LInks for 4/9

After spending a good bit of time trying to come up with a coherent theme for this week’s version of the links, I’ve finally given up. Sometimes, when the internet produces a lot of good stuff, you’ve got to let it speak for itself. And other times, you have to squash it because it’s “annoying”. So, without further ado, the quick links for this week:

• Sunday marks the 60^th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s breaking of the color barrier in 1947. Ken Griffey, Jr. came up with the idea of wearing 42 to honor Robinson, an idea that was quickly picked up on by other African American players and coaches, including Torii Hunter, Rondell White and Jerry White. Sadly, when Torii and others talk about how some players just don’t understand the history, they aren’t exaggerating.
  
  For those who understand the importance of what Jackie Robinson did, the anniversary has sparked conversation about the rapid decline in the number of African Americans in the Majors, whether it’s on the field, in the dugout or in the front office. John Heylar of ESPN.com discusses this situation in an intriguing and fair article.
  



• Scott Ullger has not made many friends so far this year. Then again, that’s what happens when you coach third base like you’ve got money on the other team.



• Does Sidney Ponson’s pitching have you dreaming of minor leaguers? Well, then do I have some links for you: First, there’s Roger’s Minor League Report, then there’s a video of pitching prospect Oswaldo Sosa, as well as one of Erik Lis and Eli Tanto at bats (the first two were as the #9 and #15 prospects in the Twins' farm system).



• Howard Sinker in Section 220 wants to know why the Twins took Johan out of the game on Sunday. And why did neither Dick nor Bert discuss it (not that anyone thought they would)? Of course, I'll take Dick 'n' Bert over ESPN any day of the week, what with their announcers inability to mention Torii without talking about his leaving, their excitement over the Twins' "first" World Series Appearance in 1987 and their theory that Jeter didn't win the batting title because of all the times he gave himself up to move over a runner.
  



• Soooo....time for the Matt Garza Era to begin?