Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Madison Bumgarner was Disrespectful to the Game


A really strange thing happened during last nights game that has been vexing me.  In the seventh inning during a very tight game Madison Bumgarner responded to Dodger hitter Alex Guerrero in a manner not appropriate for a professional of his magnitude.

It was simply an act of a child - a kind of bullying you see from the insecure.  He allowed himself to verbally harass a player due to an ill-perceived slight; wholly manifested out of nowhere.  Bumgarner's own lack of respect for Guerrero (and frankly the game) was sad to witness, and I hope he comes to understand that it was himself who shows disrespect.

If you don't know what I'm talking about then watch the video below.

Video Link:

As you see, even the commentators can tell that whatever Guerrero did while coming out of the box was a sign of his own frustration.  Guerrero was clearly not showing up anyone... But clearly, Bumgarner was showing up Guerrero.

Matthew Moreno at Dodgers Nation does some lip reading:
Bumgarner appeared tell Guerrero, “You’re not that [expletive] good, man. You’re not that [expletive] good.” Guerrero, who hit a pinch-hit home run off Bumgarner on April 22, offered no reaction to the comments. 
I wonder what are fans suppose to think of Madison?  Doesn't this kind of action fall under the "lack of respect" for the game column?  Is not his apparent taunting disrespectful to the player, to his opponents, to his teammates and to the game at large?

UPDATE:  I thought I'd add, aren't Baseball fans suppose to care about "showing respect for the game," or does Madison (for whatever reason) get a pass?

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Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Steve Garvey in Lancaster on Thursday

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any) as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

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If you're heading out to Lancaster this coming Thursday (tomorrow) then you should check out the JetHawks play the Dodgers Single-A affiliate Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.  And if you go you'll be attending that clubs first "Superstar Series" event of the season.  What this means is that you will have an opportunity to meet and get an autograph from Dodger legend Steve Garvey.  Below is a schedule of other players who will be attending on future dates.

From what I understand, each guest will be signing during the game (at its start) for approximately 90 minutes.  BTW, the games start at 6:30 PM.  You can go here for more information.
Lancaster JetHawks
45116 Valley Central Way
Lancaster, CA 93536

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Blog Kiosk: 4/29/2015 - Dodger Links - Kershaw, Peter O'Malley and Kirk Gibson


Clayton Kershaw was good last night - just not good enough.  He faced off against Madison Bumgarner and the Giants for the second time this season and again came out on the losing side.  Per Matthew Moreno at Dodgers Nation:
“The bottom line is I just got out-pitched,” Kershaw said. “Madison pitched better than I did and they won the game. So, not a whole lot of analyzation going on. I gave up two, he gave up one, he pitched eight innings, I pitched seven, so yeah, I got outpitched.”
Kershaw gave up seven hits and two runs, and had a heck of a time with Giants phenom Buster Posey - who drove in both runs.  On a happy note, Clayton is getting better with each outing.  Per Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com:
"I think he's just getting better and better as the season's going on. I think that's the one thing we see," Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said. "There are years when guys get runs and years when they don't. You never know who you're going to match up with."
The above photo was taken by Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015Go here to check out more pics by him from yesterday.  Below are some links to check out:
  • This is quite an honor.  Former Dodger owner Peter O’Malley will be honored with “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon” from the Government of Japan.  This is that nations highest award for a non-citizen.  Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider
  • OMG!  I'm pullin' for ya, Gibby!  Via Jason Beck at MLB.com; "Gibson reveals diagnosis of Parkinson's disease."
"I have faced many different obstacles in my life, and have always maintained a strong belief that no matter the circumstances, I could overcome those obstacles," Gibson said in the statement. "While this diagnosis poses a new kind of challenge for me, I intend to stay true to my beliefs. With the support of my family and friends, I will meet this challenge with the same determination and unwavering intensity that I have displayed in all of my endeavors in life. I look forward to being back at the ballpark as soon as possible."
“This is amazing, especially being from the inner cities of L.A. We’ve never been to the Dodger Stadium on this type of level. I’ve probably been way up there,” he said pointing to the upper deck, “but to actually be in the dugout and on the field, that’s a whole ‘nother story coming from Compton. It’s a blessing, man. It’s a blessing.”
  • Listen to agent Scott Boras talk about Dodger baseball (Seager and Urias) with Mason and Ireland on ESPN, here.
  • Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Jansen opposes hitters; Ryu nearing same step."
  • Awesome!  Greg at Plaschke, Thy Sweater is Argyle shares a new edition to his collection - a 1911 T332 Helmar Stamp of Zach Wheat.  I added a couple of these to my collection a few years ago - a Bell and Rucker.  Go here to check those out.
  • You lucky dog, you!

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