in case you hadn't noticed, two MLB players were of Japanese descent.
posted by mjkredliner at 01:29 PM on November 08, 2006
The point of this story is Howard. Not whether or not we as a nation can compete at the international level. As with regard to most sports, the world has made up significant ground on the US and in some cases has even surpassed it. I would challenge anyone who says that the US does not have the best athletes in the world when it comes to Basketball and Baseball, but as far as competition and fundementals go, the US has some ground to make up. You must also remember that other countries don't have rules against how much you can practice at a young age. They often put their best athletes into olympic style training camps at the age of 12+. Another reason for the US's poor performance on the international stage could be the challenge of picking a team of the "best" players who can actually play together. We could probably field 3-5 teams and finish with all in the top ten. RYAN HOWARD IS AWESOME! and that is coming from a Dodger fan. I can't remember anyone in recent years who exploded onto the scene the way he did and actually carried the performance for the entire season. (Anyone remember Chris Shelton from DET; I think he had 8 homers in the first 5 games and was sent back to the minors shortly after)
posted by yay-yo at 02:11 PM on November 08, 2006
Were the U.S., we should be able to crush any competition overeseas. Of Course besides Soccer.
posted by yachts360 at 03:36 PM on November 08, 2006
After the world baseball classic loss this is nice
posted by luther70 at 03:53 PM on November 08, 2006
(Anyone remember Chris Shelton from DET; I think he had 8 homers in the first 5 games and was sent back to the minors shortly after) Yes I do remember Chris Shelton. He had nine homers and 17 RBI in his first 13 games. He remained on the Tigers for almost the next six months until he was sent down on July 31st to make room for Sean Casey on the 25 man roster. He was later called up again in early September to serve as an emergency catcher. Shelton actually started the season faster than Howard, who only had two home runs in his first 13 games of the season.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 06:59 PM on November 08, 2006
Yes I do remember Chris Shelton. He had nine homers and 17 RBI in his first 13 games. He remained on the Tigers for almost the next six months until he was sent down on July 31st to make room for Sean Casey on the 25 man roster. He was later called up again in early September to serve as an emergency catcher. Shelton actually started the season faster than Howard, who only had two home runs in his first 13 games of the season. I'm sorry, I forgot that they waited until he was batting under .200 and got Sean Casey in a trade until they sent him down. My point was the consistency of Howard. A lot of young guys start off fast and lose their steam over the 162 game stretch. Howard was able to maintain (if not get stronger) throughout the season. He is the new generation Frank Thomas. Hopefully he can avoid the injuries that have slowed down the "big hurt".
posted by yay-yo at 07:05 PM on November 08, 2006
Re: Wrong by mjkredliner. I'm sure you're right. I'm just trying to prop the US up after a truly sorry national performance in most sports on the world stage.
posted by sickleguy at 07:31 PM on November 08, 2006
I'm sorry, I forgot that they waited until he was batting under .200 and got Sean Casey in a trade until they sent him down. My point was the consistency of Howard He was actually batting .260 after his hot April start. My point was that it is just fine to use facts, but please make sure they are accurate.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 09:35 AM on November 09, 2006
I apologize for dissing your "1st baseman of the future". I know it was hard to lose the series, but don't take it out on me.
posted by yay-yo at 05:25 PM on November 09, 2006
I apologize for dissing your "1st baseman of the future". I know it was hard to lose the series, but don't take it out on me. Frankly if Shelton is the first baseman of the future something is wrong. With regards to disappointment my good Dodger fan, I am in no way taking anything out on you. I'm simply pointing out that facts are only useful when used correctly.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 05:47 PM on November 09, 2006
Ryan Howard is the new face of Major League Baseball. Without any spectulation.
posted by msusportsguy at 02:47 PM on November 11, 2006
Which is to say you have supporting documentation from MLB's marketing company?
posted by yerfatma at 02:58 PM on November 12, 2006
The Phillies slugger made himself the story of this international showcase for baseball, hitting .558 with eight runs, three doubles, four homers and eight RBIs. Thats pretty damn impressive, especially since he had never even seen those pitchers before. At least he won the MVP of this series, because I am not sure if he'll win the NL MVP. Although he had better be close.