Buck Martinez's new book "The Changeup"

[TheGrandslamMan]

I just saw this at my library today and picked it up. Have any of you guys read it yet? I hadn't heard anything about him even having a book out until they showed it in the Jays shop on a broadcast about a week or 2 ago. I'm a little surprised that it hasn't been discussed here at all from what I can tell.

 

I haven't had the chance to start it yet but I'm just wondering if anyone else has read it and what they thought. If it's a total stinker I might not even bother.

[43211234]

As it is I already spend too much of my life listening to Buck Martinez.

[Jonn]

I doubt anyone has read it. Buck Martinez isn't exactly well liked around these parts.

[TheGrandslamMan]

Well, I get that. But a huge part of the mans life has revolved around the Blue Jays. A big-ass memoir about his life has to have at least some interesting takes and stories that us die-hards would enjoy and haven't heard before.

 

I'll read it over the next few days and get back to you guys if no one else has bothered to read it yet.

[TheGrandslamMan]

Although since he's still employed by them I'd be willing to bet everything's tame and toned down to the max.

[Jonn]

Well, I get that. But a huge part of the mans life has revolved around the Blue Jays. A big-ass memoir about his life has to have at least some interesting takes and stories that us die-hards would enjoy and haven't heard before.

 

I'll read it over the next few days and get back to you guys if no one else has bothered to read it yet.

 

I actually like Buck Martinez in a colour role. He was never suitable for play by play. If you put him next to a good broadcaster like Dan Shulman you will actually get good stories and pretty good analysis and perspective. Obviously hes going to say things that annoy you still. But he actually has pretty much been everywhere in Baseball. He can hit the nail on the head and than have you saying WTF in the same sentence.

 

Transition him out of play by play and he will be a lot more enjoyable. Especially with Shulman and pretty much anyone not named Pat Tabler.

[TheGrandslamMan]

Nicely put. I couldn't have said it better myself. I watch him with Shulman or when he did the TBS broadcasts and when he wasn't the one "carrying the load" he could actually be quite charming and interesting. He still manages to do this with Tabler sometimes but it's just like it drags on and on through the game. As much as it hurts to say it (as I'm admittedly kind of a homer) I think the blame lies largely with Tabler. I hate to bust his balls cause he seems like a genuinely nice guy but he gets kinda stagnant and redundant during a season.

[TheGrandslamMan]

but even Tabler was a lot better with Shulman too. Maybe it's just kind of a s***** chemistry between the 2?

 

Don't get me wrong, I don't think it's NEARLY as bad as fans make it out to be on Reddit or forums, but together the 2 can be sometimes less than entertaining... to put it nicely.

[TheGrandslamMan]

ahhh...... f*** it. I can't be a hater. Despite their shortcomings they're still our guys and theres still a nostalgia and comfort of hearing the 2 buffoons blaring through my speakers 162 days a year.

[onwego]

but even Tabler was a lot better with Shulman too. Maybe it's just kind of a s***** chemistry between the 2?

 

Don't get me wrong, I don't think it's NEARLY as bad as fans make it out to be on Reddit or forums, but together the 2 can be sometimes less than entertaining... to put it nicely.

 

Agreed that Pat was a better combo with Shulman, a good surprise.

[onwego]

Although since he's still employed by them I'd be willing to bet everything's tame and toned down to the max.

 

Ernie Whitt didn't tone it down in his book while still playing games in which a skewered ump worked Jays games.

[JFD]

but even Tabler was a lot better with Shulman too. Maybe it's just kind of a s***** chemistry between the 2?

 

Don't get me wrong, I don't think it's NEARLY as bad as fans make it out to be on Reddit or forums, but together the 2 can be sometimes less than entertaining... to put it nicely.

 

Buck and Pat together can't have a moment of silence. Always talking all the time every f***ing second and it's rarely anything anyone wants to hear. blah blah blah. That is why I dislike them.

[Brownie19]

I just saw this at my library today and picked it up. Have any of you guys read it yet? I hadn't heard anything about him even having a book out until they showed it in the Jays shop on a broadcast about a week or 2 ago. I'm a little surprised that it hasn't been discussed here at all from what I can tell.

 

I haven't had the chance to start it yet but I'm just wondering if anyone else has read it and what they thought. If it's a total stinker I might not even bother.

 

Sorry - I'd rather stab myself in the eye.

[WONDERBAT]

The reason I got MLB.TV is so I didn't have to listen to Buck Anymore, now i just sync up the game with fan590 audio. I don't think i could ever get through his book.

[Governator]

I'm holding off for Tabler's upcoming page-turner, The Art of Soft Hands

[Effit]

I actually find Buck humorous and entertaining. I love Shulman in the booth, of course..and I make fun of Buck as much as anyone, but the mistakes are part of his charm to me. Things like yesterday's "this game is.. off the wall", you can't get that anywhere else and I actually appreciate it. I enjoy laughing, and Buck and even Tabby do make me laugh. I can see what's going on in the game, I don't need someone to hold my hand through every little detail.

[Brownie19]

I actually find Buck humorous and entertaining. I love Shulman in the booth, of course..and I make fun of Buck as much as anyone, but the mistakes are part of his charm to me. Things like yesterday's "this game is.. off the wall", you can't get that anywhere else and I actually appreciate it. I enjoy laughing, and Buck and even Tabby do make me laugh. I can see what's going on in the game, I don't need someone to hold my hand through every little detail.

 

My issue is they make s*** up all the time. Just stick to the facts.

[CHRIS]

Is the book about having to switch to vodka to mix with his tonic after running out of gin?

[Brownie19]

Is the book about having to switch to vodka to mix with his tonic after running out of gin?

 

Oh man - I love me some Vodka-Tonic.

[Atothe]

Is the book about having to switch to vodka to mix with his tonic after running out of gin?

 

Buck drinks vodka straight. AMATEUR!

[Lil Looper]

Ive said on many occasions how much i like buck and pat

 

I dont want to listen to EXTREME pencil pushers who want everything to a science

I like the old school way of approaching and calling a game

 

Plus pat and buck no use xfip and war and s*** like that sometimes

I get not everyone could be happy but seriously do people here remember old rance and jamie

 

f*** sake guys it could be so much worse

[crazy47larry]

Ive said on many occasions how much i like buck and pat

 

I dont want to listen to EXTREME pencil pushers who want everything to a science

I like the old school way of approaching and calling a game

 

Plus pat and buck no use xfip and war and s*** like that sometimes

I get not everyone could be happy but seriously do people here remember old rance and jamie

 

f*** sake guys it could be so much worse

 

u make it sound like those two made a choice. they screw up on common sense things all the time that doesnt include advanced stats. they can barely get AVG or the schedule or other basic stuff right. and tabler hasnt had an original thought in 10 god damn years.

 

and yes i remember jamie campbell in the booth. for all the flack buck and tabby take they have never been as horrible as jamie + anyone else. even as a desk guy now jamie campbell is still as stiff as a robot and as likeable as a turd.

 

jays havent had a solid booth guy since faulds.