Ken Griffey, Jr.: Diplomat

Okay, I'll admit that I had a hard time believing that former Cincinnati Reds and Seattle Mariners outfielder Ken Griffey, Jr. will be a diplomat. This is a guy who would wear his cap backward, act like a diva, and skirt the rules (and give dad ken, Sr. migraines).

But, it's true. Griffey has become the newest American Public Diplomacy Envoy, which is basically a fucking public relations gig that the government does to introduce kids around the world what the good ol' U.S. of A. is all about. You know, democracy (ancient Greek style, of course. Just read Thucydides' The Melian Dialogue and learn more about ancient Greek democracy in general); guns; and- if you're reading this in Iraq- occupation (something that may- OR MAY NOT end in 2010 or 2011- unless Bushie decides to do his 'midnight regulations' shenanigans before leaving office on January 20, 2009. Then President-elect Obama may have a hard time getting our troops out. THANKS A FUCKING LOT, MR. BUSH! )

But, hey, at least you'll learn about baseball while you're dodging mines and IEDs, right?

I made a reference about the 'Midnight Regulations' that many presidents use to prevent the next administration from changing laws they, the current administration, put on the books. Go to http://www.thehardcoreedge.wordpress.com to read my thoughts on this.

(C) 2008 by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.

Will Joe Torre Bring a World Series Ring to Los Angeles?

A better question: Will the New York Yankees regret ever letting the best thing that has ever happened to them go? Or in this case, the best manager outside, say, the late Billy Martin, they ever had?

Joe Torre has accepted a three-year, $13 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Now, whether that move will bring the former Brooklyn Dodgers, yet another pennant or no, that remains to be seen. But, the powers-that-be knew that Torre was a very hot commodity- bringing four World Series rings to the Bronx, plus numerous American League titles. One that's way too good to pass up.

But Joe grew up a loyal New Yorker- he even got pissed when 'dem bums' moved from Brooklyn- so, how will he get used to the west coast, its' sunshine and the Dodgers organization itself? Will the Dodgers be the next 'America's team' under Torre? Or is it time for the once-great Yankee manager to call it quits?

Oh, the questions that perplex us baseball fans.

TM & Copyright (C) 2007, by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.

Who Will Take Joe Torre's Place?

After twelve seasons, and four World Series titles, New York Yankees manager Joe Torre has called it quits yesterday. Just about a week ago, the Yankees failed to make it past the American League Divisional Series, getting defeated by the Boston Red Sox- who, by the way, forced a sixth game in the ALCS, after beating Cleveland 7-1 last night at Jacobs Field in Cleveland.

You know that the pressure was on Torre, especially over the past couple of seasons. Last year, they failed to stop the once lowly Detroit Tigers from going to the World Series. And before that, of course in 2004, they blew a 3-0 lead in the ALCS to the team that won the 2004 World Series champion- and a team that could very well win the 2007 World Series (provided that they get past the National League champion, Colorado Rockies)- those pesky Red Sox.

King George Steinbrenner gave Torre an offer- manage for another year for $5 Million, with incentives worth $3 Million, and $8 Million vesting option, if the Yanks return to and win the World Series.

No dice, Joe sez.

So, he walked away. And it may have been the smartest thing he ever did in the dozen years he's been with the Yankees. The relationship between Torre and Steinbrenner have been chaotic at best. In the seven years since winning the last World Series, George has been breathing down Joe's neck, with that steam getting a lot hotter over that period. Torre's walking away couldn't have happened at a better time. The front office itself is in flux- George's two sons Hal and Hank are handling day to day operations. George- who is 77- is ailing. It looks like the Yankees will be rebuilding next year.

So, the $64,000 question: Who gets to put up with George Steinbrenner next year? Who will be in the hot seat as the Yankees new manager?

A few possibilities:

DON MATTINGLY: For thirteen seasons, Mattingly has served as the Yankees' bench coach. Some would say that he's a shoo-in for the job.
JOE GIRALDI: The fired Florida Marlins manager was named National League manager of the year last year.
TONY La RUSSA: St. Louis manager has brought one (World Series) title to the Gateway city, and he could breathe new life into the Yankees organization. Now if only George & Sons could woo him from the Cardinals' job. And I mean REALLY woo him!
TREY HILLMAN: He's respected in Japan, but he's pretty much a wild card here in the US. And the Yankees' front office- and the Bronx, for that matter- is a tough bunch to please. He really has to have the conjones to handle the managerial duties of the House and Team that Babe Built.

Whoever the Yanks choose, a lot will ride on that person to bring several more world pennants to the Bronx.

Copyright (C) 2007, by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.