August 9, 2013
With sincerest condolences to those who have suffered in this Summer’s Southern California fires – I am speaking only for-those-of-us whom have appreciated a relatively cool Summer so far — when I say: This has been a Summer worth paying for!
If this is what global warming has in store for So Cal – I’m all-for-it! I can begin enjoying my patio around 5:30pm (instead of 9:00pm in-years-past); and, the ocean water temp and the waves have been pleasant as well. The one fire that is burning that I hope lasts-a-long-while (a poorly conceived metaphor in light of our devastating fires, I know): is Yasiel Puig, Dodger phenom!
A buddy of mine called the other day to say that he still thinks Don Mattingly sucks as a manager, and I had to agree – a good manager would have kept the Dodgers close to .500; even before the coming of Yasiel. We also both agreed that Yasiel is the catalyst that fired up an over-paid line-up and got the Dodgers playing inspired baseball.
For those not quite sure of the definition of “catalyst”; it comes from the noun “catalysis” and reads thusly: the causing or accelerating of a chemical change by the addition of a chemical substance that is not permanently affected by the chemical change. And Yasiel is that chemical substance: quickly turning the lackluster Dodgers into a winner; pennant contender; and, potential World Series champ – without losing that playground exuberance and fearlessness in sacrificing his body (unlike the many players who have forgotten that playground spirit). I can’t believe that many jaded players erroneously term this exuberance as arrogance?!
Clayton Kershaw and others have danced around the Dodgers massive resurgence, suggesting that the ball club has discovered that winning feels good; and, while I certainly empathize with this sentiment – it truly is Yasiel who has injected the winning spirit into them: with first ball swinging; hard base running; stretching hits; fantastic plays in the outfield and throwing strikes from right field to the plate (shades of Al Kaline [at least for this old Tiger fan]). Sure, he might make too-big-of-a-turn at first base; get caught in run-downs; overthrow the cut-off man trying to get the runner; or, try to stretch a hit – but the love Yasiel makes — is much more than the love he takes! Yasiel is even showing more patience at-the-plate and collecting walks!
Let’s face it: Yasiel is a big kid! He’s a 900-pound gorilla in a sandlot over-run with roided players; overpaid has-beens; and, generally selfish athletes – no longer willing to sacrifice their bodies for the fans. He’s brought the sandlot passion to the Dodgers and has made the game fun for everyone…even Don Mattingly…Yasiel has literally made Mattingly infallible.
I will never forget the recent words exchanged between Yasiel and Adrian Gonzales (who happens to be the slowest player on the team) after Adrian slowed Yasiel down on the base paths – only to be followed up by exchanges reminiscent of two old drinking buddies.
We still may see temperatures head into the hundreds and fires devour our So Cal countryside – but those fires will be put out; and, the weather will gradually cool. I’m just hoping that Yasiel keeps the heat on into late October, or early November if need be – because it’s been 25 years since the Dodgers were last on fire…