The official 2008 MLB thread

[Lathum]

Ask and you shall receive Ksyrup

[Cringer]

Astros are gonna rock teh w0rldz!

Should be a good offensive year. And we have Oswalt. Then we have the 42 year old pitcher who isn't Clemens and isn't on steroids, in the rotation. Goodluck Woody.

[k0ruptr]

Go White Sox, please don't suck again!

[rkmsuf]

Someone please plunk Billy Crystal.


Thank you.

[Mike1409]

Yuck the Fankees and Joe Girardi. Trying to bean Longoria, threw right at his head and then spike Aki. And this was all premeditated because he started a prospect instead of Pettitte and left ARod and Jeter home so they wouldn't be involved.It should be a fun season between them and the Rays

[Ksyrup]

Girardi was looking for something to "set a new tone" with the Yankees, jumped on the first opportuinty he saw, and totally got it wrong. Hard to make the most hated team in the world even more hated, but...good job, Joe!

[Ksyrup]

Here's that SABR primer I posted in the other thread. This is a really good read:

http://joeposnanski.com/JoeBlog/2008/03/10/stats-i-like/

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Anybody else realize that Kauffman Stadium will be the 5th oldest stadium in the majors once the current new stadiums under construction are complete? Granted, Kauffman is getting a $250M facelift over the next couple of years, but I was surprised at how much stadium turnover has occured in the past 20-25 years. There's been some stadiums that were built after Kauffman that have already been replaced by another stadium.

[lordscarlet]

Go Nats!

[Ksyrup]

Can somebody tell Sandy Duncan to shut the fuck up? Seriously, his "wha, me?" horrendous acting job pisses me off. Just own up to it. Even if it lengthens your suspension, who cares? You're fucking Sandy Duncan - your team doesn't need you. In fact, that's probably why you got chosen (along with some no-name pitcher) to retaliate in the first place, because they won't miss you.

[Ksyrup]

From Olney's blog:

• Multiple talent evaluators are saying that Houston shortstop Miguel Tejada looks absolutely terrible this spring, and they can't see him finishing the year at his current position.

[Ksyrup]

So, Felix Pie has a testicular torsion. WTF? I could swear that's a Cradle of Filth B-side!

[rkmsuf]

haha. one at bat crystal. suck it.

[Toddzilla]

Too bad they weren't playing the Rays so Kazmir could've stuck one in Crystal's ear.

[Ksyrup]

I don't get the outrage over Crystal. I saw Tom Selleck take an AB with the Tigers years ago. What's the big deal? Didn't Garth Brooks log over 40 ABs with the Royals?

[rkmsuf]

I don't get the outrage over Crystal. I saw Tom Selleck take an AB with the Tigers years ago. What's the big deal? Didn't Garth Brooks log over 40 ABs with the Royals?

Just rubbed me the wrong way when I saw the coverage. It's not a big deal. Just not a big crystal fan and find it funny all the hoopla over a one at bat. Geez at least let him DH for a couple at bats.

[rkmsuf]

And I would have found it ultra funny if someone plunked him.

[Ksyrup]

Yeah, they should have let him play in the field and get a couple of ABs. I almost thinnk they shortened it because of all the attention.

[rkmsuf]

Yeah, they should have let him play in the field and get a couple of ABs. I almost thinnk they shortened it because of all the attention.

I think they got the attention they wanted, got people to show up and ripped them off with one lousy at bat. Of course most of the people there probably thought it was so charming that it didn't matter.

Of course that's kind of the whole theme of preseason baseball anyway. Money making machine.

[rkmsuf]

Yankees should have Jim Carrey show up as Horton for a couple at bats.

[Ksyrup]

Yankees sell out every game they play in ST - although I don't know, was today a home game or not? Usually they sell out regardless.

And Jim Carrey would have been outside the batters box with those feet he was wearing.

[JPhillips]

The Cardinals signed Kyle Lohse, but don't seem too happy about it.

"If it were a perfect world, we wouldn't have had to go down this path," general manager John Mozeliak said Thursday. "But it's not and we're going to need someone to pitch every fifth day.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Nothing new about Crystal playing, goes back at least to 1974 when country music HOF'er (and father of MLB'er Curtis) Charley Pride went 1-2 for the Rangers against the Orioles, singling as a DH against Jim Palmer.

http://www.planetgarth.com/news/article.php?cid=01093

[darkenigma510]

The Cardinals signed Kyle Lohse, but don't seem too happy about it.

Should help max out Lohse's confidence!

[sterlingice]

Here's that SABR primer I posted in the other thread. This is a really good read:

http://joeposnanski.com/JoeBlog/2008/03/10/stats-i-like/

Shameless Joe plug. Easily one of the best writers in the country. Unfortunately, with him splitting time between the blog and articles, it seems like the quality of the newspaper articles has gone down a bit.

SI

[Lathum]

Mika and Mike reporting the Red Sox players may boycott the Japan games because the players and coaches were supposed to get 40K each and the coaches now aren't getting that much.

[miami_fan]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3307289


KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Miguel Cabrera and the Detroit Tigers reached a preliminary agreement Saturday on an eight-year, $153.3 million contract extension, a source close to Cabrera told ESPNdeportes.com on condition of anonymity.

The All-Star third baseman will undergo a physical on Monday to complete the deal, the source said.

"Miguel just signed a big contract," said the source. "The contract will be completed when Miguel takes a physical on Monday."

Overall, it would become the fourth-richest contract in baseball history. Cabrera would trail Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez ($275 million), Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter ($189 million) and Boston outfielder Manny Ramirez ($160 million) in the total salary package listing.

Cabrera's contract is also the richest in Tigers' history. Magglio Ordonez had the previous record when he signed with Detroit for $75 million and five years in 2004.

Cabrera, 24, was eligible for arbitration in 2009 and could become a free agent after the season ended. He will earn $11.3 million in 2008, and then an average of $19 million per year through 2016.


Cabrera and pitcher Dontrelle Willis joined Detroit as part of a trade with Florida in December. The Marlins received a package of six players, including two highly rated prospects: left-hander Andrew Miller and outfielder Cameron Maybin.

Cabrera, one of the game's top sluggers, joins an imposing lineup that includes Ordonez, Gary Sheffield, Carlos Guillen, Ivan Rodriguez, Curtis Granderson and Placido Polanco. The Tigers also acquired shortstop Edgar Renteria, a five-time All-Star, in a trade with Atlanta this offseason.

Ace Justin Verlander said just having Cabrera around has been a positive for the team.

"What stands out to me is his personality around the clubhouse," Verlander said. "Everybody knows how good of a ballplayer he is, but he's also great around the clubhouse and is a good teammate."

Slugger Gary Sheffield said signing Cabrera to a long-term deal shows the team is comitted to winning now and in the years to come.

"He's a future-type player," Sheffield said. "Anytime you can get a player with that amount of years on this team, you're looking at multiple championships."

Enrique Rojas is a reporter and columnist for ESPNdeportes.com and ESPN.com. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

[Buccaneer]

Can someone explain to me the BoSox/Dodgers schedule? I know the BoSox play the A's in Japan. Then they fly to LA to play one game. Why? And then they go to Oakland to play 2 starting the very next day. The BoSox/LA game doesn't make sense.

[Chief Rum]

Can someone explain to me the BoSox/Dodgers schedule? I know the BoSox play the A's in Japan. Then they fly to LA to play one game. Why? And then they go to Oakland to play 2 starting the very next day. The BoSox/LA game doesn't make sense.

Being played in the Coliseum. In front of 100,000 fans. With the setup similar to the warped setup they had when the Dodgers played in the Coliseum in the late 50s and early 60s before Dodger Stadium was built.

Plus, it's Dodgers-Red Sox--even with interleague now, they don't play too often.

[Buccaneer]

But why not play a series (like the two with the A's)? Sounds like they are treating this like an exhibition game that counts. Odd.

[Hammer755]

But why not play a series (like the two with the A's)? Sounds like they are treating this like an exhibition game that counts. Odd.

They're playing 3 games against the Dodgers and they are exhibitions.

[molson]

Sorry if I'm missing the point, but it is an exhibition game. It doesn't count. It allows the team to play a few more ST games after the return from Japan to stay sharp. Also, they're playing 3 with the Dodgers, and just one is at the Coliseum.

I think that's the point here, going to Japan to start the season IS a disadvantage (at the risk of starting that whole argument again), so the traveling teams get to call a lot of the shots. If I'm the Red Sox, I want some exhibition games back here before I start up the regular season.

And it's good for MLB, in that they'll be able to encourage teams to take these crazy trips in the future. If the Sox started the regular season right away, and went 0-3, it'd be blamed on the Japan trip, whether that was the reason or not. That would make teams more reluctant to go in the future.

[molson]

I'm pretty fired up about 4:00 AM baseball in the mountain time zone.

[lordscarlet]

The view from my seats for this year: http://www.santantonio.net/photos/holding/135b.jpg

[Buccaneer]

Ok, I'm confused. You mean to tell me that they play the A's in Japan to start the regular season and then they play more ST games?

[molson]

Ok, I'm confused. You mean to tell me that they play the A's in Japan to start the regular season and then they play more ST games?

They'd be at a disadvantage in their first games back from a road trip like that. So they get to shake off the jetlag and rust in a couple of spring training games (and note that they also have far less spring training games than any other team because of this trip, so that's another potential disadvantage).

Maybe you disagree, but that's why they're doing it. It's part of the negotiated deal for the trip, a condition surely asked for by the Red Sox and/or Oakland.

[Buccaneer]

Sorry to belabor this but I am not questioning opening in Japan and the schedule adjustments as the result, but here's what I see in viewing the BoSox's regular season schedule:

<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR class=bg0 align=left><TD colSpan=6>Played games</TD></TR><TR class=bg1 align=left><TD colSpan=6>Regular Season</TD></TR><TR class=bg4 align=left><TD>DATE</TD><TD>OPP.</TD><TD>RESULT/TIME</TD><TD>RECORD</TD><TD>WIN/LOSS</TD><TD>SAVE</TD></TR><TR class=bg2 vAlign=center align=right height=17><TD align=left>Mar 25 (http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/scoreboard/20080325)</TD><TD align=left>@Oak (http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/teams/page/OAK)</TD><TD align=left>6:05 AM</TD><TD align=left> </TD><TD align=left> </TD><TD align=left></TD></TR><TR class=bg2 vAlign=center align=right height=17><TD align=left>Mar 26 (http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/scoreboard/20080326)</TD><TD align=left>@Oak (http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/teams/page/OAK)</TD><TD align=left>6:05 AM</TD><TD align=left> </TD><TD align=left> </TD><TD align=left></TD></TR><TR class=bg2 vAlign=center align=right height=17><TD align=left>Mar 30 (http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/scoreboard/20080330)</TD><TD align=left>@LAD (http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/teams/page/LA)</TD><TD align=left>4:10 PM</TD><TD align=left> </TD><TD align=left> </TD><TD align=left></TD></TR><TR class=bg2 vAlign=center align=right height=17><TD align=left>Apr 1 (http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/scoreboard/20080401)</TD><TD align=left>@Oak (http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/teams/page/OAK)</TD><TD align=left>10:05 PM</TD><TD align=left> </TD><TD align=left> </TD><TD align=left></TD></TR><TR class=bg2 vAlign=center align=right height=17><TD align=left>Apr 2 (http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/scoreboard/20080402)</TD><TD align=left>@Oak (http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/teams/page/OAK)</TD><TD align=left>10:05 PM</TD><TD align=left> </TD><TD align=left> </TD><TD align=left></TD></TR><TR class=bg2 vAlign=center align=right height=17><TD align=left>Apr 4 (http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/scoreboard/20080404)</TD><TD align=left>@Tor (http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/teams/page/TOR)</TD><TD align=left>7:15 PM</TD><TD align=left> </TD><TD align=left> </TD><TD align=left></TD></TR><TR class=bg2 vAlign=center align=right height=17><TD align=left>Apr 5 (http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/scoreboard/20080405)</TD><TD align=left>@Tor (http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/teams/page/TOR)</TD><TD align=left>1:07 PM</TD><TD align=left> </TD><TD align=left> </TD><TD align=left></TD></TR><TR class=bg2 vAlign=center align=right height=17><TD align=left>Apr 6 (http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/scoreboard/20080406)</TD><TD align=left>@Tor (http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/teams/page/TOR)</TD><TD align=left>1:07 PM</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[Buccaneer]

Cool. Thanks.

[Lathum]

Hoy Crap!

I expected the train wreck that is Mike and Mike to be on ESPN 2 when I woke up and instead got real baseball. Woohoo!!

[SirFozzie]

That's the fun thing about having Papi and Manny right next to each other in the lineup :)

[SirFozzie]

Dola: And a not-quite-bad-enough-which-means-good-enough performance from Papelbon means that the Sox are 1-0 on the year.

(BTW, Fuck DirecTV. They had a problem with their NESN signal for the first seven innings, which torpedoed me Tivoing the game)

[Buccaneer]

Amazing. I just logged on to the computer and went to GameCenter just in time to see the final out. Sounds like they gave the fans their yen's worth.

[General Mike]

Dola: And a not-quite-bad-enough-which-means-good-enough performance from Papelbon means that the Sox are 1-0 on the year.

(BTW, Fuck DirecTV. They had a problem with their NESN signal for the first seven innings, which torpedoed me Tivoing the game)

That wasn't the only channel there were problems with today, so sounds like it was a bigger issue then that.

[Ksyrup]

Yeah, I couldn't figure out the DTV thing for quite some time. Watched the first inning in HD in the living room, but couldn't get it on the regular channel in the bedroom. I was having problems with getting any kind of signal on the DVR in the bedroom, not just ESPN2. Finally, they restored other channels and put a message up about 209, but by then I was already at work. I'd have been pissed if I didn't have HD and was trying to watch the game on the regular ESPN2.

[Drake]

That wasn't the only channel there were problems with today, so sounds like it was a bigger issue then that.

Sunspots!

(I'm not really kidding.)

[Ksyrup]

I going to go out on a limb and say that Jason Varitek didn't enjoy his trip to Japan...

0-for-8, 6 Ks

[rkmsuf]

I going to go out on a limb and say that Jason Varitek didn't enjoy his trip to Japan...

0-for-8, 6 Ks

Ortiz was 0 for japan as well.

Tek needs to learn how to get hit by pitches.


Nice job not trading for Santana. Sox had a chance to be dominant for a few years. Now they are the same as the Yankers.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Let the preseason hype begin. Royals are 15-11 in spring training! Woot!

[Dr. Sak]

I bet my friend $50 that the Pirates would lose 100 games or more this year...easy money!

[lungs]

http://www.nypost.com/seven/03262008/sports/mets/fifth_avenue_103510.htm

The Mets are enticed by Claudio Vargas, the human rain delay. He won't be a horrible fifth starter but the Post makes it look like the cheap Brewers were just dumping his salary which is not the case at all. Claudio was our 7th best starter, that's why he was released. Why pay a guy $3 million to pitch in AAA?

If the other option for the Mets is Jorge Sosa, I can definitely see the merits of picking up Vargas. But I'll warn any Met fan that on Vargas' best of best days, 6 innings is all you'll get. Usually it was 5 innings strong before imploding in the 6th.

On the plus side, Vargas showed up to camp in great shape and had a decent spring. But I still think he'd be better served being a long reliever. But he can pass as a 5th starter.

BTW Met fans, Guillermo Mota has looked fabulous :)
And you won't regret non-tendering Johnny Estrada.

Let the games begin already!

[MrBug708]

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/03/26/SPCBVQS63.DTL

[Buccaneer]

Bruce Bochy is still the Giants' manager [snicker]

[korme]

WORST ANTHEM SINGER EVER

[Buccaneer]

WORST ANTHEM SINGER EVER

Rosanne Barr just PM'd you.

[sterlingice]

This is kindof a fake Opening Day but I still like it.

Also, I love Austin Kearns for a sleeper this season in fantasy baseball :)

SI

[Lathum]

Rosanne Barr just PM'd you.

He;s to young to remember that

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Got my powder blue Royals jersey on at work today. Meche should pitch a dandy and we'll be 1-0.

[sterlingice]

Got my powder blue Royals jersey on at work today. Meche should pitch a dandy and we'll be 1-0.

I'm a little worried about the offense on a cold day in Detroit. Meche could pitch a dandy and we'd still lose 2-0 to Verlander. That said, here's to a good start of the season.

SI

[korme]

Great day to be a baseball fan boys. Hope springs... for everybody. Woot.

<table id="personal-table" class="profileTable" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr id="Quote"><td class="label">
</td><td class="data">

It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone. You count on it, rely on it to buffer the passage of time, to keep the memory of sunshine and high skies alive, and then just when the days are all twilight, when you need it most, it stops. Today, October 2, a Sunday of rain and broken branches and leaf-clogged drains and slick streets, it stopped, and summer was gone.
-A. Bartlett Giamatti
</td></tr></tbody></table>

[Lathum]

I am amazed at all these talking heads who are predicting the Braves to win the NL east.

They have 2 over 40 pitchers in there rotation, a suspect closer and an injury prone third baseman. Not much speed at the top and a lineup that strikes out way to much.

Outside of Tex and McCann they have offensive questions at every position and Mark Kotsay is their opening day center fielder. Am I missing something here?

[Buccaneer]

Shane, anyone who brings up that quote gets a serious man-crush (or in your case, boy-crush) from me. :)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Did anyone else buy the MLB.com GameDay Audio or the video package? I bought the GameDay audio so I could listen to the afternoon games at work. Great deal at $15 for the whole season for all team radio broadcasts.

I had the video package a couple of years ago when I lived in Baltimore and wanted to watch the Royals. That was a pretty good deal for the price as well.

[lordscarlet]

Great, great Opening Day at Nationals Park. First batter faced? Strikeout. First pitch faced? Single. Last pitch faced? Homerun over the left field wall by none other than Ryan Zimmerman, the face of the Nationals. GO NATS!

and.. damn was it cold.

[watravaler]

I believe Comcast's package is free today...

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I believe Comcast's package is free today...

The Extra Innings package is usually free for the whole first week on all providers unless things have changed this year.

[miami_fan]

Did anyone else buy the MLB.com GameDay Audio or the video package? I bought the GameDay audio so I could listen to the afternoon games at work. Great deal at $15 for the whole season for all team radio broadcasts.

I had the video package a couple of years ago when I lived in Baltimore and wanted to watch the Royals. That was a pretty good deal for the price as well.

I got the audio package as I did last year. I really enjoy listening to the homers do the games.

[korme]

Damn this weather

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

"Carlos Guillen swings and hits it into right field.......Ordonez rounds third and will try to score.......Jose Guillen comes up throwing.......he is......OUT AT THE PLATE!!!!!!!"


Man, that's awfully fun to listen to on the radio. :)

[Lathum]

Yanks home opener canceled

[DeToxRox]

Miguel Cabrera hits his first bomb as a Tiger

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

BOOM!!!! Gordon hit's a 2 run homer to cut it to a 3-2 Detroit lead. Great game thus far.

[dxtrfn1980]

Good they have day off in case of rain for many of the openers this year.

[SackAttack]

Did anyone else buy the MLB.com GameDay Audio or the video package? I bought the GameDay audio so I could listen to the afternoon games at work. Great deal at $15 for the whole season for all team radio broadcasts.

I had the video package a couple of years ago when I lived in Baltimore and wanted to watch the Royals. That was a pretty good deal for the price as well.

I plan on resubscribing to GameDay once I'm situated in Wisconsin. I can't get the Dodger games in Southern California, so right now there's no point. ;)

[MikeVic]

I don't know what to think of the Jays this year. I don't think they're very strong at any aspect.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Wow. Justin Verlander hit a wall. He was cruising along with a 1 hitter for a long time. 1 inning later, he's out of the game.

Edit: There goes the lead. 3-3 tie and Verlander gets a no-decision.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Or a loss, right?

True. They're not out of the inning yet. 2 on, 2 out. Or does the loss go to the reliever and the runs go to Verlander?

Edit: Royals just took the lead. Obviously the run is Verlander's, but I'm guessing that the reliever gets the loss for actually giving up the hit that gave the Royals the lead.

[Lathum]

I have XM so I don't need the audio, but I always get the premium video package so I can watch the Mets games.

Well worth the $20 a month or so. 2 features I like alot are the mosaic where you can watch 6 games and the fact you can watch archived games so if you are busy you can watch the game later that night as if you DVR'd it.

[Calis]

Great win for the Royals to start it off. That was a fun game to listen to. I agree that the Gameday Audio package is a great deal and I use it to help pass the time at work. Good to see Gordon start off well also.

I'm trying out the video package for the first time this season because the Mosaic sounded very cool to me, and the Player Tracker sounded awesome if it works well. Getting ready to fire it up now and see how it plays.

[watravaler]

Nice come-back for the WhiteSox...

[INDalltheway]

Sheets and Zambrano showed why they were opening day starters today.

[Lathum]

David Wright baby!!!

[Lathum]

yeah Kerry Wood

[korme]

Bah, 0-1. Though I got to say, I like that D-backs team that we went up against. Bunch of young guys, though I don't think it's a good sign when Eric Byrnes is hitting in your 3-hole.

[Lathum]

Bah, 0-1. Though I got to say, I like that D-backs team that we went up against. Bunch of young guys, though I don't think it's a good sign when Eric Byrnes is hitting in your 3-hole.

except for that HR he crushed.

[Atocep]

Is the Mets/Marlins game being broadcast with a home video camera?

[Mike1409]

Geez, did Eric Gagne steal Prince Feilders jersey or did he lose 100 pounds since going to the Brewers?

[Lathum]

yeah Eric Gagne

[INDalltheway]

FUKUDOMEEEEEEEEEE

[korme]

except for that HR he crushed.

I hope you are just playing devils advocate, or do you really believe a 32 year old with a career .780 OPS is a good fit for 3rd? Am I really an idiot for saying that just because he hit a homerun in the opener?

[Lathum]

I hope you are just playing devils advocate, or do you really believe a 32 year old with a career .780 OPS is a good fit for 3rd? Am I really an idiot for saying that just because he hit a homerun in the opener?

I have no idea what his age has anything to do with it.

He hits for decent average, doesn't strike out a ton, has some pop and a ton of speed. They aren't a high powered offense anyway.

I don't see the issue with him hitting third, not every team has a David Wright to put in the 3 hole

[korme]

Ok, you are right in the sense of 1 season age has nothing to do with it so I will rephrase:

do you really believe a player with a career .780 OPS is a good fit for 3rd?


point being, i said i like the team but don't know if it's a good sign that they have byrnes hitting 3rd. if this was the giants, it's fine. but the dbacks are contenders. all i'm saying is that's kind of a weak ass 3rd hitter.

yer like teh dumbest resident of cincinnati ever

[Lathum]

lol

[Coffee Warlord]

Fuck A Dome comes out with one of the greatest debuts in Cubs history...and they blow it and lose.

So Cub.

[SackAttack]

True. They're not out of the inning yet. 2 on, 2 out. Or does the loss go to the reliever and the runs go to Verlander?

Edit: Royals just took the lead. Obviously the run is Verlander's, but I'm guessing that the reliever gets the loss for actually giving up the hit that gave the Royals the lead.

If the go-ahead run is charged to Verlander, so is the loss.

[SackAttack]

Well, unless they tie the game again and THEN lose it, which is apparently what happened.

[Arles]

Ok, you are right in the sense of 1 season age has nothing to do with it so I will rephrase:

do you really believe a player with a career .780 OPS is a good fit for 3rd?


point being, i said i like the team but don't know if it's a good sign that they have byrnes hitting 3rd. if this was the giants, it's fine. but the dbacks are contenders. all i'm saying is that's kind of a weak ass 3rd hitter.
He hit 3rd last year and the DBacks won the most games in the NL. Arizona is full of #2 and #5 hitters. Still, they get on base a lot and force most teams into the pen early. There's a lot to like, they just are young and don't want to put too much pressure on guys and stick with Byrnes.

[korme]

He hit 3rd last year and the DBacks won the most games in the NL. Arizona is full of #2 and #5 hitters. Still, they get on base a lot and force most teams into the pen early. There's a lot to like, they just are young and don't want to put too much pressure on guys and stick with Byrnes.

Might have won the most games in the NL, but they also got OUTSCORED as a whole on the entire season. Just sayin'.

[Lathum]

Might have won the most games in the NL, but they also got OUTSCORED as a whole on the entire season. Just sayin'.

so what?

I would rather win ugly then lose pretty

[korme]

Again, the point is that while they won a nice amount of games, we can't just pretend that their lineup was as equal the reason as the pitching staff.

These are obvious rebuttals, how are you not picking up on them

[Lathum]

Again, the point is that while they won a nice amount of games, we can't just pretend that their lineup was as equal the reason as the pitching staff.

These are obvious rebuttals, how are you not picking up on them

pitching wins. period. As long as they score timely runs thats all that matters. I just don't understand your argument. It's not like Juan Pierre hitting third.

[terpkristin]

Seems like as good a place as any to ask, anybody have experiences (good or bad) with the MLB.com Gameday Audio program? It seems like a pretty inexpensive way for me to be able to listen to a lot of the BoSox games. I don't really need to watch them, but I like to listen...

Anybody good/bad? Or should I just jump in?

/tk

[Lathum]

Seems like as good a place as any to ask, anybody have experiences (good or bad) with the MLB.com Gameday Audio program? It seems like a pretty inexpensive way for me to be able to listen to a lot of the BoSox games. I don't really need to watch them, but I like to listen...

Anybody good/bad? Or should I just jump in?

/tk


we talked about this earlier in this thread. basicly it's a good deal

[terpkristin]

we talked about this earlier in this thread. basicly it's a good deal

Doh. I missed that. And now I'm signing up for it. :)

/tk

[sterlingice]

I see rain! Call the season. Royals either win the Central or Wild Card and qualify for the playoffs! Woo!

SI

[Lathum]

I see rain! Call the season. Royals either win the Central or Wild Card and qualify for the playoffs! Woo!

SI

must be fun to be in Kansas right now

[sterlingice]

It's one of the better sports days I can think of. And even better is that I just have 48 hours to just enjoy it as the Royals don't play until Wednesday and KU doesn't play until Saturday :)

SI

[korme]

pitching wins. period. As long as they score timely runs thats all that matters. I just don't understand your argument. It's not like Juan Pierre hitting third.

Lathum, you're a dumb ass. I know that pitching wins, but this whole argument stems from Eric Byrnes batting third. Plain and simple. I defended my points, but apparently you ignore all logic. And here I thought saldana was the female.

[Lathum]

Lathum, you're a dumb ass. I know that pitching wins, but this whole argument stems from Eric Byrnes batting third. Plain and simple. I defended my points, but apparently you ignore all logic. And here I thought saldana was the female.

dude, WTF was your point? That a guy who is 32 bats third, big fucking deal. That the Dbacks had the most wins in the NL but didn't score alot of runs? That Byrnes isn't a typical 3 hitter? Who the fuck cares? They win. It works for them.

Maybe rooting for shit teams like the Reds and Bengals has warped your sense of a winner,, but your probably like all the other knuckle draggers down here who would rather see Ocho Cinco do a clever endzone celebration then win.

Dumbass, grow the fuck up dude.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Meanwhile Jayson Stark looks like Idiot #1 with his Braves prediction.
Back to back nights when the bullpen blows another one.

edit to add: Meanwhile the Braves announced tonight that Scott Spezio has been signed to a minor league contract & will work out with Class A Rome before reporting to AAA Richmond.

[Arles]

Again, the point is that while they won a nice amount of games, we can't just pretend that their lineup was as equal the reason as the pitching staff.

These are obvious rebuttals, how are you not picking up on them
The DBacks saying their hitting is why they win would be akin to the Yankees saying they win on the back of their starting 5. Unlike the Yankees, the DBacks have limited resources and chosen to spend it on a very solid starting 4 rotation and bullpen. That means that just two players in their starting lineup (Byrnes and Hudson) make more than $2 million. With that many young guys, they feel it's best to put the vets in the 2-3 spot instead of higher talent guys that are younger. I don't think it's a terrible theory, to be honest. Still, with guys like Chris Young, Upton, Stephen Drew, Jackson and Reynolds - the Dbacks have a pretty solid offense with a ton of upside.

Then again, maybe the DBacks are crazy for investing $15 million on a starting rotation of Webb, Haren and Doug Davis for 2008 instead of paying that same amount to Adam Dunn and having a better #3 hitter. ;)

[Lathum]

thank you for making my point Arlie

[JonInMiddleGA]

Long time Braves announcer Skip Caray will begin the season working a limited schedule of home games on radio only. He's suffering from a variety of health issues -- diabetes, arrythmia, congestive heart failure, and reduced liver & kidney function -- and apparently nearly died last October.

"My wife told me she went in there one day and they were wheeling me off to the side in ICU and she said, 'Great, is he getting a room?'" Caray said. "And they said, 'No, ma'am, we've done all we can do for him. Make sure that his next of kin is close.' So it was that close.

"And I do remember somewhere in there — I don't know when — but I woke up one time and I remember thinking, without any fear, 'So this is what dying is like. This isn't so bad.' And the next thing I remember, the doctor and my family are looking at me. I just woke up."

http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2008/03/31/skipcaray_0401.html?cxntlid=homepage_tab_newstab

[Lathum]

OK I feel bad about losing my cool at shorty but I'm not going to edit my post. Him taking what was a seemingly good naturated discussion to calling me a dumbass unprovoked was bush league and uncalled for.

[JS19]

I am amazed at all these talking heads who are predicting the Braves to win the NL east.

They have 2 over 40 pitchers in there rotation, a suspect closer and an injury prone third baseman. Not much speed at the top and a lineup that strikes out way to much.

Outside of Tex and McCann they have offensive questions at every position and Mark Kotsay is their opening day center fielder. Am I missing something here?

Not just saying this bc I'm a Mets fan, but I don't see it either. Not saying they are a bad team, but good enough to get past the Mets/Phillies?

Same thing with all these ESPN guys picking the Cubs to make the World Series, some even say to win it. I'll admit, as I get older I don't have the time to follow the game as much as I once did, but I still like to think I follow it closley enough, and the only reason I would see the Cubs making the playoffs is by default, no chance in hell for a title.

[korme]

dude, WTF was your point? That a guy who is 32 bats third, big fucking deal. That the Dbacks had the most wins in the NL but didn't score alot of runs? That Byrnes isn't a typical 3 hitter? Who the fuck cares? They win. It works for them.

Maybe rooting for shit teams like the Reds and Bengals has warped your sense of a winner,, but your probably like all the other knuckle draggers down here who would rather see Ocho Cinco do a clever endzone celebration then win.

Dumbass, grow the fuck up dude.

hahahahahahahahah

[korme]

The DBacks saying their hitting is why they win would be akin to the Yankees saying they win on the back of their starting 5. Unlike the Yankees, the DBacks have limited resources and chosen to spend it on a very solid starting 4 rotation and bullpen. That means that just two players in their starting lineup (Byrnes and Hudson) make more than $2 million. With that many young guys, they feel it's best to put the vets in the 2-3 spot instead of higher talent guys that are younger. I don't think it's a terrible theory, to be honest. Still, with guys like Chris Young, Upton, Stephen Drew, Jackson and Reynolds - the Dbacks have a pretty solid offense with a ton of upside.

Then again, maybe the DBacks are crazy for investing $15 million on a starting rotation of Webb, Haren and Doug Davis for 2008 instead of paying that same amount to Adam Dunn and having a better #3 hitter. ;)

It isn't like I was attacking Arizona for their moves. Dude, read that initial post that got Lathum all bitchy to begin with. I said I like the club! But in terms of championship success, Byrnes being the best hitter on the club (in terms of lineup placement) is the biggest red flag. That is it! Jesus! I didn't say anything to suggest otherwise. :)

[korme]

OK I feel bad about losing my cool at shorty but I'm not going to edit my post. Him taking what was a seemingly good naturated discussion to calling me a dumbass unprovoked was bush league and uncalled for.

I called you a dumbass because instead of just taking what I was saying for what it was, an opinion, you seemed to try to call me out like I was saying something all questionable. I said what everyone knows, Byrnes is no Matt Holliday. Then again, the Dbacks are built for defense & pitching. That is all. I didn't say they are fucked. I like their team. I also brought up that they got OUTSCORED in an entire season despite the winning record because that is obviously a product of their weak lineup- and they were only the fifth team in ML HISTORY to make the playoffs when that has happened, so that might be a concern if you are banking on lighting striking in a bottle twice. Just bringing up shit. It's baseball season, I want to discuss teams without you getting all hostile.

[korme]

BTW Arlie, I'd gladly keep Harang/Arroyo over Webb/Haren.

Well maybe just Harang over Webb.

Call me crazy now. :)

[Arles]

BTW Arlie, I'd gladly keep Harang/Arroyo over Webb/Haren.

Well maybe just Harang over Webb.

Call me crazy now. :)
You're crazy, but I do like this Reds team. It wouldn't surprise me one bit to see them win the central this year. As to Harang over Webb, well you may be the only one - and it's not just because Webb will make $20 million the next 3 years compared to Harang's $30 mil in that same time frame. ;)

[Lathum]

I called you a dumbass because instead of just taking what I was saying for what it was, an opinion, you seemed to try to call me out like I was saying something all questionable. I said what everyone knows, Byrnes is no Matt Holliday. Then again, the Dbacks are built for defense & pitching. That is all. I didn't say they are fucked. I like their team. I also brought up that they got OUTSCORED in an entire season despite the winning record because that is obviously a product of their weak lineup- and they were only the fifth team in ML HISTORY to make the playoffs when that has happened, so that might be a concern if you are banking on lighting striking in a bottle twice. Just bringing up shit. It's baseball season, I want to discuss teams without you getting all hostile.

dude, we were having a discussion. Show me where I got hostile, you were the one out of line calling me a dumb ass. Excuse me if I can't read your mind.

[sterlingice]

Jake Peavy giving himself all the offense he needs with 2 RBIs and up 2-0 in the 4th.

SI

[Buccaneer]

Go Peav and Pads!

[sterlingice]

Rough game for Oswalt :(

You know I love Peavy, Bucc, but I gotta pull for the Astros today. Not liking their chances at the moment...

SI

[kingfc22]

This is going to be a LONG, LONG season :(

[Cringer]

Astros couldn't hit Peavy at all. Well, at least I got a good sun burn yesterday.

[saldana]

Lathum, you're a dumb ass. I know that pitching wins, but this whole argument stems from Eric Byrnes batting third. Plain and simple. I defended my points, but apparently you ignore all logic. And here I thought saldana was the female.

hey douchebag, it stops being a joke when it becomes a cheap shot at my best friend.

seeing as how you decided to drag me into this, and since you are questioning the use of logic, where exactly is the fault in the logic of having your number 3 hitter be a guy that put up these numbers last year?

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS
160 626 103 179 30 8 21 83 57 98 50 7 .286 .353 .460 .813

since you really wont be able to answer that question with a legitimate answer, how about you just STFU instead.

[Chief Rum]

hey douchebag, it stops being a joke when it becomes a cheap shot at my best friend.

seeing as how you decided to drag me into this, and since you are questioning the use of logic, where exactly is the fault in the logic of having your number 3 hitter be a guy that put up these numbers last year?

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS
160 626 103 179 30 8 21 83 57 98 50 7 .286 .353 .460 .813

since you really wont be able to answer that question with a legitimate answer, how about you just STFU instead.

I don't agree with the namecalling, so I'm not "joining" with Shorty in that respect, but if that's the #3 hitter--the best hitter on the team, who doesn't have anywhere close to 100 ribbies, just a shade over 20 dingers, lower than .300 average and just a little over an .800 OPS--that is the best hitter? Sorry, but that isn't a lineup I am expecting to score a lot.

[Lathum]

I don't agree with the namecalling, so I'm not "joining" with Shorty in that respect, but if that's the #3 hitter--the best hitter on the team, who doesn't have anywhere close to 100 ribbies, just a shade over 20 dingers, lower than .300 average and just a little over an .800 OPS--that is the best hitter? Sorry, but that isn't a lineup I am expecting to score a lot.

A. Shorty started it by calling me a dumbass from out of no where, I could say I think Byrnes is better the Barry Bonds and he still has no right or reason to insult me

B. My argument was who really cares, they win.

[Ksyrup]

Very cool that DirecTV has FINALLY given us the feeds from both teams' TV announcers for most games. Yay! Although the bastards are making me listen to Michael Kay - I wonder if the Yankees are going to be the only team where they refuse to give the other team's announcers.

[Chief Rum]

A. Shorty started it by calling me a dumbass from out of no where, I could say I think Byrnes is better the Barry Bonds and he still has no right or reason to insult me

B. My argument was who really cares, they win.

A. Agreed.

B. Yup, they do.

I should say my argument was specifically on the numbers saldana posted as a stand alone (I know that's Byrnes' numbers, of course), but that's not an actual reflection of my opinion of the DBacks' lineup. I was just playing devil's advocate, saying, okay, if this is the #3 and best hitter and we have a normal regression at the other spots in the lineup, then this is a pretty poor lineup. The reality is that where Arizona lacks in proven top hitting ability, they make up some with depth, as they have several players like Byrnes, Upton, Drew, Reynolds, Jackson, Tracy (he's still around, isn't he?) who are all solid young hitters with good upside (okay Byrnes isn't young).

All that said, they win with pitching. ;) And some luck (based on last year).

[saldana]

I don't think it's a ridiculous thought that Arizona will likely need to score more runs (or somehow let even fewer through) to repeat last years success.

i think adding haren will help a bit with the latter

and chief, i agree that the numbers arent great, but they arent horrible either...there are plenty of teams that are doing worse than byrnes in the 3 hole, which i believe was lathums entire point.

[Chief Rum]

i think adding haren will help a bit with the latter

and chief, i agree that the numbers arent great, but they arent horrible either...there are plenty of teams that are doing worse than byrnes in the 3 hole, which i believe was lathums entire point.

Actually an interesting question to ask. I don't know how many teams are worse off at the "best hitter" spot than DBacks, but you (or Lathum) might be right.

[Atocep]

A. Agreed.

B. Yup, they do.

I should say my argument was specifically on the numbers saldana posted as a stand alone (I know that's Byrnes' numbers, of course), but that's not an actual reflection of my opinion of the DBacks' lineup. I was just playing devil's advocate, saying, okay, if this is the #3 and best hitter and we have a normal regression at the other spots in the lineup, then this is a pretty poor lineup. The reality is that where Arizona lacks in proven top hitting ability, they make up some with depth, as they have several players like Byrnes, Upton, Drew, Reynolds, Jackson, Tracy (he's still around, isn't he?) who are all solid young hitters with good upside (okay Byrnes isn't young).

All that said, they win with pitching. ;) And some luck (based on last year).

Agree with Chief. An .813 OPS from your #3 hitter goes a long way in explaining how the Dbacks were outscored on the season.


Run differential is the biggest indicator in a team's overall talent level and success. The Dbacks beat their Pythag record by about 11 games. Part of it was luck, part of it was the way the team is constructed, and part of it was Melvin not overmanaging his team like a Tony LaRussa would.

If anyone thinks there's some magic formula that points to a team being able to make the playoffs after being outscored by their opponents on the season, you're sadly mistaken. There's years and years of data showing that 99% of the time you can predict a team's record within a game or two simply by looking at how many runs they scored compared to how many they gave up.

[Atocep]

and chief, i agree that the numbers arent great, but they arent horrible either...there are plenty of teams that are doing worse than byrnes in the 3 hole, which i believe was lathums entire point.

For a #3 hitter they are horrible. He plays in one of the top 5 hitters parks, keep in mind, his OPS on the road was .774.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Actually an interesting question to ask. I don't know how many teams are worse off at the "best hitter" spot than DBacks, but you (or Lathum) might be right.

Well, let's see what we can find. I'm strictly looking at the #3 hitters in tonight's lineups, so I'm not even attempting to account for injuries, platoons, whatever. If somebody wants to remove a guy from consideration for some reason then feel free.

Worse - 8
Twins -- Cuddyer '07 OPS .789, lifetime .795
Marlins -- Jacobs '07 OPS .775, lifetime .813
Giants -- Winn '07 OPS .798, lifetime .768
Dodgers -- Ethier '07 OPS .802, lifetime .818
Padres -- Kouzmanoff '07 OPS .786, lifetime .773
Nationals -- Zimmerman '07 OPS. 788, lifetime .811
Royals - Gordon '07 OPS .725, lifetime .727
Pirates - Bay '07 OPS .745, lifetime .888

Split - 3
Bluejays - Rios '07 OPS .852, lifetime .792
Yankees - Abreu '07 OPS .814, lifetime .908
Mariners - Ibanez '07 OPS .831, lifetime .815

Better - 18
Angels/Guerrero, Mets/Wright, Cardinals/Pujols, Reds/Griffey, Rockies/Helton, Astros/Berkman, Rangers/Hamilton, Brewers/Fielder, Cubs/D.Lee, Phils/Utley,
WhiteSox/Thome, Indians/Haffner, Orioles/Markakis, Rays/Pena, Yanks/Sheff,
Braves/C.Jones, RedSox/Ortiz, A's/Barton

[Crapshoot]

I called you a dumbass because instead of just taking what I was saying for what it was, an opinion, you seemed to try to call me out like I was saying something all questionable. I said what everyone knows, Byrnes is no Matt Holliday. Then again, the Dbacks are built for defense & pitching. That is all. I didn't say they are fucked. I like their team. I also brought up that they got OUTSCORED in an entire season despite the winning record because that is obviously a product of their weak lineup- and they were only the fifth team in ML HISTORY to make the playoffs when that has happened, so that might be a concern if you are banking on lighting striking in a bottle twice. Just bringing up shit. It's baseball season, I want to discuss teams without you getting all hostile.

Don't even bother - you're pointing out a logical argument that he's just not comprehending. Teams that get outscored generally regress. With the D-backs, they have enough young talent that I would not expect it to happen again this year.

FWIW, the Pythagorean is pretty accurate, but I think there's a legit arguement that a really good or really bad bullpen can skew the results.

[Crapshoot]

Btw, is anyone else just glad baseball is back? I know how some of you guys feel about football, but I'm just happier, even though my team is run by a creepy dumbass with the intellect of a crack whore.

[ISiddiqui]

I am! :D

Just the fact that the game is back is enough for me every year... even when my team sucked royally.

[Atocep]

Btw, is anyone else just glad baseball is back? I know how some of you guys feel about football, but I'm just happier, even though my team is run by a creepy dumbass with the intellect of a crack whore.

Baseball season is 7 months of heaven.

And if this season doesn't get Sabean fired then nothing will. That team may struggle to score 3 runs per game this season.

[Crapshoot]

Baseball season is 7 months of heaven.

And if this season doesn't get Sabean fired then nothing will. That team may struggle to score 3 runs per game this season.

Don't make me cry, please. I'm watching Rich Aurillia "play" 1b., when your average AAA player could outhit him. The fact that the idiot who runs our team can't see that ... well, sniper rifles are on sale.

[MizzouRah]

Nice throw Glaus! :mad:

[korme]

hey douchebag, it stops being a joke when it becomes a cheap shot at my best friend.

seeing as how you decided to drag me into this, and since you are questioning the use of logic, where exactly is the fault in the logic of having your number 3 hitter be a guy that put up these numbers last year?

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS
160 626 103 179 30 8 21 83 57 98 50 7 .286 .353 .460 .813

since you really wont be able to answer that question with a legitimate answer, how about you just STFU instead.

It's a decent line but, and I can't find any fuckin sortable stats and it's pissing me off, but I'm guessing I don't need concrete evidence to assume that is one of the worst lines for an everyday 3 hole hitter, and they are a contending team, so it's got to be a concern. How many times do I have to repeat myself? THATS ALL IM FUCKIN SAYIN.

BTW, i called lathum a dumbass. i didn't think that was that big of a deal. sorry lathum, didn't think you'd be so offended.

[Cringer]

Btw, is anyone else just glad baseball is back? I know how some of you guys feel about football, but I'm just happier, even though my team is run by a creepy dumbass with the intellect of a crack whore.

It is not football, but from now until October is the best part or the year to me for many reasons.

1. If I miss the game today, another one is one tomorrow.
2. Trips up to Houston to catch 2-3 games per trip.
3. The MLS season just started so I have two sports and two favorite teams to follow for 6 months.
4. I have missed so much of baseball over the last 9 years I no longer know as many players as I did, and now being home I look forward to learning about players and teams again.

[korme]

Yes, I am glad baseball season is here.

Been playing MLB 08 with the Orioles, wanted a challenge. Let's just say that team is in ROUGH shape- but atleast they have a good 3 hole hitter in Markaikas! Just kidding D-backs fans.

But seriously, I'm 0-5 and wondering how they have assembled such large amounts of waste.

[Buccaneer]

Yes, very, very happy that baseball is finally here. Which also means I start ramping my card collecting again, as well as getting ready to play another long OOTP career.

[Atocep]

But seriously, I'm 0-5 and wondering how they have assembled such large amounts of waste.

Peter Angelos = Mike Brown

[ISiddiqui]

Well, let's see what we can find. I'm strictly looking at the #3 hitters in tonight's lineups, so I'm not even attempting to account for injuries, platoons, whatever. If somebody wants to remove a guy from consideration for some reason then feel free.

Worse - 8
Twins -- Cuddyer '07 OPS .789, lifetime .795
Marlins -- Jacobs '07 OPS .775, lifetime .813
Giants -- Winn '07 OPS .798, lifetime .768
Dodgers -- Ethier '07 OPS .802, lifetime .818
Padres -- Kouzmanoff '07 OPS .786, lifetime .773
Nationals -- Zimmerman '07 OPS. 788, lifetime .811
Royals - Gordon '07 OPS .725, lifetime .727
Pirates - Bay '07 OPS .745, lifetime .888

Split - 3
Bluejays - Rios '07 OPS .852, lifetime .792
Yankees - Abreu '07 OPS .814, lifetime .908
Mariners - Ibanez '07 OPS .831, lifetime .815

Better - 18
Angels/Guerrero, Mets/Wright, Cardinals/Pujols, Reds/Griffey, Rockies/Helton, Astros/Berkman, Rangers/Hamilton, Brewers/Fielder, Cubs/D.Lee, Phils/Utley,
WhiteSox/Thome, Indians/Haffner, Orioles/Markakis, Rays/Pena, Yanks/Sheff,
Braves/C.Jones, RedSox/Ortiz, A's/Barton

Well, in the case of Ethier, Kouzmanoff, Gordon, and Zimmerman, you have young players who are supposed to do far better this season. Also, if we look at OPS+, it presents a better picture, IMO. Byrnes had an '07 OPS+ of 104 and a career OPS+ of 100 (right at average). And he's 32, so no real anticipated improvement.

Zimmerman had 107 OPS+ last season and a career OPS+ of 112, and is only 23, so should improve.

Gordon had an OPS+ of 87 in his rookie season of 2007, but is expected to be a great player and is 24.

Kouzmanoff had an OPS+ of 107 in '07, career OPS+ of 105 and is 26.

Ethier had an OPS+ of 103 and a career OPS+ of 107 and is 26.

Cuddyer had 111 and 108 career and is 29.

Jacobs had 100 last season and 110 for his career and is 27.

Bay had 93 OPS+ last season in a very bad year for him, but a career OPS+ of 129 and is 29.

Winn had 105 and 101 over his career and is 34 (IMO, the closest match to Byrnes hitting, but Byrnes can steal bases).


So I think the "Worse" list, Winn, Cuddyer and Jacobs can really be said to be worse (based on Byrnes' speed). Ethier isn't that much better, but has plenty of time for improvement. And the rest are expected to be stars; if not this year than soon (especially Gordon & Zimmerman).

[korme]

That's a shame. I used to be a quasi Baltimore fan in the late 90s- the Brady Anderson sideburns days

[korme]

And Winn wasn't the #3 last year.

[kingfc22]

Matt Cain is going to lose every game 1-0. SOB!!!

[Crapshoot]

Matt Cain is going to lose every game 1-0. SOB!!!

you and me both.

[ISiddiqui]

Isn't that what happened last year too? Cain finished with an ERA+ of 122 and a W/L of 7-16.

Lincecum is also going to suffer similar fate, I'm afraid.

[kingfc22]

Isn't that what happened last year too? Cain finished with an ERA+ of 122 and a W/L of 7-16.

Lincecum is also going to suffer similar fate, I'm afraid.

Yes, this year will be worse though. We have ZERO offense.

[Mr. Sparkle]

Yes, this year will be worse though. We have ZERO offense.

But we have a whole roster full of gamers!

[Shkspr]

I'm unconvinced that Bob Melvin's decision to bat Eric Byrnes 3rd should be taken as an assumption that a) Byrnes is the best hitter on the Diamondbacks or that b) they will be outscored this season. Chris Young will be better than Byrnes, Conor Jackson has a reasonable chance to improve, and Justin Upton could very easily follow his brother's career path a little sooner than anticipated. Eric Byrnes could be the fifth best hitter on the team...and STILL bat third.

Excuse me, sixth best hitter. Forgot about Micah Owings.

I think it's a moot point anyway - either Upton or Jackson will move ahead of Byrnes in the batting order by June.

[kingfc22]

The Giants scored a run!!!

[kingfc22]

Yea right. April Fool's!

[MizzouRah]

We lose to Kip Wells!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[JonInMiddleGA]

Well, in the case of Ethier, Kouzmanoff, Gordon, and Zimmerman, you have young players who are supposed to do far better this season.

On the other hand, if you look at those that I counted in the "better" group several of those are at least possible suspects to finish with worse numbers than the Byrnes line (although they might not hold on to the 3rd spot in the order if they do).

I think Abreu, Griffey, and Sheffield could slip beneath that due to either age or injury, and Hamilton, Markakis, and Barton are all still fairly inexperienced & could conceivably go in the wrong direction (not expecting it or predicting, just saying it could certainly happen). And Chipper isn't exactly the most durable guy in the majors.

So it seems to me there's at least as many reasonable candidates to go backwards towards Byrnes numbers as there are those who would seem likely to move solidly ahead of them.

[Arles]

I'm unconvinced that Bob Melvin's decision to bat Eric Byrnes 3rd should be taken as an assumption that a) Byrnes is the best hitter on the Diamondbacks or that b) they will be outscored this season. Chris Young will be better than Byrnes, Conor Jackson has a reasonable chance to improve, and Justin Upton could very easily follow his brother's career path a little sooner than anticipated. Eric Byrnes could be the fifth best hitter on the team...and STILL bat third.

Excuse me, sixth best hitter. Forgot about Micah Owings.

I think it's a moot point anyway - either Upton or Jackson will move ahead of Byrnes in the batting order by June.
I'll go one further. After the all-star break, Conner Jackson (.926 OPS), Chris Snyder (.889 OPS), Mark Reynolds (.840 OPS and Chris Young (.823 OPS) were all better hitters than Byrnes. And that doesn't count a guy like Hudson who matched Byrnes and guys like Stephen Drew and Justin Upton who may have the most talent on the team.

I'd be shocked if Byrnes is a top 4 hitter on the DBacks this year by the numbers. But, he hits third because nearly everyone else is in their low 20s and prone to some inconsistencies.

[Chief Rum]

This is also one of my favorite times of the year.

Good bounce back tonight for the Halos against the Twinkies. We scored in bunches and Garland looked terrific in getting the win. Only Angel starter to not get a hit was Torii, poor guy. He did get a nice welcome from the Twins' fans last night, though, and his Gold Glove ceremony tonight.

[Atocep]

I'm unconvinced that Bob Melvin's decision to bat Eric Byrnes 3rd should be taken as an assumption that a) Byrnes is the best hitter on the Diamondbacks or that b) they will be outscored this season. Chris Young will be better than Byrnes, Conor Jackson has a reasonable chance to improve, and Justin Upton could very easily follow his brother's career path a little sooner than anticipated. Eric Byrnes could be the fifth best hitter on the team...and STILL bat third.

Excuse me, sixth best hitter. Forgot about Micah Owings.

I think it's a moot point anyway - either Upton or Jackson will move ahead of Byrnes in the batting order by June.


Most stats analysts picked the Dbacks to either win the west or the wild card last year, so the fact that they did that wasn't surprising, it was how they did it. With a young lineup that should take a step forward, a healthy Tracy, and adding Haren they shouldn't be in the same situation they were last year in terms of run differential.

Its a good team. Its a team with a young offensive foundation, but they were lucky that their growing pains weren't reflected in their record last season.

[Cringer]

Ok, so someone please explain to the guy who has "been away" for a bit about some of the stats being thrown out there. What is OPS+ 112? ERA+ 122? What happened to .900 OPS and 2.50 ERA? Thanks.

As for the Astros, at least they scored a run tonight. They lose 2-1 to fall to 0-2. For a team who's strength is supposed to be hitting it sure is an odd first two games. That is one reason baseball can be fun though I guess.

[Atocep]

Ok, so someone please explain to the guy who has "been away" for a bit about some of the stats being thrown out there. What is OPS+ 112? ERA+ 122? What happened to .900 OPS and 2.50 ERA? Thanks.


OPS+ and ERA+ are normalized for both park and league with 100 being league average (and bigger numbers being better). Its a solid way of quickly comparing players across eras and leagues.

[Cringer]

gracias

[Ksyrup]

For those who may not know it, baseball-reference.com is a great place to check box scores and stats for the current season. The box scores are awesome - not only do they give you everything you normally would get, but you can click on each player's AB link and get a pop-up box that tells you exactly what they did in each AB for that game. And for pitchers, you can click on their IP link and see their line score for each separate inning. And on the main page, they give you the top hitters and pitchers by game score. Pretty cool.

[Buccaneer]

We'll see how Greg Maddux do and if he do his typical solid outing, I'll be clammering for the Pads to go old-school with a 3-man rotation. With the way Peav and CY pitching, Pads don't need no offense. :)

[Cringer]

Ok.............jbmagic?

[Calis]

I love the beginning of the season, where a Royals fan like myself can look at our 2-0 record, and those wins over Detroit no less and entertain the idea that we've got a shot. :)

Great start though. I might also add that I wish every game was an afternoon game, because using gameday audio to listen to it at work really helped the afternoon more pleasant.

[MikeVic]

We'll see how Greg Maddux do and if he do his typical solid outing, I'll be clammering for the Pads to go old-school with a 3-man rotation. With the way Peav and CY pitching, Pads don't need no offense. :)

I agree with Cringer. Is jbmagic back??

[Lathum]

I hope Harden stays healthy this year, he has been nasty so far

[Lorena]

We'll see how Greg Maddux do and if he do his typical solid outing, I'll be clammering for the Pads to go old-school with a 3-man rotation. With the way Peav and CY pitching, Pads don't need no offense. :)

jb, is that you?



;)

[Lathum]

I'm only watching on gamecast, but this game he doesn't look so great - has been bailed out by the sox, I'd say (whip around 2)

i am watching the game. He looks nasty.

[Lathum]

Fair enough. Is he just inconsistent? He might get pulled after 86 pitches through 5 and 4 walks.

he had a rocky first inning where he loaded the bases but settled down nicely. For the most part he has been challanging the pitchers and overpowering them badley.

[SackAttack]

But seriously, I'm 0-5 and wondering how they have assembled such large amounts of waste.

Let's use an analogy.

The Baltimore Orioles are a toilet, see.

Peter Angelos? He's got diarrhea.

I'll let flere draw you the picture if that ain't good enough. :)

[Buccaneer]

Oh man, that's low. I've got to learn not to post anything while I'm getting ready to leave for work in the morning. Now if I just remember what I was trying to say....aww, shit, forget it.

[Captain2711]

I can't believe anyone on the Yankees could honestly think Mike Mussina could be counted on this year

[Arles]

Ugh, welcome to the Brandon Lyon era DBacks fans. One night, he strikes 2 out for the save, the next night a 3-run HR. I have a feeling Tony Pena will be the closer by May.

[Cringer]

Astros pull it out against the Padres in the top of the 9th for their first win. Very nice and finally. Just when the hitting started to get going a little it looked like the pitching would fail, but the hitting pulled it out.

Two outs in the top of the 9th with no one on, Hoffman pitching. Cruz Jr. gets the pinch walk, Bourn with a single, Pence with a single to bring in the tying run, then BOOM! Berkman gets a three run homer to go up 9-6 and the Astros close it out in the bottom of the inning. Nice to see a win in San Diego, I was begining to think they would sweep us.

[MrBug708]

Oh Pierre. That is why you...suck

[lordscarlet]

Another game-winning homerun by Zimmerman. Even if we end up at the bottom of the East, this is going to be a fun year.

[Buccaneer]

1 frickin' strike away...again. This shit's getting old.

[MikeVic]

Yay first win for the the Jays! Halladay and Burnett looked solid in their first starts. But now it's the other three starters that have to prove they can be counted on (Burnett too, as he probably has another start or two in him before he gets injured).

[Ksyrup]

Phillies off to a solid start...top of the 4th vs. the Nats, and they already have 4 errors!

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Royals continue to stay hot. Alex Gordon hit his second homerun of the year. 2-0 Royals through 4 innings.

[Butter]

Ugh, welcome to the Brandon Lyon era DBacks fans. One night, he strikes 2 out for the save, the next night a 3-run HR. I have a feeling Tony Pena will be the closer by May.

What do you mean, ugh? It was pretty sweet from up here.

[korme]

Cueto's final line is 7 ip 1 h 1 er 0 bb 10 k

Not bad for a debut, the only hit was a homerun.

[Ksyrup]

Phillies games are all going to be 4+ hours this year.

[Butter]

Cordero with the closeout of the db. Nice opening series by the Reds.

[Cringer]

2 run homer in the first inning for the Padres. Looks like a good start for the Astros.

[lordscarlet]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Why was Colome still in there?! 4 balls in a row after 3 hits?

Phils finally get a win. Bastards.

[Scarecrow]

The Detroit Tigers are on pace to score 162 runs this season - a long way from their projected 1000.


And they played 3 against the worst team in baseball (per ESPN).

[Lathum]

Cueto's final line is 7 ip 1 h 1 er 0 bb 10 k

Not bad for a debut, the only hit was a homerun.

I just picked him up for my fantasy team so expect his numbers to plumet

[Ksyrup]

Tigers aren't going to score 1000 runs. Maybe the Yankees will, but that's about it.

[Lathum]

anyone know why Cabrera didn't play today?

[ISiddiqui]

Yankees won't either. They had 968 last year, and Posada will not have nearly as good a year as he did last year. I also assume that A-Rod will be a little bit (but not too much) worse than last year.

Though it was nice to see the Royals sweep through the Tiggs.

[Atocep]

Tigers aren't going to score 1000 runs. Maybe the Yankees will, but that's about it.

Its been done once in the past 55-60 years, so I seriously doubt any team does it this year. Espcially the Tigers since they play in a slight pitchers park.

[Lathum]

anyone having trouble getting onto mlb.com?

[Ksyrup]

Mike Hampton scratched...WHODATHUNKIT?

[Z²+]

I consider myself an avid baseball follower, but I haven't seen this before, and am unclear on the rules. In tonight's Pirates/Braves game, an Atlanta pitcher started the inning pitching, then moved to left field for a batter, then came back to the mound and pitched again. Was this permitted because he didn't technically leave the game? And if so, why isn't this technique utilized more often (the defensive shortcomings can't be THAT great, especially for just one batter). Any of you grognards have any insight?

[molson]

I consider myself an avid baseball follower, but I haven't seen this before, and am unclear on the rules. In tonight's Pirates/Braves game, an Atlanta pitcher started the inning pitching, then moved to left field for a batter, then came back to the mound and pitched again. Was this permitted because he didn't technically leave the game? And if so, why isn't this technique utilized more often (the defensive shortcomings can't be THAT great, especially for just one batter). Any of you grognards have any insight?

Ya, there's no special rules about being a pitcher when it comes to substitutions, they're just like everyone else. Once they leave, they're gone. But managers can move guys who are in the game around at will, with no limitations.

This technique definitely happened a lot more in the 80s - these days, with deeper, more specialized bullpens, it makes more sense to just pull the guy. And the defense shortcomings CAN be pretty great, depending on the skill of the batter, fielding skills of the pitcher. If you put Todd Jones out in right field, a good hitter can just send a routine fly ball out there and it'd be an adventure.

[DaddyTorgo]

Ya, there's no special rules about being a pitcher when it comes to substitutions, they're just like everyone else. Once they leave, they're gone. But managers can move guys who are in the game around at will, with no limitations.

This technique definitely happened a lot more in the 80s - these days, with deeper, more specialized bullpens, it makes more sense to just pull the guy. And the defense shortcomings CAN be pretty great, depending on the skill of the batter, fielding skills of the pitcher. If you put Todd Jones out in right field, a good hitter can just send a routine fly ball out there and it'd be an adventure.

make your pitchers take fly balls once a week. Shit...they all did it in little league i'd be willing to bet

[Lathum]

I would think it could be an injury concern, I wouldn't want my pitcher running into the wall or pulling a hamy

[sterlingice]

*dances a jig about the Royals* :D

SI

[Crapshoot]

*dances a jig about the Royals* :D

SI

Hey, I recall discussing with you that I think Greinke's going to be great this year. Control like he has is simply unnatural, and the fact that he has the stuff to go with it...

[Ksyrup]

Ya, there's no special rules about being a pitcher when it comes to substitutions, they're just like everyone else. Once they leave, they're gone. But managers can move guys who are in the game around at will, with no limitations.

This technique definitely happened a lot more in the 80s - these days, with deeper, more specialized bullpens, it makes more sense to just pull the guy. And the defense shortcomings CAN be pretty great, depending on the skill of the batter, fielding skills of the pitcher. If you put Todd Jones out in right field, a good hitter can just send a routine fly ball out there and it'd be an adventure.

I was watching the Pirates feed of the game at the time, and a good question was posed - actually, the question came off-camera from Kent Tekulve - was it proper for the pitcher to be permitted additional warm-up tosses after he came back to the mound? It wasn't the beginning of the inning, it wasn't his first time in the game, and there was no injury. Not sure he should have been. If the Braves are going to try this more than once, someone ought to answer the question.

[ISiddiqui]

:D

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3328114

Thursday, April 3, 2008
Hawk attacks 'A-Rod' on school tour of Fenway, draws blood

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Associated Press

BOSTON -- A 13-year-old girl touring Fenway Park on a school trip was attacked by a resident red-tailed hawk that drew blood from her scalp Thursday.

She wasn't seriously hurt, but some observers saw an omen for a certain New York Yankees slugger in the attack at the home of the Boston Red Sox. The girl's name is Alexa Rodriguez.

Vince Jennetta, a teacher who chaperoned her class trip from Memorial Boulevard Middle School in Bristol, Conn., told The Boston Globe that Alexa is "a little shaken, but OK."

The hawk was perched on a railing in the upper deck behind home plate while the group toured the stadium. The hawk flew at the girl and swooped with its talons extended, scratching her scalp.

A single egg lay in the hawk's nearby nest in an overhang near the stadium's press booth.

The nest and egg were removed at the direction of state wildlife officials.

LOL

Even though I do like A-Rod and think of the Red Sox as Yankees Lite, this story amused the Hell out of me.

[MikeVic]

She took it better than ARod would.

[Cringer]

JR Towles, the 'rookie' catcher for the Astros gets a 2 run homer to give them the lead over the hated Cubs. WooHoo. CF Bourn then gets all three outs in the bottom of the inning, with one a nice diving catch.

Those two are becoming two of my favorite players very quickly. I am loving the Astros more then ever with those two guys and Pence giving some new blood to the team. Berkman, Tejada, and Lee are good guys too. ;)

Just need some pitchers beside Oswalt to like now, hopefully someone steps up.

[Ksyrup]

Since when do the Astros and Cubs have some big rivalry? Or do you just hate the Cubs?

[Cringer]

I hate the Cubs, and pretty much the whole city of Chicago and anything to do with it. :D

[Buccaneer]

I hate the Cubs, and pretty much the whole city of Chicago and anything to do with it. :D

+1, not the whole city and while there are good people there, I despise Cubs fans. :D

[watravaler]

I consider any divisional opponent a rival, and that bastard Pyrzisnki(sic) is beyond hot...

Too bad for the kittens...that pitching staff is going to sink them...

[samifan24]

Hey, I recall discussing with you that I think Greinke's going to be great this year. Control like he has is simply unnatural, and the fact that he has the stuff to go with it...

Yeah, Greinke has incredible stuff and I hope he's finally turned the corner. His numbers since the All-Star break last year and very strong. I've got him on my fantasy team and I suggest some of you guys do the same. I hope this is finally his breakout year!

[Lathum]

Gonna have to wait another day to see my boy John Maine pitch

[Ksyrup]

that bastard Pyrzisnki(sic) is beyond hot...

Huh?

[Ksyrup]

Ian Kennedy getting hit hard...but the ump was absolutely screwing him on some pitches. Not that I'm complaining!

[Buccaneer]

K, remind me again. Are you pro-Rays or anti-Yankees (or both)?

[Ksyrup]

Definitely anti-Yanks. I think I'm going to enjoy watching the Rays - good young team. But even so, Kennedy was on the ropes and the ump absolutely hung him on a couple of pitches. He had a 2-1 pitch right down the middle called a ball, and with the bases loaded, he grooved the next pitch and the dude hit a bases-clearing double.

[MikeVic]

Decent pitcher's duel in Toronto right now.

[Calis]

Good start for the Royals here, lets keep this sole undefeated team in baseball going another day.

[MikeVic]

Frick nice catch by Rolen's replacement!

[saldana]

bwahahahahahahahahaha...yankees bullpen.....bwahahahahahahahaha.....latroy hawkins blows....bwahahahahahahahahaha.

[Ksyrup]

As a Yankee Hater, I know I'm going to have far more lows than highs this year. But tonight's one I'm glad to be watching. 6 runs off of Kennedy, then Sonnanstine immediately gave back 4, but he settled down and the Rays put up 7 (and counting) in the 8th. Haha!

[Ksyrup]

bwahahahahahahahahaha...yankees bullpen.....bwahahahahahahahaha.....latroy hawkins blows....bwahahahahahahahahaha.

*virtual high five*

[saldana]

Ian Kennedy getting hit hard...but the ump was absolutely screwing him on some pitches. Not that I'm complaining!

the umps in this game have been horrible the entire game....the guy behind the plate has no idea what the strike zone is, and the upton "tag out" at first was an utterly horrendous call.

[saldana]

*virtual high five*

*virtural buys round of beers for other anti-yankees*

[Ksyrup]

Yeah, Carlos Pena got screwed on a few calls, too. At one point, the Yankees announcers just gave up trying to pretend the calls were strikes and admitted they weren't.

[henry296]

I was watching the Pirates feed of the game at the time, and a good question was posed - actually, the question came off-camera from Kent Tekulve - was it proper for the pitcher to be permitted additional warm-up tosses after he came back to the mound? It wasn't the beginning of the inning, it wasn't his first time in the game, and there was no injury. Not sure he should have been. If the Braves are going to try this more than once, someone ought to answer the question.

Interesting that Tekulve asked that question; since he was involved in such a situation during his career with the Pirates.

Here's a link to other examples: http://www.baseball-reference.com/sotd/archives/175

[saldana]

Gonna have to wait another day to see my boy John Maine pitch

which blows...its one less game i will get for free...i may end up buying extra innings...i realized during the week that i am gonna be home every monday through thursday night all season long...do you have 200 bucks i can borrow?

[Ksyrup]

Yeah, the comment from one of the announcers was, "He should know."

[Lathum]

which blows...its one less game i will get for free...i may end up buying extra innings...i realized during the week that i am gonna be home every monday through thursday night all season long...do you have 200 bucks i can borrow?

no but I will be getting the internet package wink wink

also always nice to see the yanks lose, point at your wife and laugh for me

[Ksyrup]

Married to a Yankees fan? God Lord, man! Have you no standards?!

[Lathum]

Married to a Yankees fan? God Lord, man! Have you no standards?!

with the exception of that obvious charecture flaw I love her like a sister

[saldana]

no but I will be getting the internet package wink wink

also always nice to see the yanks lose, point at your wife and laugh for me

she gave you the finger

[saldana]

Married to a Yankees fan? God Lord, man! Have you no standards?!

its tough...her dad and her brother are fanatics too...we didnt speak at all for 2 weeks in october 2000.

[Lathum]

I take back my previous comment

[saldana]

with the exception of that obvious charecture flaw I love her like a sister

glad you arent from west virginia.

[Ksyrup]

Ha! I met my wife in South Florida. Lucky for her, she was an FSU fan and not a Hurricane fan. I probably wouldn't have agreed to the first date if she rooted for Miami.

[sterlingice]

Royals bats not great tonight and Bale gives up 4 in 6 and change, so there are no longer any unbeaten teams with the Royals losing 4-3.

SI

[sterlingice]

Hey, I recall discussing with you that I think Greinke's going to be great this year. Control like he has is simply unnatural, and the fact that he has the stuff to go with it...

Of course Greinke has the ability. Need to see how his head is, tho. He could go anywhere from 7-15 with a 5.50 to 18-5, 2.50 and neither would surprise me. Nor would "walks off the mound in the middle of a game and decides he wants to sell stadium hot dogs for a living".

SI

[Neuqua]

I hate the Cubs, and pretty much the whole city of Chicago and anything to do with it. :D

:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

[Cringer]

:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

Well if you are going to get all sensative (and give me more fuel for the fire), then I will ease off a little and say I am sure there are a couple decent people there.

[lordscarlet]

Ugh. The Nats left THIRTEEN on base.

[Chief Rum]

We're not going to win this game, but it's fun to see my team try to come back from 11-0 in the ninth. 11-6 now (2 outs).

[MrBug708]

So is Billingsley now a MR pitcher?

The Dodgers new pitcher pitched pretty damn well tonight. 1 run, 3 hits over 7 innings?

[Chief Rum]

So is Billingsley now a MR pitcher?

The Dodgers new pitcher pitched pretty damn well tonight. 1 run, 3 hits over 7 innings?

He better not be. I didn't draft him to be a MR.

[Chief Rum]

Hunter got a single, Willits to third. GA flies out to deep, deep RF. Little more and it would have been 11-9. Fun while it lasted.

[Atocep]

So is Billingsley now a MR pitcher?

The Dodgers new pitcher pitched pretty damn well tonight. 1 run, 3 hits over 7 innings?

I think Torre was just trying to get him work after he was scratched yesterday. As of right now he's still scheduled to start Tuesday.

[Atocep]

Corey Patterson has a walk, a stolen base, and a homer today. Dusty now has him penciled into the leadoff spot until at least the all star break.