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General Category => Off the Record => Topic started by: jimmy olsen on March 10, 2009, 10:29:00 PM

Title: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on March 10, 2009, 10:29:00 PM
Netherlands beat the Dominican Republic again!   ;D
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: MadBurgerMaker on March 10, 2009, 11:02:34 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on March 10, 2009, 10:29:00 PM
Netherlands beat the Dominican Republic again!   ;D

They have doubled their win total from last time (IIRC).  Nice.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on March 11, 2009, 08:41:42 AM
The Dutch are having a cinderella tournament.  If their pitching can shut down the Dominicans...it does make you wonder.

That 1-0 Korean victory in Japan was awesome.  Those Japanese fans are hardcore.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Scipio on March 11, 2009, 09:37:34 AM
Baseball needs to die in a fire.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on March 11, 2009, 09:48:06 AM
Quote from: Scipio on March 11, 2009, 09:37:34 AM
Baseball needs to die in a fire.

What the fuck dude?  You were not talking like this when Mississippi made their run and hosted Texas in the super regionals in '05?
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Scipio on March 11, 2009, 01:01:13 PM
Quote from: Valmy on March 11, 2009, 09:48:06 AM
Quote from: Scipio on March 11, 2009, 09:37:34 AM
Baseball needs to die in a fire.

What the fuck dude?  You were not talking like this when Mississippi made their run and hosted Texas in the super regionals in '05?

Sorry.  Amended to pro baseball, only.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on March 11, 2009, 01:11:08 PM
Quote from: Valmy on March 11, 2009, 09:48:06 AM
Quote from: Scipio on March 11, 2009, 09:37:34 AM
Baseball needs to die in a fire.

What the fuck dude?  You were not talking like this when Mississippi made their run and hosted Texas in the super regionals in '05?

How the heck do you remember this stuff?
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on March 11, 2009, 01:14:02 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on March 11, 2009, 01:11:08 PM
How the heck do you remember this stuff?

My logbook of friends and enemies of course.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: derspiess on March 11, 2009, 01:18:51 PM
Quote from: Valmy on March 11, 2009, 08:41:42 AM
Those Japanese fans are hardcore.

And weird.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on March 16, 2009, 01:28:08 AM
Can someone recommend me a good (daily?) newsletter for MLB scores? I checked their official site and a couple other sports sides, but no one seems to offer that particular service; or they hid it very well. Just the results or - better - box scores would be great.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: vinraith on March 16, 2009, 02:36:01 AM
Quote from: derspiess on March 11, 2009, 01:18:51 PM
Quote from: Valmy on March 11, 2009, 08:41:42 AM
Those Japanese fans are hardcore.

And weird.

Now that's just redundant spiess. We all know that Japanese culture is the prime case study for the long term genetic aftermath of the use of nuclear weapons. If two comparatively low-yield weapons produced anime, it becomes vividly clear that we must NEVER allow anyone to survive the aftermath of the modern US nuclear stockpile. The results would be horrifying beyond imagination.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: stjaba on March 16, 2009, 07:39:52 AM
Quote from: Syt on March 16, 2009, 01:28:08 AM
Can someone recommend me a good (daily?) newsletter for MLB scores? I checked their official site and a couple other sports sides, but no one seems to offer that particular service; or they hid it very well. Just the results or - better - box scores would be great.

http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/scoreboard
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on March 16, 2009, 08:15:43 AM
Quote from: stjaba on March 16, 2009, 07:39:52 AM
Quote from: Syt on March 16, 2009, 01:28:08 AM
Can someone recommend me a good (daily?) newsletter for MLB scores? I checked their official site and a couple other sports sides, but no one seems to offer that particular service; or they hid it very well. Just the results or - better - box scores would be great.

http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/scoreboard

Something like that. :) Only as an email.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Neil on March 16, 2009, 08:26:56 AM
Quote from: vinraith on March 16, 2009, 02:36:01 AM
Now that's just redundant spiess. We all know that Japanese culture is the prime case study for the long term genetic aftermath of the use of nuclear weapons. If two comparatively low-yield weapons produced anime, it becomes vividly clear that we must NEVER allow anyone to survive the aftermath of the modern US nuclear stockpile. The results would be horrifying beyond imagination.
Anime predates the war.  It must just be their culture that you hate so much.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on March 17, 2009, 04:27:15 PM
Wow.  ???

http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/the_sporting_blog/entry/view/22202/if_nobody_is_gonna_love_alex_rodriguez,_then_hell_just_have_to_do_it_himself
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on March 23, 2009, 03:47:04 PM
Lol, I thought nothing could top that last story, but I was wrong.  :D

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/29823664/
QuoteReport: A-Rod dated madam that Spitzer used

Yankee reportedly also was customer of Davis' high-priced prostitution ring

updated 10:12 a.m. ET, Mon., March. 23, 2009

Yankee slugger Alex Rodriguez was more than a customer of Kristin Davis' high-priced prostitution ring — he dated the former Manhattan madam too, according to an explosive report.

In June 2006, Rodriguez allegedly became a regular of one of Davis' agencies soon after meeting her at a gym, two former call girls told the New York Daily News.

A-Rod, then-married, had asked Davis "what she was doing" the first time they met, the anonymous sources said.

Davis, who has claimed Eliot Spitzer as a client, was about to go out with a boyfriend. She gave Rodriguez a card that he later used to book a two-hour "date" with a prostitute, The News reported.

But Rodriguez really pined for Davis and would court her with flowers and jewelery, the sources said. On one email he wrote that he was "addicted" to her, they said.

Eventually, Davis relented and the two briefly dated -- free of charge, according to the sources.

Davis eventually served three months in jail for pimping and is now on probation. She has written a book about her experience leading a prostitution ring but did not name names for the most part.

When confronted with supposed copies of steamy email exchanges between her and Rodriguez, Davis did not dispute their authenticity.

"Throughout the years, there were a number of clients that I befriended and it was not uncommon for them to want the women they can't have whether it be the phone bookers or the madam," she told The News. "In regard to Alex, all I can say is our paths have crossed personally and professionally."

She added: "Other people have access to my client records as well as my personal information and I can't control what has been released."

Rodriguez's spokesman did not comment on the report.

© 2009 The Sporting News
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on March 28, 2009, 03:49:06 PM
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4021552

QuoteBRADENTON, Fla. -- Pittsburgh Pirates prospect Jose Tabata said Friday his much-older wife lied to him about being pregnant with his child before she was accused of abducting a 2-month-old baby girl, who has since been returned to her parents.

Tabata, speaking publicly for the first time since his wife's arrest earlier this week, also said 43-year-old Amalia Tabata Pereira never told him she was incarcerated for more than two years in an arson case years before they met.

According to Pirates general manager Neal Huntington, Tabata's wife showed off pictures of an infant and told the player that the baby was his, only to have Tabata learn hours after seeing the baby that the girl had been taken from her parents in Plant City, about 60 miles from Bradenton, where the Pirates train.

Pereira, arrested after the baby was handed over to authorities in a Bradenton shopping center parking lot on Tuesday, was taken Wednesday to the Hillsborough County Jail and is lodged on $750,000 bond on an abduction charge.

The 20-year-old Tabata, an outfielder and one of the Pirates' top prospects, said he has since learned his wife told him "many lies" -- the worst of which the baby was his own.

"She completely falsified her pregnancy and the eventual birth of a baby girl, which would have made me a father for the first time," said Tabata, who read a prepared statement in Spanish but did not answer questions from the media before an afternoon workout. "Imagine how that made me feel."

The infant, Sandra Cruz-Francisco, was taken from her parents -- Rosa Sirilo-Francisco and Andres Cruz -- on Monday after a women who identified herself as "Janet" said she was an immigration official and demanded the baby be turned over by the mother, or the parents would face deportation.

After giving Janet her baby, the mother called police later that night to report the infant had been taken. Less than 24 hours later, an anonymous caller told Manatee County officials the baby could be picked up at the shopping center.

"The truth is that my wife told me many lies that, until this whole situation began, I did not know," Tabata said. "One that hurt me a lot was her history as a criminal -- that she had spent years in prison, that she had robbed and committed fraud."

Tabata said he cannot forgive his wife for what happened.

"When this is all over, I will never be able to forgive her for her cruel actions," Tabata said in a statement he directed toward Pirates fans. "You will also understand that I will do everything possible, with the support of God and my family here with the Pirates, to overcome this craziness. The truth is I would never wish this situation on anybody, but I know that life has its good and its bad, and I know that good times are not too far off in the future."

Tabata and Huntington said that, because the case remains under investigation, neither the club nor Tabata can address specifics about the case.

"I, like you, have questions that remain unanswered," Tabata said. "However, the sheriff's deputies have told me not to speak about the details of her criminal case, including the details of our history together, and the lies that she led me to believe about her. Therefore, I will not be able to comment further or answer any of your questions until the investigation is complete. I do give thanks to God that no harm was made to the baby girl and that she is in his safe hands with her parents. My thoughts will always be with them."

Tabata, who grew up in Venezuela, said he has long idolized the late Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente and he hopes he will respond to this situation the way Clemente would.

"I asked myself, 'What would Clemente do in this situation?" Tabata said. "I know Clemente was a man known for his decency, responsibility, doing what he says, and always doing the correct thing. And I believe the only correct thing in this moment is to tell the truth."

Tabata and his wife met when he played for the Yankees' Class A Tampa farm club and were married in January 2008. Tabata was traded seven months later to the Pirates in a deal that sent outfielder Xavier Nady and left-hander Damaso Marte to the Yankees.

So ... a 20 year old aspiring athlete marries a 43 year old woman who goes on to fake a pregnancy and then steals a baby to present as their own, maybe all a plot to mooch of the athlete. Sounds like an awfully bad tv movie.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on March 28, 2009, 08:00:10 PM
If Japan keeps winning the world championship maybe we should move all the major league clubs to Japanese cities.  :Embarrass:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on March 29, 2009, 09:25:27 AM
Quote from: Valmy on March 28, 2009, 08:00:10 PM
If Japan keeps winning the world championship maybe we should move all the major league clubs to Japanese cities.  :Embarrass:
All of your best players did not play, nor where those who did play as prepared as the Japanese, since Spring Training had only just begun here, while their season as already begun.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on March 29, 2009, 10:33:58 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on March 29, 2009, 09:25:27 AM
All of your best players did not play, nor where those who did play as prepared as the Japanese, since Spring Training had only just begun here, while their season as already begun.

*yawn* Lame excuses.  We got our asses kicked fair and square.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on May 06, 2009, 06:06:48 PM
:weep: :weep: :weep: :weep: :weep:

God Bless
http://www2.nesn.com/boston-red-sox/2009/05/06/jerry-remy-takes-leave-to-recover-from-cancer-surgery/
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Sophie Scholl on May 07, 2009, 12:10:26 AM
Zach Greinke.  He's pretty good. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: sbr on May 07, 2009, 01:35:34 PM
Manny Ramierez was suspended 50 games for taking ... a women's fertility drug.  :lmfao:

QuoteNEW YORK(AP)—Manny Ramirez(notes) was suspended for 50 games by Major League Baseball on Thursday, becoming the latest high-profile player ensnared in the sport's drug scandals.

The Los Angeles Dodgers star said he did not take steroids and was given medication by a doctor that contained a banned substance. The commissioner's office didn't announce the specific violation by the 36-year-old outfielder, who apologized to the Dodgers and fans for "this whole situation."

"Recently, I saw a physician for a personal health issue. He gave me a medication, not a steroid, which he thought was OK to give me," Ramirez said in a statement issued by the players' union.

"Unfortunately, the medication was banned under our drug policy. Under the policy that mistake is now my responsibility. I have been advised not to say anything more for now. I do want to say one other thing; I've taken and passed about 15 drug tests over the past five seasons."
ADVERTISEMENT

The suspension began Thursday and barring any postponements Ramirez will be able to return to the Dodgers - who now have the best record in baseball - for the July 3 game at San Diego. Ramirez will lose about $7.65 million of his $25 million salary.

Baseball commissioner Bud Selig couldn't comment on the suspension because of provisions of the management-union drug agreement, spokesman Rich Levin said.

While Barry Bonds(notes), Roger Clemens(notes), Alex Rodriguez(notes), Jose Canseco and a long list of stars have been implicated in the use of performance-enhancing drugs, Ramirez is the most prominent suspended under the drug policy players and owners put in place seven years ago.

Ramirez is batting .348 with six home runs and 20 RBIs through the first 27 games of the season.

His suspension comes a day after the Dodgers broke the modern major league record for a home winning streak to open a season with their 13th consecutive victory. They play Washington again Thursday night.

Losing Ramirez to suspension could be a huge blow financially for the Dodgers. The slugger has been single-handedly responsible for increasing attendance, merchandise sales and interest in the team, in addition to helping them win the NL West after his late season arrival in 2008.

Los Angeles even renamed a section of seats in left field at Dodger Stadium "Mannywood" in his honor.

Ramirez's suspension came a day before Rodriguez was likely to rejoin the New York Yankees. Rodriguez has been on the disabled list since having hip surgery.

In February, Rodriguez admitted taking steroids while playing for Texas from 2001-03 and acknowledged testing positive under a 2003 survey. But testing with penalties didn't begin until 2004, and the New York Yankees third baseman doesn't appear likely to be suspended.

The players' association said Ramirez was suspended by the commissioner under the "just cause" provision of section 8.G.2 of the joint drug agreement. That allows players to be penalized for use, sale or distribution of banned substances, even where the agreement doesn't specify a particular penalty, such as for a positive test.

In his statement, Ramirez addressed Dodgers owners Frank and Jamie McCourt, and manager Joe Torre.

"I want to apologize to Mr. McCourt, Mrs. McCourt, Mr. Torre, my teammates, the Dodger organization, and to the Dodger fans," Ramirez said. "LA is a special place to me, and I know everybody is disappointed. So am I. I'm sorry about this whole situation."

His suspension was first reported by the Los Angeles Times on its Web site.

Ramirez became the third player suspended this year under the major league program, following Philadelphia reliever J.C. Romero(notes) and Yankees pitcher Sergio Mitre(notes).

Just two relatively low-profile players were suspended under the major league program last year, San Francisco catcher Elizier Alfonzo and Colorado catcher Humberto Coto.

In the past, the best-known player penalized was Baltimore's Rafael Palmeiro, who received a 10-day suspension in 2005, the first year of penalties for first infractions.

Ramirez was acquired by Los Angeles from Boston last July 31 and became a fan favorite. His contract negotiations became a long-running drama during the offseason, and he agreed in early March - well after the start of spring training - to a $45 million, two-year contract that gives him the right to void the second season and become a free agent again.

In St. Louis, a clubhouse attendant stuck his head into manager Tony La Russa's office and said "Manny Ramirez, 50 games, steroids."

La Russa's reaction: "You're kidding me."

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=txdodgersramirezdrugs&prov=st&type=lgns

Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on May 07, 2009, 01:52:37 PM
:nelson:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: dps on May 07, 2009, 01:52:51 PM
It's just Manny being Manny, not manly.   :)
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on May 07, 2009, 01:58:02 PM
Oh of course Manny is now suspended.  This is the worst fantasy baseball season for me ever.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jech on May 07, 2009, 04:15:37 PM
Awesome.

Bill Simmons article on ESPN.com is funny, even though its meant to be very serious http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/090507&sportCat=mlb

Suck it Red Sox Nation. We'll take our very clean 17 straight losing seasons over your tainted championships......
:unsure:

Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on May 07, 2009, 04:23:09 PM
Quote from: jech on May 07, 2009, 04:15:37 PM
Awesome.

Bill Simmons article on ESPN.com is funny, even though its meant to be very serious http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/090507&sportCat=mlb

Suck it Red Sox Nation. We'll take our very clean 17 straight losing seasons over your tainted championships......
:unsure:

I have no remorse, everyone was cheating so it was a level playing field.

THERE ARE NO AMERICAN TANKS IN BAGHDAD!
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: HVC on May 07, 2009, 06:30:57 PM
Gonna go watch my first game tuesday. toronto vs yankees. yay?
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Ed Anger on May 07, 2009, 06:32:10 PM
Quote from: HVC on May 07, 2009, 06:30:57 PM
Gonna go watch my first game tuesday. toronto vs yankees. yay?

Have fun. Look for glove sniffers.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on May 07, 2009, 07:29:42 PM
Quote from: HVC on May 07, 2009, 06:30:57 PM
Gonna go watch my first game tuesday. toronto vs yankees. yay?

Huzzah!  Have a good time!

Here is a song for you:

Well, Mr. Burns had done it.           
The power plant had won it.
With Roger Clemens clucking
all the while.
Mike Scioscia's tragic illness
made us smile.
While Wade Boggs lay unconscious on
the barroom tile.

We're talkin'...
Baseball.
From Maine to San Diego.
Talking'...
Baseball.
Mattingly and Canseco.

Ken Griffey's grotesquely swollen jaw.
Steve Sax and his run-in with the law.
We're talkin' Homer...
Ozzie, and the Straw.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Sophie Scholl on May 08, 2009, 03:40:13 AM
 :worthy:  Nice fucking choice!  A few guys and I have taken that up as our official bar song since opening day.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: HVC on May 12, 2009, 11:03:03 PM
Fun experience. i was one of the many in the chorus of taunting the yankees. much more fun in person then on tv. No commerecials and seems much faster.

got a free shirt too.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on May 12, 2009, 11:18:56 PM
Happy Frickin Halladay to you.   :mad:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: HVC on May 13, 2009, 10:56:00 AM
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on May 12, 2009, 11:18:56 PM
Happy Frickin Halladay to you.   :mad:
:lol:

My throat still hurts.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: PRC on May 13, 2009, 11:19:52 PM
Blue Jays are looking awesome.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: sbr on May 14, 2009, 12:39:29 AM
They are, it will be interesting to see how they do once they start playing AL East teams.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on May 20, 2009, 09:16:07 PM
Nice game by the Sox, Papi's finally swinging well.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on May 30, 2009, 01:28:39 PM
Man, our record's been fine, but our starting pitching sucks ass. <_<
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on June 03, 2009, 06:44:48 PM
A great article on why the morons who constantly bleat that this time pitcher X is really the last 300 game winner are wrong.

http://joeposnanski.com/JoeBlog/2009/05/20/the-300-workout-plan/
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Ed Anger on June 03, 2009, 06:46:20 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on May 30, 2009, 01:28:39 PM
Man, our record's been fine, but our starting pitching sucks ass. <_<

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg8.imageshack.us%2Fimg8%2F1795%2Fcommentfacepalm.jpg&hash=7a38d231de7d0f9b679c26cca02f3473126ae161)
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on June 05, 2009, 12:37:43 AM
And the Buccos trade away another seasoned player - this time McLouth - to take on board new talent.

At least McCutchen came through in his debut; we'll see if he can keep it up.

Hitters         AB R H RBI BB SO #P  AVG OBP
A McCutchen CF  4  3 2  1  1  0  19 .500 .600
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: MadBurgerMaker on June 05, 2009, 01:13:49 AM
You know...because I'm talking about it now, everything will be ruined, but I can't help it anymore:

Texas 31 22 .585

:cry:  It's...just....beautiful.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Barrister on June 05, 2009, 02:18:58 AM
And whataya know - the Royals still suck.  Some things never change after 20+ years.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on June 09, 2009, 08:46:46 PM
The Sox are hammering the Yankees! :yeah:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on June 09, 2009, 11:49:20 PM
McLouth: 3 runs, 1 RBI in two games against the Pirates. Couldn't they at least have waited with the trade until after this series?

Well, at least they didn't go over 15 innings this time like in the previous game.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on June 10, 2009, 08:54:47 AM
Yesterday's amateur draft was the highlight of the Orioles season thus far.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on June 11, 2009, 09:34:27 PM
The Sox pull ahead of the Yanks in the bottom of the 8th!  :yeah:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on June 16, 2009, 01:18:37 AM
After the awkward open GM letter following the "slightly" unpopular McLouth trade to the Braves, ESPN suggests this form for future occasions.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=gallo/090611&sportCat=mlb
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fassets.espn.go.com%2Fphoto%2F2009%2F0611%2Fpg2_djz_576.jpg&hash=c370d46c093442ae5c9a7d1d7d92d4e9aed3b6f7)
:lol:  :(  <_<
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: citizen k on June 16, 2009, 01:35:46 AM
Quote from: Syt on June 16, 2009, 01:18:37 AM
After the awkward open GM letter following the "slightly" unpopular McLouth trade to the Braves, ESPN suggests this form for future occasions.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=gallo/090611&sportCat=mlb (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=gallo/090611&sportCat=mlb)

That's hilarious.  :lol:

Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on June 17, 2009, 10:16:24 PM
Go Pudge :cheers:

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/31416349/ns/sports-baseball/
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: katmai on June 17, 2009, 10:18:10 PM
Supporting a spic over the True Pudge, who was a Sox player, you are disgusting.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: derspiess on June 17, 2009, 10:31:37 PM
Took Tommy to his first baseball game tonight:

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc1%2Fhs089.snc1%2F5086_92471322289_774932289_1840654_5840071_n.jpg&hash=9faecf77480234e96568717c6e89c990a98cea70)

He got to see a home run ("homewun" is a new favorite word) & fireworks and have a healthy meal of hot dogs & ice cream.  Had to let him walk around a couple times, but he was surprisingly good.  We stayed through the 8th inning :)
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Jaron on June 17, 2009, 10:33:00 PM
He looks bored.

It's baseball. I don't blame him.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: katmai on June 17, 2009, 10:34:03 PM
Quote from: Jaron on June 17, 2009, 10:33:00 PM
He looks bored.



Well it was a Reds game.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: derspiess on June 17, 2009, 10:41:17 PM
Quote from: katmai on June 17, 2009, 10:34:03 PM
Quote from: Jaron on June 17, 2009, 10:33:00 PM
He looks bored.



Well it was a Reds game.

:D   They have plenty of crap there to keep the kids entertained.  We were lucky enough to be in our seats for pretty much all the parts of the game that were worth watching.  He clapped whenever the home crowd cheered.  I let this one go since it's his first game, but I can't allow him to turn into a Reds fan.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: katmai on June 17, 2009, 10:42:11 PM
Quote from: derspiess on June 17, 2009, 10:41:17 PM

:D   They have plenty of crap there to keep the kids entertained.  We were lucky enough to be in our seats for pretty much all the parts of the game that were worth watching.  He clapped whenever the home crowd cheered.  I let this one go since it's his first game, but I can't allow him to turn into a Reds fan.
:D
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on June 20, 2009, 12:47:31 AM
My huge obsession has been College Baseball since I was five or six years old...and tonight Texas just advanced to the National Championship Series by doing this to Arizona State:

http://videos.utexasclan.com/view.php?id=7197

Fuck yeah!

Damn I am so excited and I need to get to bed.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Ed Anger on June 20, 2009, 08:23:12 AM
Quote from: derspiess on June 17, 2009, 10:41:17 PM
Quote from: katmai on June 17, 2009, 10:34:03 PM
Quote from: Jaron on June 17, 2009, 10:33:00 PM
He looks bored.



Well it was a Reds game.

:D   They have plenty of crap there to keep the kids entertained.  We were lucky enough to be in our seats for pretty much all the parts of the game that were worth watching.  He clapped whenever the home crowd cheered.  I let this one go since it's his first game, but I can't allow him to turn into a Reds fan.

Oh no... the dark prince of the Reds, Johnny Bench, will have his soul. Shop at Kroger's.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on June 20, 2009, 09:51:03 PM
Becket pitched a shut out. I am pleased. ^_^
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on June 30, 2009, 10:21:39 PM
WTF!? :bleeding:

The Sox were up 10-1 in the 7th and now we're down 11-10 in the 8th! :x
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Sophie Scholl on June 30, 2009, 10:24:40 PM
Man, I thought being a Royals fan was tough, but damn... Pirates fans, you have my condolences.  Your team truly is used as a farm system for the richer teams.  Ouch. <_<
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Barrister on June 30, 2009, 11:01:37 PM
Quote from: Judas Iscariot on June 30, 2009, 10:24:40 PM
Man, I thought being a Royals fan was tough, but damn... Pirates fans, you have my condolences.  Your team truly is used as a farm system for the richer teams.  Ouch. <_<

No one has it rougher than a Royals fan.  <_<
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on July 01, 2009, 12:38:01 AM
Quote from: Judas Iscariot on June 30, 2009, 10:24:40 PM
Man, I thought being a Royals fan was tough, but damn... Pirates fans, you have my condolences.  Your team truly is used as a farm system for the richer teams.  Ouch. <_<

Well, unlike the McLouth trade I can understand the rationale behind the Hinske and Morgan trades (Hinske's not getting younger, an Nyjer is underperforming, too).

Still, the Buccos are obviously going for a solid record in doing the longest rebuild in any sports ever. I guess they want to surpass the rebuilding of the German team between 1918 and 1939 in length ... aaaalmost there.  <_<
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on July 01, 2009, 01:05:10 AM
When internet memes come to the analogue world:
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ficanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F06%2Flastpost.jpg&hash=a2d1ff7c1d1e231faef12060f26d5591ab637346)

.... and you can get a free "I can haz cheezburger" t-shirt.

I'm torn between :lol: and :bleeding:

:unsure:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Sophie Scholl on July 01, 2009, 01:32:19 AM
It's the Japanese influence.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on July 01, 2009, 09:59:05 AM
Pujols is hitting .332, with 30 home runs and 77 runs batted in. I'm starting to think he might actually have a chance at the triple crown. He's first in home runs and RBI and sixth in batting average.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on July 02, 2009, 04:32:45 PM
The poor Mets can't catch a break!  :lmfao:

http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/allegheny/19924514/detail.html
QuoteWalk On The Wild Side: Furries Return To Pittsburgh, Freak Mets Out

Anthrocon 2009 Being Held Downtown This Weekend

POSTED: 6:58 am EDT July 2, 2009
UPDATED: 1:36 pm EDT July 2, 2009

PITTSBURGH -- Talk about a walk on the wild side -- the furries are returning to Pittsburgh.

The fourth annual Anthrocon 2009 starts on Thursday at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center and runs until July 5, attracting furry fans from across the globe.

The conference is the world's largest for Anthropomorphics.

"So, someone like Bugs Bunny is a rabbit. But rabbits can't walk on two legs, can't talk and they don't wear gloves. So you've given some human characteristics to a non-human character," said the conference's program director, John "KP" Cole.

The convention is a chance for people who enjoy cartoon animals and their kin to dress up and meet with other fans.

Slideshow: Anthrocon 2009 Pictures

"I always liked to see them at the zoo. I always felt akin to them," said Jordan "Irish Fox" Irish.

"It's just that part of being animal. I guess you kind of just feel (your tail) swinging behind you," said "Snow Queen" who came from Colorado.

Anthrocon Chairman Dr. Samuel Conway said many of the thousands of people attending the conference will dress as their favorite characters.

"We expect 500 (to) 600 of them this year, and they"ll be wandering about. If you see a large raccoon on the streets of Pittsburgh, don't be alarmed, it's just us," Conway said.

Many conference attendees are visiting Pittsburgh for the first time.

"I've come here to meet so many friends I've met on the Internet and to enjoy the art," said Holly Crawford, who traveled from the United Kingdom.

The New York Mets -- in town for a game against the Pirates -- checked into the Westin hotel, where many of the furries are staying. That prompted the following tweets from one of their TV reporters:

    * "Our hotel in Pitt is overrun by people dressed up as animals. Anthrocon? And they act as animals. I have seen it all and I am freaked out"

    * "I just took a picture with a person who was dressed like Ralph Wigam as a Beaver. I will try to put this on Twitter tomorrow - oh I will try" (Note - He succeeded.)

    * I am so disturbed I can't go to sleep, yet I have to be at PNC in 7 hours!!!!"

    * "I was scared but yet amused and it has been the topic of conversation today at the park!"

While not everyone dresses up, the fans Channel 4 Action News' Amber Nicotra spoke with said the conference is the one event they look forward to each year.

"What brought me back was the art. I love to see what the artists come up with, meeting the artists themselves. It's great putting a face to the identity you meet online," said artist Brooke "Ishaway."

Some furries, as these fans are known, attended a private welcome party Wednesday night at the wildlife rehabilitation center in Verona.

The center, operated by the Animal Rescue League, will benefit from the auction proceeds generated by the annual convention.

"Anthrocon every year chooses a local animal-related charity that we can support. We have a charity auction and sort of giveaways in there. We like to give back a little bit, if I can say, to the animal community. Since cartoons and cartoon animals, all these people are animal lovers at heart," said Anthrocon Chairman Dr. Samuel Conway.

Between 3,500 and 4,000 anthropomorphics are expected at this year's convention, which will include workshops, panel discussions and an art exhibition.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Sophie Scholl on July 22, 2009, 10:37:12 PM
Trey Hillman needs to be fired.  Now.  Losing every goddamn game since the All Star break but one in the 8th inning because you refuse to make use of your awesome closer for 2 innings of work is awful decision making.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: sbr on July 24, 2009, 02:30:22 PM
Mark Buehrle throws a perfect game against Tampa Bay, with an amazing and incredible catch by a defensive replacement to lead off the ninth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxrdz42WLk4

One of the best catches I have seen, especially considering what it saved.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: sbr on July 24, 2009, 02:47:43 PM
Also looks like the Cardinals have landed Matt Holliday from the A's for some prospects.  Great trade, IMO.  The Cardinals really needed another bat in their line-up to help and protect Pujols; this trade should go a long way towards getting them into the play-offs.  Now if they coudl just find another starting pitcher I woudl really like their chances in October.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on July 27, 2009, 10:47:43 AM
The Sox have hit a bad stretch lately, their offense is spluttering. :(
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on July 27, 2009, 10:55:26 AM
The Empire Strikes Back  :yeah:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: alfred russel on July 27, 2009, 11:01:18 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on July 27, 2009, 10:47:43 AM
The Sox have hit a bad stretch lately, their offense is spluttering. :(

I guess it is time for them to "cowboy up." :bleeding: :bleeding: :bleeding:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: derspiess on July 27, 2009, 11:17:40 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on July 01, 2009, 09:59:05 AM
Pujols is hitting .332, with 30 home runs and 77 runs batted in. I'm starting to think he might actually have a chance at the triple crown.

Well, not now.  Thanks for the taint  :mad:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on July 27, 2009, 11:21:54 AM
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on July 27, 2009, 10:55:26 AM
The Empire Strikes Back  :yeah:
It's only a matter of time before the Return of the Jedi.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on July 27, 2009, 11:36:14 AM
I would just like to point out the Orioles are only 15 games out of the Wild Card!  :)
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on July 27, 2009, 11:41:17 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on July 27, 2009, 11:21:54 AM
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on July 27, 2009, 10:55:26 AM
The Empire Strikes Back  :yeah:
It's only a matter of time before the Return of the Jedi.

The Cubs?
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on July 27, 2009, 11:51:55 AM
:yeahright: I say no. It should be a lifetime ban. Once he passes away, then you can lift the ban and let him get in the hall. Same for Shoeless Joe Jackson, he's dead, what's the point of keeping him out of the hall?

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4358260

QuoteMLB commissioner Bud Selig appears to be "seriously considering" reinstatement for Pete Rose nearly 20 years after the hit king was banned from baseball for gambling on the sport, according to a report in the New York Daily News.

Hank Aaron's support for Rose's Hall of Fame inclusion, which he mentioned at this weekend's ceremonies in Cooperstown, N.Y., is a strong indication of Selig's possible action, the Daily News reported.

"I would like to see Pete in," Aaron said. "He belongs there."

Lobbying for the move began five years ago but died when Selig became convinced Rose was not "reconfiguring" his life, the newspaper report said, part of the late commissioner Bart Giamatti's demands on Rose when he was ruled ineligible.

"I think a lot of the guys feel that it's been 20 years now for Pete, and would lean toward leniency and time served," an unnamed Hall of Famer said, according to the Daily News. "If he had admitted it in the first place and apologized way back then, he'd probably be in the Hall by now."

If Rose were to become eligible, it stands to reason he would have to be voted into the Hall of Fame by the 65 living members that make up the Veterans Committee.

Inclusion on the writers' ballot expires after 15 years, though Rose has never appeared on their ballot except by write-in. During his first year of eligibility, Rose received 41 write-in votes.

"I know there are still guys who feel strongly against him," said another Hall of Famer, according to the report. "And I don't know if that would change even if Selig clears him."
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on July 27, 2009, 11:59:58 AM
That would suck I loved having that fugly lying asshole banned.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: derspiess on July 27, 2009, 01:15:13 PM
Quote from: Valmy on July 27, 2009, 11:59:58 AM
That would suck I loved having that fugly lying asshole banned.

Noted.   <_<
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Barrister on July 27, 2009, 01:20:18 PM
Quote from: Valmy on July 27, 2009, 11:59:58 AM
That would suck I loved having that fugly lying asshole banned.

Indeed.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Ed Anger on July 27, 2009, 03:44:29 PM
Tim, Valmy and Beeb are hereby on the Ed Anger Big Red Machine shit list.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Eddie Teach on July 27, 2009, 03:51:21 PM
Shoeless Joe should never make it into the Hall.

I don't recall Rose's particulars, but if he ever bet against the Reds I'd say the same for him.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on July 27, 2009, 03:55:47 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on July 27, 2009, 03:44:29 PM
Tim, Valmy and Beeb are hereby on the Ed Anger Big Red Machine shit list.

The Big Red Machine sucked, Brooks Robinson beat them single handedly.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Ed Anger on July 27, 2009, 03:58:48 PM
Quote from: Valmy on July 27, 2009, 03:55:47 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on July 27, 2009, 03:44:29 PM
Tim, Valmy and Beeb are hereby on the Ed Anger Big Red Machine shit list.

The Big Red Machine sucked, Brooks Robinson beat them single handedly.

I'M NOT TALKING TO YOU ANYMORE.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Barrister on July 27, 2009, 04:39:24 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on July 27, 2009, 03:44:29 PM
Tim, Valmy and Beeb are hereby on the Ed Anger Big Red Machine shit list.

I have nothing against the Big Red Machine.  My disdain is reserved solely for that lying piece of shit Pete Rose.  It was bad enough that he bet on baseball, but worse that he has lied about it so many times over so many years.   :mad:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Ed Anger on July 27, 2009, 07:11:30 PM
Quote from: Barrister on July 27, 2009, 04:39:24 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on July 27, 2009, 03:44:29 PM
Tim, Valmy and Beeb are hereby on the Ed Anger Big Red Machine shit list.

I have nothing against the Big Red Machine.  My disdain is reserved solely for that lying piece of shit Pete Rose.  It was bad enough that he bet on baseball, but worse that he has lied about it so many times over so many years.   :mad:

USE AQUA VELVA.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: derspiess on July 27, 2009, 10:45:09 PM
Quote from: Valmy on July 27, 2009, 03:55:47 PM
The Big Red Machine sucked, Brooks Robinson beat them single handedly.

Big deal-- that was the first year of the Machine.  They won the greatest World Series of all time, against one of the most annoying franchises of all time :contract:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on July 27, 2009, 10:46:35 PM
Quote from: derspiess on July 27, 2009, 10:45:09 PM
Big deal-- that was the first year of the Machine.  They won the greatest World Series of all time, against one of the most annoying franchises of all time :contract:

Yeah but it was Earl Weaver's only moment of glory so therefore I have to play it up for all its worth.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on July 27, 2009, 10:47:40 PM
Where is all this Red love coming from anyway Spicey?  I thought you loved that far more glorious franchise over in St Louis.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: derspiess on July 27, 2009, 10:48:01 PM
Quote from: Barrister on July 27, 2009, 04:39:24 PM
I have nothing against the Big Red Machine.  My disdain is reserved solely for that lying piece of shit Pete Rose.  It was bad enough that he bet on baseball, but worse that he has lied about it so many times over so many years.   :mad:

So what.  He is the Hit King and did this a lot:
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flesterslegends.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2008%2F05%2Fpete-rose-slide.jpg&hash=431156c207c980f8070bcc8c88ab61410d9746a7)

Keep him out as a manager if you want (he was a shitty manager anyway), but there's no reason to keep him out as a player.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: derspiess on July 27, 2009, 10:55:40 PM
Quote from: Valmy on July 27, 2009, 10:47:40 PM
Where is all this Red love coming from anyway Spicey?  I thought you loved that far more glorious franchise over in St Louis.

I do.  Just so happens that I was a Reds fan during the tail end of the Big Red Machine era.  If you had seen Pete Rose slide head-first into 3rd base, Tom Seaver pitch a complete game shut-out, Ken Griffey (Sr.) hit a triple, etc., etc. you'd understand.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on July 27, 2009, 11:00:32 PM
Quote from: derspiess on July 27, 2009, 10:48:01 PM
Keep him out as a manager if you want (he was a shitty manager anyway), but there's no reason to keep him out as a player.

Actually I think it sort of helps his legacy as a player to be kept out.  Everybody remembers Shoeless Joe Jackson...but how many people out there can name a Hall of Famer from the 1919 season besides Babe Ruth?
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on July 27, 2009, 11:02:10 PM
Quote from: derspiess on July 27, 2009, 10:55:40 PM
I do.  Just so happens that I was a Reds fan during the tail end of the Big Red Machine era.  If you had seen Pete Rose slide head-first into 3rd base, Tom Seaver pitch a complete game shut-out, Ken Griffey (Sr.) hit a triple, etc., etc. you'd understand.

I did not see a big league game until 1992.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: derspiess on July 27, 2009, 11:22:31 PM
Quote from: Valmy on July 27, 2009, 11:00:32 PM
I did not see a big league game until 1992.

I started going in 1976, at age 3 :)
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on July 28, 2009, 10:58:21 AM
Quote from: derspiess on July 27, 2009, 10:48:01 PM
Keep him out as a manager if you want (he was a shitty manager anyway), but there's no reason to keep him out as a player.

he was a player-manager though.

Also his quest to be the hit king was incredibly selfish and did serious damage to his team because he was absolutely useless as a player the last 5 years of his career.  He was probably the worst regular in baseball in 1986 and took away time from Esasky who at least had a little pop in his bat.  Particularly inexcusable because the Reds were actually in the pennant race still in late July.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: stjaba on July 28, 2009, 11:51:31 AM
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on July 28, 2009, 10:58:21 AM

he was a player-manager though.

Also his quest to be the hit king was incredibly selfish and did serious damage to his team because he was absolutely useless as a player the last 5 years of his career.  He was probably the worst regular in baseball in 1986 and took away time from Esasky who at least had a little pop in his bat.  Particularly inexcusable because the Reds were actually in the pennant race still in late July.

That's absolutely true. I had no idea how crappy his numbers were in the latter part of his career until I looked at his baseball-reference.com page.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: dps on July 28, 2009, 12:37:21 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on July 27, 2009, 11:51:55 AM
:yeahright: I say no. It should be a lifetime ban. Once he passes away, then you can lift the ban and let him get in the hall. Same for Shoeless Joe Jackson, he's dead, what's the point of keeping him out of the hall?

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4358260

QuoteMLB commissioner Bud Selig appears to be "seriously considering" reinstatement for Pete Rose nearly 20 years after the hit king was banned from baseball for gambling on the sport, according to a report in the New York Daily News.

Hank Aaron's support for Rose's Hall of Fame inclusion, which he mentioned at this weekend's ceremonies in Cooperstown, N.Y., is a strong indication of Selig's possible action, the Daily News reported.

"I would like to see Pete in," Aaron said. "He belongs there."

Lobbying for the move began five years ago but died when Selig became convinced Rose was not "reconfiguring" his life, the newspaper report said, part of the late commissioner Bart Giamatti's demands on Rose when he was ruled ineligible.

"I think a lot of the guys feel that it's been 20 years now for Pete, and would lean toward leniency and time served," an unnamed Hall of Famer said, according to the Daily News. "If he had admitted it in the first place and apologized way back then, he'd probably be in the Hall by now."

If Rose were to become eligible, it stands to reason he would have to be voted into the Hall of Fame by the 65 living members that make up the Veterans Committee.

Inclusion on the writers' ballot expires after 15 years, though Rose has never appeared on their ballot except by write-in. During his first year of eligibility, Rose received 41 write-in votes.

"I know there are still guys who feel strongly against him," said another Hall of Famer, according to the report. "And I don't know if that would change even if Selig clears him."

Technically, they don't have a "lifetime ban";  they're on the "permanently ineligible list".  Well, Jackson is;  again, technically, Rose isn't on the list, but his agreement with the Commissioner's Office was that he was to be treated as if he were.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on July 29, 2009, 01:44:15 PM
Phillies trade for Cliff Lee!

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090729&content_id=6127048&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: derspiess on July 29, 2009, 02:33:39 PM
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on July 28, 2009, 10:58:21 AM
he was a player-manager though.
Yep.  But betting is more problematic if managers are doing it.  Unless you're a player betting against your own team, of course.

QuoteAlso his quest to be the hit king was incredibly selfish and did serious damage to his team because he was absolutely useless as a player the last 5 years of his career. 

His batting average doesn't bear this out (particularly when you take into account how low BAs were in the 80s), except for his final year. 

QuoteHe was probably the worst regular in baseball in 1986 and took away time from Esasky who at least had a little pop in his bat.  Particularly inexcusable because the Reds were actually in the pennant race still in late July.

I don't think he played much in the 2nd half of the season.  The Reds have a tradition of tanking in late July anyway :D  But yeah, he played past his prime.  Lots of guys have.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on July 29, 2009, 04:57:08 PM
Quote from: derspiess on July 29, 2009, 02:33:39 PM
His batting average doesn't bear this out (particularly when you take into account how low BAs were in the 80s), except for his final year.

Batting average is far from being the sole determinant of value. 
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: sbr on July 29, 2009, 05:55:35 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on July 29, 2009, 01:44:15 PM
Phillies trade for Cliff Lee!

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090729&content_id=6127048&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

Great move by the Phillies; Lee is no Halladay but the price was much cheaper.  Phils are the NL team to beat.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: CountDeMoney on July 29, 2009, 06:22:57 PM
Oakland called up their best prospect, 1B Tommy Everidge, the other day.  First career hit was an RBI double that bounced the wrong way on the top of the Green Monster last night.

This kid's got a monster swing, and at 244 lbs, you do not want to be blocking the plate on him.  I expect Adam Dunn numbers with him in years to come.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: katmai on July 29, 2009, 07:08:28 PM
the gigantes traded for allstar 2b from Pirates, syt need more info on the guy.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: dps on July 29, 2009, 07:39:19 PM
Quote from: Valmy on July 27, 2009, 11:00:32 PM
Quote from: derspiess on July 27, 2009, 10:48:01 PM
Keep him out as a manager if you want (he was a shitty manager anyway), but there's no reason to keep him out as a player.

Actually I think it sort of helps his legacy as a player to be kept out.  Everybody remembers Shoeless Joe Jackson...but how many people out there can name a Hall of Famer from the 1919 season besides Babe Ruth?

Missed this earlier.  Just off the top of my head:  Ray Schalk, Eddie Collins, Walter Johnson, Pete Alexander, Ty Cobb
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on July 29, 2009, 07:40:32 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on July 29, 2009, 06:22:57 PM


This kid's got a monster swing, and at 244 lbs, you do not want to be blocking the plate on him.  I expect Adam Dunn numbers with him in years to come.
Struggles to hit .250? :P
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: CountDeMoney on July 29, 2009, 07:41:15 PM
Quote from: katmai on July 29, 2009, 07:08:28 PM
the gigantes traded for allstar 2b from Pirates, syt need more info on the guy.

Jack Wilson?  He's awesome.  Great deal for the Gs.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: katmai on July 29, 2009, 07:56:30 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on July 29, 2009, 07:41:15 PM
Quote from: katmai on July 29, 2009, 07:08:28 PM
the gigantes traded for allstar 2b from Pirates, syt need more info on the guy.

Jack Wilson?  He's awesome.  Great deal for the Gs.

Nah Wilson was traded to mariners, Freddy Sanchez is 2b's name, he as 2006 batting champ apparently :o
They Giants are trying to add some bats to the excellent pitching staff as they picked up a first baseman from Indians yesterday too.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: CountDeMoney on July 29, 2009, 08:13:25 PM
Ah, OK, got my Pirates from the Annual Pittsburgh Fire Sale mixed up.
Freddy Sanchez ain't no fucking slouch, man.  An excellent player.  Great D, smacks the ball around very well, hits for average, still speedy at 31.

Once again, the Pirates show why the Orioles management is only the 2nd worst in the majors.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on July 30, 2009, 08:08:08 PM
Red Sox win! :w00t:

But Ortiz is outed to be a cheat like Manny.  :cry:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on July 30, 2009, 11:37:08 PM
Canseco says he knows of a Hall of Famer who juiced. Since he's been right about almost everything I wonder who it is?

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/32225617/ns/sports-baseball/
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: sbr on July 31, 2009, 01:00:31 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on July 30, 2009, 11:37:08 PM
Canseco says he knows of a Hall of Famer who juiced. Since he's been right about almost everything I wonder who it is?

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/32225617/ns/sports-baseball/

The only recent one that would make any sense would be Ricky Henderson, that is 100% speculation though. 

I will assume that the one's put in by the Vet. Committee aren't juicers.


2009
Rickey henderson
Jim Rice

2008
Gossage

2007
Cal Ripken
Tony Gwynn

2006
Bruce Sutter

2005
Wade Boggs
Ryne Sandberg

2004
Paul Moliter
Dennis Eckersly

Not sure it is very reasonable to go back much further than that.

The only ones I could even consider are Rickey and Cal Ripken, but I can't really consider Cal so forget him.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on July 31, 2009, 12:54:16 PM
Quote from: dps on July 29, 2009, 07:39:19 PM
Missed this earlier.  Just off the top of my head:  Ray Schalk, Eddie Collins, Walter Johnson, Pete Alexander, Ty Cobb

Also without checking - Hornsby and Speaker. 

Plenty o' big names at the time.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on July 31, 2009, 12:59:56 PM
Quote from: sbr on July 31, 2009, 01:00:31 AM
Not sure it is very reasonable to go back much further than that.

Kirby Puckett ???? 
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: MadBurgerMaker on July 31, 2009, 01:04:07 PM
Quote from: sbr on July 31, 2009, 01:00:31 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on July 30, 2009, 11:37:08 PM
Canseco says he knows of a Hall of Famer who juiced. Since he's been right about almost everything I wonder who it is?

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/32225617/ns/sports-baseball/

The only recent one that would make any sense would be Ricky Henderson, that is 100% speculation though. 

I will assume that the one's put in by the Vet. Committee aren't juicers.


2009
Rickey henderson
Jim Rice

2008
Gossage

2007
Cal Ripken
Tony Gwynn

2006
Bruce Sutter

2005
Wade Boggs
Ryne Sandberg

2004
Paul Moliter
Dennis Eckersly

Not sure it is very reasonable to go back much further than that.

The only ones I could even consider are Rickey and Cal Ripken, but I can't really consider Cal so forget him.

Eckersley, Gossage, Henderson, and Canseco all played for the A's at the same time.  :ph34r:

Edit:  McGwire was on that '92 team too.  Wiki says Jason Giambi was drafted and signed that year too (minor league though).  :lol:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on July 31, 2009, 01:29:45 PM
Bill James on steroids and Cooperstown:

http://www.actapublications.com/images/small/PressReleases/Cooperstownandthe'Roids_F2.pdf
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Caliga on August 01, 2009, 05:07:28 AM
I had a great time at the Bats game last night, even though they lost to the Mud Hens 8-6.  The Bats had the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth with two outs, and the game ended on a fly out to right field.  :(

Has my life-long hate affair with baseball: come to an end? :unsure:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Ed Anger on August 01, 2009, 06:45:12 AM
Quote from: Caliga on August 01, 2009, 05:07:28 AM
I had a great time at the Bats game last night, even though they lost to the Mud Hens 8-6.  The Bats had the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth with two outs, and the game ended on a fly out to right field.  :(

Has my life-long hate affair with baseball: come to an end? :unsure:

Remember, you don't have to deal with Red Sox fans anymore. Sports enjoyment increases the further away from New England sports teams.

Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Ed Anger on August 01, 2009, 08:29:54 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on July 30, 2009, 08:08:08 PM

But Ortiz is outed to be a cheat like Manny.  :cry:

Quote
QuoteMichael Schur (aka Ken Tremendous) is smarter and funnier than I'll ever be. That's why I was floored yesterday to see him post this on Twitter:

    I can't believe that I'm surprised about David Ortiz doing steroids. But I'm surprised that David Ortiz did steroids.

You'd think every baseball fan on Earth right now would be more or less numb to the idea of a player being outed as a roider. Ah, but once again, we find that Red Sox fans believe they and their team poop sunshine and live on some sort of magical, negro-free cloud in the heavens. Oh sure, they expect a team like the FACKIN' YANKEES to have roiders. But not the precious Red Sox! They're different! Special! They'd never violate the bond they have their legendary fans, who have been known to keep entire city grids powered simply with the strength of their hearts!

You listen to me, you fucking retards. You're just another bunch of asshole fans rooting for another asshole team. And the fact that you think you're somehow above all that is what makes you utterly insufferable. I hope it turns out the Jason Varitek took HGH in 2004 and once killed a child in a drunken lawnmowing accident.

Lest you think I'm exaggerating about the self-importance of Red Sox fans (I can't believe I had to hear about this on my Blackberry in the sky!), there's this delightfully insane article in the Globe today about just how DEVASTATED they are by this. Look at that chick in the Globe's photo. She's gonna cry! What a loser. Here's the headline:

For legions of fans, a magic spell is broken

NO! NO! The enchantment has worn off! Quick, find all the juniper berries and hearts of cedar you can find. We shall produce a spell that will bring back our precious innocence!

The news struck like a thunderclap

MY WHOLD FACKIN' WARLD JUST GAWT RAWKED!

a bolt that shook fans to the core and bruised their fondest memories.

Oh, no! My precious memories! They've been sullied! Unclean! Unclean! Shouting FACK THE YANKEES will never be as sweet as it once was!

David Ortiz, the legendary Red Sox slugger adored by legions of fans, had reportedly used performance-enhancing drugs, a cruel revelation that left countless fans adrift and disillusioned.

"Now I don't believe in NOTHIN'! I'm going to law school!"

The scourge that has hung over the game for years, sullying many of the game's brightest stars, from Barry Bonds to Roger Clemens, had now claimed one of Boston's own.

No! Not here! I NEVER IMAGINED IT COULD HAPPEN HERE, EVEN THOUGH MANNY ALREADY TESTED POSITIVE!

He was a hero to a lot of us, and now it feels diluted, somehow,'' said Chris Healy, 48, of Norwich, Vt., pausing as he walked to the park with his two sons. "It just doesn't feel good."

Seriously, man. You're 48 years old. Take a look at this card of Ortiz with the Twins. Do you really think he got that big merely by eating arepas?

Others were disappointed, even crushed, but put up a brave face, saying they always suspected something was amiss. Even if they wouldn't let themselves believe it.

"The kid in you wants you to hope it's not true,'' Kevin Murray, a 35-year-old from Millbury, said between bites of an Italian sausage outside the park. "Even if you knew it all along."

Well, then the kid in you is wicked... you know...

"They just aren't as golden anymore,'' said Meghan Stipkovich, 31, heading to Fenway Park yesterday afternoon with her husband and 1-year-old daughter. "It's disheartening. We put them on such a pedestal, and it's tough to hear. Just very sad.''

You get the idea. All through the article are testimonials from fans who suspected Ortiz was a juicer (because Boston fans are so perceptive, you see), but refused to believe it because they're all innocent little fawns at heart. I promise you the Simmons article on this next week will include this stand-alone paragraph:

"But not Papi. Papi was different."

He's not. He's just another ballplayer trying to get ahead. And Red Sox Nation is just another group of shitheads wearing pink hats. Keep crying those delicious tears, gang.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Barrister on August 01, 2009, 10:36:35 AM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on July 29, 2009, 08:13:25 PM
Ah, OK, got my Pirates from the Annual Pittsburgh Fire Sale mixed up.
Freddy Sanchez ain't no fucking slouch, man.  An excellent player.  Great D, smacks the ball around very well, hits for average, still speedy at 31.

Once again, the Pirates show why the Orioles management is only the 2nd worst in the majors.

You're forgetting Royals management. :contract:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Caliga on August 01, 2009, 11:41:39 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on August 01, 2009, 06:45:12 AMRemember, you don't have to deal with Red Sox fans anymore. Sports enjoyment increases the further away from New England sports teams.
Princesca pointed that out to me also.  My hatred of the Red Sox was deeply personal.  :mad:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on August 03, 2009, 12:39:23 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on July 29, 2009, 08:13:25 PM
Once again, the Pirates show why the Orioles management is only the 2nd worst in the majors.

You are spoiled.  Andy MacPhail is one of the best execs in the game.  The Bedard deal was brilliant, and was further enhanced by trading Sherrill at the height of his perceived trade value for some real talent.   That outfield already looks scary, and there is a ton of pitching in the high minors on the way in. 
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: sbr on August 14, 2009, 03:06:32 PM
Quote from: rotoworldAdrian Beltre was placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday with an injured testicle, the Associated Press reports.

Spin: Guys, you might not want to read the details on this one. Beltre took a one-hopper to the groin area in the ninth inning Wednesday, yet managed to play out the remainder of the 14-inning game. However, he may now need surgery due to bleeding in the testicle, which would put him out indefinitely.

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi195.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fz133%2Fsbr32%2Fsmilies%2F474png.gif&hash=9cc7deaf1abbb45dd099c8f2c6eeab68bd4d7127)
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on August 14, 2009, 11:12:04 PM
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on August 03, 2009, 12:39:23 PM
You are spoiled.

Orioles fans?  Spoiled?  You are aware the birds are about to bless us with a 12th consecutive losing season right?
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on August 14, 2009, 11:29:08 PM
Nice comeback by the Red Sox. :)
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on August 16, 2009, 09:45:03 PM
Tim's definitely a glass half full guy.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on August 21, 2009, 10:01:02 PM
What a massacre! Penny is horrible. :weep:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Sophie Scholl on August 22, 2009, 03:44:08 AM
At least it's football season again Tim.  Take heart.  I give the Royals my love for 4 months after they drop below .500. Granted I'll still follow their pathetic attempts, but...  It always seems to line up with the start of football.  They never fail me in that regard at least. <_<
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Ed Anger on August 22, 2009, 08:15:42 AM
I just saw the footage of people getting married at Fenway. Vomit.

Might as well get married in a port-a-potty.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: sbr on August 22, 2009, 10:29:23 AM
The Red Sox are circling the bowl like a turd yearning for freedom.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Sophie Scholl on August 22, 2009, 06:16:34 PM
Quote from: sbr on August 22, 2009, 10:29:23 AM
The Red Sox are circling the bowl like a turd yearning for freedom.
They definitely look off their game today.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on August 22, 2009, 07:37:32 PM
What a massacre! AJ Burnett is horrible! :w00t:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: sbr on August 22, 2009, 07:37:50 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on August 22, 2009, 07:37:32 PM
What a massacre! AJ Burnet is horrible! :w00t:
:lmfao:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: sbr on August 22, 2009, 07:38:20 PM
Quote from: Judas Iscariot on August 22, 2009, 06:16:34 PM
Quote from: sbr on August 22, 2009, 10:29:23 AM
The Red Sox are circling the bowl like a turd yearning for freedom.
They definitely look off their game today.

Yep, what is the saying about the sun and a dog's backside?
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Caliga on August 23, 2009, 03:07:31 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on August 22, 2009, 08:15:42 AM
I just saw the footage of people getting married at Fenway. Vomit.

Might as well get married in a port-a-potty.
What?  I mean, come on, you can get the Got the Globe guy* who stands in front of Yawkey station to be an usher.  How cool would that be?

* "GAWT DA GLOWB!  GLOWB HEAH!  MAHNING GLOWB IS HEAH!  GAWT DA GLOWB!"
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Ed Anger on August 23, 2009, 04:04:35 PM
Quote from: Caliga on August 23, 2009, 03:07:31 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on August 22, 2009, 08:15:42 AM
I just saw the footage of people getting married at Fenway. Vomit.

Might as well get married in a port-a-potty.
What?  I mean, come on, you can get the Got the Globe guy* who stands in front of Yawkey station to be an usher.  How cool would that be?

* "GAWT DA GLOWB!  GLOWB HEAH!  MAHNING GLOWB IS HEAH!  GAWT DA GLOWB!"

Thanks for the reminder of why I despise Boston.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on August 24, 2009, 09:58:06 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on August 22, 2009, 07:37:32 PM
What a massacre! AJ Burnett is horrible! :w00t:

And the Sox drop the series again  . . .
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: MadImmortalMan on August 24, 2009, 01:20:47 PM
Why are the Padres wearing camo?
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: dps on August 24, 2009, 02:33:52 PM
Quote from: MadImmortalMan on August 24, 2009, 01:20:47 PM
Why are the Padres wearing camo?

If you were as bad as they are, wouldn't you want to be hidden?  :D
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on August 24, 2009, 02:40:03 PM
Quote from: dps on July 29, 2009, 07:39:19 PM
Missed this earlier.  Just off the top of my head:  Ray Schalk, Eddie Collins, Walter Johnson, Pete Alexander, Ty Cobb

Common household names of course.

Ok maybe Ty Cobb, but Shoeless Joe is still on a different plane.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Admiral Yi on August 24, 2009, 03:08:01 PM
Just heard on NPR that a Met pulled an unassisted triple play last night, only the 20th in history.  Only the 2nd time that one has ended a game.  Extra delicious irony: same player committed two errors to put runners on 1st and 2nd, man on 1st was the go ahead run.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on August 24, 2009, 03:58:14 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on August 24, 2009, 03:08:01 PM
Just heard on NPR that a Met pulled an unassisted triple play last night, only the 20th in history.  Only the 2nd time that one has ended a game.  Extra delicious irony: same player committed two errors to put runners on 1st and 2nd, man on 1st was the go ahead run.
First of all it was a Philly who did it to the Mets.

Secondly, who the hell gets their baseball news from NPR? You don't get ESPN in Iowa?
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on August 24, 2009, 04:04:27 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on August 24, 2009, 03:58:14 PM
You don't get ESPN in Iowa?

ESPN sucks, they have already crowned Florida the 2009 College Football champion.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Admiral Yi on August 24, 2009, 04:06:28 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on August 24, 2009, 03:58:14 PM
First of all it was a Philly who did it to the Mets.
That makes sense.  Playing in Queens, ended the game.

QuoteSecondly, who the hell gets their baseball news from NPR? You don't get ESPN in Iowa?
People who listen to NPR?
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on August 24, 2009, 04:13:12 PM
Quote from: Valmy on August 24, 2009, 04:04:27 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on August 24, 2009, 03:58:14 PM
You don't get ESPN in Iowa?

ESPN sucks, they have already crowned Florida the 2009 College Football champion.
Well the local sports channel then, there are a hundred media options to follow sports before you get to NPR.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: sbr on August 24, 2009, 04:20:02 PM
John Smoltz pitched great for the Cards yesterday, of course the Padres are arely a major-league line-up at the moment.

If Dave Duncan can work his magic on Smoltzy he will add a lot to the Cards bullpen in the playoffs. :yeah:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: derspiess on August 24, 2009, 04:46:05 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on August 24, 2009, 03:08:01 PM
Just heard on NPR that a Met pulled an unassisted triple play last night, only the 20th in history.  Only the 2nd time that one has ended a game.  Extra delicious irony: same player committed two errors to put runners on 1st and 2nd, man on 1st was the go ahead run.


You get your sports news from NPR?   

:nerd: :nerd: :nerd: :nerd: :nerd: / :nerd: :nerd: :nerd: :nerd: :nerd:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Eddie Teach on August 24, 2009, 05:02:56 PM
Quote from: derspiess on August 24, 2009, 04:46:05 PM
You get your sports news from NPR?   

:nerd: :nerd: :nerd: :nerd: :nerd: / :nerd: :nerd: :nerd: :nerd: :nerd:

No reason to watch dedicated sports news shows when there's no football being played. :contract:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on August 24, 2009, 05:09:59 PM
Quote from: sbr on August 24, 2009, 04:20:02 PM
John Smoltz pitched great for the Cards yesterday, of course the Padres are arely a major-league line-up at the moment.

If Dave Duncan can work his magic on Smoltzy he will add a lot to the Cards bullpen in the playoffs. :yeah:

I don't understand why he didn't do well here. His velocity was decent, 92mph.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Ed Anger on August 24, 2009, 05:37:28 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on August 24, 2009, 05:09:59 PM
Quote from: sbr on August 24, 2009, 04:20:02 PM
John Smoltz pitched great for the Cards yesterday, of course the Padres are arely a major-league line-up at the moment.

If Dave Duncan can work his magic on Smoltzy he will add a lot to the Cards bullpen in the playoffs. :yeah:

I don't understand why he didn't do well here. His velocity was decent, 92mph.

God hates the Red Sox.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on August 24, 2009, 05:40:55 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on August 24, 2009, 05:09:59 PM
I don't understand why he didn't do well here. His velocity was decent, 92mph.

The Bosox stubbornly insisted on pitching him against teams other than the San Diego Padres.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Admiral Yi on August 24, 2009, 06:31:26 PM
Quote from: derspiess on August 24, 2009, 04:46:05 PM
You get your sports news from NPR?   

:nerd: :nerd: :nerd: :nerd: :nerd: / :nerd: :nerd: :nerd: :nerd: :nerd:
What do you want me to do, turn it off when they mention anything sports related?

They also had the sports editor for The Nation ( :lol:) on ranting and drooling about the man-chick runner and how evol sports is to women.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on August 24, 2009, 06:54:46 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on August 24, 2009, 06:31:26 PM
how evol sports is to cheaters.

Fixed!

If only that were true :weep:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Ed Anger on August 24, 2009, 07:08:54 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on August 24, 2009, 06:31:26 PM
evol sports is to women.

Women can't play sports.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Jaron on August 24, 2009, 07:12:12 PM
*me smiles wickedly*

Baseball..


SUCKS.


Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: sbr on August 24, 2009, 07:18:13 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on August 24, 2009, 05:09:59 PM
Quote from: sbr on August 24, 2009, 04:20:02 PM
John Smoltz pitched great for the Cards yesterday, of course the Padres are arely a major-league line-up at the moment.

If Dave Duncan can work his magic on Smoltzy he will add a lot to the Cards bullpen in the playoffs. :yeah:

I don't understand why he didn't do well here. His velocity was decent, 92mph.


First the Cardinal's pitching coach, Dave Duncan is one of, if not the, best in the game.

Second:

http://www.nesn.com/2009/08/cardinals-say-smoltz-was-tipping-pitches-in-boston.html

Quote
Cardinals say Smoltz tipped pitches in Boston

John Smoltz makes eight starts in Boston, and he gets lit up in every one. He leaves Beantown with a 2-5 record and 8.32 ERA and sets off for St. Louis. Then, in his first start with the Cardinals, he throws five shutout innings and strikes out nine batters -- including seven in a row -- and he wins.
What was the problem in Boston?
The Cardinals' coaching staff thinks it knows.
It may have been the competition level, and it may have been a slight tweak in his delivery, but most likely, it was the fact that Smoltz was tipping his pitches while he was with the Red Sox, MLB.com reports. The coaches in St. Louis saw him throw a bullpen session on Thursday, they changed his delivery a bit -- from the stretch, in particular -- and poof. Suddenly, Smoltz isn't getting knocked around.
"It's pretty clear he was tipping his pitchers," Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa told MLB.com after Smoltz's start on Sunday.
According to MLB.com, batters were especially successful against the veteran right-hander when there were already runners on base. They had a 63-point higher batting average and a 123-point higher slugging percentage in that situation. Given those numbers, it's not outlandish to say hitters may have known what was coming.
Smoltz was reluctant to admit he may have been tipping -- instead, he said he got his heel closer to the rubber in Sunday's game -- but he said it was a possibility.
"I very well could have been," he told MLB.com. "If you tip your pitches, it's a lot easier to hit in this league."
If only the Red Sox had thought of that.

Third as Minsky pointed out this was his first start in the NL, and more specifically against the Padres.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on August 24, 2009, 11:02:05 PM
Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse for the Mets, Johan Santana may be lost for the year. :pinch:

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090824&content_id=6596662&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on August 25, 2009, 07:40:36 AM
Quote from: Jaron on August 24, 2009, 07:12:12 PM
*me smiles wickedly*

Baseball..


SUCKS.




Self-loathing Latino hates the only sport his people don't suck at.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Eddie Teach on August 25, 2009, 08:06:14 AM
Quote from: Valmy on August 25, 2009, 07:40:36 AM
Self-loathing Latino hates the only sport his people don't suck at.

They seem to do ok at soccer.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on August 25, 2009, 08:06:56 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on August 25, 2009, 08:06:14 AM
They seem to do ok at soccer.

Depends on whether you count Brazilians as Latinos. -_-  (Which you shouldn't since Latinos by definition come from Spanish speaking cultures)

I knew somebody was going to bring this up btw.  WTF?  Can't somebody counter troll Jaron without some nitpicking jerk ruining it anymore?
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Eddie Teach on August 25, 2009, 08:27:40 AM
Quote from: Valmy on August 25, 2009, 08:06:56 AM
I knew somebody was going to bring this up btw.  WTF?  Can't somebody counter troll Jaron without some nitpicking jerk ruining it anymore?

You realize where you are, right?  :huh:

Besides, if we didn't pick those nits, they'd just grow up and the forum would be lousy.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on August 25, 2009, 08:30:46 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on August 25, 2009, 08:27:40 AM
You realize where you are, right?  :huh:

:weep:

QuoteBesides, if we didn't pick those nits, they'd just grow up and the forum would be lousy.

Good point.  We are like chimps grooming each other.

Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on August 25, 2009, 09:38:40 AM
Quote from: Valmy on August 25, 2009, 08:06:56 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on August 25, 2009, 08:06:14 AM
They seem to do ok at soccer.

Depends on whether you count Brazilians as Latinos. -_-  (Which you shouldn't since Latinos by definition come from Spanish speaking cultures)
I though Latino was a more encompassing term than Hispanic?
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on August 27, 2009, 10:39:42 PM
With the arrival of Nick Green the Red Sox bullpen problems are solved.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.talkingpointsmemo.com%2Fimages%2Fbaghdadbob.jpg&hash=926ef4bb0ea54bbc7b710da6f4d92c9818db40ec)
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on August 28, 2009, 10:16:59 AM
You mean Wagner, no??

If the Sox are relying on Nick Green to pitch, they are in worse trouble than I thought.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: derspiess on August 28, 2009, 10:24:21 AM
I 'spose it's too early to start talking about magic numbers, but the Cards are up 9 games on the Flubs and we are almost at the end of August :w00t:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on August 28, 2009, 10:28:29 AM
The Orioles are 6 games ahead of the Nationals for the worst record in Baseball.  Come on Birds I know you can suck just a little harder and secure that #1 pick!
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on August 28, 2009, 11:30:44 AM
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on August 28, 2009, 10:16:59 AM

If the Sox are relying on Nick Green to pitch, they are in worse trouble than I thought.
He hit 90 on the gun and threw two scoreless innings last night!
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: sbr on September 02, 2009, 06:16:09 PM
Two updates on Mariners third baseman Adrian Beltre's ruptured/fractured testicle.

1. On Ken Griffey's advice the Mariners played an excerpt from "The Nutcracker Suite" as his walk-up music for his first at bat of his first game back.

2.  Beltre still refuses to wear a cup in the field.  :huh:  I think I wore a cup into the shower after reading about what happened to him.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: KRonn on September 03, 2009, 08:05:31 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on August 27, 2009, 10:39:42 PM
With the arrival of Nick Green the Red Sox bullpen problems are solved.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.talkingpointsmemo.com%2Fimages%2Fbaghdadbob.jpg&hash=926ef4bb0ea54bbc7b710da6f4d92c9818db40ec)

:D
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: derspiess on September 03, 2009, 08:54:03 AM
The Cardinals juggernaut continues.  Won 9 of their last 10 & they are 10.5 games up on the Cubbies :)
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on September 06, 2009, 01:50:33 AM
QuoteThe Pirates lost their ninth in a row and 81st of the season and, with one more loss, would become the first team in any of the four major American pro team sports to endure 17 consecutive losing seasons. Previously, only the Phillies from 1933-48 also had 16 losing seasons in a row.

Ohlendorf is pitching very well, though, which will mean that the Pirates will trade him away for two talents at some point. <_<
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Sophie Scholl on September 06, 2009, 03:10:47 AM
....and Greinke gets another no decision after allowing one unearned run in 8 innings pitched and lowering his ERA to 2.22.  Ugh.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: sbr on September 06, 2009, 10:38:25 AM
Quote from: Judas Iscariot on September 06, 2009, 03:10:47 AM
....and Greinke gets another no decision after allowing one unearned run in 8 innings pitched and lowering his ERA to 2.22.  Ugh.

Can't wait to see what he does with the Yankees next year, he should win 23-24 games.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on September 06, 2009, 03:35:08 PM
The inevitable has been forestalled:
      1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9       R   H   E
STL   1   0   0   1   2   0   0   0   1       5   9   0
PIT   1   0   0   0   0   3   0   0   2       6   13  2


I feel a Pirates game in OOTP coming up, starting in, oh, 1980s to avoid the slump they're in now.  <_<
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: sbr on September 19, 2009, 12:45:41 PM
TRIVIA TIME



Colorado Rockies teammates Todd Helton and Seth Smith have something else in common that is completely unrelated to baseball.  Anyone know what it is?
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Eddie Teach on September 19, 2009, 03:31:49 PM
Vestigial toes
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Admiral Yi on September 19, 2009, 03:36:59 PM
If you combine their names you get Seth Helton, which sounds vaguely like Red Skelton.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: sbr on September 19, 2009, 11:03:51 PM
Not only did both play college football in the SEC, both were the 2nd string quarterback on a team with a Manning as the first string.

Helton backed up Peyton at Tennessee and Smith backed up Eli at Ole Miss.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on September 25, 2009, 07:16:32 PM
Lester! NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :bleeding:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on September 25, 2009, 09:16:44 PM
WTF, how are they stealing so many damned bases!
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on September 25, 2009, 10:58:24 PM
Pirates win after a six game losing streak. It took all of the Dodgers' help and three unearned runs to do so, though.  :blush:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on September 27, 2009, 12:52:45 AM
Those whacky G20 protesters:
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F_g5-bZ38yOUE%2FSry_33sOMOI%2FAAAAAAAACXU%2FEKUXP4IFh-I%2Fs1600%2F31956067.jpg&hash=1bf98e9a7aacdd1b264ad3dbbd1523aa9622c1e9)
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Ed Anger on October 11, 2009, 07:02:38 PM
Since Tim is around:

Fuck the Red Sox. Chokers.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: sbr on October 11, 2009, 07:04:29 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 11, 2009, 07:02:38 PM
Since Tim is around:

Fuck the Red Sox. Chokers.
:lmfao:

Can't believe they got swept.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on October 11, 2009, 07:07:59 PM
Quote from: sbr on October 11, 2009, 07:04:29 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 11, 2009, 07:02:38 PM
Since Tim is around:

Fuck the Red Sox. Chokers.
:lmfao:

Can't believe they got swept.
:weep:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on October 12, 2009, 05:51:35 AM
Minnesota are out. :(
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Neil on October 12, 2009, 06:25:12 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on August 24, 2009, 04:13:12 PM
Quote from: Valmy on August 24, 2009, 04:04:27 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on August 24, 2009, 03:58:14 PM
You don't get ESPN in Iowa?

ESPN sucks, they have already crowned Florida the 2009 College Football champion.
Well the local sports channel then, there are a hundred media options to follow sports before you get to NPR.
Alright, let me run this scenario by you: 

Now, let's say a person listens to NPR, but has (rightly) nothing but contempt for the 'sport' of baseball.  They mention some baseball information on NPR, and that's how the person finds out about it.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Neil on October 12, 2009, 06:27:19 AM
Quote from: Syt on October 12, 2009, 05:51:35 AM
Minnesota are out. :(
Good.  That means that the Yankees advance, while the Fag Sox don't.  Justice.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: MadBurgerMaker on October 12, 2009, 07:11:51 AM
Quote from: Neil on October 12, 2009, 06:27:19 AM
Good.  That means that the Yankees advance, while the Fag Sox don't.  Justice.

:yes:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: stjaba on October 18, 2009, 12:08:56 AM
Anyone else watching the Yankees-Angels game Saturday night? It's been a good game, but semi-marred by the rain. I like to watch exciting, close games, but not necessarily because of errors from field conditions.

One of the major negatives of the expansion of the playoffs are these late October games. It's cold and wet in NYC, and if the Yanks make it to the World Series, it will only get worse. This year's game 4 will be on November 1st, which has to be the latest ever, except for 2001. Of course, if the Angels and the Dodgers both win their leagues, there shouldn't be any problems, except for Fox's Nielsen ratings.

--------
As a side note, I have to concede to Minsky that the Yankees are stacked. Cashman built a playoff winning machine. I don't know if they will be a dynasty, but they should definitely win the Series this year, barring a major upset.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on October 27, 2009, 01:27:40 PM
Well, McCutchen is Baseball America's Rookie of the Year. We know what that means: at latest in 2011 he'll be traded away for young prospects to further rebuild the team. :weep:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on October 27, 2009, 01:28:27 PM
P.S.: Can both Phillies AND yankees lose the World Series, please? Where's Al Qaeda when you REALLY need them? :(
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on October 27, 2009, 02:02:19 PM
Quote from: stjaba on October 18, 2009, 12:08:56 AM
As a side note, I have to concede to Minsky that the Yankees are stacked. Cashman built a playoff winning machine. I don't know if they will be a dynasty, but they should definitely win the Series this year, barring a major upset.

Cashman was left relatively unmolested for a few years to allow prospects to develop on the farm.  As a result the Yankees got solid contributions from 4 young arms this year who all came up from the system - Chamberlain, Hughes, Coke, Robertson.  They also got useful bench play from 3 position prospects.  They are still not stacked with young talent like some but in combination with the veteran core and the 3 big free agent pickups, it was enough to fill in the missing pieces.  The decision to let Abreu and his fat contract go and replace him with Swisher on the (relative) cheap was also a good move.

That said, from a Runs Scored/Runs Allowed perspective, the Yankees were only slightly better than the Red Sox this year (but considerably luckier or "clutchier").  Both teams are similarly constructed.  The difference this year was that the Yankees aging core (Jeter, Posada, Damon, Matsui) held up better than the Sox equivalent (Ortiz, Lowell, Varitek, Drew).  That and the Sox had holes at 2 positions - SS and Catcher - with the latter not being filled from a defensive standpoint by Victor Martinez. 
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Sophie Scholl on October 28, 2009, 03:39:47 AM
Amazing what happens when the Steinbrenner clan stays the fuck out of the way.  It's the same thing that happened in the build up to the mid 90's through 2000 run.  The Yankees build up a nice solid core of home grown talent and augment it with some average to decent team player veterans.  It's only when George got a hold of the club and decided to go on his mercenary hiring spending sprees that they sucked, a la the late 80's and early '00's.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: stjaba on November 01, 2009, 08:46:12 PM
Anyone else besides Minsky watching the World Series?

At first I was going for the Yankees since they're an AL team, it's actually been a while since they've won the World Series, Philadelphia beat my team in series last year, etc. Now that the Yankees have the lead, all those feelings are gone. I could really go for a Philadelphia come from behind victory. Still, if I had to pick between Boston and New York winning, I think I might still go with New York. Both fanbases have their negatives, but Boston's is worse IMO.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: stjaba on November 01, 2009, 08:58:48 PM
Is it me, or does CC Sabathia bear a striking resemblence to Forest Whittaker?

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fz.about.com%2Fd%2Fcleveland%2F1%2F0%2Fm%2FU%2F-%2F-%2Findians-sabathia.jpg&hash=2b7302d8ecea9e803e27001392b1b2cd3b08456a)

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcllct.com%2Ffiles%2FPatrick%2520Ripoll%2F623%2Fpolaroid%2Fforest%2520whitaker_01.jpg&hash=efbcfd27c6601bcefaaee30c56ea6ed1fbaf3579)
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Barrister on November 01, 2009, 09:16:11 PM
Well they're both black... :unsure:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Admiral Yi on November 01, 2009, 10:09:53 PM
He reminds me of the police captain in Last Action Hero.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Neil on November 01, 2009, 10:41:13 PM
Are the Yankees winning the series?  It's impossible to find out using the Internet.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Eddie Teach on November 01, 2009, 10:55:02 PM
Yanks up 2-1, 4th game in progress.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: stjaba on November 02, 2009, 12:03:47 AM
And the Yankees win game 5, so they're up 3-1. Normally, I'd lose all hope, but the Yankees are more than capable of blowing a big series lead**cough** 2004 ALCS **cough**
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on November 02, 2009, 03:19:41 AM
Quote from: stjaba on November 01, 2009, 08:46:12 PM
Anyone else besides Minsky watching the World Series?

At first I was going for the Yankees since they're an AL team, it's actually been a while since they've won the World Series, Philadelphia beat my team in series last year, etc. Now that the Yankees have the lead, all those feelings are gone. I could really go for a Philadelphia come from behind victory. Still, if I had to pick between Boston and New York winning, I think I might still go with New York. Both fanbases have their negatives, but Boston's is worse IMO.

Following the results/game recaps on SI as the games are in the middle of the night. Though I tend to watch a bit of the reruns on ESPN over here if they're on after work.

I want both teams to lose. I dislike Phillies, Yanks, Red Sox, Dodgers ... I could have lived with the Angels or Twins winning it, but how likely would that have been?
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on November 02, 2009, 03:21:40 AM
Quote from: Syt on November 02, 2009, 03:19:41 AM
Quote from: stjaba on November 01, 2009, 08:46:12 PM
Anyone else besides Minsky watching the World Series?

At first I was going for the Yankees since they're an AL team, it's actually been a while since they've won the World Series, Philadelphia beat my team in series last year, etc. Now that the Yankees have the lead, all those feelings are gone. I could really go for a Philadelphia come from behind victory. Still, if I had to pick between Boston and New York winning, I think I might still go with New York. Both fanbases have their negatives, but Boston's is worse IMO.

Following the results/game recaps on SI as the games are in the middle of the night. Though I tend to watch a bit of the reruns on ESPN over here if they're on after work.

I want both teams to lose. I dislike Phillies, Yanks, Red Sox, Dodgers ... I could have lived with the Angels or Twins winning it, but how likely would that have been?
The Angeles have won recently.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on November 02, 2009, 09:22:43 AM
Freaking Brad Lidge.  Now ARod is going to be a World Series hero  :x
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Neil on November 02, 2009, 09:35:14 AM
Quote from: Valmy on November 02, 2009, 09:22:43 AM
Freaking Brad Lidge.  Now ARod is going to be a World Series hero  :x
Insofar as such a thing is possible.  Remember:  It's baseball, and is thus not much of an achievement.  The only reason that this will be sweet is as a fuck you to the city of Boston.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on November 02, 2009, 12:24:54 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on November 02, 2009, 03:21:40 AM
The Angeles have won recently.

7 years ago. Which, incidentally, was also the last time they won the AL.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Sophie Scholl on November 05, 2009, 12:05:57 AM
 :bleeding:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: stjaba on November 05, 2009, 12:07:42 AM
Quote from: Judas Iscariot on November 05, 2009, 12:05:57 AM
:bleeding:
More like
:bleeding: :bleeding: :bleeding: :bleeding: :bleeding:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Barrister on November 05, 2009, 12:42:48 AM
Quote from: stjaba on November 05, 2009, 12:07:42 AM
Quote from: Judas Iscariot on November 05, 2009, 12:05:57 AM
:bleeding:
More like
:bleeding: :bleeding: :bleeding: :bleeding: :bleeding:

More like:

:bleeding: :bleeding: :bleeding: :bleeding: :bleeding: :bleeding: :bleeding: :bleeding: :bleeding: :bleeding:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Berkut on November 05, 2009, 01:16:05 AM
More like :yeah:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: katmai on November 05, 2009, 01:23:52 AM
Quote from: Berkut on November 05, 2009, 01:16:05 AM
More like :yeah:

Man i lost any respect I had for berkut with this revelation.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Barrister on November 05, 2009, 01:50:09 AM
Quote from: katmai on November 05, 2009, 01:23:52 AM
Quote from: Berkut on November 05, 2009, 01:16:05 AM
More like :yeah:

Man i lost any respect I had for berkut with this revelation.

So no change then?
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on November 05, 2009, 02:18:01 AM
Meanwhile, the Pirates - who have "a bit" of a weak bullpen - trade their best reliever for a 30 year old Jap 2B who missed most of this season due to a knee injury.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on November 05, 2009, 03:45:44 AM
I weep. :weep:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: CountDeMoney on November 05, 2009, 05:56:22 AM
Quote from: katmai on November 05, 2009, 01:23:52 AM
Quote from: Berkut on November 05, 2009, 01:16:05 AM
More like :yeah:

Man i lost any respect I had for berkut with this revelation.

No shit.  Now I have to deal with ejaculatory New Yorkers all fucking day.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Ed Anger on November 05, 2009, 08:40:10 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on November 05, 2009, 03:45:44 AM
I weep. :weep:

Your agony is delicious. All fucking Red Sox fans should hang.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Neil on November 05, 2009, 08:45:30 AM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on November 05, 2009, 05:56:22 AM
Quote from: katmai on November 05, 2009, 01:23:52 AM
Quote from: Berkut on November 05, 2009, 01:16:05 AM
More like :yeah:

Man i lost any respect I had for berkut with this revelation.

No shit.  Now I have to deal with ejaculatory New Yorkers all fucking day.
If they're the sort of people who care about baseball, they're not worth dealing with in the first place.  Just execute them.

That said, this is the best possible result.  The retards of the Boston sports market will be devastated.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on November 05, 2009, 09:51:11 AM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on November 05, 2009, 05:56:22 AM
No shit.  Now I have to deal with ejaculatory New Yorkers all fucking day.

Here have a napkin.

:yeah:

Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on November 05, 2009, 09:59:11 AM
Quote from: Neil on November 05, 2009, 08:45:30 AM
If they're the sort of people who care about baseball, they're not worth dealing with in the first place.  Just execute them.

That said, this is the best possible result.  The retards of the Boston sports market will be devastated.

The retards of the Boston sports market are like a billion times smarter than you since they do not insist on posting in sports threads just to be announce you don't like the sport in question...as if we give a rats ass.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Eddie Teach on November 05, 2009, 10:14:01 AM
I'll start caring next time the Cards or the Braves are in the World Series, until then, :mellow:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Berkut on November 05, 2009, 10:15:44 AM
Quote from: katmai on November 05, 2009, 01:23:52 AM
Quote from: Berkut on November 05, 2009, 01:16:05 AM
More like :yeah:

Man i lost any respect I had for berkut with this revelation.

What makes Jake happy makes me happy.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on November 05, 2009, 10:18:29 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on November 05, 2009, 10:14:01 AM
I'll start caring next time the Cards or the Braves are in the World Series, until then, :mellow:

The Cards?  Well you shouldn't have to wait long.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: KRonn on November 05, 2009, 10:20:45 AM
Grats to the Damn Yankees!   <_<   

But it's only the 27th World Series win for them!  :huh:




Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: dps on November 05, 2009, 01:20:48 PM
Quote from: katmai on November 05, 2009, 01:23:52 AM
Quote from: Berkut on November 05, 2009, 01:16:05 AM
More like :yeah:

Man i lost any respect I had for berkut with this revelation.

I'm no Yankees fan, but come on.  They were playing Philadelphia, and no city has worse sports fans than Philly, not even Dallas or Boston.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Neil on November 05, 2009, 01:35:08 PM
Quote from: Valmy on November 05, 2009, 09:59:11 AM
Quote from: Neil on November 05, 2009, 08:45:30 AM
If they're the sort of people who care about baseball, they're not worth dealing with in the first place.  Just execute them.

That said, this is the best possible result.  The retards of the Boston sports market will be devastated.

The retards of the Boston sports market are like a billion times smarter than you since they do not insist on posting in sports threads just to be announce you don't like the sport in question...as if we give a rats ass.
Every one of you cares about what I have to say about every topic on which I opine.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on November 05, 2009, 02:27:58 PM
Quote from: Valmy on November 02, 2009, 09:22:43 AM
Freaking Brad Lidge.  Now ARod is going to be a World Series hero  :x

Did not happen; nonetheless the myth of Alex Rodriguez, postseason choke artist is finally put to rest.

Here are his career regular season numbers and postseason numbers (Batting avg/OBP/Slugging):
.305/.390/.576
.302/.409/.568
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Neil on November 05, 2009, 05:06:25 PM
Slugging?
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Eddie Teach on November 05, 2009, 05:14:35 PM
Quote from: Neil on November 05, 2009, 05:06:25 PM
Slugging?

Total bases/at bats. It's like batting average with extra credit for power hitters.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Admiral Yi on November 05, 2009, 07:26:29 PM
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on November 05, 2009, 02:27:58 PM
Did not happen; nonetheless the myth of Alex Rodriguez, postseason choke artist is finally put to rest.

Here are his career regular season numbers and postseason numbers (Batting avg/OBP/Slugging):
.305/.390/.576
.302/.409/.568
Lucky for A that he turned it on in the last three games, otherwise he would have gotten the rep of "great in the playoffs, chokes in the Series."
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on February 25, 2010, 02:01:33 AM
http://www.timesonline.com/sports/sports_details/article/1424/2010/february/02/madden-save-your-bucks-mario-not-the-bucs.html

QuoteSave your bucks, Mario, not the Bucs

By: Mark MaddenBeaver County Times
Tuesday February 2, 2010 10:15 AM


Memo to Mario: Don't buy the Pirates.

You've made a success of the Penguins, competitively and financially. Much of it was your loyalty to Pittsburgh and your jersey, much of it was your golden touch - winners win - and we can't underestimate the finances and business acumen of Ron Burkle, a Pittsburgh hero in his own right.

But some of it was luck. Good timing, anyway.

You won the Sidney Crosby lottery. You got a new building. You acquired the Penguins not long before NHL owners and players agreed - grudgingly on the latter's part - that cost certainty was a necessity if small-market teams were going to survive, let alone prosper.

The owners and players of Major League Baseball show no sign of reaching such a realization.

Ergo, one of three things can happen if you and Burkle buy the Bucs:

l You can spend millions, win, and eke out a marginal profit.

l You can spend millions, lose, and watch your fortune dwindle.

l You can run the Pirates the way the Nuttings do, clear $9 million or so per year, and tarnish your spotless image.

None of these options seem all that attractive, not even the first. Lemieux and Burkle have resources to rival many in baseball, but the financial return in Pittsburgh will be limited no matter how well the Pirates do.

Witness three straight National League East titles in 1990, '91 and '92, but they still couldn't afford to keep anybody.

You've perfected the savior game. But this is beyond you. The Pirates can't be saved. Set the bar low: Be as smart as Mark Cuban.

Baseball isn't like hockey. You don't draft ready-made stars, not even if you pick first overall. One or two great players can't turn a team around, or even come close. It takes time to build, there are no guarantees, the richest of the rich try to pick your carcass clean in the process and, thanks to the current ownership group, you would start from ground zero.

Advertisement  If you want a positive spin, here goes: If anybody can pull this off, it's Lemieux and Burkle. The marketing, promotion and sales synergy that would involve two of the city's three major sports teams would be very promising. Lemieux and Burkle could found their own cable network. Initial interest - hope sells - would produce increased financial windfall immediately. Lemieux and Burkle would eclipse the Rooney family as the No. 1 sports players in Pittsburgh.

But eventually, you have to win. How long would that take? Is it even possible?

The Nuttings look awful right now. Pirate Fest was turned into the Spanish Inquisition. One thing is certain: Lemieux and Burkle made a substantial offer to buy the Pirates at the beginning of this past fall. It was made face-to-face, but the Nuttings never got back to Lemieux and Burkle. Never returned subsequent calls. That's disrespectful, especially since Burkle could buy and sell the Nuttings several times over.

If I had to guess the leak, it's ex-CEO Kevin McClatchy, forced out by the Nuttings and still bitter.

Lemieux and Burkle still want the Pirates. The Nuttings don't want to sell. They want to keep milking that cash cow no matter how many losing seasons get tacked onto the existing 17-year streak of futility. That won't be easy to do with Pittsburgh's greatest sports legend ever looking over their shoulders.

Still, Mario should be careful what he wishes for.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on February 25, 2010, 05:00:34 AM
I'm really looking forward to the baseball season.

Go Hyundai Unicrons! :w00t:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Sophie Scholl on February 25, 2010, 05:13:07 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 25, 2010, 05:00:34 AM
Go Hyundai Unicrons! :w00t:
? :huh:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on February 25, 2010, 05:29:55 AM
The local pro team in Suwon is the Hyundai Unicorns.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Sophie Scholl on February 25, 2010, 05:40:10 AM
Read what you originally wrote. ;)  Also, do they know they've been Taintedt(i)m yet?
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on February 25, 2010, 05:49:12 AM
Quote from: Judas Iscariot on February 25, 2010, 05:40:10 AM
Read what you originally wrote. ;)  Also, do they know they've been Taintedt(i)m yet?

Awesome typo :lmfao:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on March 09, 2010, 12:50:11 PM
Just checked the Austrian schedule. Games start on the 17th of April. Usually they're on saturdays. The Vienna teams (Wanderers, Bucks, Metrostars) make the Prater their home field, and one of them has home games every week. Games are usually played as doubleheaders.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on March 14, 2010, 01:11:20 PM
The contrast is stunning and embarrassing.

Yesterday during the Twins ("my" AL team) spring training game they would keep cutting to the ticket centers at the new Target Field and it seemed somewhat busy, sales were seemingly going good. Also see: Coming into Saturday, half of all tickets were already sold after a record-setting campaign that saw the Twins sell 22,000 season tickets, twice as many as last year. (http://www.startribune.com/local/87590692.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUsA)

The Pirates ticket staff and commentators basically beg on their knees that someone please buy some tickets, because there's so many great budget plans, partial season tickets, and they seem more interested selling fireworks nights, bobbleheads nights, concerts etc. instead of the ballgames. So please, please, buy some tickets! :blush:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on March 14, 2010, 01:13:05 PM
God, now they announce by name people who bought 10 game packages. :bleeding:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Ed Anger on March 14, 2010, 03:55:14 PM
Quote from: Syt on March 14, 2010, 01:11:20 PM
The contrast is stunning and embarrassing.

Yesterday during the Twins ("my" AL team) spring training game they would keep cutting to the ticket centers at the new Target Field and it seemed somewhat busy, sales were seemingly going good. Also see: Coming into Saturday, half of all tickets were already sold after a record-setting campaign that saw the Twins sell 22,000 season tickets, twice as many as last year. (http://www.startribune.com/local/87590692.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUsA)

The Pirates ticket staff and commentators basically beg on their knees that someone please buy some tickets, because there's so many great budget plans, partial season tickets, and they seem more interested selling fireworks nights, bobbleheads nights, concerts etc. instead of the ballgames. So please, please, buy some tickets! :blush:

The Twins are actually good.

The pirates remind me of of my nephew's little league team. There is one kid eating dirt, the outfield is tuned out, and the 3rd base coach is hitting on the MILF's in the stands.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on March 14, 2010, 04:42:11 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on March 14, 2010, 03:55:14 PM
The Twins are actually good.
I know. They also don't ooze that corporatism so much that you get with some of the big East Coast teams. Vikings still suck, though.

Quotethe 3rd base coach is hitting on the MILF's in the stands.

Well, they did have Kent Tekulve around. He has changed.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm1.static.flickr.com%2F147%2F377706722_2bcfcf4641.jpg&hash=d87dcac73e06b0c9425df64e5bfc7e4d432f9af7)
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Ed Anger on March 14, 2010, 04:50:54 PM
Whoa.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on March 21, 2010, 07:29:15 AM
We're pulling for you  :cry:

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/redsox/2010-03-20-westmoreland_N.htm
QuoteRed Sox prospect Westmoreland out of ICU at Phoenix hospital
Updated 6h 53m ago |  Comment    | 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Boston Red Sox minor league prospect Ryan Westmoreland (FSY) was moved out of the intensive care unit and into the neuro rehabilitation unit at the St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix on Friday.

According to Dr. Robert Spetzler, Westmoreland's neurosurgeon and the director of Barrow Neurological Institute, Westmoreland will undergo physical and occupational therapy.

"Ryan is right on track and we expect progressive improvement," Dr. Spetzler said.

"We are thrilled for Ryan and his family that the surgery went so well," Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein said. "While we recognize that the recovery process is long and complicated, we are excited that all of the early indications are so positive. On behalf of the Westmoreland family, we thank everybody who has expressed concern and support for Ryan."

Westmoreland, a highly regarded 19-year-old outfielder, had surgery on Tuesday to remove a cavernous malformation in his brain.

A cavernous malformation of cavernoma is a cluster of abnormal or dilated blood vessels that affects the central nervous system. Symptoms can include bleeding in the brain, seizures and headaches.

He left minor league camp on March 4 and was diagnosed the following day at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Sophie Scholl on March 21, 2010, 01:08:31 PM
Attention people:  We need one more team at the least for this year's LFBBL.  Talk to Katmai asap!
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on March 21, 2010, 01:13:20 PM
Quote from: Judas Iscariot on March 21, 2010, 01:08:31 PM
Attention people:  We need one more team at the least for this year's LFBBL.  Talk to Katmai asap!

Where are you running it? Yahoo?
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: sbr on March 21, 2010, 01:28:24 PM
Quote from: Judas Iscariot on March 21, 2010, 01:08:31 PM
Attention people:  We need one more team at the least for this year's LFBBL.  Talk to Katmai asap!

I'll play.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Sophie Scholl on March 21, 2010, 01:30:19 PM
Quote from: Syt on March 21, 2010, 01:13:20 PM
Quote from: Judas Iscariot on March 21, 2010, 01:08:31 PM
Attention people:  We need one more team at the least for this year's LFBBL.  Talk to Katmai asap!

Where are you running it? Yahoo?
Yes.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on March 21, 2010, 01:40:53 PM
Quote from: sbr on March 21, 2010, 01:28:24 PM
Quote from: Judas Iscariot on March 21, 2010, 01:08:31 PM
Attention people:  We need one more team at the least for this year's LFBBL.  Talk to Katmai asap!

I'll play.

You called it, your play. :)
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Sophie Scholl on March 21, 2010, 01:44:09 PM
If one more person is interested, you can join in as well Syt.  I prefer more teams than we have now (8) anyway.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on March 21, 2010, 01:45:48 PM
Quote from: Judas Iscariot on March 21, 2010, 01:44:09 PM
If one more person is interested, you can join in as well Syt.  I prefer more teams than we have now (8) anyway.

In that case sign me up, please. :)
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on March 21, 2010, 02:00:58 PM
QuoteYour league currently contains an odd number of teams

You must have an even number of teams in order to determine schedule and draft.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Sophie Scholl on March 21, 2010, 02:07:10 PM
So recruit one more! ;)
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on March 21, 2010, 02:09:57 PM
Quote from: Judas Iscariot on March 21, 2010, 02:07:10 PM
So recruit one more! ;)

:P

If till the draft no one else has signed up, just kick me out. :)
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: MadBurgerMaker on March 21, 2010, 02:20:35 PM
Quote from: Syt on March 21, 2010, 02:09:57 PM
:P

If till the draft no one else has signed up, just kick me out. :)

If you're actually planning on paying attention to it, you can stay and I'll leave.  I was just going to put it on autopilot like last year and see how (badly) it turns out.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on March 21, 2010, 02:23:25 PM
Quote from: MadBurgerMaker on March 21, 2010, 02:20:35 PM
If you're actually planning on paying attention to it, you can stay and I'll leave.  I was just going to put it on autopilot like last year and see how (badly) it turns out.

Hey, I don't want to push you out. :) I plan on paying attention, but not numbercrunching to micromanage every possible point into my score.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: MadBurgerMaker on March 21, 2010, 02:27:02 PM
Quote from: Syt on March 21, 2010, 02:23:25 PM
Hey, I don't want to push you out. :) I plan on paying attention, but not numbercrunching to micromanage every possible point into my score.

No worries, I really only join LFBBL to help fill out the league.  I'll go ahead and delete the Burgermakers for this year.

Heh.  I see the draft is in ~30 minutes, and I'm on my way out the door right now.   :P

Edit:  Done.  Should be eight teams now. :cheers:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: sbr on March 21, 2010, 02:29:47 PM
Quote from: Syt on March 21, 2010, 02:23:25 PM
Quote from: MadBurgerMaker on March 21, 2010, 02:20:35 PM
If you're actually planning on paying attention to it, you can stay and I'll leave.  I was just going to put it on autopilot like last year and see how (badly) it turns out.

Hey, I don't want to push you out. :) I plan on paying attention, but not numbercrunching to micromanage every possible point into my score.

Good we both got in, I would have felt bad sliding in there before you. :)
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: MadBurgerMaker on March 21, 2010, 02:31:16 PM
Quote from: sbr on March 21, 2010, 02:29:47 PM
Quote from: Syt on March 21, 2010, 02:23:25 PM
Quote from: MadBurgerMaker on March 21, 2010, 02:20:35 PM
If you're actually planning on paying attention to it, you can stay and I'll leave.  I was just going to put it on autopilot like last year and see how (badly) it turns out.

Hey, I don't want to push you out. :) I plan on paying attention, but not numbercrunching to micromanage every possible point into my score.

Good we both got in, I would have felt bad sliding in there before you. :)

Oh damn.  :lol:  Do I need to rejoin to make it an even ten?
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: sbr on March 21, 2010, 02:31:55 PM
Quote from: MadBurgerMaker on March 21, 2010, 02:31:16 PM
Quote from: sbr on March 21, 2010, 02:29:47 PM
Quote from: Syt on March 21, 2010, 02:23:25 PM
Quote from: MadBurgerMaker on March 21, 2010, 02:20:35 PM
If you're actually planning on paying attention to it, you can stay and I'll leave.  I was just going to put it on autopilot like last year and see how (badly) it turns out.

Hey, I don't want to push you out. :) I plan on paying attention, but not numbercrunching to micromanage every possible point into my score.

Good we both got in, I would have felt bad sliding in there before you. :)

Oh damn.  :lol:  Do I need to rejoin to make it an even ten?

No I was already in.   :lol:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on March 21, 2010, 02:32:05 PM
Thanks, MBM. :)

Haven't played on Yahoo before; played on the (rather easy/simple) MLB.com site in a random league. Came out close second in my division (2x4), and overall 4th.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: MadBurgerMaker on March 21, 2010, 02:35:01 PM
No problem Syt.   The Burgermakers will be back next year to dominate the basement of LFBBL.

Quote from: sbr on March 21, 2010, 02:31:55 PM
No I was already in.   :lol:

:lol:  Okay cool.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on March 21, 2010, 03:48:40 PM
The result of my draft:

QuoteC Joe Mauer (MIN)
1B Carlos Pena (TB)
2B Orlando Hudson (MIN)
3B Mark DeRosa (SF - also 1B, OF)
SS Derek Jeter (NYY)
OF Andrew McCutchen (PIT)
OF Andre Ethier (LAD)
OF Carlos Beltran (NYM)
Util Asdrubal Cabrera (CLE, 2B, SS)
BN Michael Cuddyer (MIN, 1B, OF)
BN Ian Stewart (COL, 2B, 3B)
BN Miguel Olivo (COL, C)
BN Miguel Tejada (BAL, SS)
BN Johnny Damon (DET, OF)

SP Roy Halladay (PHI)
SP Felix Hernandez (SEA)
SP Joel Pineiro (LAA)
RP Joe Nathan (MIN)
RP Brian Fuentes (LAA)
P Kevin Slowey (MIN, SP)
P Jorge De La Rosa (COL, SP)
P Frank Francisco (TEX, RP)

I'm not quite sure how the 162 game rule per position is handled. How would I get over 162 games on any position?
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: sbr on March 21, 2010, 04:06:04 PM
Quote from: Syt on March 21, 2010, 03:48:40 PM
I'm not quite sure how the 162 game rule per position is handled. How would I get over 162 games on any position?

You can change your line-up every day so if you played Tejada at SS on Jeter's days off you could have more than 162 games played at that position.

Where do you see that limit?
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: sbr on March 21, 2010, 04:06:32 PM
Syt, Joe Nathan is out for the season.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on March 21, 2010, 04:11:52 PM
Quote from: sbr on March 21, 2010, 04:06:32 PM
Syt, Joe Nathan is out for the season.

Yeah, just read.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on March 21, 2010, 04:13:12 PM
Quote from: sbr on March 21, 2010, 04:06:04 PM
Quote from: Syt on March 21, 2010, 03:48:40 PM
I'm not quite sure how the 162 game rule per position is handled. How would I get over 162 games on any position?

You can change your line-up every day so if you played Tejada at SS on Jeter's days off you could have more than 162 games played at that position.

Where do you see that limit?

Ah I see. Just something I read somewhere in one of the rulesheet PDFs.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: sbr on March 21, 2010, 05:02:45 PM
The Twins signed Joe Mauer to an 8 year $184 million extension.  :o

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-twins-mauerextension&prov=ap&type=lgns
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on March 21, 2010, 11:34:05 PM
Good for Mauer. 8 years is a long time; let's hope neither party doesn't regret the deal in 5 years.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on March 22, 2010, 12:47:39 AM
Saw this and thought it was an article tailor made for you Syt.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/21/sports/baseball/21score.html
QuoteReligion Aided a Home Run Chase, and May Have Led to Its Failure
By HOWARD MEGDAL
Published: March 19, 2010

Evidence has finally been published that seems to resolve a 72-year-old mystery. When Hank Greenberg of the Detroit Tigers made a run at Babe Ruth's season home run record, falling two short with 58 in 1938, was he pitched around because he was Jewish?

Hank Greenberg, right, after a home run in the 1945 World Series. In 1938, he was walked a lot more as he neared Babe Ruth's season record.

It is impossible to know what was in pitchers' hearts, but it is also impossible to ignore the statistical record. In short, the American League didn't seem exactly thrilled with Greenberg's pursuit.

Until the Web site Retrosheet.org recently published game logs for the 1938 season, the subject of anti-Semitism during Greenberg's record chase was a matter of opinion.

Some members of Greenberg's family and legions of his fans believed that anti-Semitic pitchers had walked Greenberg often to keep him from a fair shot at Ruth, who set the record in 1927. Greenberg, however, called such a view "pure baloney." To shift responsibility for his falling short of the record onto others would have been out of character.

Greenberg received many more walks as he chased Ruth in 1938 than he did in the rest of his career. Almost no other hitter going after the home run record had anything like Greenberg's late-season spike in bases on balls. He had 119 walks to lead the A.L., the only time he did so, and they accounted for 17.5 percent of his 681 plate appearances.

But the way pitchers handled Greenberg early in the season was clearly different than the way they approached him as Ruth's record came into view. Greenberg had four three-walk games in the final two months of the 1938 season, three in September.

By comparison, he had no three-walk games in 1937, when he drove in 183 runs; one in 1935, when he won his first Most Valuable Player award; and three in 1940, his second M.V.P. year.

Over all, Greenberg walked in 15.9 percent of his plate appearances through the end of August 1938. In September, that rate jumped to 20.4 percent. His walk rate was 14.5 percent in 1937 and 15 percent in 1939.

Something changed down the stretch in 1938, and it was not in Greenberg's approach.

He said he felt "if I, as a Jew, hit a home run, I was hitting one against Hitler." So he had compelling reasons not to take a walk.

Greenberg's treatment stands in contrast to the other single-season record challengers. In 1932, Jimmie Foxx also finished with 58 home runs. Foxx walked in 16.6 percent of his plate appearances that season; that September, his walk rate was 17.1 percent.

Roger Maris had a season-long walk rate of 13.4 percent in 1961, the year he hit 61 home runs to break Ruth's record. That September, Maris walked in only 12.2 percent of his plate appearances.

In 1998, when Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa took aim at Maris's mark, their walk rates held steady late in the season. McGwire walked in 23.8 percent of his plate appearances; from Aug. 1 through Sept. 8, when he passed Maris, he walked 24.1 percent of the time. Sosa, a free swinger, walked 10.1 percent of the time in 1998. From Aug. 1 on, that number was 11.2 percent; from Sept. 1 on, 10.4 percent.

Only Greenberg, among all these would-be home run kings, had a significant increase in his walk rate. One player with a comparable spike in walks while in pursuit of the single-season home run mark was Barry Bonds in 2001, his 73-homer year. Bonds walked in 26.7 percent of his plate appearances that season, but in 33.6 percent after Sept. 1.

This seemed to signal a paradigm shift in pitching to Bonds that lasted well beyond 2001. Bonds walked in 32.4 percent of his plate appearances the next season. By 2004, that number had jumped to 37.6 percent. What is interesting about Greenberg's case is that his increase in bases on balls was concentrated during the period he was pursuing Ruth's record.

He fell short of Ruth for other reasons as well. Greenberg played in only 155 games (Ruth played in 151 in 1927); Maris and those who came after had benefit of 162. Greenberg played before the advent of night games (and lights), so many of his at-bats came at twilight, when it was harder to see the ball. And his final game of the 1938 season was called after seven innings because of darkness.

But the statistical record stands as evidence that Greenberg's religion might have been an additional barrier.

Howard Megdal is the author of "The Baseball Talmud" and editor of The Perpetual Post.
A version of this article appeared in print on March 21, 2010, on page SP11 of the New York edition.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Eddie Teach on March 22, 2010, 12:53:41 AM
You think just because Syt's German that he's an anti-Semite? Shame on you Tim.  :mad:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on March 22, 2010, 01:35:27 AM
Well, without a statement of a pitcher going on record, "I refuse to pitch hittable balls at kikes" this is just number playing, and the variation might have all sorts of reasons and may be just an anomaly.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: sbr on March 22, 2010, 03:36:51 PM
Anyone interested in joining the Fantasy Baseball league over at EUOTwe need one more team?  There are quite a few players who are not very active on EUOT so that doesn't need to be a concern to anyone.


It is a 16 team head-to-head keeper league on ESPN.  The draft is this coming Sunday at 1PM EDT.

New teams won't get any keepers but any team that keeps players lose draft picks.  I kept 5 players so I don't get my first pick until the 6th round.  There are some good players out there from teams that were abandoned.

Top 10 hitters available:

R Braun
M Kemp
J Upton
J Ellsbury
M Holliday
I Suzuki
G Sizemore
R cano
P sandoval
J Werth

Top 10 Pitchers

R Halliday
J Santana
D haren
C Carpenter
J Broxton
M Rivera
Y gallardo
B Webb
J Vazquez
J Papelbon

There will be other new team too, not just one. 

Let me know I will get you the commish's email if you want to join.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on April 07, 2010, 02:38:16 PM
In the unlikely case Timmay missed it - David Ortiz is currently not a happy camper with the press reaction to his sucking in his first two games:

http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/mlb/news/story?id=5062881
Quote"Good," he said, turning to face the reporters encircling him. "You guys wait 'til [expletive] happens, then you can talk [expletive]. Two [expletive] games, and already you [expletives] are going crazy.

"What's up with that, man? [Expletive]. [Expletive] 160 games left. That's a [expletive]. One of you [expletives] got to go ahead and hit for me."
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Ed Anger on April 07, 2010, 04:54:38 PM
I caught a bit of NOMAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRR as a baseball analyst. He sucks.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Ed Anger on April 10, 2010, 03:41:59 PM
Quote"Every baby" born at Boston's Beth Israel will be indoctrinated into Red Sox Nation, whether you like it or not. The "Red Sox Babies" package includes hat, tote, and a lifetime of insufferability

and from the deadspin comments:



From the fine print:
The "Yawkey Red Sox Babies" package is not available to black babies or any that we think look a little too tan.


Racist Masshole fucks.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on April 10, 2010, 10:13:58 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on April 10, 2010, 03:41:59 PM
Quote"Every baby" born at Boston's Beth Israel will be indoctrinated into Red Sox Nation, whether you like it or not. The "Red Sox Babies" package includes hat, tote, and a lifetime of insufferability

and from the deadspin comments:



From the fine print:
The "Yawkey Red Sox Babies" package is not available to black babies or any that we think look a little too tan.


Racist Masshole fucks.
THat's a slam at Yawkey who was a racist, not a serious comment.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Ed Anger on April 11, 2010, 08:47:27 AM
You deny that Boston area sports fans are racist fucks? DIAF.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Strix on April 16, 2010, 09:54:26 AM
This is what I love about Peter Angelos!

The Orioles are already out of contention and we are only a couple weeks into the season. By the end of April the Orioles season will be a wash. I love this because I can fully concentrate on the NFL Draft and begin scouting for Fantasy Football.

Thank you Peter Angelos! You make my life easier!
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on April 16, 2010, 10:48:00 AM
Quote from: Strix on April 16, 2010, 09:54:26 AM
This is what I love about Peter Angelos!

The Orioles are already out of contention and we are only a couple weeks into the season. By the end of April the Orioles season will be a wash. I love this because I can fully concentrate on the NFL Draft and begin scouting for Fantasy Football.

Thank you Peter Angelos! You make my life easier!

How is that different than any other year?

Worst run organization in sports.  Ah well.  Wait till next year so they can suck again!
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Barrister on April 16, 2010, 10:56:48 AM
Quote from: Valmy on April 16, 2010, 10:48:00 AM
How is that different than any other year?

Worst run organization in sports.  Ah well.  Wait till next year so they can suck again!

In all of sports is probably the Phoenix Coyotes.  In Baseball it's the Royals.  :(
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Admiral Yi on April 16, 2010, 11:00:52 AM
In both Baltimore's and KC's cases, how much of it is bad decision-making and how much of it is the size of their markets?

Baltimore used to punch above their weight because of the DC market.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Strix on April 16, 2010, 11:02:55 AM
Quote from: Valmy on April 16, 2010, 10:48:00 AM
How is that different than any other year?

Worst run organization in sports.  Ah well.  Wait till next year so they can suck again!

It isn't. :cry:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: alfred russel on April 16, 2010, 11:06:46 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on April 16, 2010, 11:00:52 AM
In both Baltimore's and KC's cases, how much of it is bad decision-making and how much of it is the size of their markets?

Baltimore used to punch above their weight because of the DC market.

For years Peter Angelos spent a fortune on Baltimore's payroll--they were one of the top spending teams in MLB--and they sucked. Now they don't spend as much and they still suck. But I think the previous situation is an argument for Baltimore.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Barrister on April 16, 2010, 11:07:42 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on April 16, 2010, 11:00:52 AM
In both Baltimore's and KC's cases, how much of it is bad decision-making and how much of it is the size of their markets?

Baltimore used to punch above their weight because of the DC market.

It is possible to run a reasonably successful small market team however.  Think Minneapolis.  Tampa Bay had a good run.  Cleveland occasionally does well.

I don't know from Baltimore, but in KC's case they just gave up.  They are happy to take revenue sharing, put a bare minimum on the field, and make a tidy profit doing it.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on April 16, 2010, 11:28:54 AM
They should do what Pittsburgh does - build up young players in the farm system, then trade them away. :P
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Strix on April 16, 2010, 11:48:01 AM
Quote from: Barrister on April 16, 2010, 11:07:42 AM
I don't know from Baltimore, but in KC's case they just gave up.  They are happy to take revenue sharing, put a bare minimum on the field, and make a tidy profit doing it.

Baltimore is the worst run organization in possibly Pro Sports. From the top down the whole organization is in shambles. They alienated a long and storied relationship with the Rochester Red Wings (AAA team). They have continually hired either incompetent managers and GMs or they handicap them to the point they flee the organization. They throw bad money after bad money on lousy free agents that are past their prime (or never had one). They do have some talent in the minors but usually end up trading it away or letting it go.

There is not one thing that the Orioles do right. Even the Royals and Pirates have some good things about them or at least have a plan behind their actions.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Kleves on April 16, 2010, 11:50:59 AM
The Orioles still managed to fleece Bill Bavasi in the Eric Bedard trade. :contract:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Barrister on April 16, 2010, 12:01:35 PM
Quote from: Strix on April 16, 2010, 11:48:01 AM
Baltimore is the worst run organization in possibly Pro Sports.

Again I'm going to have to raise you the Phoenix Coyotes.  They moved to Phoenix in 1997.  Since then they have NEVER TURNED A PROFIT.  In a league where half the teams make the playoffs, this is their first time in the post season since 2002 (or was it 03)?  They were so bad the owner walked away from them and had the league take them.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on April 16, 2010, 12:02:38 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on April 16, 2010, 11:06:46 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on April 16, 2010, 11:00:52 AM
In both Baltimore's and KC's cases, how much of it is bad decision-making and how much of it is the size of their markets?

Baltimore used to punch above their weight because of the DC market.

For years Peter Angelos spent a fortune on Baltimore's payroll--they were one of the top spending teams in MLB--and they sucked. Now they don't spend as much and they still suck. But I think the previous situation is an argument for Baltimore.

Thank you!  Even I knew the moves he made in the late 90s were horrible moves.  Everybody did.  And he never stopped making horrible moves.  This has been the worst decade since the Orioles were the St. Louis Browns and they are rapidly obtaining the same reputation for hilarious incompetence on the field and pitiful management off it.  At least Bill Veeck was entertaining unlike Angelos. 
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on April 16, 2010, 12:04:01 PM
Quote from: Barrister on April 16, 2010, 12:01:35 PM
Again I'm going to have to raise you the Phoenix Coyotes.  They moved to Phoenix in 1997.  Since then they have NEVER TURNED A PROFIT.  In a league where half the teams make the playoffs, this is their first time in the post season since 2002 (or was it 03)?  They were so bad the owner walked away from them and had the league take them.

And yet the league will not move them back to Winnipeg...but the NHL is the worst run major sports league in North America so that is not surprising.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Sophie Scholl on April 16, 2010, 12:07:47 PM
Quote from: Barrister on April 16, 2010, 12:01:35 PM
Quote from: Strix on April 16, 2010, 11:48:01 AM
Baltimore is the worst run organization in possibly Pro Sports.

Again I'm going to have to raise you the Phoenix Coyotes.  They moved to Phoenix in 1997.  Since then they have NEVER TURNED A PROFIT.  In a league where half the teams make the playoffs, this is their first time in the post season since 2002 (or was it 03)?  They were so bad the owner walked away from them and had the league take them.
I throw down a hand of trump and win by going with the New York Knicks.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Barrister on April 16, 2010, 12:11:53 PM
Quote from: Valmy on April 16, 2010, 12:04:01 PM
Quote from: Barrister on April 16, 2010, 12:01:35 PM
Again I'm going to have to raise you the Phoenix Coyotes.  They moved to Phoenix in 1997.  Since then they have NEVER TURNED A PROFIT.  In a league where half the teams make the playoffs, this is their first time in the post season since 2002 (or was it 03)?  They were so bad the owner walked away from them and had the league take them.

And yet the league will not move them back to Winnipeg...but the NHL is the worst run major sports league in North America so that is not surprising.

Yeah, that's just Bettman's ego - he fought Balsillie so hard he has to try and keep them in Phoenix now.  But I've been reading - the so-called deal to keep them there is anything but solid...
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Admiral Yi on April 16, 2010, 12:26:14 PM
Quote from: Strix on April 16, 2010, 11:48:01 AM
There is not one thing that the Orioles do right.
Build nice stadiums.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Admiral Yi on April 16, 2010, 12:26:51 PM
Whe the hell are the Phoenix Coyotes?  What sport do they play? :huh:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Barrister on April 16, 2010, 12:44:45 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on April 16, 2010, 12:26:51 PM
Whe the hell are the Phoenix Coyotes?  What sport do they play? :huh:

:blink:

I can understand you likely don't follow the sport, but to not have heard of the team?

They're in the NHL.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on April 16, 2010, 01:04:05 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on April 16, 2010, 12:26:14 PM
Quote from: Strix on April 16, 2010, 11:48:01 AM
There is not one thing that the Orioles do right.
Build nice stadiums.

Angelos would have epically failed at that also.  Fortunately the previous management got that done before he showed up.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Eddie Teach on April 16, 2010, 01:13:22 PM
Quote from: Barrister on April 16, 2010, 12:44:45 PM
:blink:

I can understand you likely don't follow the sport, but to not have heard of the team?

They're in the NHL.

How old is the franchise? :yeahright:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Admiral Yi on April 16, 2010, 01:18:39 PM
Quote from: Barrister on April 16, 2010, 12:44:45 PM
I can understand you likely don't follow the sport, but to not have heard of the team?

They're in the NHL.
Name all the teams in the US soccer league.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on April 16, 2010, 01:19:50 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on April 16, 2010, 01:13:22 PM
How old is the franchise? :yeahright:

They are the ex-Winnipeg Jets, moved there in a desperate attempt to elevate the NHL to the levels of the NBA.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Barrister on April 16, 2010, 01:25:46 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on April 16, 2010, 01:18:39 PM
Quote from: Barrister on April 16, 2010, 12:44:45 PM
I can understand you likely don't follow the sport, but to not have heard of the team?

They're in the NHL.
Name all the teams in the US soccer league.

Make me.

Seriously though, I wouldn't put MLS at the same level as the NHL (though who knows maybe that'll change some day).

And as seen in my post, they've been in Phoenix 14 years now.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Eddie Teach on April 16, 2010, 01:32:26 PM
Quote from: Valmy on April 16, 2010, 01:19:50 PM
They are the ex-Winnipeg Jets,

That name I have heard.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Grey Fox on April 16, 2010, 01:36:40 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on April 16, 2010, 01:18:39 PM
Quote from: Barrister on April 16, 2010, 12:44:45 PM
I can understand you likely don't follow the sport, but to not have heard of the team?

They're in the NHL.
Name all the teams in the US soccer league.

Name all the teams in the NFL
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Admiral Yi on April 16, 2010, 01:38:22 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on April 16, 2010, 01:36:40 PM
Name all the teams in the NFL
That's pretty easy.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Eddie Teach on April 16, 2010, 01:39:15 PM
Name all the teams in Division I. Heck, just name the teams in the MAC and Sun Belt and we'll give you credit for the rest.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Grey Fox on April 16, 2010, 01:52:19 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on April 16, 2010, 01:38:22 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on April 16, 2010, 01:36:40 PM
Name all the teams in the NFL
That's pretty easy.

Are you so sure? Try it, you'll forget 1 team, likely the Rams.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Admiral Yi on April 16, 2010, 02:04:25 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on April 16, 2010, 01:52:19 PM
Are you so sure? Try it, you'll forget 1 team, likely the Rams.
Skins, Gints, Girls, Iggles, Bucs, Falcons, Bears, Packers, Lions, Bolts, Chiefs, Cardinals, Rams, Raiders, Seahawks, Colts, Ravens, Pats, Titans, Texans, Steelers, Niners, Fish, Bills, Vikes, Browns, Bangles, Jets, Jaguars, Saints, Panthers, Broncos...

If there are any more I'll only name them after Beeb names the MLS teams.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Ed Anger on April 16, 2010, 02:08:25 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on April 16, 2010, 01:39:15 PM
Name all the teams in Division I. Heck, just name the teams in the MAC and Sun Belt and we'll give you credit for the rest.

MAC:

Ohio U
Miami of Ohio
Toledo
Akron
Kent State
Buffalo
Ball State
....ummmm

Northern Illinois
Bowling Green

....ummmmmmm

2 or 3 Michigan schools.  :P
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Barrister on April 16, 2010, 03:06:40 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on April 16, 2010, 02:04:25 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on April 16, 2010, 01:52:19 PM
Are you so sure? Try it, you'll forget 1 team, likely the Rams.
Skins, Gints, Girls, Iggles, Bucs, Falcons, Bears, Packers, Lions, Bolts, Chiefs, Cardinals, Rams, Raiders, Seahawks, Colts, Ravens, Pats, Titans, Texans, Steelers, Niners, Fish, Bills, Vikes, Browns, Bangles, Jets, Jaguars, Saints, Panthers, Broncos...

If there are any more I'll only name them after Beeb names the MLS teams.

Make me.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Barrister on April 16, 2010, 03:10:46 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on April 16, 2010, 01:32:26 PM
Quote from: Valmy on April 16, 2010, 01:19:50 PM
They are the ex-Winnipeg Jets,

That name I have heard.

:cool:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: katmai on April 16, 2010, 04:14:57 PM
I know all the MLS team names.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on April 16, 2010, 04:54:35 PM
Quote from: Strix on April 16, 2010, 11:48:01 AM
Baltimore is the worst run organization in possibly Pro Sports. From the top down the whole organization is in shambles. They alienated a long and storied relationship with the Rochester Red Wings (AAA team). They have continually hired either incompetent managers and GMs or they handicap them to the point they flee the organization. They throw bad money after bad money on lousy free agents that are past their prime (or never had one). They do have some talent in the minors but usually end up trading it away or letting it go.

There is not one thing that the Orioles do right.

That is ridiculous; the Orioles now have one of the most impressive stockpiles of young talent of any organization.  A decent chunk of it - Tillman, Arietta, Britton, and Josh Bell - is still in the minors, but there is strong potential.  The outfield is one of the best in MLB.  And they have Wieters.

MacPhail is one of the best execs in the game, and the Orioles are light years away from the pre-MacPhail organization.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Barrister on April 16, 2010, 05:08:03 PM
Minsky: now can you say something nice about the Royals?
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: sbr on April 16, 2010, 05:11:20 PM
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on April 16, 2010, 04:54:35 PM
Quote from: Strix on April 16, 2010, 11:48:01 AM
Baltimore is the worst run organization in possibly Pro Sports. From the top down the whole organization is in shambles. They alienated a long and storied relationship with the Rochester Red Wings (AAA team). They have continually hired either incompetent managers and GMs or they handicap them to the point they flee the organization. They throw bad money after bad money on lousy free agents that are past their prime (or never had one). They do have some talent in the minors but usually end up trading it away or letting it go.

There is not one thing that the Orioles do right.

That is ridiculous; the Orioles now have one of the most impressive stockpiles of young talent of any organization.  A decent chunk of it - Tillman, Arietta, Britton, and Josh Bell - is still in the minors, but there is strong potential.  The outfield is one of the best in MLB.  And they have Wieters.

MacPhail is one of the best execs in the game, and the Orioles are light years away from the pre-MacPhail organization.

Markakis and Jones are nice young players but to say they have one of the best outfields in baseball is quite a stretch.  Off the top of my head without any thought I would go with the Astros - Carlos Lee, Hunter Pence, and Micheal Bourn.  Wieters should be a stud for years though.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: sbr on April 16, 2010, 05:12:34 PM
The Dodgers are pretty good with Kemp, Either and Manny as well.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on April 16, 2010, 05:16:26 PM
Quote from: Barrister on April 16, 2010, 05:08:03 PM
Minsky: now can you say something nice about the Royals?

With advances in technology, I foresee the Royals returning to contention in about 25 years, with a rotation of Greinke1, Greinke2, etc.

Also the fans are very polite.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on April 16, 2010, 05:17:25 PM
Quote from: sbr on April 16, 2010, 05:11:20 PM
Markakis and Jones are nice young players

+ Reimold
+ Pie who made a big step forward last year and is very hot to start this year.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Barrister on April 16, 2010, 05:19:36 PM
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on April 16, 2010, 05:16:26 PM
Quote from: Barrister on April 16, 2010, 05:08:03 PM
Minsky: now can you say something nice about the Royals?

With advances in technology, I foresee the Royals returning to contention in about 25 years, with a rotation of Greinke1, Greinke2, etc.

Also the fans are very polite.

:cry:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Admiral Yi on April 16, 2010, 05:42:11 PM
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on April 16, 2010, 05:16:26 PM
Also the fans are very polite.
:lol:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on April 16, 2010, 09:10:48 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on April 16, 2010, 01:18:39 PM
Quote from: Barrister on April 16, 2010, 12:44:45 PM
I can understand you likely don't follow the sport, but to not have heard of the team?

They're in the NHL.
Name all the teams in the US soccer league.
Hockey is vastly more popular than soccer in the US so this comparison is flawed.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: dps on April 16, 2010, 09:42:45 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on April 16, 2010, 09:10:48 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on April 16, 2010, 01:18:39 PM
Quote from: Barrister on April 16, 2010, 12:44:45 PM
I can understand you likely don't follow the sport, but to not have heard of the team?

They're in the NHL.
Name all the teams in the US soccer league.
Hockey is vastly more popular than soccer in the US so this comparison is flawed.

I'd guess that the vast majority of people in the US couldn't name either one NHL or one MLS team.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: katmai on April 16, 2010, 10:07:59 PM
What if you know the names of all teams in both leagues.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Strix on April 16, 2010, 10:16:52 PM
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on April 16, 2010, 04:54:35 PM
That is ridiculous; the Orioles now have one of the most impressive stockpiles of young talent of any organization.  A decent chunk of it - Tillman, Arietta, Britton, and Josh Bell - is still in the minors, but there is strong potential.  The outfield is one of the best in MLB.  And they have Wieters.

MacPhail is one of the best execs in the game, and the Orioles are light years away from the pre-MacPhail organization.

I have to agree. Camden Yards is a very good looking park and it's outfield is one of the best in terms of quality and appearance. I can't say the same for the people who roam around its confines.

Felix Pie

AB     R      H       HR    RBI    BB     K      SB    CS       OBP   SLG   AVG
532   77   133   13   60   47   135   12   4    .311    .393    .250

Those aren't good stats for a single season. And in his case it's three years plus this season.

Adam Jones

AB     R      H       HR    RBI    BB    K       SB    CS       OBP   SLG   AVG
473   83   131   19   70   36   93   10   4    .335    .457    .277

That was last season, his best season in the majors, and also his 4th. He has racked up some impressive strike out numbers in the minors but other than that an average outfielder at best so far in his career.

Nick Markakis

AB     R       H     HR     RBI    BB     K      SB    CS       OBP   SLG   AVG
637   97   191   23   112   61   112   18   6    .362    .485    .300

This was his best season which was three years ago. A solid outfielder and #3 hitter. He reminds me a little of Mike Greenwell from the Red Sox. Unfortunately, he is no longer a secret, so the rest of the league has stopped pitching to him since he has no protection.

Luke Scott

He has started to put up decent numbers and is averaging over 20+ home runs the last couple years. He strikes out a lot and doesn't seem to get many RBI's. Most likely because of his batting average usually being in the .250's. He is currently DHing which makes him subpar for that position.

Nolan Reimold

He could have a very bright future if his minor league numbers translate well to the Bigs. He appears to have good power, a good eye, and some speed.

Now tell me how this is one of the best outfields in the majors again?

Wieters is a very good prospect but he isn't good enough to carry a team. He'll probably make a good #5 hitter. The Orioles always seem to have good pitching in the minors but they never make it to the Majors. They usually get traded or injured.

Garrett Atkins is their first baseman?!? WTF! He sucked when I watched him play with the Carolina Mudcats. I have no idea how he even got to the majors.

Izturis/Lugo? WTF?!? They have to have someone worth trying in the minors. I'd rather see an A-Ball player come up and struggle than these two bums.

Tejada  :lmfao:

The Orioles have no punch. Opposing pitchers must love when these losers come to town. ERA's go down and K's go up!


Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Eddie Teach on April 16, 2010, 10:46:50 PM
Quote from: dps on April 16, 2010, 09:42:45 PM
I'd guess that the vast majority of people in the US couldn't name either one NHL or one MLS team.

I don't think that's true. Anyone who watches primetime network television here will have heard about the Thrashers in a news promo at sometime or other. And they're not even one of the top teams.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on April 17, 2010, 02:43:57 AM
Quote from: dps on April 16, 2010, 09:42:45 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on April 16, 2010, 09:10:48 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on April 16, 2010, 01:18:39 PM
Quote from: Barrister on April 16, 2010, 12:44:45 PM
I can understand you likely don't follow the sport, but to not have heard of the team?

They're in the NHL.
Name all the teams in the US soccer league.
Hockey is vastly more popular than soccer in the US so this comparison is flawed.

I'd guess that the vast majority of people in the US couldn't name either one NHL or one MLS team.
That's a ridiculous assertion. :yeahright:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: MadBurgerMaker on April 17, 2010, 04:05:32 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on April 16, 2010, 01:39:15 PM
Heck, just name the teams in the MAC and Sun Belt and we'll give you credit for the rest.

The Sun Belt is awesome!

Arkansas State Red Wolves, ULL Ragin Cajuns (this is a good name), ULM Warhawks, UAB Blazers, USF Knights, FL Atl Owls, FL Intl Golden Panthers, WKU Hilltoppers, Troy Trojans, Middle Tennessee State uh....somethings...something blue, North Texas Mean Green (this is also a good name).

The MAC isn't as cool, but still alright.

CMU Chippewas, EMU Eagles, WMU Broncos, Ohio U Bobcats, NIU Huskies, Miami Redhawks, Ball State Cardinals, Buffalo Bulls, Temple Owls, Bowling Green somethings, Akron Zips, Kent State, Toledo Rockets.

Edit:  Doh, USF isn't in the Sun Belt.  Welp.  I think I've got another extra in there too.  UAB?  E2: Yeah, UAB is in C-USA.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on April 17, 2010, 04:41:22 AM
Lucky win by the Bucs. Good game by Duke, but horrible to see how the bullpen pissed it away in the 8th. 2RBIs on walks? Come on! :bleeding:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Strix on April 17, 2010, 11:42:43 AM
Quote from: dps on April 16, 2010, 09:42:45 PM
I'd guess that the vast majority of people in the US couldn't name either one NHL or one MLS team.

I'd say that probably a vast majority of people in the US are indifferent to the NHL. I am sure they could probably name a few teams.

I follow sports and cannot name a single MLS team. I'd say the Rochester Rhinos but I am not even sure what league they belong in.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Admiral Yi on April 17, 2010, 11:56:38 AM
People who live in cities with MLS franchises can probably name their home team.

I'm not a hockey fan but I know the old, settled franchises.  But I don't bother keeping up with the transfers and expansions.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Ed Anger on April 17, 2010, 11:58:53 AM
I can name one MLS team. The Columbus Crew, mainly because I got free tickets and they purpose built a little midget stadium for them.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: katmai on April 17, 2010, 04:26:28 PM
New York Red Bulls (guess who owns them)
New England Revolution
Toronto FC
El jefes Crew
D.C. United
Philadelphia Union (? This is their first season so not sure if nickname is correct)
Chicago Fire
Kansas City Wizards
Colorado Rapids
Real Salt Lake
Houston Dynamo
Dallas uh Dallas Burn iirc
Los Angeles Galaxy
San Jose Quakes
Chivas USA
Seattle Sounders
and both Portland and Vancouver are slated to Join the MLS soon (by 2012 iirc)
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Admiral Yi on April 17, 2010, 04:44:16 PM
Daaaamn.  I thought the league had about 6 teams.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: katmai on April 17, 2010, 04:49:41 PM
Nope at it's smallest after contraction about oh almost 8-9 years ago the league was at 10 teams.

Seattle, Toronto and Philadelphia are all new teams (Toronto being oldest and they are in year 3 or 4? The Maltese falcon Josephus would know for sure. )
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Ed Anger on April 17, 2010, 05:04:17 PM
Quote from: katmai on April 17, 2010, 04:26:28 PM

El jefes Crew


Ain't my team. I'd rather watch paint dry.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: katmai on April 17, 2010, 05:08:15 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on April 17, 2010, 05:04:17 PM
Quote from: katmai on April 17, 2010, 04:26:28 PM

El jefes Crew


Ain't my team. I'd rather watch paint dry.
Well I know that I just meant the team you had just mentioned is all.
No need to be so touchy about it.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Ed Anger on April 17, 2010, 05:17:21 PM
Quote from: katmai on April 17, 2010, 05:08:15 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on April 17, 2010, 05:04:17 PM
Quote from: katmai on April 17, 2010, 04:26:28 PM

El jefes Crew


Ain't my team. I'd rather watch paint dry.
Well I know that I just meant the team you had just mentioned is all.
No need to be so touchy about it.

Call me a soccer fan, and I'll meet you in a parking lot.

With a crowbar.

:P
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: katmai on April 17, 2010, 05:25:34 PM
I understand you mouth breathing Kentuckians have no comprehension of the beautiful game.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Ed Anger on April 17, 2010, 05:29:47 PM
Quote from: katmai on April 17, 2010, 05:25:34 PM
I understand you mouth breathing Kentuckians have no comprehension of the beautiful game.

I like Nascar. Bring back the Southern 500. Jeff Gordon is a fag.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Grey Fox on April 17, 2010, 09:40:44 PM
Montreal Impact in 2012 for the MLS.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: HVC on April 17, 2010, 09:47:07 PM
and they're tied. weird game.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: sbr on April 18, 2010, 01:41:36 AM
Fantastic catch to save Jimenez no-hitter (http://mlb.mlb.com/media/ext/video.jsp?mlbPlayerId=451594&yahooGUID=64O4QAK2VXSSITTADG7CBOJREU&securityToken=1271572707000)
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on April 18, 2010, 04:20:41 AM
Another nailbiter by the bucs. Good nerves taking all the pitches in the bottom of the 9th, but it's nice to see a different team's reliever/closer completely break down in a crucial moment.

Nice going for the Rockies. And WTF was with the Mets and Cars? :lol:

QuoteGame Time   6:53
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on April 18, 2010, 07:44:05 AM
Quote from: sbr on April 18, 2010, 01:41:36 AM
Fantastic catch to save Jimenez no-hitter (http://mlb.mlb.com/media/ext/video.jsp?mlbPlayerId=451594&yahooGUID=64O4QAK2VXSSITTADG7CBOJREU&securityToken=1271572707000)
Hell of a nice catch.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on April 18, 2010, 08:21:38 AM
Btw, what is a good page for gameday summaries?

ESPN and MLB have decent match recaps but not "one unified article" if you get my drift. I like the MLB.com video recaps and, again, it would be nice to have something like that for the whole gameday; ESPN over here shows Baseball Today somewhat erratically.

I'm happy with my MLB TV subscription (I jumped on when they had one of their special offers). The quality since opening day has improved (it was very sucky at first), and I can watch the Bucs night games the following day in full.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: CountDeMoney on April 18, 2010, 09:04:11 AM
Stupid Orioles.  Come on, NFL Draft.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: stjaba on April 18, 2010, 09:48:58 AM
Usually the Orioles tease with a good start in April before falling out of the race in May/June. This year, they sank like a rock during the first two weeks.  :P I feel bad for them- Minsky correctly notes that they have a good nucleus, but I don't see they making the playoffs any time soon- at least until Tampa Bay loses all their star players. Even then, they we need an off year from either Bosron and New Yrok. But New York and Boston will always be able to re-load, and will always be dangerous. Plus, now that the Boss is senile, the other teams in the East can't count on him making expensive mistakes anymore(Pavano, Giambi, etc). Cashman seems like a savvy GM, as are Theo Epstein(Boston) and Andrew Friedman(Tampa Bay), so competing in the AL East is a nightmare. Unlike the Central and the West, there's never going to be a year where a team can sneak away with a Division title- it's always going to be a dogfight.

As a Tampa Bay fan, I'm more concerned with the Yankees than with Boston right now. However, the Yankees are only getting older, and a few key injuries could hurt- but their lineup has a lot of depth. Boston emphasized run-prevention/defense in the off-season, but in the limited sample size of the first few weeks, it's backfired- Adrian Beltre and Mike Cameron, both superb defenders acquired in the off-season, have committed a couple errors that lost games for the Red Sox.

IMO the run prevention approach can work(Mariners last year, Rays 2008), but it has its flaws, especially as applied to the Red Sox and Fenway Park. Fenway is relatively hitter friendly, as it has the Green Monster, and smaller foul territory compared to say Safeco, which is notoriously pitcher friendly. Also, Fenway has notoriously crappy grass in the infield, and experiences shitty weather during parts of the year, whereas Safeco and the Trop are both climate controlled. These factors help to neutralize the advantage of a good defender compared to league-average defender.

Finally, the run-prevention(compared to run-scoring orientated) approach can have an effect on pitchers, as Curt Schilling noted (http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/mlb/columns/story?id=5058230). If pitchers have a decently comfortable lead, they can take a little bit off their pitches, reducing risk of injury and allowing them to go longer in games. If the score is close, or 0-0 because your great fielders are crappy hitters, the pitchers feel more stress and won't have the luxury of taking anything off their pitches. While the effect within any one game may be minimal, the collective stress could definitely make a difference over the length of a full season.

Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Ed Anger on April 18, 2010, 10:06:56 AM
I miss Earl Weaver.  :(
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on April 19, 2010, 11:55:04 AM
Quote from: Strix on April 16, 2010, 10:16:52 PM
Felix Pie

You quoted his career numbers, which obscure the big improvement he made last year.  He is currently batting .400 and jsut turned 25.  Plenty of room for upside and not a bad option to have as a 4th/5th outfielder.

QuoteAdam Jones

Those are solid numbers - well above league average.  He has a significant jump in power last year.  He is still only is his age 24 year.

QuoteNick Markakis

No need to comment further - he is also still quite young.

QuoteNolan Reimold

He could have a very bright future if his minor league numbers translate well to the Bigs. He appears to have good power, a good eye, and some speed.

I'll take that as agreement.

All these guys still have significant additional potential based on their age and performance trajectories to date.
As they are right now, I would take them over any other outfield in the league; certainly there isn't any AL outfield that is clearly better; and there is none that has the collective upside.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: dps on April 19, 2010, 12:06:25 PM
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on April 19, 2010, 11:55:04 AM
Quote from: Strix on April 16, 2010, 10:16:52 PM
Felix Pie

You quoted his career numbers, which obscure the big improvement he made last year.  He is currently batting .400 and jsut turned 25.  Plenty of room for upside and not a bad option to have as a 4th/5th outfielder.

QuoteAdam Jones

Those are solid numbers - well above league average.  He has a significant jump in power last year.  He is still only is his age 24 year.

QuoteNick Markakis

No need to comment further - he is also still quite young.

QuoteNolan Reimold

He could have a very bright future if his minor league numbers translate well to the Bigs. He appears to have good power, a good eye, and some speed.

I'll take that as agreement.

All these guys still have significant additional potential based on their age and performance trajectories to date.
As they are right now, I would take them over any other outfield in the league; certainly there isn't any AL outfield that is clearly better; and there is none that has the collective upside.

Yeah, the Orioles are in a rebuilding mode, and need to be more concerned with future potential than current production.  On the other hand, as Jeff van Note once said, potential is a fancy word that means you aren't much good right now.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on April 19, 2010, 12:09:37 PM
Quote from: stjaba on April 18, 2010, 09:48:58 AM
But New York and Boston will always be able to re-load, and will always be dangerous. Plus, now that the Boss is senile, the other teams in the East can't count on him making expensive mistakes anymore(Pavano, Giambi, etc). Cashman seems like a savvy GM, as are Theo Epstein(Boston) and Andrew Friedman(Tampa Bay), so competing in the AL East is a nightmare. Unlike the Central and the West, there's never going to be a year where a team can sneak away with a Division title- it's always going to be a dogfight.

That's a key point - it doesn't make any sense in the AL East to try to build a team that can win 86-89 games and maybe steal a division or a playoff spot with some luck.  To compete in the AL east means being built for a 95+ win season, except given the unbalanced schedule and the strength of the division it really means building for 100+.  So while the Orioles could conveivably futz around the margins and upgrade pieces of their infield (e.g.) that would require either giving prospects of value or making financial commitments, all for the glory of competing for 3rd and 4th place.  What they are doing instead - keeping and developing their prospects inhouse and maintaining financial flexibility is the only rational approach, and a significant shift for what was traditionally one of the least efficient payrolls in the game.

The D-rays have shown the only viable path for challenging the divisional behemoths - if the O's can even approach their player devleopment success and add their higher level of financial resources they can be competing within a year or two.  If they cave to the strixes of the world an prematurely splurge for a John Lackey type before the rest of the core is ready, their reward at best would be expensive 3rd place finish followed by regress (ie the model they followed for the rest of the Angelos era)
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Admiral Yi on April 19, 2010, 05:28:42 PM
I like your analysis of front office strategy Joan, but what about gunning for a wild card?
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on April 19, 2010, 11:35:50 PM
Quote from: stjaba on April 18, 2010, 09:48:58 AM
Usually the Orioles tease with a good start in April before falling out of the race in May/June. This year, they sank like a rock during the first two weeks.

They did that ONE year in 2005.

They sank like a rock last year also.  They just generally suck.

And talking about waiting for the Yankees and Red Sox to have a rough spot is just silly, them coming back to the pack does Baltimore no good when they suck.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on April 20, 2010, 12:33:33 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on April 19, 2010, 05:28:42 PM
I like your analysis of front office strategy Joan, but what about gunning for a wild card?

Same problem, tough to be a WC winner in the AL without hitting the 95+ win range.  Last few AL wild card teams have had: 95, 95, 94, 95, 95, 98, 95, 99, 102. 

Hitting 95 wins in the AL east is a challenge.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: stjaba on April 20, 2010, 07:24:57 AM
Quote from: Valmy on April 19, 2010, 11:35:50 PM
Quote from: stjaba on April 18, 2010, 09:48:58 AM
Usually the Orioles tease with a good start in April before falling out of the race in May/June. This year, they sank like a rock during the first two weeks.

They did that ONE year in 2005.

They sank like a rock last year also.  They just generally suck.

And talking about waiting for the Yankees and Red Sox to have a rough spot is just silly, them coming back to the pack does Baltimore no good when they suck.

Last year, they did start 6-2 ;).

In 2008, they were in 2nd place at the end of April.

In 2007, they were at playing .500 baseball and in 2nd place as of May 31.

In 2006, they were playing .500 baseball until May

In 2005, like you say, they were in first place in for like 60 games.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: sbr on April 20, 2010, 10:31:33 AM
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on April 19, 2010, 11:55:04 AM
Quote from: Strix on April 16, 2010, 10:16:52 PM
Felix Pie

You quoted his career numbers, which obscure the big improvement he made last year.  He is currently batting .400 and jsut turned 25.  Plenty of room for upside and not a bad option to have as a 4th/5th outfielder.

QuoteAdam Jones

Those are solid numbers - well above league average.  He has a significant jump in power last year.  He is still only is his age 24 year.

QuoteNick Markakis

No need to comment further - he is also still quite young.

QuoteNolan Reimold

He could have a very bright future if his minor league numbers translate well to the Bigs. He appears to have good power, a good eye, and some speed.

I'll take that as agreement.

All these guys still have significant additional potential based on their age and performance trajectories to date.
As they are right now, I would take them over any other outfield in the league; certainly there isn't any AL outfield that is clearly better; and there is none that has the collective upside.

I am biased because they are my team but I would also take the St. Louis OF over the Baltimore's.

Matt Holiday today is a better player than any OF on the Oriole's roster, maybe any player on their roster.

Colby Rasmus was a higher prospect than any of the B'more players though je hasn't quite put it all together yet.

Ryan Ludwick's 2008 season of .299/37/113 with an OPS of .966 is a better single season than any of the Oriole players have put together.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on April 20, 2010, 12:04:43 PM
Quote from: sbr on April 20, 2010, 10:31:33 AM
I am biased because they are my team but I would also take the St. Louis OF over the Baltimore's..

yet another outfield in the wrong league . . .

Ludwig had the one great year but no other year in his career was remotely like that.  He was well down last year and on the wrong side of 30. 

Rasmus' 2009 was about as good as Jones' 2008.  He is off to a good start but it is still pretty early on.  I agree he is a nice guy to have.

As for Holliday, his career numbers on the road are .287/.355/.464.    For Markakis it is .290/.371/.453.   
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on April 20, 2010, 01:14:10 PM
ESPN: Rockies president McGregor dies at 48 (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=5118950&campaign=rss&source=MLBHeadlines)

QuoteColorado Rockies president Keli McGregor was found dead in a hotel room in Salt Lake City on Tuesday morning, according to police.

Salt Lake City Police Det. Rick Wall said McGregor, 48, died of natural causes. He said the official cause of death will be investigated by the Salt Lake City medical examiner's office, according to The Denver Post.

The Rockies were notified of McGregor's death by police and were planning a statement, but had no immediate comment, according to the report.

McGregor, the team's president since 2001, had been with the Rockies front office since 1993, when he started as senior director of operations. He was promoted to senior vice president in 1996 and executive vice president in 1998.

Wall said police were called to McGregor's hotel when a pair of team associates, traveling with him on team business, could not reach McGregor in his room and asked the hotel to check on him, according to the report.

Police were called about 11 a.m. ET and emergency workers arrived on the scene and were unable to revive him.

McGregor, a tight end at Colorado State, was drafted by the Denver Broncos in 1985 and played for the Broncos, Indianapolis Colts and Seattle Seahawks, according to the report.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on April 22, 2010, 02:27:54 PM
What a meltdown by the Pirates - horrific, even by their standards. :bleeding:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on April 22, 2010, 03:00:00 PM
20-0 for the Brewers after the top of the 9th. If the Pirates fail to score in the 9th it'll be the highest shutout against them ever (previous was in 1910: 18-0).

25 hits for Milwaukee (highest against Pirates is 28, last time 1930).
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on April 22, 2010, 03:06:02 PM
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg693.imageshack.us%2Fimg693%2F8020%2Fhistoryx.jpg&hash=e48cb8ef2a51398939a4609f29e02e500a7e6ae3)
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: sbr on April 29, 2010, 10:17:08 AM
Ridiculous catch by Marlon Byrd

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/wrap.jsp?ymd=20100428&content_id=9640384&vkey=wrapup2005&fext=.jsp&team=home&gid=2010_04_28_wasmlb_chnmlb_1
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on April 01, 2011, 01:58:37 AM
 :lol:

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmit.zenfs.com%2F121%2F2011%2F03%2FPeteRose.jpg&hash=1dc607b2cab7da474499ebce61596710990cac34)
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Ed Anger on April 01, 2011, 07:30:18 AM
He's stylin' and profilin' WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: dps on April 02, 2011, 05:01:46 AM
Or maybe trying to get the part of the 12th Doctor.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: CountDeMoney on April 02, 2011, 10:22:46 AM
Who says LA fans don't take their sports seriously?

QuoteMan in Giants gear attacked

LOS ANGELES -- A savage beating by two men outside Dodgers Stadium has left a San Francisco Giants fan hospitalized and police urging any witnesses to step forward to help identify the attackers.

The beating after Thursday's season opener between the Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers left the victim in critical but stable condition.

Police late Friday released composite sketches of the two suspects, who were wearing Dodgers clothing. Investigators were also checking to see if any security camera captured the attack, but Detective Larry Burcher said so far they'd found "nothing of great value."

"We're very confident there were witnesses, it happened immediately following the game when everybody was coming out," Burcher said.

Police said the two men began taunting three men in Giants gear with expletives as thousands of baseball fans left the stadium after Thursday night's 2-1 Dodger victory, Detective T.J. Moore said.

The Giants fans tried to distance themselves from their assailants, and two made it away from them, but one was struck with fists on the back of the head and as he fell, his head hit the ground in Parking Lot 2 on the third base side of the ballpark, Moore said.

Both attackers then kicked the victim, who suffered a head injury, and ran, Moore said. The suspects fled in a four-door sedan driven by a woman with a male child passenger in the vehicle, Moore said.

When the victim's friends turned around to look for him, they saw him on the ground and made their way back to him.

Police paramedics on bicycles were the first to arrive to help the victim. An ambulance was called and the victim was taken to a nearby hospital, Moore said.

The victim's name wasn't released, but KGO radio in San Francisco and the Santa Cruz Sentinel identified him as Bryan Stow of Santa Cruz. His brother-in-law, David Collins, told KGO that Stow has severe head injuries.

"It's sad," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said before Friday's game against the Dodgers. "It's a shame somebody's in critical condition because of a ball game. When they're out fighting in the parking lot, we've lost sight of what this is all about. Sounds like the guy got blindsided, too."

The Dodgers said they were co-operating with investigators and wished the victim a speedy recovery.

"It is extremely unfortunate that this incident took place on what was otherwise a great day at Dodger Stadium for tens of thousands of fans," the team said in a statement. "We're committed to having the most fan and family friendly environment in baseball and will continue to make that a top priority."

The stadium has been plagued by Opening Day violence in the past.

In April 2009, a man stabbed his friend in the stadium parking lot after the home opener. Arthur Alvarez said he acted in self defense and was acquitted by a jury.

The West Coast rivalry began on April 18, 1958, the first game played in California after both teams had moved from New York. The Dodgers beat the Giants 6-5 in a game played before nearly 79,000 fans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

"I was disappointed," new Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said about the Thursday attack. "You don't want to see that. Everyone likes rivalries, but to me that's crossing the line."
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: CountDeMoney on April 04, 2011, 09:44:55 PM
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baltimoresun.com%2Fmedia%2Fphoto%2F2011-04%2F343666980-04160756.jpg&hash=cc5ee7cdad67cfc605fdf4a05eed84f2428dddf5)

First 4-0 start in 14 years.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: stjaba on April 04, 2011, 10:00:06 PM
Seedy, don't get too excited yet. I will quote for posterity my post from April 2010:


Quote from: stjaba on April 20, 2010, 07:24:57 AM
Quote from: Valmy on April 19, 2010, 11:35:50 PM
Quote from: stjaba on April 18, 2010, 09:48:58 AM
Usually the Orioles tease with a good start in April before falling out of the race in May/June. This year, they sank like a rock during the first two weeks.

They did that ONE year in 2005.

They sank like a rock last year also.  They just generally suck.

And talking about waiting for the Yankees and Red Sox to have a rough spot is just silly, them coming back to the pack does Baltimore no good when they suck.

Last year, they did start 6-2 ;).

In 2008, they were in 2nd place at the end of April.

In 2007, they were at playing .500 baseball and in 2nd place as of May 31.

In 2006, they were playing .500 baseball until May

In 2005, like you say, they were in first place in for like 60 games.

Still, I have to admit the O's look pretty good so far. But the AL East is going to be a meat grinder this year. I can see the winner getting only 92-93 wins and the Wild Card winner coming from outside the division.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on April 04, 2011, 10:49:14 PM
And another Pirates win on the road. :unsure:

Who would have thought that by this time Joel Hanrahan has given me 3 saves already in the LFBBL. :lol:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: sbr on April 04, 2011, 10:56:08 PM
I grabbed Hanrahan in another league when I put Brian Wilson on the DL.  I don't think I can cut Hanrahan now to reactivate Wilson, I might have to cut Drew Storen instead.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on April 05, 2011, 11:25:50 AM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on April 04, 2011, 09:44:55 PM
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baltimoresun.com%2Fmedia%2Fphoto%2F2011-04%2F343666980-04160756.jpg&hash=cc5ee7cdad67cfc605fdf4a05eed84f2428dddf5)

First 4-0 start in 14 years.

:w00t:

I have been trying hard not to get too excited though as if I will jinx them.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: CountDeMoney on April 05, 2011, 06:31:36 PM
Quote from: Valmy on April 05, 2011, 11:25:50 AM
:w00t:

I have been trying hard not to get too excited though as if I will jinx them.

It's a long season, baby.  Might as well enjoy it while you can.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Sophie Scholl on April 05, 2011, 11:09:37 PM
Another come from behind Royals win! :w00t:  Too bad they're going to cause me an early death with such antics.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on April 06, 2011, 12:45:42 AM
:bleeding::bleeding::bleeding:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Barrister on April 06, 2011, 10:21:59 AM
Quote from: Benedict Arnold on April 05, 2011, 11:09:37 PM
Another come from behind Royals win! :w00t:  Too bad they're going to cause me an early death with such antics.

Don't taunt me with notions of the Royals winning.  You'll only cause me to pay attention to baseball, then inevitably be disappointed. <_<
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on April 07, 2011, 02:21:37 AM
Quotethe Pirates, who won consecutive road series for the first time since Aug. 20-26, 2007, at Colorado and Houston.

:showoff:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: dps on April 07, 2011, 05:06:26 AM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on April 05, 2011, 06:31:36 PM
Quote from: Valmy on April 05, 2011, 11:25:50 AM
:w00t:

I have been trying hard not to get too excited though as if I will jinx them.

It's a long season, baby.  Might as well enjoy it while you can.

The Orioles are excellantly positioned to go 4-158 now.  Which is 4 wins more than you'd expect just based on the baseball acumen of their owner.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: CountDeMoney on April 07, 2011, 06:30:29 AM
Quote from: dps on April 07, 2011, 05:06:26 AMThe Orioles are excellantly positioned to go 4-158 now.  Which is 4 wins more than you'd expect just based on the baseball acumen of their owner.

Thing is, I actually believe he's afraid of Buck Showalter.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: KRonn on April 07, 2011, 11:29:14 AM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on April 02, 2011, 10:22:46 AM
Who says LA fans don't take their sports seriously?

Man in Giants gear attacked

LOS ANGELES -- A savage beating by two men outside Dodgers Stadium has left a San Francisco Giants fan hospitalized and police urging any witnesses to step forward to help identify the attackers.

The beating after Thursday's season opener between the Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers left the victim in critical but stable condition.


I went to a Red Sox-Yankees game in NYC when I was just a young'un. In my twenties. Some of my friends wore Red Sox hats, etc.   :unsure:  A bus load of (evil) Yankee fans emptied out after us.   :D    We got a head start though, and made good our escape!   :cool:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: stjaba on April 16, 2011, 06:26:18 PM
And Baltimore drops below .500. I hope you enjoyed your moment in the sun, Orioles fans.

Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: CountDeMoney on April 16, 2011, 06:30:50 PM
Quote from: stjaba on April 16, 2011, 06:26:18 PM
And Baltimore drops below .500. I hope you enjoyed your moment in the sun, Orioles fans.

Now, now, now...the season's not officially over until the All-Star break.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on April 19, 2011, 12:28:20 AM
Pirates are now 7-3 on the road (won all three series in Chicago, St. Louis and Cincinnati). Last year they were 17-64 on the road and won like 4 series.

At home they're 1-5 so far, though - last season 40-41.  :blush:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on April 19, 2011, 11:08:46 AM
Quote from: stjaba on April 16, 2011, 06:26:18 PM
And Baltimore drops below .500. I hope you enjoyed your moment in the sun, Orioles fans.

Trash talking to us poor Oriole fans?  What are you going to do next?  Box a paraplegic?
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on April 21, 2011, 03:11:32 AM
MLB is taking over the Dodgers' financial operations.

http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/mlb/news/story?id=6397488
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on April 24, 2011, 07:05:07 PM
Hells Yeah!  :cool:

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/red-sox/
Quote
In winning for the eighth time in their last nine games, the Sox continued what has been an extraordinary run of starting pitching. In that span, Sox starters have allowed two runs or fewer in all nine games, posting an ERA of 0.88 (6 ER in in 61 1/3 innings).
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on April 24, 2011, 07:14:13 PM
I hate the Yankees with the sort of hate a squirrel has for the 18 wheeler that just flattened it.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Ed Anger on April 24, 2011, 07:19:14 PM
Quote from: Valmy on April 24, 2011, 07:14:13 PM
I hate the Yankees with the sort of hate a squirrel has for the 18 wheeler that just flattened it.

As long as they defeat the Red Sox, I tolerate the Yankees.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on April 24, 2011, 07:21:18 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on April 24, 2011, 07:19:14 PM
As long as they defeat the Red Sox, I tolerate the Yankees.

The birds have the Sox next.  May Hod have mercy on them.

At least Britton is starting the first game.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on April 28, 2011, 02:05:22 PM
Meanwhile, at PNC Park ...

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg846.imageshack.us%2Fimg846%2F1089%2Fbrits.jpg&hash=2574fb38306f0c42d0c1fc01697bbb99c1e32dbf)
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on May 02, 2011, 09:48:57 PM
Jorge Posada has come to the plate 90 times this season.

He has:
20 strikeouts
10 walks
6 homeruns
3 doubles
3 singles.

He is on pace for one of the most extreme three true outcomes seasons in history.

Of course he won't stay in the lineup if he cant lift his batting average above .150.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Grey Fox on May 03, 2011, 08:13:48 AM
Watching Around the Horn last nite, I learned that the Indians are kicking ass.

That's always fun.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on May 09, 2011, 09:49:53 AM
The Bucs are playing .500 ball ... not since 2005(!) have they been that good this late in the season - only 128 more games to go! :w00t:

Seriously, I believe they will break down some time soon ... no regular batter with a .300 avg (Neil Walker has .295)?
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Admiral Yi on July 24, 2022, 06:13:03 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7YH1imPOEU

Maybe someone who understands the balk rule to can explain it to me.

I thought the rule was if the lead foot starts toward home the throw has to be to the plate.  No?
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: HVC on July 24, 2022, 07:00:32 PM
IIRC it's up the the umpire discretion
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on July 24, 2022, 10:35:39 PM
To celebrate HOF induction day, let's do a little comparison
Player 1 vs Player 2 - both hitters, both played in the same era.

Player 1 lifetime batting avg/OBP/Slug = .286/.380/.552
Player 2 lifetime batting avg/OBP/Slug = .292/.393/.514

On a per 162 game basis player 2 was getting a few extra hits and walks, but player 1 was getting a lot more doubles (+14 per year)

However, player 1 spent his career in better hitter's parks, that favored doubles. Their career OPS+, which adjusts the park is virtually the same - 141 to 140

Both were terrible defensive players - player 2 spent much of career in the outfield and played it badly. Player 1 was even worse and spent most of his career as a DH.

Player 2 won a world series and generally well in the post-season; player 1 won 3 rings and was an outstanding post-season player with 2 world series MVPs.

Player 1 is David Ortiz, inducted into the Hall of Fame his first year eligible with 77.9%
Player 2 is Gary Sheffield, well off the pace at 40.6% of votes in his 8th year.

Looking at it objectively, Sheffield was probably a little better overall as a player, at least in the regular season.  Ortiz's post-season performance makes up the gap, maybe overtakes it.  But its odd to see 2 players with such similar skill sets and performance be treated so differently.

Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on July 24, 2022, 10:53:47 PM
Comparison Part 2

Is there someone on the HoF ballot equivalent to Ortiz as a post-season performer?

Sure. His old teammate Curt Schilling, another post-season legend.  Schilling's post season record is arguably even more impressiv, 11-2 2.23 ERA, 8.1 strikeouts per 9 innings, only 1.7 walks.

Over Schilling's regular season career of 20 years, he allowed about 1.38 runs less per 9 innings than an average pitcher - that's close to 500 runs better than average over a career.

David Ortiz, also over a 20 year career, was about 455 runs better than an average hitter.  But that exaggerates his contribution, because although a fearsome hitter, he was a frightful fielder.  And thus the fair comparison is not to an average hitting position player, but an average hitting DH, which lowers his overall value.

Schilling was on the Hall of Fame ballot with Ortiz.  And off the ballot for good in his 10th and last year eligible, with only 58.6% of the ballots naming him.

So it's not just about post-season performance.

Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on July 24, 2022, 11:19:42 PM
David was very likable, Curt was abrasive. That's the difference
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on July 24, 2022, 11:21:25 PM
There is no mystery here.

Big Papi was one of the most beloved players of his generation, celebrated by fellow players and fans of all teams, and lionized by an adoring press.

Sheffield was respected by regarded by the press as prickly to the point of surly. Schilling's personality issues and controversies both during and after his playing career have been painfully detailed.  There are understandable reasons why Ortiz is far more well liked in baseball than the other two.

But if Hall of Fame voting comes down to personality contests, what does that say about the institution?

The other narrative driving HoF voting in recent years is drug usage.  But here again the voting this year demonstrated the hypocrisy and double standards.  Ortiz was implicated in PED usage; the voters chose to ignore it or to credit his denials. 

That's fine, but meanwhile Bonds, Clemens, and Arod were not merely the best players on the ballot, but among the best in the history of the game.  So what is the standard here and how is it being applied?  You can parse out the PED-related evidence and make fine distinctions, but what seems to be happening is the same with Sheff and Schilling - Bonds and Clements were selfish pricks, and ARod was perceived as self-absorbed and narcissistic.   There is an asshole discount and a heavy one.

To be clear the point is NOTthat Ortiz should have been kept out.  David Ortiz absolutely 100% deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. 

But from I sit, the HoF voting process is rotten, more like a cliquey high school election than a serious effort to identify and enshrine the best performers from each generation.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on July 24, 2022, 11:21:51 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on July 24, 2022, 11:19:42 PMDavid was very likable, Curt was abrasive. That's the difference

 ;)
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on July 25, 2022, 12:22:09 AM
I guess you could make an argument that it should enshrine the best performers, but also those who best embody the spirit of the game?

(Though I assume that would retro-actively disqualify a whole slew of current members :P )
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on July 25, 2022, 08:29:12 AM
Quote from: Syt on July 25, 2022, 12:22:09 AMI guess you could make an argument that it should enshrine the best performers, but also those who best embody the spirit of the game?

(Though I assume that would retro-actively disqualify a whole slew of current members :P )

I think the ship has long since sailed on that - for example Don Mattingly and Kirk Gibson were dumped off the ballot with less than 10 percent.

For the best really because the "spirit of the game" is very much in the eye of the beholder.  For me, it would include characters like Luis Tiant, Bill Lee, Mark Fidrych and profiles in courage like Curt Flood. But I suspect others would feel differently.  Joe Torre would fill the hall full of backup middle infielders with "grit" and "veteran presence" for example.

As it turns out, there already is a hall of fame of sorts that operates this way: the Shrine of Eternals at the Baseball Reliquary: https://baseballreliquary.org/shrine-of-the-eternals-alphabetical-list-of-electees-2/


Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: HVC on July 25, 2022, 08:39:05 AM
Mattingly would have made it if he cut his damn sideburns.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: OttoVonBismarck on July 25, 2022, 08:50:33 AM
I can somewhat justify keeping Curt out because there is some degree to which the HOF can justifiably argue that it doesn't want people who aren't good ambassadors for the game. Schilling has been involved in a ton of controversies over bigoted and inappropriate things he has said over the years.

But what of Ty Cobb? Sure--we could bring up a guy who has been dead 70 years and was inducted in an era when black people couldn't vote in a large swathe of the country, or we could recognize the standards for behavior in the press have evolved a little in the interim.

I have a much harder time justifying keeping Barry and Clemens out if you're letting Ortiz in. Bonds is a top 3 batter in baseball history, and you could make an argument he is the best all time (I don't make that argument, but I think you could.) Clemens was one of the most dominant pitchers of his generation--probably slightly edged out by Randy Johnson (although you could argue that one), and easily a peer of guys like Greg Maddux and Pedro who got into the HOF easily. Letting a glorified Fred McGriff like Ortiz into the Hall and keeping out two of the best players of their generation--and in Barry's case of any generation, for something that we just ignored about Ortiz is shocking.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on July 25, 2022, 09:13:16 AM
Cobb's legacy is a lot more nuanced than the popular impression, which is still shaped greatly by Al Stump's fraudulent hit job, amplified by the Tommy Lee Jones movie that used Stump's narrative because it made for a better screenplay than the truth.  He was probably less racist than the average Georgian of his day, although admittedly quite a bit more violent and with an awful temper.

As for Schilling, he has his share of feuds during his playing days, but the knock on him is really his post-career conduct.  Which basically comes down to expressing the typical view of a MAGA-idiot, i.e. views shared by about 1/3 of the country.  I don't like it; I wish he'd shut up. But it should have no bearing on his candidacy for the Hall.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: OttoVonBismarck on July 25, 2022, 09:19:35 AM
I'm well versed in Ty Cobb-ology. I was actually a participant on a message board years ago where one of the most prominent (maybe the most prominent) community members was a guy who was a mega Ty Cobb fan. He literally spent decades of his life writing articles and highlighting his huge archive of Sporting News magazines from the actual era, debunking Al Stump's shitty writing from the 1950s. This was Bill Burgess over on Baseball Fever, he passed away some years ago (at a relatively young age, I think his mid-50s at the time), and while he always came off as being a little Aspergy to me, he was a very passionate fan of Cobb and crazily involved hobbyist baseball historian.

But at the same time, it's become such a meme in baseball that most people if you raise the specter of keeping people out of the HOF for "personal" issues will retort "but Ty Cobb is in!"
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on July 25, 2022, 09:38:21 AM
Cobb certainly engaged in violent behavior that would be unimaginable today in a ballplayer, regardless of motivation or racism.  And it isn't too hard to find other negative examples, like Cap Anson. 

One can try to contextualize these behaviors with their times but apply the standard to Schilling.  His post-career antics are noxious, but sadly not that much out of step with our times.  There are tens of millions of Americans who think and say things like him.

And anyways, Curt being Curt hasn't stopped me or others here from buying from MMP, even after he made himself a German officer in ASL.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: OttoVonBismarck on July 25, 2022, 10:13:59 AM
The leagues have also changed in how they manage PR though, it is broadly understood that embarrassing the league is grounds for having your career diminished and even in some cases terminated. Less so in MLB than in NFL, but that's still an element of the modern PR landscape for all professional sports. It isn't totally crazy to me that the HOF (or I guess the voters) choose to utilize a similar rubric in excluding Curt.

Fair has never quite had anything to do with the Hall of Fame, whether I agree/disagree on PR reasons for keeping someone out, it's hard for me to see them as inconsistent with the nature of professional sports in America in 2022.

I have a little more trouble with letting in a PED guy while excluding other people for the same reason who were actually higher performers on the field.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on July 25, 2022, 12:05:45 PM
Here's an all-star team of guys not in the Hall of Fame  (excluding people who are active or not yet eligible).

C Thurman Munson
1B Rafael Palmeiro/Mark McGwire
2B Bobby Grich
SS ARod
3B Scott Rolen
LF Barry Bonds
CF Kenny Loften/Andruw Jones
RF Joe Jackson
UT Pete Rose
SP Roger Clemens
RP Billy Wagner

I think that if you pulled a team at random from a cup from the current people IN the Hallo of Fame, balanced by position, the No Hall team would probably beat the Hall team.  Even if you took out the ineligible list guys and replaced Jackson with someone like Sheffield or Dwight Evans, and Rose with say Dick Allen, they would still hold up very well.

That's a fundamental problem of credibility for the Hall IMO.  You shouldn't be able to field a full team of out guys that could walk over a typical team of in guys.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on August 03, 2022, 12:41:24 AM
RIP Vin Scully. :( So many celebrity deaths in recent weeks. Feels like the passing of an era.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: jimmy olsen on August 07, 2022, 10:12:57 PM
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on July 25, 2022, 12:05:45 PMHere's an all-star team of guys not in the Hall of Fame  (excluding people who are active or not yet eligible).

C Thurman Munson
1B Rafael Palmeiro/Mark McGwire
2B Bobby Grich
SS ARod
3B Scott Rolen
LF Barry Bonds
CF Kenny Loften/Andruw Jones
RF Joe Jackson
UT Pete Rose
SP Roger Clemens
RP Billy Wagner

I think that if you pulled a team at random from a cup from the current people IN the Hallo of Fame, balanced by position, the No Hall team would probably beat the Hall team.  Even if you took out the ineligible list guys and replaced Jackson with someone like Sheffield or Dwight Evans, and Rose with say Dick Allen, they would still hold up very well.

That's a fundamental problem of credibility for the Hall IMO.  You shouldn't be able to field a full team of out guys that could walk over a typical team of in guys.

Wow, that team is stacked!
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: alfred russel on August 08, 2022, 12:34:17 PM
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on July 25, 2022, 12:05:45 PMThat's a fundamental problem of credibility for the Hall IMO.  You shouldn't be able to field a full team of out guys that could walk over a typical team of in guys.

Well it depends what you mean about not being in the Hall. Guys like Barry Bonds are definitely in the Hall of Fame including the cooperstown museum where they tell the story of baseball. I think most if not all the players you mention are as well.

what they aren't is in the section of the museum that has plaques honoring players...i don't think it is problematic or detracts from the credibility of the hall to say that really good players that on the net brought dishonor to the game will be in the portion of the museum that tells the story of baseball but won't be specifically honored.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on August 08, 2022, 01:00:21 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on August 08, 2022, 12:34:17 PM
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on July 25, 2022, 12:05:45 PMThat's a fundamental problem of credibility for the Hall IMO.  You shouldn't be able to field a full team of out guys that could walk over a typical team of in guys.

Well it depends what you mean about not being in the Hall. Guys like Barry Bonds are definitely in the Hall of Fame including the cooperstown museum where they tell the story of baseball. I think most if not all the players you mention are as well.

what they aren't is in the section of the museum that has plaques honoring players...i don't think it is problematic or detracts from the credibility of the hall to say that really good players that on the net brought dishonor to the game will be in the portion of the museum that tells the story of baseball but won't be specifically honored.

So to be clear by "Hall of Fame" I mean the players elected to be Hall of Famers, not the players who happen to have their names, photos, or artifacts in the museum which opened several years after the initial Hall elections, which include people like platoon outfielder Alejandro de Aza, the stalwarts of the Peddie Institute high school team,  and the immortal Admiral Schlei, the beloved backstop for the 6th place 1906 Reds, among many others.

Focusing on the first group, if the intent indeed is to exclude those who bring "dishonor" on the game, then the concept of dishonor should be properly defined and established as a criterion, so that baseball fans and others can understand why a racist like Cap Anson who heled establish the color bar or a former confessed KKK member like Tris Speaker (according to Fred Lieb) or a Mitchell Report identified steroid user like David Ortiz are in, while Roger Clemens (accused but not proven of anything untoward) or Curt Schilling (guilty of nothing more than being a loudmouthed ass) are out.  Otherwise, it looks like a lot of hypocrisy, playing favorites, and personal politics.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: crazy canuck on August 08, 2022, 01:19:22 PM
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on August 08, 2022, 01:00:21 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on August 08, 2022, 12:34:17 PM
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on July 25, 2022, 12:05:45 PMThat's a fundamental problem of credibility for the Hall IMO.  You shouldn't be able to field a full team of out guys that could walk over a typical team of in guys.

Well it depends what you mean about not being in the Hall. Guys like Barry Bonds are definitely in the Hall of Fame including the cooperstown museum where they tell the story of baseball. I think most if not all the players you mention are as well.

what they aren't is in the section of the museum that has plaques honoring players...i don't think it is problematic or detracts from the credibility of the hall to say that really good players that on the net brought dishonor to the game will be in the portion of the museum that tells the story of baseball but won't be specifically honored.

So to be clear by "Hall of Fame" I mean the players elected to be Hall of Famers, not the players who happen to have their names, photos, or artifacts in the museum which opened several years after the initial Hall elections, which include people like platoon outfielder Alejandro de Aza, the stalwarts of the Peddie Institute high school team,  and the immortal Admiral Schlei, the beloved backstop for the 6th place 1906 Reds, among many others.

Focusing on the first group, if the intent indeed is to exclude those who bring "dishonor" on the game, then the concept of dishonor should be properly defined and established as a criterion, so that baseball fans and others can understand why a racist like Cap Anson who heled establish the color bar or a former confessed KKK member like Tris Speaker (according to Fred Lieb) or a Mitchell Report identified steroid user like David Ortiz are in, while Roger Clemens (accused but not proven of anything untoward) or Curt Schilling (guilty of nothing more than being a loudmouthed ass) are out.  Otherwise, it looks like a lot of hypocrisy, playing favorites, and personal politics.


Its a vote, of course there is a lot of hypocrisy, playing favourites, and personal politics.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on August 08, 2022, 02:08:32 PM
The MVP awards and Cy Young awards in baseball are also votes and thus prone to similar problems.  And yet although the voting for these awards is not free from criticism, in recent decades the results have tended to make sense based on performance.  Including the fact that Bonds, Clemens, and ARod all won MVPs after the steroid story broke and Schilling (fairly) finished 2nd in Cy Young balloting three times despite his jackassery being well known.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: HVC on August 08, 2022, 07:46:12 PM
Petey might be an asshole, but he has the best signature :lol:

(https://peterose.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/rose-sorry.jpg)

(https://peterose.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/I-didnt-do-steroids.jpg)



Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Admiral Yi on August 08, 2022, 08:26:39 PM
Is Charles Hustle admitting now that he bet on baseball?  That's news to me.

It would really help his case if he were just a pinch less fugly.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: OttoVonBismarck on August 09, 2022, 07:37:33 AM
He admitted he bet on baseball years ago, there was a time when he was making one final push to get reinstated, and he wasn't. Since then he has been pretty unapologetic about his various misdeeds, I guess figuring "they can't ban me twice."
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Admiral Yi on September 01, 2022, 07:59:30 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcDgiCn-Azc

Epic 11 inning game between Nicaragua and Japan in the Little League World Series (LL games only go six innings normally).

I learned that in LL starting with the 8th inning the batting team starts with a man on 2nd base, to speed up the scoring.

I think the LLWS is supercool, but the age of players is such that teams have 80 pounders and 150 pounders.  Kinda makes it look like all the teams are loading up with 18 year old ringers.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Grey Fox on September 01, 2022, 08:36:20 PM
My son hit is first, well, hit against a pitcher tonight. A triple.

His level doesn't normally have pitchers. It is also his first ever triple.

And I missed it because I had to go the parent-teacher conference.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on March 08, 2023, 12:31:01 AM
Watching the Dutch and the Cubans in the opening game of the World Baseball Classic. Sir Didi Gregorious, of the Order of Orange-Nassau, just knocked in the tying run in the 3rd Inning. I know the whole of the Netherlands erupted in celebration  :P
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on March 08, 2023, 02:13:22 AM
I'd watch if they put in Blyleven.  Even now, I bet half the field couldn't touch his curve.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on March 08, 2023, 02:20:05 AM
And the Dutch win 4-2 with the legendary Chadwick Tromp leading the way.

I am always fascinated by how well their team does in this tournament. It's cool. And yet again the obscure Tom de Blok pitches his heart out once the World Baseball Classic starts.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 08, 2023, 08:28:40 AM
Didn't know Burt was born in the old country.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on March 08, 2023, 03:17:29 PM
I wasn't able to watch thanks to the crazy time difference but Panama beat Taiwan 12-5.

Tonight we have Australia vs South Korea and Panama vs the Netherlands.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 09, 2023, 09:59:01 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INQa4LSzcuY

Sweet Little League clip.  :)
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on March 09, 2023, 11:45:12 PM
I got really ill all of the sudden so I wasn't able to alert you all in the amazing goings on at the World Baseball Classic but:

Australia beat South Korea in a 8-7 thriller

The Netherlands continued their hot streak beating Panama 3-1

Powerhouse Japan had no problem with China, winning 8-1

and Italy beat Cuba 6-3, rough start for Cuba.

Currently the Czechs are no hitting the Chinese 3-0 going into the 5th in Tokyo. I have a feeling the Chinese really suck at Baseball.

Cuba and Panama are just getting underway in Taiwan.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on March 09, 2023, 11:46:38 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on March 09, 2023, 09:59:01 PMhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INQa4LSzcuY

Sweet Little League clip.  :)

Awwwww. I would like to think I would have done that. That was cool.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on March 10, 2023, 12:27:16 AM
I thought this video does a good job putting the tournament this year in some perspective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IspEWM1aZXo

Also explains a bit why I am surprised the Cubans are doing so poorly so far. *oof* The Cuban 3rd baseman just made a truly horrendous throw.

Also here are all the teams:

(https://i.redd.it/based-on-the-teams-that-will-participate-in-the-2023-world-v0-o2ppso3qn72a1.jpg?auto=webp&s=8647100e6533ad9e93a2cf68b7967b1c85b53519)

The winners and runner ups of every pool go to the Quarterfinals for the knock-out rounds. You know, standard stuff.

Tejada from Panama just hit a home run, driving in that guy the Cuban Third Baseman put on first by his shitty throw. Panama and Cuba are tied at 2.

So far Pool A looks like this:

Netherlands   2   0
Italy           1   0      
Panama           1   1   
Chinese Taipei   0   1   
Cuba           0   2

Pool B looks like this:

Australia   1   0   
Japan           1   0   
Czechia           0   0
China           0   1
Korea           0   1

No ties in Baseball, they will play forever until somebody wins.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on March 11, 2023, 12:11:06 PM
Amazing comeback by the Czechs in the 9th inning takes down China 8-5! Meanwhile the Cubans broke out the bats to smash Panana 13-4.

Favorite Japan destroyed arch-rival South Korea 13-4 and then took care of the Czechs 10-2 to clinch a spot in the knock out round.

Australia blew out China 12-2. The Chinese are the first team to be eliminated.

Italy lost to Taiwan 11-7 before getting shut out by Panama 2-0 putting the Italians in a desperate situation.

Taiwan then beat the Dutch 9-5.

Everybody still in it in Pool A though Taiwan and the Netherlands just one win away from advancing:

Pool A
Chinese Taipei 2 1
Nerherlands 2 1
Panama 2 2
Cuba 1 2
Italy 1 2

Japan dominates through Pool B with Australia on the brink. South Korea in big trouble. China just playing for Pride now.

Pool B
Japan 3 0
Australia 2 0
Czechia 1 1
South Korea 0 2
China 0 3

Pool C with Mexico, Canada, United States, Columbia, and the United Kingdom and Pool D with the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Israel Puerto Rico, and Nicaragua both get started today.

Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Grey Fox on March 11, 2023, 03:01:42 PM
My son is currently taking part in day 1 of AA 11U selection camp. His goal is too make it to week 2.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on March 14, 2023, 12:02:08 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 11, 2023, 03:01:42 PMMy son is currently taking part in day 1 of AA 11U selection camp. His goal is too make it to week 2.

Wow a select camp. That is pretty awesome. Keep us updated.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on March 14, 2023, 12:26:06 AM
Ok so lots of crazy stuff has gone down:

In Pool A

Cuba continues their comeback and beats Taiwan 7-1 in another dominating performance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCi-HpEAnss

The Netherlands, though, finished going the other direction and got dominated by the Italians 7-1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w63vaBl8NTw

So EVERYBODY in Pool A finishes at 2-2 but Cuba wins the Pool with Italy finishing runner up on run differential. Cuba comes all the way back to go from last place to first.

Pool A
Cuba 2 2
Italy 2 2
Netherlands 2 2
Panama 2 2
Taiwan 2 2

In Pool B

Japan finishes dominant in Pool play beating Australia 7-1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9jn75kxM5w

Australia, though, clinches second place by beating Czechia 8-3 home https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1E-sE6LR6wo

Czechia lost to South Korea 7-3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CkNFuwQetU

South Korea, already eliminated by Australia's win, then took out its frustrations on the hapless Chinese 22-2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pughQ8vJNcM

Japan easily wins Pool B with Australia coming in second place in a bit of a surprise:

Pool B
Japan 4 0
Australia 3 1
South Korea 2 2
Czechia 1 3
China 0 4

Japan will play Italy and Australia will play Cuba in the quarterfinals in Tokyo on Wednesday and Thursday.


Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on March 14, 2023, 12:52:02 AM
Meanwhile on the other side of the bracket:

Pool C

The United States opened by beating Great Britain 6-2 in the Brits first ever World Baseball Classic appearance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl1n-tO5knU I know the national teams do not exactly have iconic uniforms but wow the British look like they drew them up in Power Point in five minutes.

Columbia opened strong by upsetting Mexico 5-4 in extra innings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMMVkxEguY0

Team Canada obliterated Great Britain 18-8 in their opening game which kind of worried USA fans as we had a much harder time with them https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSBa8gDxQZI

And those concerns were soon made manifest as the USA got run over by arch-rival Mexico 11-5 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9c21TWHY2rM

Great Britain then earned its first ever World Baseball Classic win by bouncing back against Columbia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdJwMAQ1GL4

And the USA got going against Canada 12-1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLCc3Z5eKKM so hey they started slow in 2017 as well...maybe we will be alright.

Pool C
United States 2 1
Mexico 1 1
Canada 1 1
Columbia 1 1
Great Britain 1 2

Pool D

Puerto Rico came out of the gate strong, dominating Nicaragua 9-1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdqrfsgeJRg

Venezuela then upset favorite Dominican Republic 5-1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDnrs3ky9to

Israel put Nicaragua in a deep hole with a 3-1 win https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNOMuSERaPc

Venezuela put itself on the top of the pool with a 9-6 win over Puerto Rico https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKnjYI0IX1k

The mighty Dominicans put Nicaragua away with a dominant 6-1 win https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3EZk6Rg4W8

Puerto Rico keeps itself alive when four pitchers combined to no hit Israel 10-0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=906Q-UTVtgw

Pool D
Venezuela 2 0
Puerto Rico 2 1
Israel 1 1
Dominican Republican 1 1
Nicaragua 0 3

Heating up baby!
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 14, 2023, 11:56:49 AM
Watched US Canada highlights.  Massacree.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on March 14, 2023, 01:42:40 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on March 14, 2023, 11:56:49 AMWatched US Canada highlights.  Massacree.

Hell yeah! 9 run first inning!

Once we get going I don't think anybody can stop us.

BTW it seems Puerto Rico pitched a perfect game against Israel. That's amazing.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 14, 2023, 01:47:06 PM
Really?  Is Israel not a punching bag?

I felt for that 19 year old kid the Canadians put on the mound.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on March 14, 2023, 01:51:15 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on March 14, 2023, 01:47:06 PMReally?  Is Israel not a punching bag?

I felt for that 19 year old kid the Canadians put on the mound.

Israel isn't great but it is hard to pitch a perfect game against anybody.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on March 15, 2023, 12:19:32 AM
The King's Baseball Legion just came up short against Mexico 2-1. That was pretty amazing when they tied it up. They gave Mexico all they could handle.

Nice first showing Brits. Maybe we will see you again sometime.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: crazy canuck on March 15, 2023, 12:16:31 PM
Caught a bit of the Aussies vs. Cuba while at the gym this morning.  The bits I saw showed a pretty good battle.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Grey Fox on March 16, 2023, 12:54:52 PM
Quote from: Valmy on March 14, 2023, 12:02:08 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 11, 2023, 03:01:42 PMMy son is currently taking part in day 1 of AA 11U selection camp. His goal is too make it to week 2.

Wow a select camp. That is pretty awesome. Keep us updated.

It seems that no cuts were made after week 1. On to week 2!
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Barrister on March 16, 2023, 12:58:20 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 16, 2023, 12:54:52 PM
Quote from: Valmy on March 14, 2023, 12:02:08 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 11, 2023, 03:01:42 PMMy son is currently taking part in day 1 of AA 11U selection camp. His goal is too make it to week 2.

Wow a select camp. That is pretty awesome. Keep us updated.

It seems that no cuts were made after week 1. On to week 2!

Nice!

I know from AA hockey tryouts it can be a stressful time for kids and parents.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: HVC on March 16, 2023, 01:02:17 PM
Congrats to him :cheers: (that's soda, not beer :P )
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Grey Fox on March 16, 2023, 01:09:09 PM
Quote from: Barrister on March 16, 2023, 12:58:20 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 16, 2023, 12:54:52 PM
Quote from: Valmy on March 14, 2023, 12:02:08 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 11, 2023, 03:01:42 PMMy son is currently taking part in day 1 of AA 11U selection camp. His goal is too make it to week 2.

Wow a select camp. That is pretty awesome. Keep us updated.

It seems that no cuts were made after week 1. On to week 2!

Nice!

I know from AA hockey tryouts it can be a stressful time for kids and parents.

I'm not too stressed about it for now. I want him to perform well but making the team isn't really something we can afford.

He's not stressed at all, he's very aloof when it comes to baseball for some reason. Especially considering that it is actually his most competitive sport.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Barrister on March 16, 2023, 01:32:12 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 16, 2023, 01:09:09 PMI'm not too stressed about it for now. I want him to perform well but making the team isn't really something we can afford.

He's not stressed at all, he's very aloof when it comes to baseball for some reason. Especially considering that it is actually his most competitive sport.

But that then is part of the stress - you're worried how the kid will take it if he doesn't make it, but you're worried how your wallet will take it if he does. :ph34r:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Barrister on March 16, 2023, 01:52:46 PM
And it's not like the stress ends once you make the team.

Just for example - my kid is now signed up to try out for the Hockey Alberta-run Prospect Cup.  They do tryouts throughout the province, form a total of 8 teams from 2010-born kids, then play a tournament in Red Deer.  Most of the kids he played AA with are trying out, but now the competition is even tougher.

So the question will be that since they form 2 teams in Edmonton, is my kid one of the 12 best defencemen in Edmonton born in 2010?

And then of course since the season is over, he has to tryout again in the fall - but now there's also AAA to try out for.  Consensus is that since he's moving up to U15 and will be a first year (so competing against kids born in 2009) making AAA is almost impossible, but still keeping a spot in AA is hardly guaranteed...
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Grey Fox on March 16, 2023, 07:38:16 PM
Ah, the life of a sport parent.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Barrister on March 16, 2023, 07:49:49 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 16, 2023, 07:38:16 PMAh, the life of a sport parent.

One of us! One of us!
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: crazy canuck on March 17, 2023, 11:03:53 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 16, 2023, 07:38:16 PMAh, the life of a sport parent.

The boys and I still have good laughs and memories about those glory days.  Its a good time, and you have the right attitude.  Don't stress about it, just enjoy these moments.

Cue https://www.google.com/search?q=glory+days+bruce+springsteen&oq=glory+days&aqs=edge.5.69i57j0i512j0i131i433i512j0i512l6.4654j0j1&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on March 19, 2023, 02:26:47 PM
We are headed for the Semifinals! Let me fill you all in on how we got there:

As I previously mentioned The King's Baseball Legion went down to Mexico after a heroic effort 2-1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyU34IKqVPc

Despite having truly horrendous uniforms:
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FrIowD1WAAETEuq?format=jpg&name=large)

Come on man, did you iron that T on or something?

Canada regained some pride, beating Columbia 5-0: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUrOMa7bdMo and setting up a winner advance game against Mexico...

Which the Mexicans won 10-3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyU34IKqVPc Mexico goes through to the knock out round.

The United States then secured its spot by beating Columbia 3-2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bTAqX3Vkek

Pool C finished like this:

Pool C
Mexico 3 1
United States 3 1
Canada 2 2
Great Britain 1 3
Columbia 1 3

Meanwhile in Pool D:

The Dominicans have little trouble with the Israelis 10-0: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSkfQGMcoA0

And showing that maybe Yi was right that throwing a perfect game against Israel is no big deal as the Dominicans 1 hit them.

Venezuela came out on top against Nicaragua 4-1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85MDzK0n9Uw

And then finished on top the Pool at 4-0 dominating Israel 5-1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59BpdWEpfjc

This set up a critical winner advance and loser go home between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. And PR scored a historic upset by riding a 4 run third inning to a dramatic 5-2 victory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHqOKXhhgrA in a game that will forever live in the memories of PR fans...and in the memories of NY Mets fans as their star closer Edwin Diaz injures himself celebrating PR's historic win. LOL Mets.

Pool D finished like this:

Venezuela 4 0
Puerto Rico 3 1
Dominican Republic 2 2
Israel 1 3
Nicaragua 0 4



Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on March 19, 2023, 02:40:28 PM
In the Quarterfinals Pool A winner Cuba took on Pool B runner up Australia in Tokyo. Cuba would overcome an early Aussie lead to advance to the Semi-Finals 4-3 ending an impressive run by Australia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOWHLC69nEU

Cuba has now won three straight after looking dead in the water after their 0-2 start.

Pool B winner Japan had little trouble defeating Pool A runner up Italy 9-3 in Tokyo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJkCbaK0WnU

Japan has barely broken a sweat so far.

Poole C winner Mexico with a dramatic comeback against Pool D runner up Puerto Rico in the bottom of the 7th to win 5-4 with back to back two out hits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMiV0FeIVUM PR sure could have used a great reliever like Edwin Diaz to close the deal. Oh well. Mexico on to the Semi Finals.

Pool D winner Venezuela fell to Pool C runner up USA in similarly dramatic fashion with a grand-slam 8th inning home run by the 9th hitter SS Trea Turner to lose 9-7, all that after the Venezuelans had battled back from a 5-2 deficit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HV0bpOotUVQ

So the stage is set for the final four teams:

Cuba vs USA today in Miami (huh...is that a home game for Cuba or the USA? :hmm:)

Japan vs Mexico tomorrow in Miami

Before the Championship game on Tuesday in Miami to decide who is the TRUE WORLD CHAMPION.

I am sure the whole world will be watching in rapt attention...or at least Japan will if Japan makes it as something like 60% of their entire population typically watches their national team play.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on March 21, 2023, 03:23:58 PM
Team USA destroyed Cuba but at the beginning it looked a little shaky with old man Adam Wainwright getting the start: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkskfWENTYk but Wainwright's curve ball get them out of it.

The USA would go on for a dominating 14-2 win over Cuba with two more home runs by Trea Turner as well as ones by Paul Goldschmidt and the Baltimore Orioles own Cedric Mullins https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RX-1X9VM7uc

The USA is on fire and anxious to defend their 2017 world championship in the finals. USA! USA! USA!

But waiting for them:

In the other semi-final Samurai Japan and El Tri (baseball edition) would play a game for the ages. Mexico had a reputation for underachieving in international competition and were anxious to erase that reputation and reach the championship game against their arch-rival.

But they had to get past super star fire baller Roki Sasaki whose 102 mph fastball and electric stuff appeared unhittable in the first few innings...until he hung a sinker to Mexican 2nd basemen Luis Urias: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-KU9IvDKdc

Mexico appeared to be cruising to victory behind the excellent pitching of Patrick Sandoval and José Urquidy until Urquidy ran into trouble in the bottom of the 7th inning. Team Mexico brought in JoJo Romero to stop the Samurai rally and he nearly succeeded until he faced Masataka Yoshida with two outs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTSFC5Q2qqk

Two innings left and a 3-3 ballgame.

Mexico would come roaring back though. Alex Verdugo's double in the top of the 8th put El Tri ahead 4-3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXYrrIbwZrA

And then Isaac Paredes got a hit to score pinch runner Jarren Duran but a great throw by Yoshida nailed First Baseman Joey Meneses at the the plate to keep it a 5-3 Mexican lead: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9MKr79f5go

Japan would answer in the bottom of the 8th inning with a pinch hit Hotaka Yamakawa sacrifice fly to score pinch runner Takumu Nakano to make it 5-4 Mexico.

Japanese closer Taisei Ota would hold Mexico in the top of the 9th.

So it came down to the bottom of the 9th inning with Mexico holding on to a narrow 5-4 lead. Giovanny Gallegos comes in to win it for Mexico but first has to face Japanese star Shohei Ohtani who hits a double to the right field gap. Gallegos then walks Yoshida, who is then replaced by pinch runner Ukyo Shuto.

Next up is 3rd baseman Munetaka Murakami and this happens: https://youtu.be/bW4p5zHct9A?t=66

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ro-JHPwbow

Samurai Japan advances to face the United States for the World Championship in an epic back and forth game. Mexico finishes with its first ever top 4 finish in the WBC.

So today, in just a few hours, the world champion of Baseball will be crowned and Los Angeles Angels teammates Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani not only get the novel experience of playing against each other, but in a championship game instead of just who gets to finish 4th in the AL West.

Should be awesome.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on March 21, 2023, 09:52:44 PM
Congrats to Samurai Japan on their third world championship! They take down the USA 3-2 in the finals.

This one hurts. I had resigned myself to defeat when the USA was down to Venezuela before that dramatic grand slam but suddenly it seemed like the USA couldn't be stopped...until it was. The USA had base runners all over the place but just couldn't get the big hits.

The technical excellence, speed, and talent of the Japanese is truly awesome and I guess if you are going to go down in a championship it might as well be the greatest baseball player alive, Shohei Ohtani.

Still GODDAMNIT! So close but so far.

It was an amazing World Baseball Classic and I hope all who caught any of it enjoyed it, I know I did. Let's do it again in 2026.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Barrister on March 22, 2023, 10:46:46 AM
Sounds like it was a hell of a game last night.  Sorry I missed it live.



On a totally different level, my wife's family grew up playing baseball/softball, but she's failed to convince any of our kids to try the sport out.  Until this year - my youngest (age 9) is signed up to play softball starting next month.  I need to get out there with a glove in his hand ASAP to try and get him some idea on what to do...

(This is the kid who hated hockey, but has enjoyed Taekwondo, so who knows what he'll think about softball)
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 22, 2023, 03:48:16 PM
Hey Valmy, couple questions about Teh Classic.  DH or no DH?  Are all the refs MLB?
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Grey Fox on March 22, 2023, 08:33:15 PM
Quote from: Barrister on March 22, 2023, 10:46:46 AMSounds like it was a hell of a game last night.  Sorry I missed it live.



On a totally different level, my wife's family grew up playing baseball/softball, but she's failed to convince any of our kids to try the sport out.  Until this year - my youngest (age 9) is signed up to play softball starting next month.  I need to get out there with a glove in his hand ASAP to try and get him some idea on what to do...

(This is the kid who hated hockey, but has enjoyed Taekwondo, so who knows what he'll think about softball)

Boy softball! That's cool, we don't have that here.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 22, 2023, 08:39:47 PM
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/USH_hUziATU

Excellent advice for beginning batters.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Grey Fox on March 23, 2023, 09:39:42 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 16, 2023, 12:54:52 PM
Quote from: Valmy on March 14, 2023, 12:02:08 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 11, 2023, 03:01:42 PMMy son is currently taking part in day 1 of AA 11U selection camp. His goal is too make it to week 2.

Wow a select camp. That is pretty awesome. Keep us updated.

It seems that no cuts were made after week 1. On to week 2!

He did not survive the first cut. On to the A/B camp.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on March 23, 2023, 10:01:00 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on March 22, 2023, 08:39:47 PMhttps://www.youtube.com/shorts/USH_hUziATU

Excellent advice for beginning batters.

That is great advice!

Though it doesn't work by 10U...most of the time.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on March 23, 2023, 10:01:21 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 23, 2023, 09:39:42 AMHe did not survive the first cut. On to the A/B camp.

Sorry to hear that.

Still...think of all the money you saved.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on March 23, 2023, 10:01:48 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 22, 2023, 08:33:15 PMBoy softball! That's cool, we don't have that here.

Yeah boys are not allowed to play softball until we are old and doing it for fun.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Grey Fox on March 23, 2023, 10:23:32 AM
Quote from: Valmy on March 23, 2023, 10:01:21 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 23, 2023, 09:39:42 AMHe did not survive the first cut. On to the A/B camp.

Sorry to hear that.

Still...think of all the money you saved.

 :lol: It's like 2 grand when including out of town tournaments.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Barrister on March 23, 2023, 11:26:43 AM
Quote from: Valmy on March 23, 2023, 10:01:48 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 22, 2023, 08:33:15 PMBoy softball! That's cool, we don't have that here.

Yeah boys are not allowed to play softball until we are old and doing it for fun.

Huh - never thought about it.

Baseball is a tricky sport to learn.  If you don't have a basic proficiency in throwing, catching and hitting it is just PAINFUL to both play and watch.  Whereas from experience, even if you're terrible at hockey you can still play some kind of meaningful version of the game.

So (if like my kid) you're just starting out at age 9 I think softball would be a much easier introduction to the whole game.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Savonarola on March 24, 2023, 03:01:36 PM
In the past my wife and I went to Lakeland to see the Detroit Tiger's spring training this time of year.  Both Orlando and Tampa have grown enormously starting with Hurricane Maria hitting Puerto Rico and continuing on through Covid, so it now takes about three hours to get to Lakeland during the day (where it used to take us two.)  Instead we went to Jupiter to watch the Tigers play the Cardinals.  (The closest stadium to us is The Mets in Port Saint Lucie, but we couldn't find a game that fit our schedule.  Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium (really) in Jupiter is shared by the Marlins and the Cardinals so there's almost always a game every day spring training. 

It was 90 F (32 C) and no shade near us; fortunately there was breeze.  It's hard to draw too many conclusions from a spring training game, but it looks like the Tigers might have some offense this year.  Their fielding looked terrible.  The Cards didn't look much better, but they could at least make the occasional spectacular catch.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 29, 2023, 06:39:38 PM
It appears they have made the infield shift illegal.  I don't get that at all.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: HVC on March 29, 2023, 06:46:04 PM
So... what's with the shot clock?
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Grey Fox on March 29, 2023, 07:53:11 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on March 29, 2023, 06:39:38 PMIt appears they have made the infield shift illegal.  I don't get that at all.

It was analytics taking too far and stopped the fun of hits.

@HVC Pitch clock. 😉
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: HVC on March 29, 2023, 07:58:39 PM
Shot, pitch, the balls moving to a target :P

I guess it'll speed up games, but it just seems off. Might it lead to more pitcher wear and tear/ injury?
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on March 29, 2023, 08:10:54 PM
Quote from: HVC on March 29, 2023, 06:46:04 PMSo... what's with the shot clock?

We have had it in College Baseball for awhile. I think its fine but then I really like fast working pitchers. JP Howell would have the pitch headed back about 0.5 seconds after the catcher threw him back the ball. My man.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on March 29, 2023, 08:11:42 PM
Quote from: HVC on March 29, 2023, 07:58:39 PMShot, pitch, the balls moving to a target :P

I guess it'll speed up games, but it just seems off. Might it lead to more pitcher wear and tear/ injury?

How? It is the number of pitches, not the speed. And besides it is pretty long.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: HVC on March 29, 2023, 08:15:54 PM
Quote from: Valmy on March 29, 2023, 08:11:42 PM
Quote from: HVC on March 29, 2023, 07:58:39 PMShot, pitch, the balls moving to a target :P

I guess it'll speed up games, but it just seems off. Might it lead to more pitcher wear and tear/ injury?

How? It is the number of pitches, not the speed. And besides it is pretty long.

Quick repetition would be more damaging, no?

*edit* maybe I'm just thinking machinery :lol:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 29, 2023, 09:30:46 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 29, 2023, 07:53:11 PMIt was analytics taking too far and stopped the fun of hits.

"This guy is a dead pull hitter" is not analytics.  It's just watching him hit.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on March 29, 2023, 10:20:55 PM
Quote from: HVC on March 29, 2023, 08:15:54 PM
Quote from: Valmy on March 29, 2023, 08:11:42 PM
Quote from: HVC on March 29, 2023, 07:58:39 PMShot, pitch, the balls moving to a target :P

I guess it'll speed up games, but it just seems off. Might it lead to more pitcher wear and tear/ injury?

How? It is the number of pitches, not the speed. And besides it is pretty long.

Quick repetition would be more damaging, no?

*edit* maybe I'm just thinking machinery :lol:

Maybe but the pitch clock is 15 seconds, not five seconds.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: The Minsky Moment on March 30, 2023, 10:45:56 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on March 29, 2023, 09:30:46 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 29, 2023, 07:53:11 PMIt was analytics taking too far and stopped the fun of hits.

"This guy is a dead pull hitter" is not analytics.  It's just watching him hit.

Shifts were calibrated based on spray charts and optimized to each batter.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Syt on March 30, 2023, 11:09:18 AM
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on March 30, 2023, 10:45:56 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on March 29, 2023, 09:30:46 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 29, 2023, 07:53:11 PMIt was analytics taking too far and stopped the fun of hits.

"This guy is a dead pull hitter" is not analytics.  It's just watching him hit.

Shifts were calibrated based on spray charts and optimized to each batter.

I assume porn studios do the same for the money shots.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Admiral Yi on April 02, 2023, 02:46:50 PM
I see Cubbies and Cards are playing in London.  Do they do this every year?
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Grey Fox on April 02, 2023, 06:59:22 PM
They did it in 2019. 2020, 2021 and 2022 versions got covided.

So, yes. Every year.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Barrister on May 04, 2023, 03:09:59 PM
Quote from: Barrister on March 23, 2023, 11:26:43 AM
Quote from: Valmy on March 23, 2023, 10:01:48 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 22, 2023, 08:33:15 PMBoy softball! That's cool, we don't have that here.

Yeah boys are not allowed to play softball until we are old and doing it for fun.

Huh - never thought about it.

Baseball is a tricky sport to learn.  If you don't have a basic proficiency in throwing, catching and hitting it is just PAINFUL to both play and watch.  Whereas from experience, even if you're terrible at hockey you can still play some kind of meaningful version of the game.

So (if like my kid) you're just starting out at age 9 I think softball would be a much easier introduction to the whole game.

Josh's softball team has their first game tonight. :w00t:

Apparently their team is the only all-boys team in their league.  The team they're playing tonight looks to be all-girls.  But almost all of Josh's team has never played ball before.

I have been working with Josh at least for his throwing and catching.  He's doing much better than I thought he would, though he's not exactly God's gift to softball.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Grey Fox on May 04, 2023, 07:54:56 PM
That's cool! Do share on his exploits tonite.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Grey Fox on September 08, 2023, 08:36:28 PM
How did Josh fair, BB?


My son, Cédric, didn't make one of the A teams and played B ball all summer.

His team had 4 kids out of 11 who had never played baseball before. They didn't have a good regular season ending with a record of 5-11-3. He learn to throw, his category introduces pitchers to the game, properly and worked on his hitting. He played 5 games with the above category (13UB)to his and performed adequately in all of them. Was even player of the game once.

Tomorrow afternoon, his team will play for a spot in Sunday's regional championship game. Winning the regionals sends them to the provincial championship next week.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Barrister on December 08, 2023, 06:03:28 PM
Shohei Ohtani to the Bluejays???

https://dodgersnation.com/shohei-ohtani-to-sign-with-toronto-blue-jays-over-los-angeles-dodgers-sources/2023/12/08/

Not sure how credible Dodgers Nation is, but it was cited by Sports Illustrated...
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Grey Fox on December 08, 2023, 08:58:54 PM
If he signs there for real, it's going to be around 800 millions cad. Rogers customer better brace for many price hikes.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Valmy on December 08, 2023, 10:38:31 PM
I expected him in the AL East...just not there  :lol:
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Barrister on December 10, 2023, 01:33:50 PM
It was a big fake-out.

Ohtani signs with the Dodgers for an eye-watering $700 million over 10 years.
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Sophie Scholl on December 10, 2023, 04:49:38 PM
The "deferred salary" thing makes such a mockery of the luxury tax/cap in MLB. There *needs* to be some serious changes made to competitive balance in MLB as it just keeps getting worse. After witnessing the awfulness in Oakland and now Ohtani's contract to the already big spending Dodgers, it is blatantly obvious that a salary cap and floor are so badly needed it isn't funny.  <_<
Title: Re: Baseball
Post by: Grey Fox on December 10, 2023, 07:29:16 PM
You really don't. It's a poison pill.