Golfing Ethics Question for a Friday

What if you were playing in the club championship tournament finals and the match was halved at the end of 17 holes. You had the honors and hit your ball a modest two hundred fifty yards to the middle of the fairway, leaving a simple six iron to the pin.

Your opponent then hits his ball, lofting it deep into the woods to the right of the fairway. Being the golfing gentleman that you are, you help your opponent look for his ball. Just before the permitted five minute search period ends, your opponent says: "Go ahead and hit your second shot and if I don't find it in time, I'll concede the match."

You hit your ball, landing it on the green, stopping about ten feet from the pin. About the time your ball comes to rest, you hear your opponent exclaim from deep in the woods: "I found it!".

The second sound you hear is a click, the sound of a club striking a ball and the ball comes sailing out of the woods and lands on the green, stopping no more than six inches from the hole.

Now here is the ethical dilemma:

Do you pull the cheating bastard’s ball out of your pocket and confront him with it or do you keep your mouth shut?

Hat Tip - Theospark.net

Leadership and Character

Reading the sports pages over the weekend, a baseball trade caught my eye....the Boston Red Sox trading their starting shortstop from 2011, Marco Scutaro, to the Colorado Rockies.

I'm not a fan of either club, although as a Yankee fan, what Boston does is of interest.  But it wasn't this move itself that caught my attention, but this comment made in the Boston Herald's story about the trade..

The position has been a revolving door since Nomar Garciaparra was traded in the middle of the 2004 season. Scutaro, 36, played two seasons with the Red Sox and was one of the few last season to finish strong.

Throughout the late 1990's and into 2000's, one of the rhetorical battles between Yankee fans like myself and Red Sox fans was around which shortstop was the better leader, the better anchor for their team - Derek Jeter for the Yankees or Nomar Garciaparra for the Red Sox.  In many cases, if one look strictly at the statistics - fielding and hitting, Garciaparra had an edge.  But, also during this time frame, Derek Jeter helped lead the New York Yankees to World Series victories in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000.  The Yankees also reached the World Series in 2001 and 2003 only to lose to the Arizona Diamondbacks and Florida Marlins.

During this run, Derek Jeter advanced from being a rookie to one of the clubhouse leaders for the New York Yankees.  This leadership role was formally recognized by Yankee owner George Steinbrenner in June 2003 when Derek Jeter was named only the 11th Captain of the Yankees in their history.

Despite the slightly weaker statistics, its pretty clear that what Derek Jeter brought to the New York Yankees, in a complete package, was a major factor to 4 World Series victories out of 6 World Series appearances between 1995 and 2004. 

What Nomar Garciaparra lacked is that intangible that cannot be found in statistics or sabremetrics - the heart of a player to motivate and carry one's team.

During this time frame of Yankee - Red Sox rivalry, there is one date that epitomizes the difference in heart between the Yankee shortstop and the Red Sox shortstop....  June 1, 2004.  At this game in Yankee Stadium, the Yanks and the Red Sox were embroiled in their usual war - and pennant race.

The game entered extra innings as both teams were tied.  In a critical play, Derek Jeter does this....

diving into the stands to make one of the more remarkable catches to keep his team in the game.   The effort and 'sacrifice' helped inspire his team to win the game in the bottom of the 13th inning.

While Jeter was inspiring his team to victory with his play, Nomar Garciaparra sat in the Red Sox dugout.  Garciaparra was coming off an injured right achilles heel - but could have played in the game.  He was available to pinch-hit and thought to also have been available to play in the field.  But the Red Sox manager felt that Garciaparra needed another day of rest.  Throughout the game, Garciaparra sat on the bench and watched.  I recall that he did not pester the Red Sox manager to get into the game or act to motivate the Red Sox players from the bench.  The sportscasters commented on this during the latter stages of the game.

The difference between these two players represented the difference that leadership, character, and heart can make in the game.

It was not much of a surprise to me when the Boston Red Sox traded Nomar Garciaparra to the Chicago White Sox 7 weeks later at the Major League Baseball trade deadline.  This was one of the 'blockbuster' trades of the season.  But removing Garciaparra from the clubhouse also sparked the Red Sox - and with players starting to step up like new shortstop Orlando Cabrera and first baseman Doug Mientkiecwicz obtained in the trade - the Red Sox went on to win their first World Series since 1918.

Since then, the Red Sox have understood the importance of heart - Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, Curt Schilling (2004), and Jacoby Ellsbury are providing the passion and heart that teams need to win. 

Looking at the Red Sox going into 2012, one has to also consider their historic collapse in 2011 which cost them their General Manager, Theo Epstein, and Manager Terry Francona - the management team that built the 2004 and 2007 World Series winning clubs.  That collapse was as much from a real lack of heart / passion by too many on the club...the pitchers more interested in drinking beers and eating fried chicken in the clubhouse than being on the bench with the rest of their team...to the apparent preference to individual stats over team stats by new 'stars'.

Leadership ability, passion, and heart - these are the intangibles that statistics do not directly highlight.  Yet, they are as critical for success as statistics. They are what differentiate great ballplayers from good ballplayers.  They make teams from a collection of individuals.

*****

After 17 seasons in the Major Leagues, and 5 World Series titles, Yankee catcher Jorge Posada retired today from baseball. 

Like Derek Jeter, he was one of the 'core four' of Yankees and part of the leadership, passion, and heart of the club.  His retirement will effect the club - but the Yankees gained someone with a similar approach to leadership, passion, and heart with Russell Martin who took over the catching duties from Posada in 2011.

Return of the 'Evil Empire'

The New York Yankees have been called the 'evil empire' inside baseball for years.  The historical success of the team combined with the willingness of the Steinbrenner family to invest in the club by acquiring free agents add to the perception of those who dislike the Yankee's that they are an 'evil empire' 'buying championships'.

As in many cases, the perception is a bigger driver than reality.  After winning 4 world series in 5 years (1996, 1998. 1999, and 2000), the Yankees failed to win a championship until the inaugural season in the new Yankee Stadium in 2009.  While free agents played a role in these wins, what was known as the 'Core Four', Andy Petite, Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera, and Derek Jeter were key elements - and all were 'home grown' players from the Yankee farm system.

Last year, the Yankee's lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Detroit Tigers after winning the American League East championship.  A key weakness to the club was the pitching rotation.  Both AJ Burnett and Phil Hughes were major disappointments and one of the comeback players of the year, Bartolo Colon faded badly in the 2nd half of the season.  The Yankees also had very spotty offense - with a number of key players having sub-par seasons.  The lack of offense also contributed to the early Yankee demise in the playoffs.

Many expected the Yankee executive team to rush into the the free agent market this off season to make major changes including addressing the very problematic pitching rotation.  However, with a payroll of over $200 million dollars, the Yankees did not take the old approach (which rarely worked well) of throwing more money at their problems.  Key pitching free agents were signed elsewhere as the Yankees remain very quiet until Friday the 13th.

On that day they made two deals which not only addressed the Yankee pitching woes, but also leaped the Yankees to have one of the strongest pitching rotations as well as being a strong favorite to compete in the 2012 World Series.

The first deal was a trade with the Seattle Mariners where the Yankees picked up the 23 year old power pitcher Michael Pineada as well as a promising A level minor league pitcher in exchange for their number 1 rated prospect, Jesus Montero, and pitcher / reliever Hector Noesi. 

Jesus Montero, as demonstrated in September 2011, is a superb major league hitter.  However, while slated as a catcher, his defensive skills were well below that of a major league catcher.  The Yankees used him primarily as a designated hitter - and that is likely the role the Mariners will use his as.  While this could be another Jay Buehner trade which ultimately haunted the Yankees on more than one occasion, gaining a young, power pitcher who had a stellar rookie season to add to the rotation is a major coup.

The second deal was signing the 37 year old former Dodger starter Hiroki Kuroda to a one year free agent contract.  Kuroda went 13-16 with a 3.07 ERA in 32 starts for the LA Dodgers and brings experience and consistency to the Yankee rotation. 

With these deals, the Yankees have gone from having a dearth of starting pitching to the welcome position of having a surplus.  The rotation now looks like 1) CC Sabathia, 2) Pineada, 3) Kuroda, 4) Ivan Nova, and AJ Burnett, Phil Hughes, and Freddy Garcia fighting over the 5th starter role.

Last year, Phil Hughes was bothered by a 'dead arm' for much of the season, but did have some strong games late in the season.  I am optimistic that 2012 will be far closer to 2010 for Hughes than 2011.

AJ Burnett has been bothered for parts of the last two seasons with some major inconsistencies - with some performances far below his past history.  These still seem to be more related to mechanics and mental challenges than to lost stuff - and I am also optimistic that Burnett will have a better year as he enters the last year of his current contract.  Garcia, one of the surprises for the Yankees in 2011, is a reliable 5th starter who can fill that role ably if Burnett or Hughes falter - or if there is an injury elsewhere in the staff.

The Yankee bullpen also looks stronger this year.  Mariano Rivera remains the closer, with David Robertson and Rafael Soriano providing the set-up functions.  Cory Wade, ex-Red Sox lefty Hideki Okajima (minor league contract signing), and the returning Joba Chamberlain (Tommy John surgery) add additional depth and options for Manager Joe Girardi.

Defensively, the Yankees remain unchanged from 2011 - with Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano, and Mark Texiera providing the core infield.  In the outfield are Brett Gardner, Curtis Granderson, and Nick Swisher.  Behind the plate is Russell Martin.

Backing up the outfield are Chris Dickerson and the re-signed Andruw Jones.

The biggest concern defensively remains Derek Jeter at shortstop - but his defense is not as bad as the DJ hater's contend.

In reality, the only real offensive need for the Yankees is an every day DH.  It's unlikely that the Yankess will pay for a big name free agent DH - or look to their past and consider lefty's Johnny Damon or Hideki Matsui for that role...a righty DH would be the best fit for the club.  They can survive without acquiring one - using existing players and rotating infielders into the role to provide them rest.

I am expecting that Curtis Granderson will prove this year his offensive numbers last year were no fluke - and that Alex Rodriguez will return to his 30+ home run, 100+ RBI average now that he is both healthier and has more opportunities for rest.  Robinson Cano will still demonstrate all the skills - and Gardner will still provide stellar defense, good hitting, and speed on the bases.

My only point of concern of the position starters is with Nick Swisher.  He struggled a number of times last season - and may have set the expectation bar a bit on the high side after a couple of seasons of overachieving.  His is a key catalyst for the club in the clubhouse and just has to settle to playing his game / having fun.  He may not reach the numbers of the earlier seasons with the Yankees, but he still offers advantages which is why his option was picked up by the club.

The Yankees, thanks to the stewardship of the Steinbrenners and GM Brian Cashman, also now have one of the better minor league systems.  We'll be seeing strong contributions from these players in the years to come.

With the deal earlier this month, the Yankee season is showing a lot more promise than it did. 

Contrast that with the Red Sox who lost their closer, have a very suspect pitching rotation, and have to deal not only with their unprecedented September collapse / clubhouse turmoil - but the loss of their Manager and General Manager.  Bobby Valentine?  Seriously?

Pitchers and catchers report on Feb 19th - just over a month from now.

Sports....

I'll be talking about a wide breadth of topics that interest me.  One of these is Sports. 

Ok, like most guys, I like sports.  I used to be quite active in sports - until age and injuries took a bit of a toll.  So, not being able to play like I once used to - I talk about sports.

So, here's a little about me and sports....

I don't have a favorite sport.  I do follow most sports.  In fact, I'll list the teams that I do follow in most major sports.  There are only a couple of 'major' sports (for those in the US) that I don't follow.  I don't follow basketball.  I've only played basketball for one 'season' when in school.  It's not a sport that this Canadian followed.  My one season was a 'championship' season.  I think my parents still have the trophy we won.  I sucked.  I think I scored 6 points all season - and that was across about 12 or 14 games.  The other sport that I pay very little attention to is NASCAR.  Boring.  Too many left turns for this conservative....

That said, here are the sports that I do follow.....

Baseball - I saw my first baseball game at the Houston Astrodome.  Not just any game at the Astrodome, but the exhibition game between the Colt .45's and the NY Yankees that opened the Astrodome.  Mickey Mantle hit the first home run at the Astrodome.  I've been a Yankee fan ever since.  A die hard Yankee fan.  A Yankee fan from the Horace Clark / Jake Gibbs / Joe Pepitone days thru Ron Guidry / Thurman Munson / Sparky Lyle to Derek Jeter / Mariano Rivera / Alex Rodriguez days.  I made Opening Day at Yankee Stadium 10 consecutive years...but still haven't been able to get back east to catch a game at the new Yankee Stadium.  My little league baseball career used exclusively bats from Bat Day at Yankee Stadium.  I spent more time on one visit to the Ft. Lauderdale area at the Yankee spring training complex than on the beach - and met / spent time talking to Don Mattingly.

Hockey - I grew up in Toronto and spent many of my early winters on the ice / pond.  After moving to the States, my skating suffered, but not my love of this game.  I am a home town fan - my favorite team is the Toronto Maple Leafs - but I do follow others closely.  When living in New England, I travelled often with friends to Montreal to see hockey games...and provide translation services for my American hockey friends.  While in New England, I learned to like the Hartford Whalers -and met / became friendly with a number of players.  I think I educated a couple of hundred people about hockey while there.  Joining a hockey league in the area, I got to skate in a couple of games with the then just retired Gordy Howe - who didn't appreciate my Maple Leaf jersey at the first practice...and met a lot of past / then present / and then future stars...too many to list.   When in NJ I followed the NJ Devils...and joined a few local leagues so my wife could experience 3am practices.  She even was drafted to be a scorekeeper at one game - and chided me for taking a penalty in front of my net [It was a bad call - I didn't crosscheck him!].  Still haven't gotten into the LA Kings though....  When in London, UK - during Hockey Season, I can be found in the Maple Leaf Pub on Maiden Lane between Covent Garden and The Strand. (I also remember being there the night the Blue Jays won the World Series...It's the Canadian home away from home in London....)

Yes, I still try to watch Hockey Night in Canada - and Coaches' Corner.

This is perhaps my number one sport to play.  Baseball being number two.

Football - I like all forms of football - American, Australian, and European.  In the NFL, I follow the NY Giants.  No real team to follow in the Australian rules football [How big is your....] - I just like watching it when I can.  In terms of soccer / football - I have no favorite team in the US, but do root for the US in the World Cup.  In Premier League football, Everton is my favorite.  I caught a number of games last World Cup in NYC - in bars that cater to the international clientele.  As for US college football - I watch or follow it rarely - but I do enjoy the local LA angst over UCLA or USC.

Rugby - I am a fan of Rugby - to me it reminds me of both the rugby I played when younger and the padless US football I played when younger.  While I get pressure to follow the All Blacks of New Zealand, who are my 2nd choice for rooting for, as an anglophile, I root for England first.  With our eclectic friends - rugby is a big draw as we count friends from England, Scotland, France, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, US, and Canada who enjoy these matches.

In terms of auto racing, the only version that get's my attention is Formula One.  But I don't follow it as close as I once did....