tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35792207557619322972011-03-01T02:04:51.156-05:0032 ScoopsA general is just as good or just as bad as the troops under his command make himKevin S. Nastahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12100441272079314508damageincsports@gmail.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579220755761932297.post-31334797180434596632011-02-28T23:58:00.000-05:002011-03-01T00:16:12.238-05:002011-03-01T00:16:12.238-05:00My Top 5 Favorite Coined Operated Arcades<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WfkKKhy8XEU/TWxvD3BDDCI/AAAAAAAAAEY/9gRtx_DwZt4/s1600/Atari.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WfkKKhy8XEU/TWxvD3BDDCI/AAAAAAAAAEY/9gRtx_DwZt4/s1600/Atari.jpg" /></a></b></div><b> As a kid the home video gaming system was still at the infant stage with the introduction of the Atari 2600. Later came ColecoVision and eventually the Comodore 64 craze. Not until the mid 80's did the 8bit Nintendo console come into existence. For all of those who relied on the entertainment of the stand up coin operated machine, enter the game rooms & arcades. Shopping malls, mini malls, and even some department stores had an arcade which parents could dump off their kids with 5 bucks while they shopped. There was a time where the jersey shore boardwalk was nothing but ski ball and arcades. There was a time where local amusement parks had a 365 days a year arcade open for business. Even Six Flags Great Adventure had its own arcade area, minus the crane machines & quarter skilled games. I remember days of shopping at the Staten Island Mall with folks and being dumped off at TIMEOUT arcade. See then it was safe to drop your kids off at the arcade. There was no fear of kidnapping or your kid running away. There was the GameRoom in the Woodbridge Mall in New Jersey. Which I might add still exists. The only difference is the classic games that are still being displayed now and then. Staten Island had South Beach Amusement Park, central New Jersey had a clean and safe Keansburg Park, and Brooklyn had Nellie Bly. Chuck E' Cheese used to be all arcades as was Razmataz in South Amboy, NJ. Most of these places are nothing but a memory, but if I was to stock my basement with classic coin units this would be the first 5 to enter my home.</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Xo3M2XrOP0k/TWx0cJiR84I/AAAAAAAAAEk/xhxe75UzhXg/s1600/ninbasSS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Xo3M2XrOP0k/TWx0cJiR84I/AAAAAAAAAEk/xhxe75UzhXg/s200/ninbasSS.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></div><b> <u>#5</u> on my list in one of Nintnedo's original games prior to going with a game console. I used to play this at</b><br />
<b><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-w5R0qfPV99Q/TWxtzAmQj0I/AAAAAAAAAEM/5IxG0xJJRIg/s1600/ninbaseball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-w5R0qfPV99Q/TWxtzAmQj0I/AAAAAAAAAEM/5IxG0xJJRIg/s200/ninbaseball.jpg" width="150" /></a></b><b>Game Room in the Woodbridge Mall in Woodbridge, NJ. Nintendo Baseball was an 8bit console that you could play for only a quarter as long as the opposition didn't take the lead. Once the CPU took the lead you would need to feed the machine to continue. Some of the flaws of this game was a ball could actually go through the wall for a home run, and a routine ground ball 85% of the time would wind up being an infield single.</b><br />
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</a></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vfCPi-aFqkI/TWxtyDrLyHI/AAAAAAAAAEA/F9j7VYOPoY0/s1600/outrunSS.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vfCPi-aFqkI/TWxtyDrLyHI/AAAAAAAAAEA/F9j7VYOPoY0/s200/outrunSS.png" width="200" /></a></b></div><b><u>#4</u></b><b> is the classic Sega driving game Our Run. This coin opp game had 2 consoles. There was the stand up game with steering wheel and 2 speed shifter.</b><br />
<b><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-u7RRxmnvHDk/TWxtzUaQDgI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/Z6Sb8_0Mw8A/s1600/out_run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-u7RRxmnvHDk/TWxtzUaQDgI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/Z6Sb8_0Mw8A/s200/out_run.jpg" width="131" /></a></b><b>There was also a sit down console with steering wheel, 2 speed shifter, and gas pedal. This was an upgrade from the classic Pole Position. The famous feature of the game was your sexy blond passenger with her golden locks blowing in the wind. It was fun driving through the streets of Florida, California, Italy, and many of beach areas. The original game if you crashed you would flip over and then start up again. The newer version you actually explode......Don't crash</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rXj5DWbvgTM/TWxtsxr0lWI/AAAAAAAAAD4/cLg0_X3QBOQ/s1600/donkSS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rXj5DWbvgTM/TWxtsxr0lWI/AAAAAAAAAD4/cLg0_X3QBOQ/s200/donkSS.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></div><br />
<b><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uCTmLOLrEiI/TWxtsmic4iI/AAAAAAAAAD0/d9Q8v97n9gE/s1600/dk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uCTmLOLrEiI/TWxtsmic4iI/AAAAAAAAAD0/d9Q8v97n9gE/s200/dk.jpg" width="109" /></a></b><b><u>#3</u> The KING of the arcades reigns supreme on everyone's list but mine. Here it sits at #3. The Nintendo classic debuted Mr. Mario on his quest to save his lady from a deranged monkey. Many of you have dropped many of quarters in this classic. This game to me lacked variety though as it featured about 4 levels before it repeated at a harder and faster skill level.</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wLcAKea_qyE/TWxtyi9vvzI/AAAAAAAAAEI/oJuJwYwdtio/s1600/mspacSS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wLcAKea_qyE/TWxtyi9vvzI/AAAAAAAAAEI/oJuJwYwdtio/s200/mspacSS.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></div><b> </b><b><u>#2</u> With no disrespect to the Man of the house, but the</b><br />
<b><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0l_jclYnCRc/TWxtybnY10I/AAAAAAAAAEE/coFpp5Q58zU/s1600/ms_pacman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0l_jclYnCRc/TWxtybnY10I/AAAAAAAAAEE/coFpp5Q58zU/s200/ms_pacman.jpg" width="130" /></a></b><b> wife took #2. Ms Pacman alot like its predecessor Pacman, featured a game a higher speed. The fast paced pac attack tested your reflexes and the durability of the joy stick. I fell in love with Ms. Pacman and her sexy bow on a cruise when I was 9. With $10 in my pocket I was able to complete 97 levels before I was summoned for dinner. I went to dinner with $8.25 in my pocket. It was ok to eat pretzels and strawberries in the same meal. Now a days you can find Ms. Pacman teamed up with Galaga in a double arcade classic console. I actually have one in my neighborhood laundry mat.</b><br />
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<b>And now for my all time favorite coin opp. Not only is this arcade my favorite of all consoles, but it is my favorite all time video game. It was featured first by Nintendo 8bit, then later by Sega Genesis 16bit.</b><br />
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<b>First the honorable mentions: Rampage (sorry Gilky), Pitfall, Pole Position, Dragon's Lair, & Tron.</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--b69pVULVRQ/TWxts_VyuEI/AAAAAAAAAD8/VcakQpV8KWM/s1600/gauntlet_rev_14.flyer.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--b69pVULVRQ/TWxts_VyuEI/AAAAAAAAAD8/VcakQpV8KWM/s200/gauntlet_rev_14.flyer.png" width="153" /></a></b></div><b> <u>#1</u></b><b> Gauntlet or even the remake Gauntlet 4 for Sega Genesis</b><br />
<b><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nxdoNrbPQ1s/TWxtr0LCxHI/AAAAAAAAADw/orT8cAHGLsc/s1600/gauntSS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nxdoNrbPQ1s/TWxtr0LCxHI/AAAAAAAAADw/orT8cAHGLsc/s200/gauntSS.jpg" width="200" /></a>Both version were the same even with the sequel number. This was a 4 character game that you could either choose from or have 3 others play along with you. The Warrior, Valkarie, Elf, and the Wizard. Some can say this was the early day Lord of the Rings game. You popped in your quarter, ate some food (but dont shoot it), picked up keys, treasure, and potions. You fought ghosts, goblins, trolls, dwarfs, evil wizards, and even death himself. Some levels you could hurt each other with your weapons. When you you needed food the narrator would tell you that you needed food badly, or if it was really bad he would tell you were about die. If you died you would be a pile of bones and whatever you were carrying at the time of death. Sick part is that other players could swipe what you had before you popped your quarters in. There were maximums of the amount you could carry, there was also levels that had fake exits and disappearing doors. All in all this game was well before its time. I would love to see a remake of this game by either Sony or Microsoft. Well I hope you enjoyed my list. I plan on someday rebuilding this collection in my own personal game room (man cave).</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tnSZL2--nCg/TWxvDkXIXhI/AAAAAAAAAEU/J9-GTORC9bI/s1600/sega.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tnSZL2--nCg/TWxvDkXIXhI/AAAAAAAAAEU/J9-GTORC9bI/s1600/sega.jpg" /></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-oLsi7AoXm5o/TWxvED21onI/AAAAAAAAAEc/bYEEJgA8hAs/s1600/capcom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="49" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-oLsi7AoXm5o/TWxvED21onI/AAAAAAAAAEc/bYEEJgA8hAs/s200/capcom.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MaipdjRbUoo/TWxvESQHFKI/AAAAAAAAAEg/J7w7zLzSWSY/s1600/nin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MaipdjRbUoo/TWxvESQHFKI/AAAAAAAAAEg/J7w7zLzSWSY/s200/nin.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3579220755761932297-3133479718043459663?l=damageathletics.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Kevin S. Nastahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12100441272079314508damageincsports@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579220755761932297.post-18701252475538190292011-02-28T02:42:00.000-05:002011-02-28T13:02:49.803-05:002011-02-28T13:02:49.803-05:00My All Time Strat-O-Matic Team<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W4V1CuCtcEY/TWtH77zQYGI/AAAAAAAAADo/5WRFvaWQa3k/s1600/stratomatic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W4V1CuCtcEY/TWtH77zQYGI/AAAAAAAAADo/5WRFvaWQa3k/s200/stratomatic.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>www.strat-o-matic.com</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>As many of you know I am an avid fan, lover, and player of Strat-O-Matic baseball. It's a game I grew up playing and every young boy should be introduced to. The appreciation you obtain for baseball playing this game is endless. The original fantasy baseball games teaches you the rules of the games and make you learn how to draft like an educated General Manager. Charts, 6-sided dice, 20-sided dice, game sheets, and stats ohhh glorious stats. Numerous realistic rules, and bilaws to keep the game as realistic as possible. Face to face league has been hurt a bit from the computer version, but most of all MARRIAGE!!!! GM's get married, have kids, and the weekly meetings become monthly, then every other month, then non existent. The computer version makes it more convenient to play from home, but takes away from the thrill of reaction. Here is my all Staten Island Surge team. I have compiled the best players I have had from my first season in 1989 to the last season I played full time in 2006.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-x-A3UCz8gT8/TWtH6DZqiYI/AAAAAAAAADY/ZuQuiwv6-00/s1600/larry-walker-expos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-x-A3UCz8gT8/TWtH6DZqiYI/AAAAAAAAADY/ZuQuiwv6-00/s200/larry-walker-expos.jpg" width="161" /></a></b></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Larry Walker</b></td></tr>
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Starting with the Outfield, my all time team starts with Larry Walker either his last season with the Expos or his batting title season with the Rockies. I had him for both. The Expos season was more complete. He ran for speed (1-17), stole bases (A) and was a solid RF-2 (-4). Sharing the field with Walker was Kirby Puckett who with the Twins was versatile, as he was a RF, CF, LF-1 (-2). Finishing off this list of starters was Center Fielder Doug Glanville. Some will say what?? Why?? From 2003-2004 he had a solid 2 column that equated to 2 batting titles for me in my league. Add that he was a CF-1, RF-2 (-2), ran well (1-17), stole bases 03(AA), 04(A), and was a bunting A. My 4th outfielder was none other than Vladmir Guerrero in his final season with the Le Expos.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cevH-PzclAA/TWtH7rLbW-I/AAAAAAAAADk/bWtJs36CmgY/s1600/Smith_Photo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cevH-PzclAA/TWtH7rLbW-I/AAAAAAAAADk/bWtJs36CmgY/s200/Smith_Photo.gif" width="200" /></a></b></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Ozzie Smith</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>My infield was tricky, as so many solid defensive and offensive combos have played over the years. One of my best players who won 2 batting titles for me was a poor defensive player. We'll get to him in a second. We'll go from first to third. My first baseman is Rafael Palmeiro. Raffy was a 1 once but normally a 1b-2. He had a great combination of power and on base ability. He was a decent runner and 2 seasons with me he was a stealing B. Julio Franco takes my second base spot. Franco in his batting title season with the Rangers was a 2b-4. But how couldnt you use this guy?? .340 hitter, 40 sb's, and had great extra base hit power. It equaled a ridiculous card that won be a batting title, was a stealing AA, running 1-17, and a bunting A. Franco usually exited the game in the 7th and was replaced by a no hit all glove type like Jose Lind & Pokey Reese. At short stop, come on none other than the Wizard....Ozzie Smith. Smith was one of the few players in the game's history who improved his hitting ability with age. Add his annual gold gloves, Smith turned into a SOM beast. Always a running 1-17, stealing ranged from AA to A and even in his final season was as high as a B. Always a bunting A, and a SS-1. Anchoring my left side was Braves MVP and gold glove third baseman Terry Pendleton. Despite 30 errors, SOM made him a 3b-1. He was a hitting machine that season and still ran a little (1-15), stealing A.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WEAHV6onn0k/TWtH65T7GLI/AAAAAAAAADg/foMw8btSLU8/s1600/RonK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WEAHV6onn0k/TWtH65T7GLI/AAAAAAAAADg/foMw8btSLU8/s320/RonK.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Ron Karkovice</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Catching I was blessed with talent every season. Whether it was Ivan Rodriguez, Charlie O'Brien, Brad Ausmus, Benito Santiago, and even offensive cards like Todd Pratt, Jamie Burke, and Jason Kendall. But it was Ron Karkovice with his annual 20hr seasons and some how managed to rate a stealing B for 2 seasons. That was a plus for a catcher. His downfall was the strikeouts. But his ceiling was great, as he ranked as high as a C-1 (-4). I go with Charlie O'Brien as my backup for his C-2 (-2) ranking alone.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EDCJvSkaCtk/TWtH6TU-PwI/AAAAAAAAADc/BhkPEZexgE8/s1600/randyjohnson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EDCJvSkaCtk/TWtH6TU-PwI/AAAAAAAAADc/BhkPEZexgE8/s200/randyjohnson.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Randy Johnson</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Now my starting pitching. Again I have had some great ones, from Darren Dreifort's one year wonder, to David Neid's expansion Rockies card. My top 4 goes to:</b><br />
<b>Pedro Martinez and his final season with the Expos. I really dont need to go into detail. Randy Johnson in any of a handful of seasons, but the half season card with the Astros was so dominant it was humorous. My back end of the rotation would be followed by David Cone's NY Mets years, and Darryl Kile's one dynamic season with the Astros. My 5th and spot start would go to Steve Avery and his 1 wonder season with the Atlanta Braves.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qYFW6Y-W8oo/TWtOvPw4YQI/AAAAAAAAADs/4bktGPIKqoI/s1600/tom-henke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qYFW6Y-W8oo/TWtOvPw4YQI/AAAAAAAAADs/4bktGPIKqoI/s200/tom-henke.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tom Henke</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Every season has had its 1 year wonder relievers. From the Chris Hammond's to the Turk Wendell's of the world. My 5-man pen would go as followed. Tom Henke, Derek Lilliquist, Duane Ward, and Chris Bale. Whooooo Chris Bale??? Yes Chris Bale. A man who held lefties to a less then .100 batting average 1-season. My closer would be none other then.....hold it..... Eric Gagne. For a 2-year stretch no one could reach base via Gagne's card. If you didn't role your own card you were done. </b><br />
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<b>Here are my honorable mentions: Randy Milligan, Tom Glavine, Jeff Kent, Jeff King, Andy Van Slyke, Rob Deer, and Mark McGwire.</b><br />
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<b>Hope you enjoyed my list and blog about strat-o-matic. If you never heard of SOM before this, please I suggest you read up by visiting www.strat-o-matic.com. In this the day and age of video games, this would be a GREAT thing to do with your son(s) as a family night of games.</b><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3579220755761932297-1870125247553819029?l=damageathletics.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Kevin S. Nastahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12100441272079314508damageincsports@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579220755761932297.post-35548252390369247872011-02-24T00:38:00.000-05:002011-02-24T00:38:43.804-05:002011-02-24T00:38:43.804-05:00MLB Network's Final 3 Best Robbed Homeruns<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lypWC4RNkuE/TWXpk9A9afI/AAAAAAAAADI/_uiUAQ9CJz4/s1600/mlbnet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lypWC4RNkuE/TWXpk9A9afI/AAAAAAAAADI/_uiUAQ9CJz4/s1600/mlbnet.jpg" /></a></b></div><b>So I just finished watching MLB Network's top 75 in the category "Best Robbed Homeruns". Like all of their list shows including Prime 9 I was totally entertained. There were some classics from players like Mike Cameron, Torii Hunter, Willie Mays, Mookie Wilson, Willie McGee, and Ken Griffey Jr. to just name a few. But like all top lists there has to be a winner. He is the final 3 top catches from number 3 to number 1.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8DSXsHluJfM/TWXppGVG6RI/AAAAAAAAADQ/y66UsdPAaMs/s1600/dewayne-wise_p1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8DSXsHluJfM/TWXppGVG6RI/AAAAAAAAADQ/y66UsdPAaMs/s200/dewayne-wise_p1.jpg" width="148" /></a></b></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>DeWayne is PEREFECT</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>On a night where Mark Buehrle was cruising along with a perfect game, who knew it would take a magician to keep it going in the 9th. Tampa Bay's Gabe Kapler sent a 3-2 pitch high and deep to left center and defensive replacement DeWayne Wise scaled high over the wall and made the catch. BUT! it wasn't over. As he started to come down he bobbled the ball needing to re-catch the ball in his bare hand as he fell to the ground and into a tumble. Buehrle's perfecto was still intact and DeWayne Wise made himself into a folk hero. The perfect game was completed 2 batters later, and Wise will never have to pay for a steak dinner in Chicago ever again.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tdfkiSg90Qg/TWXppcf4AsI/AAAAAAAAADU/os4LrzMJOWw/s1600/endychavez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tdfkiSg90Qg/TWXppcf4AsI/AAAAAAAAADU/os4LrzMJOWw/s200/endychavez.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Chavez high over Shea's wall</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>After a visit from pitching guru Rick Peterson, Oliver Perez grooved the next pitch to Cardinal third baseman Scott Rolen. Off the bat it was gone! Maybe with the cold September air or maybe it was the ghosts of '69, some how the ball never left the ballpark. Endy Chavez who was in their for his defense ranged back to the left field wall and leaped as high as humanly possible and made an amazing snow cone catch to save the game. What was it lost in this play, was that Chavez had the presence of mind to throw back to the infield and complete a double play at first base ending the inning. What happened after all Mets fans would like to forget. Damn Yadier Molina!</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nVicFeHzYzU/TWXpo-5vSRI/AAAAAAAAADM/nGo-HRP8xkM/s1600/G.Matthews+Jr.+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nVicFeHzYzU/TWXpo-5vSRI/AAAAAAAAADM/nGo-HRP8xkM/s200/G.Matthews+Jr.+1.jpg" width="125" /></a></b></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Matthews 180 catch</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b><br />
</b><br />
<b>The number one catch which I can not argue was Gary Matthews Jr. making a 180 degree catch over the center field wall. It was an early season inter-league game between the Rangers & Houston Astros. Mike Lamb hit a blast that all thought was headed for the grassy nole in center but Matthews had other ideas. Gary started with his left shoulder (facing leftfield) to the plate running back to the wall. He leaped and spun 180 degrees and wound up catching the ball over the fence, but now he was facing rightfield. You can say nothing but "Amazing". Unfortunately for Gary Matthews Jr. that was his career defining moment. He never amounted to much after that one great offensive season and highlight catch.</b><br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>Great job MLB Network!</b><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3579220755761932297-3554825239036924787?l=damageathletics.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Kevin S. Nastahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12100441272079314508damageincsports@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579220755761932297.post-70206077226625227792011-02-23T03:34:00.000-05:002011-02-23T14:03:41.814-05:002011-02-23T14:03:41.814-05:00Amar'e Stoudemire Just Shut Up<b>Ohh man are you serious Amar'e Stoudemire? </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EWy6H3kpPEg/TWTDJdUmziI/AAAAAAAAADA/mGWV58gmO4E/s1600/amareanthony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EWy6H3kpPEg/TWTDJdUmziI/AAAAAAAAADA/mGWV58gmO4E/s200/amareanthony.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Stoudemire defends Carmelo </b><b>2009</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>"MSG will be the new Staples Center because of the stars?" Last I checked the Staples Center has a lot of banners, and that's what matters. I will say it again. The Knicks will NOT win a championship with James Dolan as their owner and definitely NOT with Isiah Thomas involved with the team. Knicks haven't made the post season since Jeff Van Gundy 2004. They are still paying & fixing the damages Isiah did when he was here the first time.</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Players who have never won anything shouldn't be the first ones to open their mouths about how they're gonna win. Carmelo Anthony, Amar'e Stoudemire, Lebron James, & Chris Bosh have combined to win 0 championships. Last time I checked the Los Angeles Lakers were the defending 2-time world champions.</b><br />
<br />
<b>The Knicks DID NOT better their team with this trade. This trade was made in hopes of luring Chris Paul to the Knicks next season, hoping to make their version of the Miami Heat. The only problem is that the Heat will never win a championship with that trio (James, Wade, Bosh). The bottom line is the Knicks gutted their team of youth, added an old man in Chauncy Billups, and added a selfish player in Carmelo Anthony. The team and it's coach wouldn't know how to play defense if the plays were drawn on the Garden floor. Until anyone is able to defeat the LA Lakers in the post season, they will be the favored to win their 3rd straight championship.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aaETehkGWtM/TWTEvNKJ94I/AAAAAAAAADE/2p2Kf7DfTMU/s1600/kobe-Bryant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="154" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aaETehkGWtM/TWTEvNKJ94I/AAAAAAAAADE/2p2Kf7DfTMU/s200/kobe-Bryant.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Kobe Bryant 5-time Champion</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b><br />
</b><br />
<b>The New York Knicks aren't in the top 5 in the east, so how can anyone think they are a serious contender. If they pick up a Paul next season it might put them in the top 3 in the east but it wont put them in the top 5 in the league. The Celtics, Heat, Magic, Hawks, and Bulls are all still better then the Knicks, and that's just the East. They have no shot at beating the Spurs, Lakers, Mavericks, Thunder, or even the Blazers in a 7-game final. </b><br />
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</b><br />
<b>Please Knick fans stop with the photoshop #15 jerseys! If you were a real fan you would know that #15 was retired and Carmelo would of been wearing #30 for his favorite Knick Benard King. The Knicks apparently want to retire #30 in the near future so Carmelo will be wearing #7. Funny #7......7 straight years the Knicks have missed the playoffs? The Bandwagon has officially started its engine!</b><br />
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</b><br />
<b>I will see you in the Finals.......At the Staples Center as we raise yet another banner!</b><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3579220755761932297-7020607722662522779?l=damageathletics.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Kevin S. Nastahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12100441272079314508damageincsports@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579220755761932297.post-91063217281170079892011-02-23T02:02:00.000-05:002011-02-23T02:09:26.681-05:002011-02-23T02:09:26.681-05:00Hall of Fame Bound! First Ballot?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u0WBxyASRyw/TWSi47zYRCI/AAAAAAAAACs/wmf0PtvJrJk/s1600/HOF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u0WBxyASRyw/TWSi47zYRCI/AAAAAAAAACs/wmf0PtvJrJk/s200/HOF.jpg" width="184" /></a></b></div><b>Jeff Kent & Randy Johnson have been linked by more then just being possible first ballot Hall of Famers. Both players were members of the San Francisco Giants (Kent 97-02 & Johnson 2009) and both players were members of the Houston Astros (Kent 03-04 & Johnson 1998). Both players played most of their career in the National League West. Both players dominated their respective position during their careers. Both players have multiple major league records with their names on it. Both players have won the award that marked them the best at their trade (Kent MVP & Johnson Cy Young 5x's). Now for the facts.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vk019esIaaU/TWSi-37cWOI/AAAAAAAAACw/N5oCWdqCzJI/s1600/RJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="117" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vk019esIaaU/TWSi-37cWOI/AAAAAAAAACw/N5oCWdqCzJI/s200/RJ.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Big Unit Seattle Mariners</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Randall David Johnson aka The Big Unit. Randy Johnson came onto scene full time in 1989 for the Expos and made an impact immediately. He was fierce, threw hard, and was erratic. He was wild enough to scare the heck out of most batters. One pitch would paint the corner and the next could paint your ear. In that same 1989 season the Seattle Mariners came a calling in a trade. A couple of great seasons, a conversation with Nolan Ryan later, and Randy Johnson became one of the most dominant pitcher of all time. Johnson in his career played for not only the Expos and Mariners but for the Astros, Diamondbacks, Yankees, and Giants. Here are some career achievements that should lock him for the Hall of Fame.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TdMRg3H9d8s/TWSi_g9u_dI/AAAAAAAAAC8/ljd3s9zwElU/s1600/RJ2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="123" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TdMRg3H9d8s/TWSi_g9u_dI/AAAAAAAAAC8/ljd3s9zwElU/s200/RJ2.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>San Francisco Giants 303 wins</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>303 Career Wins, 3.29 career ERA, .646 Career Win%</b><b><br />
4,875 Career Strikeouts (2nd All Time) </b><b>5-time Cy Young Award winner (1AL & 4NL)</b><br />
<b>10-strike out crowns</b><br />
<b>3-twenty win seasons</b><br />
<b>4-ERA titles</b><br />
<b>1-World Series MVP</b><br />
<b>1-World Series championship</b><br />
<b>10-Time All Star</b><br />
<b> 2-No Hitters (1 Perfect Game at age 40)</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xM_j47Stycs/TWSi_BsNU8I/AAAAAAAAAC0/ndhbqDyILs4/s1600/Kent2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xM_j47Stycs/TWSi_BsNU8I/AAAAAAAAAC0/ndhbqDyILs4/s200/Kent2.jpg" width="148" /></a></b></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Jeff Kent SF Giants</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>Jeffrey Franklin Kent. Jeff Kent was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays as a tough grind it out line drive hitting third baseman. Little did people know that he would become the best slugging second baseman in the game. Kent was traded to the New York Mets in 1992, and set a franchise record with 21 homeruns for a second baseman in 1993. After parts of 5 seaons with the Mets, Jeff was traded to the Cleveland Indians. He never felt comfortable in the American League and it was evident in Cleveland. He was later traded to the San Francisco Giants and that's where his career would blossom. Batting behind Barry Bonds, Jeff struggled to see good pitches to hit, but when they moved him in front of Bonds Kent's career took off. In 2000 Jeff Kent had a season of seasons for not only a second baseman but for anyone. It eventually led him to an MVP award. Kent batted .334 with 33hrs, and 125 Rbi's. Add in 90 walks, and 12 stolen bases Kent did enough to finish just ahead of teammate Barry Bonds in the MVP vote. Kent would finish his career with the LA Dodgers and after 17 seasons he hung up his cleat with the most homeruns hit ever by a major league second baseman with 377. In his 17 seasons he averaged .290, 27, 107.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GQ6zIL7IAww/TWSi_Yv2GBI/AAAAAAAAAC4/keN9g93iwcA/s1600/Kent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="137" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GQ6zIL7IAww/TWSi_Yv2GBI/AAAAAAAAAC4/keN9g93iwcA/s200/Kent.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Jeff Kent 377 Career HR's</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Kent also had a great stay with the Houston Astros helping them to 2 post season appearances in his 2 seasons. </b><br />
<b>Here is Kent's resume and why I think he's a first ballot Hall of Famer:</b><br />
<br />
<b>377 Career homers (1st all time for a 2B)</b><br />
<b>5-Time All Star</b><br />
<b>2000 Most Valuable Player</b><b> </b><b>4-Time Silver Slugger</b> <br />
<b>.276, 9, 23 in 49 post season games, 3 Hr's, 7 Rbi's in 2002 World Series</b><br />
<b>"One of the toughest SOB's ever to turn a double play" (Shawon Dunston)</b><br />
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<b>Here's a stats that Kent would not be proud of. He was part of 3 separate trades of franchise players leaving for him to arrive.</b><br />
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<b>In 1992 Jeff Kent & Ryan Thompson arrived in New York (Mets) from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for David Cone. When this trade happened I came to school the next day turned to by friend Andrew Gikeson and said "Who the F is Jeff Kent?"</b><br />
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</b><br />
<b>In July 2006 The New York Mets traded Jeff Kent & Jose Vizcaino to the Cleveland Indians for Carlos Baerga & Alvaro Espinoza</b><br />
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</b><br />
<b>In Nov 1996 The Cleveland Indians sent Kent, Julian Tavarez, Jose Vizcaino, & Jose Roa to the San Francisco Giants for Matt Williams & Trent Hubbard.</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>In my opinion Randy Johnson & Jeff Kent are first ballot Hall of Famer. Kent will be eligible in 2013, and Randy Johnson in 2014. I will be there for both inductions if they are enshrined.</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3579220755761932297-9106321728117007989?l=damageathletics.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Kevin S. Nastahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12100441272079314508damageincsports@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579220755761932297.post-57594124970127963482011-02-22T01:38:00.000-05:002011-02-22T01:40:31.665-05:002011-02-22T01:40:31.665-05:00Damage Primed For A Championship Run in 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b7Wjb1ytWpo/TWNT24io-vI/AAAAAAAAACQ/QadWp-dmUac/s1600/DamageAthletics3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b7Wjb1ytWpo/TWNT24io-vI/AAAAAAAAACQ/QadWp-dmUac/s200/DamageAthletics3.gif" width="200" /></a></b></div><b>Now that the winter meetings have come to an end, the coaching staff of Damage Athletics will try and put their hard off season work into motion. A lot of new faces will be donning Damage's brand new look. A look that is some way retro, but at the same time is modern.</b><br />
<b>After a 12 minute powerpoint preview of the evolution of Damage Softball and its look, coach Nasta got the reaction he was looking for when the new look flashed on the screen. Coach Nasta "There was a lot of ooo and ahhhh, which after 3 months of designing these jerseys was a pat on the back".</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-szqjr7X81jI/TWNU13_AFbI/AAAAAAAAACU/AMZ2Yn6DrBU/s1600/30939059681_ORIG.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-szqjr7X81jI/TWNU13_AFbI/AAAAAAAAACU/AMZ2Yn6DrBU/s200/30939059681_ORIG.jpeg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>2010 MVP Sal D'Esposito</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Coach Nasta also presented Sal D'Esposito & Yacenia Young with their MVP awards from the 2010 season. D'Esposito will take on a larger role as he will shift from left field to left center in 2011. The veteran said he's ready for the challenge and and is gearing for a big season. Yacenia will look to add to her impressive rookie season. At her pace she could shatter marks for a female pitcher this season in career wins & appearances. A lot of pressure lies on the middle of the order this season as coach Nasta looks to piece together the combo. Three new female players join the team making it a competition for the Rookie of the Year award as well as the MVP award. Stefanie Allen looks to add to her already impressive resume, while Keri Schweiger looks to get it going early in 2011.</b><br />
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<b>On the male side of the roster Damage has added three new players and welcomed the return of designated hitter Lee Kay. Lee who was Damage's team MVP in 2008, returns as a formidable force in the middle of the lineup. Jason Cuomo who returned home late in 2010 will play a major role this season in the outfield and on the mound. Larry Rennock returns to the mound on a full time basis joining Young & Cuomo on the staff. </b><b>A lot will be riding also on the health of first baseman Kevin S. Nasta. Kevin who has been battling leg injuries (groin) for 2 seasons now, has dropped over 30lbs. and is working hard to stay on the field this season, while hoping his power stroke regains its once lethal form.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PqJn81PpUWU/TWNW8WRw88I/AAAAAAAAACY/_6n1J8xD0Wc/s1600/DAMAGE_324141_01_Pg1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PqJn81PpUWU/TWNW8WRw88I/AAAAAAAAACY/_6n1J8xD0Wc/s200/DAMAGE_324141_01_Pg1.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Damage's 2011 Jerseys</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Returning is new team captain Paul Chierchio, Lou Baffuto, Joe Ng, James Young, John Caffese, & Tom Gasparino.</b><br />
<b>The one thing that separates this team from teams of the past is the amount of depth that each players adds. Multiple players can and will play multiple positions at a high level. </b><br />
<b>Camp Nasta opens on March 12th, where Nasta and his staff can analyze the new talent and see the best way it will mesh with its existing talent. Time as always will only tell, but to not expect a better then a 12-10 season is just silly. See you all at Camp Nasta, the "Drive For 5" starts there!</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XPlFjgF-lXQ/TWNYZfi3r_I/AAAAAAAAACc/C58VQIn9GLA/s1600/streetsign+copy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XPlFjgF-lXQ/TWNYZfi3r_I/AAAAAAAAACc/C58VQIn9GLA/s200/streetsign+copy.gif" width="200" /></a></div><b><br />
</b><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3579220755761932297-5759412497012796348?l=damageathletics.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Kevin S. Nastahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12100441272079314508damageincsports@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579220755761932297.post-21412306705582347732011-02-20T02:35:00.000-05:002011-02-20T03:12:14.740-05:002011-02-20T03:12:14.740-05:00Yankees & Mets Previews, On Paper That Is!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8CuKEPllLLg/TWC2pV41VjI/AAAAAAAAAB0/5XNyIzFttnk/s1600/large_cc-sabathia527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></b></div><b>So much is made of the Mets & Yankees and their cross town rivalry. You look at the two teams and they are two totally different teams headed in totally different directions. The Yankees are a team dedicated to spending and winning, while the Mets are in the middle of a non official rebuilding process. The difference now is the Yankees have put themselves in a situation where they're older and have huge contracts weighing them down. They have also did nothing to solidify their starting rotation this season. They banked all their hopes on signing Cliff Lee and seemed to have no plan "B" when he was scooped up by the Phillies. They went on to resign Mitre, and by default looks like Nova will get a spot in the rotation. They lost Andy Pettitte to retirement and then they went on to sign over the hill & over weight free agents Freddy Garcia & Bartolo Colon. On paper the Yankees do not look good. In actuality the Yankees do not look good. </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8CuKEPllLLg/TWC2pV41VjI/AAAAAAAAAB0/5XNyIzFttnk/s1600/large_cc-sabathia527.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8CuKEPllLLg/TWC2pV41VjI/AAAAAAAAAB0/5XNyIzFttnk/s200/large_cc-sabathia527.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>CC Sabathia</b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QmnrmxCGDtw/TWC4eCPHxdI/AAAAAAAAAB4/k8XVnOKRJIQ/s1600/soriano-tampa-uni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Behind CC Sabathia and Phil Hughes, the Yanks are weak with a capital W. With the Redsox holding the best rotation in the division, and the Rays only getting better with their starting 5, the Yanks will struggle to finish 3rd in their own division. There is only so much offense can do if your 3,4,5 starters give up 5 runs a game. Conviently CC has lost 25lbs on a season where he can opt out of his contract and demand more money than Cliff Lee. With the return of captain Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera the Yanks solidified their veteran leadership. </b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QmnrmxCGDtw/TWC4eCPHxdI/AAAAAAAAAB4/k8XVnOKRJIQ/s1600/soriano-tampa-uni.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QmnrmxCGDtw/TWC4eCPHxdI/AAAAAAAAAB4/k8XVnOKRJIQ/s200/soriano-tampa-uni.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Rafael Soriano</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>But! The Yanks in my opinion made a huge mistake spending $35 million dollars on an 8th inning reliever. The money could of been spent to bring in 2 starting pitchers with a higher upside then Colon & Garcia. But once again ownership showed its ugly head interfering with Brian Cashman's job.</b><br />
<b>The infield will be solid as always with Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter on the left side. The still improving Robinson Cano at second next to perenial gold glover Mark Texiera. Tex though has to show that 2010 was indeed a fluke on the offensive side and not that he has started a decline. In the catching ranks the Yanks brought in Russell Martin who was not needed but seems to be the #1 guy. Backing him up will be fan favorite Francisco Cervelli. </b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PITkpkMnCHk/TWDDe-yD-UI/AAAAAAAAACM/W302-zsyBP0/s1600/russell-martin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PITkpkMnCHk/TWDDe-yD-UI/AAAAAAAAACM/W302-zsyBP0/s200/russell-martin.jpg" width="146" /></a></b></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Russell Martin</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Long time Yankee Jorge Posada looks like the odd man out of the catching crew. He will primarily serve as the Yanks designated hitter. The outfield will raise some more eye brows. Nick Swisher who was never a consistent hitter will take that back into rightfield. Brent Gardner & Curtis Granderson will fill out the rest of the outfield. Becoming the 4th outfielder in another confusing move is Andruw Jones. A player who hasn't had a solid year in about 5-years. They let Marcus Thames go to the Dodgers for less money. The bench is not deep but most American League team do not have one anyway. The Yankees bullpen is deep though, but they will be taxed with that lack of depth of the rotation. Joba Chamberlain also need to get not only his body in shape but his head.</b><br />
<b>So my final standings for the American League East in 2011:</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Boston Redsox</b></li>
<li><b>Tampa Bay Rays</b></li>
<li><b>New York Yankees</b></li>
<li><b>Baltimore Orioles</b></li>
<li><b>Toronto Blue Jays</b></li>
</ol><b>The New York Mets now have their own issues. They have a major lawsuit looming over their heads and no free agent to be is going to sign here until that is resolved. With that said it's now time for the kids to play the game. </b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GP9e4PFb02g/TWC7apEvu2I/AAAAAAAAAB8/EWaTGa9-BIE/s1600/david-wright.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GP9e4PFb02g/TWC7apEvu2I/AAAAAAAAAB8/EWaTGa9-BIE/s200/david-wright.jpg" width="169" /></a></b></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>David Wright</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>David Wright & Jose Reyes will be surrounded by some familiar faces from their minor league days. Returning after a fine rookie campaign is first baseman Ike Davis. When Davis isn't flipping into the dug outs making ridiculous catches, he's launching mammoth shots towards the Shea Bridge. He's a solid defender and a power threat. My pick for second base is Daniel Murphy. Daniel showed in 2009 he has some pop and the knack for the clutch hit. He has been working hard during winter ball to perfect his new craft at second. Luis Castillo's days at second will come during garbage time. Murphy will not have a cake walk to the position as Rule 5 draft pick Brad Emaus has been said to have some solid defensive skills around second. Behind the plate Josh Thole has showed us he can play the game at the big league level. Mets fans will be patient and wait to see what Thole blossoms into. Ronnie Paulino was signed as the under study but will start the season finishing his suspension. Mike Nickeas will probably get the nod until Paulino is ready to return. </b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7hSeHHmL_Jk/TWC9j2I450I/AAAAAAAAACA/RV-URSMZ6rg/s1600/alg_jason_bay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7hSeHHmL_Jk/TWC9j2I450I/AAAAAAAAACA/RV-URSMZ6rg/s200/alg_jason_bay.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Jason Bay</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>The outfield looks to return healthy for 2011. Angel Pagan showed he was indeed the team's MVP and most consistent player in '11. Along with the return of Carlos Beltran & Jason Bay, the Mets could put up some big numbers with this trio, again if healthy. Bay returns from another Mets mishandling of a concussion. Determined Bay looks to right the ship and prove his contract wasn't another Omar Minaya blunder. Beltran will be wearing an erecta-set on his knee and will be limited side to side, which means his best fit will be in right. The Mets will of course let that drama unfold during spring training. Pagan will either play center or right. The #4 outfielder spot will be a dog fight with newly signed slugger Scott Hairston and returning prospect Lucas Duda. If Hairston returns to his healthy norm he could prove to be a steal. Duda in my opinion will start the season at AAA Buffalo with Fernando Martinez. </b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vXhE4Tg9R08/TWC-9goCrMI/AAAAAAAAACE/XfyYawWP-HY/s1600/Chris-Young.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vXhE4Tg9R08/TWC-9goCrMI/AAAAAAAAACE/XfyYawWP-HY/s200/Chris-Young.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Chris Young</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b> The Mets will start spring training again with Johan Santana recovering from surgery (shoulder). Picking up the slack will have to be Mike Pelfrey who set career highs in every category last season. R.A. Dickey who broke out finishing the season in the top 10 in ERA. Rounding out the rotation will be Jonathon Niese, newly signed Chris Young, and a cast of pitchers competing for the #5 spot. Dillon Gee & Pat Misch look like the front runners to win that spot.</b><br />
<b>The Mets bullpen took a little hit with the loss of Pedro Feliciano to the Yankees but they added some low risk pitchers Chris Capuano, Taylor Buchholtz, & DJ Carrasco. Bobby Parnell & Francisco Rodriguez return to the back end of the bullpen hoping returning players Manny Acosta and Jenrri Mejia round out into form. Another Rule 5 draftee Manuel Alvarez is said to have great control and a blazing fastball. Oliver Perez is still part of this team right now. I am thinking he will not be here when the team breaks for NY. Here are my predictions for the National League East:</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<ol><li><b>Philadelphia Phillies</b></li>
<li><b>New York Mets</b></li>
<li><b>Florida Marlins</b></li>
<li><b>Washington Nationals</b></li>
<li><b>Atlanta Braves</b></li>
</ol><b> </b><b>I have the Nationals with the largest improvement record wise. The Mets will finish above .500. The Marlins with their young guns will push the Mets but not over take them.</b><br />
<b>For all the crazed Yankee fans who will be pissed by this, don't worry the Yankees will win more games then the Mets but in the end it won't matter. I will say this: The Mets starting 5 will combine for more wins then the Yankees starting 5. </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><a name='more'></a>My Post Season picks:</b><br />
<b>American League:</b><br />
<b>Boston Redsox, Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers, Anaheim Angels (WC)</b><br />
<b>AL Champs:</b><br />
<b>Boston Redsox</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>National League:</b><br />
<b>Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers, Colorado Rockies, Cincinnati Reds (WC)</b><br />
<b>NL Champs:</b><br />
<b>Milwaukee Brewers</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b3lrvPxcqrI/TWDDGe69wgI/AAAAAAAAACI/Gq_C20mQ4W4/s1600/world-series-trophy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b3lrvPxcqrI/TWDDGe69wgI/AAAAAAAAACI/Gq_C20mQ4W4/s200/world-series-trophy.jpg" width="176" /></a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>World Champions:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Boston Redsox</b></div><b><br />
</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3579220755761932297-2141230670558234773?l=damageathletics.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Kevin S. Nastahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12100441272079314508damageincsports@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579220755761932297.post-42514060999597075472011-02-17T01:36:00.000-05:002011-02-17T01:39:48.316-05:002011-02-17T01:39:48.316-05:00The Unappreciated Back-Up Catcher<b>One of my favorite back stops of all time was a light hitting catcher named <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/o%27brich01.shtml">Charlie O'Brien</a>. Charlie was a career .221 hitter with no power or the knack to drive home a run, but what he did have was the knack for catching Cy Young Award winners.</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_GPeZki6NRw/TVy-X6I3LNI/AAAAAAAAABg/TR7jbh7BlC0/s1600/0710angels1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_GPeZki6NRw/TVy-X6I3LNI/AAAAAAAAABg/TR7jbh7BlC0/s200/0710angels1.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></div><b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MoDmoaWw0TA/TVy-LcvPu8I/AAAAAAAAABc/w0FPurPI3EQ/s1600/DGWObrien.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MoDmoaWw0TA/TVy-LcvPu8I/AAAAAAAAABc/w0FPurPI3EQ/s200/DGWObrien.jpg" width="148" /></a><br />
O'Brien was a solid defensive catcher and a modest right-handed batter. He is best remembered for pioneering the hockey-style catcher's mask. He was playing with the Toronto Blue Jays when he invented this different style of mask.</b><br />
<b>Over the course of his career, O'Brien had the distinction of catching eleven different Cy Young winners: Frank Viola (Mets), <span style="color: black;">Dwight Gooden</span> (Mets), Bret Saberhagen (Mets), David Cone (Mets), Greg Maddux (Braves), Tom Glavine (Braves), John Smoltz (Braves), Pat Hentgen (Blue Jays), Roger Clemens (Blue Jays), <span style="color: black;">Chris Carpenter (Blue Jays) and </span>Jack McDowell (White Sox). However, he only caught three of these pitchers during Cy Young seasons -- Clemens, Hentgen & Maddux (2x's). During Maddux's amazing '94 and '95 seasons when he posted ERA's of 1.56 and 1.63 respectively, O'Brien generally served as Maddux's personal catcher.<br />
</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wkCRHcwr8O8/TVy_TdcXUsI/AAAAAAAAABo/WKbnhiZAvy4/s1600/mask2000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wkCRHcwr8O8/TVy_TdcXUsI/AAAAAAAAABo/WKbnhiZAvy4/s200/mask2000.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></div><b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sLxzfOpN6qw/TVy_LN5DwEI/AAAAAAAAABk/c62crb0w7W8/s1600/charlieo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sLxzfOpN6qw/TVy_LN5DwEI/AAAAAAAAABk/c62crb0w7W8/s200/charlieo.jpg" width="153" /></a>After getting smashed in his mask by two consecutive foul-tip balls in a game, O'Brien had the idea for a new catcher's mask (a helmet, actually) while he was watching a hockey game. He worked with Van Velden Mask Inc., of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, to develop his idea. The new design, called the <i>All-Star MVP</i>, was approved in 1996 by Major League Baseball.<br />
</b><br />
<b>In his 15-year career, O'Brien batted .221 with 56 home runs and 261 runs batted in. He was part of the 1995 World Series Champion Atlanta Braves.</b><br />
<br />
<b>A couple of my other favorite catchers were back-up catchers as well. Here is a quick list of my favorite all time catchers:<br />
</b><br />
<b>1. Ivan Rodriguez </b><br />
<b>2. Kelly Stinnett</b><br />
<b>3. Gary Carter</b><br />
<b>4. Josh Thole</b><br />
<b>5. Francisco Cervelli </b><br />
<b><br />
</b><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3579220755761932297-4251406099959707547?l=damageathletics.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Kevin S. Nastahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12100441272079314508damageincsports@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579220755761932297.post-36163061293375125702011-02-16T04:13:00.000-05:002011-02-16T17:47:06.664-05:002011-02-16T17:47:06.664-05:00Finally!! The Rock Has Returned To My Conversations!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FlOfrgmO7_I/TVxT3A8iSZI/AAAAAAAAABM/X-5Xs_hEEbo/s1600/rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FlOfrgmO7_I/TVxT3A8iSZI/AAAAAAAAABM/X-5Xs_hEEbo/s200/rock.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><a href="http://www.westlord.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/The-Rock-in-WWE-225x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><br />
<b>So the Rock has finally returned to the WWE. It actually does come as a surprise seeing Dwayne Johnson after 7-years. He has had a great run as a movie actor. One of my favorite movies is <u>Rundown</u> & <u>Gridiron Gang</u>. Dwayne Johnson will be the host of Wrestle Mania XXVII. This is another marketing ploy of WWE bigwig Vincent K. McMahon. The WWE ratings have been slowly going down because of the TNA circuit and because of lack of interest of the video game generation. Either way I could care less, but I will some how some way watch the 1 PPV event usually worth watching.</b><br />
<br />
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://3.gvt0.com/vi/CErB205Zm_c/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CErB205Zm_c&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CErB205Zm_c&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object><b> </b><br />
<b>As a kid there was the "BIG 4". Wrestle Mania, Summer Slam, Royal Rumble, and The Survivor Series. Every 3 months we were blessed with these PPV events that we so looked forward to watching. I remember saving up paper route money to pay my parents for the PPV, and inviting all my friends over. But now it's diluted with a PPV event every single month. It doesn't give you that urge of waiting and looking forward to something. Also watching guys like Randy Savage (10-time world champ), Hulk Hogan (12-time world champ), and Ric Flair (16-time world champ) was a blessing because they held titles for a year sometimes more. Each of these warriors have been wrestling for 5 decades. Now the title is a piece of paper. There are guys wrestling for less then 2 decades and their already 10-time world champions. The championship doesn't mean anything anymore, and don't think the casual fan doesn't feel disrespected. </b><br />
<b><br />
The Rock is here to boost ratings, PPV sales, merchandise, and ticket sales. Good luck Rock, don't blow out a hip chasing Cena around. I never found The Rock as a great wrestler, but he was the man with the mic. He makes my top-5 all time of the gift of gab.</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b><u>Top 5</u></b><b></b><br />
<b>1. Ric "Nature Boy" Flair</b><br />
<b>2. Randy "Macho Man" Savage</b><br />
<b>3. "Rowdy" Roddy Piper</b><br />
<b>4. Dwayne "Rock" Johnson</b><br />
<b>5. tie- Bobby "The Brain" Heenan & Jessie "The Body" Ventura</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.bizrate.com/resize?sq=280&uid=2309497639" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://images.bizrate.com/resize?sq=280&uid=2309497639" width="200" /></a></div><b>If any fan wants to learn about wrestling the sport & business I really suggest reading Ric Flair's book "<u>To Be The Man</u>". This book was unreal and shed the light on some behind the scenes of what really goes on. How wrestling from the 70's & 80's was so much different and better then what they show you these days. </b><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3579220755761932297-3616306129337512570?l=damageathletics.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Kevin S. Nastahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12100441272079314508damageincsports@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579220755761932297.post-18963732476519313432011-02-16T03:28:00.000-05:002011-02-16T03:52:22.738-05:002011-02-16T03:52:22.738-05:00All Damage Historical Team<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>February's Position:</u></span><span style="font-size: large;"> Catcher </span> </b><br />
<b>In a position dominated by great female catchers, this decision was a tough one. It was so tough that I couldn't narrow my selection to just 1 catcher so the first selection wound up being a tie. First here are the honorable mentions to a very deep position.</b><br />
<br />
<b>1. Jennifer Carillo (2001-2006). Jennifer ranks among the top 3 all time in games caught (2nd) & top 5 in games played for a female.</b><br />
<b>2. Angela Antonopoulos (2002-2006). Angela ranks at the top of the all time list in games caught & top 10 in games played for a female.</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A1q32lLUweQ/TVuI3MLA_WI/AAAAAAAAABI/QrTG68nsocc/s1600/Allen-Fairbairn+copy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A1q32lLUweQ/TVuI3MLA_WI/AAAAAAAAABI/QrTG68nsocc/s320/Allen-Fairbairn+copy.gif" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><span style="font-size: large;">The award of All Damage Catcher goes to Jodi Fairbairn & Stefanie Allen</span></b><br />
<b>Jodi Coates-Fairbairn (1999-2002;2007-2008) who split a lot of her time between playing catcher and pitching. Fairbairn currently ranks 3rd all time in games caught and 1st in games pitched. Jodi won the Rookie of the Year as well as the female MVP in 1999. She went on to win the MVP award again in 2007 after being away from the game for 5-years. She was named team captain in 2008 and was well on her way to a great season before a knee injury that occurred on a play at third base, ended her season and career.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Stefanie Allen bursted onto the scene in 2009 taking home the team's Rookie of the Year, and MVP award. She was also named as one of Damage's first ever All Stars (where she was 2-4; RBI while catching the entire game). Allen currently sits on top of the list all time for career batting average and shattered the single season mark batting .458 in 2009. Allen was named an All Star again in 2010 and finished 2nd in team MVP vote. Stefanie is well on her way to shattering all of Damage's all time female marks in only her 3rd season.</b><br />
<br />
<b>See Damage's Historical Team as it unfolds : <a href="http://www.leaguelineup.com/miscinfo.asp?menuid=37&cmenuid=37&url=damage_athletics&sid=299366283">Damage All Time Team</a> </b><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3579220755761932297-1896373247651931343?l=damageathletics.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Kevin S. Nastahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12100441272079314508damageincsports@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579220755761932297.post-68700530047403109342011-02-15T04:53:00.000-05:002011-02-15T04:53:38.271-05:002011-02-15T04:53:38.271-05:00Test Blog<b>TEST BLOG <a href="http://www.damageathletics.net"></a></b><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3579220755761932297-6870053004740310934?l=damageathletics.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Kevin S. Nastahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12100441272079314508damageincsports@gmail.com0