The Official 2013 MLB Thread

[ISiddiqui]

Not sure Bay really belongs on that list.

I mean, the Mets signed him after the 2009 season - 4yr/$66m. He was coming off an All-Star & Silver Slugger season, 30+ HR for 4 of the previous 5 seasons and was still only 30 yrs old.

What's he saying is not whether Bay was old or a bad deal at the time, but evidence that the Mets franchise has traditionally gone for bigger name FA's over a youth movement.

[DougW]

Whew. I was worried about the pen for a little bit, but the Tigers just resigned Jose Valverde.

[Scoobz0202]

Nice opening series for the Reds. Two out of three against that tough Halo lineup.

[JPhillips]

Nice opening series for the Reds. Two out of three against that tough Halo lineup.

And Cueto looked like his old self in the loss.

[claphamsa]

OMG Marlins scored.

[JonInMiddleGA]

What's he saying is not whether Bay was old or a bad deal at the time, but evidence that the Mets franchise has traditionally gone for bigger name FA's over a youth movement.

Cool, perhaps I misinterpreted. Right or wrong, I was getting a "washed up veterans" vibe rather than a plain "veterans" vibe. No big whoop.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Glad the Royals finally got in the win column. Pitching has actually been very good all series except for Hochevar's brief appearance in the second game. Nice to have three starters at the front of the rotation that actually look like they belong in the front half of the rotation.

[spleen1015]

I am madly in love with Chris Davis right now.

[Chief Rum]

The first of many Joe Blanton losses. Can't wait!

[Lathum]

Listening to the Tigers- Yankees radio broadcast on the Tigers side. The Tigers broadcasters arent bad, but they don't let the game breathe, they constantly talk.

That being said, far better than the Yankees side of the broadcast.

[claphamsa]

Teleworking today, so I put on the game... MLB network is showing it so fine... but not fine. They are bouncing back and forth between games, Harold Reynolds wont shut up. fuck you harold, no one wants to hear you talk!

[ISiddiqui]

MLB.tv FTW!!

Seriously the first week and I'm already in love with it.

[spleen1015]

I am madly in love with Chris Davis right now.

+1000000000

[JPhillips]

The Reds are playing with a HR cheat code tonight.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Went to Braves/Cubs tonight at Turner Field, courtesy of some freebie tix from a friend. Latest I've ever arrived at a game I think (got a late start due to my kid & his best friend having sports practices after school), finally got there just in time to see the sac fly bring home a run in the bottom of the 3rd.

Much better than my last sitting in the outfield bleachers experience. I'll take 50 degree night over 100+ degree day game anytime.

Cubs looked remarkably unremarkable. Enjoyed seeing Gattis get a couple of hits. Kimbrel is Kimbrel, and made DeJesus look silly.

Food prices at The Ted are now officially outrageous. A standard double cheeseburger & a coke for $16.50? Srsly? I mean $9 for a can of beer is one thing but damn.

[Atocep]

Justin Upton is reminding everyone of what a healthy Justin Upton is capable of doing.

[hoopsguy]

Horrible loss for Cubs tonight. Knew it was bad news blowing the bases loaded, no outs in top of 8th. Sure enough, flammable bullpen allowed 5-1 lead to disappear in two short innings.

[Easy Mac]

http://www.recaption.com/memes/users/Upton-Here.jpg

Carlos Marmol has yet to get a righty out this year.

[BishopMVP]

Justin Upton is reminding everyone of what a healthy Justin Upton is capable of doing.Ehh... it's a slugging heavy 1.707 OPS. Needs a higher iSod.

In all seriousness, I hope he and Trevor Bauer do great and expose how dumb and short-sighted those moves were by the D-backs front office this past offseason.

[lungs]

You know the season is off to a rough start when Alex Gonzalez is your cleanup hitter and Yuni Betancourt is your starting first baseman.

[cartman]

Going to the Rangers-Angels game tonight. Hope Yu can get the perfecto this time! :)

[MrBug708]

Kershaw needs a contract Ned, seriously!

[korme]

Strasburg vs. Cueto

Let's do this

[korme]

Get em on, get em over, get em in! 3-0 Reds after 1 inning!

[JonInMiddleGA]

Marmol out, the Japanese import (who got hit hard last night too) in as Cubs closer. Per Sveum on espn.com

[JonInMiddleGA]

6 of the 8 hitters in the Cubs lineup today are off to a <.200 BA start.

4 of the 8 hitters in the Braves lineup the same, yet they're 5th in the NL in runs scored.

[cuervo72]

Get em on, get em over, get em in! 3-0 Reds after 1 inning!

This is not the pitching duel I was promised.

[korme]

It's settled in now, but yeah, quite a different start than expected.

[Coffee Warlord]

6 of the 8 hitters in the Cubs lineup today are off to a <.200 BA start.

4 of the 8 hitters in the Braves lineup the same, yet they're 5th in the NL in runs scored.

Difference being, I would not be surprised if most of those guys in the Cubs lineup hit close to that all year.

[MizzouRah]

Home opener tomorrow vs the Reds.. nice to come home 3-3 and beat up on Cain a bit today.

[kingfc22]

Home opener tomorrow vs the Reds.. nice to come home 3-3 and beat up on Cain a bit today.

Was at the game today and that 4th inning was ridiculous. There must have been no more than 3 balls that I would classify as hit "hard" during the 9 run rally. Everything was falling in just in front of the outfield and just past the reach of the infielders.

Giants now face the Rockies who are coming off 5 straight wins. Hopefully, Scutaro, Belt and Posey can get their bats going a bit.

[JPhillips]

If the Reds can get a series win against the Cards they'll be 6-3. I'd take that going against the Angels, Nats and Cards.

[BishopMVP]

Kershaw needs a contract Ned, seriously!Why? If he keeps this up and goes to FA, Ned can just throw $300 million at him.

[MizzouRah]

Was at the game today and that 4th inning was ridiculous. There must have been no more than 3 balls that I would classify as hit "hard" during the 9 run rally. Everything was falling in just in front of the outfield and just past the reach of the infielders.

Giants now face the Rockies who are coming off 5 straight wins. Hopefully, Scutaro, Belt and Posey can get their bats going a bit.

Yeah it was one of those days where the ball finds a spot in the field.

[cartman]

I'm sure Hamilton is glad that he won't be back in Arlington until August. The crowd rode him hard all during the series, and was especially brutal last night.

[kingfc22]

Keep it going Hunter Pence!

[JPhillips]

Now that's a ninth inning.

Go Reds!

[cartman]

Rangers got a gift on that final strike call.

[MizzouRah]

Now that's a ninth inning.

Go Reds!

That's a beat down.

[Suicane75]

Regarding the Astros of Houston. I think it is highly plausible that this assembly of players could produce a season of historic awfulness. Imagine them losing 100 games. Now imagine that in order to even do that they'd have to win 62 games. I think it's within the realm of plausibility that this team doesn't even win 40 games.

[Qrusher14242]

i dunno...the pirates have been pretty bad too...just heard they had 21 hits in the first 6 games lol lowest total since 1918 i think

[Lathum]

Matt Harvey for Cy Young too early?

[fantom1979]

Kershaw and Maholm would like to be in the 'way too early' NL Cy Young discussion.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Jered Weaver of Los Angeles Angels to DL with fractured elbow - ESPN Los Angeles (http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/mlb/story/_/id/9151926/jered-weaver-los-angeles-angels-dl-fractured-elbow)

[Chief Rum]

Jered Weaver of Los Angeles Angels to DL with fractured elbow - ESPN Los Angeles (http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/mlb/story/_/id/9151926/jered-weaver-los-angeles-angels-dl-fractured-elbow)

Shit.

[cartman]

He got booed by the crowd, because we thought he was faking getting hit by the line drive.

[Chief Rum]

He got booed by the crowd, because we thought he was faking getting hit by the line drive.

I watched it up close on replay, and I still wasn't really sure what happened.

[Qwikshot]

Matt Harvey for Cy Young too early?

Yes

[Dutch]

Rangers got a gift on that final strike call.

The umpire, Marty Foster, admitted he got it wrong, which is actually refreshing to hear, honestly. Mistakes happen.

It was fun listening to the different calls (paraphrased) on Rome today. You know it was bad when they all sound the exact same.

Rays Broadcast: "Outside, ball 4, Zobrist takes 1st....holy cow! The umpire calls it strike 3...game over..."

Rangers Broadcast: "Oooo...Just missed outside, ball 4...no! Strike 3, ballgame!"

National Broadcast: "That's ball 4...woah, no, it's called a strike!"

[Scoobz0202]

Was linked this elsewhere. I'm a young guy, 25, so I don't know prospects that never came to be really. Anybody familiar with Brian Cole?

Non-Print Version
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1207193/1/index.htm

Print Version

In clubhouses from Class A to the majors, even superstars - 04.01.13 - SI Vault (http://cnnsi.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?expire=&title=In+clubhouses+from+Class+A+to+the+majors%2C+even+superstars+-+04.01.13+-+SI+Vault&urlID=505708142&action=cpt&partnerID=289881&fb=Y&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsportsillustrated.cnn.com%2Fvault%2Farticle%2Fmagazine%2FMAG1207193%2F1%2Findex.htm)

[Logan]

Was linked this elsewhere. I'm a young guy, 25, so I don't know prospects that never came to be really. Anybody familiar with Brian Cole?

Non-Print Version
In clubhouses from Class A to the majors, even superstars - 04.01.13 - SI Vault (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1207193/1/index.htm)

Print Version

In clubhouses from Class A to the majors, even superstars - 04.01.13 - SI Vault (http://cnnsi.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?expire=&title=In+clubhouses+from+Class+A+to+the+majors%2C+even+superstars+-+04.01.13+-+SI+Vault&urlID=505708142&action=cpt&partnerID=289881&fb=Y&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsportsillustrated.cnn.com%2Fvault%2Farticle%2Fmagazine%2FMAG1207193%2F1%2Findex.htm)

Didn't read the articles yet but yes. When he was about to break in, it was right around the time I was getting into OOTP and text sims, and remember hoping he would be the stud he was expected to be since I am a Mets fan. It was also around when I was starting to read message boards, and I remember hearing about him tearing up the Arizona Fall League on one of the old AOL boards I used to read. Back in 2000, I was a senior in high school and remember having to do some kind of project where I put together a 'Zine (blast from the past much?) that I made about the Mets and I put together an article about the future awesomeness known as Brian Cole. Wonder if I could find it somewhere...

RIP.

[Suicane75]

I don't remember, but I'm damn glad you shared that story.

[rowech]

The umpire, Marty Foster, admitted he got it wrong, which is actually refreshing to hear, honestly. Mistakes happen.

It was fun listening to the different calls (paraphrased) on Rome today. You know it was bad when they all sound the exact same.

Rays Broadcast: "Outside, ball 4, Zobrist takes 1st....holy cow! The umpire calls it strike 3...game over..."

Rangers Broadcast: "Oooo...Just missed outside, ball 4...no! Strike 3, ballgame!"

National Broadcast: "That's ball 4...woah, no, it's called a strike!"

Not so much a mistake as a pattern...

Umpire's blown call gives Nathan his 300th save, Rays fits | The Strike Zone - SI.com (http://mlb.si.com/2013/04/09/marty-foster-rays-rangers-ben-zobrist-joe-nathan/?sct=uk_t2_a6)

[fantom1979]

Was linked this elsewhere. I'm a young guy, 25, so I don't know prospects that never came to be really. Anybody familiar with Brian Cole?

Non-Print Version
In clubhouses from Class A to the majors, even superstars - 04.01.13 - SI Vault (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1207193/1/index.htm)

Print Version

In clubhouses from Class A to the majors, even superstars - 04.01.13 - SI Vault (http://cnnsi.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?expire=&title=In+clubhouses+from+Class+A+to+the+majors%2C+even+superstars+-+04.01.13+-+SI+Vault&urlID=505708142&action=cpt&partnerID=289881&fb=Y&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsportsillustrated.cnn.com%2Fvault%2Farticle%2Fmagazine%2FMAG1207193%2F1%2Findex.htm)

I remembered the name, but not the story. Thanks for sharing. Brien Taylor (http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/looking-back-the-brien-taylor-story/) was always a prospect that had a tragic story for me, but this is a topper.

[samifan24]

Carlos Carrasco is an embarrassment. He should be released tomorrow.

[Jas_lov]

When Nick Swisher is your best hitter you just don't have a very good lineup. It doesn't look like the Indians have much pitching either, letting a depleted Yankees lineup bash them for 25 runs in 2 games.

Vernon Wells has been a pleasant surprise thus far. When Granderson returns maybe they'll keep Wells in the lineup and bench Ichiro. Youk has been locked in as well. They might be able to tread water for a month.

[BishopMVP]

I don't remember, but I'm damn glad you shared that story.+1

Lester and especially Buchholz are looking good for the Sox so far... I know everything seemingly went wrong for Boston last year (and by the last month it had), but really it was the starting pitching falling apart, and if those two are back we'll finish .500+. Lackey also looked good in the 4 innings before he injured himself!

MLB also really seems interested in pushing for an international draft by 2014 - I think it's a terrible idea (just look at how Puerto Rican talent fell off when they were included in the US draft). I know buscones are shady and no one loves having them be a part of the process, but that profit incentive really does drive talent to the sport of baseball. Plus having 30 teams competing to have the best academy in D.R./Venezuela is almost certainly better than whatever system MLB will put in. I think the new international signing cap limits the huge bonus inflation that was getting to be a problem 2-3 years ago, so I hope the measure gets voted down.

[fantom1979]

Having something named Yam Gomes instead of Santana doesn't help their lineup. Kipnis is also starting awfully slow. I don't think they are a great team, but I think they are better than they have shown so far.

[claphamsa]

Was linked this elsewhere. I'm a young guy, 25, so I don't know prospects that never came to be really. Anybody familiar with Brian Cole?

Non-Print Version
In clubhouses from Class A to the majors, even superstars - 04.01.13 - SI Vault (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1207193/1/index.htm)

Print Version

In clubhouses from Class A to the majors, even superstars - 04.01.13 - SI Vault (http://cnnsi.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?expire=&title=In+clubhouses+from+Class+A+to+the+majors%2C+even+superstars+-+04.01.13+-+SI+Vault&urlID=505708142&action=cpt&partnerID=289881&fb=Y&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsportsillustrated.cnn.com%2Fvault%2Farticle%2Fmagazine%2FMAG1207193%2F1%2Findex.htm)
very moving.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Really excited to see the Royals just keep on rolling. Little nervous after that 0-2 start, but they've gone 5-1 since and honestly should have won all six. Only real issue has been Holland as the closer, but Collins/Crow/Herrera are all closer material, so it's hard to get too worried about that. Plenty of options in the pen if one falters.

[sterlingice]

(And cue the 11 game slide)

The offense is young and will go in and out of funks. The starting pitching, however, still scares the living daylights out of me

SI

[sterlingice]

http://www.recaption.com/memes/users/Upton-Here.jpg

Carlos Marmol has yet to get a righty out this year.

It's going to take me until at least June for this image to get old

SI

[sterlingice]

Damn it!!! I was this close to seeing it in person!!!

I HAVE AN IMPORTANT PROCLAMATION!!! Ladies and gentlemen, I don't believe cartman is a serial killer! At least that was the assessment I got, meeting him Opening Day in Houston :D

Then again, I don't know if I've ever met a serial killer so I could be wrong. And we did only get to chat for like 15 minutes before some guys came and sat in the seats they actually bought since it was a full house for Opening Day and all...

Oh, silly question: Anyone see the Rawlings Opening Day baseballs (http://www.bigleaguebaseballs.com/main/rawlings-2013-commemoratives-news/)? They had some out at Minute Maid but the lines to get stuff were over an hour long so I passed, assuming I could get them online. However, none have shown up on ebay or Rawlings site at all. Anyone with a line on where to get one? I was annoyed last year that they had no commemorative balls at my first Opening Day and this year that they had them and I can't actually buy one anywhere :(

SI

[Ramzavail]

Was linked this elsewhere. I'm a young guy, 25, so I don't know prospects that never came to be really. Anybody familiar with Brian Cole?

Non-Print Version
In clubhouses from Class A to the majors, even superstars - 04.01.13 - SI Vault (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1207193/1/index.htm)

Print Version

In clubhouses from Class A to the majors, even superstars - 04.01.13 - SI Vault (http://cnnsi.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?expire=&title=In+clubhouses+from+Class+A+to+the+majors%2C+even+superstars+-+04.01.13+-+SI+Vault&urlID=505708142&action=cpt&partnerID=289881&fb=Y&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsportsillustrated.cnn.com%2Fvault%2Farticle%2Fmagazine%2FMAG1207193%2F1%2Findex.htm)

Great article. I knew of him, as a Met fan, and I remember hearing when he died. But I had no idea, he was THAT good.

[sterlingice]

Regarding the Astros of Houston. I think it is highly plausible that this assembly of players could produce a season of historic awfulness. Imagine them losing 100 games. Now imagine that in order to even do that they'd have to win 62 games. I think it's within the realm of plausibility that this team doesn't even win 40 games.

2013 Astros Ticket Pricing | astros.com: Tickets (http://houston.astros.mlb.com/ticketing/pricing.jsp?c_id=hou&layout=gameflow)

This has me annoyed. Actually, the bad team doesn't really have me annoyed so much as getting tickets for the bad team has me annoyed. The team has gone to "dynamic pricing" but apparently the dynamic algorithm doesn't take "team suck" into account. You can see the prices and, after Ticketmaster fees are figured in, the only tickets under $20 are the $5 seats in the corner outfield (worst 5 sections).

Houston Astros vs Cleveland Indians [04/19/2013] Tickets on StubHub! (http://www.stubhub.com/houston-astros-tickets/astros-vs-indians-4-19-2013-4172436/)
And because they were expected to be bad, there are hardly any tickets available on the secondary market as there aren't that many season tickets to dump. The cheapest seats available are still in the $15 range and those are for the $20 seats (plus about $5 in Ticketmaster fees). If you wanted to be on the lower deck and not in the outfield, the cheapest seats available through either method are $40.

Meanwhile, the team can't sell 20K tickets to any of the weekend games of opening week with 18-18-16 for Fri-Sat-Sun. But they won't have any sort of pricing deals or "dynamically" adjust the prices downward. /cheap_bastard_rant

SI

[MizzouRah]

Bye Reds...

[kingfc22]

Zito does it again. Somehow he and Lincecum switched bodies.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Barry Zito for Cy Young too early?


:lol:

[molson]

Fenway park 15 mintues before gametime tonight. The sellout streak (which officially ended tonight), was bullshit for a long time, but this is pretty crazy to see. Last season was really damaging to the Red Sox brand, even as they're off to a decent start this season.

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/april13sports/609soxfenway.jpg

[kingfc22]

Wow. That is EMPTY. Looks like a Marlins or Astros home game.

[MizzouRah]

Barry Zito for Cy Young too early?


:lol:

No, Westbrook for Cy Young!

:D

[cartman]

I HAVE AN IMPORTANT PROCLAMATION!!! Ladies and gentlemen, I don't believe cartman is a serial killer! At least that was the assessment I got, meeting him Opening Day in Houston :D

Then again, I don't know if I've ever met a serial killer so I could be wrong. And we did only get to chat for like 15 minutes before some guys came and sat in the seats they actually bought since it was a full house for Opening Day and all...
SI

Hey SI,

It was great getting to meet you and the missus on Opening Day. That game didn't go quite the way I'd have liked, but Tuesday's game was pretty damn awesome. We'll have to plan to get tickets together for another game.

[sterlingice]

Hey SI,

It was great getting to meet you and the missus on Opening Day. That game didn't go quite the way I'd have liked, but Tuesday's game was pretty damn awesome. We'll have to plan to get tickets together for another game.

Agreed! I don't think we'll have to worry about crowds at future games, either :p

As evidenced by the rant above, I'm trying to get tickets for the 19th but there's nothing in a reasonable price range yet. Going to take a little patience this year, I think. We figure we won't be able to see another game until at least June with the trip coming up.

SI

[Lathum]

Report: Mets ‘Monitoring’ Giancarlo Stanton, Rockies’ Carlos Gonzalez « CBS New York (http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/04/11/report-mets-monitoring-marlins-giancarlo-stanton-rockies-carlos-gonzalez/)

Stanton, yes, Gonzolez, no.

[ISiddiqui]

Neither yes. The team can use BOTH Zack Wheeler and Travis D'Arnaud. It isn't as if John Buck is going to continue what he's doing, for one, and Wheeler combined with Harvey is going to give the team a fantastic 1-2 punch for the future.

Great Starting Pitching... good young catcher. This formula sounds familiar ;). Can find cheap good bats in the OF later.

[Suicane75]

Neither yes. The team can use BOTH Zack Wheeler and Travis D'Arnaud. It isn't as if John Buck is going to continue what he's doing, for one, and Wheeler combined with Harvey is going to give the team a fantastic 1-2 punch for the future.

If I were a Mets fan I'd be creaming myself over getting either of those guys for Wheeler & D'Arnaud. I know both those guys have potential but give me the proven stud any day of the week. Both of those dudes are electric.

[Atocep]

I'm one that believes that prospects are generally overrated and teams are way too protective of them. However, Wheeler and D'Arnaud are both guys that are coming up within the next month or two so they're not your typical prospects. As good as Harvey is the consensus is that Wheeler is better. Better command, better stuff, and a better approach. Given the choice I'd rather lose D'Arnaud than Wheeler as D'Arnaud's injury history is a big concern at his position.

Stanton I would love to have, but it depends on the price. If the price is both Wheeler and D'Arnaud then no thanks. I do think the Mets have enough high ceiling arms outside of Wheeler to make a deal centered around D'Arnaud work. Carlos Gonzalez I'm not really interested in. He hits like a 4th outfielder away from Coors. Gonzalez is also 27 and getting a guy like that in his prime doesn't mesh with the way the Mets are currently building.

[JeeberD]

The Astros won consecutive games! The Astros won consecutive games!

[Crapshoot]

Turn on MLB TV. Vin Scully is narrating a Dodgers-Padres fight. Best part :

That's fertilizer says Kemp, over and over. That. Is. Fertilizer." - Vin Scully

[PilotMan]

Turn on MLB TV. Vin Scully is narrating a Dodgers-Padres fight. Best part :

That's fertilizer says Kemp, over and over. That. Is. Fertilizer." - Vin Scully

Yeah well, imagine Vin saying, "That's fucking bullshit says Kemp, over and over. That Is fucking bullshit." I lol thinking about hearing Vin say that.

[Crapshoot]

Yeah well, imagine Vin saying, "That's fucking bullshit says Kemp, over and over. That Is fucking bullshit." I lol thinking about hearing Vin say that.

I don't think Vin is the greatest ever (I think Jon Miller is better) but times like this are glorious to listen to him sanitize it. Love him for it. :D

[PilotMan]

Bench-Clearing Brawl Erupts Between Dodgers And Padres, Then Erupts Again (http://deadspin.com/bench-clearing-brawl-erupts-between-dodgers-and-padres-472600148)

[MrBug708]

I don't think Vin is the greatest ever (I think Jon Miller is better) but times like this are glorious to listen to him sanitize it. Love him for it. :D

You would think Cris Collinsworth was the best announcer ever if he was a Giants guy :)

[MrBug708]

Kemp needs to not act like a fake tough guy and Quinton should be fined. Greinke isn't trying to hit you in a 2-1 game.

[SackAttack]

Turn on MLB TV. Vin Scully is narrating a Dodgers-Padres fight. Best part :

That's fertilizer says Kemp, over and over. That. Is. Fertilizer." - Vin Scully

You saw last year's lipread, right?

[Crapshoot]

You would think Cris Collinsworth was the best announcer ever if he was a Giants guy :)

Nah, I love Miller. I think he's better than Scully. But Scully is effing amazing, especially given he's done this before. :D

[Crapshoot]

You saw last year's lipread, right?

Mos def.

[SackAttack]

Mos def.

Awesome. Also, you have a PM.

[SackAttack]

And Greinke's got a fractured collarbone thanks to Quentin. Way to overreact to a 3-2 pitch in a 2-1 game, cocksucker.

[bhlloy]

Kemp needs to not act like a fake tough guy and Quinton should be fined. Greinke isn't trying to hit you in a 2-1 game.

Except that's the third time he's hit him in 26 AB, and he pretty clearly said something as well. Seems like he got what he was coming to him.

[SirFozzie]

Not sure I approve of the move (buying evidence) but I guess I can understand, as the players involved apparently already are buying the documents in an attempt to get them out of the hands of MLB/the feds...

Report -- Major League Baseball pays for Biogenesis documents - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/9162689/report-major-league-baseball-pays-biogenesis-documents)

Major League Baseball has taken an unprecedented step in the Biogenesis of America investigation, paying a former employee of the South Florida anti-aging clinic linked to performance-enhancing drugs for documents on athletes named in the case, the New York Times reported Thursday night.

The move, according to the newspaper, came after at least one player linked to the clinic bought documents from a former employee there in order to destroy them. The Times, citing two unidentified people briefed on the matter, reported other players connected to the now-shuttered clinic have attempted to do the same in order to keep the potentially incriminating documents away from the league.

[Danny]

I hope they bean Quentin in the nuts tomorrow

[Atocep]

And Greinke's got a fractured collarbone thanks to Quentin. Way to overreact to a 3-2 pitch in a 2-1 game, cocksucker.

He should be suspended as long as Greinke is out. That shit is stupid.

[Danny]

In general I wish baseball would do away with intentional beaning and charging the mound.

[Crapshoot]

And apparently there were arguments in the player parking lot...

[SackAttack]

I hope they bean Quentin in the nuts tomorrow

Be a neat trick since the Dodgers play Arizona tomorrow.

[JonInMiddleGA]

A 3-2 pitch in a one run game? Srsly?

The next pitch CQ sees from a Dodger pitcher ought to be straight for his head, no ifs, ands, or buts.

[Lathum]

He should be suspended as long as Greinke is out. That shit is stupid.

If they really want to punish the Padres they will make him start every game Grienke is out.

[Lathum]

Kemp needs to not act like a fake tough guy and Quinton should be fined. Greinke isn't trying to hit you in a 2-1 game.

yup. Either take a swing at someone or shut up, he comes off as a little bitch.

[claphamsa]

Nats stadium is much windier than I remembered, but ive never been there when its been 60 before. brrrrr. also, haren sucks.

[Bad-example]

yup. Either take a swing at someone or shut up, he comes off as a little bitch.

+1

[MrBug708]

yup. Either take a swing at someone or shut up, he comes off as a little bitch.

I think he wanted to actually

[MrBug708]

And Greinke's got a fractured collarbone thanks to Quentin. Way to overreact to a 3-2 pitch in a 2-1 game, cocksucker.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/XWEvLT3gxzU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[lungs]

Is it the same collar bone Greinke fractured when playing basketball?

Damn shame a moron like Quentin can't realize the situation and then still bring up some BS about getting hit by Greinke 4 years ago.

[Blackadar]

He should be suspended as long as Greinke is out. That shit is stupid.

I disagree. Both players are wrong. Quentin is certainly wrong for charging the mound, but Greinke quite clearly hits him and mouths off before Quentin charges the mound. I don't know what was said, but it's obviously said in an antagonistic manner and that appears to have set off Quentin.

Quentin deserves a suspension, but Greinke clearly exasperated the situation.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I disagree. Both players are wrong. Quentin is certainly wrong for charging the mound, but Greinke quite clearly hits him and mouths off before Quentin charges the mound. I don't know what was said, but it's obviously said in an antagonistic manner and that appears to have set off Quentin.

Quentin deserves a suspension, but Greinke clearly exasperated the situation.

Some people are letting Zack's quiet demeanor fool them. He was well known during his stint in KC for the dead-eye stares and mouthing off at batters. It's fine as long as no one does anything about it. In this case, someone did and it cost him a perfectly good collarbone.

[Subby]

If they really want to punish the Padres they will make him start every game Grienke is out.
Gold! :D

[MrBug708]

I hope they bean Quentin in the nuts tomorrow

Next week. I think if Beckett faces him he'll be nailed. It will almost be worth running out of pitchers.

They should aim for his collarbone

[cartman]

A night after getting shutout by the Rays, the Rangers roughed up King Felix, tagging him for 4 runs on 10 hits in 6 2/3. Baseball is a strange game.

[PilotMan]

Matt was very upset about being thrown at earlier in the game, but he dealt with it like a pro. Then when Quentin was thrown at he charged right away. Kemp's problem was with the way he handled it, and in the end, ended up hurting Greinke.

Monday is going to be a barroom brawl.

[Crapshoot]

Matt was very upset about being thrown at earlier in the game, but he dealt with it like a pro. Then when Quentin was thrown at he charged right away. Kemp's problem was with the way he handled it, and in the end, ended up hurting Greinke.

Monday is going to be a barroom brawl.

On ... Jackie Robinson day! Quentin was apparently hit earlier in the series as well.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Then when Quentin was thrown at he charged right away.

Srsly though, could anyone in their right mind think he was "thrown at" on a payoff pitch in a one-run game?

[PilotMan]

Srsly though, could anyone in their right mind think he was "thrown at" on a payoff pitch in a one-run game?

That's just it. It was the 3-2 pitch. He would have wasted that on a 1-0 or 0-1, but not a 3-2.

[JonInMiddleGA]

That's just it. It was the 3-2 pitch. He would have wasted that on a 1-0 or 0-1, but not a 3-2.

And even more especially on a guy who ain't exactly been killing the ball so far this year and had struck out his last time up.

[PilotMan]

On ... Jackie Robinson day! Quentin was apparently hit earlier in the series as well.

He has apparently been hit more than anyone in baseball. He has lead the league the last 2 years and been hit 20 times or more 3 times in 5 years as a starter. Getting hit earlier in the series doesn't point to anything except that he has a problem getting hit by pitches.

[sterlingice]

Some people are letting Zack's quiet demeanor fool them. He was well known during his stint in KC for the dead-eye stares and mouthing off at batters. It's fine as long as no one does anything about it. In this case, someone did and it cost him a perfectly good collarbone.

Not only that, but I would argue one of the keys to Zack's success is a willingness to throw inside. Granted, when he was pitching with KC, we didn't know what pitching inside looked like except for him because every other starter (save Gil Meche, pretty much) pitched scared.

SI

[JonInMiddleGA]

He has apparently been hit more than anyone in baseball. He has lead the league the last 2 years and been hit 20 times or more 3 times in 5 years as a starter. Getting hit earlier in the series doesn't point to anything except that he has a problem getting hit by pitches.

He apparently fancies himself as the modern-day Don Baylor ... except for the part where Baylor wasn't a bitch.

[miami_fan]

In general I wish baseball would do away with intentional beaning and charging the mound.

NO!

I want to keep using it as a reason to bring back these retaliation type fouls in the NBA.:D

[Easy Mac]

I disagree. Both players are wrong. Quentin is certainly wrong for charging the mound, but Greinke quite clearly hits him and mouths off before Quentin charges the mound. I don't know what was said, but it's obviously said in an antagonistic manner and that appears to have set off Quentin.

Quentin deserves a suspension, but Greinke clearly exasperated the situation.

Clearly hits him? It was at most 4 inches off the plate.

The long video is below. The best initial view is at about 3:08. Grienke is facing home plate and says "f---". A second later he says "f--- it" and tosses his glove. Comparing it to earlier in the video, it would appear Quentin charged immediatlely after the initial swear. Hardly a reason to rush the mound.

<iframe src='http://mlb.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=26207091&width=400&height=224&property=mlb' width='400' height='224' frameborder='0'>Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe>

[Subby]

He apparently fancies himself as the modern-day Don Baylor ... except for the part where Baylor wasn't a bitch.
This is pretty good, too. :lol:

[Blackadar]

Clearly hits him? It was at most 4 inches off the plate.

The long video is below. The best initial view is at about 3:08. Grienke is facing home plate and says "f---". A second later he says "f--- it" and tosses his glove. Comparing it to earlier in the video, it would appear Quentin charged immediatlely after the initial swear. Hardly a reason to rush the mound.

<iframe src='http://mlb.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=26207091&width=400&height=224&property=mlb' width='400' height='224' frameborder='0'>Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe>

This vid on ESPN shows it: Brawl Erupts In Dodgers' Win Over Padres - ESPN Video - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:9162952) - Greinke says something directed at Quentin at 0:16 (not just "facing home plate"), who then rushes the mound. In other words, Grienke should learn to shut his fucking mouth if he doesn't want his ass kicked. I'm not saying Quentin should have charged, but Grienke clearly escalated the situation prior to the fracas. Don't try to finesse the facts.

Oh, and regarding the video you linked, it's appears that he said "fuck you" than "fuck it".

[MrBug708]

Actually Quinton escalated it by squaring up at Greinke.

[claphamsa]

He should be suspended as long as Greinke is out. That shit is stupid.

why? he charged the mound, thats 4 games.

Im always super annoyed in hockey when people say a suspension should be longer because of an injury.

we need to look at the root cause not the outcome. that greinke got injured sucks (for the dodgers) but... its irrelevant. a fight is a fight, and all need to be treated equal.

[Vince, Pt. II]

why? he charged the mound, thats 4 games.

Im always super annoyed in hockey when people say a suspension should be longer because of an injury.

we need to look at the root cause not the outcome. that greinke got injured sucks (for the dodgers) but... its irrelevant. a fight is a fight, and all need to be treated equal.

A thousand times this.

[claphamsa]

I would also make it a much more significant penalty... like 25 games.... because people DO get hurt... and its friggin baseball.

[Easy Mac]

This vid on ESPN shows it: Brawl Erupts In Dodgers' Win Over Padres - ESPN Video - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:9162952) - Greinke says something directed at Quentin at 0:16 (not just "facing home plate"), who then rushes the mound. In other words, Grienke should learn to shut his fucking mouth if he doesn't want his ass kicked. I'm not saying Quentin should have charged, but Grienke clearly escalated the situation prior to the fracas. Don't try to finesse the facts.

Oh, and regarding the video you linked, it's appears that he said "fuck you" than "fuck it".

I clearly said he said something when he face home plate, but Quentin had already taken steps towards him, and Greinke at best said 1-2 words before Quentin ran out there.

I'd say the timeline is: Grienke hits him on the elbow, Grienke turns towards first while Quentin reacts to getting hit. Quentin then takes 2-3 steps towards the mound as Grienke looks towards home plate. Quentin continues to walk and Grienke says 1-2 words that we can't make out. Quentin runs out while Grienke takes steps towards home. Grienke says f--- something and tosses his glove. Both lower their shoulders at oddly the exact same moment, which I don't think I've ever seen in a mound charging.

But I will concede that you greatly dislike Grienke.

[JetsIn06]

A night after getting shutout by the Rays, the Rangers roughed up King Felix, tagging him for 4 runs on 10 hits in 6 2/3. Baseball is a strange game.

Really? Matt Moore is one of the best young pitchers in the game.

Edit: Though I don't disagree that baseball is a strange game. Just slightly surprised you think the Rangers should have roughed up Moore.

[Scarecrow]

As someone on mlb radio said this morning in regards to the suspension length equal to injury length:

"Greinke didn't throw the ball to injure Quinton; Quinton charged the mound to injure Greinke."

(Now you can argue whether or not Greinke actually threw at him, and you can argue if Quinton was baited)

[cartman]

I don't think they should have roughed up Moore, but to get shutout by him at home, then travel to Seattle and tag Hernandez was surprising.

King Felix at home > Moore on the road

[Lathum]

I blame the Dodgers catcher. The first step Quentin takes towards the monud the catcher should be getting in front of him the way Jake Taylor protected Wild Thing.

[Logan]

I blame the Dodgers catcher. The first step Quentin takes towards the monud the catcher should be getting in front of him the way Jake Taylor protected Wild Thing.

"Don't even think about it Coleman..."

[molson]

why? he charged the mound, thats 4 games.

Im always super annoyed in hockey when people say a suspension should be longer because of an injury.

we need to look at the root cause not the outcome. that greinke got injured sucks (for the dodgers) but... its irrelevant. a fight is a fight, and all need to be treated equal.

In a tort or criminal context the law would consider the outcome. Not sure why this is different, though I don't have a strong opinion either way. I can see the argument that if you're going to engage in reckless behavior that's against the rules of whatever you're doing, the consequences of your actions should figure into the penalty.

[claphamsa]

In a tort or criminal context the law would consider the outcome. Not sure why this is different, though I don't have a strong opinion either way. I can see the argument that if you're going to engage in reckless behavior that's against the rules of whatever you're doing, the consequences of your actions should figure into the penalty.

no torts in sports

[molson]

no torts in sports

I understand that, but the reasoning is the same.

[claphamsa]

I understand that, but the reasoning is the same.

when dealing with law, reason and logic are suspended, you follow law and precedent.

[Suicane75]

Fuck em all. I've never been in a situation where I wanted to punch somebody, but somehow was unable to punch said person. Two grown men athletes heading right towards each other, unencumbered, and they collide shoulder to shoulder? What the fuck is that? It's two guys who wanna do something but don't have the balls to actually do something. Same with Matt Kemp. If you wanna beat someones ass you don't walk slowly towards him until somebody else is able to hold you back.

[cartman]

Nolan Ryan set the gold standard for how to deal with someone charging the mound.

http://z.lee28.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/venturaryan.jpg

[Suicane75]

Exactly. That minor leaguer about a decade ago who backkicked the catcher and then charged the mound, that's how a person who wants to fight fights. He was stupid for doing it, but if you're gonna do it, do it.

[molson]

when dealing with law, reason and logic are suspended, you follow law and precedent.

Not in a common law system. The law evolved over time, based on many individual decision-makers concluding that when you step outside the bounds of whatever rules that you're governed by, you're responsible for the outcome of your actions. Somewhere along the way we decided crashing your car into a person when you're drunk is much worse than crashing your car into a pole when you're drunk, even if your level of guilt and actions were identical in both situations. I can see both sides of it and every situation is different.

[Bad-example]

Not sure what the count was but there were at least 2 balls for sure...

Photos of the Day: Low Blow! | HardballTalk (http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/04/12/photos-of-the-day-low-blow/)

[Blackadar]

I clearly said he said something when he face home plate, but Quentin had already taken steps towards him, and Greinke at best said 1-2 words before Quentin ran out there.

I'd say the timeline is: Grienke hits him on the elbow, Grienke turns towards first while Quentin reacts to getting hit. Quentin then takes 2-3 steps towards the mound as Grienke looks towards home plate. Quentin continues to walk and Grienke says 1-2 words that we can't make out. Quentin runs out while Grienke takes steps towards home. Grienke says f--- something and tosses his glove. Both lower their shoulders at oddly the exact same moment, which I don't think I've ever seen in a mound charging.

But I will concede that you greatly dislike Grienke.

I'd say you're full of shit. We can make out at least one of the words and we can make out they are directed at Quentin prior to to Quentin charging the mound. We can also make out Quentin yelling something at Grienke before charging the mound. As I've said, both parties are guilty and both parties escalated the situation. The video clearly shows what happens and Grienke isn't some blameless victim.

FYI, I don't give a shit about either team, but feel free to concede points no one is making! We can both play that game, so long as I get to concede that you're siding with Grienke because he's white.

[claphamsa]

Not in a common law system. The law evolved over time, based on many individual decision-makers concluding that when you step outside the bounds of whatever rules that you're governed by, you're responsible for the outcome of your actions. Somewhere along the way we decided crashing your car into a person when you're drunk is much worse than crashing your car into a pole when you're drunk, even if your level of guilt and actions were identical in both situations. I can see both sides of it and every situation is different.
your a lawyer... you should know there isn't a drop of logic or right in our legal system!

[Logan]

no torts in sports

http://aeryssports.com/black-and-blueshirts/files/2013/03/Screen-shot-2013-03-30-at-10.52.19-PM.png

[daverick]

Some people are letting Zack's quiet demeanor fool them. He was well known during his stint in KC for the dead-eye stares and mouthing off at batters. It's fine as long as no one does anything about it. In this case, someone did and it cost him a perfectly good collarbone.

How dare you try to intimidate a batter while on the mound. Staring at someone and mouthing off at a little bitch that doesn't even attempt to move out of the way of a ball barely in on him doesn't give a player the right to charge the mound.

[Easy Mac]

FYI, I don't give a shit about either team, but feel free to concede points no one is making! We can both play that game, so long as I get to concede that you're siding with Grienke because he's white.

?

[Subby]

BALL GRABBIN'

http://nbchardballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/quentin-greinke-e1365780576850.jpg

http://nbchardballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/quentin-greinke-2-e1365780631633.jpg

[sterlingice]

Can I per-emptively ask that if this goes into the cool pix thread that it gets deleted ;)

SI

[miami_fan]

Spinning this forward to Monday according to the baseball code, Quentin can expect to get hit and he has to take and the umpires have to allow it right?

[sterlingice]

If they really want to punish the Padres they will make him start every game Grienke is out.

Love It :D

SI

[SackAttack]

Spinning this forward to Monday according to the baseball code, Quentin can expect to get hit and he has to take and the umpires have to allow it right?

hahaha no

they will warn both benches before the start of the game and throw out anybody who retaliates

[GoldenEagle]

I would imagine Quentin will be suspended, but yea someone from the Padres will have to take the hit.

[SirFozzie]

Not sure I approve of the move (buying evidence) but I guess I can understand, as the players involved apparently already are buying the documents in an attempt to get them out of the hands of MLB/the feds...

Report -- Major League Baseball pays for Biogenesis documents - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/9162689/report-major-league-baseball-pays-biogenesis-documents)

Major League Baseball has taken an unprecedented step in the Biogenesis of America investigation, paying a former employee of the South Florida anti-aging clinic linked to performance-enhancing drugs for documents on athletes named in the case, the New York Times reported Thursday night.

The move, according to the newspaper, came after at least one player linked to the clinic bought documents from a former employee there in order to destroy them. The Times, citing two unidentified people briefed on the matter, reported other players connected to the now-shuttered clinic have attempted to do the same in order to keep the potentially incriminating documents away from the league.

update: HardBallTalk is reoorting that the player who was attempting to buy his records from Biogenesis is A-Rod. Quelle Surprise.

[MrBug708]

Quentin’s rate of being hit by pitches within six inches of the inside corner is 20 times higher than the Major League average. It is, at the minimum, a little hard to have sympathy for the guy.

For the record, last night’s pitch from Greinke was plotted at -1.504, so it is just barely outside of that sample area. It was certainly inside and off the plate, but most batters would not have been hit by that pitch.

Carlos Quentin’s HBP Zone | FanGraphs Baseball (http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/carlos-quentins-hbp-zone/)

But ya..it's Greinke's fault...:facepalm

[cuervo72]

Well, looks like the kid has opposite field power.

[rowech]

Paging Tony Cingrani.

[JPhillips]

Paging Tony Cingrani.

If only the Reds had a fire throwing lefty that could start...

[GrantDawg]

#Natitude. :)

[JeeberD]

Three in a row! Go 'Stros!

[rowech]

I'm starting to feel that Votto is more worried about his OBP and not popping out to the infield than hitting for power. No homeruns in something like 40 games. Not good.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

How dare you try to intimidate a batter while on the mound. Staring at someone and mouthing off at a little bitch that doesn't even attempt to move out of the way of a ball barely in on him doesn't give a player the right to charge the mound.

You registered just to respond to me? I'm honored.

[GoldenEagle]

Shelby Miller was sharp last night. 7 innings, 1 hit, no walks, 8ks.

[Logan]

Matt Harvey lost a no hitter with 2 outs in the 7th to a Justin Morneau HR off the foul pole. It was actually a great pitch that Morneau did a nice job on.

[DougW]

Shouldn't this be an out ?

http://goldandorsmith.com/GIFs/RoyalsBallBoyInterferesWithRajaiDavis.gif

[Big Fo]

#Natitude. :)

It's been a good series.

[SackAttack]

Shouldn't this be an out ?

http://goldandorsmith.com/GIFs/RoyalsBallBoyInterferesWithRajaiDavis.gif

Yeah, pretty sure that constitutes interference. Batter should be out.

[Young Drachma]

So far Jays season is going how I expected. But it's baseball and it's early yet.

[claphamsa]

It's been a good series.

I hate you all

[kingfc22]

Thank you Cubbies for keeping Navarro behind the plate. He can't catch/block anything! Free 90' for everyone!

[Crapshoot]

Cubs threw 5! Wild Pitches... in one inning. They haven't thrown 4 in a game since 1999.

[GrantDawg]

I hate you all


No worries, man. Let us Braves fans enjoy the moment. Your team will heat up, and we will cool. Going to be a long season.

[RedKingGold]

I'm just glad Halladay showed some signs of life today.

[Chief Rum]

Trout and Hamilton both finally homer, and the Angels have their first win streak of the season. Hopefully a sign of things to come.

[Butter]

Nice fuckin' road trip, Reds.

[larrymcg421]

Braves have outscored opponents 62-23 so far.

[rowech]

Nice fuckin' road trip, Reds.

They have bad karma this year.

[Dutch]

Braves have outscored opponents 62-23 so far.

Shitty time to peak.

[Suicane75]

Ben Revere just made a catch that reminded me how beautiful a game baseball can be.

[kingfc22]

Shitty time to peak.

This made me chuckle.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Braves have outscored opponents 62-23 so far.

Going to be fun to see how the Royals do in the next three series. All three series are against first place teams and all are on the road.

[sterlingice]

I'm not sure "fun" is the word I would use but "revealing" might be. A good road trip would be a chance to buy into this team whereas a bad one will be, well, same old Royals.

SI

[Lathum]

Wonder if the Mets will get to play another game on thei roadtrip. Rained out for the finale in Minnesota, then the opener in Colorado is snowed out. Scheduled to play the ever fun day-night April double header in Colorado.

[Suicane75]

I believe today was the first day on the schedule with no day games. God said, fuck that, get out there and play.

[Lathum]

I believe today was the first day on the schedule with no day games. God said, fuck that, get out there and play.

Mets play 3:10 EST if that counts

[Suicane75]

That's what I'm saying!

[MrBug708]

Mets play 3:10 EST if that counts

If Noon isn't the epitome of a day game, I don't know what is.

[Butter]

They have bad karma this year.

How so?

[Subby]

Shitty time to peak.
:lol:

[Crapshoot]

Good read on the life of a ballplayer, what happens when you get cut, etc etc:

What It's Like When a Player Loses His Job - WSJ.com (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324030704578424981361512880.html)

[Young Drachma]

Super interesting. thanks for posting.

[Subby]

How dare you try to intimidate a batter while on the mound. Staring at someone and mouthing off at a little bitch that doesn't even attempt to move out of the way of a ball barely in on him doesn't give a player the right to charge the mound.
Hey buddy! Welcome to FOFC. Let me guess...long time lurker, first time poster?

And people say the board is dying...

[daverick]

Hey buddy! Welcome to FOFC. Let me guess...long time lurker, first time poster?

And people say the board is dying...

I used to play single player FOF years ago. I think I might have had a user name here back then. Just recently was reintroduced to the forums. I wish Jim came out with a new game. Or anyone for that matter. I sort of miss Total Pro Football, it was really nice looking.

[JonInMiddleGA]

They're doing a little bit o' hitting in Atlanta :)

[sterlingice]

The Royals game was fun to watch for 7 innings, anyway

SI

[JetsIn06]

So why are the Mets wearing home jerseys in Colorado in the second game? Pretty weird to see.

[cartman]

Rangers almost wasted a great pitching performance by Derek Holland. Were winning 4-0 going into the bottom of the ninth, and the Cubs got it to 4-2 with 2 out and the bases loaded before Nathan got the final out.

[cartman]

Good read on the life of a ballplayer, what happens when you get cut, etc etc:

What It's Like When a Player Loses His Job - WSJ.com (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324030704578424981361512880.html)

Similar thing happened with a family friend. He and my cousin played together at UT-Arlington, and at one point a few years ago he was a Top 100 prospect, and the catcher of the future for the Mariners. Unfortunately he ended up getting injured in the first few weeks of both 2011 and 2012, and he was put on waivers last summer. The Royals picked him up, and he's currently at AAA Omaha.

[cuervo72]

So why are the Mets wearing home jerseys in Colorado in the second game? Pretty weird to see.

Commemorating their first game, where they were at the Mets. Yeah, it's goofy.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

They're doing a little bit o' hitting in Atlanta :)

Frustrating. Made that lineup look foolish for seven innings, then the 8th happened. It's not even that good of a lineup from top to bottom, which made it all the more frustrating.

[Crapshoot]

Similar thing happened with a family friend. He and my cousin played together at UT-Arlington, and at one point a few years ago he was a Top 100 prospect, and the catcher of the future for the Mariners. Unfortunately he ended up getting injured in the first few weeks of both 2011 and 2012, and he was put on waivers last summer. The Royals picked him up, and he's currently at AAA Omaha.

It does help put the reality into perspective a little bit; Aardesma hasn't made "fuck you" money in his career, even if he was a 1st round pick by the Giants. Good to remember, which is why I like pieces like this.

[Crapshoot]

They're doing a little bit o' hitting in Atlanta :)

Are people going to show up all season? Justin Upton is an MVP level talent, and Jason Heyward isn't far behind IMO. Too bad they lack the "grit" that Arizona needs.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Are people going to show up all season? Justin Upton is an MVP level talent, and Jason Heyward isn't far behind IMO. Too bad they lack the "grit" that Arizona needs.

The kinda scary thing is that Heyward is hitting .116 & has a .562 OPS even with the homer tonight. And while Justin has been lights out, B.J. is hitting just .152 with a .511 OPS.

And yet somehow they're doing what they're doing, in spite of a pedestrian .334 OBP (7th in the NL)

I figure McCann will come back from the DL and screw up everything.

[JonInMiddleGA]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>ESPN Stats/Info: Justin Upton is averaging 422.4 feet per home run and all eight of his HR this season have gone over 400 feet.</p>&mdash; Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/Buster_ESPN/status/324494425172619265">April 17, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[sterlingice]

Geez. It's noon and we're already in the 4th in Atlanta

SI

[sterlingice]

Wade Davis - the jury is certainly still out but pitched a nice one today

SI

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Glad to see the Royals get a split with the Braves, but still irritated with the late game meltdown that cost them a sweep.

Shields and Davis continue to pitch awfully well. That trade is looking awfully good thus far.

[Scoobz0202]

Any Reds fans watch all of tonights game? I fell asleep, but am I reading this right? Did the shitty fucking Reds fans boo a rookie pitcher making his debut while UP 11 to motherfucking 0?

[Butter]

I don't remember any booing. My wife was doing schoolwork, and I had the game on while browsing the web, even up 11-0... I do remember them starting to do that howling shit they've been doing, but not outright booing.

[Scoobz0202]

I don't remember any booing. My wife was doing schoolwork, and I had the game on while browsing the web, even up 11-0... I do remember them starting to do that howling shit they've been doing, but not outright booing.

That's good. I was hoping I was hearing wrong.

In other news, this has some serious hilarity potential.

I am Jose Canseco, famed steroid user and former MLB player. Ask me anything. : IAmA (http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/1clw9o/i_am_jose_canseco_famed_steroid_user_and_former/)

[sterlingice]

That can't be real, can it?

SI

[Logan]

Jeter has a small fracture in his ankle near the previous injury, and is expected to be out through the All Star break.

[BishopMVP]

Lester and Buchholz continuing very strong starts. Combine that with a great bullpen and the Red Sox might make some noise after all. Especially because it's not the "closers" in Bailey and Hanrahan who are special - although Bailey does look good - but the nominal 3rd/4th relievers Tazawa and Uehara, who are the top 2 relievers in MLB the last 2 seasons in K/BB ratio and BB% (min 40 IP).

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Local radio just had the Royals VP of communication on to discuss game tonight. Said he's heard nothing from officials thus far as to whether game will happen tonight. He mentioned that they usually head to the park by noon on game days, so he expected a decision pretty soon.

[Logan]

Todd Frazier Homered At The Request Of A Batboy With Down Syndrome (http://deadspin.com/todd-frazier-homered-at-the-request-of-a-batboy-with-do-476462174)

As Deadspin said:

After a week of such awful news, do yourself a favor and watch this video of Frazier's homer and Teddy's reaction.

[JPhillips]

Even better, Teddy asked for eleven runs and eleven strike outs, so everyone would get free pizza. He got both.

[spleen1015]

Watching 4 games at once with MLB.tv is pretty damn awesome.

[lungs]

One of those weird plays in the Brewers-Cubs game. Jean Segura on second base, Ryan Braun on first. Segura leaves second early and gets in a pickle. Braun takes second, and Segura goes back to second. So two men are on second but after Segura gets tagged he starts running off the field but the ump called Ryan Braun out. Segura ends up running back to first.

Basically, Segura stole second, went back to first, and eventually he was thrown out trying to steal second to end the inning.

Score that one.

[sterlingice]

I don't see what's so awful about the Astros. They're 2-0 in games I've been to this season ;)

SI

[frnk55]

Neil Diamond singing sweet Caroline at Boston. Very cool as the crowd was into it.

[Jas_lov]

The Blue Jays defense is awful, almost bad as Laz Diaz's strike zone. They gave away 4 runs today. Still very early, but so far in the AL East the two teams that were supposed to complete for last are 1-2 and the Jays and Rays are 4-5.

[Ryan S]

I am surprised nobody has mentioned David Ortiz's pregame speech. :)

David Ortiz punctuates Red Sox pregame ceremony with strong statement, language | Big League Stew - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/david-ortiz-punctuates-red-sox-pregame-ceremony-strong-183311162--mlb.html)

[Scoobz0202]

Neil Diamond singing sweet Caroline at Boston. Very cool as the crowd was into it.

Cool moment, but that performance was awkward. So terrible.

[cuervo72]

Gotta be honest...I've always hated that song.

[cartman]

Damn, the Indians are embarrassing the Astros. The Tribe scored 8 in the 1st and 6 in the 2nd, are are up 14-0 after two innings.

[PilotMan]

FnA! What the hell is up with LA!? Motherfucker! I am so sick of seeing this no hitting, lackluster bullshit! Mattingly is going to be short lived if this shit keeps up. And I like Mattingly.

[JonInMiddleGA]

FnA! What the hell is up with LA!? Motherfucker! I am so sick of seeing this no hitting, lackluster bullshit! Mattingly is going to be short lived if this shit keeps up. And I like Mattingly.

{scratches head}

Is clutch hitting the problem? 'Cause they're 3rd in the majors in average, 7th in SLG and OPS.

[PilotMan]

{scratches head}

Is clutch hitting the problem? 'Cause they're 3rd in the majors in average, 7th in SLG and OPS.

And yet, 29th in runs. Dodgers, not Angels.

[JonInMiddleGA]

And yet, 29th in runs. Dodgers, not Angels.

Yeah, I came back to the thread to own that mistake. Figured out what I'd done shortly after posting. {hangs head}:banghead:

[ISiddiqui]

Well something is the matter since they are 2nd to last in runs scored per game in the NL at 2.76 r/g.

And also on 2nd look, the Dodgers' SLG is the issue - 3rd lowest in the NL at .367.

Edit: that teaches me for taking so long to research & post.

[ISiddiqui]

Speaking about Runs... the Mets are ridiculously scoring a ton of runs... 1st in the majors at 6.07. But the pitching is just that bad... when is Wheeler getting called up? :(

[lungs]

Hopefully the Dodgers still stink next weekend when I'm in town to catch a Brewer game at Dodger Stadium :)

[Lathum]

Speaking about Runs... the Mets are ridiculously scoring a ton of runs... 1st in the majors at 6.07. But the pitching is just that bad... when is Wheeler getting called up? :(

Was just asking my FIL the same thing, he can't do any worse than Heffner, Gee, etc...

Niese and Harvey have been great, but the other 3 days are hard to watch.

[Ryan S]

I am surprised nobody has mentioned David Ortiz's pregame speech. :)

David Ortiz punctuates Red Sox pregame ceremony with strong statement, language | Big League Stew - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/david-ortiz-punctuates-red-sox-pregame-ceremony-strong-183311162--mlb.html)

Good to see the FCC using some common sense.

FCC Has No Issue With David Ortiz’s Pregame Speech, Says He ‘Spoke From the Heart’ | Boston Red Sox | NESN.com (http://nesn.com/2013/04/fcc-has-no-issue-with-david-ortizs-pregame-speech-says-he-spoke-from-the-heart/)

[JonInMiddleGA]

Good to see the FCC using some common sense.

FCC Has No Issue With David Ortiz’s Pregame Speech, Says He ‘Spoke From the Heart’ | Boston Red Sox | NESN.com (http://nesn.com/2013/04/fcc-has-no-issue-with-david-ortizs-pregame-speech-says-he-spoke-from-the-heart/)


Eh, I don't think you can go after him specifically -- he's not licensed by the FCC after all -- but any broadcast outlet that aired it (was there even a broadcast outlet, or just cable?) should be liable for failing to have it on delay.

[cuervo72]

He's already announced his resignation and is probably in ain't care mode. ;)

(but, cool tweet nonetheless)

[PilotMan]

FnA! What the hell is up with LA!? Motherfucker! I am so sick of seeing this no hitting, lackluster bullshit! Mattingly is going to be short lived if this shit keeps up. And I like Mattingly.

This again today. Only 1/10th through the season and I've already hit the panic button.

[kingfc22]

This again today. Only 1/10th through the season and I've already hit the panic button.

Easy solution. Spend another $50M.

[korme]

Giancarlo Stanton is an atrocious right fielder. Is he seriously this bad?

[ISiddiqui]

Was just asking my FIL the same thing, he can't do any worse than Heffner, Gee, etc...

Niese and Harvey have been great, but the other 3 days are hard to watch.

And another reason why dealing Wheeler should be a no go.

[Crapshoot]

Pablo Sandoval is ridiculous. The Padres pitcher threw 6 pitches, none of which were strikes, and Pablo hit every one of them (foul, etc etc) - he finally throws one in the dirt (count was 0-2), and Pablo hits it up the middle for a single. Just ridiculous.

[sterlingice]

Only had to throw three additional strikes in the 10th but Holland K's the side and the Royals take both games of the doubleheader from the Red Sox.

SI

[korme]

Look who just became best friends!

http://s22.postimg.org/ea3lby4pd/922938_10100448114492156_1201085916_n.jpg

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Only had to throw three additional strikes in the 10th but Holland K's the side and the Royals take both games of the doubleheader from the Red Sox.

SI

Amazing how things have changed. In the past, we'd be thrilled in certain situations just to avoid being swept. In the case of the last two series, the Royals won three games and it felt like they gave away and should have won the other two. Still, 3-2 after 2/3 of the 1st place gauntlet is great.

[sterlingice]

Amazing how things have changed. In the past, we'd be thrilled in certain situations just to avoid being swept. In the case of the last two series, the Royals won three games and it felt like they gave away and should have won the other two. Still, 3-2 after 2/3 of the 1st place gauntlet is great.

That's baseball, tho. The team still plays with fire a lot and could easily have lost all 5 games, too. Five games is a nice little sample but it's what one can sustain over a month and then two months and then six months. It's the marathon aspect of baseball that lets you know which teams are really good and which are just on a hot streak. I still don't see the necessary talent and depth there to sustain for the long haul but I'd like to be proven wrong.

SI

[Peregrine]

I know everyone is used to the Andrelton Simmons' crazy defense by now, but this is a great catch.

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[Easy Mac]

I know everyone is used to the Andrelton Simmons' crazy defense by now, but this is a great catch.

<iframe src="http://mlb.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=26463823&width=400&height=224&property=mlb" frameborder="0" height="224" width="400">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe>

Meh, that should have been an infield fly call.

[MrBug708]

In foul territory with nobody on base in LF?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I still don't see the necessary talent and depth there to sustain for the long haul but I'd like to be proven wrong.

SI

Our pitching is night and day. Last year, we'd scratch for runs only to see the lead disappear the very next inning as our 5.00+ starters put in their 4-5 innings of work. We'd be just happy with a 'quality start' last year. This year, it's a surprise if our starter doesn't go seven innings. Also, our starters don't fall apart if they give up runs early. They usually settle in and do well. I see a huge difference in talent. Our 'ace' from last year is now a long reliever. That alone should show you how far this team has come.

As for hedging excitement, Royals fans don't have time to wait for the marathon to end. We're just happy to have someone in the lead pack at anytime during the race.

[Vince, Pt. II]

In foul territory with nobody on base in LF?

Watch out for the sarchasm, you might just fall in.

[sterlingice]

Our pitching is night and day. Last year, we'd scratch for runs only to see the lead disappear the very next inning as our 5.00+ starters put in their 4-5 innings of work. We'd be just happy with a 'quality start' last year. This year, it's a surprise if our starter doesn't go seven innings. Also, our starters don't fall apart if they give up runs early. They usually settle in and do well. I see a huge difference in talent. Our 'ace' from last year is now a long reliever. That alone should show you how far this team has come.

As for hedging excitement, Royals fans don't have time to wait for the marathon to end. We're just happy to have someone in the lead pack at anytime during the race.

No, it really shouldn't. Last year's team won 72 games and its starting pitching was abysmal. Against those standards, you'd be pleased most years. Try it.

2011: We got rid of that dumpster fire in Davies but Hochevar may have finally turned a corner! Francis and Chen gave good veteran innings work, which is something we were missing with Banny's inconsistency. If Duffy or Paulino or both could stay healthy, this team could have some really good starting pitching in 2012.

2010: Yeah, I got nothing here.

2009: Zack was the best pitcher in baseball! If Meche can get healthy, and Banny continue to show consistency, that's a playoff caliber top of the rotation! We just need to get a veteran or two like Bruce Chen for those last couple of spots.

2008: Gil keeps pitching awesome and Zack looks like he's back! That's a great 1-2 punch. Unfortunately Banny regressed and I hope no one gets hurt. We have a pair of really talented youngsters in Hochevar and Davies who could really be something. Look at the potential of that rotation!

2007: I didn't think either of those moves would work out but year 1 of the Gil Meche era was a smashing success and he's paired with Banny who was #3 in ROY voting after we traded away Burgos. There was nothing else in the rotation but that's something to build on.

2006: Wow! The rotation is awful! No wonder we lost 100 games again. Mark Redman an All Star?!? A rotation where no one started 30 games and 13 different guys started 5 and Luke Hudson's 5.12 ERA was the best of any of the 13. I hope we don't do something stupid like sign Gil Meche for 5/$55M since he's so wildly inconsistent. Fortunately, there's lots of arms down on the farm so I'm sure, say, 2012 won't be this bad.

Oh, and all those years: that maxed out at, what? 75 wins?

Now look at 2013: Shields has to stay healthy. If Santana can keep pitching at a career best and Guthrie not horribly regress, that's a quality 1-2-3. 4 and 5 are shaky but we have lots of bulk with Davis, Chen, Hochevar, and Mendoza. I think there's 85 wins there if everything and, I mean, everything (realistic) falls right. But that's a lot of hoping against hope.

How do you feel about the pitching matchups this week?
Davis-Scherzer
Shields-Verlander
Mendoza-Sanchez
That's an unfortunate dose of cold water as Detroit should be favored in all 3. But, baseball's a funny game and a lot of times, things don't turn out quite as planned.

SI

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

How do you feel about the pitching matchups this week?
Davis-Scherzer
Shields-Verlander
Mendoza-Sanchez
That's an unfortunate dose of cold water as Detroit should be favored in all 3. But, baseball's a funny game and a lot of times, things don't turn out quite as planned.

SI

We'll see. I certainly feel a whole lot better with Davis and Shields in those first two games than if it were Chen and Hochevar as the starters.