A few GRIPES.....

I agree 100% with #1-3. I only differ with you on #4 because the ballpark needs to have something to keep the fans spirit up, especially when we’re not doing so hot. Now that doesn’t mean that I advocate the use of the ditzy blondes, but one way or another they’re gonna use something. At least they’re attractive to look at when they’re not giving me a headache.

to both of you, edbigghead and ColonelKlank!

I think I agree the most with #4. Seems like a bit of an embarrassment in front of visiting fans. I’ve yelled about #3 from time to time, as well, but it’s probably less important now with Bryan Price gone and a brand new pitching coach in the dugout. Mel doesn’t necessarily know these guys as well as Bryan did.

I’m gonna go ahead and make a prediction that Diamondhacks will be here, vehemently agreeing with #4 as well….

our players to play the game the “right way” and catch the ball with two hands, we should also insist that they use turn of the century gloves – a.k.a the gloves in use the last time when using two hands significantly increased the chances of catching a baseball.

With larger gloves, pockets and better stitching the balance gains of catching one-handed are just as, if not larger than the added ball security of two hands.

On a scale of 1-10…
1) Six. It doesn’t bother me too much when someone who is a solid, reliable flelder does it – they’ve earned the right – but having seen Upton, say, make too many errors, it just makes me nervous.
2) Three. Slightly irritating, but as long as he keeps hitting like he has, he can wear his hat however he likes!
3) Four. I’m not sure a chat from Hinch/Stot would make much difference in most cases: for young pitchers like Vasquez or Gutierrez, I can see the point, but what are you going to tell Scott Schoeneweis, who made his debut only the season after Hinch made his?
4) Seven. Vanessa and Mike, I can somewhat tolerate, but do we really need 15 Vanessa clones to demonstrate the ‘product of the homestand’?

You missed 5+6, which each easily rate as an 11.
5) The wave. Amusing though it was to see it breaking out during an inning by Rauch against the Reds as he loaded the bases – then I took it as a sardonic comment on his performance. Otherwise, though, indefensible, especially when the game is still close. What, is baseball not exciting enough for you, that you need to wave your arms in the air and go “Woooo!”
6) Baxter. ’Nuff said.

almost every major league game that Upton has played; I’ve never noticed that he wears his hat crooked. I would consider this a “get over yourself” issue.

Justin Upton may be a major leaguer, but he’s also Justin Upton. He should wear his hat the way Justin Upton likes to wear his hat. If some people take offense that their wholesome game of baseball has been invaded by people that look like they’re from “Music Videos” then all the better. hmmm… I wonder what kind of music you could be talking about.

I don’t remember Upton doing that either.

Wow, how quickly the race card has been pulled. That is not the issue fellas, trust me. For me it’s about professionalism.

My issue with using two hands is the same thing. Have that 2nd hand ready for when you bobble the ball. Even veterans do that. Also have that 2nd hand up and ready to throw a man out. You give the runner at least 3 extra steps when you have to raise that 2nd hand and grab the ball from your glove. Anyone remember Byrnes smacking himself in his face with his glove after catching a line drive using only his glove and not having his 2nd hand up there ? It’s basic fundementals. Something these guys obviously lack.

Last night Upton jogged over to the corner to scoop out a ground ball and then didnt even put his glove in front of it and as you all saw, the reds got a triple off of what should of only been a double. Fundementals. These guys look lazy.