Thursday Grab Bag: CMWS Overlaps Area Code

I saw another mini dust storm Wednesday. I feel like a tourist, but I get excited when I see a tumbleweed -- I've never seen one in my life. I am still awaiting my first monsoon season to arrive, although I just heard a rumble of thunder, so it could be rolling into the area.

Also, climbing Crestone Peak from the lower trailhead on zero sleep was not such a good idea. Nineteen miles, about 7,000 feet in elevation gain and sore legs. The good news is I didn't hit the skunk or the myriad of deer in the middle of the road.

The Connie Mack World Series is here today. The Dallas Tigers, one of the most talented organizations with several high draft picks, won't have all their players. The Area Code games in Long Beach, Calif., run from Aug. 5 to 10, overlapping the Connie Mack World Series.

Tigers head coach Gene Autrey said many families couldn't afford both, not to mention the logistical problems, forcing the teenagers to choose one or the other.

"My opinion doesn't mean much, but in my opinion, the Area Code should be last. They should try their best to accommodate," Autrey said.

"Farmington's a big deal. I'm sure plenty of (the 200 players) had the opportunity to go to the Area Code. It puts the club in a tough spot because most of the teams that are in Farmington are the best that are around. Obviously they're going to have the players that the Area Code people want. It puts the families and the players in a tough spot as far as having to pick one or the other, my brother (pitcher J.T. Autrey) being one of them."

The Area Code games are affiliated with MLB. The Four Corners Thunder's Jake McCasland is on the Reds-affiliated roster. I think it's safe to say there will be at least as many, likely more, professional scouts at the invite-only showcase in Cali.

McCasland plans to pitch "a few innings" at the Area Code games and return in time for the CMWS. He might feel pressure to participate, growing up in Farmington, where skipping the CMWS after dreaming about it as a kid would be more difficult, yet he still chose to go to the Area Code games. This is just speculation, but McCasland's trip out West may preclude him from starting Friday's opener.

The choice for the Tigers players, and likely others at the CMWS, must've been harder.

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Yearning visitors: The "Farmington experience" might not sound attractive to a Dallas native at first pass.

One of the largest cities in the South, Cowboys training camp is starting, school is rapidly approaching and there's still a few summer nights of barbequing after spending a day perusing the malls.

Several players and coaches feel differently and would like nothing more than to spend a week in the high desert.

"We're so excited to be there," Autrey said. "(The players) have all heard about how the whole town of Farmington just embraces all the teams and they're just looking forward to going out and playing good baseball."

Autrey thanked all the fans ahead of time and reiterated that it's an honor for his team to visit Ricketts Park.

Dallas D-BAT Mustangs manager Sam Carpenter echoed Autrey's sentiments.

"They're all excited. They've heard about Farmington all their lives," he said. "They are chomping at the bit for the Farmington experience."

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East Cobb's Connections: Every successful Connie Mack team has talent. Many have long traditions of sending players to the MLB.

The Midland Redskins are the most documented, with Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Larkin headlining.

Last year's champions, the East Cobb Yankees, have just as much of a legacy in recent years.

Here's their list of MLB players from 2009:

Current Players

Jeremy Hermida
Marlon Byrd
Dexter Fowler
Stephen Drew
Gordon Beckham*
Micah Owings*
Matt Capps

On MLB rosters this year

Brandon Boggs
Matt Murton
Mitchell Boggs
Tyler Greene
Kris Benson
Jimmy Barhmaier

*'Connie Mack World Series MVPs

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From the boards: There were a few interesting comments on the Topix forum about the CMWS.

4cornersFan had this to say about the lack of TV coverage:

"I wish the CMWS would get TV coverage!!! For pete sake they televise the Little League Regionals & WS. A bunch of 12 y/o's playing on a 200' field. The level of play displayed at the CMWS is superb!

"I have seen plays that could make ESPN highlights! Don't get me wrong. Little league is ok, but no way are they better than the AABC. Little league rules are just that...little league!

"The AABC & Connie Mack Rule. Someone at ESPN or FOX Sports should take note." 

And I got a chuckle out of Connie Mack Fan's response to Hitchhiker, who suggested the Midland Redskins and East Cobb Yankees shouldn't be allowed back because he was tired of seeing the same teams.

"Are you for real? What rule changes would you like to see? How about, "the team with the least runs wins the game"? Because that's what it would take to keep teams like the Midland Redskins and the East Cobb Yankees out of the CMWS. It's these teams that make this such a special tournament and event for our small community. Once a year, some of the most talented amateur baseball players in the nation come through our small town to showcase their abilities. Many of these players go on to be superstars at the professional level. We get the opportunity to see many of them play their final games as amateurs. And this is all because the have-nots are not allowed to compete in this tournament. That was one of the most ridiculous things I have ever read regarding sports."

Have to say I agree with that one.

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SportsCenter commercials: Looking for a laugh to get you into the weekend mode a little early?

How about some old SportsCenter commercials.

Some of my favorites:

Going up?

The Star Wars characters join ESPN.

The Y2K scare on the SportsCenter set.

The Big Buddy commercial. Stu Scott packs an 8-year-old kid's shot.

A best-of cut.

Here's ESPN's archives. Explore for yourself.

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Good luck to all the teams participating in the CMWS, including the Four Corners Thunder. Enjoy.

Stay true and keep pounding,
Christopher