2012 MLB Thread (Cabrera Gets Triple Crown, first since Yaz 1967)

[rowech]

Originally Posted by Scoobz0202

And no Phillips in the lineup today. Looking like the Reds may have mismanaged the DL... again.

Nope...he's fine. Doesn't want him getting hit by Pirates for Chapman hitting McCutchen.

[cougarfreak]

Originally Posted by Swaggs

I like the comment from the blogger at BucsDugout: "Clint Hurdle seems to think Homer Bailey is a lefty."

Sitting Pedro Alvarez and Travis Snider, in favor of Josh Harrison and Gabby Sanchez a day after letting them both flounder against lefty Mike Leake.

Leake's a righty.

[cougarfreak]

Originally Posted by Sweed

+ 1,000,000

They announced on the pregame show, that Charlie Sheen, who is a huge Reds fan, matched the total with a $50K donation himself. He's been in town all weekend, with his dad Martin.

[Julio Riddols]

Hmm.. Winning indeed. Puts a little extra gloss on the surface of that story.

[Crapshoot]

Vin Scully, lip-reading and "translating" a Jim Tracy ejection. Just awesome. Snip.it | Collect Your Web

[Vince, Pt. II]

That is incredible. As much as I hate the Dodgers, I can't hate Vin Scully.

[SackAttack]

Originally Posted by Crapshoot

Vin Scully, lip-reading and "translating" a Jim Tracy ejection. Just awesome. Snip.it | Collect Your Web

Watched it live (or as close to live as you get) on MLB.tv.

I about fell out of my chair in laughter. God, I love Vin.

[SackAttack]

The thing that made it more amazing is, I've watched/listened to games he's called before where somebody's gotten in a dust-up and gotten tossed. I can't ever remember him doing the lipread+sanitizing bit before.

He musta been feeling feisty tonight.

[Drake]

That was awesome. I watch a ton of Dodgers games with MLB Extra Innings (and despite the fact that I don't give two shits about the Dodgers) just because I love to listen to Scully. Wish I would have seen that one live.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Can't get enough of Walker's reaction after Marte throw last night...

Thinking to himself "Isn't there supposed to be a guy around here I should tag?...Oh, here he is"

[spleen1015]

The ball beat him there by a mile, but he was almost safe sliding under the tag.

[Logan]

Note to Little Leaguers...if you slap your glove down in front of the base, they can't slide under the tag.

[I. J. Reilly]

Originally Posted by Logan

Note to Little Leaguers...if you slap your glove down in front of the base, they can't slide under the tag.

Next note to Little Leaguers...spikes are sharp

[JediKooter]

So the old Dodgers owner and his sons just bought the Padres (Pending approval). My only question is, will you spend money like you would if you still owned the Dodgers or are you going to continue the Padres tradition of only offering the San Diego discount and signing super stars that were super stars 10-15 years ago?

[spleen1015]

I'm ignorant why he sold the Dodgers, so this may be an invalid opinion.

If I am MLB, I don't let him back in since he sold the Dodgers.

[JediKooter]

Originally Posted by spleen1015

I'm ignorant why he sold the Dodgers, so this may be an invalid opinion.

If I am MLB, I don't let him back in since he sold the Dodgers.

I'm not sure why he sold the Dodgers to the guy that ran that teams finances into the ground. I don't really have a problem of a former owner buying back in as long as they aren't a former owner because they defrauded the league or the team or showed an absolute lack of financial integrity.

[SackAttack]

Originally Posted by spleen1015

I'm ignorant why he sold the Dodgers, so this may be an invalid opinion.

If I am MLB, I don't let him back in since he sold the Dodgers.

When he put the Dodgers up for sale, he made comments to the effect of not believing teams needed corporate ownership to survive, that family ownership wasn't going to fly in the then-current market.

And then in the last 20 years we've seen TV deals start handing out the cash like it was Monopoly money, and that maybe changed the calculus for him. What did the Padres get in their most recent deal, $1.2 billion over 30 years? That's something like $40/mil season for their TV rights.

For perspective's sake, the Dodger payroll in 1998, the year Fox bought the team from O'Malley, was $62 million.

It's a different world out there with the explosion in rights values. I'm skeptical whether O'Malley can turn the Padres into perennial contenders, but he's certainly not in danger of losing his shirt the way he felt he was 15 years ago.

[SackAttack]

Originally Posted by JediKooter

I'm not sure why he sold the Dodgers to the guy that ran that teams finances into the ground.

He didn't sell the Dodgers to McCourt. He sold them to Fox. Fox kept 'em for a few years, long enough to secure the team's TV rights below what they'd go for in the open market, and then sold the team to McCourt when they decided they didn't have the stomach for day-to-day operations.

That rights transfer hamstrung the team some financially, but it was McCourt who went for the piledriver by treating the team as an ATM to fund an opulent lifestyle.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by JediKooter

I'm not sure why he sold the Dodgers to the guy that ran that teams finances into the ground. I don't really have a problem of a former owner buying back in as long as they aren't a former owner because they defrauded the league or the team or showed an absolute lack of financial integrity.

There's probably a fair clue in this old article from 1997.
O'Malley Announces He'll Sell Dodgers - New York Times

Remember, at the time, they were pretty much the last of a dying breed: single family ownership. Peter & his sister (the mom of two of the participants in the Padres deal) owned virtually the entire team.

From the article, Peter says:

'I think family ownership of sports today is probably a dying breed,'' said O'Malley, whose family took control of the franchise in 1950. ''If you look at all sports, it's a high-risk business. Professional sports is as high risk as the oil business. You need a broader base than an individual family to carry you through the storms. Groups or corporations are probably the way of the future.''

While the group buying the Padres includes O'Malley, his two sons and two nephews, controlling interest will reportedly fall to investment banker Ron Fowler. Even with several family members, it's a different model than the situation of the Dodgers.

Of course, aside from the financial wisdom of selling for (at that time) the highest price ever paid for a U.S. sports franchise, there's also the possibility that other factors influenced the sale as well.
O'Malley's failed NFL bid led to sale - Los Angeles - NFL Blog - ESPN Los Angeles
edit to add: Crap, the headline doesn't show up on that last piece. It reads "O'Malley's failed NFL bid led to sale"

[Ksyrup]

Originally Posted by Logan

Note to Little Leaguers...if you slap your glove down in front of the base, they can't slide under the tag.

That's one of those things that drives me crazy about umpires - even at the youngest levels, they award the "ball beat the runner to the base so he's (she's) automatically out" crap. Especially with 10 year olds, that CAN'T be a given. And of course it just reinforces bad umpiring and play at the earliest of ages. It also infuriates parents/fans when an umpire decides to call a kid (correctly) safe for sliding under a high tag.

My 8 year old got called out last weekend on a slide into 2B when she got tagged on the head/shoulder and was laying with her butt on the base. Still called her out.

[spleen1015]

Yeah, my daughter's team was given 3 outs in the same game once when the 3rd basemen tagged high and the runner was safe, but called out.

[Ksyrup]

On the other hand, I remember a 3 Stooges-like play when Caitlin was in 8U where the opposing team's catcher had the ball, was standing behind the plate trying to tag the runners, and 3 of our girls slid back-to-back-to-back into each other at home plate and all 3 were safe. Probably one of the funniest things I've ever seen.

[JediKooter]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

There's probably a fair clue in this old article from 1997.
O'Malley Announces He'll Sell Dodgers - New York Times

Remember, at the time, they were pretty much the last of a dying breed: single family ownership. Peter & his sister (the mom of two of the participants in the Padres deal) owned virtually the entire team.

From the article, Peter says:


While the group buying the Padres includes O'Malley, his two sons and two nephews, controlling interest will reportedly fall to investment banker Ron Fowler. Even with several family members, it's a different model than the situation of the Dodgers.

Of course, aside from the financial wisdom of selling for (at that time) the highest price ever paid for a U.S. sports franchise, there's also the possibility that other factors influenced the sale as well.
O'Malley's failed NFL bid led to sale - Los Angeles - NFL Blog - ESPN Los Angeles
edit to add: Crap, the headline doesn't show up on that last piece. It reads "O'Malley's failed NFL bid led to sale"

Good links, thanks Jon. It will be interesting for sure. Hopefully Ron Fowler will understand that winning the World Series with teams like the Marlins are the exception and not the rule and will spend some money on currently producing talent. I'm tired of the Padres being the rest of the leagues development team. Plus, I actually wouldn't mind if O'Malley bought the Chargers from the Spanos family.

[I. J. Reilly]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

That's one of those things that drives me crazy about umpires - even at the youngest levels, they award the "ball beat the runner to the base so he's (she's) automatically out" crap. Especially with 10 year olds, that CAN'T be a given. And of course it just reinforces bad umpiring and play at the earliest of ages. It also infuriates parents/fans when an umpire decides to call a kid (correctly) safe for sliding under a high tag.

My 8 year old got called out last weekend on a slide into 2B when she got tagged on the head/shoulder and was laying with her butt on the base. Still called her out.

Seriously, have none of you people been spiked before?

I’m typing this looking down at the two inch scar on my left wrist that I got 20 years ago in high school because some dumbass who was out by 10 feet decided to come in spikes up. Phantom tags and being in the vicinity on the turn is just fine with me, thank you very much.

[Ksyrup]

Originally Posted by I. J. Reilly

Seriously, have none of you people been spiked before?

I’m typing this looking down at the two inch scar on my left wrist that I got 20 years ago in high school because some dumbass who was out by 10 feet decided to come in spikes up. Phantom tags and being in the vicinity on the turn is just fine with me, thank you very much.

Safe is safe. I don't know when metal spikes are allowed in baseball, but they aren't allowed below high school level in softball.

And here's the thing - these aren't phantom tags, they are late tags. Meaning, the fielder is in the play, being impacted, but they aren't putting the tag down until after the runner has slid under or around them. It's not like a swipe tag and avoiding contact. It's simply a late (usually high) tag while taking a throw like you normally would at a base. If anything, it's actually more dangerous because if you apply the tag close to the ground, you're able to block the foot. Here, the foot is through the base (and sometimes the body) before the tag is applied.

[Suicane75]

With 11 more homers, Mike Trout will become the first 30/30 rookie in MLB history if I'm not mistaken.

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by Suicane75

With 11 more homers, Mike Trout will become the first 30/30 rookie in MLB history if I'm not mistaken.

At his current monthly progession in his rate of "awesomeness", I think Trout might become also the first 70/70 rookie in MLB history.

[lungs]

In an otherwise abysmal baseball year in Milwaukee, Mike Fiers has been absolutely tremendous. He's not 1.80 ERA good, but still a nice find and a nice story for a guy who almost died in a car wreck.

[lordscarlet]

A little late because I was in bed listening to the game when it happened, but.. SHAAAAAAAARK!!!

[Subby]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

Safe is safe. I don't know when metal spikes are allowed in baseball, but they aren't allowed below high school level in softball.

Middle school in baseball (or once they start playing 90').

[cartman]

The umps in Boston blew an easy replay call on a hit by Cruz. Called a foul, but the replays showed it being fair, a home run. They upheld the foul call.

[Scoobz0202]

Disappointing series for the Reds in Milwaukee. Hopefully they take the next series then rest up on their day off. Hopefully Votto is ready then (I have been busy this week so hvent seen the latest on his ETA. Anybody?)

[Suicane75]

Hey A's fans, how did the whole "Bernie" thing start? I couldn't for the life of me figure out why they had cardboard cutouts of Bernie in the stands.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by Suicane75

Hey A's fans, how did the whole "Bernie" thing start? I couldn't for the life of me figure out why they had cardboard cutouts of Bernie in the stands.

Not an A's fan, but my Google Fu hadn't been used today so I figured wth.

Oakland drags ‘Weekend at Bernie’s’ dance into A’s recent run of success | Big League Stew - Yahoo! Sports

[rowech]

Originally Posted by Scoobz0202

Disappointing series for the Reds in Milwaukee. Hopefully they take the next series then rest up on their day off. Hopefully Votto is ready then (I have been busy this week so hvent seen the latest on his ETA. Anybody?)

Game should have been won today. Valdez shouldn't have been in the game at short, especially late. Cozart would have had the ball in the 8th.

Cairo and Valdez -- just don't understand how they even see the field.

[Crapshoot]

Originally Posted by rowech

Game should have been won today. Valdez shouldn't have been in the game at short, especially late. Cozart would have had the ball in the 8th.

Cairo and Valdez -- just don't understand how they even see the field.

1) Are they over the age of 33? 2) Is Dusty Baker your manager? If so, see 1).

[Suicane75]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

Not an A's fan, but my Google Fu hadn't been used today so I figured wth.

Oakland drags ‘Weekend at Bernie’s’ dance into A’s recent run of success | Big League Stew - Yahoo! Sports

Awesome. It's so hard not to root for the A's, they're like a team transported from the 70's into modern day baseball.

[Lathum]

anyone else having issues with Gameday Audio? I usually click the scoreboard and then the headphones icon and the audio starts up. Currently there is no headphone or TV icon to click. It was working a few hours ago when I listened to the Reds game. I am on an Iphone 3gs FWIW.

[Desnudo]

Why did they hire this guy again?

Bobby V: 'I think we're a playoff team'

Bobby Valentine thinks Boston Red Sox are a playoff team - ESPN Boston

[stevew]

Manny Machado getting a call up for the Orioles. Wow.

[Terps]

I like it. He can't do any worse than Andino, and will likely be an upgrade in the field. Dylan Bundy also got promoted to Bowie tonight, hopefully he's in Baltimore come September.

[stevew]

I know the Reds aren't the most progressive bunch, especially when it comes to on field management, but they have to figure out a way to sneak Billy Hamilton onto their postseason roster. He's at 131 steals or so. He could potentially shift a game with his speed.

The Cardinals are the only team that can really limit the running game...Other squads like LA, SF are decent.

I shudder to think what he'll do to the pirates(like 10% Throw out rate this year). Hamilton will probably be good for 25plus steals vs the Pirates each year.

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by stevew

I know the Reds aren't the most progressive bunch, especially when it comes to on field management, but they have to figure out a way to sneak Billy Hamilton onto their postseason roster. He's at 131 steals or so. He could potentially shift a game with his speed.

The Cardinals are the only team that can really limit the running game...Other squads like LA, SF are decent.

I shudder to think what he'll do to the pirates(like 10% Throw out rate this year). Hamilton will probably be good for 25plus steals vs the Pirates each year.

Other than the Dave Roberts stolen base, has there really ever been a "major" stolen base in postseason history? Then again, there probably aren't that many "major" outs recorded or clutch hits by the 25th guy on the roster either

SI

[Julio Riddols]

I feel like keeping Hamilton around strictly as a pinch runner would be a good idea. There hasn't been a base stealer this prolific since Rickey. He could probably be a hell of a sacrifice bunt guy too. If he gets better at hitting, he could grow into one of the best lead-off men in the game.

[Easy Mac]

He seems to be running less and worse at AA. I don't think he'd be nearly as effective as people think at the MLB level right now.

Plus, he's unbelievably horrible at fielding. You can't afford to burn a player off your bench for 1 steal a game when you only have 13-14 hitters on your team.

[rowech]

Originally Posted by Easy Mac

He seems to be running less and worse at AA. I don't think he'd be nearly as effective as people think at the MLB level right now.

Plus, he's unbelievably horrible at fielding. You can't afford to burn a player off your bench for 1 steal a game when you only have 13-14 hitters on your team.

His baserunning hasn't really changed at all since going to AA. He stole .64 bases every time he got on at A and he's stealing .61 bases every time he has been on at AA. The issue is his OBP is down 30 points.

[stevew]

I think Miguel Cairo is the Reds 25th man right now.

Hamilton enters a tie game with one out in the 8th as a pinch runner on first. I know three is no SABR way of proving it, but the ability to distract a pitcher has to exist.

Will he shift one game? Maybe

WIll Miguel Cairo? No chance in he'll

[MizzouRah]

That was a beat down last night the Giants gave us.

[Logan]

I know we were talking about the greatness (aka ineptitude) of John Sterling a couple weeks ago. Let's go again.

http://www.awfulannouncing.com/2012-...-sterling.html

[Vince, Pt. II]

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

That was a beat down last night the Giants gave us.

I'm still stunned and at a loss with regard to Ryan Vogelsong. I think the only plausible answer is that Dave Righetti is actually a wizard.