Going tonight. Should be a pretty intense series. Of course, it shouldn't be but the Padres had to go and shit the bed for 10 games.

Well-researched article by Maryland Reporter as to whether the building of Camden Yards, which led to more architecturally significant stadiums, was worth the money.

This standout quote is pretty crazy:


If you get a minute, and wonder how some of the politics behind stadiums work this is a worthwhile read:

http://www.marylandreporter.com/page550476.aspx

Doesn't the city receive a % of the payroll taxes (not the direct net tax revenue they describe) from all the workers and players, not to mention the impact on local businesses?

Imagine the void in the city created by not having the stadium and the 81 days a year it attracts a crowd (no matter how small) downtown.

Oh absolutely. Definitely no one wanted to lose the Orioles. I think the point though of the article is that people presume that the city is getting rich off the Orioles, when in reality they don't get very much (in respect to what the O's make).

The problem really, is that sports are held in a different light than say our symphony orchestra. Yes, the obvious difference is the money generated, and whether its public/privately owned--but really the Orioles and Ravens should be seen a cultural identity to the city. The revenue it brings to downtown in tourist dollars, etc.

Its a dicey thing. Still, I think the article lays it out nicely. This really should be read in tandem with viewing the recent 30 for 30 episode on the Colts band. There was a large chunk of that which talked about Baltimore's stadium commission.

This is 1st time for the San Francisco Giants to be alone in 1st place in Sept. since end of '03 season. Go Giants.

Go Rockies.

About time he got a shot. Hate the Yankees, but Donnie was a class act. Been waiting for him to get a shot. Guess we'll see whether he's ready or not.

Its going to be weird if Ryno gets the Cubs job at the end of the season as well. All the big name players of the 80s becoming managers. Weird.

I hope he gets rid of those sideburns.

Cancel Christmas.

Fucking epic choke job by the Braves.

Heard a horrible factoid today: first time a Bobby Cox managed Braves team lead the division at the beginning of September and DIDN'T win the division.

Bobby's last season. Nice goin' guys.

Pat the Bat.

I literally cringed when the score came across my phone.

Fuck these guys.

i hate watching baseball on fox.

today the rangers clinched an alds sweep at the hands of the rays

woo.

hoo.

the rays are beatable, dude.

perhaps, but not by the rangers

if the Phillies are to make the World Series again I'd really prefer to not face Cliff Lee the baseball player, and Cliff Lee the obvious media storyline obsession.

AGREED.

Passing through Philly on the way to a funeral last week, I got to watch that last Phils/Braves game at Druid's Keep an had a fucking blast. Good seeing everyone whipped back into a frenzy over there.

Yeah, Reds!

On one hand I agree. On the other hand, damn, it WOULD be so satisfying to beat him. I mean, how epic would a Lee/Oswalt match-up be??

Giants up 2 on Padres with 5 to go... Can they figure out a way to blow it?

If the Braves somehow make the playoffs I think they may be throwing the bat boy out there to pitch.

This year? Not very. Oswalt has been dominant since becoming a Phillie, while Lee has been wildly inconsistent and often mediocre since becoming a Ranger.

bat boy could probably hold the Giants to 2-3 runs. should be an interesting series to see who gets killed by the Phillies.