Thoughts on Bin Laden

Kevin in Dallas and Billfer have been kind enough to let me post on this fine site, for which I am especially greatful. I was given that permission on my assurance that I would try to provide some information and/or opinions on the Tigers’ minor league system; however, given the significant events of last night, and my personal history, I wanted to offer a brief comment on the Bin Laden news:

As none of you know, I spent six years in the Marines and was deployed to Fallujah, Iraq, for seven months.  While Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11 and Bin Laden, Bin Laden, at least symbolically, stood for the reason we were there and the reason that America had it’s collective wool pulled off of its eyes. The beautiful mirage allowed pre-9/11 Americans to live their lives without the fear of mindless and random violence. Bin Laden ruined that.

I found out about Bin Laden’s demise while watching the Mets/Phillies game last night. When I heard 44,000 Americans begin chanting “USA, USA”, shivers ran down my spine. It reminded me that no one in America has forgotten about 9/11 and that this country is capable of bonding together to accomplish anything. Let’s all enjoy another summer of baseball knowing that the worst evil since Hitler is no longer able to murder innocent people. Let’s rebuild our naivete.

Without additional commentary, the minor leage wrap up from May 1st:

Toledo 4, Pawtucket 3 (Red Sox)

The Mud Hens scored all 4 runs during a rally in the 4^th inning and held on through 5 additional scoreless innings to get the win. Scott Sizemore went 1-4 with a triple and 2 RBI. Dirks and Murrian had one RBI each.

Thad Weber (RHP) notched the win for the Mud Hens after lasting 5 2/3 IP as the starter. He allowed 3 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks but struck out 9. Brendan Wise, Fu Te Ni, and Enrique Gonzalez combined to pitch 3 1/3 scoreless innings in relief.

Erie 5, Altoona 6 (Pirates)

The SeaWolves led 5-4 going into the bottom of the 8^th before Chance Ruffin allowed two runs (one from an inherited base runner).

No pitcher had an especially good night for the ‘Wolves. L.J. Gagnier (RHP) started but got the hook after 3 IP, 6 H and 3 ER. Jared Gayhart (RHP) relieved Gagnier and threw 3 innings of 1-run ball before giving way to Austin Wood and Chance Ruffin.

Justin Henry (2B) went 1-2 with 2 runs and 2 walks. While he’s only hitting .282 on the year, Henry continues to get on base. Through 15 games, he’s got an OBP of .417. Rawley Bishop (1B) went 1-5 but led the team with 2 RBI on the night.

Lakeland 14, Brevard County 2 (Brewers)

Every Flying Tiger, except Wade Gaynor (3B), picked up at least one RBI in this blowout win. Lakeland was led in the RBI department by Gustavo Nunez (SS) with 4. Wyatt and Roof added two each. While Gaynor failed to record an RBI, he still had a great night at the plate, falling a homer short of the cycle: 4-5, 3 R, 2 2B, 1 3B.

Jared Wesson (LHP) had a great start and picked up the win to even his record at 2-2. Wesson lasted 7 innings and gave up 7 hits, 4 walks, and 3 ER while K’ing 5. Morrison and Pratt tag-teamed the relief effort and allowed 2 runs in 2 innings of work.

West Michigan 7, Fort Wayne 13 (Padres)

West Michigan’s pitching was sufficiently mediocre to out-suck Fort Wayne in this low-scoring football game of an affair.  Josue Carreno (RHP), Clemente Mendoza (RHP), and Dan Gentzler (RHP) each had poor nights from the mount and combined to allow 13 hits and 13 ER. Each pitchers ERA is above 6 for the year and last night didn’t help their cause.

The Whitecaps did manage together a good night with the bats: Perez, Brantly, Robbins, and Castellanos each had two hits in 4 ABs. Castellanos led the team with 3 RBI on the evening.