7 Comments

UL was a key player for the Royals, and yes, that hit before The Hit was the most important of his career. We often forget those plays, but I’m glad he’ll be remembered for that and more.

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Agree. As I get a bit older I gain more and more appreciation for guys like UL.

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Thanks Craig.

Re: Brentz...when a pitcher comes back from an arm injury as he is, I wonder if they ever unconsciously favor their arm to where the motion or grip is altered just enough to mess with the control.

Your mention of injuries and Greinke make me wonder if there could still be a spot for him if something bad happened (like Lyles actually being hurt).

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Thanks, Clark. It’s possible Brentz has altered something to compensate. But I think that’s folded into the rehab process to keep the mechanics as consistent as possible. Velocity usually tracks ahead of control on the elbow injuries. It could be he’s just to ready.

There is NO chatter on Greinke. Like, at all. I guess I wouldn’t be surprised if he catches on with some team suddenly in need of pitching depth. By the time we get to Opening Day, that could be all 30 teams. I just hope if he truly still wants to pitch, he finds a team.

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Thanks for posting the clip from the '80 playoffs. I will always treasure that shot of Gossage, slack-jawed, after George took him to the upper deck.

I was 8 years old so, of course, U.L. was one of my favorites from that team, and of course I chewed on toothpicks in homage. I hadn't heard about his role in developing Mookie Betts - what a cool bit of trivia.

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I was in college and the guy who lived next to me in my dorm was a huge Yankees fan. I’ll never forget the look on his face when Brett, finally after three years of heartbreak, drove a stake through the Yankees’ heart.

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I watched more of that game last night than I was planning to. The context…Brett going yard on the first pitch…It happened in an absolute flash. Good times.

I love that UL and Mookie were close. Such a great story.

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