2011 MLB Thread

[TroyF]

Originally Posted by Wolfpack

Rockies win again against the Cubs, 5-0. What's funny to me is that Tulo clubbed all those home runs in Citi Field, which is notoriously difficult to get a home run at, but they get back to Denver and neither he nor anyone else got one out in one of the most home run-friendly parks in existence. Still, they're 11-2. In a usually tight and unpredictable division like the NL West, this sort of run to start the season means Colorado's going to be contending for the long haul this year, and not just for the Wild Card, either. Only other time they've had this sort of edge on the division was in '95, but that didn't hold up and they settled for the Wild Card.

In '95 they got off to a 12-5 start, but it was a season full of runs. They'd get hot, cool off, get hot, cool off. The most games over .500 they got to was +11, but they never really shook the Dodgers and they were actually pretty lucky to get the wild card. (they needed a great final month to edge Houston by a game)

That Rockies team won by mashing you, especially at Coors where they scored 485 runs in 72 games.

This version is a superior fielding team, has better pitching, and a more all around offensive game. This version is also a little more reliant on its stars. If Burks went down, there were 4 other 30 HR guys in the lineup. If Tulo goes down again, it's going to be a massive blow both offensively and defensively. in the purest sense of the word Most VALUABLE Player, Tulo wins in a landslide.

It's going to be interesting to watch and see if the pitching continues to hold up, if Ubaldo comes back as his nasty stuff self who will win 10 games simply by dominating (and losing a handfull because of his self destruct button), seeing if they can get any consistency out of 3B, and seeing what they do at the deadline if they need a player. (this organization is notorious for not making any major moves at the deadline, this could be a year where they need to make a move to hold off their competition.

I know one thing, this team is fun as hell to watch. They play great defense and they do a great job of taking advantage of other teams mistakes when given the chance.

[Vince, Pt. II]

I've done a very good job about not worrying about the slow start the Giants got off to.

I'm not doing nearly as well at not worrying about the amazing start the Rockies have had.

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by lungs

Yuniesky Betancourt is terrible.

That is correct. Getting rid of him was the most satisfying part of the Greinke trade for any Royals fan.

Just keep in mind GMDM actually traded prospects to the M's to get him originally. It's still one of his top 5 worst moves. You don't trade assets for something someone else was trying to rid themselves of

SI

[lungs]

I've generally thought of Doug Melvin as being a fairly decent General Manager. But going into a season with high hopes and having Yuniesky Betancourt as Plan A at shortstop with no even plausible Plan B has me questioning him right now.

The Brewers are employing some pretty wacked defensive shifts these days, I believe to cover up for their terrible infield defense. Betancourt has already recorded 11 out of zone plays (49 last year). At the very least, the coaching staff realizes that he has no range and are trying to cover up for it.

But watching that man hack away at the plate is just embarrasing. He gets lucky and hits one hard once in a while but I cannot stand the flailing away.

[stevew]

Jim Tracy still manages the Rockies. Don't forget.

[TroyF]

Originally Posted by stevew

Jim Tracy still manages the Rockies. Don't forget.

440-469
161-185
534-625
72-90

168-123

The history of Rockies managers. Tracy is the last number. I'm not saying Tracy is the perfect manager, but the guys play hard for him and he's not nearly as bad as people make him out to be. He leaves starters in a little long sometimes, but other than that he's been terrific thus far.

As long as he has Tulo, he'll have the entire locker room. If the Rockies start losing, it'll be because of poor pitching or Tulo getting injured. I don't think Tracy will have much to do with it.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

This whole winning thing is fun. The worst pitching matchup for KC was yesterday (Felix vs. O'Sullivan). 7-0 win for the good guys is a fantastic result out of that. Hope the boys in blue can get the four game sweep today.

This town is going crazy right now about this start. Had a big crowd in the winery yesterday drinking and watching the game.

[Dutch]

Wow, Rays are 6-8 suddenly...Johnny Damon with his 2nd walk-off hit in 3 days. After the loss of Carl Crawford and our horrible start, I figured the Rays would be 3-10 right now.

[rowech]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

This whole winning thing is fun. The worst pitching matchup for KC was yesterday (Felix vs. O'Sullivan). 7-0 win for the good guys is a fantastic result out of that. Hope the boys in blue can get the four game sweep today.

This town is going crazy right now about this start. Had a big crowd in the winery yesterday drinking and watching the game.

If this was the NFL, you would be starting the second half of the second game of the season. People getting way too happy about good starts and way too down about bad starts. (except the Red Sox...that's somewhat alarming)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by rowech

If this was the NFL, you would be starting the second half of the second game of the season. People getting way too happy about good starts and way too down about bad starts. (except the Red Sox...that's somewhat alarming)

You obviously have never been a Royals fan. We root for one good 20 game stretch in an entire season. We're close to ticker-tape parade status at this point.

With that said, the last time we started this well was the 'We Believe' season under Tony Pena. That team finished four games over .500. That would be a fantastic season for a team with a $27M payroll and a ton of talent in the pipeline.

[TroyF]

Originally Posted by rowech

If this was the NFL, you would be starting the second half of the second game of the season. People getting way too happy about good starts and way too down about bad starts. (except the Red Sox...that's somewhat alarming)

I think everything is relative. The Royals fans are excited about their start. I don't think any of them think they are going to win the WS because of that start, but this is a team that lost 95 games last year. Let em cheer for a little bit.

The Rockies are off to a great start and they were expected to contend for a playoff spot. The reason for the excitement?

Here are the Rockies Aprils the last number of years:

2007 - 10-16
2008 - 11-17
2009 - 8-12
2010 - 11-12
2011 - 11-3

It's exciting to get off to a good start like this for once. Doesn't mean they won't fall apart in May, but it's fun to actually have our head above water for once and not be chasing from the start of the season on.

It's early, but it's still fun.

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

You obviously have never been a Royals fan. We root for one good 20 game stretch in an entire season. We're close to ticker-tape parade status at this point.

With that said, the last time we started this well was the 'We Believe' season under Tony Pena. That team finished four games over .500. That would be a fantastic season for a team with a $27M payroll and a ton of talent in the pipeline.

Yeah, rowech- no one is printing World Series tickets or even playoff tickets. We're just happy the team is winning. We know it could all be gone if they start a 6 game losing streak today. But we're just happy to have a few wins. I could probably count on one hand the number of times the Royals have won 10 of 14 since 2003.

To have it at the start of the season is a double bonus since we can at least dream a little and hold onto that Opening Day feeling of "anything can happen in a season". Most seasons, that's already gone by now.

SI

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by rowech

If this was the NFL, you would be starting the second half of the second game of the season. People getting way too happy about good starts and way too down about bad starts. (except the Red Sox...that's somewhat alarming)

But what's so different about the Red Sox start than any other start?

If you parse out the standings, only a couple of things really stand out from what you expect at the end of the season. The Indians and Royals will probably end up in the bottom of the AL Central, the Twins will likely be in the top 3 in the division, and the Red Sox will be much closer to the top of the AL East when all is said and done. Everyone else is where they should be (say, Texas and Colorado should contend for their divisions while Houston, Seattle, and the Mets should finish near the bottom) or just muddling along in the middle (any team with 6-9 wins at this point could do anything from win a division to finish in the basement).

I don't see how Boston is any different than the other three teams I mentioned. I'm pretty sure they're all outliers- with 30 data points, you're going to have those- and will correct themselves as the season progresses.

SI

[lungs]

Nice to see that Ned has the Royals off to a nice start. How are the Royals fans liking Ned? He was a very divisive person amongst Brewer fans. I always like the guy, had the chance to meet him briefly in San Francisco once.

[sovereignstar v2]

Some lady at the Rays-Twins game has a fucking cowbell. Really? A cowbell? Yesterday, some lameass was blowing a vuvuzela during the Twins' at-bats.

Can we contract the Rays already?

[rowech]

Originally Posted by sterlingice

But what's so different about the Red Sox start than any other start?

If you parse out the standings, only a couple of things really stand out from what you expect at the end of the season. The Indians and Royals will probably end up in the bottom of the AL Central, the Twins will likely be in the top 3 in the division, and the Red Sox will be much closer to the top of the AL East when all is said and done. Everyone else is where they should be (say, Texas and Colorado should contend for their divisions while Houston, Seattle, and the Mets should finish near the bottom) or just muddling along in the middle (any team with 6-9 wins at this point could do anything from win a division to finish in the basement).

I don't see how Boston is any different than the other three teams I mentioned. I'm pretty sure they're all outliers- with 30 data points, you're going to have those- and will correct themselves as the season progresses.

SI

I think the Twins are in trouble this year. No Mauer again. Nathan useless. Some guys starting to show age as well. Not liking them this season.

Boston will finish with a winning record. The problem is the division they're in. They can't afford to fall behind like this so early.

[Suicane75]

Originally Posted by sovereignstar v2

Some lady at the Rays-Twins game has a fucking cowbell. Really? A cowbell? Yesterday, some lameass was blowing a vuvuzela during the Twins' at-bats.

Can we contract the Rays already?

Can we contract Joe Nathan? Amirite?

[sovereignstar v2]

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by sterlingice

Yeah, rowech- no one is printing World Series tickets or even playoff tickets. We're just happy the team is winning. We know it could all be gone if they start a 6 game losing streak today. But we're just happy to have a few wins. I could probably count on one hand the number of times the Royals have won 10 of 14 since 2003.

To have it at the start of the season is a double bonus since we can at least dream a little and hold onto that Opening Day feeling of "anything can happen in a season". Most seasons, that's already gone by now.

SI

One thing all of us Royals fans know is that there's at least some hope with a good start like 10-4. If you start 4-10, your margin for error is significantly smaller, even though only 10% of the season is gone.

[Suicane75]

Originally Posted by sovereignstar v2

Cheer up buddy. At least your team hasn't resorted to giving away bags of dirt as part of a promotion. I'm looking at you Mariners fans.

[Sun Tzu]

Originally Posted by lungs

Nice to see that Ned has the Royals off to a nice start. How are the Royals fans liking Ned? He was a very divisive person amongst Brewer fans. I always like the guy, had the chance to meet him briefly in San Francisco once.

Needlenose Ned? Ned the Head?

[stevew]

Jay Bruce with a nice batch of LOLBad baserunning in the bottom of the 9th.

[MizzouRah]

Yep, keep rolling Franklin out there to blow yet another save!

[jbergey22]

Originally Posted by rowech

I think the Twins are in trouble this year. No Mauer again. Nathan useless. Some guys starting to show age as well. Not liking them this season.

Boston will finish with a winning record. The problem is the division they're in. They can't afford to fall behind like this so early.

This is actually a pretty common theme with the Twins. Last year they started well which was unusual. Around the time interleague starts the Twins are usually playing well.

Only being 2 games behind Chicago and 1.5 games behind Detroit right now isnt too concerning

[molson]

Holy cow Dice-K. 7 innings, 1 hit, 1 walk, 0 runs in the early AM Patriot's day game. Perhaps most amazingly for him - only 89 pitches in the 7 innings. And 9 runs - with 3 HRs - for the Sox offense. Hey, they're only 4 1/2 back at the moment in the East and on a little roll (3 straight wins)

[stevew]

Wait...... if you spend a third of a billion dollars in an offseason, you mean the regular season isn't over in 2 weeks? Holy shit batman.

[JediKooter]

Barry Zito on the DL...the unicorn hurt his ankle. Should the trainers take him out back and shoot him?

[molson]

Originally Posted by stevew

Wait...... if you spend a third of a billion dollars in an offseason, you mean the regular season isn't over in 2 weeks? Holy shit batman.

I thought the Dice-K start was noteworthy, and most people have acknowledged the real hole that they've buried themselves in. And uh, I apologize for my hometown team having a high payroll (if that's what you're looking for.) But ya, that's kind of the point, you don't expect a team with that kind of spending binge to be climbing uphill all season unless there's some real problem with effort or preparation.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by molson

Holy cow Dice-K. 7 innings, 1 hit, 1 walk, 0 runs in the early AM Patriot's day game. Perhaps most amazingly for him - only 89 pitches in the 7 innings. And 9 runs - with 3 HRs - for the Sox offense. Hey, they're only 4 1/2 back at the moment in the East and on a little roll (3 straight wins)

Maybe we need to move all of his starts up to be 11am games??

[molson]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

Maybe we need to move all of his starts up to be 11am games??

There is some stat out there that shows he's much better during the day. And another that shows he does really well on more rest. (I think that's how they they pitch in Japan - once a weekish, and with no pitch count) The best the sox can do to try to replicate that is have him be the 5th starter that they skip whenever they can.

[stevew]

Originally Posted by molson

I thought the Dice-K start was noteworthy, and most people have acknowledged the real hole that they've buried themselves in. And uh, I apologize for my hometown team having a high payroll (if that's what you're looking for.) But ya, that's kind of the point, you don't expect a team with that kind of spending binge to be climbing uphill all season unless there's some real problem with effort or preparation.

Commenting more on the fools that were claiming the sky is falling(not that you were one of them). I actually don't know crap about dice-k. But it was silly to think that guys like crawford will hit .140 all season.

[Easy Mac]

Split	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	SB	CS	BB	SO	SO/BB	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	TB	GDP	HBP	SH	SF	IBB	ROE	BAbip	tOPS+
Day	26	678	602	71	158	38	3	20	14	7	63	161	2.56	.262	.338	.435	.773	262	8	7	4	2	3	3	.326	110
Night	74	1899	1636	219	393	93	3	43	51	12	220	385	1.75	.240	.337	.380	.716	621	35	24	6	13	1	12	.287	96

Split	W	L	W-L%	ERA	G	GS	GF	CG	SHO	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	IBB	SO	HBP	BK	WP	BF	WHIP	SO/9	SO/BB
Day	11	10	.524	3.91	26	26	0	0	0	0	156.1	158	71	68	20	63	3	161	7	0	6	678	1.414	9.3	2.56
Night	35	19	.648	4.42	74	74	0	1	0	0	436.0	393	219	214	43	220	1	385	24	0	16	1899	1.406	7.9	1.75

Split		W	L	W-L%	ERA	G	GS	GF	CG	SHO	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	IBB	SO	HBP	BK	WP	BF	WHIP	SO/9	SO/BB
4 Days,GS	19	13	.594	4.76	41	41	0	1	0	0	240.0	236	130	127	22	117	1	213	8	0	12	1057	1.471	8.0	1.82
5 Days,GS	19	9	.679	3.88	39	39	0	0	0	0	239.0	218	105	103	25	112	2	223	17	0	7	1034	1.381	8.4	1.99
6+ Days,GS	8	7	.533	4.13	20	20	0	0	0	0	113.1	97	55	52	16	54	1	110	6	0	3	486	1.332	8.7	2.04

[Ksyrup]

Uh...this kinda comes out of nowhere:

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Mike Leake was booked into the Hamilton County Justice Center today, accused of theft.

Leake was booked into the jail at 2:32 p.m. by Cincinnati police.

Leake, of Ludlow, was arrested after Macy's department store loss prevention employees stopped the Reds pitcher today after they say he took $59.88 in property from the store.

[TroyF]

Mike Leak accused of stealing $60 worth of stuff at Macy's.

Arrested and charged today.

Do'h!!!! Ksyrup by a minute.

What the hell was Leak thinking there?

[Ksyrup]

Judging by his pic, I'd say he was thinking..."Duuuuuuuude!"



I wonder if Velma or Fred came to bail him out?

[JediKooter]

Maybe he thought he was a Bengal?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

So let me get this straight......the 1st place Indians meet the 2nd place Royals tonight in a battle for the division lead?

Saw that if you add the Indians and Royals payroll together, the total ($85M) is less than the individual payroll of each of the other three teams they are leading (Twins, Tigers, and Sox are all $100M+).

[Young Drachma]

Baseball is a marathon, not a sprint. Leading the division in April is very different than leading the division in September. #justsaying

[JediKooter]

If this had happened to me when I was a kid, I probably would have pissed my pants. Pretty cool in my opinion:

Video: David Wright plays catch with young Braves fans - Big League Stew - MLB*Blog - Yahoo! Sports

[dawgfan]

Originally Posted by TroyF

What the hell was Leak thinking there?

He clearly wasn't. As Winona Ryder proved, having a lot of money doesn't prevent some people from shoplifting - for some, it's the act that motivates them, not the item. They're not really stealing to get the item in question, it's the thrill of getting away with it.

There's a local TV anchor, beloved by everyone in Seattle that reportedly has a klepto problem, and supposedly store employees at Nordstroms are instructed to simply bill her husband for the stolen property rather than confront her.

[Logan]

Originally Posted by JediKooter

If this had happened to me when I was a kid, I probably would have pissed my pants. Pretty cool in my opinion:

Video: David Wright plays catch with young Braves fans - Big League Stew - MLB*Blog - Yahoo! Sports

I bet he missed three of those throws.

[JediKooter]

Afflicted with Steve Sax Syndrome?

[kingfc22]

I'll take this start.

Hopefully Coors wakes up Burrell's bat.

[TroyF]

Originally Posted by kingfc22

I'll take this start.

Hopefully Coors wakes up Burrell's bat.

Esmil didn't have it at all that inning and just got rocked. Brutal start. I had this one as an L, tomorrows a W and figured the third game was a toss up with the pitching matchups. It'd be nice to chip away at Lincy and make a game of this, but I don't expect that to happen.

[TroyF]

Oh, and FWIW, if there was one team in the game I'd love the Rockies to have a late rally and pound this year at some point, it's the Giants. Let's see them bitch about the humidor if the Rockies come back and beat them late this year. What will the blame next, the air conditioning?

[stevew]

Kevin Correia is probably due for significant regression to the mean. Thus far he has been pretty damn good.

[Crapshoot]

Lincecum's no-hitter broken up in the 7th by Carlos Gonzales. Damnit.

FWIW, the Giants were not the only people who felt that way that something questionable was happening with the humidor - and the fact that the umps weren't supervising the entire process is ridiculous.

[Crapshoot]

Originally Posted by TroyF

Oh, and FWIW, if there was one team in the game I'd love the Rockies to have a late rally and pound this year at some point, it's the Giants. Let's see them bitch about the humidor if the Rockies come back and beat them late this year. What will the blame next, the air conditioning?

Say, who won last year? the World Series, even?

[Ksyrup]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

Judging by his pic, I'd say he was thinking..."Duuuuuuuude!"



I wonder if Velma or Fred came to bail him out?

Damn, they changed pictures on me! I guess the Reds asked the local paper to pull his mug shot? Lame.

[TroyF]

Originally Posted by Crapshoot

Say, who won last year? the World Series, even?

I actually like the Giants. Pretty much all of them. The accusations on the humidor were simply unfounded and beyond ridiculous, especially coming from the Giants. When the Giants led the Rockies after 6 innings at Coors, they went 2-1. When the Rockies led the Giants after 6 at Coors, they went 4-2.

Hmmmmm, looks like a clear case of blowing leads humidor inflated balls being given to the Rockies hitters to me.

I thought it was one of the more classless things I've ever seen a big league team do, especially after they protected a roided out Bonds for years and years. Despite that, I like them a lot and they deserved their WS win. They will also be tough over the long haul this year.