a shortstop named Jan

[pravata]

Astros announced today that the club has signed infielder Jan Baldee from Rotterdam, Nederland (The Netherlands), Holland. ...One of the top middle infielder prospects in Europe, ...
European Scout Mauro Mazzotti ...“... very smooth defensively,” said Mazzotti. “...we project him as a shortstop, he can play anywhere in the infield.”
Baldee will report to Astros minor league Spring Training in Kissimmee, Florida in March.
Link

[Mr. Happy]

Astros announced today that the club has signed infielder Jan Baldee from Rotterdam, Nederland (The Netherlands), Holland. ...One of the top middle infielder prospects in Europe, ...
European Scout Mauro Mazzotti ...“... very smooth defensively,” said Mazzotti. “...we project him as a shortstop, he can play anywhere in the infield.”
Baldee will report to Astros minor league Spring Training in Kissimmee, Florida in March.
Link

Age?

[Bench]

Ah yes, the Unicorns Rotterdam of Neptunus Rotterdam. My favorite team in Europe. Their equipment manager must be quite handy with a bedazzler.

[Bench]

Age?

Exchange rate?

[JimR]

Astros announced today that the club has signed infielder Jan Baldee from Rotterdam, Nederland (The Netherlands), Holland. ...One of the top middle infielder prospects in Europe, ...
European Scout Mauro Mazzotti ...“... very smooth defensively,” said Mazzotti. “...we project him as a shortstop, he can play anywhere in the infield.”
Baldee will report to Astros minor league Spring Training in Kissimmee, Florida in March.
Link

Drayton discovered a hole in the Astros' dike, and he needed a little Dutch boy to plug it.

[MRaup]

Drayton discovered a hole in the Astros' dike, and he needed a little Dutch boy to plug it.

Pam Gardner is leaking?

[Ty in Tampa]

Drayton discovered a hole in the Astros' dike, and he needed a little Dutch boy to plug it.

So many ways to go with this and yet, I'm drawing a blank.

[MusicMan]

Pam Gardner is leaking?

If he's getting a Dutch boy to plug that, then Drayton's clearly led a sheltered life.

[ybbodeus]

All that's missing from these replies is a wooden cleat reference.  Does the inclusion of talent from across the ocean create the need for a BOAT RIDE addition to the BUS RIDE section?

[Astroholic]

All that's missing from these replies is a wooden cleat reference.  Does the inclusion of talent from across the ocean create the need for a BOAT RIDE addition to the BUS RIDE section?

Marsha! Marsha! Marsha!

[pravata]

Age?

17 in December Link

[JimR]

Pam Gardner is leaking?

i would have been very disappointed if someone had not said this.

[astrox]

Pam Gardner is leaking?

Ouch!

[pravata]

All that's missing from these replies is a wooden cleat reference.  Does the inclusion of talent from across the ocean create the need for a BOAT RIDE addition to the BUS RIDE section?

There is also the 17 year old Italian Andrea Lucati with the 90-MPH fastball that they signed last month.  JD likely already has "buongiorno, buonasera, and buonanotte" cued up.

[Astroholic]

There is also the 17 year old Italian Andrea Lucati with the 90-MPH fastball that they signed last month.  JD likely already has "buongiorno, buonasera, and buonanotte" cued up.

Love that Canuck humor.

[Holly]

New Yorker humor, perhaps?

[Gizzmonic]

My name is Jan Janssen, I live in Wisconsin, I work in a lumber mill there-

Astros announced today that the club has signed infielder Jan Baldee from Rotterdam, Nederland (The Netherlands), Holland. ...One of the top middle infielder prospects in Europe, ...
European Scout Mauro Mazzotti ...“... very smooth defensively,” said Mazzotti. “...we project him as a shortstop, he can play anywhere in the infield.”
Baldee will report to Astros minor league Spring Training in Kissimmee, Florida in March.
Link

[Jacksonian]

Hey admins.  We're gonna need some cash to send Duman to Berlitz.  He's got a lot of language learnin' to do before next June.

[Limey]

There is also the 17 year old Italian with a 90-MPH Lucati that they signed last month.

FIFY

[SaltyParker]

17 in December Link

Mozzotti neglects to mention anything about if he can hit

[pravata]

Mozzotti neglects to mention anything about if he can hit

He's 17.  From Holland.  I dont think he "neglected".  Besides, how does OPS from the Honkbal Hoofdklasse usually translate to the MLB US?

[MusicMan]

He's 17.  From Holland.  I dont think he "neglected".

Our 17-year old Dutch points can't hit.  It's an embarassment, I tells ya.

[Holly]

There may be a nickname in place already. To wit:

http://www.knbsb.nl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1052&Itemid=174

"Baldee is de vijfde jonge Nederlandse honkballer die zich in korte tijd aan een Amerikaanse profclub verbindt" (he's the fifth honkballer from the Netherlands to sign with an American team this year).

[pravata]

Our 17-year old Dutch points can't hit.  It's an embarassment, I tells ya.

With a name like Jan, he's going to have to start.  But, I want to know, how does OPS from the Honkbal Hoofdklasse usually translate to MLB?

[Astroholic]

New Yorker humor, perhaps?

Sorry, for some strange reason I though he was born in Canada.  See that it was Massena, NY.

[Holly]

Mozzotti neglects to mention anything about if he can hit

Box scores and other stats from the Kingdom Games:

http://home.wanadoo.nl/harry.wedemeijer/stats07/kkbb07/index.html

[Craig]

There may be a nickname in place already. To wit:

http://www.knbsb.nl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1052&Itemid=174

"Baldee is de vijfde jonge Nederlandse honkballer die zich in korte tijd aan een Amerikaanse profclub verbindt" (he's the fifth honkballer from the Netherlands to sign with an American team this year).

Honk!

Or for Milo, "Honky"

[Duman]

Hey admins.  We're gonna need some cash to send Duman to Berlitz.  He's got a lot of language learnin' to do before next June.

Dang and I had just started learning some Spanish to chat with the Dominicans and Venezuelans.  Reckin with my southern accent, it sounds like I am from south america?

[cougar]

Mozzotti neglects to mention anything about if he can hit

They wanted the international Adam Everett to go along with the American one.

Looking at the stats (a whopping 9 games) he does seem to be able to hit a little bit.  How that translates to the American leagues remains to be seen though.

[strosrays]

He's 17.  From Holland.  I dont think he "neglected".  Besides, how does OPS from the Honkbal Hoofdklasse usually translate to the MLB US?

He's been an inconsistent hitter so far.  Has a big swing, kind of windmills the bat.

Sean Berry thinks he can fix it.  "There are some holes in his swing, but I think we can plug them," said Berry.  And Jose de Jesus Ortiz has suggested since he is Dutch, Baldee should have more extraneous syllables in his name, even if he has to make them up.  Jan Van Der Ten Baldee might work, something like that.

Regards,
stros de los reyes

[VirtualBob]

There may be a nickname in place already. To wit:

http://www.knbsb.nl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1052&Itemid=174

"Baldee is de vijfde jonge Nederlandse honkballer die zich in korte tijd aan een Amerikaanse profclub verbindt" (he's the fifth young honkballer from the Netherlands to sign with an American team this year recently).

FIFY.  Also, I'll volunteer to do the scouting/translation for Duman if there's a travel budget involved.

[jaklewein]

Mozzotti neglects to mention anything about if he can hit

That didn't take long.  They're projecting the kid as a defensive whiz at a position where they value defense.  What more do you need to know?

[Duman]

That didn't take long.  They're projecting the kid as a defensive whiz at a position where they value defense.  What more do you need to know?

I did find a page last night that stated he played 3rd base mostly currently.  Forget where I found it, translated it and read it. So sorry no link.

[Jacksonian]

FIFY.  Also, I'll volunteer to do the scouting/translation for Duman if there's a travel budget involved.

How big's your savings account?

[Holly]

FIFY.  Also, I'll volunteer to do the scouting/translation for Duman if there's a travel budget involved.

Well, that wasn't really a translation, just a recap for those who can't read Dutch. But, thanks. Ik kan Nederlands OK lezen (en zonder Babelfish )

[MusicMan]

How big's your savings account?

When did we veer into "UT coed pickup lines"?

[ybbodeus]

I thought they spoke in terms of trust funds at UT.

[VirtualBob]

Well, that wasn't really a translation, just a recap for those who can't read Dutch. But, thanks. Ik kan Nederlands OK lezen (en zonder Babelfish )

Babelfish is marginally better than nothing ... caveat lector.

[VirtualBob]

When did we veer into "UT coed pickup lines"?

Wasn't that the typical response to a pick-up line rather than the line itself??

[strosrays]

Ah yes, the Unicorns Rotterdam of Neptunus Rotterdam. My favorite team in Europe. Their equipment manager must be quite handy with a bedazzler.

Prior to this, he spent a few seasons in the Hanseatic League, I am pretty sure.

[VirtualBob]

Prior to this, he spent a few seasons in the Hanseatic League, I am pretty sure.

That would make him somewhat older than 17 ... like maybe 17th-century old.

[MusicMan]

That would make him somewhat older than 17 ... like maybe 17th-century old.

Lord Scott of the Bosporas was his agent back then, and sent word via his fastest messengers that young Jan would increase the value of his vassal's lands by tenfold, if not more, ere the first snows would fall.

[#57]

Was just looking around on google searching for a guy i know, Jan baldee. I googled his name and found this forum so i thought i register myself and see what other people(escpecially from the U.S AND astros fans) thought about this.

I was Jan's roommate at the european academy this year( he went to the camp last year, as one of the youngest players) and i think the astros did a good job signing Jan.

Anyways, cool to see how people react towards Jan ( while they don't even know him)

[pravata]

Was just looking around on google searching for a guy i know, Jan baldee. I googled his name and found this forum so i thought i register myself and see what other people(escpecially from the U.S AND astros fans) thought about this.

I was Jan's roommate at the european academy this year( he went to the camp last year, as one of the youngest players) and i think the astros did a good job signing Jan.

Anyways, cool to see how people react towards Jan ( while they don't even know him)

All we know is what we read.  Can he hit?

[#57]

Yes, he can hit

He was 2nd best hitter at the kingdom games and he even pitched a few innings
furthermore he was hitting pretty good in italy. After practise he was hitting with Barry larking in the batting cage and then he was doing a BP with Brice lefebre(dont know if i spelled it right). So that indicates he was one of the best hitters at the camp

[Noe]

Yes, he can hit

He was 2nd best hitter at the kingdom games and he even pitched a few innings
furthermore he was hitting pretty good in italy. After practise he was hitting with Barry larking in the batting cage and then he was doing a BP with Brice lefebre(dont know if i spelled it right). So that indicates he was one of the best hitters at the camp

Excellent!

Thanks for the feedback #57.  Hopefully you'll stick around and catch up with some reports through the minor league system in our Bus Ride forums.  Here is hoping for the best.

[#57]

No problem

I hope he will show what he got at the spring training next march

[strosrays]

Excellent!

Thanks for the feedback #57.  Hopefully you'll stick around and catch up with some reports through the minor league system in our Bus Ride forums.  Here is hoping for the best.

Five-Seven, our European correspondent, who is specifically covering the Astros European signees, in person, in Europe, will be filing preiodic reports, from Europe, exclusively to OWA, on the progress of the Astros current crop of Continental prospects.  You know, the ones in Europe.

Suck on that one for awhile, AD(D).

[MikeyBoy]

Five-Seven, our European correspondent, who is specifically covering the Astros European signees, in person, in Europe, will be filing preiodic reports, from Europe, exclusively to OWA, on the progress of the Astros current crop of Continental prospects.  You know, the ones in Europe.

Suck on that one for awhile, AD(D).

I hope Duman takes this news ok, he's been working so hard on his Flemish.

[VirtualBob]

Five-Seven, our European correspondent, who is specifically covering the Astros European signees, in person, in Europe, will be filing preiodic reports, from Europe, exclusively to OWA, on the progress of the Astros current crop of Continental prospects.  You know, the ones in Europe.

Suck on that one for awhile, AD(D).

Hey!!

I'm about to board a plane for Paris now ... Why can't *I* be the official European scout??  I'll work for way less that A-Rod wants!!!

[Duman]

I hope Duman takes this news ok, he's been working so hard on his Flemish.

They may be in Europe now but they are coming to my town to play ball.  As for language learning, I am still working to adapt my LA (lower Alabama) accent for the East TN dialect. 

Exhibit A: When I was a child and two kids wanted to throw a baseball back and forth, we played "Catch".  Now my son and his friends "pass".  I had always equated "pass" with A: football, B: Dinner (pass the rolls) or C: Refusal (No Thanks, I'll pass).  It never had a baseball connotation until I moved to East Tennessee. 

[MikeyBoy]

As for language learning, I am still working to adapt my LA (lower Alabama) accent for the East TN dialect. 

Flemish might be easier.

[Noe]

Five-Seven, our European correspondent, who is specifically covering the Astros European signees, in person, in Europe, will be filing preiodic reports, from Europe, exclusively to OWA, on the progress of the Astros current crop of Continental prospects.  You know, the ones in Europe.

Suck on that one for awhile, AD(D).

You haven't lived until you've been googled in Dutch.  Take that Ms. Footer!

[Craig]

You haven't lived until you've been googled in Dutch.  Take that Ms. Footer!

For future reference as OWA establishes its international presence, Babelfish says "Orange Whoop Ass" translated into Dutch is "oranje whoopezel."

[austro]

For future reference as OWA establishes its international presence, Babelfish says "Orange Whoop Ass" translated into Dutch is "oranje whoopezel."

OrangeWhoopAss? Expansion to the Netherlands? In hindsight, it's all too obvious; I should have seen it coming earlier. I imagine that Ireland (or at least Protestant Ireland) is next.

[MikeyBoy]

For future reference as OWA establishes its international presence, Babelfish says "Orange Whoop Ass" translated into Dutch is "oranje whoopezel."

Snoop Dogg is Dutch?

[Limey]

For future reference as OWA establishes its international presence, Babelfish says "Orange Whoop Ass" translated into Dutch is "oranje whoopezel."

We may have to organise a major begging campaign to have Spec's add to their list of imports beers.

[Ty in Tampa]

We may have to organise a major begging campaign to have Spec's add to their list of imports beers.

I had a few of those when I was in Amsterdam and brought a glass home for my collection. A tame lager.

[TheWizard]

He was 2nd best hitter at the kingdom games and he even pitched a few innings

The Kingdom Games.. that sounds so epic.  I would expect that instead of entrance music for the batter's box, it would go something like this:

"Now entering the batter's square, Jan Baldee hailing from Rotterdam, the slayer of evil, friend of the righteous, loyal servant of the King in a never ending battle against tyranny and oppression with the strength of 40 men and the powers of 10 warlocks.  Fear the power of thy bat!"

[Limey]

The Kingdom Games.. that sounds so epic.  I would expect that instead of entrance music for the batter's box, it would go something like this:

"Now entering the batter's square, Jan Baldee hailing from Rotterdam, the slayer of evil, friend of the righteous, loyal servant of the King in a never ending battle against tyranny and oppression with the strength of 40 men and the powers of 10 warlocks.  Fear the power of thy bat!"

"And so without further gilding the lily and with no more ado, I give to you, the seeker of serenity, the protector of Italian virginity, the enforcer of our Lord God!  The one... The only..."

[MusicMan]

"And so without further gilding the lily and with no more ado, I give to you, the seeker of serenity, the protector of Italian virginity, the enforcer of our Lord God!  The one... The only..."

"Three shall be the number of the strikes; and the number of the strikes, shall be three.  Five is right out."

[#57]

Musicman,Is that how you talk about someone who will be playing for the Astros?


But the kingdom games where awesome..Link:http://www.koninkrijksspelen2007.nl/
Press skip intro and when you are at the homepage, press English so you guys can read it too(orange thingy)

And to see Jan's picture, go to ''sporten'' -> baseball -> then below: Deelnemers -> Then go all the way down:Deelnemers baseball van Nederland ,click it and Jan will be top left corner.

[Andyzipp]

Limey,Is that how you talk about someone who will be playing for the Astros?

Being British, we ignore just about everything he says.

[#57]

Edited my post, thought limey said the thing about strike three etc. Sry bout that

[T. J.]

Limey,Is that how you talk about someone who will be playing for the Astros?


But the kingdom games where awesome..Link:http://www.koninkrijksspelen2007.nl/
Press skip intro and when you are at the homepage, press English so you guys can read it too(orange thingy)

And to see Jan's picture, go to ''sporten'' -> baseball -> then below: Deelnemers -> Then go all the way down:Deelnemers baseball van Nederland ,click it and Jan will be top left corner.

Or you could just click here:  http://www.koninkrijksspelen.org/2007/index.php?p=109

Seriously, the Astros should sign more of these guys for the names alone.  Steff Droog, Erik Van Dorp, Bjom Hato, Mitchel Koot, Ashwin Rockx??!!

Think about it:  "Return of the Bad Guys with Steff Droog".  The possibilities are endless. 

[MusicMan]

Musicman,Is that how you talk about someone who will be playing for the Astros?

Just an excuse to work in the Python reference.

[#57]

Or you could just click here:  http://www.koninkrijksspelen.org/2007/index.php?p=109

Seriously, the Astros should sign more of these guys for the names alone.  Steff Droog, Erik Van Dorp, Bjom Hato, Mitchel Koot, Ashwin Rockx??!!

Think about it:  "Return of the Bad Guys with Steff Droog".  The possibilities are endless. 

Lmao, signing people just for their names..all teams would be crowded..

[NeilT]

Lmao, signing people just for their names..all teams would be crowded..

Kansas City does it.

[TheWizard]

I think we could use Aschwin Rockx.  Sounds like a killer ale.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

I think we could use Aschwin Rockx.  Sounds like a killer ale.

Is that a beer, a baseball player, or a Die Hard baddie?

[cougar]

Or you could just click here:  http://www.koninkrijksspelen.org/2007/index.php?p=109

Seriously, the Astros should sign more of these guys for the names alone.  Steff Droog, Erik Van Dorp, Bjom Hato, Mitchel Koot, Ashwin Rockx??!!

Think about it:  "Return of the Bad Guys with Steff Droog".  The possibilities are endless. 

That name list reads like a monologue from "A Clockwork Orange".

[strosrays]

I think we could use Aschwin Rockx.  Sounds like a killer ale.

That's me, babbling as I stumble out of Deep Eddie's, or maybe the Liberty Lunch, ere those many years ago.  "Hoooston es okay.  But Aschwin Rockx, man!"

[Tralfaz]

The Express had a player from Holland, third bagger, 2/3 years ago but I can't find his name.  Anyone?

[I'm Richies Dad]

Ivanon Coffie?  Maybe he is from Curacao, which is a territory of Holland.

[#57]

There are some people from the netherlands in america ( who actually just have a dutch ID).
Ivanon is one of them.Andruw jones too ^^

[MusicMan]

Ivanon Coffie?  Maybe he is from Curacao, which is a territory of Holland.

Not quite that simple.  Curucao is part of the Netherlands Antilles, which is a member state of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, along with Aruba and the Netherlands.

So while it is correct to say that Ivanon or Andruw are Dutch citizens, saying they are from the Netherlands is like saying that a Scot is from England.

[Tralfaz]

Coffie was the player in question.  Thanks for the details on the nationality.   I'm still betting he roots for Holland during the World Cup though. 

[Limey]

The Express had a player from Holland, third bagger, 2/3 years ago but I can't find his name.  Anyone?

Dreben.  He was Dutch-Irish.  His father was from Wales.

[MusicMan]

Dreben.  He was Dutch-Irish.  His father was from Wales.

I saw him at this little out-of-the way restaurant.  Served great Viking food.

[TheWizard]

Dreben.  He was Dutch-Irish.  His father was from Wales.

I love me a good dreben on rye bread.. mmmmm.

[ybbodeus]

Dreben.  He was Dutch-Irish.  His father was from Wales.

...and his mother?

[jan baldee]

Hello,

I am Jan Baldee. I am the dutch guy that signed with the astros. And i'm 16 years old and live in rotterdam. I found this site because my friend from the kingdom games told me about it (#57).
if you guys have any quostions than you can ask them

[Noe]

Hello,

I am Jan Baldee. I am the dutch guy that signed with the astros. And i'm 16 years old and live in rotterdam. I found this site because my friend from the kingdom games told me about it (#57).
if you guys have any quostions than you can ask them

It may go without asking, but are you excited about coming to America to play baseball?

More...

• How long have you played baseball?
• Who was your biggest influence to play baseball?
• Do you play other sports, like football (Soccer)?
• Do you have a favorite player in the major leagues (example: Derek Jeter or Andruw Jones, etc.)?
• Did you know about the Houston Astros organization prior to being drafted?

[lc_db]

Hello,

I am Jan Baldee. I am the dutch guy that signed with the astros. And i'm 16 years old and live in rotterdam. I found this site because my friend from the kingdom games told me about it (#57).
if you guys have any quostions than you can ask them

Do you like cheese?

[Limey]

Hello,

I am Jan Baldee. I am the dutch guy that signed with the astros. And i'm 16 years old and live in rotterdam. I found this site because my friend from the kingdom games told me about it (#57).
if you guys have any quostions than you can ask them

What's it like to put a finger in a dyke?

[Phil_in_CS]

What's it like to put a finger in a dyke?

Most of the dykes I know I wouldn't put your finger in, much less mine

[strosrays]

1.) What do you consider your strongest asset as a fielder.  Arm?  Glove?  Range?  The pivot?

2.) Would you consider yourself more a contact hitter?  Or a power hitter?  In between?

3.) Has the book Moneyball been translated into Dutch yet?  Have you read it?  If so, what do you think about it?

4.) If you are contacted by some guy named Bartzilla, ignore him utterly.  Anyone named Justice or Ortiz, as well.  Friendly advice.

5.) WTF ever happened with Herman Brood?  Early on, I thought he had a chance to be big time.  Like. . . Golden Earring big time.  Focus big time.  Then, after one big hit here, nothing.  And WTF was up with that band that sang about Sausalito?  Oh, wait. . . I think they were from Denmark.  That's nearby, right?  Am I making any sense to you?  Or, are you into hip-hop or something else?

6.)  Do they serve tamales in Zwolle over there?  Maybe with BeemsterKaas instead of Monterrey Jack?  Either way, they go down pretty good with a box o' wine.  More friendly advice.

That's all I've got for now, Jan. 

[VirtualBob]

Warning & Welcome

Warning first ... Please do not make the mistake of assuming that anything on this board is written in English or reflects anything approximating sanity.  Case in point below (although questions #1 & #2 may be exceptions).

Welcome to the board ... I am sure others join me in looking forward to your comments and insights.  You may even get an occasional coherent answer to any questions you may post.  :-)

1.) What do you consider your strongest asset as a fielder.  Arm?  Glove?  Range?  The pivot?

2.) Would you consider yourself more a contact hitter?  Or a power hitter?  In between?

3.) Has the book Moneyball been translated into Dutch yet?  Have you read it?  If so, what do you think about it?

4.) If you are contacted by some guy named Bartzilla, ignore him utterly.  Anyone named Justice or Ortiz, as well.  Friendly advice.

5.) WTF ever happened with Herman Brood?  Early on, I thought he had a chance to be big time.  Like. . . Golden Earring big time.  Focus big time.  Then, after one big hit here, nothing.  And WTF was up with that band that sang about Sausalito?  Oh, wait. . . I think they were from Denmark.  That's nearby, right?  Am I making any sense to you?  Or, are you into hip-hop or something else?

6.)  Do they serve tamales in Zwolle over there?  Maybe with BeemsterKaas instead of Monterrey Jack?  Either way, they go down pretty good with a box o' wine.  More friendly advice.

That's all I've got for now, Jan. 

[#57]

5.) WTF ever happened with Herman Brood?  Early on, I thought he had a chance to be big time.  Like. . . Golden Earring big time.  Focus big time.  Then, after one big hit here, nothing.  And WTF was up with that band that sang about Sausalito?  Oh, wait. . . I think they were from Denmark.  That's nearby, right?  Am I making any sense to you?  Or, are you into hip-hop or something else?

Herman Brood commited suicide.

[JackAstro]

Herman Brood commited suicide.

OK, that's a bit of a conversation derailer. Strosrays, you really need to hit the ol' wikipedia before dinner parties.

[Ty in Tampa]

OK, that's a bit of a conversation derailer. Strosrays, you really need to hit the ol' wikipedia before dinner parties.

It does explain the one-hit wonder question, though.

[chuckd]

Welcome JAN. WE look forward to seeing you play. I too am interested in some of the answers to the hitting, strongest area , ect questions. thxs

[jan baldee]

Hello,

Ofcorse I'm exited to come to america.
I play baseball for 7 years.
Nobody was my biggest influence to play baseball. nobody in my family or who I knew plays or play baseball.
No, I don't play any other sports like football or soccer.
Yes my favorite player in the major league is Derek Jeter he is a really great fielder.
Yes ofcorse I knew of the Houston Astros orginisation before I was drafted.
If you have more questions you can ask them.
Greetings,

Jan baldee

[jan baldee]

Hello,

1.) Almost all things what you asked I can do good. I got a good arm, quike hands, and a good range.
2.) I consider myself not as a power hitter and not as a contact hitter but in between
3.) No, Didn't read that book.
4.) why should I have to do that?
5.) No that doesn't make any sense to me, I like more hiphop and r&b music
6.) I don't know what tamales is but I know beemster kaas( Thats nice )

Greetings,

Jan baldee

1.) What do you consider your strongest asset as a fielder.  Arm?  Glove?  Range?  The pivot?

2.) Would you consider yourself more a contact hitter?  Or a power hitter?  In between?

3.) Has the book Moneyball been translated into Dutch yet?  Have you read it?  If so, what do you think about it?

4.) If you are contacted by some guy named Bartzilla, ignore him utterly.  Anyone named Justice or Ortiz, as well.  Friendly advice.

5.) WTF ever happened with Herman Brood?  Early on, I thought he had a chance to be big time.  Like. . . Golden Earring big time.  Focus big time.  Then, after one big hit here, nothing.  And WTF was up with that band that sang about Sausalito?  Oh, wait. . . I think they were from Denmark.  That's nearby, right?  Am I making any sense to you?  Or, are you into hip-hop or something else?

6.)  Do they serve tamales in Zwolle over there?  Maybe with BeemsterKaas instead of Monterrey Jack?  Either way, they go down pretty good with a box o' wine.  More friendly advice.

That's all I've got for now, Jan. 

[#57]

I also had a question in general...

With what kinds of bats do they play in which Class(A, AA, AAA, high school, college etc.)
Because i just saw a short clip of some high school baseball and they were hitting with aliminium bats.
Isn't that dangerous? And why don't they hit with wooden bats?

[Duman]

I also had a question in general...

With what kinds of bats do they play in which Class(A, AA, AAA, high school, college etc.)
Because i just saw a short clip of some high school baseball and they were hitting with aliminium bats.
Isn't that dangerous? And why don't they hit with wooden bats?

All professional leagues use wooden bats.  In High School and college, they use aluminum bats.  The safety has been disputed but most studies show there is no significant risk using aluminum bats. 

It does impact hitting.  A inside pitch that would break a wooden bat can easily go for an extra base hit with an aluminum bat.  That is why there are wood bat leagues for college players to play in during the summers so they can adjust before turning pro. 

The reason high school & colleges use aluminum bats is cost.

[HudsonHawk]

I also had a question in general...

With what kinds of bats do they play in which Class(A, AA, AAA, high school, college etc.)
Because i just saw a short clip of some high school baseball and they were hitting with aliminium bats.
Isn't that dangerous? And why don't they hit with wooden bats?

Professional leagues play with one-piece wood bats.  I think there may be some short-season rookie leagues that play with composite wood bats, but professional bats are all wood.  In high school and college (and pretty much any level below that), metal bats are allowed.  The reason for metal bats is because they are more durable and therefore last longer and are less expensive to provide.  There is, however, movement afoot to go back to wood bats at the college and high school levels, but I don't know how close they are to going back to that.  Most high schools play by NCAA (college) standards, so if colleges go back to wood, high schools will likely follow. 

[#57]

Last year i played in a league with aluminium bats and it was really anoying when they hit that inside pitch and get away with it. This year their bat would just brake.

And do they also use Baum bats for their durability?

[HudsonHawk]

And do they also use Baum bats for their durability?

Baum bats are composite bats, a plastic core surrounded by wood and then coated in urethane resin.  They are not allowed in professional baseball.  Only one-piece wood is allowed.  Composite bats are allowed in college and high school, but are almost never used because aluminum is also allowed and is perferred over composite.

[#57]

Last year my team used Baum bats just to get used to hitting with a wooden bat. If you didn't hit the ball square your hands would - probably - hurt. So now you had to hit the ball right..well you know what i mean.

[juliogotay]

I also had a question in general...

With what kinds of bats do they play in which Class(A, AA, AAA, high school, college etc.)
Because i just saw a short clip of some high school baseball and they were hitting with aliminium bats.
Isn't that dangerous? And why don't they hit with wooden bats?

all of the wood is used to make shoes.

[#57]

And i assume you wear them?

[Taras Bulba]

And i assume you wear them?

Well done.  You'll fit right in.

[Lumpus]

And for the burning question everyone wants to know - why did Anneke van Giersbergen leave The Gathering?

/best female pop vocalist ever

[#57]

I have no idea who that is. Probably someone before i was born.

[JimR]

I have no idea who that is. Probably someone before i was born.

was that yesterday?

[#57]

sort of.

[Froback]

sort of.

Based on your previous posts, I could tell.

(Sorry, that was just too easy, like setting it up on a tee and all)

[#57]

Good for you.