Steven Urena
By Steven Urena
Los Angeles Angels (of Anaheim)
I am at my local Stater Bros (Glendora), wearing a Dodger hat and shirt. An old man (dripping of retirement and pension) looks at me and says, “Hey buddy, did they run out of Angels gear?” You have to admire his devotion. In the last 10 years, the Angels have one 1st place finish, two 2nd place finishes, and slop after that.
The more I look at their lineup this year, the more I like it. Unfortunately, I have zero faith in their pitching staff. When was the last time the front office signed a big-time pitcher? Or developed one in the farm system? Trout, Rendon, Pujols, Upton (remember Hamilton a few years back?) all got big contracts. Pitching wins championships. Spending money irresponsibly does not.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Buehler, Kershaw, Bauer, Price, and Urias make up arguably the best baseball rotation. May and Gonsolin look to start in the bullpen or possibly AAA. Kershaw, Price, and maybe even Urias will most likely be on a short leash. Would it be out of the question to allow Gonsolin or May to close out the last 3 or 4 innings of a game in which the starter goes 5 and dives? True, they will be out of commission for the next 3 days, but this allows them to keep their stamina and gives the bullpen days off.
I love this idea. Especially with no real closer and because Gonsolin and May are true starters. Even more, because Urias did this in the playoffs. Starters pitching in long relief in the playoffs is not uncommon and comes with much success (Madison Bumgarner, Patrick Corbin, Pedro Martinez, Orel Hershiser, etc.) Baseball fans, what do you think? Am I on the verge of something great or out of my mind? For the record, Julio Urias is a starter. As weird as it sounds, he is too good to be a closer.
New York Mets
How about the Mets rehearsing a World Series win in practice the other day? The defense was on the field, and after the “last out” was recorded, the team pretended to celebrate like they won the World Series. Bold move. I like it.
Even with the Mets projected at over 90 wins, there’s no pressure on them. I caught a few innings of Lindor last week, and he looks great. Mobile, strong, and having fun. Can they be the Miracle Mets once again? I don’t think so but don’t sleep on them.
Seattle Mariners
You know who I really like? Marco Gonzales of the Seattle Mariners. What’s not to like about crafty lefties? The Mariners ace is looking to build on success he’s had in the majors and make a great run this year. Gonzales’s odds to win the Cy Young this year are +2500. Anyone going to Vegas anytime soon?
Did you know Gonzales won 4 state titles in high school (Colorado)? He was the best pitcher and hitter on the team. At Gonzaga University, he won the John Olerud Award, awarded to the best two-way player of the season. Again, the ace of the staff and one of the best hitters on the team.
It would be fun to watch Gonzales play in the NL and take at-bats. Better than watching some of these other pitchers take half-ass swings. You’re already there? Why not swing hard in case you hit the ball? Anyway, the Mariners play 8 games away versus the NL this season. I’m calling it now; Gonzales is going downtown!
Pedro Flores
Crazy Stories from the Minor Leagues
Pedro Flores (13 years of pro ball) on The Lighter Side of Baseball:
The people that know me know that I love to play jokes and keep things loose in the clubhouse. From putting bubble gum on a hat of another player during a game, to lighting a shoe on fire, it is fun and sometimes needed during the ups and downs of a long season.
Every spring training we get physicals. Once cleared, we are allowed on the field. This one time, Tommy Lasorda was in the room greeting players for the new season and was talking about having a big meal for lunch. The timing was perfect.
I had just finished my physical and I was walking out of the room. I noticed two things. The first was the doctor stepping out of the room to file his paperwork on me. The second was my big Dominican friend was next in line. I had to think and act quick to pull this prank off. I told my friend, in Spanish, that the doctor wanted him to go in the room, remove his clothes, and keep his hands up in the air.
When the doctor returned, he was with Tommy, talking about lunch and a few other things. When the door flung open, there was my buddy, naked as the day he was born. You can imagine their faces and the surprise. Not only did the doctor and Tommy see my friend naked, but so did the rest of the team.
The doctor yelled, “what the heck is going on here!” Tommy’s reaction was the best. He said “lunch is going to be canceled for the organization, my appetite is ruined. If I do not get to eat, the entire organization will not eat.”
He was joking, of course, but the funny thing was he said it all in Spanish. This was the first time I heard Tommy speak fluently in Spanish, making everything even more hilarious. It was a fun time, and even my Dominican friend appreciated the prank!
Contact Steve Urena at:
Email: theurenaexpress@gmail.com
Twitter/IG: @theurenaexpress
