View Full Version : Major League Baseball 2010
... and we're back. This thread should be a busy place in the next few months. The Mets are fading, The Giants are fading, the A's never were, the Mariners look like poop, and the Brewers... lol @ the Brewers. Oh, and the Pirates. LOLOLOL. Love me some Andrew McCutchen though.
At least TO's Twinkies seem to be dong alright... until October.
Who's getting traded?
Where is Roy Oswalt going?
Where is Prince Fielder going?
Do the Padres hold on to A-Gonz as long as they're in it?
and... GO.
comfortablynumb
05-23-2010, 04:08 PM
I had the unfortunate opportunity to listen to the Mets radio broadcasters last night and I couldn't believe how much they were slobbering all over K-Rod. They were even working the shaft with the amount of praise he got. All he did is what any closer should do, keep his team in the lead.
And I almost forgot.
It's no longer Lima Time.
Jose Lima died of a heart attack today at the young age of 37. Lima Time was awesome.
Oh yeah... even though he was a no good Dodger, he was still a pretty awesome individual.
RIP Lima Time
Lazyking
05-23-2010, 05:01 PM
That Sucks . lima was fun Rip lima time.
I didn't listen to the mets broadcast, but K-rod gives me heart problems worse then John Franco did.
TheAman
05-23-2010, 05:03 PM
The Hammer with a walkoff HR!
Al Boo Boo
05-23-2010, 05:22 PM
^ Who's "The Hammer"?
K-Rod sucks. I hate guy. I have no problem with anyone on the Mets... besides him. He just irks me.
It's hilarious that Brad Penny hurt himself hitting a Grand Slam. If I was a Cards fan.... it was totally worth it.
Blade23
05-23-2010, 06:25 PM
It's hilarious that Brad Penny hurt himself hitting a Grand Slam. If I was a Cards fan.... it was totally worth it.
^Is that really what happened? I said it would be funny if he hurt himself during the grand slam when I saw the news that he was going on the DL. That's great stuff.
ESPN analysts said that the Yankees and Red Sox (as always) would be in the front running for Roy Oswalt, however, neither of them really need him. The next tier was the Tigers and Angels. The asking price may be too high for most teams and he may be unaffordable.
It stinks that the Braves missed an opportunity today to pick up another game on the Phillies. Nevertheless, I like the way they're playing baseball right now.
MournDespana
05-23-2010, 06:26 PM
^ lol. I'd take hurting myself to do one professional sport for one day. Seriously. I'd take a blindside QB sack to be in a seahawks uni for two plays. As long as the first was a TD pass.
Al Boo Boo
05-23-2010, 06:30 PM
^Is that really what happened? I said it would be funny if he hurt himself during the grand slam when I saw the news that he was going on the DL. That's great stuff.
I don't know for sure, but its pretty safe to assume. He took a mighty hack.
TheAman
05-23-2010, 07:02 PM
The Hammer is Rob Dibble's nickname for Josh Willingham. BTW, if you've never seen a Nats game on MASN, watch it, solely for Dibble's commentary. Oh, and under no circumstances should people be using the title function for a reply.
Al Boo Boo
05-23-2010, 07:04 PM
You can't strictly use the title section for a reply. You have to add at least two characters to the body of the post. Maybe that's not what you meant.
When I hear "The Hammer"... I do NOT think of Josh Willingham. lol
TheAman
05-23-2010, 07:10 PM
No, what I meant is don't use it period.
And I thought that the "who's the hammer" was a title because the text was so close to the top. This board is going to take some getting used to.
RatedDAL
05-23-2010, 07:35 PM
Go Mets, let's take this series fro the scumbag Yanks.
Blade23
05-23-2010, 07:47 PM
The Hammer is Rob Dibble's nickname for Josh Willingham. BTW, if you've never seen a Nats game on MASN, watch it, solely for Dibble's commentary. Oh, and under no circumstances should people be using the title function for a reply.
Rob Dibble is horrible as a play-by-play broadcaster. I watch MASN all of the time (Nationals and Orioles) and I can't stand listening to him. He's a moron.
By the way, this guy has a problem with Josh Willingham being called "The Hammer"....
http://www.svms.santacruz.k12.ca.us/MMWSTRI3-05/baseball/aaron_hank_2.jpg
j/k....I actually like Willingham. He's one of the guys that I was hoping Atlanta would acquire to play some leftfield.
Al Boo Boo
05-23-2010, 07:49 PM
Psh... And the greatest player of all time has a problem with some kid who hasn't done shit in the league being given his nickname within the first month of the season.
I gag every time I hear "Say Hey"ward. It's lame. And dumb. And offensive.
Son of Shockey
05-23-2010, 07:53 PM
The Hammer is Rob Dibble's nickname for Josh Willingham.
Actually, the Marlins gave him that nickname first. I like Hammer. Better than fuckin' Maybin. Ugh, send that guy down, we HAVE to have someone better for the outfield than him. I miss "Amazing" Alfredo Amezega. :(
Blade23
05-23-2010, 09:25 PM
Psh... And the greatest player of all time has a problem with some kid who hasn't done shit in the league being given his nickname within the first month of the season.
I gag every time I hear "Say Hey"ward. It's lame. And dumb. And offensive.
LOL, it is dumb, I agree (although I haven't heard anyone call him by that name), but offensive? I'm not offended by Josh Willingham being called "The Hammer", I was just busting balls.
By the way, Jason Heyward has been pretty solid throughout the first half of the season so far. I don't think saying "he hasn't done shit" is a fair assessment. I know there's still quite some time to go in the season, but if it weren't for him, the Braves would have absolutely no offense up to this point.
Rogue
05-23-2010, 09:50 PM
Tough night for CC tonight, he just doesn't have it.
I don't know what's happened to the Yanks offense lately, as we cannot get hits with runners on base. Tex is struggling deeper into any season that I can remember seeing, A-Rod's not hitting for power, and we are hurt all the way down the lineup. Our pitching has carried us so far, and has to continue to do so until we can get healthy, and start hitting. I know we will hit, it's just frustrating to see guys as good as Tex and Jeter struggling.
Al Boo Boo
05-23-2010, 09:53 PM
By the way, Jason Heyward has been pretty solid throughout the first half of the season so far. I don't think saying "he hasn't done shit" is a fair assessment. I know there's still quite some time to go in the season, but if it weren't for him, the Braves would have absolutely no offense up to this point.
Andres Torres has been pretty damn good, too. But it's been what... a month and a half? Even if he does great all season... the doesn't deserve to be compared to Willie fucking Mays. Even if he does great NEXT season he doesn't. That's a "consistenly great for 10 years" kind of comparison.
Edit: Plus.. it's not Atlanta's right to take the nickname. Mays isn't theirs. He's ours. If any fangroup gets the right to the nickname its the Giants.
Rogue
05-23-2010, 09:56 PM
I agree with you Boo Boo.
It's like calling Steven Strasburg the " Strasburg Express" before throwing a major league pitch.
lol... you're talking about ONE HUNDRED at bats.
Holy small sample size, Batman.
I mean, that's real nice, and I'm going to let you finish... but, Willie Mays is like one of the Top 3 players of ALL TIME.
Rogue
05-23-2010, 10:03 PM
lol... you're talking about ONE HUNDRED at bats.
Holy small sample size, Batman.
I mean, that's real nice, and I'm going to let you finish... but, Willie Mays is like one of the Top 3 players of ALL TIME.
Thank you Carlos Westican
doublehelix
05-23-2010, 10:14 PM
the A's never were
I was going to respond to this with something referring to a certain sweep of a certain Bay Area team by a certain other Bay Area team but then I remembered that over the last couple of days I've gotten really excited about the addition/return of Coco Crisp and Mark Ellis because of their potential offensive contributions, so....
On a genuinely optimistic note, in 3 of his last 4 games, Ben Sheets has gone 6+, allowed 2 runs or fewer, and struck out 8 while walking less than 2. Yippee.
KeenanField
05-23-2010, 10:19 PM
The Giant's had been playing so well too, I still think that they have the best pitching staff in the league, and If they get some more offense other than Panda they have a legit chance if not this year, then next year at a playoff run
At least TO's Twinkies seem to be dong alright... until October.
This is why I support the idea of bi-weekly doubleheaders. Shortens the season, so the POs can start in September. Maybe breaks the curse that way.
This team is so confusing. Win 15-3 Firday (7 run first, was at the game until my Brewer fan friend asked if we could leave in the 6th), give up 5 runs in the 9th the night after only to eke out an 8-7 win, and then strand 13 on base to lose by one today. Odd series.
doublehelix
05-23-2010, 11:34 PM
The Giant's had been playing so well too, I still think that they have the best pitching staff in the league, and If they get some more offense other than Panda they have a legit chance if not this year, then next year at a playoff run
I've actually been thinking the last couple of days about this, and what would Zuma, Boo Boo, etc. think about the chances of the Giants trading for Jack Cust? He obviously isn't the premier bat that will fix everything forever but t's interesting to think about. I get the impression Cust really wants to be in the Bay Area. He isn't in the A's' long-term plans, with the trio of Ryan Sweeney, Michael Taylor, and Chris Carter likely to take over the DH + corner OF spots--the DFA to start the season is more than enough proof of that. He's a butcher in the outfield but he swings a much better bat than Mark DeRosa. Assuming they're still in contention, the Giants are probably the best fit if the A's are interested in shopping him.
Al Boo Boo
05-23-2010, 11:39 PM
Considering that A's DFA'd him and obviously he isn't in their plans, as you said, I wouldn't want to give up shit for him. Cash or PTBNL, sure. But I wouldn't even give up a top 30 prospect for him. I really don't think he'd be able to hit at Mays Field... plus... last time he played RF here he gave up an inside-the-parker to Schierholtz.
I've thought about it... just doesn't work out. The Giants don't like players like him, anyway.
Now.. if you do want to work out a trade... we'd dearly like to have Rajai back now that you've groomed him a little more.
CharlieMac
05-23-2010, 11:45 PM
I thought for sure with the board down and no "LOP curse" to screw him that Dice-K would pull off the no-hitter Saturday night. No dice.
doublehelix
05-23-2010, 11:46 PM
Considering that A's DFA'd him and obviously he isn't in their plans, as you said, I wouldn't want to give up shit for him. Cash or PTBNL, sure. But I wouldn't even give up a top 30 prospect for him.
Oh, yeah, I'm definitely not talking a blockbuster deal or anything. I'm not going "HEY GUYS HOW 'BOUT CUST FOR BUMGARNER???" It's just an idea I've been tossing around in my own head--he's the odd man out over the next year or two, you guys could use a bat, and giving Beane-o the chance to work some PTBNL magic instead of just letting him walk would be pretty cool. The idea of him playing in the field everyday is pretty horrifying, though.
KeenanField
05-24-2010, 12:04 AM
I thought for sure with the board down and no "LOP curse" to screw him that Dice-K would pull off the no-hitter Saturday night. No dice.
My sentiments exactly!
RatedDAL
05-24-2010, 01:21 AM
Beating the yankees makes up for the misery, somewhat. Go Mets
cﾘnical
05-24-2010, 01:53 AM
Beating the yankees makes up for the misery, somewhat. Go Mets
Agreed. Should have been a damn sweep, though. Takahashi OWNED the Yanks in Game 1. If only someone could hit!
I now it's stupid, but this series has given me a newfound sense of hope. It could be the beginning of a nice little run. We really need one of those at this point in the season.
Lazyking
05-24-2010, 02:03 AM
Finally, some light at the end of the tunnel!
Villiano 187
05-24-2010, 02:06 AM
Surprisingly, the Reds are in contention in the NL Central. With injury problems in the Cardinal rotation, I see Cincy taking 1st place back within the next few games.
4 out of the 5 in the starting rotation are doing stellar. Bronson Arroyo, Johnny Cueto, and Mike Leake have been superb, while Homer Bailey has come along lately. The only weak link in the Reds rotation is the number one guy, Aaron Harang.
I want the Reds to get Roy Oswalt. Trade Harang before anyone notices how much he sucks, and throw in Johnny Gomes or Drew Stubbs for added incentive. If the Reds get Oswalt, I see them in the World Series.
Surprisingly, the Reds are in contention in the NL Central. With injury problems in the Cardinal rotation, I see Cincy taking 1st place back within the next few games.
4 out of the 5 in the starting rotation are doing stellar. Bronson Arroyo, Johnny Cueto, and Mike Leake have been superb, while Homer Bailey has come along lately. The only weak link in the Reds rotation is the number one guy, Aaron Harang.
I want the Reds to get Roy Oswalt. Trade Harang before anyone notices how much he sucks, and throw in Johnny Gomes or Drew Stubbs for added incentive. If the Reds get Oswalt, I see them in the World Series.
Problem is getting Oswalt would be nice, but Starting pitching isn't really our biggest issue. I would rather us get a legit batter or Relief pitching.
cﾘnical
05-24-2010, 02:14 AM
And I almost forgot.
It's no longer Lima Time.
Jose Lima died of a heart attack today at the young age of 37. Lima Time was awesome.
I forgot to comment on this, also.
He may have been dreadful for us on his comeback tour, but I always loved that guy. He always had a passion for the game and was funny as hell. I bet Jim Rome is crushed.
Also, 37 is WAY too damned young to die.
Villiano 187
05-24-2010, 02:39 AM
Problem is getting Oswalt would be nice, but Starting pitching isn't really our biggest issue. I would rather us get a legit batter or Relief pitching.
Are you seriously telling me you wouldn't take Roy fucking Oswalt? Seriously?
The Reds have the bats. Scotty Rolen, Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Brandon Phillips, all pounding the leather off the ball. Gomes has been hitting well the past week and Drew Stubbs has been a beastcat with runners in scoring position.
I'd also trade away Nick Massett and Fransicso Cordero for a middle relief pitcher and a utility type of player or cash. Move old man Arthur Rhodes to the closing role. That brother has been lights out this year, and I think he still has enough gas in the tank to thrive as the Reds closer.
Are you seriously telling me you wouldn't take Roy fucking Oswalt? Seriously?
I'd also trade away Nick Massett and Fransicso Cordero for a middle relief pitcher and a utility type of player or cash. Move old man Arthur Rhodes to the closing role. That brother has been lights out this year, and I think he still has enough gas in the tank to thrive as the Reds closer.
I would love to have Oswalt I was just saying he isn't the biggest need. Problem is Massett and Cordero hasn't what you would call constant this year, and that will hurt there trade value.
Also Vil what is your thoughts on Chapman? I heard he is still struggling with his control, and i've heard some people mention they should start him in the bullpen since they have a solid core of staring pitching. What is your thoughts? I like the idea, because it would give us a nice boost to our bullpen if he can work out his command problems.
Villiano 187
05-24-2010, 02:51 AM
I would love to have Oswalt I was just saying he isn't the biggest need. Problem is Massett and Cordero hasn't what you would call constant this year, and that will hurt there trade value.
Also Vil what is your thoughts on Chapman? I heard he is still struggling with his control, and i've heard some people mention they should start him in the bullpen since they have a solid core of staring pitching. What is your thoughts? I like the idea, because it would give us a nice boost to our bullpen if he can work out his command problems.
I'd trade Cordero and Massett for cash or the infamous PTBNL. That's seriously how badly I want the Reds to be rid of them.
Not 100% certain on this, but didn't the Yankees bring Joba Chamberlain up from the minors and put him in middle relief? I think it worked out good for them, so why not try the same thing with Chapman? If he sucks, just send him back down to Lousville.
What do you think of Arthur Rhodes as the closer?
I'd trade Cordero and Massett for cash or the infamous PTBNL. That's seriously how badly I want the Reds to be rid of them.
Not 100% certain on this, but didn't the Yankees bring Joba Chamberlain up from the minors and put him in middle relief? I think it worked out good for them, so why not try the same thing with Chapman? If he sucks, just send him back down to Lousville.
What do you think of Arthur Rhodes as the closer?
I like the idea, because Cordero hasn't what you would call many safe saves this year. Something needs to be done since they bullpen just hasn't got it done this year.
Villiano 187
05-24-2010, 03:05 AM
It's not the whole bull pen, just a few guys that Dusty keeps giving chances and they fuck up. Don't put Cordero in the game with a runner on base, don't pitch Mike Lincoln past the 8th inning, and send Massett down to Chattanooga. Use Micah Owings more in the set up role, bring up Chapmanand use him in middle relief, and use Rhodes as the closer.
Problem fixed.
RatedDAL
05-24-2010, 06:33 AM
Agreed. Should have been a damn sweep, though. Takahashi OWNED the Yanks in Game 1. If only someone could hit!
I now it's stupid, but this series has given me a newfound sense of hope. It could be the beginning of a nice little run. We really need one of those at this point in the season.
This Phillies series is a Huge one obviously especially since they don't have Halladay pitching although i guess the Bucs and red sox would say that might not be a good thing, 25 wins my ass.
Need to take 2 out of 3 at least to pick up at least a game and we definetly need to start playing better on the road
Blade23
05-24-2010, 06:43 AM
Andres Torres has been pretty damn good, too. But it's been what... a month and a half? Even if he does great all season... the doesn't deserve to be compared to Willie fucking Mays. Even if he does great NEXT season he doesn't. That's a "consistenly great for 10 years" kind of comparison.
lol... you're talking about ONE HUNDRED at bats.
Holy small sample size, Batman.
I mean, that's real nice, and I'm going to let you finish... but, Willie Mays is like one of the Top 3 players of ALL TIME.
WHO is comparing him to Willie Mays? Not me, nor have I seen any other fans, analysts, etc. compare Jason Heyward to Willie Mays. Taking a nickname and applying it to another player does not mean that they are comparing the two players.
You two are bitching and moaning over a nickname, then stretching it to the fact that he's been compared to Willie Mays. That would be absolutely foolish to do and I have yet to see it done this year.
Edit: Plus.. it's not Atlanta's right to take the nickname. Mays isn't theirs. He's ours. If any fangroup gets the right to the nickname its the Giants.
So the 100 fans that attend Atlanta games regularly have offended you that much by "stealing" a nickname? Perhaps they didn't get the copyright memo.
In other news, the Washington Nationals have jumped into the Roy Oswalt talks. The Nationals are making a serious run to stay competitive in the NL East. Should be interesting.
RatedDAL
05-24-2010, 06:47 AM
This NL East is so jumbled nobody is totally out of it, 1.5 games separate the braves and mets in 2nd and 5th place.
If the Mets can't do it i just hope someone catches the phillies
Blade23
05-24-2010, 08:16 AM
The NL East is pretty even right now. It will basically come down to one team putting together a prolonged hot streak. That's what I was hoping Atlanta could do, as they play the Pirates in 6 of their next 9 games. Over the next two weeks, they will also have crucial series against the Marlins and Phillies.
Speaking of the Phillies, they are scouting both Bobby Jenks and JJ Putz. It shows that they are concerned about their bullpen situation.
JJJJShabado
05-24-2010, 08:27 AM
And who is calling Heyward the Say Hey Kid? There's been talk of calling him the J-Hey Kid [i.e. his name http://sportscrack.blogspot.com/2010/03/jason-heyward-j-hey-kid-shirt.html. Willie Mays his the Say Hey Kid and there no changing that, and he has that for a reason. It's allusionary, which is fine and its not saying Heyward=Mays.
Brewers calling up Braddick shows that their panicing (as they should), because there's no one on the fucking team that can save a game anymore successfully. 12 losses in which the Brewers lead the game going into the 8th inning now. fuck
at least they can still hit though, hey Giants?
Blade23
05-24-2010, 10:52 AM
What's the deal with this John Axford guy that saved the game yesterday slap? I checked out his stats, but he hasn't really pitched much this year. Is he worthy of actually taking over the closer role or was it just a quick fix to another blown save opportunity yesterday (I've never seen him pitch)?
I'm asking because I have Trevor Hoffman on my fantasy team and the lack of saves is killing me. I always look for bargain closers in a draft at the bottom, instead of spending a ton at the top. I currently have Dotel, Rauch, Aardsma, and Clippard (he doesn't pick up saves, but is a stud in other categories) in my bullpen. I've benched Hoffman in favor of Evan Meek to simply save my ERA and WHIP categories (which Hoffman has destroyed). I also have Lidge on the DL, but it doesn't appear that he may be coming back 100%. Just looking for other options.
quick fix to another blown save opportunity
Hoffman said he got his shit together so I'm sure Macha will march him back out there sooner than later. Even if Hoff isn't back, the bulk of the saves (that the brewers will blow) will ultimately go to Villaneuava and now Braddick.
drchannard
05-24-2010, 11:39 AM
It's not the whole bull pen, just a few guys that Dusty keeps giving chances and they fuck up. Don't put Cordero in the game with a runner on base, don't pitch Mike Lincoln past the 8th inning, and send Massett down to Chattanooga. Use Micah Owings more in the set up role, bring up Chapmanand use him in middle relief, and use Rhodes as the closer.
Problem fixed.
I wouldn't put Cordero in at all at this point. He's not worth half the salary they're paying him. You're right in your assessment in putting Rhodes in as the closer, he's just been that good this year.
I'm curious to see what they'll do with Homer's injury. Hopefully it's not bad but I wonder if this means Chapman will be called up sooner than later.
Blade23
05-24-2010, 11:59 AM
I wouldn't put Cordero in at all at this point. He's not worth half the salary they're paying him. You're right in your assessment in putting Rhodes in as the closer, he's just been that good this year.
Keep in mind the situations that Arthur Rhoades has seen as well. He's the left-handed specialist/set-up man, so he's been given favorable match-ups throughout the season. I know that he's been used as a closer in the past with mixed results. Its worth a try, while Francisco Cordero figures things out, but I don't think that its a long-term solution. Cordero is in a similar situation to Trevor Hoffman in Milwaukee. Both are proven closers, but are hitting rough patches so far this season. I don't think you give up on guys like that, you just have to give them time to figure things out.
Cordero is in a similar situation to Trevor Hoffman in Milwaukee. Both are proven closers, but are hitting rough patches so far this season. I don't think you give up on guys like that, you just have to give them time to figure things out.Exactly.
Worse comes to worse, you DL the guy for half a month or a month, making a up BS injury, and give him ample time to get his shit together.
Blade23
05-24-2010, 12:14 PM
^Yes, there's no need to completely panic over the situation. At least the Reds have better options to work with, where as the Brewers are kind of stuck in this situation. Cordero and Hoffman are not first year closers, they're simply going through rough patches in the season. They'll come around, you just have to be patient and hope that they don't push your team out of contention (which is why you give them time to work things out in earlier innings or on the DL).
drchannard
05-24-2010, 12:49 PM
They'll come around, you just have to be patient and hope that they don't push your team out of contention (which is why you give them time to work things out in earlier innings or on the DL).
Herein lies the problem. I don't think you wait around and hope that things work themselves out as you might effectively eliminate yourself from playoff contention. I realize it's a long season but how many wins can you honestly forgo waiting for things to get back on track?
I'm also concerned with Dusty's poor choices on how to use the bullpen.
so if a proven closer, or middle man, or starting pitcher has a rough stretch, you're saying cut them immediately.
ok
Al Boo Boo
05-24-2010, 01:04 PM
I'm also concerned with Dusty's poor choices on how to use the bullpen.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x276/albooboo33/1274714218954.jpg
drchannard
05-24-2010, 01:10 PM
Cut them? No, never said anything about cutting them.
Demote them, give them a different role on the team, do what needs to be done to make your team better and not cost yourself 15-20 wins.
Blade23
05-24-2010, 01:10 PM
Herein lies the problem. I don't think you wait around and hope that things work themselves out as you might effectively eliminate yourself from playoff contention. I realize it's a long season but how many wins can you honestly forgo waiting for things to get back on track?
I'm also concerned with Dusty's poor choices on how to use the bullpen.
I'm not sure that you understand what I'm trying to say....
Put Arthur Rhoades in as the closer for right now, I agree with that decision. However, don't be surprised if he doesn't succeed in the role because he'll be facing every batter now, instead of just lefties. During this time, allow Francisco Cordero to work the 7th and/or 8th innings to figure out the problem. Once the problem is fixed, reinsert him into the closers role.
Ultimately, you're attempting to give up on a closer that has saved 87 games for the Reds in 2+ seasons (during which time he's only blown 13 saves). You realize that he's converted 14 out of 17 save opportunities so far this year correct (that's over 80% as a success rate)? If anything, Cincinnati should look into the rest of their bullpen (i.e. Nick Massett) before giving up on someone like Francisco Cordero.
At least Cincinnati has options, Milwaukee has no other alternatives to ride out Trevor Hoffman's rough patch. Nevertheless, they shouldn't cut one of the best closers in baseball history simply because he had a rough April/May.
Cut them? No, never said anything about cutting them.
Demote them, give them a different role on the team, do what needs to be done to make your team better and not cost yourself 15-20 wins....but whatever you do, don't give them a chance to get their shit together and make it right, even if they've been solid for the jist of their careers. Is that what you're saying?
TheKorean
05-24-2010, 01:32 PM
The NL East is pretty even right now. It will basically come down to one team putting together a prolonged hot streak. That's what I was hoping Atlanta could do, as they play the Pirates in 6 of their next 9 games. Over the next two weeks, they will also have crucial series against the Marlins and Phillies.
Speaking of the Phillies, they are scouting both Bobby Jenks and JJ Putz. It shows that they are concerned about their bullpen situation.Octavio Dotel should be a cheap option for the Phillies.
drchannard
05-24-2010, 01:35 PM
...but whatever you do, don't give them a chance to get their shit together and make it right, even if they've been solid for the jist of their careers. Is that what you're saying?
If Rhodes or another closer comes in and does it better this year, no, I wouldn't take the chance and give them their job back until the said person who is doing it better starts to struggle.
And Blade23, I think we do agree. Yes, I realize he's only had 3 BS this year but he's only had 10 total in the last two years combined so he's a 3rd of the way there. Also, opponents are batting 40 points higher this year against him and he's given up 10 ER which is only 6 less than all of last year. He also has 3 losses and I'm pretty sure at least 1 of those isn't from a BS which means he wasn't able to hold a tie when he came in.
You guys know as well as I do that any sport is a "what have you done for me lately" deal and age counts against you. If it didn't, why isn't Pedro Martinez pitching for anyone this year yet?
If Rhodes or another closer comes in and does it better this year, no, I wouldn't take the chance and give them their job back until the said person who is doing it better starts to struggle.I agree that if someone else significantly outperforms them in the role, then yes, find something else for them, but it has to be significant, not just an ok job.
Anyone else think the Nationals are for real and a legit decent team? I do. I like them all the way around sans their starting rotation, but that's about to get significantly better in a couple of weeks...
TheKorean
05-24-2010, 01:50 PM
I like their bullpen. Except Bruney. He still sucks.
I agree that if someone else significantly outperforms them in the role, then yes, find something else for them, but it has to be significant, not just an ok job.
Anyone else think the Nationals are for real and a legit decent team? I do. I like them all the way around sans their starting rotation, but that's about to get significantly better in a couple of weeks...
If this team lands Oswalt they could be extra scary. Specially with Straburgs call up coming sooner then later.
Villiano 187
05-24-2010, 05:18 PM
The Nationals getting Oswalt would put them over the top in the NL East.
I still want Oswalt in a Reds uniform though.
On Cordero, I'm just frustrated with him and the bull pen. Blade, I know you saw the massive collapse last week against the Braves in the 9th. Good teams don't collapse like that, and that's why I am worried.
RatedDAL
05-24-2010, 09:08 PM
I like their bullpen. Except Bruney. He still sucks.
Bruney got designated for assignment i believe
TheKorean
05-24-2010, 09:11 PM
Good move. Getting him from the Yankees and taking him straight to arbitration was hilarious.
Nationals are rebuilding the right way.
Blade23
05-24-2010, 09:34 PM
And Blade23, I think we do agree. Yes, I realize he's only had 3 BS this year but he's only had 10 total in the last two years combined so he's a 3rd of the way there. Also, opponents are batting 40 points higher this year against him and he's given up 10 ER which is only 6 less than all of last year. He also has 3 losses and I'm pretty sure at least 1 of those isn't from a BS which means he wasn't able to hold a tie when he came in.
Ultimately what I'm saying is don't give up on the guy just yet. Let him work things out and he'll return as a solid closer. What happens if the other options (i.e. Rhodes) falters? Cordero will be fine in the long run.
On Cordero, I'm just frustrated with him and the bull pen. Blade, I know you saw the massive collapse last week against the Braves in the 9th. Good teams don't collapse like that, and that's why I am worried.
You mean this....
http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100520/capt.749a0393d0414b3797ab09472e1c2d5d-749a0393d0414b3797ab09472e1c2d5d-0.jpg
or this....
http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100520/capt.7c60235a4dd94c0aacfab39c56452953-462890d14cdc4c0390983883536a3a30-0.jpg
and finally, this....
http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100520/capt.4704bb34c0c74df0a397315fa73473be-4704bb34c0c74df0a397315fa73473be-0.jpg
Yeah, I may have seen it :).
In all seriousness, that wasn't just the fault of Francisco Cordero. The ONLY guy that did his job in that bullpen was Arthur Rhodes, by striking out Jason Heyward. The bullpen as a whole blew that game and Lance Nix didn't help much either.
By the way, you guys are awfully excited about the Washington Nationals and I think its a bit premature. Lets quickly look at the facts....
12-11 against the NL East (solid, but they've played poorly against the rest of the NL)
overachieving players (i.e. Clippard, Capps, Rodriguez, Bernadina, Hernandez, etc.)
already overworked bullpen (i.e. Clippard)
overachieving "ace" (i.e. Hernandez)
injured "ace" (i.e. Marquis)
unproven "savior" (i.e. Strasburg)
I think the Nationals have a solid base for the future, with some studs on their team (i.e. Zimmerman, Strasburg, Desmond, etc.), but I don't think they'll be in it for the long run this season. There are going to be one or two teams that give the Phillies a run in the NL East and I simply don't think that Nationals are one of them.
RatedDAL
05-24-2010, 09:36 PM
I agree Blade, i think the nats when everything is said and done probably end up in the basement of the NL East
Blade23
05-24-2010, 09:40 PM
I'll be honest, I actually like the Nationals as a team and I like the direction that they're heading in. Nevertheless, I don't see this run being something long term. They kind of remind me of the Rays, as they started building a nucleus with all of the first round picks.
The Nationals always give the Braves trouble, regardless of how well they're playing in the season. The last thing I want to see them do is build an actual franchise :icon_wink:
RatedDAL
05-24-2010, 09:54 PM
Picking at the top of the draft especially with guys like strasburg and harper in the draft is definetly going to benefit them.
I'll be honest, I actually like the Nationals as a team and I like the direction that they're heading in. Nevertheless, I don't see this run being something long term. They kind of remind me of the Rays, as they started building a nucleus with all of the first round picks.
The Nationals always give the Braves trouble, regardless of how well they're playing in the season. The last thing I want to see them do is build an actual franchise :icon_wink:^ I agree with this. I think next year, especially if the Nats add a decent SP, the Nats will contend.
Brewers have till Saturday to decide on Chris Capuano, who's tearing up AAA right now. I hope they spend the whopping $400K and fucking bring him up. WTF can it hurt?
Uncle Joe
05-25-2010, 07:56 AM
Zimmerman is the man, even though he's on the Nats and a Jew.
cereal
05-25-2010, 09:12 AM
I'm kinda surprised at the blue jays start while not awesome not bad. However just give them 2 weeks and they'll completely fall apart again.
TheAman
05-25-2010, 10:34 AM
You really think they're going to end up in the basement? I can understand you not thinking they'll be in the pennant race at the end...but the basement? They're adding Strasburg June 4, Wang at the end of June, Jordan Zimmermann in August, and who knows who else.
Marquis sucked this year, he was never the ace, so I dunno what you're talking about there. You can say Livan overachieved, that's fine. Bernadina overachieved? Besides the 2-HR game, what has he done? You're right about the bullpen being stretched a bit thin, but that's why they brought up the reinforcements in the form of Drew Storen.
And yes, they have a good base, Zimmerman is the best 3B in the National League, and when their rotation at the end of September, barring injuries, will be Strasburg, Zimmermann, Wang, Lannan, Livan....that's pretty intimidating. So I will make major bets that the Nats will not be in the cellar at the end of the season.
More Posey news...
Giants GM Brian Sabean to the San Francisco Chronicle on catcher prospect Buster Posey on Monday: "There are a lot of sides to it. He is catching, he is playing first base and he is swinging the bat in a (hitters') league where it's tough to evaluate a high average. We can't see how Posey would immediately fit in as regards to playing time. We want an idea that he's going to get significant time. In this snapshot, it's not presenting itself yet."
The Giants see Posey's Triple-A numbers (.344 with five homers, 28 RBI, 28 runs, one steal, .435 OBP, .525 SLUG, 25 walks and 29 strikeouts in 160 at-bats) as a product of a hitter-friendly league. They could call him up to make him the starting first baseman, moving Aubrey Huff to left full time, but it is doubtful they bench veteran catcher Bengie Molina anytime soon, especially with the work he does with the pitching staff on a contender. Consider Posey a potential June callup still and one that is becoming more likely to be an everyday player once he arrives.
see...Huff may go to left, LIKE I SAID.
stupid Giants fans don't know their own team...
RatedDAL
05-25-2010, 06:45 PM
You really think they're going to end up in the basement? I can understand you not thinking they'll be in the pennant race at the end...but the basement? They're adding Strasburg June 4, Wang at the end of June, Jordan Zimmermann in August, and who knows who else.
Marquis sucked this year, he was never the ace, so I dunno what you're talking about there. You can say Livan overachieved, that's fine. Bernadina overachieved? Besides the 2-HR game, what has he done? You're right about the bullpen being stretched a bit thin, but that's why they brought up the reinforcements in the form of Drew Storen.
And yes, they have a good base, Zimmerman is the best 3B in the National League, and when their rotation at the end of September, barring injuries, will be Strasburg, Zimmermann, Wang, Lannan, Livan....that's pretty intimidating. So I will make major bets that the Nats will not be in the cellar at the end of the season.
The Mets are in the basement right now and are 1.5 games out of 2nd place, finishing last doesn't necessarily mean they lose 100 games. I think they'll finish something like 77-85 and in last.
Blade already mentioed all the players playing abover their normal capabilities, not crazy to think most of em come back to earth.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x276/albooboo33/1274714218954.jpg
lololol --- that's why the Giants ran Baker out of town in the first place. He overworks pitchers and mismanages bullpens. He's got no clue what he's doing when it comes to pitching.
More Posey news...
see...Huff may go to left, LIKE I SAID.
stupid Giants fans don't know their own team...
There's a big ass difference between now and when we last talked about it though, which has changed the entire situation - and that's the fact that Mark DeRosa's wrist is apparently made out of spaghetti. He's been on the DL, retro to last week - and when he comes back next week they're going to give him a shot to play. If he can't play, then I can see them making the move to put Huff in LF and bring up Posey. However ---- I doubt that would even happen now because I heard Bochy himself say he's considering putting Huff in LF, moving Panda to 1B, Sanchez to 3B, and playing Uribe at 2B. Juan Uribe is leading the team in RIBEYEZ and is as of now a bench player with F. Sanchez back. He's the best hitter on the team, and he's without a position - so it's way more likely that Huff moves to left to make room for Uribe than to make room for Posey.
If DeRosa can play, there's definitely no room for Posey. Sabean is a fucking idiot, and couldn't evaluate minor league talent if it hit a home run out of the stadium and broke his car windows. I would love to see Posey in a G's uni real soon, but without Molina (or at least another vet) getting hurt, right now there's nowhere to play him so he's not coming.
Blade23
05-25-2010, 09:02 PM
You really think they're going to end up in the basement? I can understand you not thinking they'll be in the pennant race at the end...but the basement? They're adding Strasburg June 4, Wang at the end of June, Jordan Zimmermann in August, and who knows who else.
Did I say that the Nationals would end up in the basement? No, I absolutely didn't. I simply said that I don't see them staying with the pack for the entire season. The NL East is very unpredictable right now, for all I know, the Braves could easily end up in the basement. I just don't see the Nationals continuing this run throughout the entire season.
Marquis sucked this year, he was never the ace, so I dunno what you're talking about there. You can say Livan overachieved, that's fine. Bernadina overachieved? Besides the 2-HR game, what has he done? You're right about the bullpen being stretched a bit thin, but that's why they brought up the reinforcements in the form of Drew Storen.
He has pitched in three games so far this year, before hitting the DL. Its a little hard to access his season's value on three games. Plus, don't act as if he wasn't signed by the Nationals in the offseason to be the veteran ace of the staff, because that was boasted. Especially coming off of an all-star season in Colorado. If he was intended to be the ace coming into this season, then who was? Marquis is a decent pitcher, but only as a #4 or #5 at best.
Roger Bernadina is producing pretty well at the bottom of the Nationals' line-up as a rookie. If he slumps, then who do you put in rightfield? He's been pretty solid so far this year and has overachieved in my opinion.
And yes, they have a good base, Zimmerman is the best 3B in the National League, and when their rotation at the end of September, barring injuries, will be Strasburg, Zimmermann, Wang, Lannan, Livan....that's pretty intimidating. So I will make major bets that the Nats will not be in the cellar at the end of the season.
First, the one consistent on the Nationals' team is Ryan Zimmerman. The rest are either role players (i.e. Dunn, Willingham, etc.) or up-and-coming rookies (i.e. Desmond, etc.). Secondly, you guys are putting a lot of reliance on a guy who has yet to step foot in the majors (i.e. Stephen Strasburg). He's going to be good, but everyone is acting as if he'll be an immediate savior to that rotation as a mid-season call-up. You can't expect a rookie to carry a rotation, coming up in mid-season....I don't care how good you expect them to be down the road.
And that rotation does not scare me in the slightest....
Stephen Strasburg (will take rookie bumps)
Jordan Zimmerman (3-5, 4.63 ERA)
Chien-Ming Wang (coming back from shoulder surgery in his pitching arm)
John Lannan (1-2, 5.55 ERA)
Livan Hernandez (extreme overachiever right now)
What is scary there? Hernandez is the only stud as of right now and he'll most likely come back to Earth. Strasburg will put up good starts every 5th day, but do you think that Nationals will be dumb enough to overpitch such an investment?
That doesn't even cover their bullpen, which is sketchy beyond Clippard and Capps (by the way, Clippard is already overworked and Capps is starting to come back down to Earth as well).
Ultimately, I don't think they'll finish in the basement, but I wouldn't be surprised to see them finish with a record below .500 and I definitely don't see them making a run at the NL East title or the playoffs.
see...Huff may go to left, LIKE I SAID
That would be foolish on the Giants' part. Huff is at the age where he is more of an everyday firstbaseman, then outfielder. Plus, what was the sense of spending money on Mark DeRosa if you're going to put him on the bench? I don't see it happening (unless DeRosa doesn't come back at all).
RatedDAL
05-25-2010, 09:15 PM
R.A. DIckey! Adios Oliver. Damn the Mets for roping me back in
cﾘnical
05-25-2010, 09:19 PM
R.A. DIckey! Adios Oliver. Damn the Mets for roping me back in
Hahaha It's what they do, man. That's why I just learned to stop stressing over it.
At this point, I just enjoy the ride.
TheKorean
05-25-2010, 10:17 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hzI_aBATO8
doublehelix
05-25-2010, 11:39 PM
18-9 at home, 5-14 on the road. Coco Crisp back on the DL after a weekend. Dallas Braden with a probably not serious (but holy fuck, guys, stop getting hurt) ankle injury. Six runs combined in the last six road games. Oakland A's baseball: catch the magic. At least Brett Anderson will (I think) be back on Saturday.
Uncle Joe
05-26-2010, 01:55 AM
Blade, I think AMAN was talking to Dal when he made those statements. I can see it from both sides, as The Nats are moving in the very right direction, but I can see why DAL think they're going to be in the basement, since they almost always are.
With the Phils, Marlins, Braves, Nats playing well, the Mets last but only 2.5 games out, I agree the division is unpredictable, for now. Don't be surprised to see the Marlins win the NL east either.
cereal
05-26-2010, 05:14 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hzI_aBATO8
Still not as bad as the guy with the Olympics named Dick Pound ...ummm yeah.
I assumed the Brewers led MLB in HR's, but I decided to check this morning. Holy fuck Blue Jays...
1. Toronto Blue Jays 79
2. Boston Red Sox 62
3. Arizona Diamondbacks 57
4. Milwaukee Brewers 56
5. Cincinnati Reds 54
RatedDAL
05-26-2010, 07:53 AM
Yeah, Jose Bautista, John Buck, Verno Wells. WTF is going on with them
Lind needs to get on that bandwagon with them. It does seem as if he's coming around as of late...
RatedDAL
05-26-2010, 10:30 AM
That is odd, all the Jays just raking the balls over the fence and Lind's not a major one of them.
As if I need another reason to hate the yankees and the fans voting for the all stars, mark teixiera with a big lead on Morneau at first base in the AL
doublehelix
05-26-2010, 02:22 PM
lol @ 340,000+ people voting for either Ken Griffey Jr. or Pat Burrell for AL DH.
TheAman
05-26-2010, 02:42 PM
Letting the fans vote for the All-Star game has always been a joke as far as getting the players most deserving in. I've grown bored of complaining about it.
TheKorean
05-26-2010, 02:58 PM
Shin Soo Choo is a very underrated player. This guy is a fucking beast.
RatedDAL
05-26-2010, 02:58 PM
Korean got his wish, Chad Gaudin's a yankee again. Enjoy.
comfortablynumb
05-26-2010, 06:05 PM
lol @ 340,000+ people voting for either Ken Griffey Jr. or Pat Burrell for AL DH.
Griffey could be batting .005 and I'd vote for him. Burrell on the other hand.
It's a popularity contest; embrace it.
And while I hate the Mets, I'll always have a soft spot for Keith Hernandez.
http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2008/0428/pg2_a_hernandez_400.jpg
That combined with his Seinfeld appearance and shenanigans in the broadcast booth make him awesome.
doublehelix
05-26-2010, 06:24 PM
Easy for you to say, Yankee fan, your catcher will never get out-voted by Taylor Teagarden and Dioner Navarro. Enjoy Chad Gaudin. I can't remember if he had the worst reliever ERA in the majors or just the AL, before we cut him, but he was the worst something or other.
I'm not actually outraged by any of this, it was just the first funny thing that jumped out at me looking at the voting. I guess my brain was blocking out Taylor Teagarden.
RatedDAL
05-26-2010, 06:27 PM
and the twins lose to the yankees yet again. Good god beat the fucking yankees every once in a while twins
TheKorean
05-26-2010, 06:35 PM
^They did beat them once. Didnt you see the grand slam off of Mo?
RatedDAL
05-26-2010, 06:38 PM
Well then i guess balloons are in order for one win these days? Good to know they play one game series in the playoffs
TheKorean
05-26-2010, 07:08 PM
^They beat the Yankees like you wanted so...just saying.
Renteria is going to the DL, so there is a real possibility that they bring Posey back up. Scott Downs is there to back up in the IF, and they need a bat... it's possible, but I still think it's unlikely. I know the fans are pushing for it, but I'm guessing we might see Eugenio Velez back with the team.
Fuck Sabean.
My brother pointed out that Monday it's going to be Timmy vs Ubaldo at the yard. I will be there.
if you're into no hit baseball, that's a dream come true
Oh yeah - I'm excited to see two guys at their peak dueling. It's going to be interesting to see who breaks down first, and which manager yanks their stud to get into their shitty bullpen and probably lose the game.
Oh hell... who am I kidding. I'll be shitfaced by the 4th inning.
Al Boo Boo
05-26-2010, 08:53 PM
"Scott Downs".
Really, Zuma? Come on, dude.
RatedDAL
05-26-2010, 09:02 PM
Takahashi and Dickey!
"Scott Downs".
Really, Zuma? Come on, dude.
It's a joke... everybody on the radio always gets it wrong, so Fredo and I at work always call him Scott Downs, and... well, it just went on the screen. Simmah' down.
Did you buy tickets for Monday yet? Am I getting you your ticket?
RatedDAL
05-26-2010, 09:35 PM
First and third no outs and the twins don't score, that pretty sums up their ineptitude against the yankees.
16 scoreless innings and counting vs the phils this series, go mets
Lazyking
05-26-2010, 09:50 PM
This is so werid. The mets OWN at home and they hit no homeruns there, wth?
Sigh.
I hate you so so fucking much, fucking Yankees.
CharlieMac
05-26-2010, 11:50 PM
Meanwhile, so much for the Sox being done or any of that garbage. A couple wins over the Twins, two out of three against Philly and a sweep of the Rays. I have to say, they put it together earlier than I thought.
cﾘnical
05-27-2010, 12:54 AM
Takahashi and Dickey!
Dickey may or may not last, but Takahashi is shaping up to be the real deal. Damn, that guy's good!
RatedDAL
05-27-2010, 01:42 AM
OH Dickey definetly ain't lasting but considering the alternative of oliver perez, i'll take what i can get.
Dickey may or may not last, but Takahashi is shaping up to be the real deal. Damn, that guy's good!I picked him up in fantasy after his outing yesterday. Shutting out the Yanks and then the Phillies is no joke. I thought Takahashi was just your everyday middle reliever who got a couple of spot starts, but it's obvious he has a lot of upside.
Lince got rocked yesterday. Might actually lose in the fantasy budget league because of it too. Stupid stoner...
Jimenez with ANOTHER 8 inning shutout. Last year I barely knew of Jimenez, this year he's a god amongst men, who has his name thrown around with Lince and Halliday for Cy Young. Gotta love it!
oh, yer, brewers suck. fuck'em.
Uncle Joe
05-27-2010, 09:20 AM
Jesus, Keith Hernandez was a good looking guy.
RatedDAL
05-27-2010, 10:16 AM
Damn what a sad story
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/67160C09D01F8673862577300010A996?OpenDocument
TheAman
05-27-2010, 11:11 AM
Who's this Lincecum guy? He sucks ;)
TheAman
05-27-2010, 03:38 PM
So, I just had a conversation with Tim Raines, since he coaches in my league, and then walking out of the clubhouse, I almost bumped into Carl Everett. This league is so strange sometimes.
And btw Helix, tell Billy to stop raiding our team. Two guys in the past 2 weeks signed by the A's and assigned to AAA Sacramento. You might know the last guy, had a cup of tea with you guys in 05, Matt Watson.
Rogue
05-27-2010, 04:20 PM
Meanwhile, so much for the Sox being done or any of that garbage. A couple wins over the Twins, two out of three against Philly and a sweep of the Rays. I have to say, they put it together earlier than I thought.
They sure did.
Now I have to go back to mocking them for "Pitching and run prevention."
Jimenez with ANOTHER 8 inning shutout. Last year I barely knew of Jimenez, this year he's a god amongst men, who has his name thrown around with Lince and Halliday for Cy Young. Gotta love it!
Honestly - if he goes from here on out just pitching the AVERAGE of what he's done his entire career, he's a shoo in for the Cy Young. Now, from what I've read his fly ball/ground ball ratio is out of whack compares to his career, as is his K/BB. He's pitching different than he has -- he's going to come back down to earth a little, but even if he does that --- he's so far ahead of everyone else they might as well start engraving the trophy right now.
Kudos to him. He's figured something out. I'm looking forward to seeing him vs. Timmy on Monday.
RatedDAL
05-27-2010, 08:49 PM
Welcome Back Javier Vasquez! You were missed during last weekend's interleague play!
Lazyking
05-27-2010, 09:00 PM
I'm very pissed that i havn't been able to get a working radio or Tv stream of the Mets/phillies series. I've tried everywhere. I better not have to deal with it in the next series.
RatedDAL
05-27-2010, 09:04 PM
It hasn't even started yet LK, rain delay
21 scoreless innings this series for the phillies. Go Mets
Pat Burrell soon to be a Giant?
Small victories, but it's all I got right now.
Enjoying that asswhooping, Yankees?
TheKorean
05-27-2010, 10:58 PM
^I dont give a shit.
Vazquez sucks, Chan Ho Park sucks. They are both NL exclusive pitchers. trade them to the Mets or something.
Lazyking
05-27-2010, 10:58 PM
I'm loving the mets right now. We do just enough to win.
doublehelix
05-27-2010, 11:00 PM
Thank you, Orioles. That bullpen is a great cure for whatever's ailing you.
cﾘnical
05-27-2010, 11:58 PM
I'm loving the mets right now. We do just enough to win.
That's all it takes. With this SWEEP of the Phillies, the NL East just got even more interesting! Probably the most competitive division in the league.
Lazyking
05-28-2010, 12:57 AM
Rated, you remember our deal? Would you have thought that we would take 5 0ut of 6 instead of lose 5 out of 6?
^I dont give a shit.
Vazquez sucks, Chan Ho Park sucks. They are both NL exclusive pitchers. trade them to the Mets or something.
Shouldn't you be throwing a conniption over a single loss right about now?
RatedDAL
05-28-2010, 01:43 AM
Attention LOP... looking for some bats and brooms. Now if any of you know a Phillie fan they should be able to help us out with some brooms, i don't think they'd have any clue where to find bats though. 1 out of 2 ain't bad though. Suck it Philly Fanatic
Wouldve never imagined this LK I'm on the wagon til the next road trip we get our asses handed to us.
Villiano 187
05-28-2010, 01:45 AM
The Reds are looking damned good. Interested to see how the rookie does tomorrow that was just called up from Louisville.
RatedDAL
05-28-2010, 04:12 PM
Remembering the 1990 MLB trade deadline...
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/05/remembering-the-1990-trade-deadline.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=facebook
Zane Smith, blast from the past as well as Felix Jose
cﾘnical
05-28-2010, 04:25 PM
So the Mets have pitched 27 shutout innings in a row. The last time that happened? 1969.
Holy shit.
Edit: Correction. I read that wrong: http://dicomo.mlblogs.com/archives/2010/05/mets_were_going_streaking.html
1969 was the last shutout sweep of a series. The last time we had 27 consecutive shutout innings was last year against the Rockies.
RatedDAL
05-28-2010, 04:27 PM
Actually cyn it happened in 88, 69 is the last time it happened against the same team for 3 straight games.
cﾘnical
05-28-2010, 04:32 PM
Yeah. I edited the post before I saw yours. Still pretty damned impressive!
RatedDAL
05-28-2010, 04:39 PM
Considering it was the phillies even more impressive. Time to win on the road though, 6 game trip to milwaukee and SD, 4-2 or better would be a nice start to turning around the road struggles
Sure the twins did it in 04 but that was against the royals.
doublehelix
05-28-2010, 07:43 PM
Rajai Davis led off today's game with a double. A runner on second with nobody out in the first inning for our best hitter, Daric Barton. If this sounds like a fantastic time to put on the sacrifice bunt, congratulations, you're Bob Geren. Almost makes me miss Ken Macha.
RatedDAL
05-28-2010, 08:49 PM
Only took 30 innings but the Phillies have scored again.
I
Pat Burrell soon to be a Giant?
Pat Burrell ---- soon to be a Fresno Grizzlie. I'm not sure if he'll make it to the big team. If he hits in AAA, maybe. It sounds like he'd be a pinch hitter for the most part.
Rajai Davis led off today's game with a double. A runner on second with nobody out in the first inning for our best hitter, Daric Barton. If this sounds like a fantastic time to put on the sacrifice bunt, congratulations, you're Bob Geren. Almost makes me miss Ken Macha.
Or... he could have had Rajai steal 3rd, since he's pretty damn good at that.
Bob Geren is an idiot. Not Bochy proportions, but damn close.
doublehelix
05-28-2010, 09:39 PM
Even stealing would have been stupid. Barton (and Suzuki, after him) are our best hitters. Rajai was in scoring position. It was the first fucking inning, about seven innings too early to be playing one-run baseball. Against the mighty Dontrelle Willis. Mind-boggling. Let your professional bat-swingers swing the fucking bat.
There is good news, though: Ben Sheets: 7 IP, 3 ER, 6 K, 1 BB, 5 H (two HR but oh well it happens), hit 93-95 MPH pretty frequently with his fastball according to Gameday, which is a great sign, considering he was struggling to hit 91 at the start of the season. He made an arm slot adjustment after Toronto rocked him - in the five starts since, he's gone for 32 IP, 10 ER (2.81 ERA), with 35 Ks and 14 BBs. And Gabe Gross of all people just put us ahead in the top of the ninth. Exciting times! Go A's.
Al Boo Boo
05-28-2010, 09:44 PM
Miggie Cabrera with ANOTHER homerun in the ninth off Bailey! THREE on the day. This has been one hell of a game.
Nice walk-off homer by Corey Hart in a pitching duel between Johan Santana and Yovanni Gallardo.
cﾘnical
05-28-2010, 10:44 PM
Dammit! Great game, Brew Crew.
TheKorean
05-28-2010, 10:46 PM
Shouldn't you be throwing a conniption over a single loss right about now?
No, unless you think that Twins are worse than Cleveland Indians.
Chan Ho Park looked ok tonight. Hopefully he continues improving.
They have looked pretty good the last few games. Maybe this is the start of a run. As bad as things have been for them the division is so horrible that the Brewers still aren't out of it.
RatedDAL
05-28-2010, 10:59 PM
Another god damn road loss, god dammit. Here comes a 1-5 road trip to ruin everything they did on the homestand
The Giants have a new 1B today.
His name is Buster.
Brian Sabean has no plan whatsoever.
doublehelix
05-29-2010, 03:34 PM
Happy Brett Anderson's Back Day, everyone! Hopefully this will be the last we hear about any forearm strains or what have you until precisely one week into the 2016 season, when he'll be a Yankee. Between Anderson, Trevor Cahill, Braden, and Gio Gonzalez, the A's have four starters 26 and under with ERAs of 3.54 or lower.
Blade23
05-29-2010, 05:29 PM
The Giants have a new 1B today.
His name is Buster.
Brian Sabean has no plan whatsoever.
^Slap just blew a load over this news. This may show signs that Mark DeRosa isn't rehabbing as well as they would have liked correct?
Having a Pat Burrell type bat to come off the bench may not be a bad move for the Giants.
Al Boo Boo
05-29-2010, 05:39 PM
^ I'm glad you think that... because the Giants just signed him.
LOL SLAP
And... Matt Cain's performance last night is officially the best pitching performance of the year. Even better than Braden's perfect game. Gamescore of 94. Pretty awesome.
Oh.. and LOL Yankees
http://www.fangraphs.com/lgraphs/20100529_Indians_Yankees_0_98_lbig_.png
RatedDAL
05-29-2010, 07:02 PM
^ LOL @ yankees seconded
Oh and those Orange Giants jerseys are fucking sweet
The Giants have a new 1B today.
His name is Buster.
Brian Sabean has no plan whatsoever......amazing, considering the two guys that follow the shit franchise Posey plays for said he wasn't coming up sans a Molina injury, and that he definitealy wouldn't be playing 1st and Huff moving to the OF.
Rode him all year in fantasy then dropped him.
Sabean said - ON THURSDAY - that Posey wasn't coming up. That's why I said he has "no plan whatsoever" -- because HE JUST SAID IT. It's so fucking ridiculous that this guy seriously is playing chess one move at a time, when every other GM (except maybe a few) are playing 4 or 5 moves ahead. His head is up his ass, and he makes these STUPID knee jerk reactions.
The thing that kills me is that this move actually makes the team worse. Huff is worse in LF than Torres is. Posey is worse at 1B than Huff is. They take Schierholtz's bat out of the lineup - and he was hitting .298. Rowand and Molina continue to play - and THAT is where the problem is, since they're both below .250 and Molina hasn't had an RBI since like the 2nd of this month, and is the slowest runner on the planet. It's so fucking facepalm worthy...
comfortablynumb
05-29-2010, 09:00 PM
Roy Halladay has a perfect game through seven innings in Miami. If he does it, fewer people may have watched it in the ballpark than for Dallas Braden's perfect game.
RatedDAL
05-29-2010, 09:08 PM
The new board being put to the test, has the curse been exorcised?
Perfect thru 8!
comfortablynumb
05-29-2010, 09:13 PM
Will ESPN cut out of NCAA softball to show it? I sure hope so.
doublehelix
05-29-2010, 09:15 PM
MLB.com is airing a live look-in. It's mostly an MLB.com logo while the Marlins bat and commercials play but it shows Halladay when he's pitching.
RatedDAL
05-29-2010, 09:20 PM
Mike Lamb's still in the majors?
doublehelix
05-29-2010, 09:25 PM
^haha, that was my reaction, too.
And now, finally, Roy Halladay can say he's as good as Dallas Braden.
vinnypic
05-29-2010, 09:26 PM
The Doctor.
Congrats Roy.
If this is his first no-hitter/perfect game (I think it is) color me surprised.
Terry
05-29-2010, 09:30 PM
He almost had one in his very first game ever with the Jays.
Congrats, Roy.
Hustle
05-29-2010, 09:31 PM
New board = new jinx rules?
doublehelix
05-29-2010, 09:33 PM
Third no-hitter/perfect game of the season. Given the rate these things normally happen at, LoP is an anti-jinx.
RatedDAL
05-29-2010, 09:41 PM
Poor Dice K last saturday the board was down and our anti jinx wasn't in effect so he lost his no no
Buster Posey with a clutch RBI hit in his first at bat of the season. I love this kid.
I hate this team.
doublehelix
05-29-2010, 09:56 PM
Roy Halladay has a perfect game through seven innings in Miami. If he does it, fewer people may have watched it in the ballpark than for Dallas Braden's perfect game.
On this note: according to MLB.com, ~25K saw Halladay's. Less than 12.5K saw Braden's. Is it weird that I'm kind of proud of that?
What a day. Halladay threw a perfect game, Kendry Morales broke his ankle celebrating his walk-off grand slam, and, most importantly, Brett Anderson completely shut down the Tigers until he hit his pitch count in the sixth inning <<<< replace with "Buster Posey debuts" if a Giants fan.
vinnypic
05-29-2010, 09:57 PM
Objects in your mirror are closer than they appear. http://www.toppsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Jason-Heyward.jpg
Sabean said - ON THURSDAY - that Posey wasn't coming up. That's why I said he has "no plan whatsoever" -- because HE JUST SAID IT. It's so fucking ridiculous that this guy seriously is playing chess one move at a time, when every other GM (except maybe a few) are playing 4 or 5 moves ahead. His head is up his ass, and he makes these STUPID knee jerk reactions.
The thing that kills me is that this move actually makes the team worse. Huff is worse in LF than Torres is. Posey is worse at 1B than Huff is. They take Schierholtz's bat out of the lineup - and he was hitting .298. Rowand and Molina continue to play - and THAT is where the problem is, since they're both below .250 and Molina hasn't had an RBI since like the 2nd of this month, and is the slowest runner on the planet. It's so fucking facepalm worthy...I honestly don't care that much. I'm just pissed for fantasy reasons, as like I said, I dropped him cause I thought he wasn't coming up per what Sabean said. He had a hell of a game too, which makes me even more pissed off for dropping him.
What I don't understand, is why not wait 5 MORE DAYS and not have to pay the guy arbitration a year ahead of time. You're telling me having Posey up for these 5 days is going to be worth on that account? Maybe there's a loop hole that I don't get, but that just seems just stupid. Bring him up right away at the begining or wait till June, but for obvious business reasons, how the fuck can you justify bringing him up 5 days before you could wait another year to pay him more? So stupid, especially considering Posey could warrant huge $$$$ come that time.
JJJJShabado
05-30-2010, 09:47 AM
Super 2 status is based on service time and not an actual date, so its not locked in at this point yet. If Posey gets sent down at some point, that will adjust his arbitration clock. Arbitration is available for players with 3-6 years in service time [being on the major league roster. Super 2 status is based on "The top 17 percent of players with at least 2 but less than 3 years of Major League service. These are known as “Super 2” players. To qualify as a Super 2, a player must have accumulated at least 86 days of service in the previous year. Historically, the cutoff point for Super 2 status is 2 years, 128 days of service, though the requirement has been as high as 2 years, 140 days in years past." where the top 17 percent is in service time. The amount of call-ups determines what the amount of service time for Super 2 status is. If Posey sticks, then he is probably going to have Super 2 status. The 33 days of service time Posey had last year will contribute to this.
RatedDAL
05-30-2010, 09:59 AM
The super 2 clock is supposedly going to be really late this year from what I've read, late as it's ever been so maybe the Giants said fuck it we need him
Speaking of those brooms RatedDal....
RatedDAL
05-30-2010, 05:00 PM
Not so fast with those brooms Slap. Although wouldnt shock me if we blew this one too
cﾘnical
05-30-2010, 05:19 PM
R.A. Dickey for the fucking win!
Someone shoot Ollie Perez, please. Just put that guy out to pasture, already.
RatedDAL
05-30-2010, 05:56 PM
Buster Posey, yikes
vinnypic
05-30-2010, 08:57 PM
First Place on the line in the NL BEAST, the best division in baseball. Three games.
Blanton/Hanson
Hamels/Hudson
Kendrick/Lowe
You want some, Philthies? COME GET SOME!
The long thought dead 14 TIME King of the Division has returned to slay the impostor that usurped his throne.
http://blog.al.com/birmingham-news-sports/2009/04/large_Chipper.jpg
'Sup, Bitches?'
Lazyking
05-30-2010, 09:00 PM
Please. The braves have just as a good a shot at the division as the Mets do.
cﾘnical
05-30-2010, 09:03 PM
Everyone has a shot now. It's wide open.
vinnypic
05-30-2010, 09:10 PM
Do you need me to translate the standings for you?
.5 games difference.
That's your pubes seperating the two teams.
And Dan's right. Everyone has a chance, but I like ATL's odds with their pitching depth.
Impostor? They won a WS title, something it took Atlanta 14 division titles to accomplish.
vinnypic
05-30-2010, 10:03 PM
Actually, Atlanta won the series with their third division title, not their 14th, but thanks for playing.
Missed my point. They have 14 division titles and nothing much to show for it. Philly has far fewer and the same amount of titles in recent years.
Corey Hart leads the NL in HR's
McGahee leads the NL in RBI's
Braun lead (until today) the NL in batting avg
The brewers since calling up Axford/Braddick/Capuano (yes, I know cap hasn't pitched yet), are gonna make the NL recognize.
oh, and Gallardo out pitched santanna the other night
suck it
Al Boo Boo
05-31-2010, 12:01 AM
lol. He hardly out-pitched Santana. It's just that the Brewers bullpen is so god damn historically bad that Macha was too scared to go to it when he with a doubt should have. You know, being that is young stud pitcher was already over the 100 pitch mark. Even with the extra inning, Santana's gamerscore was higher than Yovani's (79 to 77).
Gallardo didn't pitch better. He just pitched a little longer.
RatedDAL
05-31-2010, 02:00 AM
Do you need me to translate the standings for you?
.5 games difference.
That's your pubes seperating the two teams.
And Dan's right. Everyone has a chance, but I like ATL's odds with their pitching depth.
You like Atlanta's odds cuz you're a fucking homer.
vinnypic
05-31-2010, 08:01 AM
Or... or it could be because we have the best rotation in the division. We roll deep.
Unlike you, who have Santana, Big Pelf and three random schlubs.
Pitching and defense. That's how we did it for a decade and a half.
That's how we're gonna do it again, homie.
lol... best rotation in the division... you keep your division, we'll keep the entire game.
We're up early, and I just cranked up the grill to put some chicken on to take some chicken sandwiches to the game. This matchup is going to be epic - Ubaldo vs Timmy. The thing that Posey does to the lineup is interesting - he makes it so much more patient, by just adding his bat in. Torres, Sanchez, Huff, and Schierholz are already patient, and adding that 5th patient guy seems to make a huge difference in how the pitcher gets worked and how the pitch counts are affected. Hopefully they can be patient against Ubaldo and work the counts to try and get him out of there ASAP. Conversely, I hope the Rockies hackhackhack at Timmy's stuff, and that he can throw strikes with his fastball. It also seems like maybe Bengie Molina has a "fire" under his ass with Posey there. I expect Molina to have a big game today, as he's not only due - but he knows this kid is breathing down his neck and if he sits on the bench the rest of the year his value on the open market this off-season will be next to nothing.
Shabado - good breakdown on the Super 2 thing. Saved me the trouble.... apparently, the "plan" was to keep Posey up here until Pat the Bat and maybe DeRosa come back. However, if he continues to play like this, I think the fans will burn down the stadium if he gets sent back to Fresno. Yesterday, the stadium ERUPTED when he got that first inning RBI. Lots of Posey T-shirts and signs in the audience already.
Speaking of Pat the Bat - he hit a HR in his first at bat at San Jose last night. Granted, it's Single A pitching, but he still went 3-5. I'm hoping that coming home and playing for the team he rooted for as a child, with his best buddy from college (Huff) makes him pull his head out of his ass and become the hitter he's been for most of his career. What do you guys think about that move?
Anyway..., we're taking off in an hour to tailgate for a bit, then go to Red's for some bloody mary's and french fries for the boy. I told Marcus he can have a soda today, and he's stoked. Nothing better than a bad-ass baseball game to take in on a full sunshine Memorial Day.
I've been to pitching duals, they bore me actually. I'll still be watching that game on TV today though if I'm home though, as this is a SUPER pitching dual. Run on the field or something.
I thought you hated Posey coming up? Now you love it cause he's hitting? Did you think he was gonna whiff?
RatedDAL
05-31-2010, 11:51 AM
Or... or it could be because we have the best rotation in the division. We roll deep.
Unlike you, who have Santana, Big Pelf and three random schlubs.
Pitching and defense. That's how we did it for a decade and a half.
That's how we're gonna do it again, homie.
Gimme a fucking break "homie" Other then Hudson which of your starters is pitching up to expectations? By the way every team in the division other then washington has a better team ERA then atlanta. 8th in the NL in pitching and fielding, wow you guys sure are amazing in those categories.
Blade23
05-31-2010, 01:33 PM
Corey Hart leads the NL in HR's
McGahee leads the NL in RBI's
Braun lead (until today) the NL in batting avg
The brewers since calling up Axford/Braddick/Capuano (yes, I know cap hasn't pitched yet), are gonna make the NL recognize.
oh, and Gallardo out pitched santanna the other night
suck it
^And that all translates to 4th in their division, 8.5 games out of first place. Congrats!!
Or... or it could be because we have the best rotation in the division. We roll deep.
Unlike you, who have Santana, Big Pelf and three random schlubs.
Pitching and defense. That's how we did it for a decade and a half.
That's how we're gonna do it again, homie.
Could you please stop posting forever? You make yourself look like a moron when you post nonsense about Atlanta and you're more than likely going to jinx them.
Atlanta does not have the best rotation in the division (let alone the league). However, they have the arms and potential to do so and that's what makes them dangerous. Tim Hudson has been the only consistent in the rotation so far. If Hanson can straighten things out and Jurrjens can return from the DL in a solid form, then Atlanta could easily be a top contender for the NL crown. Luckily, Medlen has pitched well filling in for Jurrjens and despite his record, Kawakami has given some consistent innings. Lowe and Jurrjens are the wild cards of this rotation.
Their defense has been average at best as well (I believe they made 4 errors in one game against Pittsburgh or Florida not too long ago).
Ultimately, its been the clutch hitting and bullpen that has made Atlanta competitive. They are winning close games and they're coming back in the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings to take games away from the competition. Pair this with the fact that their starters tend to give six solid innings, while the bullpen shuts the door down.
Overall, Atlanta has beat up on the NL (outside of their division), going 15-6 against the central and 7-5 against the west. They are currently 6-11 against the east, but they're playing better against the division in the last month (i.e. Florida). If they turn this divisional play around, then they will run away with the division. They need to take advantage of this Philadelphia offensive slump and put themselves up in the division. Until then, Philadelphia has been and will continue to be the king of the division.
I like this Atlanta team, so allow things to play out on the season.
By the way, San Diego and St. Louis has had better pitching than San Francisco as a whole in the National League so far this season. While I don't think San Diego will last, I believe St. Louis has a solid rotation with Wainright and Carpenter at the front.
silly homers and their shit teams...
^And that all translates to 4th in their division, 8.5 games out of first place. Congrats!!Means they have upside and have promise to get out of their funk.
RatedDAL
05-31-2010, 03:03 PM
I'm glad Blade's around to squash such nonsense. I think the braves are as much a contender as the mets or marlins or nats in the NL East but the phillies are kings til someone knocks those arrogant SOBS off that perch.
Go Braves for today anyway
Uncle Joe
05-31-2010, 03:29 PM
Gets pulled and fuckin Peter gives up 3 runs.
Blade23
05-31-2010, 05:11 PM
silly homers and their shit teams...
Means they have upside and have promise to get out of their funk.
Homer? Yes I am, as are you my friend.
The Brewers are 5-5 in their last 10 games, they can't win at home, they've now dropped below .500 on the road, and their bullpen is in shambles. They show promise for the future. Accept the fact that Prince Fielder (as well as some others possibly) will be gone and the rebuilding process will begin (i.e. starting rotation behind Gallardo and the bullpen) in Milwaukee.
Tommy Hanson came through with a solid game today to put the Braves into first place. A sweep against the Phillies would be outstanding at this point, but I would accept a series win. Troy Glaus is starting to come into his own as an RBI man in the middle of the line-up as well.
Keep it up Atlanta.
Can't wait for Zuma's review of Jimenez vs. Lince
Didn't see the game, but read the highlights.
Jimenez threw a 99mph fastball in the 8th inning.
Sandavoal went 3-4. Rest of the Giants had 1 hit. (I just took that off a ESPN scroll)
Jimenez allowed 2 base runners in the 9th inning, that nice guy.
doublehelix
05-31-2010, 11:59 PM
Haahaha, did I just hear right on SportsCenter, someone tried intentionally walking Teixeira to load the bases for A-Rod AGAIN? Stop doing that, you retards.
vinnypic
06-01-2010, 12:02 AM
DAL the bitter Met fan?
Awww, puddin'.
Well.... I've sobered up from what was a pretty intense game. Ubaldo Jimenez is a monster. His delivery is so compact and smooth, and he's just banging it in the strikezone constantly. It seemed like every batter went up there and it was an 0-2 count before I finished taking a swig from my beer. He threw every pitch for strikes, and made Rowand look like a straight up idiot each and every at bat. The Giants had no chance today. My brother and I were talking about it at the game... something clicked for this guy. His velocity isn't up, he always threw heat. I don't remember his delivery being so compact, so I'm thinking it's that... but maybe I just wasn't paying attention to him. Whatever it is... the ball explodes out of his hand.
I got a "Let Timmy Smoke" t-shirt for $10. If my camera worked, I'd post a pic. It's badass.
Marcus fell asleep in my wife's arms in the second inning, and slept through the entire game.
The 1B umpire did the Giants in with three bad calls, by my count. Apparently, those that saw it on TV are saying it was only two, and that one time the Rockies player was actually safe - but either way, the 1B umpire fucked the Giants over. Not that I think they would have scored much anyway, as it didn't seem like anyone was close to getting much going on Ubaldo, but shit... the chances they did get were squashed by that stupid ump.
Fucking All Star voting is stupid. I think the NL has like 7 Phillies winning at their starting positions.
Fuck you Dodgers... winning on a balk. I hate Casey Blake... he just comes off as such a douchebag.
LOL Oswalt getting heated and thrown out. Then they bring in the long reliever and the dude hits a HR.
doublehelix
06-01-2010, 12:36 AM
According to Fangraphs, his velocity is up, just a teensy-tiny bit. Compared to '08, his fast ball is a mile faster, his slider a mile and a half, his curve four miles, and his changeup two. What's really the bigger deal, I think, is he's A) Cut the walks back (shaved nearly two per nine in the last two years) and B) Started throwing more changeups (17% of the time, this year, 10% of the time in '08). I think his refusal to throw his changeup early in his career really hurt him. He's always had a good one and pairing it with his fastball should have been a no-brainer but the first couple of years it was always option D, behind fastball, breaking pitch, and fastball again. Now that fastball is option A and changeup option B, he doesn't have to get cute with the breaking stuff as often, which means he spends more time attacking the zone, which is why he's going 7+ every game with only 1 or 2 walks. It's heartwarming, really, seeing a young pitcher figure out exactly what he needed to figure out.
cﾘnical
06-01-2010, 01:53 AM
18 runs. Really, Mets? Good God.
Can we trade Beltran for a pitcher? He obviously has no desire to rejoin the lineup.
Al Boo Boo
06-01-2010, 01:59 AM
The reason he's going 7+, besides being crazy effective, is that the Rockies don't seem to give a shit about the pitch count. He was deep into counts today. The Giants did as much as they could to get him out early - but Hurdle refused to take him out. Jimenez finished the game at 130 pitches. Way too much this early in the season. Especially since that team has a fairly good bullpen.
Besides the addition to his velo - his "stuff" is just moving more. His fastball is break feet, not inches. And he can control it. His slider comes consistently around 90-92. Add that with the 98 fastball, and the change up? That's a tough at bat.
130 pitches a game is a lot, but pitch counts are also over hyped. I had nice article that went over that, and how pitchers in Japan throw 150 pitches an outing and pitch every 3 days without issue and what not, but of course now that the moment warrants it I can't find it. Look at how the Brewers used CC, pitching him every 3 days (sometimes just 2 days rest), making him pitch the whole game cause their bullpen was so bad at the time. He was fine and still is. CC's been in the league for a while too, and his arm hasn't ripped off his arm yet. Ubaldo is young, he can do it. Maybe 10 years from now his arm will fall off, but I honestly don't think the Rockies give a fuck...
Halliday has been throwing 110-140 pitches a game too a lot lately, as the Phillies lean on him since their bullpen is shaky.
What's really the bigger deal, I think, is he's A) Cut the walks back (shaved nearly two per nine in the last two years) and B) Started throwing more changeups (17% of the time, this year, 10% of the time in '08). I think his refusal to throw his changeup early in his career really hurt him. He's always had a good one and pairing it with his fastball should have been a no-brainer but the first couple of years it was always option D, behind fastball, breaking pitch, and fastball again. Now that fastball is option A and changeup option B, he doesn't have to get cute with the breaking stuff as often, which means he spends more time attacking the zone, which is why he's going 7+ every game with only 1 or 2 walks. It's heartwarming, really, seeing a young pitcher figure out exactly what he needed to figure out.That's exactly what I read a week ago about Jimenez. He used to just use his heat over and over again, which caused him to have control issues and get rocked here and there. Now, he mixes in a little of everything, and batters don't know what to do.
Takahashi blanks the Phillies and Yanks, but the Padres, AT PETCO, clean his clocks. wtf?
Rogue
06-01-2010, 09:22 AM
I hope the Padres stay hot so they will hold on to Gonzo at least until the end of the year. It's pretty much a foregone conclusion that he's going to wind up in Boston, and I would prefer he stay away from there as long as possible.
Everyone knows you can't talk about Boston without mentioning NY somewere in the same post, so here goes.
Would somebody tell me why teams are still intentionally walking Mark Texeira to load up the bases, and then to pitch to A-Rod? The last five times they've done it, he's 5-5, with 18 RBI's, 3 grand slams. It makes no sense why you would walk a guy hitting .222 to pitch to A-Rod, when he's been killing pitchers who make that mistake. I'm not complaining about it at all, I'm just wondering how many more times a manager will be stupid enough to try it...
al birdy
06-01-2010, 10:14 AM
go bluejays!
its early in the season still, sure, but they are finally giving toronto something to cheer about. its been a long time
Blade23
06-01-2010, 10:43 AM
Ubaldo Jimenez is a monster. His delivery is so compact and smooth, and he's just banging it in the strikezone constantly. It seemed like every batter went up there and it was an 0-2 count before I finished taking a swig from my beer. He threw every pitch for strikes, and made Rowand look like a straight up idiot each and every at bat. The Giants had no chance today.
^He's no Stephen Strasburg :).
In all seriousness, Jimenez has been extremely impressive this season. Luckily the Rockies don't have much for pitching after him in the rotation.
I used to do a write up for a fantasy baseball website. Back in 2008, I called Ubaldo Jimenez a stud that will break out as as ace. Obviously, he didn't quite do that in 2008. He was solid last year, but nothing like he is this year. Just shows the maturing process of a pitcher. When you have an arm that can throw 100mph flames, you just have to learn how to mix your pitches in. Well, gotta have some control obviously too...
Hochevar I think could some day be that guy. Not now, but he's slowly progressing.
There's only one guy I know that doesn't need the maturing process....you can witness him June 8th :).
Edit: That is 26 consecutive scoreless innings for Ubaldo. His second streak of over 20 innings this season. 10-1 with a 0.78 ERA. His one loss was a 1-0 to Los Angeles, he allowed 2 hits. This is a once in a lifetime thing to see. Simply amazing.
RatedDAL
06-01-2010, 06:18 PM
The Dbacks are so desperate for pitching they've acquired dontrelle willis
TheAman
06-01-2010, 06:41 PM
I'm sick of people using the All-Star game as a reason that the AL is better than the NL. If you believe that, fine. Just use a real reason for it.
vinnypic
06-01-2010, 07:26 PM
Troy Glaus has a time machine and he's set it to 2000.
That's a wonderful thing.
doublehelix
06-01-2010, 08:41 PM
Would somebody tell me why teams are still intentionally walking Mark Texeira to load up the bases, and then to pitch to A-Rod? The last five times they've done it, he's 5-5, with 18 RBI's, 3 grand slams. It makes no sense why you would walk a guy hitting .222 to pitch to A-Rod, when he's been killing pitchers who make that mistake. I'm not complaining about it at all, I'm just wondering how many more times a manager will be stupid enough to try it...
Joe Posnanski made a really good blog post yesterday (http://joeposnanski.com/JoeBlog/2010/05/31/hustle-play) about a Ryan Ludwick baserunning decision during which he points out that, even if you're extremely liberal with the RBIs in Pujols' case and conservative in Cabrera's case, you can expect Orlando Cabrera to drive in more runs with the bases loaded than you would expect from Albert Pujols with runners at the corners - even comparing a mediocre at best hitter like Cabrera to one of the best ever like Pujols, it's better to have the extra runner than the better hitter. Now, obviously, this doesn't take into account runs potentially lost by hitting into a double play, but if you did account for that, walking Pujols to get to Orlando "Sluggin'" Cabrera is still, under most circumstances, a coin flip decision at best. And if walking Pujols to get to Cabrera is a coinflip, what the hell would possess anyone to ever ever ever walk Mark Teixeira for Alex Rodriguez, especially given Tex's slump and A-Rod's success when people go out of their way to face him?
TheAman
06-01-2010, 11:28 PM
Fuck that. The 1-2 pitch to Berkman was over the plate AND he swung at it. Fuck the ump. Should be another win for the Nats. What a disgraceful call by both the plate ump and the field ump.
Lazyking
06-01-2010, 11:39 PM
Big Pelf are new Stopper!
vinnypic
06-02-2010, 12:35 AM
Since I was asked 'How's the Met's ass taste, Vinny?' the Atlanta Braves are 12-2.
Just thought I'd laugh again about that.
Lazyking
06-02-2010, 12:38 AM
LOL! I guess I jinxed myself with that, didn't I?
vinnypic
06-02-2010, 12:40 AM
LOL! I guess I jinxed myself with that, didn't I?
's all in good fun. You know if you root for a team, you're automatically a homer by LOP standards?
You know if you root for a team but don't meet the standards of fellow fans on LOP of that team, they can try and get you kicked out of the fanbase?
The more you know!
LOL @ The Padres playing HOLDIN OUT FOR A HERO for Jerry Harriston Jr.
EDIT: How the fuck does this lineup of SCRUBS have the best record in the NL?
RatedDAL
06-02-2010, 01:02 AM
I knew you were a major blind as fuck homer when you kept singing the praises of how great the 08 dolphins were for winning the division even though you were one of the weakest division champs/playoff teams that there's ever been. I haven't seen much different when it comes to the braves
Everytime I hear hells bells I hit something
and yeah, the Nats got screwed. They showed it on MLB channel. Zimmerman's error was pathetic as well though, for what it's worth.
MournDespana
06-02-2010, 09:27 AM
's all in good fun. You know if you root for a team, you're automatically a homer by LOP standards?
You know if you root for a team but don't meet the standards of fellow fans on LOP of that team, they can try and get you kicked out of the fanbase?
The more you know!
LOL @ The Padres playing HOLDIN OUT FOR A HERO for Jerry Harriston Jr.
EDIT: How the fuck does this lineup of SCRUBS have the best record in the NL?
beats me. maybe it says alot about the NL this year.
vinnypic
06-02-2010, 09:44 AM
11 and 5. Stop hating. I've noticed 90% of the people that troll this forum (and yeah, that's exactly what you do) have serious anger/fixation issues. Get over your e-grudges. It's pathetic.
RatedDAL
06-02-2010, 09:46 AM
I'm not trolling at all, it ain't personal. You're so in denial. I never blaimed the dolphins for being weak, just their delusional fans that can't admit any weaknesses in their own teams. We all have a little homerism in us.
vinnypic
06-02-2010, 09:53 AM
I'm not trolling at all, it ain't personal. You're so in denial. I never blaimed the dolphins for being weak, just their delusional fans that can't admit any weaknesses in their own teams. We all have a little homerism in us.
I've seen a grand total of 1 championship between the three teams I support in my life. I'm fully aware of their shortcomings, but I would argue defending your team from opposing fans comes with being a fan of said team.
RatedDAL
06-02-2010, 09:57 AM
I agree, it's part of being a fan. I'd much prefer the braves to win the NL East then the phillies so I hope they keep beating philly down.
TheAman
06-02-2010, 10:52 AM
Everytime I hear hells bells I hit something
and yeah, the Nats got screwed. They showed it on MLB channel. Zimmerman's error was pathetic as well though, for what it's worth.
Won't argue with you there. Terrible error by Zim, but Capps got through it if either the home plate ump or the third base ump was competant.
vinnypic
06-02-2010, 11:01 AM
Aman, you going to the Stras debut?
TheAman
06-02-2010, 11:02 AM
Yep, it's nice having contacts in the minor league system that let me know that June 8th was more likely than June 4th. Got tickets 20-25 rows behind the home dugout for face value, when similar tickets are now going for 250+ a piece.
RatedDAL
06-02-2010, 11:11 AM
People couldve probably bought tickets for the entire astros and Bucs series knowing one of em would be strasburg's debut cheaper then buying tickets for June 8th now, no?
TheAman
06-02-2010, 12:36 PM
Eh, it's close, and it depends on the seat. You can still get a lower level seat for less than 6 times the price. Upper level seats are going for about 6 times the price. Now, if you just bought tickets for the 4th, 8th and 9th, which were really the only dates thrown around, then yes, and I considered doing that. However, I like buying one ticket way better.
Blade23
06-02-2010, 03:00 PM
You know if you root for a team but don't meet the standards of fellow fans on LOP of that team, they can try and get you kicked out of the fanbase?
It has nothing to do with my standards or your rooting for the Braves, it has to do with the fact that you post foolish comments about them that are normally irrelevant or flat out wrong.
As I've seen it, there's only three Braves fans here at LOP, including you, myself, and JJJShabado. I'm all for a bigger fan base for Atlanta here at LOP. However, don't post things about them that make you look foolish or completely wrong when doing so (as you did earlier in this thread, which I pointed out and you ignored).
vinnypic
06-02-2010, 03:42 PM
The rotation, which I consider a strength, and was ballyhooed for thinking so, gave up a whopping 4 runs in 14 and 2/3 innings pitched during this series. I don't know what you refuted.
DLowe filthy through 8, Sandman slams the door.
http://images.crawfishboxes.com/images/admin/broom.jpg
Enjoy it, Phillies!
Uncle Joe
06-02-2010, 03:46 PM
It has nothing to do with my standards or your rooting for the Braves, it has to do with the fact that you post foolish comments about them that are normally irrelevant or flat out wrong.
As I've seen it, there's only three Braves fans here at LOP, including you, myself, and JJJShabado. I'm all for a bigger fan base for Atlanta here at LOP. However, don't post things about them that make you look foolish or completely wrong when doing so (as you did earlier in this thread, which I pointed out and you ignored).
*raises hand :(
RatedDAL
06-02-2010, 05:35 PM
The rotation, which I consider a strength, and was ballyhooed for thinking so, gave up a whopping 4 runs in 14 and 2/3 innings pitched during this series. I don't know what you refuted.
DLowe filthy through 8, Sandman slams the door.
http://images.crawfishboxes.com/images/admin/broom.jpg
Enjoy it, Phillies!
On paper yeah it's a pretty solid rotation and now that Lowe's had a great start today (who hasn't lately against Philly) apparently it's great again. If you look at your rotation only Hudson has been as good as advertised this year, Jurrjens and Kawakami have been terrible and/or injured and Lowe before today basically mediocre at best. While your pitching has high upside it hasn't lived up to it consistently yet so to say that's it a great rotation right now isn't really accurate.
vinnypic
06-02-2010, 06:04 PM
It's the first week of june, man. They are on the rise, not falling off.
Nobody, except the Rays, came out with all 5 starters locked in.
Blade23
06-02-2010, 06:37 PM
*raises hand :(
Holy shit man, I don't know how I forgot you. Completely slipped my mind, but of course I know you're a loyal Braves' fan.
The rotation, which I consider a strength, and was ballyhooed for thinking so, gave up a whopping 4 runs in 14 and 2/3 innings pitched during this series. I don't know what you refuted.
First, the New York Mets (who have nothing beyond Santana and Pelfrey) shut out the Phillies in three consecutive games. The Marlins' staff shut down the Phillies. Although its an accomplishment to sweep the Phillies, I wouldn't necessarily say that it was because of a stellar rotation.
Second, the starting rotation HAS NOT been a strength of the Braves this season. Clutch hits, come from behind wins, and the bullpen have been the strength of this team so far. The rotation has the POTENTIAL to be one of the best in the National League and that's what makes them so much more dangerous. If the rotation comes around and pitches to full capability, then the Braves will distance themselves from the other teams in the NL East. Tim Hudson is the only pitcher that has been consistently good throughout the season. Tommy Hanson has had a few rough starts, Derek Lowe has been inconsistent, Kenshin Kawakami has been solid (but gets no run support), and Jair Jurrjens has been horrible.
Here is why Atlanta has turned things around....
1. Jason Heyward - he is the MVP of this team and he has been the main offensive catalyst on this team.
2. Martin Prado - he has been the table setter at the top of the line-up and he's been nothing but clutch.
3. Troy Glaus - as I said prior to this season starting, if he hits, then this team will win. He is providing the middle of the order pop that Atlanta expected him to do when they took a gamble on him in the offseason.
4. bullpen - Wagner, Saito, Moylan, and O'Flaherty have been lights out in the pen. If they get a lead, then they hold that lead for the team.
5. heart/clutch hitting - a year ago, this team lost more 1 run games than any team in the league. This year, they never seem to be out of the game. Everyone (Hinske, Conrad, Ross, etc.) contributes when it comes to clutch hitting and that's key.
Ultimately, aside from Tim Hudson, I would say that the starting rotation has been their weakness and that's not a bad thing. Imagine what kind of team they'll be if this rotation continues to turn things around (which they have done in the last week or two). Add to that the fact that Chipper Jones, Brian McCann, Nate McLouth, and Yunel Escobar aren't really hitting either....that makes the prospects of this teams success very promising.
Overall, you're right in the aspect that this team is on the rise and starting to peak. In the long run, they'll need that rotation to live up to its potential and the other bats will have to wake up.
Son of Shockey
06-02-2010, 06:56 PM
The Dbacks are so desperate for pitching they've acquired dontrelle willis
Did they really now? Geez. Thank goodness the Marlins got rid of him when they did. He had one good year, then fell flat on his face. Never really liked the guy, always thought he was all show and no substance. I swear, he lost every game me and my family went to when he was pitching, and that was like three-four games. Thank goodness the Tigers were willing to take him (not like we got too much outta that deal, frickin' Cameron Maybin is a waste of flesh...)
RatedDAL
06-02-2010, 07:23 PM
I know Takahashi got roughed up in san diego but don't discount his first 2 starts either, he's better then a nobody Blade. =)
This is the most annoying thing with baseball, people keep insisting it's early or whatever, "It's the first week of June." While still early enough to dig yourself out of a hole in the standings, it's just excuses for poor performances saying that and its a large enough sample size to worry about how someone's performed in 2 months.
4th straight walk off loss for the DBacks, that's gotta be close to a record if not the record
Al Boo Boo
06-02-2010, 07:40 PM
I'm hearing whispers that Griffey will announce his retirement today. He didn't report to the Mariners game today and when asked proclaimed simply "It's Over".
doublehelix
06-02-2010, 07:45 PM
Aw, man. Aw, man. I'm way more bummed out about this than I thought I would be. And I knew I would be bummed out, I love Junior. A's fan or no, he made an incredibly strong push for my favorite player ever (being an A's fan probably helps, actually, since my favorite A in recent memory was Dan Haren and he was here for three years - hard to get attached). Either Griffey or Rickey.
RatedDAL
06-02-2010, 07:57 PM
It seems like he was forced out, i doubt griffey would've quit mid season without a nudge.
Al Boo Boo
06-02-2010, 08:08 PM
So true. So sad. The Mariners suck. As if the 25th man on the roster is going to make a difference on a team that has no strengths. Lame. He (and they) should have never even came back from another year.
Lazyking
06-02-2010, 08:41 PM
If it happens, it will be the first time in ML HISTORY that their have been three perfect games in one season.
Wow!
RatedDAL
06-02-2010, 08:48 PM
Holy shit that's insane, PED's are now being abused by the pitchers
Al Boo Boo
06-02-2010, 08:48 PM
INCREDIBLE CATCH BY JACKSON!
Wow. Wow Wow.
NOOOOOO
NOOOOOOOOOo
YOU CANNOT MAKE THAT CALL THERE. HOLY FUCK HOLE. NO FUCKING WAY. THIS MAN WILL BE MURDERED TONIGHT.
HE WAS SOOOOO FUCKNG OUT. SOOOOOOOO OUT.
RatedDAL
06-02-2010, 08:49 PM
SINGLE WITH 2 OUTS, FUCK
doublehelix
06-02-2010, 08:50 PM
That was the worst call.
Lazyking
06-02-2010, 08:51 PM
BULLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLSHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTTTT TTT!
Al Boo Boo
06-02-2010, 08:53 PM
Jim Joyce should be fucking FIRED. FIRED I SAY.
Lego Man
06-02-2010, 08:53 PM
Someone care to explain what happened, I can only see the pitch-by-pitch stuff on mlbs site
RatedDAL
06-02-2010, 08:54 PM
That was tuuuuuuurrrrrrible
Al Boo Boo
06-02-2010, 08:54 PM
Batter grounded out 3-1. It wasn't even a bang bang play.
Runner was out by feet... not inches. Ump calls him safe. Presumabely thinking the pitcher took his foot off the bag.
UN FUCKING REAL. Horrible... HORRIBLE call.
Lazyking
06-02-2010, 08:55 PM
Fire his ASS! Even if he was safe, which he WASN"T, you don't make that CALL! He ASSUMED that the pitcher wouldn't get there and that's why he called him safe.
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