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Kids, it's time to drum some sense into those Yankees. I hear it'll be pretty full in there, especially for this weekend's festivities, so if we're not in 518, look for us on the first base side closer to the outfield (517 or 516 or so). I know for sure that we have the drum with us tonight, but I'm not sure what the situation for the rest of the series is.

The weekend games are apparently close to sold out, so I imagine getting a group together in the upper deck would require us sitting in the level of excellence, and it might not be possible at all. At the same time, it's certainly a worthwhile effort, to try to get the most mileage out of what look to be the biggest crowds of the year. I'll post a weekend drum update as soon as I know what the plans are.

Yesterday with the drum was a lot of fun, despite the blowout. We educated some nice Red Sox fans on why we were giving Terry Adams the gears (and in his second inning of work when he coughed up a bunch of runs they got it, I think). And once again, people from out of town love the SkyDome. And we're not talking about people who have to deal with other ugly '80s stadiums, we're talking about Boston fans who are used to Fenway Park, a magnificent place to see a game. The guys we were talking to had seats about 40 rows back in 120, behind home plate, and they really liked them, but then they came up to see the drum and were stunned by the great view from the cheap seats.

I'm going to say it again: in Toronto, we are blessed with possibly the best cheap seats in all of baseball.

"How much are these seats?" asks a Boston guy.
"Nine bucks," I tell him. His eyes almost pop out.
"That's like six bucks American," I add. He looks like he's going to die.
"But I have a season's pass which was $81, or a buck a game. Canadian."
He says that seasons in the Fenway outfield are a couple of thousand dollars, and the view is bad compared to what we get.

We had a good chat with them. Night and day compared to the "Go back to Portugal!" Boston fan from Tuesday.

So, who else is coming out for the four game extravaganza? I'll be there tonight, probably after 8:30 unless business here is really slow. Friday and Saturday I'm in for sure, but Sunday I'll have to skip because Mrs. Hank is being honoured with an early birthday party.
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_Moffatt - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 10:14 AM EDT (#22357) #
I'm going to say it again: in Toronto, we are blessed with possibly the best cheap seats in all of baseball.

"How much are these seats?" asks a Boston guy.
"Nine bucks," I tell him. His eyes almost pop out.
"That's like six bucks American," I add. He looks like he's going to die.
"But I have a season's pass which was $81, or a buck a game. Canadian."
He says that seasons in the Fenway outfield are a couple of thousand dollars, and the view is bad compared to what we get.


No kidding, NFH. Toronto baseball fans have no idea how good they have it. I mean, crap, I can't get OHL tickets for that cheap. Walk-up tickets to a Knights game cost around $14.00.
Leigh - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 10:19 AM EDT (#22358) #
Evil Empire

Actually, NFH, I think Mick prefers it if we call them Mercenaries.
_Dr. Zarco - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 10:21 AM EDT (#22359) #
Saturday and Sunday are the long-awaited 2004 games for Mrs. Z and I!! We're both pretty excited-and it's her first trip. We've got seats up in 520something for Sat and will definitely swing by 518.

On a related note, I've always been up to TO for day trips, so we're wondering what we should do while we're there. Any good recommendations for dinner on Sat. night or fun places to hang out? We're staying downtown (I think it's called Le Meridien or something like that)-what would y'all do if you had just one or nights in TO?? Mrs. Z and I axiously await some good ideas.
Named For Hank - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 10:34 AM EDT (#22360) #
http://springrollsonline.com/
There's a magnificent restaurant called Spring Rolls that does the pan-Asian thing. One location is on Front, about a fifteen minute walk from the Dome, and another is near Bloor and Yonge on Yonge. COMN for the menu and directions.

For a great meal it's comparatively inexpensive. There's a new dish on the specials menu that has chicken and shrimp in it, and it starts with an N, and it's exquisite.

What do you guys like to eat?
_Andrew S - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 10:42 AM EDT (#22362) #
Ahh, I'll be there friday and sunday (both times on free tickets), my first baseball games since May (excluding, of course, my sister's games).

Ahh...
Named For Hank - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 10:42 AM EDT (#22363) #
http://aaronreynolds.ca
I haven't been able to get word on whether or not the drum will be welcome down there, so we're going to have to err on the side of not getting kicked out of the stadium. ;)
_Mrs. Zarco - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 10:59 AM EDT (#22364) #
Thanks for the recommendation NFH, the menu looked good...unfortunately, Dr. Zarco fears all asian food that isn't specifically called "sesame chicken." We're more italian/mexican/big steak/etc kind of people...any thoughts along those lines? We're not too worried about going the strictly inexpensive route...

Also, since who knows when Dr. Z and I will make it back to Toronto, I want to make sure we make the most of it. Since Saturday is a 4:00 game, we'll be able to go out on the town afterwards...any places we should be sure to check out while we're there?
_bird droppings - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 11:03 AM EDT (#22365) #
Yo Yo Duders.

I've come to a rather large conclusion... I love Freshly Squeezed Pineapple Juice and it's becoming a very expensive habit AND that I'm gunna try and make it to the game tonight and then either Friday or Saturday depending on my work situation.

I can't wait to see Alex. He's so dreamy.
_Moffatt - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 11:04 AM EDT (#22366) #
I love Freshly Squeezed Pineapple Juice and it's becoming a very expensive habit

Best thing for a sore throat according to Jay the Juiceman. Do you make it yourself or do you buy it?
_Dr. Zarco - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 11:14 AM EDT (#22367) #
Hey, Mrs. Z, get back to work! And stop discussing my seasame chicken fetish... Steak or Italian=good.

So NFH, are you telling us we won't be able to see the drum Sat. OR Sun. after all the hype?
_bird droppings - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 11:20 AM EDT (#22368) #
As for things to do in Toronto...

Here's my list of things I usually do when someone is visiting me!

1. Kensington Market is fun. It's in China Town just west of Spadina. You can find trendy, narly stuff there... Yes, that's right... Narly. Chinatown in itself is a neato place to hang...

2. CN Tower. You'd be surprised how cool it is up there if you've never been up or haven't been up there in years. It costs a lil' but I'm unsure of prices due to the fact I can go up for free with a guest... I can take you up one at a time!!

3. Eat Sushi. Best places are Hiro Sushi on King St. is underrated, Asahi is on Carleton just east of Yonge and is rad, if you've got the cash then I highly recommend Benihana which is in the Royal York... those are all downtown and good. Sushi rules. In fact, I think it's what I am going to have for lunch today.

4. Second City is a great place to check out a good cheap show. It's at the bottom of Blue Jays Way

5. Queens Quay Terminal is another trendy shopping area as well as, of course, Queen Street West.

What are you into? What would the misses be interesed in? Between Aaron and myself we could setup with some pretty happenin' things to do!
Named For Hank - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 11:22 AM EDT (#22369) #
http://aaronreynolds.ca
I'm not so much a steak person, so I can't give you any hints there, but there is a fabulous Mexican place near the Hank Homestead, accessible by either car or subway. It's near Eglinton and Bathurst, on Eglinton, called El Mariachi Loco. Terrible name, great food.

For Italian, I'm into Leoni's, which is near the Dome. My wife hates it, though, so take my recommendation on that one with a grain of salt.
Named For Hank - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 11:28 AM EDT (#22370) #
http://aaronreynolds.ca
bd, I didn't know you were a sushi hound. We'll have to compare notes!

Zarc, the drum situation will depend on bd's work schedule and whether or not there's anyone who can take it home if he's not coming. We'll hash out all the details tonight between innings. ;)
_bird droppings - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 11:39 AM EDT (#22371) #
Do you make it yourself or do you buy it?

I currently buy it, buy I am looking into making it myself. I'm living in a make shift place as of now so I have nothing to really make any meals with... By make shift I mean a friend's completely empty apartment with my blow up mattress, bike, and alarm clock.
_Moffatt - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 11:43 AM EDT (#22372) #
By make shift I mean a friend's completely empty apartment with my blow up mattress, bike, and alarm clock.

Ouch. Been there and done that.

If you ever get more space and more disposable income you may want to consider a juicer. I have an L' Equip 221. Cost me near $200 Canadian by the time I paid for shipping and I got it really cheap off of eBay.

Still, though, best $200 I ever spent. Fresh juice is the nectar of the gods.
_Moffatt - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 11:45 AM EDT (#22373) #
Come to think of it, I have an old citrus juicer in my cold storage. If I'm in Toronto anytime in the next while, I'd be happy to give it to you. It's just taking up space here. :)
_Keith Talent - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 11:55 AM EDT (#22374) #
so if we're not in 518, look for us on the third base side closer to the outfield (517 or 516 or so)

shouldn't that be first base side?
Thomas - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 12:04 PM EDT (#22375) #
It should.
Named For Hank - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 12:12 PM EDT (#22376) #
http://aaronreynolds.ca
How many times can I call the third base side the first base side in one season?

So far, a lot of times. Thanks!
_Tenobia - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 12:19 PM EDT (#22377) #
Also, since who knows when Dr. Z and I will make it back to Toronto, I want to make sure we make the most of it.

If you're not worried about how much you spend, you may want to have dinner at the CN Tower. An 8:00 reservation should be late enough to see all of the ball game, but still get you up the tower before it gets too dark to see the city. Then as you eat and it gets darker outside, you'll get a great 360 degree view of the lights of the city and along the lake.
_alsiem - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 12:25 PM EDT (#22378) #
Hey gang,

Been low profile of late due to a new job but I think I'll be at the Saturday match.

Recommendations for Toronto:

Little Italy, which is College between Palmerston and east of Ossington. I think Grappa is a fantastic restaurant which is just west of the main drag. When you reach the small mall with a Dominion, walk about two blocks past. south side of the street. Regina Trattoria across the street is good too.

Check out http://www.chowhound.com/canada/boards/toronto/toronto.html
for extensive reviews on Italian and steak places.

If you want to stay near the dome, China town/Kensington Market and Harbourfront Centre are close by. Check out the Harbourfront website to see if anything interesting is on.

Toronto's neighborhoods are the best part of the city, the downtown core is a great place for a business meeting :)
_Useless Tyler - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 12:31 PM EDT (#22379) #
Your Simpsons quote for the day:

Can I come too?
Awwwww.
_Rob - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 12:32 PM EDT (#22380) #
http://www.ilfornello.com/if/menudinner.shtml
If you want Italian, try Il Fornello. There are several locations in Toronto, but I know nothing about where each one is in relation to the Dome. Someone else here probably knows better than I.

COMN for their dinner menu.
_Mick - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 01:03 PM EDT (#22381) #
Actually, NFH, I think Mick prefers it if we call them Mercenaries.

Either is fine., Just remember the alternate-jersey name, "Twenty-six-time World Series Champions."
_Daryn - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 01:13 PM EDT (#22382) #
"But I have a season's pass which was $81, or a buck a game. Canadian."

You have what??..I thought seasons tickets in 518 would be $9x81= $729 plus 7%, plus 8%, plus a "small" handling charge..???
_Daryn - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 01:16 PM EDT (#22383) #
I posted this before, but it got lost...
Trivia Question....

Who were
Matt Nokes, Don Mattingly, Pat Kelly, Charlie Hayes, Andy Stankiewicz, Mel Hall, Roberto Kelly, Danny Tartabull, Kevin Maas

Answer:

The Starting 9 for the 1992 New York Yankess...
How I long for the day...

Follow-up:

Their Starting Pitchers were.
Melido Perez, Scott Sanderson, Scott Kamieniecki, Greg Cadaret, Tim Leary, And Closer Steve Farr
_Daryn - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 01:18 PM EDT (#22384) #
P.S., One thing that really annoyed me, is during about 1990 when tickets were so hot, I called in and "got put on the season's tickets waiting list"... TO THIS DAY, they've never called to offer me seats...

Guess someone just "forgot" huh?
Mike D - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 01:32 PM EDT (#22385) #
Granted, I've been out of the city for a while, but I really dig Tiger Lily's, Queen Street just west of University Ave. It's a "side venture" of a five-star chef -- and the cuisine is "safe" Asian food, only delicious.
Leigh - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 01:38 PM EDT (#22386) #
Just remember the alternate-jersey name, "Twenty-six-time World Series Champions."

Yeah, there is that whole thing. I was going to make some sort of ill-advised point about how the Yankees have been around for so much longer than the Jays, until I realized that in order to keep pace with the Yankees (one WS victory every four years) the Jays would have to be in the process of winning their seventh Championship in 2004.

Still, 2 in 28 seasons (counting 2004) for the Jays is not bad. In fact, only the Yanks, Florida, Arizona and Oakland franchises have posted higher frequencies. So then, here they are, years per WS win for each franchise (all rounded to whole numbers):

NYY    4
FLA 6
ARZ 6
OAK 11
STL 14
TOR 14
LAD 20
NYM 21
BOS 21
CIN 24
PIT 24
SFG 24
DET 26
MIN 34
BAL 34
KCR 35
ATL 43
ANA 43
CHW 52
CLE 52
CHC 64
PHI 121


None of COL, HOU, MIL, MTL, SDP, SEA, TBD or TEX have ever won a World Series.
_Daryn - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 01:40 PM EDT (#22387) #
If you subtract the first 10 years of an organization as true "building years"... or first 5 even, Toronto might rise to 3rd on that list after FLA and ARZ
_Mick - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 02:15 PM EDT (#22388) #
Daryn, you can't really do that, or how many billion cuttlefish points do you have to award to FLA for winning a title after just five seasons, in 1997?
_Dr. Zarco - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 02:23 PM EDT (#22389) #
Thanks for all the great recommendations guys! Now I can't wait to be there. Tomorrow's gonna be a loooong day with a shiny plane waiting for us in the evening. We'll hopefully meet some of you there on Saturday (Sunday we've got 100 level seats). And I can't believe both games are sold out. Cool. Well, thanks again!
_Andrew Edwards - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 02:36 PM EDT (#22390) #
My MBA class is gonna be conming to the game on Friday together. We're in 528.
_Mick - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 02:39 PM EDT (#22391) #
... the 1992 New York Yankees

This has been discussed recently here on Da Box, in the fine Whither the Yankees? thread, so let me reiterate ...

Yes, I DO think the Yankees are headed for quick and steep decline, into a morass similar to the legendary Horace Clarkes era of the late 1960's, though not as pitiful as the Hensley "Bam-Bam" Meulens teams of 15 years ago.

That said, the '92 squad was in a pretty good place, in context ... first, remember that they finishe 80-82, which a certain current Canadian team can only aspire to. And that selfsame 80-82 record earned them the #6 overall selection in the ensuing amateur draft, which they used on a fella named Jeter.

There were plenty of bad decisions that had been made in opting for veteranes, but Nokes, Mattingly, Kelly and Tartabull were all former All-Stars, so these were defensible, if poor acquisitions.

The front four in the rotation were all past double-digit winners, and Cadaret wasn't really in the rotation,though he made 11 starts; vet Shawn Hillegas and prospect Sam Militello, at the time (along with Sterling Hitchcock), the org's best pitching prospect, were also in the mix. Farr saved 30 games, while a couple of guys who went on to be All-Star closers elsewhere, Tim Burke and Bob Wickman, were also around, along with the great waste talent of Steve Howe.

The '92 Yankees were in MUCH better shape than the 2005 Yankees.

Youngsters on the bench contributed to the later championship run, among them Bernie WIlliams and immh Leyritz. the brightest young player was Bam-Bam, and that didn't work out too well.
Craig B - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 02:46 PM EDT (#22392) #
My MBA class is gonna be conming to the game on Friday together. We're in 528.

We'll keep the humans well away.
_Daryn - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 02:51 PM EDT (#22393) #
Daryn, you can't really do that, or how many billion cuttlefish points do you have to award to FLA for winning a title after just five seasons, in 1997?

I agree, and I'm not taking my proposal too seriously...

BUT, if you take the 5 years off the Yankees and Cardinals total seasons, they stay where they are.. wheras the Marlins would drop to, (what? about 3) and the Jays to about 11. Those start up years make a bigger difference for the newer teams who are excessivly over-weighted by the initial years...

although any World Series Won before your first Draft pick makes it to the majors is clearly a "purchased" championship and maybe shouldn't be counted either.. hehehehe...
Thomas - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 02:55 PM EDT (#22394) #
And I can't believe both games are sold out.

Come again?
_Moffatt - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 03:16 PM EDT (#22395) #
My MBA class is gonna be conming to the game on Friday together. We're in 528.

Hey Andrew:

Sometime when class starts can you give me a shout and let me know what you're upto schoolwise. I'm always interested in how the MBA program at other schools differs from what we do at Western. E-mail address is still economics.guide@about.com

Hope you're having fun. :)
_Nigel - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 05:51 PM EDT (#22396) #
You know Mick, I know you're trying to cheer us up and all, but I can't agree that the '92 Yankees were in better shape than the '05 Yankees will be. Having A-Rod and Vazquez in their primes, a still great Sheffield and aging but still above average Jeter, Godzilla and Posada, and, of course, bucket loads of JACK is still better than the '92 Yankees even if the farm system is pretty bare (although there are some decent prospects in Tampa and below).
_Dr. Zarco - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 06:11 PM EDT (#22397) #
Also, since who knows when Dr. Z and I will make it back to Toronto

Next summer of course!

And I can't believe both games are sold out.
Come again?


Apparently on the radio last night Jerry said 50,000 were expected for each game. I suppose that doesn't exactly translate to sold out already, Jerry was simply expecting a full house.
_Mick - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 07:27 PM EDT (#22398) #
Having A-Rod and Vazquez in their primes,

Sure. I was looking more at 1992 vs. 2005 as a precursor to a glorious future. The Yankees of 1992 were barrelling towardsix World Series appearances ... the Yanks of 2005 are not. Check back in 2009 when AL MVP Alfonso Soriano and NL MVP Nick Johnson (OK, work with me here) are at the heart of the NYC Media's daily "Rip the Boss for gutting this team in the '03-'04 offseason mode.

It will be much, much worse if Don Gullett can do for Brandon Claussen what I think he can ... Claussen could be a dominant, left-handed ... Don Gullett.
Craig B - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 07:35 PM EDT (#22399) #
The Yankees of 1992 were barrelling toward six World Series appearances

Even at my most charitable, I wouldn't say that. The 1992 Yanks had only one of about 15 important pieces in place. In 1992, the rebuilding was just beginning, but the team that went to the World Series would have been unrecognizable in 1992, even if you count the minor leaguers.
_Andrew Edwards - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 10:05 PM EDT (#22400) #
Sometime when class starts can you give me a shout and let me know what you're upto schoolwise. I'm always interested in how the MBA program at other schools differs from what we do at Western.

Will do, Mike. It'll be great to chat with you about it, once I get going.

I'm also gonna jump in here ind issue a general apology to the Cheer Club and others - I've been way to busy getting back into school, and have been out of contact with all of you.

Just want to let you know that my heart's still here, even if the rest of me is otherwise distracted.

Cheers.
_Mick - Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 10:55 PM EDT (#22401) #
Craig, that's fairl I guess in my head, I was thinking mostly about the kids in the minors. Soriano hadn't been signed yet, but Posada, Williams, Pettitte, and Rivera were all either already in the Bronx or on the way, and if you count Jeter, that's six future All-Star contributors to The Run ... and even at MY most charitable, I can't see Dionar Navarro and Sam Marsonek leading a team that knocks around Tom Diamond and John Hudgins in Games 6 and 7 of the 2009 ALCS.

And significant pieces of the 1992 team became trade markers that really mattered -- Kelly turned into Paul O'Neill, Kamienicki was part of the trade for Tino, examples like that. All the good trade markes for this team are already gone. Jeff Weaver, for instance, was flipped for Kevin Brown, who by the mythical 2009 example used, amy already be eligible for the Hall of Fame.
_Mick - Friday, August 27 2004 @ 02:10 AM EDT (#22402) #
Transaction correction: Scott Kamieniecki was not part of the Tino Martinez trade; that was Sterling Hitchcock. Kam was with the Empire for 10 years, then left as a f/a for Baltimore and only needed to play for Marge Schott -- never did -- to complete a Steinbrenner-Angelos-Schott-Turner exacta in major league annals.
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