GaryMrMets
10-26-2005, 07:35 PM
Behind the Scenes at the Series
.c The Associated Press
Deputy Sports Editor Ben Walker and National Sports Writer Nancy Armour of the AP are covering the World Series and filing these behind-the-scenes reports from the games in Chicago and Houston.
Wednesday October 26, 2005
Ben Walker: Still awake?
HOUSTON - Too bad a lot of people missed seeing this game. Some of them probably fell asleep, others decided this Series wasn't worth watching. Even though Chicago leads 3-0 ... and no one is going to say they expect the Astros to rally ... these have been three really even games.
For us at the AP, this was quite a challenge. We had nine reporters here -- usually, it's pretty tough to let everyone write a story, and not have them bang into each other. Tonight, we could've used a dozen more people in the press box.
As the game is going on, we're assigning all different angles. For the Astros side, we looked at Roy Oswalt's poor start, Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio missing a chance to tie it, Brad Lidge's redemption, the crazy throw by Jason Lane that almost gave the White Sox a run, the issue of the open roof, Brad Ausmus' late at-bats, Houston hosting its first Series game ... should I go on?
The White Sox side was just as crazy. The whole way, we're talking to our writers by phone and flash messages, trying to keep their story angles fresh. Try this ... no, go this way ... hold on, pull off that story and go to a different one ... stand by ... OK, type ... and finish it up in five minutes!
By the way: All in all, it was not nearly as loud with the roof open as it would've been with it closed. Hard to tell whether that would've helped Houston any more, the Astros still aren't getting clutch hits. But the crowd noise definitely was diminished.
Tuesday October 25, 2005
Ben Walker: Phone tag
HOUSTON - Another fun game going on here. Chisox 5-4 in the sixth. Lots of big hits, a bit of barking at the plate umpire from both sides, lots of entertaining stuff.
That is, if you've been able to watch any of it from the press box. Because even more than crazy games on tight deadlines, there's one thing that will absolutely wreck a World Series game for any writer: phone problems.
And we've had plenty of 'em here tonight. Can hear lots of folks agonizing out loud, or slapping their computers, or flagging down the phone company reps. Even with wireless networks and cell phones, sometimes you have to depend on ol' reliable hard lines to transmit your stories. When they go down, right in the middle of hooking up to a computer, it can drive you crazy. And we've had our share ... and then some ... this evening.
That said, I think ... without trying to jinx anything ... we're up and running right now. Not sure if this Chicago lead will hold up. I'm just hoping this scuffed-up white phone can hang on for three more innings.
We'll see.
Tuesday October 25, 2005
Ben Walker: Raising the roof
HOUSTON -- Well, we just had one of the more unusual press conferences at the World Series. While the Astros were taking batting practice, a cluster of reporters descended on a Major League Baseball official to get the big news of the day: Yes, the roof will be open tonight.
The Astros don't like the decision, neither do I. Manager Phil Garner, shortstop Adam Everett and several Astros held their tongues pretty well, and basically said the right things: We'd prefer to have it closed, but it's not our call. OK, time to move on.
The lineups have been posted and, as expected, Carl Everett is not starting for the White Sox. He's helped them with his bat, though he'd be a liability in the outfield. He's a volatile guy, haven't heard him react yet. Am guessing he figured it would come down this way. Every year, the DH question comes into play during the World Series. Probably no perfect solution ... to be honest, as much as I like to watch good hitters hit, I don't mind that it causes a ruckus every October. Just something more for fans to get revved up about.
Had a fun BBQ lunch today with C.J. Nitkowski, the left-hander who lives here in Houston. Have known him for a while, one of the real decent guys in the game. As much as baseball, we talked about writing. He started his own Web site several years ago ... www.cjbaseball.com ... with interesting observations about the sport. He was wondering about the relationship between writers and editors, whether they ever butted heads. Told him that it varies. Over the years, I've seen writers threw fits if you changed one word of their stories, demanding that their byline be taken off. Have seen others who could have their entire stories rewritten and would simply say thanks for making it better. Want to guess which kind is easier to deal with?
Tuesday October 25, 2005
Ben Walker: The Dome domain
HOUSTON -- Looks as if Houston is all set to host its first World Series game. Driving back from the ballpark to the hotel, there's a giant Astros' star light up in one of the downtown office buildings. A little farther out, we pass the Summit, the place where the Rockets won a couple of NBA titles. By today's standards, it looks rather small. It's been converted into a church. This city has certainly gotten its share of new sports buildings ... the Astros, Texans and Rockets all have them.
Heard a couple of the younger writers in the press box today, talking about how much they enjoy the working conditions at Minute Maid Park. No dispute there. The view is excellent, it's easy to run down a set of stairs to get to the clubhouses and the space is outstanding.
Those guys also were saying how the setup at Minute Maid made the Astrodome look old and outdated. And it is true: It took a lot of bobbing and weaving to get from the press box to the locker rooms for interviews, especially after the final out. A lot of rookie writers used to get lost trying to get to the visiting team's side, and wound up grousing in some back hallway or in the basement.
That said, it's hard for anyone who wasn't around in 1965 ... when the Dome opened ... to realize what a marvel that place was. They called it the Eighth Wonder of the World, and fans from all over the country made trips to Houston just to see it. I still remember being 7, and trying to convince my dad that instead of our usual summer vacation in Atlantic City, we should drive from Maryland to Houston for the day.
Monday October 24, 2005
Ben Walker: Open and shut
HOUSTON -- Well, it now looks as if Major League Baseball intends to keep the roof open at Minute Maid Park tomorrow night. The Astros really, really want it closed ... the crowd noise is so much louder with it shut, and they just feel more confident.
But MLB has the final call. Lance Berkman said today that he figures TV wants it open to give a more attractive look for its viewers. The ballpark would look better ... especially in those shots from the blimp ... but this involves home-field advantage, and the Astros should get to decide. It's not right.
Berkman is one of the more entertaining players to interview. The All-Star outfielder is not afraid to speak his mind. He's from Rice, and his education comes through.
Last year, I was talking to him in the clubhouse a day before Roger Clemens made his Astros' debut. We were discussing certain players ... tough guys, I think ... and Berkman mentioned that someone was ``not of that ilk.'' Right in the middle of the interview, I stopped him. I told him that in 20 years of talking to players, I had never heard one of them use the word ``ilk.'' Had heard some guys talk about going hunting for elk. But never ilk. He laughed, and appreciated that.
Monday October 24, 2005
Ben Walker: Home cookin' for the Astros
HOUSTON -- Here at Minute Maid Park, it's workout day before Game 3. The Astros sounded real relaxed during their practice, and they should be. Back at home, back in a normal routine and, most important of all, they've got Roy Oswalt back on the mound. Am certain he's going to come out blazing Tuesday night ... am thinking he might pitch a five-hit shutout, or something close.
The roof is open this afternoon, the sun is slanting across the outfield grass. Watching the Astros work out, there are no outward signs of pressure or panic. Even with ``Survivor'' playing over the sound system, the one done by Destiny's Child ... they're from the Houston area ... that seems more coincidental than significant.
Tomorrow night, the roof will be closed. It could be 72 degrees with 0 percent chance of rain, and it still would be shut. Major League Baseball is talking with the Astros about changing that, but don't count on it. A few minutes ago, Oswalt said that's how the Astros want it, that it creates an advantage for them and it's their park. I agree with him. With the roof closed, this can be the loudest ballpark in the majors ... and with their team down 0-2, the fans will come ready to rip.
Monday October 24, 2005
Ben Walker: Get me rewrite!
CHICAGO -- What a game, what an ending. And here's a name that'll surely get overlooked tonight, but deserves a mention: Doug Mansolino.
He's the third base coach for the Astros, and he aggressively waved home Chris Burke with the tying run in the ninth inning. Burke made a great slide, and he gets all the credit for that play. In Game 1, Mansolino drew some unfair second-guessing for holding up a runner. This time, he had no choice. He was windmilling from the get-go and, despite Scott Podsednik fielding the ball in medium left field and making an on-target throw, Burke's safe. He scores, and probably no one hears about Mansolino. If Burke gets thrown out, though, the coach gets pounded. Happens every time.
Back-and-forth, big plays, big hits. Exactly the kind of game fans want to see. But here's a secret: It's not exactly what the writers in the press box want. Not at all.
See, with the game running late and deadlines approaching, many writers need to finish their stories a few minutes after the final out. And with the White Sox ahead 6-4 in the ninth inning and Bobby Jenks on the hill, many of them surely had written about Paul Konerko's big week ... ALCS MVP, a baby, grand slam. That all changes when the Astros tie it. Time to rewrite, to make it an Astros rally story. And while the writers are rejiggering their stories, Podsednik homered. Rip it up again. Imagine writing three different stories, in a span of about 10 minutes. No wonder you hear groans when games flip so fast.
So it goes. Time to head back to the hotel, pack up and be at the airport by 8 a.m. Let's go to Houston.
Sunday October 23, 2005
Nancy Armour: Quick work
CHICAGO -- Let the first inning be your warning: don't look away when Mark Buehrle is on the mound. The lefty breezed through the first inning in a mere three minutes, saying buh-bye to Craig Biggio, Willy Taveras and Lance Berkman in 10 pitches.
How quick is that? Consider that Andy Pettitte also needed 10 pitches -- just to get past White Sox leadoff hitter Scott Podsednik.
Sunday October 23, 2005
Ben Walker: Rain, rain, go away
CHICAGO -- About an hour away from gametime, and it's raining. Just hard enough to be annoying and delay the start, I'd think. The White Sox started to take batting practice, then the drizzle came and they covered the field. As much as Major League Baseball doesn't want a rainout, what the teams really don't want is to play stop-and-go all night long. There's never been a rain-shortened game in the Series, and MLB doesn't want that now.
Even with the tarp on the infield, there's work to do. Like many of the ballparks built starting in the early 1990s, U.S. Cellular Field is designed to accommodate the players. There are two real nice indoor batting cages right next to the Chicago dugout, and the teams split them. Saw a couple of Astros milling around, cutting through the White Sox bench, but not much fraternizing. That's a baseball word you used to hear a lot 25-30 years ago ... MLB really frowned on it, and told opponents not to talk to each on the field before games, lest it give the appearance that the sides were too friendly. These days, with free agency shuffling the deck so often, it's hard to keep guys from visiting. Usually in the World Series, you see some hugs and high-fives and congratulations before Game 1 ... as the games go on, not so much.
A few of the White Sox sat in a dugout jammed with reporters, talking on cell phones, telling family and friends back home how cool it felt to be at the World Series. Craig Biggio popped out of the Houston clubhouse, checked the rain and went back inside. He was still smiling, by the way, after making his Series debut.
OK, now it's raining harder. Umbrellas everywhere, fans chased out of their seats. The forecast calls for more of the same, too. Could be a long night ... maybe the schoolkids on the East Coast should take naps now, so they can stay up to see the ninth inning later.
Sunday October 23, 2005
Nancy Armour: Covering first ... and every other base
CHICAGO -- Rain wiped out batting practice, let's hope it doesn't wipe out Game 2 of the World Series.
The sky looked as if it was going to clear earlier this afternoon. But rain began falling as we drove to the ballpark, and it's been off and on since then. The White Sox took the field to stretch, but they hustled back to the dugout soon after as the rain fell harder and the grounds crew brought out the tarp. Most of the players headed straight for the clubhouse, but Ozzie Guillen did a bit of rain delay theater, talking with reporters about anything and everything for more than 20 minutes -- and that was before he headed for the interview room. Gotta love Ozzie; the man's never met a conversation he doesn't like, a great thing for a reporter.
No sign of Game 2 starter Mark Buehrle. I'm guessing this is one day he won't be tempted to slide on the tarp.
10/26/05 10:06 EDT
Copyright 2003 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.
.c The Associated Press
Deputy Sports Editor Ben Walker and National Sports Writer Nancy Armour of the AP are covering the World Series and filing these behind-the-scenes reports from the games in Chicago and Houston.
Wednesday October 26, 2005
Ben Walker: Still awake?
HOUSTON - Too bad a lot of people missed seeing this game. Some of them probably fell asleep, others decided this Series wasn't worth watching. Even though Chicago leads 3-0 ... and no one is going to say they expect the Astros to rally ... these have been three really even games.
For us at the AP, this was quite a challenge. We had nine reporters here -- usually, it's pretty tough to let everyone write a story, and not have them bang into each other. Tonight, we could've used a dozen more people in the press box.
As the game is going on, we're assigning all different angles. For the Astros side, we looked at Roy Oswalt's poor start, Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio missing a chance to tie it, Brad Lidge's redemption, the crazy throw by Jason Lane that almost gave the White Sox a run, the issue of the open roof, Brad Ausmus' late at-bats, Houston hosting its first Series game ... should I go on?
The White Sox side was just as crazy. The whole way, we're talking to our writers by phone and flash messages, trying to keep their story angles fresh. Try this ... no, go this way ... hold on, pull off that story and go to a different one ... stand by ... OK, type ... and finish it up in five minutes!
By the way: All in all, it was not nearly as loud with the roof open as it would've been with it closed. Hard to tell whether that would've helped Houston any more, the Astros still aren't getting clutch hits. But the crowd noise definitely was diminished.
Tuesday October 25, 2005
Ben Walker: Phone tag
HOUSTON - Another fun game going on here. Chisox 5-4 in the sixth. Lots of big hits, a bit of barking at the plate umpire from both sides, lots of entertaining stuff.
That is, if you've been able to watch any of it from the press box. Because even more than crazy games on tight deadlines, there's one thing that will absolutely wreck a World Series game for any writer: phone problems.
And we've had plenty of 'em here tonight. Can hear lots of folks agonizing out loud, or slapping their computers, or flagging down the phone company reps. Even with wireless networks and cell phones, sometimes you have to depend on ol' reliable hard lines to transmit your stories. When they go down, right in the middle of hooking up to a computer, it can drive you crazy. And we've had our share ... and then some ... this evening.
That said, I think ... without trying to jinx anything ... we're up and running right now. Not sure if this Chicago lead will hold up. I'm just hoping this scuffed-up white phone can hang on for three more innings.
We'll see.
Tuesday October 25, 2005
Ben Walker: Raising the roof
HOUSTON -- Well, we just had one of the more unusual press conferences at the World Series. While the Astros were taking batting practice, a cluster of reporters descended on a Major League Baseball official to get the big news of the day: Yes, the roof will be open tonight.
The Astros don't like the decision, neither do I. Manager Phil Garner, shortstop Adam Everett and several Astros held their tongues pretty well, and basically said the right things: We'd prefer to have it closed, but it's not our call. OK, time to move on.
The lineups have been posted and, as expected, Carl Everett is not starting for the White Sox. He's helped them with his bat, though he'd be a liability in the outfield. He's a volatile guy, haven't heard him react yet. Am guessing he figured it would come down this way. Every year, the DH question comes into play during the World Series. Probably no perfect solution ... to be honest, as much as I like to watch good hitters hit, I don't mind that it causes a ruckus every October. Just something more for fans to get revved up about.
Had a fun BBQ lunch today with C.J. Nitkowski, the left-hander who lives here in Houston. Have known him for a while, one of the real decent guys in the game. As much as baseball, we talked about writing. He started his own Web site several years ago ... www.cjbaseball.com ... with interesting observations about the sport. He was wondering about the relationship between writers and editors, whether they ever butted heads. Told him that it varies. Over the years, I've seen writers threw fits if you changed one word of their stories, demanding that their byline be taken off. Have seen others who could have their entire stories rewritten and would simply say thanks for making it better. Want to guess which kind is easier to deal with?
Tuesday October 25, 2005
Ben Walker: The Dome domain
HOUSTON -- Looks as if Houston is all set to host its first World Series game. Driving back from the ballpark to the hotel, there's a giant Astros' star light up in one of the downtown office buildings. A little farther out, we pass the Summit, the place where the Rockets won a couple of NBA titles. By today's standards, it looks rather small. It's been converted into a church. This city has certainly gotten its share of new sports buildings ... the Astros, Texans and Rockets all have them.
Heard a couple of the younger writers in the press box today, talking about how much they enjoy the working conditions at Minute Maid Park. No dispute there. The view is excellent, it's easy to run down a set of stairs to get to the clubhouses and the space is outstanding.
Those guys also were saying how the setup at Minute Maid made the Astrodome look old and outdated. And it is true: It took a lot of bobbing and weaving to get from the press box to the locker rooms for interviews, especially after the final out. A lot of rookie writers used to get lost trying to get to the visiting team's side, and wound up grousing in some back hallway or in the basement.
That said, it's hard for anyone who wasn't around in 1965 ... when the Dome opened ... to realize what a marvel that place was. They called it the Eighth Wonder of the World, and fans from all over the country made trips to Houston just to see it. I still remember being 7, and trying to convince my dad that instead of our usual summer vacation in Atlantic City, we should drive from Maryland to Houston for the day.
Monday October 24, 2005
Ben Walker: Open and shut
HOUSTON -- Well, it now looks as if Major League Baseball intends to keep the roof open at Minute Maid Park tomorrow night. The Astros really, really want it closed ... the crowd noise is so much louder with it shut, and they just feel more confident.
But MLB has the final call. Lance Berkman said today that he figures TV wants it open to give a more attractive look for its viewers. The ballpark would look better ... especially in those shots from the blimp ... but this involves home-field advantage, and the Astros should get to decide. It's not right.
Berkman is one of the more entertaining players to interview. The All-Star outfielder is not afraid to speak his mind. He's from Rice, and his education comes through.
Last year, I was talking to him in the clubhouse a day before Roger Clemens made his Astros' debut. We were discussing certain players ... tough guys, I think ... and Berkman mentioned that someone was ``not of that ilk.'' Right in the middle of the interview, I stopped him. I told him that in 20 years of talking to players, I had never heard one of them use the word ``ilk.'' Had heard some guys talk about going hunting for elk. But never ilk. He laughed, and appreciated that.
Monday October 24, 2005
Ben Walker: Home cookin' for the Astros
HOUSTON -- Here at Minute Maid Park, it's workout day before Game 3. The Astros sounded real relaxed during their practice, and they should be. Back at home, back in a normal routine and, most important of all, they've got Roy Oswalt back on the mound. Am certain he's going to come out blazing Tuesday night ... am thinking he might pitch a five-hit shutout, or something close.
The roof is open this afternoon, the sun is slanting across the outfield grass. Watching the Astros work out, there are no outward signs of pressure or panic. Even with ``Survivor'' playing over the sound system, the one done by Destiny's Child ... they're from the Houston area ... that seems more coincidental than significant.
Tomorrow night, the roof will be closed. It could be 72 degrees with 0 percent chance of rain, and it still would be shut. Major League Baseball is talking with the Astros about changing that, but don't count on it. A few minutes ago, Oswalt said that's how the Astros want it, that it creates an advantage for them and it's their park. I agree with him. With the roof closed, this can be the loudest ballpark in the majors ... and with their team down 0-2, the fans will come ready to rip.
Monday October 24, 2005
Ben Walker: Get me rewrite!
CHICAGO -- What a game, what an ending. And here's a name that'll surely get overlooked tonight, but deserves a mention: Doug Mansolino.
He's the third base coach for the Astros, and he aggressively waved home Chris Burke with the tying run in the ninth inning. Burke made a great slide, and he gets all the credit for that play. In Game 1, Mansolino drew some unfair second-guessing for holding up a runner. This time, he had no choice. He was windmilling from the get-go and, despite Scott Podsednik fielding the ball in medium left field and making an on-target throw, Burke's safe. He scores, and probably no one hears about Mansolino. If Burke gets thrown out, though, the coach gets pounded. Happens every time.
Back-and-forth, big plays, big hits. Exactly the kind of game fans want to see. But here's a secret: It's not exactly what the writers in the press box want. Not at all.
See, with the game running late and deadlines approaching, many writers need to finish their stories a few minutes after the final out. And with the White Sox ahead 6-4 in the ninth inning and Bobby Jenks on the hill, many of them surely had written about Paul Konerko's big week ... ALCS MVP, a baby, grand slam. That all changes when the Astros tie it. Time to rewrite, to make it an Astros rally story. And while the writers are rejiggering their stories, Podsednik homered. Rip it up again. Imagine writing three different stories, in a span of about 10 minutes. No wonder you hear groans when games flip so fast.
So it goes. Time to head back to the hotel, pack up and be at the airport by 8 a.m. Let's go to Houston.
Sunday October 23, 2005
Nancy Armour: Quick work
CHICAGO -- Let the first inning be your warning: don't look away when Mark Buehrle is on the mound. The lefty breezed through the first inning in a mere three minutes, saying buh-bye to Craig Biggio, Willy Taveras and Lance Berkman in 10 pitches.
How quick is that? Consider that Andy Pettitte also needed 10 pitches -- just to get past White Sox leadoff hitter Scott Podsednik.
Sunday October 23, 2005
Ben Walker: Rain, rain, go away
CHICAGO -- About an hour away from gametime, and it's raining. Just hard enough to be annoying and delay the start, I'd think. The White Sox started to take batting practice, then the drizzle came and they covered the field. As much as Major League Baseball doesn't want a rainout, what the teams really don't want is to play stop-and-go all night long. There's never been a rain-shortened game in the Series, and MLB doesn't want that now.
Even with the tarp on the infield, there's work to do. Like many of the ballparks built starting in the early 1990s, U.S. Cellular Field is designed to accommodate the players. There are two real nice indoor batting cages right next to the Chicago dugout, and the teams split them. Saw a couple of Astros milling around, cutting through the White Sox bench, but not much fraternizing. That's a baseball word you used to hear a lot 25-30 years ago ... MLB really frowned on it, and told opponents not to talk to each on the field before games, lest it give the appearance that the sides were too friendly. These days, with free agency shuffling the deck so often, it's hard to keep guys from visiting. Usually in the World Series, you see some hugs and high-fives and congratulations before Game 1 ... as the games go on, not so much.
A few of the White Sox sat in a dugout jammed with reporters, talking on cell phones, telling family and friends back home how cool it felt to be at the World Series. Craig Biggio popped out of the Houston clubhouse, checked the rain and went back inside. He was still smiling, by the way, after making his Series debut.
OK, now it's raining harder. Umbrellas everywhere, fans chased out of their seats. The forecast calls for more of the same, too. Could be a long night ... maybe the schoolkids on the East Coast should take naps now, so they can stay up to see the ninth inning later.
Sunday October 23, 2005
Nancy Armour: Covering first ... and every other base
CHICAGO -- Rain wiped out batting practice, let's hope it doesn't wipe out Game 2 of the World Series.
The sky looked as if it was going to clear earlier this afternoon. But rain began falling as we drove to the ballpark, and it's been off and on since then. The White Sox took the field to stretch, but they hustled back to the dugout soon after as the rain fell harder and the grounds crew brought out the tarp. Most of the players headed straight for the clubhouse, but Ozzie Guillen did a bit of rain delay theater, talking with reporters about anything and everything for more than 20 minutes -- and that was before he headed for the interview room. Gotta love Ozzie; the man's never met a conversation he doesn't like, a great thing for a reporter.
No sign of Game 2 starter Mark Buehrle. I'm guessing this is one day he won't be tempted to slide on the tarp.
10/26/05 10:06 EDT
Copyright 2003 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.