SB Nation User Blog: Norm Median

Expansion Teams / Relocation Discussion

Norm Median — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:24:10 -0000

For some reason, when the Expos moved to DC it made me a little sad. I understand why they moved. I know their attendance was horrendous and the city of Montreal didn't seem to care if they left, but to me it signified a step backwards in the growth of MLB. Montreal truly felt like an international city, much more than Toronto. It gave the league an intangible multicultural appeal that it no longer has. I wish the Expos had stayed put and tried to work it out in Montreal, or at the very least relocated to another city in Canada (Vancouver maybe?). If the WBC Canada-USA game earlier this year is any indication, I think baseball could thrive in our neighbor to the north. If Canada had more teams, they could actually start playing each other. Cities could develop rivalries which would stir up more interest.

Thinking about this topic on an even broader spectrum brings more questions to mind. Could Mexico support a team (cheap land could lure Lew Wolff and Oaxaca Athleticas has a nice ring to it)? What about Puerto Rico? Would more teams in international cities be good for MLB? Would you support foreign expansion? Would some players be less willing to play in a country like Mexico? I invite you to take a break from rosterbation and try a little...hmm...mapsterbation?

Poll

What foreign country/city/island do you think could support a successful MLB franchise?

Canada

52 votes

Mexico

51 votes

Puerto Rico

63 votes

Other Caribbean island (specify in comments)

5 votes

None. This is 'merica and baseball is for 'mericans.

67 votes

238 votes | Poll has closed

Downloadable Game Broadcasts?

Norm Median — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:59:37 -0000

Does anyone know where I can download archived KNBR broadcasts of Giants games? I have a couple 11+ hour flights coming up and would love to spend some of the time being soothed by the pleasing voice of Jon Miller. I've looked on iTunes and MLB's website, neither appear willing to sell them to me. Nothing else has come up in the various web searches I've tried.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

JAPAN IS AWESOME

Norm Median — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:03:20 -0000

JAPAN IS AWESOME

Who would you pick to replace Bochy/Sabean?

Norm Median — Thu, 28 May 2009 15:23:34 -0000

There seems to be a lot of talk this season about either firing Bochy now or not renewing his contract in the offseason. The same has been said about Sabean (dismissing him at the end of the year I mean, I don't think anyone is suggesting he should be fired midseason).

My questions is, who would replace them? I'm definitely a firm believer they should go, but the last thing I want is for a Felipe Alou clone to be brought in and make things worse. So who would you pick to replace Bochy and/or Sabean? I'm not even sure who is available, other than Ron Wotus and Bobby Evans. Should Decker get a shot or is he not seasoned enough yet? Would you prefer Neukom to promote from within or seek outside applicants? What are you looking for in a new manager/GM?

Bottom line: I don't want Bochy or Sabean back next year, but I can't really call for their heads without any idea who their possible replacements would be. If the choice ends up being Bochy or someone with Cream of Wheat for brains, well then I'd have to stick with Bochy.

I'm sorry if this has already been discussed. I just got back from a trip and haven't had a chance to pour over all the game threads, fanposts and fanshots yet.

Mariner's having lolcat night promotion

Norm Median — Wed, 20 May 2009 23:27:55 -0000

Mariner's having lolcat night promotion

I am so jealous! It looks like most of the people over at Lookout Landing aren't too happy about it though.

http://www.lookoutlanding.com/2009/5/20/881574/jesus-christ-mariners

SF Weekly's Reader Suggested Nicknames for Zito

Norm Median — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 21:45:21 -0000

SF Weekly's Reader Suggested Nicknames for Zito

I remember the Giants commercial from a couple years ago when he said he wanted a nickname. I also remember thinking it was dumb, because he obviously would get a negative one. Most of these are pretty terrible. I've definitely heard "Albatross" used before. It's the only one I really like from this list (or don't hate, I guess would be a better phrase). I know we could come up with something better, although I almost feel like he's not even worth the effort.

OT: Good Instrumentals

Norm Median — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:42:45 -0000

A lot of people here seem to be very fond of music, so I was hoping I could get some suggestions for good instrumental music. I like to have something on in the backround while I'm studying or doing busy work, and it may sound silly but I find myself getting distracted by lyrics.

If anyone has any suggestions (preferably specific albums or songs) on some good music that is just instrumentals I would really appreciate it. The music genre does not matter, although I don't really need any suggestions for classical (I'm all about the Bach). It doesn't have to be entirely void of vocals, just as few as possible.

I have tried downloading random stuff that looks like it might be good, but most of it turns out to be crap (I'm looking at you, Chris Botti). It would be nice to at least have some kind of direction for my search.

Thanks in advance.

OT: Eastbound & Down

Norm Median — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 18:29:32 -0000

OT: Eastbound & Down

Do yourself a favor and watch this show. It's about an asshole washed up ex-closer (he briefly plays for "San Francisco") who takes a job as a middle school gym coach in his hometown.

This is the greatest show to emerge from the depths of TV Hell since Wings!

OT: lolcat luv

Norm Median — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:02:06 -0000

This is my first post and I'm sorry if it is kinda lame but it's the offseason and a Friday so go easy on me. I recently had a conversation with a friend of mine about lolcats where he basically told me I am weird for collecting lolcat pictures and if I wanted to be "normal" I should just get a cat. I think I have the text of the conversation somewhere. Ok I found it:

Me: i have a pretty impressive collection of cat pictures on my hard drive

Jerk Friend: i bet. you're so weird. you know that right?

Me: what is normal?

Jerk Friend: if people want a cat they get a cat. they don't collect pictures of cats as if you're a 12 year old who can only get porn from free websites and he saves them to his hard drive. normal would be to get a cat.

Me: Ouch

Jerk Friend: all i'm saying is don't be weird, stop collecting pictures of cats

What an asshole! I should also mention this dude doesn't like the Giants or baseball in general (I'm still trying to figure out why I am friends with him in the first place). I was beginning to think maybe he was right until I discovered McCovey Chronicles. Not only is it by far the best Giants blog/forum I have ever read, there seems to be quite a few people who also have some love for the lolcats. So I thought it would be fun to create a post and see just how many lolcat pics we can collect in one place.

So come on, show your lolcat pride and post some pics!

Poll

What is your stance on lolcats?

lolcats r kewl!

78 votes

I am a normal adult and do not care for such things.

43 votes

121 votes | Poll has closed

Brett Butler to manage Reno Aces

Norm Median — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:29:07 -0000

Brett Butler to manage Reno Aces

and they are building them a new stadium. Finally, something to do when I go to Reno besides ask myself why the hell I came to Reno!