With Manny to the Dodgers, I'd say the Marlins cannot win. They didn't get a catcher, which they desperately need, since they are playing a 3d stringer. And they didn't get a big bat.
The Dodgers are now loaded in the outfield with Manny, Kemp and Ethier. Juan Pierre and Andruw Jones shouldn't, but will, receive more plate appearances this year. I bet the Dodgers let those stones drag them down simply because they are paying big money. It would be smarter to recognize they were stupid signings, and play the real talents.
The Dodgers are obviously counting on Casey Blake at 3b, at least this year. He's 32 years old, so he is not the future. I suppose Blake DeWitt showed them enough at 3b for them to find LaRoche expendable. A little surprising, but at least they made their move.
Boston is a weaker team at the moment. Bay is not as good a hitter as Manny, which means he won't adapt to the AL pitching as fast as Manny will adapt to the NL pitching. But, he will have the Green Monster, and he's a better defensive player.
Pittsburgh? What difference does it make? Andy LaRoche is a serious prospect and gets reunited with his brother Adam. Not much else to say.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Mo Manny
As I've written before, I'm a Manny Ramirez supporter. He's such an incredible hitter.
I lost a little respect this week, though. Boston is in a tight playoff race, and I think Manny is tanking it. Not only is it a bad time for him to be denigrating the team, he seems to be punishing his teammates at the same time.
On the Marlins telecast last night they interviewed Dan Uggla about trades generally, and how they blend in with the team. Uggla said that you never know whether a guy will blend in and be a good teammate or not. Some very talented players join teams, and while their stats may contribute, they can actually bring down the team as a whole.
Uggla was not asked about Manny, but if the Marlins' clubhouse is so tight, what's gonna happen with Manny in there. Florida is a bunch of underachievers who probably play better because of a good clubhouse. When Josh Johnson came out of the game last night, Uggla went over to him, patted him on the back and said "Don't worry. We've got your back." He then went up and hit a two-run homer, which was the margin of victory.
In the dugout after the homer, Hermida must have hugged Uggla three times. And it's Hermida who is likely out the door if Manny joins the team.
I lost a little respect this week, though. Boston is in a tight playoff race, and I think Manny is tanking it. Not only is it a bad time for him to be denigrating the team, he seems to be punishing his teammates at the same time.
On the Marlins telecast last night they interviewed Dan Uggla about trades generally, and how they blend in with the team. Uggla said that you never know whether a guy will blend in and be a good teammate or not. Some very talented players join teams, and while their stats may contribute, they can actually bring down the team as a whole.
Uggla was not asked about Manny, but if the Marlins' clubhouse is so tight, what's gonna happen with Manny in there. Florida is a bunch of underachievers who probably play better because of a good clubhouse. When Josh Johnson came out of the game last night, Uggla went over to him, patted him on the back and said "Don't worry. We've got your back." He then went up and hit a two-run homer, which was the margin of victory.
In the dugout after the homer, Hermida must have hugged Uggla three times. And it's Hermida who is likely out the door if Manny joins the team.
Griffey to White Sox
Ken Griffey, Jr. is headed to the White Sox for Danny Richar and Nick Masset.
Right now the Sox outfield is Dye, Swisher and Quentin. That’s pretty good. Konerko at first and Thome at DH. Where does Junior play? If you put him in the OF, Swisher has to play first or sit. If you DH him, Thome has to play first or sit. If Swisher or Thome play first, Konerko's out of the picture.
The rumor is that Konerko will sit (thanks to Wes for the contribution). He is having an attrocious year. It would be a bad year at the plate for a really good defensive shortstop, much less at first base.
So I guess that means Griffey in center, Swisher at 1b and a Thome/Konerko platoon at DH. You don't want Thome at 1b if you can help it.
Another reminder of how fast fortunes can change (like Morgan Ensberg last year). Konerko has been very productive for the Sox over the years.
The White Sox really gave up nothing to get Griffey. Richar, who is the odd man out now that Alexei Ramirez is in the picture, and Nick Massett, who is already 26 and is doing journeyman work in the bullpen.
Why would the Reds want a second baseman?
Right now the Sox outfield is Dye, Swisher and Quentin. That’s pretty good. Konerko at first and Thome at DH. Where does Junior play? If you put him in the OF, Swisher has to play first or sit. If you DH him, Thome has to play first or sit. If Swisher or Thome play first, Konerko's out of the picture.
The rumor is that Konerko will sit (thanks to Wes for the contribution). He is having an attrocious year. It would be a bad year at the plate for a really good defensive shortstop, much less at first base.
So I guess that means Griffey in center, Swisher at 1b and a Thome/Konerko platoon at DH. You don't want Thome at 1b if you can help it.
Another reminder of how fast fortunes can change (like Morgan Ensberg last year). Konerko has been very productive for the Sox over the years.
The White Sox really gave up nothing to get Griffey. Richar, who is the odd man out now that Alexei Ramirez is in the picture, and Nick Massett, who is already 26 and is doing journeyman work in the bullpen.
Why would the Reds want a second baseman?
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Teixeira Trade
As ESPN has reported 250 times in the last two hours, the Braves traded Mark Teixeira to the Angels for Casey Kotchman and pitching "prospect" Stephen Marek.
What I'm wondering is this: what's it like to be Casey Kotchman right now? You are the starting first baseman on the best team in baseball. The playoffs are a foregone conclusion. The only question is how far.
Now you are going to a team that is on the downswing after a long long climb. The Braves, in one weekend, lost their three best players (Chipper, Hudson and Teixeira). The best hitter on the team is Brian McCann. And then who? Kelly Johnson? Jeff Francoeur? The best pitcher? Jair Jurrjens?
And the Braves are not clicking on all cylinders in the minors, at least on the hitting side, so no help is on the way. The Braves appear to have a strong set of pitchers in the minors, but Stephen Marek wouldn't seem to add much. He was not rated as one of the Top 11 prospects in the Angels' system by Baseball Prospectus' Kevin Goldstein.
In 2007, BP's book said: "He consistently delivers heat in the low-90s (topping out at 95), and supplements it with a nice curve and change, though his delivery needs work. He has work to do--he won`t be able to overpower people as easily in Double-A--but he`s among the organization`s best pitching prospects."
Wow, that's not bad. Problem is, he didn't make BP's 2008 book at all, after a lackluster performance in high A ball. The BP Web site predicts him as having a 10% chance of being a regular in the rotation in 2008, decreasing thereafter. In other words, he was expected to peak this year as a fringe starter.
Now he's already 24 years old in double A. So far he has been a game finisher for Arkansas, having started no games. Why did I call him a finisher instead of a closer? He has finished 20 games, but that's with only 3 saves. He's had 14 other relief appearances. Granted, in that role he is striking out more than a batter an inning, which is nice. Still, adding a closer to the Braves AA system isn't much of a boost, is it? Or do they think they can work some magic and make him a starter?
Kotchman goes from a real contender for the world title, to a team that is several years away from contending for a playoff spot.
Kotchman said this: "I'm not shocked. I'm overflowing with joy and thankful of the opportunity to go to Atlanta and play for Bobby Cox. I've heard a lot of great things about him."
I believe the part about playing for Bobby Cox. I don't believe for a second he is overflowing with joy.
What I'm wondering is this: what's it like to be Casey Kotchman right now? You are the starting first baseman on the best team in baseball. The playoffs are a foregone conclusion. The only question is how far.
Now you are going to a team that is on the downswing after a long long climb. The Braves, in one weekend, lost their three best players (Chipper, Hudson and Teixeira). The best hitter on the team is Brian McCann. And then who? Kelly Johnson? Jeff Francoeur? The best pitcher? Jair Jurrjens?
And the Braves are not clicking on all cylinders in the minors, at least on the hitting side, so no help is on the way. The Braves appear to have a strong set of pitchers in the minors, but Stephen Marek wouldn't seem to add much. He was not rated as one of the Top 11 prospects in the Angels' system by Baseball Prospectus' Kevin Goldstein.
In 2007, BP's book said: "He consistently delivers heat in the low-90s (topping out at 95), and supplements it with a nice curve and change, though his delivery needs work. He has work to do--he won`t be able to overpower people as easily in Double-A--but he`s among the organization`s best pitching prospects."
Wow, that's not bad. Problem is, he didn't make BP's 2008 book at all, after a lackluster performance in high A ball. The BP Web site predicts him as having a 10% chance of being a regular in the rotation in 2008, decreasing thereafter. In other words, he was expected to peak this year as a fringe starter.
Now he's already 24 years old in double A. So far he has been a game finisher for Arkansas, having started no games. Why did I call him a finisher instead of a closer? He has finished 20 games, but that's with only 3 saves. He's had 14 other relief appearances. Granted, in that role he is striking out more than a batter an inning, which is nice. Still, adding a closer to the Braves AA system isn't much of a boost, is it? Or do they think they can work some magic and make him a starter?
Kotchman goes from a real contender for the world title, to a team that is several years away from contending for a playoff spot.
Kotchman said this: "I'm not shocked. I'm overflowing with joy and thankful of the opportunity to go to Atlanta and play for Bobby Cox. I've heard a lot of great things about him."
I believe the part about playing for Bobby Cox. I don't believe for a second he is overflowing with joy.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Gobble Gobble
Jimmy Gobble came into the Detroit-Kansas City game in the 7th inning. The Detroit hitters had already put 9 runs on the board. He walked his first hitter, allowing another run in, but that was charged to Robinson Tejada.
He then got a ground out from Renteria to end the 7th. Too bad his day didn't end there.
In the 8th, he gave up 6 hits. Then retired 2. He then gave up 3 walks and another hit before being lifted. Unfortunately, Leo Nunez allowed all of Gobble's baserunners to score.
So that's 1 inning of work, 7 hits, 4 walks and 10 earned runs.
It's not like Gobble was having a good year. His ERA was nearly 8.00 coming into the game. Leaving the game, it was 11.31.
Now Gobble is no star, even among major league middle relievers. He has had a mostly mediocre-to-bad career, with ERAs in the fives. Except last year, he was really really good. Averaged nearly a strikeout an inning and managed a 3.02 ERA. In fact, I think he was my choice to represent Kansas City in the All-Star game last year. Admittedly, there weren't many options.
With tonight's inning, he has thrown 25.7 innings this year. I did a quick search to find out how many players since 1901 pitched more than 25 innings in a season and finished with an ERA greater than 10.00.
It has happened 25 times, most recently with Scott Elarton last year -- 37 innings at 10.46. Should we be surprised that he pitched for Kansas City?
There are five seasons on the list with ERAs worse than Gobble's. His work isn't done if he wants to set a record.
But here's the most startling record of the 25 players who had at least 25 innings and an ERA over 10.00. Roy Halladay is one of them! And he's the WORST one. He doesn't have the worst ERA in the group...only the 9th worst. But unlike nearly everyone else on the list who pitched around 30 innings, Halladay pitched 67.7 innings at 10.64 when he was 23.
So, if I refined the search to players with an ERA over 10.00 with at least 60 innings pitched, Roy Halladay would be the only guy on the list. If the criteria was 50 innings, we'd add one more: Micah Bowie managed 51 innings of horror in 1999, but his ERA was only 10.24.
He then got a ground out from Renteria to end the 7th. Too bad his day didn't end there.
In the 8th, he gave up 6 hits. Then retired 2. He then gave up 3 walks and another hit before being lifted. Unfortunately, Leo Nunez allowed all of Gobble's baserunners to score.
So that's 1 inning of work, 7 hits, 4 walks and 10 earned runs.
It's not like Gobble was having a good year. His ERA was nearly 8.00 coming into the game. Leaving the game, it was 11.31.
Now Gobble is no star, even among major league middle relievers. He has had a mostly mediocre-to-bad career, with ERAs in the fives. Except last year, he was really really good. Averaged nearly a strikeout an inning and managed a 3.02 ERA. In fact, I think he was my choice to represent Kansas City in the All-Star game last year. Admittedly, there weren't many options.
With tonight's inning, he has thrown 25.7 innings this year. I did a quick search to find out how many players since 1901 pitched more than 25 innings in a season and finished with an ERA greater than 10.00.
It has happened 25 times, most recently with Scott Elarton last year -- 37 innings at 10.46. Should we be surprised that he pitched for Kansas City?
There are five seasons on the list with ERAs worse than Gobble's. His work isn't done if he wants to set a record.
But here's the most startling record of the 25 players who had at least 25 innings and an ERA over 10.00. Roy Halladay is one of them! And he's the WORST one. He doesn't have the worst ERA in the group...only the 9th worst. But unlike nearly everyone else on the list who pitched around 30 innings, Halladay pitched 67.7 innings at 10.64 when he was 23.
So, if I refined the search to players with an ERA over 10.00 with at least 60 innings pitched, Roy Halladay would be the only guy on the list. If the criteria was 50 innings, we'd add one more: Micah Bowie managed 51 innings of horror in 1999, but his ERA was only 10.24.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Sabathia Trade
ESPN's producers get kudos tonight. During the Monday night telecast for the Brewers/Cardinals, Doug Melvin (Brewers GM) joined Steve Phillips and Orel Hershiser in the booth to talk about the trade.
What's neat is that they also got Mark Shapiro (Indians GM) on the phone and they extensively questioned Melvin and Shapiro about how the deal went down.
This was a truly unique perspective. No speculation about how it worked from a bunch of former players in the ESPN studios. The two dealers were there, live, answering questions about all the mechanics of the trade. It was useful also to have Steve Phillips, a former GM, asking those questions. He had a good perspective on the kinds of things that happen during major deals, but also a good sense of what the viewers would want to hear.
What's neat is that they also got Mark Shapiro (Indians GM) on the phone and they extensively questioned Melvin and Shapiro about how the deal went down.
This was a truly unique perspective. No speculation about how it worked from a bunch of former players in the ESPN studios. The two dealers were there, live, answering questions about all the mechanics of the trade. It was useful also to have Steve Phillips, a former GM, asking those questions. He had a good perspective on the kinds of things that happen during major deals, but also a good sense of what the viewers would want to hear.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Predict-a-Matic Results: July 20, 2008
Pitchers IP H HR BB SO ER GS Over% Undr%
Duchscher(OAK) 6.0 6 1 2 4 2 54 33% 14%
7.0 6 1 3 4 2 58
Pettitte (NYY) 6.3 7 - 2 5 2 54 36% 13%
8.0 4 0 0 9 1 79
----------------------------------------------------
Verlander (DET) 6.1 6 - 2 5 2 54 29% 17%
8.7 3 0 3 3 1 76
Burres (BAL) 5.3 6 1 3 4 3 45 17% 34%
5.3 6 2 4 5 3 45
----------------------------------------------------
Pelfrey (NYM) 5.8 6 0 3 4 2 51 24% 20%
7.0 6 3 1 4 5 48
Volquez (CIN) 5.6 5 - 3 5 2 54 33% 15%
5.0 8 1 3 3 4 35
----------------------------------------------------
Perez (WSN) 4.9 6 0 2 3 2 47 16% 25%
5.0 9 2 2 4 5 31
Reyes (ATL) 5.6 5 - 2 4 2 54 30% 12%
2.3 7 0 4 1 6 16
----------------------------------------------------
Bannister (KCR) 5.8 7 1 2 3 3 45 16% 28%
3.0 8 1 1 4 5 26
Danks (CHW) 5.7 6 0 2 4 2 52 30% 19%
4.0 9 0 2 3 6 21
----------------------------------------------------
Dempster (CHC) 5.9 6 1 2 5 2 55 37% 12%
8.0 6 0 1 7 0 76
Backe (HOU) 5.6 6 1 2 4 2 52 26% 21%
6.7 8 1 0 8 4 52
----------------------------------------------------
Padilla (TEX) 5.8 7 1 2 3 2 49 22% 24%
7.0 3 0 2 0 0 69
Baker (MIN) 6.0 6 1 1 5 2 55 32% 15%
8.0 2 1 1 8 1 81
----------------------------------------------------
Lee (CLE) 6.7 7 0 1 5 2 57 47% 11%
9.0 11 0 0 4 2 61
Silva (SEA) 5.9 7 0 1 4 2 54 36% 14%
3.0 4 1 1 1 4 35
----------------------------------------------------
Duke (PIT) 5.4 8 1 1 3 3 42 12% 34%
5.0 10 2 1 5 9 15
Cook (COL) 5.9 8 1 1 3 3 46 18% 28%
7.0 5 0 1 2 3 56
----------------------------------------------------
Wakefield (BOS) 6.5 6 1 2 3 2 54 31% 16%
7.0 6 2 0 1 4 50
Garland (LAA) 6.0 7 0 2 3 2 50 24% 22%
6.7 6 0 3 6 2 57
----------------------------------------------------
Parra (MIL) 6.0 6 - 2 5 2 54 33% 19%
7.7 7 0 2 9 2 66
Lincecum (SFG) 5.9 5 1 2 8 2 59 44% 13%
6.0 6 2 4 8 5 44
----------------------------------------------------
Lowe (LAD) 5.8 6 0 2 5 2 54 34% 15%
5.3 7 0 3 6 4 42
Webb (ARI) 6.8 7 0 2 5 2 56 40% 10%
8.0 6 0 3 4 1 67
Pitcher Boom Games: Lee (61), Webb (67), Lincecum (44)Pitcher Bust Games: Burres (46), Duke (15)
Hitter Boom Games: .292/.358/.667 5hr 9r 11rbi -- Avg. GS: 52 -- Aramis (36), Soto (43), Sheffield (53), Ordonez (54), Thome (48), Dunn (64), Holliday (64), Hawpe (44), McLouth (45), Morneau (41), Chipper (51), Tex (75)
Hitter Bust Games: .186/.222/.209 5r 3rbi -- Avg. GS: 44 -- Figgins (52), Kendrick (50), Matsui (39), Bloomquist (45), Suzuki (41), Kemp (47), Delw.Young (47), En.Chavez (36), Ca.Gomez (41), Langerhans (41), Blanco (48)
Game Winners: 4-8
Predict-a-Matic: July 20, 2008
Pitchers IP H HR BB SO ER GS Over% Undr% Duchscher(OAK) 6.0 6 1 2 4 2 54 33% 14% Pettitte (NYY) 6.3 7 - 2 5 2 54 36% 13% Verlander (DET) 6.1 6 - 2 5 2 54 29% 17% Burres (BAL) 5.3 6 1 3 4 3 45 17% 34% Pelfrey (NYM) 5.8 6 0 3 4 2 51 24% 20% Volquez (CIN) 5.6 5 - 3 5 2 54 33% 15% Perez (WSN) 4.9 6 0 2 3 2 47 16% 25% Reyes (ATL) 5.6 5 - 2 4 2 54 30% 12% Bannister (KCR) 5.8 7 1 2 3 3 45 16% 28% Danks (CHW) 5.7 6 0 2 4 2 52 30% 19% Dempster (CHC) 5.9 6 1 2 5 2 55 37% 12% Backe (HOU) 5.6 6 1 2 4 2 52 26% 21% Padilla (TEX) 5.8 7 1 2 3 2 49 22% 24% Baker (MIN) 6.0 6 1 1 5 2 55 32% 15% Lee (CLE) 6.7 7 0 1 5 2 57 47% 11% Silva (SEA) 5.9 7 0 1 4 2 54 36% 14% Duke (PIT) 5.4 8 1 1 3 3 42 12% 34% Cook (COL) 5.9 8 1 1 3 3 46 18% 28% Wakefield (BOS) 6.5 6 1 2 3 2 54 31% 16% Garland (LAA) 6.0 7 0 2 3 2 50 24% 22% Parra (MIL) 6.0 6 - 2 5 2 54 33% 19% Lincecum (SFG) 5.9 5 1 2 8 2 59 44% 13% Lowe (LAD) 5.8 6 0 2 5 2 54 34% 15% Webb (ARI) 6.8 7 0 2 5 2 56 40% 10%Pitcher Boom Games: Lee, Webb, Lincecum
Pitcher Bust Games: Burres, Duke
Hitter Boom Games: Aramis, Soto, Sheffield, Ordonez, Thome, Dunn, Holliday, Hawpe, Morneau, Chipper, Tex
Hitter Bust Games: Figgins, Kendrick, Matsui, Ausmus, Marte, Fasano, Bloomquist, Suzuki, Adam Jones, Gathright, Kemp, Del.Young, En.Chavez, Ca.Gomez, Casto, Langerhans, Blanco
Game Winners: Boston*, Cubs, Cleveland*, Detroit, White Sox, Arizona, San Francisco, Cincinnati, Oakland*, Colorado, Minnesota, Atlanta
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Predict-a-Matic Results: July 19, 2008
Pitchers IP H HR BB SO ER GS Over% Undr%
Gallagher (OAK) 6.1 7 1 3 4 3 48 20% 27%
5.0 7 0 4 7 2 48
Chamberlain(NYY)4.4 3 - 2 8 1 59 47% 6%
6.0 6 0 1 8 1 63
----------------------------------------------------
Kendrick (PHI) 5.3 7 1 1 4 3 45 19% 26%
4.3 10 3 1 2 7 17
Olsen (FLA) 5.4 6 1 3 5 3 47 22% 26%
5.0 8 1 2 0 3 37
---------------------------------------------------
Beckett (BOS) 6.6 5 1 1 6 2 60 47% 9%
8.0 9 1 1 6 4 53
Saunders (LAA) 6.0 7 1 2 3 3 47 22% 25%
6.7 6 1 3 1 2 54
--------------------------------------------------
Wolf (SDP) 5.3 6 1 2 5 2 51 26% 20%
5.7 8 0 2 4 4 41
Wellemeyer(STL) 5.9 6 1 2 5 2 54 31% 17%
6.3 5 1 3 2 5 43
--------------------------------------------------
Sowers (CLE) 5.2 7 0 1 2 2 47 12% 29%
6.0 5 1 3 3 4 46
Batista (SEA) 5.8 6 1 2 5 2 53 31% 16%
2.0 7 1 1 2 8 11
--------------------------------------------------
Sheets (MIL) 6.3 7 0 1 5 2 56 41% 12%
5.0 9 0 1 3 2 43
Sanchez(SFG) 5.7 5 1 3 8 2 56 36% 15%
5.3 7 0 2 8 4 45
---------------------------------------------------
Halladay (TOR) 7.0 7 0 2 6 2 59 46% 13%
6.0 8 1 3 6 5 39
Garza (TBR) 5.6 6 0 2 4 2 52 29% 17%
7.7 2 0 0 6 0 83
---------------------------------------------------
Lannan (WSN) 5.4 6 0 2 3 2 50 22% 24%
6.0 7 0 3 4 1 55
Jurrjens (ATL) 5.7 6 - 2 4 1 56 35% 9%
6.3 8 0 1 5 5 42
----------------------------------------------------
Robertson (DET) 5.8 7 1 2 4 3 48 24% 24%
2.3 8 1 0 1 7 14
Cabrera (BAL) 5.9 6 1 3 4 3 48 23% 25%
5.0 5 2 5 4 6 32
----------------------------------------------------
Zambrano (CHC) 6.6 6 0 2 5 2 58 38% 13%
6.3 6 0 6 3 4 45
Rodriguez (HOU) 6.1 6 1 2 6 2 57 42% 13%
6.7 9 1 0 7 1 61
----------------------------------------------------
Meche (KCR) 5.6 7 1 2 4 3 46 19% 29%
6.3 2 0 1 6 1 71
Floyd (CHW) 5.8 7 1 2 4 3 48 26% 23%
6.0 4 1 3 6 1 63
----------------------------------------------------
Perez (NYM) 5.3 5 1 3 6 3 50 26% 21%
6.0 6 0 3 6 2 55
Fogg (CIN) 5.3 7 1 2 3 3 43 15% 35%
6.0 8 1 1 1 1 52
----------------------------------------------------
Billingsl(LAD) 6.1 6 0 3 6 2 55 37% 15%
5.7 7 1 3 5 3 47
Haren (ARI) 6.4 6 0 1 6 2 60 49% 8%
7.0 4 0 2 7 0 74
Pitcher Boom Games: 3-2-3 Avg GS: 52
Pitcher Bust Games: 0-1-0 Avg GS: 50
Hitter Boom Games: .360/.418/.697 6HR 22Run 20RBI
Hitter Bust Games: .244/.322/.308 3Run 4RBI
Game Winners: 5-8
Predict-a-Matic: July 19, 2008
Pitchers IP H HR BB SO ER GS Over% Undr% Gallagher (OAK) 6.1 7 1 3 4 3 48 20% 27% Chamberlain(NYY)4.4 3 - 2 8 1 59 47% 6% Kendrick (PHI) 5.3 7 1 1 4 3 45 19% 26% Olsen (FLA) 5.4 6 1 3 5 3 47 22% 26% Beckett (BOS) 6.6 5 1 1 6 2 60 47% 9% Saunders (LAA) 6.0 7 1 2 3 3 47 22% 25% Wolf (SDP) 5.3 6 1 2 5 2 51 26% 20% Wellemeyer(STL) 5.9 6 1 2 5 2 54 31% 17% Sowers (CLE) 5.2 7 0 1 2 2 47 12% 29% Batista (SEA) 5.8 6 1 2 5 2 53 31% 16% Sheets (MIL) 6.3 7 0 1 5 2 56 41% 12% Sanchez (SFG) 5.7 5 1 3 8 2 56 36% 15% Halladay (TOR) 7.0 7 0 2 6 2 59 46% 13% Garza (TBR) 5.6 6 0 2 4 2 52 29% 17% Lannan (WSN) 5.4 6 0 2 3 2 50 22% 24% Jurrjens (ATL) 5.7 6 - 2 4 1 56 35% 9% Robertson (DET) 5.8 7 1 2 4 3 48 24% 24% Cabrera (BAL) 5.9 6 1 3 4 3 48 23% 25% Zambrano (CHC) 6.6 6 0 2 5 2 58 38% 13% Rodriguez (HOU) 6.1 6 1 2 6 2 57 42% 13% Meche (KCR) 5.6 7 1 2 4 3 46 19% 29% Floyd (CHW) 5.8 7 1 2 4 3 48 26% 23% Perez (NYM) 5.3 5 1 3 6 3 50 26% 21% Fogg (CIN) 5.3 7 1 2 3 3 43 15% 35% Billingsl(LAD) 6.1 6 0 3 6 2 55 37% 15% Haren (ARI) 6.4 6 0 1 6 2 60 49% 8%
Pitcher Boom Games: Beckett, Zambrano, Rodriguez, Haren, Sheets, Sanchez, Chamberlain, Halladay
Pitcher Bust Games: Fogg
Hitter Boom Games: Beltre, Ibanez, M.Cabrera, Thames, Roberts, J.Buck, Thome, Dye, Braun, Hart, Wright, Beltran, Dunn, ARod, Sexson, Rollins, Burrell, C.Ross, H.Ramirez, A.Gonzalez, Pujols, Ludwick, Chipper, Teixeira
Hitter Bust Games: Figgins, Mathis, Fukudome, Theriot, K.Matsui, Pence, Marte, Bloomquist, Adam Jones, Fahey, DeWitt, J.Upton, Bako, Hannahan, Cust, J.Molina, Gardner, Padres catcher, Iwamura, Navarro, Langerhans, Nationals 3b or 2b (not Belliard), Blanco, Lillibridge
Game Winners: Boston, Houston (tossup), Seattle, Detroit*, White Sox, Arizona, Milwaukee, Mets*, Yankees, Philadelphia*, St. Louis (tossup), Toronto, Atlanta
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Tony Clark to Diamondbacks
Tony Clark moving from the Padres to the Diamondbacks strikes me as a great move for both Arizona and Tony.
Clark spent three seasons with Arizona, and became a good pinch hitter and sometime 1b replacement. These days, in San Diego, he is only a pinch hitter, because Adrian Gonzalez plays every day.
What's remarkable is that Clark was entitled to a $500,000 bonus if San Diego traded him, and he waived it. That's a half million bucks! Gone.
And that's why the story is cool. Clark does not fancy himself an every day major league ballplayer anymore. He's older and more mature. He wants to help a ballclub win, and he wants to be in the playoffs. That's more important than money, and it's nice to see a ballplayer make that choice.
Clark spent three seasons with Arizona, and became a good pinch hitter and sometime 1b replacement. These days, in San Diego, he is only a pinch hitter, because Adrian Gonzalez plays every day.
What's remarkable is that Clark was entitled to a $500,000 bonus if San Diego traded him, and he waived it. That's a half million bucks! Gone.
And that's why the story is cool. Clark does not fancy himself an every day major league ballplayer anymore. He's older and more mature. He wants to help a ballclub win, and he wants to be in the playoffs. That's more important than money, and it's nice to see a ballplayer make that choice.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Manny Being Manny
Two players before the Hamilton-Mays incident, Manny was introduced. He ran out to greet the Hall of Fame left fielders (Lou Brock, Billy Williams and Ralph Kiner). He was gracious, shaking hands and smiling.
He worked his way down to his NL counterpart, Ryan Braun. Manny had a huge smile on his face. He hugged Braun. Then, instead of returning to his position on the opposite side of the Hall of Famers, he stood next to Braun, talking and hugging him. That's him middle left, with his arm around Braun. He's supposed to be four places to the right, between Kiner and Mays (standing alone).
What possible connection could they have? A veteran, in the AL, and an almost-rookie from the NL. They have never faced each other. Probably never even met. And yet Manny was excited for Braun and chatted him up like an old friend. It was only when someone from Fox told him to get back to his appointed position to Kiner's left that Manny scooted around to dutifully comply.
So how is it that Manny has a certain negative reputation, and a guy like Willie Mays has such a great one?
He worked his way down to his NL counterpart, Ryan Braun. Manny had a huge smile on his face. He hugged Braun. Then, instead of returning to his position on the opposite side of the Hall of Famers, he stood next to Braun, talking and hugging him. That's him middle left, with his arm around Braun. He's supposed to be four places to the right, between Kiner and Mays (standing alone).
What possible connection could they have? A veteran, in the AL, and an almost-rookie from the NL. They have never faced each other. Probably never even met. And yet Manny was excited for Braun and chatted him up like an old friend. It was only when someone from Fox told him to get back to his appointed position to Kiner's left that Manny scooted around to dutifully comply.
So how is it that Manny has a certain negative reputation, and a guy like Willie Mays has such a great one?
Fantasy Immaturity
In one of my fantasy leagues, a team proposed sending outfielder David Murphy to the last place team in the league -- a team with no shot at the playoffs in this head-to-head format, for Miguel Cabrera.
When the league vetoed it, and I specifically objected to it, the owner of Murphy seemed shocked. He believes David Murphy, journeyman outfielder and non-prospect, is the equivalent of Cabrera. There was no positional move being made here. He was just taking advantage of (i) a last place team and (ii) the only female owner in the league, who is playing "for fun," doesn't have an Internet connection at home, and doesn't know all the players but likes the Cleveland Indians.
He's still complaining. He has now picked up Barry Bonds, and inserted him as the only player in his starting lineup.
Here's a step-by-step guide to immaturity:
Step 1: Assert something undoubtedly untrue (Cabrera = Murphy)
Step 2: Get feelings hurt when someone mentions the falsity of the assertion
Step 3: Entrench belief in the untrue assertions as defense mechanism to protect fragile ego
Step 4: Resort to name calling
Step 5: Show inability to let go of false assertion, and dwell on it to the point of absurdity
Let's hope these traits are limited to fantasy sports.
When the league vetoed it, and I specifically objected to it, the owner of Murphy seemed shocked. He believes David Murphy, journeyman outfielder and non-prospect, is the equivalent of Cabrera. There was no positional move being made here. He was just taking advantage of (i) a last place team and (ii) the only female owner in the league, who is playing "for fun," doesn't have an Internet connection at home, and doesn't know all the players but likes the Cleveland Indians.
He's still complaining. He has now picked up Barry Bonds, and inserted him as the only player in his starting lineup.
Here's a step-by-step guide to immaturity:
Step 1: Assert something undoubtedly untrue (Cabrera = Murphy)
Step 2: Get feelings hurt when someone mentions the falsity of the assertion
Step 3: Entrench belief in the untrue assertions as defense mechanism to protect fragile ego
Step 4: Resort to name calling
Step 5: Show inability to let go of false assertion, and dwell on it to the point of absurdity
Let's hope these traits are limited to fantasy sports.
"Say Hey" Says Nothing
I’m wondering if you noticed something and whether I’m just being too sensitive.
When Josh Hamilton was announced in the pre-game lineups, the crowd gave him a huge reception, not surprisingly. When he got to mid-field to stand with the Hall of Famers, Willie Mays was the guy who would be standing next to Hamilton. Willie was involved in a conversation with Fukudome, facing the opposite direction to Hamilton. Hamilton's name came over the speaker, and he ran out to the position.
Willie never looked at Hamilton. Hamilton tapped him on the shoulder to say hi, and pay his respects, and Mays did not turn around. Hamilton then made a little gesture like he was going to tap him again, but then changed his mind and stood there, sort of lonely. Willie still hadn't turned around.
Mays had finished his conversation with Fukudome, and eventually turned to face front. Best I can tell, he never even glanced to his left at Hamilton.
Perhaps Willie is just an old man and isn’t all that sharp. Couldn’t hear Hamilton's name. Didn’t feel the tap. Was engrossed in a conversation and is unable to multi-task. Perhaps the language barrier with Fukudome was also a distraction.
Some of that is no doubt true, but is it an explanation? Hamilton hit 28 homers in the 1st round of the derby. Wouldn’t an ordinary HoFer (or anyone, really) have some interest in meeting the guy who did that? Wouldn’t most people acknowledge another person standing right next to them? This is a pretty exclusive club these guys are in. It's not like the annoying person standing next to you in the grocery store line.
Yet Mays never acknowledged Hamilton. Josh ended up shaking hands with Fukudome, on the other side of Mays by reaching around behind Mays' back to acknowledge his NL counterpart! Mays didn't flinch.
Willie Mays is known as a kind man, as far as I know. I wonder whether Willie was giving the cold shoulder to Hamilton in moral judgment of Hamilton’s past indiscretions.
When Josh Hamilton was announced in the pre-game lineups, the crowd gave him a huge reception, not surprisingly. When he got to mid-field to stand with the Hall of Famers, Willie Mays was the guy who would be standing next to Hamilton. Willie was involved in a conversation with Fukudome, facing the opposite direction to Hamilton. Hamilton's name came over the speaker, and he ran out to the position.
Willie never looked at Hamilton. Hamilton tapped him on the shoulder to say hi, and pay his respects, and Mays did not turn around. Hamilton then made a little gesture like he was going to tap him again, but then changed his mind and stood there, sort of lonely. Willie still hadn't turned around.
Mays had finished his conversation with Fukudome, and eventually turned to face front. Best I can tell, he never even glanced to his left at Hamilton.
Perhaps Willie is just an old man and isn’t all that sharp. Couldn’t hear Hamilton's name. Didn’t feel the tap. Was engrossed in a conversation and is unable to multi-task. Perhaps the language barrier with Fukudome was also a distraction.
Some of that is no doubt true, but is it an explanation? Hamilton hit 28 homers in the 1st round of the derby. Wouldn’t an ordinary HoFer (or anyone, really) have some interest in meeting the guy who did that? Wouldn’t most people acknowledge another person standing right next to them? This is a pretty exclusive club these guys are in. It's not like the annoying person standing next to you in the grocery store line.
Yet Mays never acknowledged Hamilton. Josh ended up shaking hands with Fukudome, on the other side of Mays by reaching around behind Mays' back to acknowledge his NL counterpart! Mays didn't flinch.
Willie Mays is known as a kind man, as far as I know. I wonder whether Willie was giving the cold shoulder to Hamilton in moral judgment of Hamilton’s past indiscretions.
All-Star Game Thoughts
These are the things that are most memorable to me about the game:
1. For 7 innings, I thought this was going to be the fastest AS game in history. I left the pizza place in the break before the first inning. I rode my bike 10 minutes home, and it was already the bottom of the second.
2. Russell Martin will one day play first base to save his legs. If he can scoop it with the catcher's mitt, he can scoop it with that giant first baseman's mitt. I think he locked up the gold glove tonight. Think about how many people watched him make those plays.
3. Cristian Guzman is a trooper. He has never played 3b in the big leagues, but had to make several plays over there. A regular third baseman would have had no trouble with them, but they were high pressure plays for a second baseman playing out of position. And he made them.
4. Aaron Cook pitched very well, with no help from Dan Uggla, who committed two errors behind him, and almost a third. I haven't watched Cook pitch before, but I know why he's hard to hit. He has a hitch in his delivery. On the first pitch, I thought he had tripped because there's a hesitation mid-way through the windup. That must be very confusing for hitters. It also seems bad mechanically. Seems like he'd be all arm going forward.
5. I hate to see Scott Kazmir pitch. One of the best young arms in the game, injured earlier this year, and throwing 100+ pitches two days ago. The Rays must be freaking out. I'd say the same thing about Brandon Webb, except Webb's arm is more mature, and he doesn't have the injury history. Plus, the NL has Lidge behind Webb.
6. Joakim Soria has the best stuff I've seen in years. There's about 25 mph difference between his fastball and curveball. Guys were just frozen by the curve. Look how off-balance Guzman is on this swing. And then he just buckles Uggla's knees.
7. Tejada should not have been in the All-Star game, but he can still play. His play to get the third out after Uggla's two errors was gorgeous. He made another nice play later in the game. Here's the first one.
8. The umps blew two calls. Kinsler was safe at second on his stolen base attempt, and would have scored on Michael Young's hit. Tejada never tagged him. Navarro was safe at home because his foot got under Martin's tag. Kudos to Tejada and Martin, both of whom made it look like an out. I thought they were outs when I saw them live and real time, and I'm about 95% right in real time. I guess I can't ask more from the umpires, considering I'm watching it on tv.
9. I feel awful for Uggla. Two strikeouts. A GDP. Three errors, though really only two, and nearly another error. Must be his worst nightmare. I think Uggla's ankle must be bothering him. He's not a great defensive player, but he's gritty enough to put his face in front of the ball. He looked tentative, and that's not Uggla's game.
I'm posting this in the commercial break before the top of the 15th. Uggla is up first. Will he be the hero?
Update: Uh, no. Uggla struck out AGAIN!
1. For 7 innings, I thought this was going to be the fastest AS game in history. I left the pizza place in the break before the first inning. I rode my bike 10 minutes home, and it was already the bottom of the second.
2. Russell Martin will one day play first base to save his legs. If he can scoop it with the catcher's mitt, he can scoop it with that giant first baseman's mitt. I think he locked up the gold glove tonight. Think about how many people watched him make those plays.
3. Cristian Guzman is a trooper. He has never played 3b in the big leagues, but had to make several plays over there. A regular third baseman would have had no trouble with them, but they were high pressure plays for a second baseman playing out of position. And he made them.
4. Aaron Cook pitched very well, with no help from Dan Uggla, who committed two errors behind him, and almost a third. I haven't watched Cook pitch before, but I know why he's hard to hit. He has a hitch in his delivery. On the first pitch, I thought he had tripped because there's a hesitation mid-way through the windup. That must be very confusing for hitters. It also seems bad mechanically. Seems like he'd be all arm going forward.
5. I hate to see Scott Kazmir pitch. One of the best young arms in the game, injured earlier this year, and throwing 100+ pitches two days ago. The Rays must be freaking out. I'd say the same thing about Brandon Webb, except Webb's arm is more mature, and he doesn't have the injury history. Plus, the NL has Lidge behind Webb.
6. Joakim Soria has the best stuff I've seen in years. There's about 25 mph difference between his fastball and curveball. Guys were just frozen by the curve. Look how off-balance Guzman is on this swing. And then he just buckles Uggla's knees.
7. Tejada should not have been in the All-Star game, but he can still play. His play to get the third out after Uggla's two errors was gorgeous. He made another nice play later in the game. Here's the first one.
8. The umps blew two calls. Kinsler was safe at second on his stolen base attempt, and would have scored on Michael Young's hit. Tejada never tagged him. Navarro was safe at home because his foot got under Martin's tag. Kudos to Tejada and Martin, both of whom made it look like an out. I thought they were outs when I saw them live and real time, and I'm about 95% right in real time. I guess I can't ask more from the umpires, considering I'm watching it on tv.
9. I feel awful for Uggla. Two strikeouts. A GDP. Three errors, though really only two, and nearly another error. Must be his worst nightmare. I think Uggla's ankle must be bothering him. He's not a great defensive player, but he's gritty enough to put his face in front of the ball. He looked tentative, and that's not Uggla's game.
I'm posting this in the commercial break before the top of the 15th. Uggla is up first. Will he be the hero?
Update: Uh, no. Uggla struck out AGAIN!
Joe Buck has lost his mind
He actually said, on the air, that George Steinbrenner ought to be in the Hall of Fame.
First of all, owners should not be in the Hall of Fame at all. I don't see how spending money and hiring a bunch of executives fits with the spirit of the Hall. There are other owners in the Hall (Barney Dreyfuss and Walter O'Malley are recent inductees), but I don't agree with the approach.
Second, he wasn't a particularly good owner. Sure, the late 90s and early 00s have been good to the Yankees, but for the first 20 years, Steinbrenner was basically a nightmare. He created more dissent on his teams than anyone in the game, sending the Yankees into the doldrums for awhile. Being famous is not the same thing as being good.
Even in interviews with the Yankees players you couldn't get more than a generic statement.
I guess Buck was just feeling sentimental because Steinbrenner's health is obviously horrible. He looked awful.
First of all, owners should not be in the Hall of Fame at all. I don't see how spending money and hiring a bunch of executives fits with the spirit of the Hall. There are other owners in the Hall (Barney Dreyfuss and Walter O'Malley are recent inductees), but I don't agree with the approach.
Second, he wasn't a particularly good owner. Sure, the late 90s and early 00s have been good to the Yankees, but for the first 20 years, Steinbrenner was basically a nightmare. He created more dissent on his teams than anyone in the game, sending the Yankees into the doldrums for awhile. Being famous is not the same thing as being good.
Even in interviews with the Yankees players you couldn't get more than a generic statement.
I guess Buck was just feeling sentimental because Steinbrenner's health is obviously horrible. He looked awful.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Home Run Derby
Some thoughts on tonight's HR Derby:
1. Hamilton was incredible in the first round. Not just the number he hit, but the distance.
2. It was almost certain he wouldn't win the competition. I can't imagine he had anything left in the tank. He took about twice as many swings as everyone else.
3. I'm tired of reporters asking Hamilton about his comeback. We know the story. I'm tired of having him called a heroin addict. Yeah, well he's a baseball player. An unbelievable baseball player.
4. I'm tired of Hamilton praising God and the "Lord Saviour Jesus Christ" every time he does anything. If that's what it takes to get over a drug problem, then good for him. But I don't see any reason to flaunt his delusion every time something happens on the baseball field. And for a reporter to say "It's a bad night for atheists"...ridiculous. Is this "journalist" reporting, as fact, that the home runs were caused by God?
5. The Home Run Derby is overdramatized. As amazing as Hamilton was tonight, I cannot consider it one of the great moments in Yankee Stadium. It is an exhibition. It might be one of the great moments in most stadiums, but not this one.
6. Has there ever been a more boring MVP and Home Run Derby champ than Justin Morneau?
7. Milton Bradley had a good time with Hamilton's home runs. I wonder if anyone else on the AL team joshes around with Bradley. Would you?
1. Hamilton was incredible in the first round. Not just the number he hit, but the distance.
2. It was almost certain he wouldn't win the competition. I can't imagine he had anything left in the tank. He took about twice as many swings as everyone else.
3. I'm tired of reporters asking Hamilton about his comeback. We know the story. I'm tired of having him called a heroin addict. Yeah, well he's a baseball player. An unbelievable baseball player.
4. I'm tired of Hamilton praising God and the "Lord Saviour Jesus Christ" every time he does anything. If that's what it takes to get over a drug problem, then good for him. But I don't see any reason to flaunt his delusion every time something happens on the baseball field. And for a reporter to say "It's a bad night for atheists"...ridiculous. Is this "journalist" reporting, as fact, that the home runs were caused by God?
5. The Home Run Derby is overdramatized. As amazing as Hamilton was tonight, I cannot consider it one of the great moments in Yankee Stadium. It is an exhibition. It might be one of the great moments in most stadiums, but not this one.
6. Has there ever been a more boring MVP and Home Run Derby champ than Justin Morneau?
7. Milton Bradley had a good time with Hamilton's home runs. I wonder if anyone else on the AL team joshes around with Bradley. Would you?
Monday, July 07, 2008
Unprofessional Umpiring
Marlins are at the Padres in the top of the 7th. Amezaga is on first. Hanley at the plate. Hanley hits a screamer down the third base line, and the third base ump has to dodge to get out of the way. He calls it fair. Amezaga scores, and Marlins lead 3-1.
Replay shows it was foul. Bud Black comes out to argue the call -- very reasonably. The third base ump acknowledges he had to dodge, so he consults the only other ump who could have seen it: the home plate ump. After consultation, the ball is called foul. The correct call.
Freddy Gonzalez, Marlins manager, enters the field to find out why the call was changed. Gonzalez was not throwing a fit; just finding out what happened. Again, this is reasonable behavior.
Joe West, the second base umpire and crew chief, steps in front of the other umps and in front of Gonzalez. He puts up his hands to say to Gonzalez "Don't come out here and argue." Five seconds later, West throws him out of the game.
This is ridiculous and unprofessional behavior by West -- which, frankly, is nothing new.
-First of all, West was in no position to see the play from second base.
-Second, West seemed to say to Gonzalez that he can't argue, even though every manager in the majors would argue if the ball was called fair in favor of his team, and then after the opposing manager argued with the umps, the call was changed to foul.
-Third, if Black is allowed to argue, why not Gonzalez?
-Fourth, why was West even involved? He wasn't one of the two umps asked to make the call, and none of the managers were acting unreasonably.
-Finally, what's he doing throwing Gonzalez out of the game after 5 seconds of questioning? That's too short a hook even if the manager is being a complete ass (see, e.g., every Lou Piniella argument). When a guy is barely even raising his voice, it is more ridiculous.
Replay shows it was foul. Bud Black comes out to argue the call -- very reasonably. The third base ump acknowledges he had to dodge, so he consults the only other ump who could have seen it: the home plate ump. After consultation, the ball is called foul. The correct call.
Freddy Gonzalez, Marlins manager, enters the field to find out why the call was changed. Gonzalez was not throwing a fit; just finding out what happened. Again, this is reasonable behavior.
Joe West, the second base umpire and crew chief, steps in front of the other umps and in front of Gonzalez. He puts up his hands to say to Gonzalez "Don't come out here and argue." Five seconds later, West throws him out of the game.
This is ridiculous and unprofessional behavior by West -- which, frankly, is nothing new.
-First of all, West was in no position to see the play from second base.
-Second, West seemed to say to Gonzalez that he can't argue, even though every manager in the majors would argue if the ball was called fair in favor of his team, and then after the opposing manager argued with the umps, the call was changed to foul.
-Third, if Black is allowed to argue, why not Gonzalez?
-Fourth, why was West even involved? He wasn't one of the two umps asked to make the call, and none of the managers were acting unreasonably.
-Finally, what's he doing throwing Gonzalez out of the game after 5 seconds of questioning? That's too short a hook even if the manager is being a complete ass (see, e.g., every Lou Piniella argument). When a guy is barely even raising his voice, it is more ridiculous.
33rd Man on the All-Star Team
Because it is otherwise buried in my posts about the all-star team, and since I now have the voting widget on my page, vote for:
Jermaine Dye and
Pat Burrell
MLB must agree, since they appear first on the ballot.
Jermaine Dye and
Pat Burrell
MLB must agree, since they appear first on the ballot.
ARod in the News
Let me be blunt with this one:
Who the FUCK cares if Alex Rodriguez is getting divorced?
It's all over CNN this morning, not as a sports story, but as a news story. Madonna has been forced to release a statement through her publicist that she isn't getting divorced, is not having an affair with ARod, has nothing to do with his marriage, and nothing to do with his spiritual path.
I want to throw my t.v. out the window.
Who the FUCK cares if Alex Rodriguez is getting divorced?
It's all over CNN this morning, not as a sports story, but as a news story. Madonna has been forced to release a statement through her publicist that she isn't getting divorced, is not having an affair with ARod, has nothing to do with his marriage, and nothing to do with his spiritual path.
I want to throw my t.v. out the window.
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