Thursday, August 4, 2011

Here's some random

Hunter Pence's cousin is not happy with Ed Wade.

Would you be interested in learning why, according to Larry (and the Albert Lea Tribune), Pence got traded?
“I couldn’t figure out why you would want to trade your top baseball player,” Larry said, later acknowledging that the Astros didn’t want to resign Hunter, whose contract expires at the end of the season, to an expensive, long-term deal.

The first reason is a somewhat valid point. The contract details are spotty. Might we suggest Cot's Baseball Contracts.

But wait, there's more:
Larry heard on ESPN’s SportsCenter that Hunter could be traded to the Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Phillies or Los Angeles Dodgers. Larry said at the time he preferred the Dodgers because Hunter would get more recognition in a large market, but he’s happy he signed with the Phillies, who are a favorite to win the World Series.

“He’s got more of a chance to be an MVP of a World Series and become a better baseball player,” Pence said. “He’ll have better coaching, which he didn’t have in Houston.”


Better coaching? Or just "coaching," in general?

Larry said Hunter was a “god” in Houston, and at every game over half of the Astros jerseys worn by fans said “Pence” on the back. According to Larry, Hunter’s departure from Houston sparked rumors that he left because there he wouldn’t receive the high-paying contract he demanded. While Hunter is due to make $6.9 million this season, Larry attests his cousin doesn’t care about the money.

“The kid would probably play for $10,000 a year,” Larry said. “Money is not important to him. He’s a baseball freak.”


Of course, there were absolutely no rumors that Pence was demanding a high-paying contract, as it's something he can't control until 2014.

One more:
Hunter stayed in Albert Lea in the fall of 2009 to visit family and friends, and sign baseballs for a charity. Larry, Howard and Hunter planned on going to Diamond Jo Casino in Northwood, Iowa, but before leaving, according to Larry, they asked Hunter if he had any cash. He did — two single dollar bills.

This begs for a folk-art rendering of Hunter Pence holding two single dollar bills on their way to a Minnesota casino. I miss that guy...