2010-11 MLB Offseason Thread

[JimBeam]

The calls for instant replay all seem to be to " get it right ".

If that's the case then why exclude balls and strikes which are 95% of the calls made in a game ?

Shouldn't those be right too ?

The guy got burned and that sucks but so many calls related to streaks/records could probably be reviewed and change an outcome.

The fact that an official scorer has the final word on so many records is much more laughable than a mistake by an umpire.

I'm glad that all parties seem to be OK with the incident and that they can move along professionally.

Although I bet Joyce has a little something in the pocket for this pitcher in the future.

[disneyspy]

The calls for instant replay all seem to be to " get it right ".

If that's the case then why exclude balls and strikes which are 95% of the calls made in a game ?

Shouldn't those be right too ?

The guy got burned and that sucks but so many calls related to streaks/records could probably be reviewed and change an outcome.

The fact that an official scorer has the final word on so many records is much more laughable than a mistake by an umpire.

I'm glad that all parties seem to be OK with the incident and that they can move along professionally.

Although I bet Joyce has a little something in the pocket for this pitcher in the future.

i dont believe they should be able to review balls and strikes because each ump has a different strike zone that stays consistent the whole game and a review would slow the game up too much

[JimBeam]

But there shouldn't be " different strikes zones ".

They rule books states what it should be. Somewhere between the knees and letters or so.

Really shouldn't have any variables.

Should they all have their own interpretation of a check swing, a balk, etc ...

I know they do, because they're human, but why address one aissue through technology and not others ?

[disneyspy]

everyone views everything differently

and the technology doesnt really exist,its just a tv gimmick,until the center of the ball has a chip its just mapping technology that doesnt take into account the batter's height and stance and the 3 diminsions of the home plate

back to back homers by the tigs,they lead 12-6 in the 7th now

opie started a #BudSeligHates on twitter that has taken off

[disneyspy]

oh ya when gallarga took the lineup to homeplate to start the game,chevy gave him a brand new corvette to help him get over the pain of being robbed of a perfect game

[Ritalin]

I was watching some NBA playoff game and at the end of a quarter some guy hit a three but they weren't sure if his toe was on the line or not, so they all walked over to the scorer's table to watch a replay and I realized I was watch tv of someone watching tv, for one stupid point in the first half. It was not going to make a difference in the outcome of the game.

I turned the channel. Just make the call and play on. They all even out. Baseball will become even more impossible to watch.

[brettmojo]

oh ya when gallarga took the lineup to homeplate to start the game,chevy gave him a brand new corvette to help him get over the pain of being robbed of a perfect game
If they were worried about his pain and anguish then they really shouldn't have given him a Chevy.

[HBox]

If they were worried about his pain and anguish then they really shouldn't have given him a Chevy.

Yeah. They should have given him a Toyota to end all the pain and suffering for good.

[disneyspy]

from twitter

ANTHONYROSANIA #BudSeligHates Baseball, hotdogs, apple pie and Chevrolet

bra fuckin vo

[TheGameHHH]

The calls for instant replay all seem to be to " get it right ".

If that's the case then why exclude balls and strikes which are 95% of the calls made in a game ?

Shouldn't those be right too ?

The guy got burned and that sucks but so many calls related to streaks/records could probably be reviewed and change an outcome.

The fact that an official scorer has the final word on so many records is much more laughable than a mistake by an umpire.

I'm glad that all parties seem to be OK with the incident and that they can move along professionally.

Although I bet Joyce has a little something in the pocket for this pitcher in the future.

I'm glad you feel so easy going about all this, but as a lifetime fan of this game I'm fucking furious and will be for a while. How an umpire can literally rob a kid of a perfect game, then admit he robbed him or in his words "kicked the shit out of the call", and then act like its "ok" is simply embarrassing to me.

[JimBeam]

But what's he gonna do ? He can't change the outcome.

How many calls are blown every day ?

Sure they might not have the impact of a historical event like a perfect game but in totality they amount to something.

Again who knows how many previous perfect games, no hitters, etc ... have been marred by bad calls the other way or by a scorer's hometown judgement.

[TheGameHHH]

But what's he gonna do ? He can't change the outcome.

How many calls are blown every day ?

Sure they might not have the impact of a historical event like a perfect game but in totality they amount to something.

Again who knows how many previous perfect games, no hitters, etc ... have been marred by bad calls the other way or by a scorer's hometown judgement.

theres nothing you really can do, it happened and you can't change the past. but this call was just sooooo blatantly blown, it wasnt even close and it cost somebody a shot at history just like a few decades ago an awful call is often pointed to as costing a team a World Series title. If an extreme circumstance like that happens, there needs to be some sort of replay cause that call just needs to be correct in a situation like that.

[disneyspy]

there is something he can do in this game tho,there were 2 outs in the 9th,he could reverse the call and it wouldnt affect the score of the game

[JimBeam]

But the integrity of every other game is then brought into question.

How many 1 hitters, broken up in less dramtic fashion say in the 4th inning, should we go back and review ?

How many calls during a season cost a team wins and losses ?

Aren't those more important, to the game as a whole not the player, than a record ?

[disneyspy]

But the integrity of every other game is then brought into question.

How many 1 hitters, broken up in less dramtic fashion say in the 4th inning, should we go back and review ?

How many calls during a season cost a team wins and losses ?

Aren't those more important, to the game as a whole not the player, than a record ?

the other three major sports have instituted replay and it has only increased the integrity of their leagues

[TheGameHHH]

the other three major sports have instituted replay and it has only increased the integrity of their leagues

exactly, at least offer managers a challange or two they can use during the game.

[KnoxHarrington]

Here's my list of what I'd make reviewable:

1. Home runs. (Obviously, because this is already a rule.)

2. Plays at the plate. Basically, if a run scored or not.

3. The third out of an inning at any base, or on a flyout (i.e. if it appears the outfielder might have trapped, rather than caught, the ball.)

It would be at the discretion of the crew chief if a review is necessary; the umpire who made the call could certainly request it.

In addition, I'd give each manager one or two challenges per game, for any play. I'm still trying to decide what the penalty for a challenge that does not result in the call being overturned would be: maybe you get a second challenge if your first one results in the call being overturned, but lose it if you do not.

Balls and strikes would not be subject to challenge, even with a manager's challenge.

[cougarjake13]

Here's my list of what I'd make reviewable:

1. Home runs. (Obviously, because this is already a rule.)

2. Plays at the plate. Basically, if a run scored or not.

3. The third out of an inning at any base, or on a flyout (i.e. if it appears the outfielder might have trapped, rather than caught, the ball.)

It would be at the discretion of the crew chief if a review is necessary; the umpire who made the call could certainly request it.

In addition, I'd give each manager one or two challenges per game, for any play. I'm still trying to decide what the penalty for a challenge that does not result in the call being overturned would be: maybe you get a second challenge if your first one results in the call being overturned, but lose it if you do not.

Balls and strikes would not be subject to challenge, even with a manager's challenge.




in football you lose a timeout if its not overturned

baseball obviously has no timeouts but maybe you could add a strike to the count

[brettmojo]

Safe or out calls, catches or no catches home runs and leaving early on tag-ups should be reviewable. Managers get one challenge a game that if successful renews that challenge for use again. If not that's it, no more challenges. Other than that the crew chief can call for a review. Perfectly acceptable. Welcome to the 21st century old guys.

Shame on Bud Selig for not reversing the call.

[Kevin]

Man, i gotta say, Galarraga is all class.

He handled this whole thing as good as anyone could ever handle it.

I can't root against the Tigers on any non Yankee games while he is on the team.

Good to see there are still some good athletes out there.

[TripleSkeet]

I think all the calls for Joyce to be fired or punished for this are stupid: he did his job. In a way, I think it speaks well for him as an umpire that he didn't just think, "Ah, I think he's out, but this is the last out of a perfect game, I better call it safe." He called it the way he saw it, and that's what an umpire should do. ?

I get what youre saying, but if thats true, then this guy either needs to see an optometrist immediately or find a new line of work.

[brettmojo]

Safe or out calls, catches or no catches home runs and leaving early on tag-ups should be reviewable. Managers get one challenge a game that if successful renews that challenge for use again. If not that's it, no more challenges. Other than that the crew chief can call for a review. Perfectly acceptable. Welcome to the 21st century old guys.

Shame on Bud Selig for not reversing the call.
Add fair or foul too.

[underdog]

The chick with the weird face on Sportscenter just said, "former Mariners' great Adrian Beltre."

[JimBeam]

The challenges thing doesn't work, to help " get it right " as everybody wants, because say Leyland used a challenge in the 5th inning and didn't have one left in the 9th ?

Would you then be saying " Oh well they had their chance. They should've saved that one. " ?

And the argument that they do it in football doesn't mean anything because baseball isn't football.

By saying 1 challenge you're assuming that there's only 1 call per game that can impact the outcome of that game and while that might be true sometimes it's not always the case.

Would we feel we're " getting it right " when a challenge is used on a play that seems unimportant early in a game and then a play that should be challenged later isn't ?

You either have all " close " calls reviewed or you leave the game as it is.

And all those people that think the umpire has too much of a say in games good luck when you add a 5th one up in a booth.

[disneyspy]

the point now is really moot,i'm just really proud of the way the tigers and fans displayed the class they did over a fuck up like that,that should be what everyone is talking about and not the mistake

[JimBeam]

the point now is really moot,i'm just really proud of the way the tigers and fans displayed the class they did over a fuck up like that,that should be what everyone is talking about and not the mistake

Agreed.

It was handled the way adult professionals should handle things.

[underdog]

Michael Stanton and, more importantly, Stephen Strasburg start in the majors for the first time Tuesday night. And the ridiculous Bryce Harper is about to be drafted #1. These players are going to be fun to watch.

[Barnaby Jones]

Pete Rose is a cheating douche bag!

http://deadspin.com/5555714/this-is-pete-roses-corked-bat

Anyone still buy that didn't ever bet against his own team? Never trust a bowl cut!!!!

[KnoxHarrington]

Pete Rose is a cheating douche bag!

http://deadspin.com/5555714/this-is-pete-roses-corked-bat

Anyone still buy that didn't ever bet against his own team? Never trust a bowl cut!!!!

At this point, discovering Rose corked his bat is like discovering Charles Manson robbed a liquor store once too. Not surprising, and he's done far worse.

I've never seen how Rose not betting against the Reds is supposed to make what he did any better. If he's got money on the game, either way, his judgment is immediately suspect.

[spoon]

some great comments below the story....here are some of my favs

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/comment/11/2010/06/9bb4b4ef0a748b343a906cf3d40c07e9/original.jpg
"What else did ya cork, Petey?"



<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/SHoNWwhzh3M&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xd0d0d0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/SHoNWwhzh3M&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xd0d0d0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>



"Pete Rose cheated? Unpossible."


http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/comment/11/2010/06/9f64f8ca6f5cabe62c8ae59b79063d35/340x.jpg


"Have there been any overzealous Leaf fans testing Gretzky's 1993 stick for Gilmour's blood?"


http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/comment/11/2010/06/95430f485dc93dbe88bfb4b53284c09c/340x.jpg
"I just X-rayed my game-used A-Rod bat. Are there any X-ray technicians out there who can help me analyze this?"



"Hopefully, this discovery will not sully Pete Rose's reputation."

[Kevin]

some great comments below the story....here are some of my favs

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/comment/11/2010/06/9bb4b4ef0a748b343a906cf3d40c07e9/original.jpg
"What else did ya cork, Petey?"



<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/SHoNWwhzh3M&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xd0d0d0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/SHoNWwhzh3M&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xd0d0d0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>



"Pete Rose cheated? Unpossible."


http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/comment/11/2010/06/9f64f8ca6f5cabe62c8ae59b79063d35/340x.jpg


"Have there been any overzealous Leaf fans testing Gretzky's 1993 stick for Gilmour's blood?"


http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/comment/11/2010/06/95430f485dc93dbe88bfb4b53284c09c/340x.jpg
"I just X-rayed my game-used A-Rod bat. Are there any X-ray technicians out there who can help me analyze this?"



"Hopefully, this discovery will not sully Pete Rose's reputation."



Are you sure thats not Alex Gonzalez bat?

[spoon]

Are you sure thats not Alex Gonzalez bat?

Yes, he likes women and didn't get told to move in order to latch on to a championship (still plays ss). Oh and he has no link to cheating too. But feel free to ignore that one bc he hit 12 home runs in his first healthy (knock on wood) season in years. Hell, he missed the whole 08 season for fuck's sake. Oh and the rogers center isn't/hasn't ever been a bandbox, but it surely isn't KC or Citifield either.

You really need to review his stats before you make this your calling card. And if he ever did get linked, I promise you I'd hate the fucker unlike you parasitic yankee douches.

[Kevin]

Yes, he likes women and didn't get told to move in order to latch on to a championship (still plays ss). Oh and he has no link to cheating too. But feel free to ignore that one bc he hit 12 home runs in his first healthy (knock on wood) season in years. Hell, he missed the whole 08 season for fuck's sake. Oh and the rogers center isn't/hasn't ever been a bandbox, but it surely isn't KC or Citifield either.

You really need to review his stats before you make this your calling card. And if he ever did get linked, I promise you I'd hate the fucker unlike you parasitic yankee douches.



Dude i have seen his stats, he had 24hrs smackdown in the Roid era of 04. The rest he has been mediocre.

Am i saying Arod is clean? Nope.

But don't turn a blind eye on him either.

Has Arod ever had like a broken bat?

Maybe thats a sign that he corks

I honestly don't remember.

Could he be corking sure..

But this isnt the right year for you to be saying it.

You have like 8guys with more HRs than him.

[Kevin]

And Dont lump me into your Yankee group because you know full well my stances on Roids and other shit.

[spoon]

Dude i have seen his stats, he had 24hrs smackdown in the Roid era of 04. The rest he has been mediocre.

Am i saying Arod is clean? Nope.

But don't turn a blind eye on him either.

Has Arod ever had like a broken bat?

I honestly don't remember.

Could he be corking sure..

But this isnt the right year for you to be saying it.

You have like 8guys with more HRs than him.

When he only has 8 hrs through 219 abs plus 25 walks, you find that a stunning fact?! Arod and Tex haven't exactly been hitting the ball for power so good point. Again, look at his stats and it pretty much is in line for his norm, even last year based on abs/hr...perhaps a little up which could be attributed to the roger's center and the jay's hitting philosophy. Logic 1, Albanian myth maker 0.

[Barnaby Jones]

At this point, discovering Rose corked his bat is like discovering Charles Manson robbed a liquor store once too. Not surprising, and he's done far worse.

I've never seen how Rose not betting against the Reds is supposed to make what he did any better. If he's got money on the game, either way, his judgment is immediately suspect.

I totally agree! But you'll often see people try to justify him being re-instated with baseball because he claims he never bet against his team!

[Pestz4Evah]

The McCourt's are the worst humans alive.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-dodgers-psychic-20100610,0,5226932,full.story

[TripleSkeet]

I totally agree! But you'll often see people try to justify him being re-instated with baseball because he claims he never bet against his team!

He still belongs in the Hall of Fame.

[KnoxHarrington]

He still belongs in the Hall of Fame.

I'd definitely let him in the HOF, but keep the lifetime ban on otherwise. And mention the ban on his HOF plaque.

[A.J.]

The McCourt's are the worst humans alive.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-dodgers-psychic-20100610,0,5226932,full.story

Someone should tell them the story about Rasputin.

[Barnaby Jones]

I'd definitely let him in the HOF, but keep the lifetime ban on otherwise. And mention the ban on his HOF plaque.

I don't give a crap if he's in the HoF, and it really doesn't seem like Pete does, either. What he wants is to be able to work in the game again, and they should never relent on that!

[joeyballsack]

He still belongs in the Hall of Fame.

His name and memorabilia is all over the Hall of Fame.

He may not have a plaque, but he hasn't been erased from baseball history.

[Kevin]

I hope he gets reinstated and manages the Cubs.

Can he be any worse than Lou or Dusty?

[Pestz4Evah]

Someone should tell them the story about Rasputin.

http://gickr.com/results4/anim_3e045861-8f4d-3aa4-594b-2e5b961aa986.gif

[spoon]

Sooooo, MLB makes pitchers take off earrings and necklaces bc it confuses batters but an aquarium as a backstop is fine? Selig is the Hottub of MLB.

http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_mlb_experts__56/ept_sports_mlb_experts-509241132-1276200236.jpg?ymtktRDDG1NnFklv


A few details of the Marlins new ballpark in Miami have previously leaked and they've seemed out of place at a baseball game. The just-announced "backstop aquariums" fall under that non-traditional category, but I think they're going to be one of baseball's cooler stadium features when the bagel-slicer looking park opens in 2012.

The two giant aquariums will be located on either side of home plate, but not directly behind it. And no worries on a Faith No More-type situation with a fish flopping around on the ground and gasping for air because the aquariums will be constructed with shatterproof glass.

[Tenbatsuzen]

Sooooo, MLB makes pitchers take off earrings and necklaces bc it confuses batters but an aquarium as a backstop is fine? Selig is the Hottub of MLB.

http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_mlb_experts__56/ept_sports_mlb_experts-509241132-1276200236.jpg?ymtktRDDG1NnFklv

Aquariums may face in towards the crowd, but they also aren't directly behind the backstop. You think the marlins would give up the advertising revenue right behind homeplate?

[spoon]

Aquariums may face in towards the crowd, but they also aren't directly behind the backstop. You think the marlins would give up the advertising revenue right behind homeplate?

I can read the story Matt, and it is listed as being visible both ways (only one would be a waste in many ways). And yes, they will indeed be losing rev by having them anywhere near the home plate area.

[Barnaby Jones]

Are those the fish tanks the cops confiscated from Weebay?!?

[cougarjake13]

Aquariums may face in towards the crowd, but they also aren't directly behind the backstop. You think the marlins would give up the advertising revenue right behind homeplate?




would love to see the first ever broken glass aquarium delay in mlb

[A.J.]

Fuck you jinxy ESPN. As Lilly goes for the no-hitter in the 9th, they show a stat about the last Cubs no hitter at Wrigley. Next pitch, base hit.

[Suspect Chin]

At the Mariners vs. Cardinals game. To all women at professional sporting events: 1. You shouldn't be here. 2. If you must be here, unless you are taking beer orders, shut the fuck up. No one gives a fuck about your kids, your job, or the deal you got on laundry detergent. We don't bother you at the Vera Bradley sale, don't bother us here. 162 nights a year is all we ask for.

[Suspect Chin]

Albert just took one in the ear hole during a play at the plate. That combined with the way he's been limping around, I'd say he definitely needs a 15 day stint.

[NickyL0885]

Watching the Rays-Marlins game on MLB Network and the Marlins gave out Vuvuzelas to the fans. So....if you thought they were annoying watching soccer, try watching it during baseball.

[TripleSkeet]

Watching the Rays-Marlins game on MLB Network and the Marlins gave out Vuvuzelas to the fans. So....if you thought they were annoying watching soccer, try watching it during baseball.

Thats one reason South Florida has no business having a baseball team.

[Kevin]

Thats one reason South Florida has no business having a baseball team.



It basicaly cost them the game because the ump did not hear Gonzalez right on a player sub.

And the player got called out in the 9th.

[A.J.]

This is pretty sweet. (http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=9201989)

[spoon]

This is pretty sweet. (http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=9201989)

also pretty sad for johnny mac

[spoon]

Going to Philly to see Halladay's first game against the Jays since the trade. Damn it's awesome and awful at the same time.

Look for anger in the 9th row behind the Jay's dugout you bitches!

[HBox]

Edwin Jackson threw a no-hitter tonight. But he gave up 8 walks and threw 149 pitches. It was a 1-0 game. Even though it worked out I think you gotta pull him. If it was a bigger lead, maybe you let him finish.

[underdog]

Edwin Jackson threw a no-hitter tonight. But he gave up 8 walks and threw 149 pitches. It was a 1-0 game. Even though it worked out I think you gotta pull him. If it was a bigger lead, maybe you let him finish.

They're one of the worst teams in the whole league. What else are they playing for? Let the guy finish the game.

[Dirtbag]

They're one of the worst teams in the whole league. What else are they playing for? Let the guy finish the game.
Pretty much this. Plus, the bullpen is the single biggest reason they're so terrible. Let the guy finish it.

[TheGameHHH]

Edwin Jackson threw a no-hitter tonight. But he gave up 8 walks and threw 149 pitches. It was a 1-0 game. Even though it worked out I think you gotta pull him. If it was a bigger lead, maybe you let him finish.

kinda disagree, its the summer. hes stretched out and going for a no-no. you have to leave him in. plus he was bringing absolute gas in the 9th, hes a big boy he can handle it

[K.C.]

They made a point to say that Edwin Jackson has a lot of trouble loosening up early in games which is part of why he was so erratic early in that game, because he takes longer to warm up, so he actually settles in and gets more comfortable the later he goes.

He was still pitching effectively, and I think hit 96 a few times on the gun in the 9th. So he obviously wasn't laboring or straining.

You let the guy pitch...now that it's over, you monitor him a little differently in the next five days. See how his recovery period after 150 pitches matches up with his normal recovery period, and if he's struggling a little bit during the week, you give him an extra day or two before his next start.

[spoon]

They made a point to say that Edwin Jackson has a lot of trouble loosening up early in games which is part of why he was so erratic early in that game, because he takes longer to warm up, so he actually settles in and gets more comfortable the later he goes.

He was still pitching effectively, and I think hit 96 a few times on the gun in the 9th. So he obviously wasn't laboring or straining.

You let the guy pitch...now that it's over, you monitor him a little differently in the next five days. See how his recovery period after 150 pitches matches up with his normal recovery period, and if he's struggling a little bit during the week, you give him an extra day or two before his next start.

Simply due to the fact that you have to monitor him any differently means it shouldn't have happened. 150 is an insanely high number of pitches for this day and age and the pitches/pressure pitchers put on their arms. I'm sorry, it's not about the espn highlights and personal milestones. It's their choice, but I sure as hell let the guy know it's a close game, you threw 115 or so, it's time to come off the mound. It's about team, the score, the game, not your own stats regardless of how the team's season is going. Why set up bad habits and selfish practices. It's one thing if it's a normal can he go ONE more inning, but this was clearly pushing his limits in every way. I bet he gets DESTROYED his next outing. Not that it even matters.

[spoon]

On another note, Halladay was in normal form last night. It was sooooo odd in Philly last night, historic and memorable for me to say the least. Not only did the Phils bat first, both teams used DHs and had music played as their batters came to the plate. Add on top of this Halladay was in a Phil's uni pitching against the Jays and it was pretty much surreal to say the least.

I was happy to see the Phils finally hit the ball again and give Halladay some support, even if at the expense of my Jays. I'm surely pulling for the Phils second to the Jays being from PA originally and now with on of my all-time fav players and very deserving of the playoffs Halladay. Just too many great hitters in that fucking lineup to be putting up so few runs.

Beat the fucking Yankees this time though assholes.

[KnoxHarrington]

Sure, you knew that the Pirates and the Orioles were having shitty seasons. But did you know that they could have historically shitty seasons?

The Orioles are on pace to lose 112 games; the Pirates are on track for 106 losses. Only six teams in baseball history have lost as many games as Baltimore is projected to lose, most recently done by the 2003 Tigers, who were 43-119.
By one measure the Pirates may even be worse than the O's. Since 2003 there have been nine 100-loss teams, with season run differentials ranging from the '08 Mariners at negative-140 to the '03 Tigers at negative-337. But the Pirates already have a differential of negative-180 through just 78 games. Over a full season they're on course to finish with a differential of negative-373, which would be the worst since 1899. (Baltimore is on pace for a negative-288, which would be worse than any team of the last eight years except for the '03 Tigers and '10 Pirates.)


Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/joe_lemire/07/01/power.rankings.1/index.html#ixzz0sZ60LztP

The Pirates are a fucking disgrace. If MLB decides to think about contraction again, Pittsburgh should be at the top of the list.

But I don't know what Baltimore's excuse is. They have been good, and could be again. The success Tampa Bay has had in the past few years, and the fact that Toronto looks to be on the right path, shows they can't use the excuse that there's just no way anyone but New York or Boston can win in the AL East. The coming of the Nationals probably does cut into their fan base, but I can't think it hurt it *that* badly. It puts them in the position that the White Sox, Angels, A's and even, to a much lesser extent, the Mets are in: the second-tier team in a given area, and those teams have managed to do well. There's just no reason for them to be this shitty.

[spoon]

yah, not so sure on that blue jay / rays point.

[Barnaby Jones]

The Pirates are a fucking disgrace. If MLB decides to think about contraction again, Pittsburgh should be at the top of the list.

But I don't know what Baltimore's excuse is. They have been good, and could be again.

Why are the Pirates hopeless but the O's "can be good again?" The Pirates have been flat out great many times over their history, and could easily be good again if the owners actually spent some money and made an effort to hire a decent front office!

[disneyspy]

hey twinks fans,hows my ass taste?

[Kevin]

hey twinks fans,hows my ass taste?

Moth balls?

[disneyspy]

Moth balls?

you forgot the "u"

as in i have my balls in your mouth

[spoon]

you forgot the "u"

as in i have my balls in your mouth

You would like that wouldn't you old man!? :lol:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bfpRkyFviaI/SaaU3Tw1qnI/AAAAAAAABzE/m50qJbhDt4Q/s320/herbert.gif

[disneyspy]

<div style="float: left; margin-right: 10px;"><embed src="http://media.entertonement.com/embed/OpenEntPlayer.swf" id="1_649a5212_878e_11df_b1af_00219b9a75f0" name="1_649a5212_878e_11df_b1af_00219b9a75f0" flashvars="auto_play=false&clip_pid=gjkwzzhklq&e=&id=1_649a5212_878e_11df_b1af_00219b9a75f0&skin_pid=wfxswdnlkf" width="300" height="30" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" allowscriptaccess="always" wmode="transparent"></embed><div id="1_649a5212_878e_11df_b1af_00219b9a75f0_anchor" style="font-size: 8px; color: black; text-decoration: none; display: block; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.entertonement.com/clips/gjkwzzhklq--20" style="font-size: 8px; color: black;" target="_blank">Full freezer of popsicles sound bite</a> &nbsp;<a href="http://www.entertonement.com/collections/1408/Family-Guy?ht_link=1_649a5212_878e_11df_b1af_00219b9a75f0" style="font-size: 8px; color: black;" target="_blank">Family Guy sound bites</a></div><img alt="Full freezer of popsicles sound bite" border="0" height="0" src="http://www.entertonement.com/widgets/img/clip/gjkwzzhklq/1/1_649a5212_878e_11df_b1af_00219b9a75f0/blank.gif" style="visibility: hidden; width: 0px; height: 0px; margin:0; padding:0; float:right" width="0" /></div>

[spoon]

a small glimmer of hope on the horizon?

nah, all for nothing

~Drabek~ (http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100704&content_id=11944538&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp)

[spoon]

Who needs a laugh!? Just fucking awful, even if a joke...kind of.

<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6zE-nlDOaU8&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6zE-nlDOaU8&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>

[spoon]

Although I did LOVE the line at about 3:05!

Suck it Ron!

[Barnaby Jones]

Fan falls from the upper deck onto the crowd below trying to catch a foul ball at Arlington!

http://deadspin.com/5580977/fan-falls-from-stands-at-rangers-game

No video of the actual fall, but the reactions from everyone is pretty crazy!

[TheGameHHH]

so what happened to the fan? does anyone know? the reaction from everybody made it seem like the fan was dead for certain.

[Kevin]

so what happened to the fan? does anyone know? the reaction from everybody made it seem like the fan was dead for certain.

Stable condition..

Thank God

[goreds2]

Cardinals lose tonight. Reds in 1st by 3 games. :thumbup:

[Suspect Chin]

Cardinals lose tonight. Reds in 1st by 3 games. :thumbup:

Cubs are done, so as long as anyone but the Cardinals take the division, I'm happy.

[goreds2]

Cubs are done, so as long as anyone but the Cardinals take the division, I'm happy.:smile:

[joeyballsack]

Nice game happening in Philly. Travis Wood has been perfect through six.

[TheGameHHH]

Nice game happening in Philly. Travis Wood has been perfect through six.

sweet jinx, when hes picthing againt roy boy

[spoon]

sweet jinx, when hes picthing againt roy boy

fucking 10-7 with a 2.19 (better than Jimenez now but 5 less wins and 6 more losses)

Halladay has more cgs (7 to 3 and one of jimenez's is complete bs in which he gave up like 3 to the jays in 6 on 110 pitches that was called bc of a thunderstorm), pitched 21 more innings only 1 walk per start (19 vs. 46) and more K's (128 vs 113 yet Halladay does have more innings).

I'm not saying he deserves the Cy at this point, but it just reminded me of the argument Shaun had with someone bc he claimed Pelfrey was better bc of 6 starts and more wins. Sorry, right now I think it's Wainwright's to lose bc he's been unreal and goes deep with great control. Yet we have a LONG way to go.

[joeyballsack]

sweet jinx, when hes picthing againt roy boy

Meh, the Phillies announcing crew had set up the jinx long before I did.

Ended up as a great game anyways, hell, it was a great series with three straight walkoff wins.

[Mitch&Murray]

Bob Sheppard Yankees announcers died today
Sad

[TheGameHHH]

Bob Sheppard Yankees announcers died today
Sad

now dead, at 99......Bob Sheppard.......99

[spoon]

Bob Sheppard Yankees announcers died today
Sad

these things happen in 3's right?

Come on Sterling and Kay next! :innocent:

[brettmojo]

these things happen in 3's right?

Come on Sterling and Kay next! :innocent:
Hopefully they'll plan a Philly Duck ride in the near future.

[hanso]

http://www.10pix.ru/img1/2022/1841213.gif

[brettmojo]

God dammit I hate Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake for making us suffer through the shit that is what musical acts at sporting events have become.

[NickyL0885]

HAHAHAH

Anyone hear Ortiz after he got introduced? It was clear as day.

"Why do i have to get booed? who did i kill? shit."

[brettmojo]

HAHAHAH

Anyone hear Ortiz after he got introduced? It was clear as day.

"Why do i have to get booed? who did i kill? shit."
Rewinding my DVR now.

AH HAHAHA! Late on that bleep ESPN. HA!

[NickyL0885]

I want to know who this Jose Ortiz is. Apparently he's in the Derby, according to Bobby Valentine.

[brettmojo]

I want to know who this Jose Ortiz is. Apparently he's in the Derby, according to Bobby Valentine.
Valentine just owned up to it. HA! At least he didn't say Manny Ortiz.

[Dan 'Hampton]

Do we have to see Satan sitting behind homeplate tomorrow night?

[midwestjeff]

Did Holliday win yet?

[NickyL0885]

Wow....these guys are just crushing the ball........

[brettmojo]

It's time to can the derby. If the stars won't do it then stop trying.

[brettmojo]

I think Erin Andrews is already in 3D.

[Kevin]

Swisher would have had more Hrs if he had Joba pitching to him


Like he normally does in a game

[brettmojo]

I didn't know Jason Statham was participating in this derby.

[brettmojo]

Awesome... (http://www.tauntr.com/content/phillies-assassin-liscence-tase)

[K.C.]

Am I the only one watching this on mute?

[brettmojo]

Am I the only one watching this on mute?
If you focus on the brunette behind the plate and wait for her to flash her tits you really don't hear Morgan or Berman talking.

[Kevin]

Am I the only one watching this on mute?

Are you the only one watching period at this point..

[K.C.]

This is so douchechill inducing with Berman trying to interview Will Ferrill.

HAD to turn it down.

[brettmojo]

Will Ferrel's five seconds of Harry Caray was the only thing that was remotely listenable this entire broadcast.

[brettmojo]

ESPN really does suck the athlete dick. Lebron's special and now the complete cock coddling of Ortiz. What's that Berman? Why is the crowd still booing Ortiz? I don't know, maybe cause' he did steroids perhaps? Or perhaps his copyright infringement regarding God MC Jay-Z? BACKBACKBACKWALLSCRAPER shut the fuck up Berman.

[Dan 'Hampton]

Haha they were slurping the dick of confessed steroid user arod as well.

[brettmojo]

Haha they were slurping the dick of confessed steroid user arod as well.
At least they're consistent.

[Kevin]

Haha they were slurping the dick of lying sack of shit non confessed steroid user Ortiz as well.

Yep...

[TheGameHHH]

Hanley is fun to watch

[spoon]

Yep...

ur fucking classic!

hahahahahahahahahahaahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaa

[spoon]

Awesome... (http://www.tauntr.com/content/phillies-assassin-liscence-tase)

Oh yah it is!

Can't beat that puking fat fuck though!

[Dan 'Hampton]

Hanley will win this. He's too young for an old guy like Ortiz to beat.

[Dan 'Hampton]

Reverse jinx. Congrats papi.

[spoon]

Reverse jinx. Congrats papi.

That didn't sound sincere. :unsure:

[KnoxHarrington]

Bud Selig's brilliant plan to make the All-Star Game "count" by awarding home field advantage in the World Series to the winning team has paid off brilliantly...on Earth 2.

Here, people still don't give a fuck about the game.

Major League Baseball's All-Star game has earned its lowest-ever television rating.
The National League's 3-1 victory Tuesday night on Fox earned a 7.5 fast national rating and 13 share. That's down 16 percent from the 8.9/15 for last season's game, a 4-3 win by the AL.
The previous low was an 8.1/14 in 2005.


Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/baseball/mlb/07/14/all.star.ratings.ap/index.html?eref=sihp#ixzz0th9PrrQK

Maybe it's just time to admit that the All-Star Game is a relic of a by-gone era, and most players just see it as an annoyance and couldn't care less who wins.

[spoon]

Bud Selig's brilliant plan to make the All-Star Game "count" by awarding home field advantage in the World Series to the winning team has paid off brilliantly...on Earth 2.

Here, people still don't give a fuck about the game.



Maybe it's just time to admit that the All-Star Game is a relic of a by-gone era, and most players just see it as an annoyance and couldn't care less who wins.

perhaps the nation isn't interested in watching the yanks play the national league.

[brettmojo]

Maybe it's just time to admit that the All-Star Game is a relic of a by-gone era, and most players just see it as an annoyance and couldn't care less who wins.
Maybe it's time to try starting the actual game closer to 8 than 9?

[NickyL0885]

Maybe it's time to try starting the actual game closer to 8 than 9?

I think 7 works out better. They take too damn long with the pre-game stuff.

[cougarjake13]

shouldnt have 2003 been the only year they say this one counts ??


cause every year after that the meaning isnt the same b/c last years did count


maybe this one still counts ??

[brettmojo]

I think 7 works out better. They take too damn long with the pre-game stuff.
That drove people away too. Julia Robert's scary face and whatever the fuck they were trying to push with everyday all-star people or whatever. WHO GIVEs A FUCK I WANNA' WATCH BASEBALL!!!. No one wants to sit through 25 minutes of that shit.

[hanso]

Manny is off dl already and in the starting line up. I somehow landed him on my fantasy league.

[Suspect Chin]

Manny is off dl already and in the starting line up. I somehow landed him on my fantasy league.

Probably because he is having a terrible year and no one else wants him? He went 0-for-9 with 5 strikeouts in his minor league rehab stint for god's sake.

[hanso]

I see his stats are not that great outside of ba. and ribbies. I think he was hurt before also. He could turn things around in the second half.

[hanso]

Fucker got hurt again second day back.

[razorboy]

With the HOF inductions coming up, it still pisses me off that Lou Whitaker and Dave Parker aren't in. Crime dog should be in there as well.

[razorboy]

Man, the Hawk gave an awesome speech. Class man, worthy inductee, congrats.

[Kevin]

With the HOF inductions coming up, it still pisses me off that Lou Whitaker and Dave Parker aren't in. Crime dog should be in there as well.



I agree.

They don't have the milestones but If you take roids away, none of these other guys would.

There are far worse players in the HOF.

[K.C.]

Haren's an Angel.

Saunders to the Diamondbacks w/ prospects.

[Kevin]

Haren's an Angel.

Saunders to the Diamondbacks w/ prospects.



I would say too little to late but they still have a ton of games with Texas.

[Kevin]

And If Joba was the reason why the Yanks did get him, then the Yanks are retarded.

Time to cut bait with Joba.

He gave up another HR today.

[razorboy]

I agree.

They don't have the milestones but If you take roids away, none of these other guys would.

There are far worse players in the HOF.

Sweet Lou's numbers match Ryne Sandberg's almost stat for stat. It's a crying shame he has to wait until 2015 because some pencil neck beat writers don't have a clue.

[Kevin]

Sweet Lou's numbers match Ryne Sandberg's almost stat for stat. It's a crying shame he has to wait until 2015 because some pencil neck beat writers don't have a clue.



I would say put it into the HOF players hands, but the politicing there is just as bad.

They have put in guys that were nowhere near HOF worthy just because they were their buddies.

Mazarouski belong nowhere near the HOF and he got in because he was buddies with Williams and others.

Same for Rizzouto..

Can't give it to the fans, because as the Allstar voting shows, they are idiots.

I don't know what the right formula for this is.

[razorboy]

I would say put it into the HOF players hands, but the politicing there is just as bad.

They have put in guys that were nowhere near HOF worthy just because they were their buddies.

Mazarouski belong nowhere near the HOF and he got in because he was buddies with Williams and others.

Same for Rizzouto..

Can't give it to the fans, because as the Allstar voting shows, they are idiots.

I don't know what the right formula for this is.

Maybe a baseball aptitude test? I'm only kidding a little bit.

Lee Smith
Dave Parker
Lou Whitaker

and on and on...

The only Hall of Fame that really mattered has become a fucking popularity fraternity.

If you have the stats, but we don't care for you, shut your trap and pray for next year.

[hanso]

A week of walk offs for the Marlins. They were sneaky good.

[A.J.]

Mazarouski belong nowhere near the HOF and he got in because he was buddies with Williams and others.

Same for Rizzouto...

They got in for defense more than for offense.

[hammersavage]

Garza got his. Faced the minimum.

[underdog]

Garza got his. Faced the minimum.

What the fuck is going on?! It has to be the lack of greenies, right?

[razorboy]

Just got back from the game. Man, that was awesome. Congrats Matt.

[Suspect Chin]

Most no hitters in a season was 8 in 1884. Most in the modern era (since 1901) was 7 in both 1990 and 1991. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No-hitter)

I bet we break the record by the end of August. We should have a pool for next pitcher to throw one.

[KnoxHarrington]

It's hilarious that now the Tampa Bay Rays have a no-hitter, and the Mets don't.

[KnoxHarrington]

Most no hitters in a season was 8 in 1884. Most in the modern era (since 1901) was 7 in both 1990 and 1991. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No-hitter)

I bet we break the record by the end of August. We should have a pool for next pitcher to throw one.

This isn't quite 1968, when Gibson had a 1.12 ERA, McClain won 31 games, and Yaz won the batting title with a .301 average (and he had to have a hot streak late in the season to do that), but, yeah, pitching really does seem to be reasserting its dominance.

[razorboy]

It's hilarious that now the Tampa Bay Rays have a no-hitter, and the Mets don't.

At least have the Padres to confide in.

[Suspect Chin]

pitching really does seem to be reasserting its dominance.

That's one way to interpret the situation.

http://squirrelqueen.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/big-head-barry-bonds-clear.jpg

[brettmojo]

Most no hitters in a season was 8 in 1884. Most in the modern era (since 1901) was 7 in both 1990 and 1991. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No-hitter)

I bet we break the record by the end of August. We should have a pool for next pitcher to throw one.
A.J. Burnett. Log it.

[Kevin]

A.J. Burnett. Log it.
10 walks?

[Suspect Chin]

I'll say David Price.

[brettmojo]

10 walks?
5 or 6.

[spoon]

A.J. Burnett. Log it.

ur wrong, log complete

[Kevin]

5 or 6.

Didnt he have 9 when he threw his.

[brettmojo]

Didnt he have 9 when he threw his.
I think it was 10.

[razorboy]

I'll say David Price.

From your lips to God's ears.

[KnoxHarrington]

That's one way to interpret the situation.

http://squirrelqueen.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/big-head-barry-bonds-clear.jpg

I did hear Tim Kurtjian say point-blank that he thought it was because hitters aren't 'roiding like they were.

I'm not sure that I buy that's the whole reason, and I'm also not sure that no one is 'roiding anymore anyway.

[brettmojo]

Chris Coghlan injures knee during pie-in-face celebration. (http://content.usatoday.com/communities/dailypitch/post/2010/07/chris-coghlan-injures-knee-during-pie-in-face-celebration/1)


Coghlan suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee -- planting a pie in the face of teammate Wes Helms after the pinch-hitter's game-winning single Sunday against Atlanta. The injury was diagnosed by MRI Monday and doctors will see how it responds in the next day or two before deciding whether surgery is required.

The reigning NL rookie of the year, hitting .268 with five homers and 28 RBIs, will be out two-to-three weeks if surgery isn't needed; six-to-eight if it is.
Marlins' manager Edwin Rodriguez has banned the "pie celebrations," in which the hero of the day receives a full plate of shaving cream in the face, usually while being interviewed on television.
"It happened as I was going to pie Wes (Helms) in the face and when I jumped I landed on my knee wrong. That's how I hurt it," Coghlan told the Palm Beach Post (http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/marlins/2010/07/27/logan-morrison-called-up-after-chris-coghlan-injures-knee-in-florida-marlins-pie-celebration/).
So much for pies in the face. Gays everywhere just got a little less interested in baseball.

[El Mudo]

I did hear Tim Kurtjian say point-blank that he thought it was because hitters aren't 'roiding like they were.

I'm not sure that I buy that's the whole reason, and I'm also not sure that no one is 'roiding anymore anyway.

Numbers really aren't off that much this year than in any other year
(http://deadspin.com/5597599/last-nights-winner-the-year-of-the-year-of-the-pitcher-stories)


http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/11/2010/07/340x_yearbyyearpitching.jpg

Even looking at the past decade, 2010 doesn't seem particularly anomalous. We have a dropoff in runs per game per team of .16, just as we did in 2002. (What does stand out is the change from 2000 to 2001, when, as Tom Tango points out, baseball once again started calling the high strike.) Baseball's power factor — a favorite metric of our old pal and proto-Moneyballer Eric Walker, measuring total bases per hit — is right around 1.566. That's the lowest since 1995, but not so low that it suggests any permanent tectonic shifts in the game, as Baseball Prospectus's Jay Jaffe notes. Here's Tango again (he was writing when the dropoff was at .13 runs per game):

From 1901 to 2009, which is 108 back-to-back seasons, there have been 36 times that the runs per game dropped by at least 0.13 runs per game. There have been 31 times that the runs per game increased by at least 0.13 runs per game. And another 41 times where the runs per game was within 0.13 runs per game. That we are currently witnessing a drop of 0.13 runs per game (with still 3 months to go, and still summer months to enjoy) is about as non-story as there is, other than the people's desire to look for streak stories, or hot-and-cold stories.

[...]

The drop is around the 33rd percentile (or 67th percentile, depending on your perspective). A story is when something is at the 95th or 99th percentile.

From 2004-2006, the runs per game went from 4.81 to 4.59 to 4.86.

From 2000-2002, it dropped by 0.52 runs in two seasons.

From 1987-1988, it dropped by 0.58 runs in one season, after previously increasing by 0.31 runs per game.

1976-79: 3.99 to 4.47 to 4.10 to 4.46. THOSE are big changes.

And the real "year of the pitcher" changes: 1962-1963: drop of 0.51 runs per game 1968-69: increase of 0.65 runs per game, followed by another 0.27 runs per game.

[brettmojo]

<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QDKUWWPz8dc&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QDKUWWPz8dc&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>

[spoon]

that video was garbage

who the fuck cares?!

[K.C.]

that video was garbage

who the fuck cares?!

Apparently there's not drunks at Yankee Stadium.

<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6upepCzcYr8&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6upepCzcYr8&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>

[sailor]

MLB.com apparently now offers alternative audio with their video feeds. The important one is a park audio feed. Basically it's the sound of the game sans announcers, like they tried in the NHL a few years ago.

[TripleSkeet]

Oswalt to the Phils contingent on his waiving his no trade clause. Look out Atlanta. Here we come.

[Kevin]

Oswalt to the Phils contingent on his waiving his no trade clause. Look out Atlanta. Here we come.

Now that the Oswalt thing may happen, the Lee thing was such a mistake.

I guess Oswalt has another year and Lee was prob leaving at the end of the year.

Depending on which prospects you give up..

You should have kept Lee and his affordable salary for this year.

Doc and Lee would have been some tandum.

Doc and Oswalt isnt bad either.

But come on... Big Pelf is still better than both!

[TripleSkeet]

Now that the Oswalt thing may happen, the Lee thing was such a mistake.

I guess Oswalt has another year and Lee was prob leaving at the end of the year.

Depending on which prospects you give up..

You should have kept Lee and his affordable salary for this year.

Doc and Lee would have been some tandum.

Doc and Oswalt isnt bad either.

But come on... Big Pelf is still better than both!

Im not disagreeing. I wouldve loved them to keep Lee another year and then let him walk.

[Kevin]

Im not disagreeing. I wouldve loved them to keep Lee another year and then let him walk.

Chances were that the two picks you were getting would have translated into players of equal or better value to the ones that you got for him..

What a combo Lee and Doc would have been.

[King Hippos Bandaid]

Oswalt is not worth the $$ and the prospects......... let him rot in Houston ........


Phily is a hitters park and Oswalt will get rocked there....



insert jinx comments

[Barnaby Jones]

Phily is a hitters park and Oswalt will get rocked there....

You say Philly hitters' park like Houston doesn't? Good call, tons of fun!

[foodcourtdruide]

metsblog.com is comparing what the phillies gave up to Niese and 2 pretty good prospects. That is way too much for Oswalt. Not sure how accurate that is.

[foodcourtdruide]

You say Philly hitters' park like Houston doesn't? Good call, tons of fun!

Here are the Park Factors:
http://espn.go.com/mlb/stats/parkfactor

[Barnaby Jones]

Here are the Park Factors:
http://espn.go.com/mlb/stats/parkfactor

Practically the same park when it comes to HR! That Hippo is nothing but trouble! And he smells funny, too!

[hanso]

Oswalt to the Phils contingent on his waiving his no trade clause. Look out Atlanta. Here we come.

They are doing that on their own. Lost about half of games played from the break.

[K.C.]

But come on... Big Pelf is still better than both!

Big Pelf owns all.

[TripleSkeet]

Oswalt is not worth the $$ and the prospects......... let him rot in Houston ........


Phily is a hitters park and Oswalt will get rocked there....



insert jinx comments

I think I read hes 4-0 with a 2.60 ERA at Citizens Bank. Sounds pretty good to me. Im too lazy to look for a link.

[hanso]

Who will close for the Nats?

[Kevin]

Who will close for the Nats?



Does it really matter?

My guess is Clippard...

[hanso]

It does for my fantasy league. Storen is listed as closer now. Picked him up last night then lost Octavio Dotel today. He won't close with Dodgers.

[A.J.]

Who will close for the Nats?

Does it really matter?

My guess is Clippard...

Clippard went setup. Collin Balester closed last night.

That was a rare all-around, strong showing from the Nats last night.

[razorboy]

It's amazing Leyland hasn't pulled out all of his hair by this point.

[epo]

It's amazing Leyland hasn't pulled out all of his hair by this point.

Cigarettes are his saving grace...

[razorboy]

Oh boy, big props to Carl on his 400th career steal, all before the age of 29.

If he gets a triple before the 5th of August, he enters a club only Cobb is in. I hope that prick is rolling over in his grave.

[hanso]

Maybe tonight. Javy gave up a run already.

[spoon]

Wallace moved from Toronto w/o even a call up or sample. Only a few days later he's up in Houston and playing tonight. Makes me kind of sad bc this kid will hit.

[razorboy]

Hell yes Matt Joyce. Hometown boy keeps coming through.

[Kevin]

WOW..

What a fucking BOMB.

Maybe the best 2B in the game.

The only one you can argue is Utley.

[spoon]

WOW..

What a fucking BOMB.

Maybe the best 2B in the game.

The only one you can argue is Utley.

ok mr hyperbole...there are no others and last year Hill was raking and look now

bottom line, calm the fuck down bc even brett gardner hits in that lineup/park

[Kevin]

ok mr hyperbole...there are no others and last year Hill was raking and look now

bottom line, calm the fuck down bc even brett gardner hits in that lineup/park

Dead Wrong..
Cano has CARRIED this team mostly the entire year.

AVG power, Defense, Arm

Hill does not come CLOSE.

Sorry

He has had Big hits after big hits.

6th on down have not been great for the Yankees.

He has had very little protection.

You are blind on your Yankee hatred on this one.

[Tenbatsuzen]

ok mr hyperbole...there are no others and last year Hill was raking and look now

bottom line, calm the fuck down bc even brett gardner hits in that lineup/park

Last I checked, the park you play in doesn't really make a difference when you bat for average, not power.

And the lineup helps gardner? Really? Batting in the 9-hole precedes by Marcus "MVP" Thames and followed by a 275 hitter who's swinging at the first pitch at almost every AB?

[Kevin]

Hill has had 1 year in his career where he was great.

Cano has been consitantly good every year he has been here.

Talk to be about Lind when he has 2 good years in a row..

[Tenbatsuzen]

Lind has had 1 year in his career where he was great.

Cano has been consitantly good every year he has been here.

Talk to be about Lind when he has 2 good years in a row..

I wouldn't say consistent. This is the first year he's been truly consistent. he's had his streakiness, and remember when they sent Melky down to send a message to Cano?

[Kevin]

I wouldn't say consistent. This is the first year he's been truly consistent. he's had his streakiness, and remember when they sent Melky down to send a message to Cano?

297
342
306
271
320

and this year 330

AVG 21 hrs 90 rbis..

Thats pretty consistant.

[Tenbatsuzen]

297
342
306
271
320

and this year 330

AVG 21 hrs 90 rbis..

Thats pretty consistant.

306-271-320 with the woes he had with RISP last year is NOT consistent.

[hanso]

You mean Dan Uggla in a pitchers park no less.

[spoon]

Dead Wrong..
Cano has CARRIED this team mostly the entire year.

AVG power, Defense, Arm

Hill does not come CLOSE.

Sorry

He has had Big hits after big hits.

6th on down have not been great for the Yankees.

He has had very little protection.

You are blind on your Yankee hatred on this one.

Classic Kev, the point WAS look at HILL last year where he was lights out better than Cano and now this year (injuries aside). MY POINT is he's in a DEEP fucking lineup and it DOES influence the pitches he sees with his "average" power even though he's a lefty in Yank Stadium. You're going ape shit on a guy the team was l l this close to dropping. Having Jeter, Arod, Tex, Swish, Posado and all ur SHITTY 6-9 hitters must really suck. The rest of the league has people hitting .240 at best at the back end or worse. Last night for example he hit bt "ALL-STARS" AROD and SWISH. Yah, no protection at all. 3 straight all-stars, ok.

Hill was the MVP of a team with TWO hitters last year while Cano is part of a machine in NY. It's clear who's having a better year and an edge overall, but to say he and only Utley are in the picture during his best season after a down year is funny shit. Hughes & Pelfrey are the best pitchers in the world then too bc he had a great first two months. Papi Yanks Kev baby!

Oh yah and that was just an example, you left out the rest of the league bc that was part of the point too. By the by, Utley has not only hardly played this year, he's also off on all his stats too. So yes, right now Hill isn't close based on the moment, but who made that the point? Not me. I made a completely DIFFERENT point just in case you missed it.

Going by ur standards, Batista is now the premier power hitter in the league, only Hamilton is close in the OF...or should I say someone having an injury loaded season to keep it going.

Saying there is no protection in the yank lineup is pretty funny. The team where other teams #3 and #4 hitters go to hit 8th.

[disneyspy]

cabrera of the tigers is easily the MVP so far

[spoon]

ok mr hyperbole...there are no others and last year Hill was raking and look now

bottom line, calm the fuck down bc even brett gardner hits in that lineup/park

Last I checked, the park you play in doesn't really make a difference when you bat for average, not power.

And the lineup helps gardner? Really? Batting in the 9-hole precedes by Marcus "MVP" Thames and followed by a 275 hitter who's swinging at the first pitch at almost every AB?

First, yes it can. Not only do the hrs help your avg "Last I checked", parks can have HUGE effects on average and or power numbers. That's just stupid. Green monsters, short porches, hefty bags, huge power alley (double city), thin air and sooo much more. The spacious parks are known to produce lower power numbers and up doubs/trips/avg so when looking at stats scouts (for trades take these factors into acct and how they'll translate to their park/see if they are suited for them). You need to check again. Not only can your lineup (so deep with the yanks) effect the pitches batters will see, but parks factor into both avg and power in many different areas.

Next...
Ok, Thames and his 92 at bats? That Thames, RIGHT!? Just want to make sure, good point. Oh and sure, Jeter or Gardner, good point again. I know I'd go after one pitch Derek as he's so aptly know. Jetercakewalk as deadspin calls him right. Sure thing.

[spoon]

Hill has had 1 year in his career where he was great.

Cano has been consitantly good every year he has been here.

Talk to be about Lind when he has 2 good years in a row..

shall we talk about cano being the greatest hands down, Hill and his 1 great year or Lind when he has 2 good years (which he already has)? You're confusing as hell.

[spoon]

I wouldn't say consistent. This is the first year he's been truly consistent. he's had his streakiness, and remember when they sent Melky down to send a message to Cano?

so what was the "message"?

international free agents fill all the holes that we should have to do with a draft

[spoon]

306-271-320 with the woes he had with RISP last year is NOT consistent.

eh, he's pretty good with .271 being his "down" year, but to claim he's hands down the best in MLB is a stretch. to me, i'll never be convinced until he does it elsewhere or on a yank team not fucking LOADED.

[spoon]

cabrera of the tigers is easily the MVP so far

Nah, it's Cano who was also the best man at Chelsea Clinton's wedding and old spice all-round humanitarian of the year hands down.

[A.J.]

I like the Nats trading Matt Capps for Wilson Ramos. With Pudge Rodriguez nearing retirement, getting a stud catching prospect for a decent reliever is a pretty good move.

[Tenbatsuzen]

First, yes it can. Not only do the hrs help your avg "Last I checked", parks can have HUGE effects on average and or power numbers. That's just stupid. Green monsters, short porches, hefty bags, huge power alley (double city), thin air and sooo much more. The spacious parks are known to produce lower power numbers and up doubs/trips/avg so when looking at stats scouts (for trades take these factors into acct and how they'll translate to their park/see if they are suited for them). You need to check again. Not only can your lineup (so deep with the yanks) effect the pitches batters will see, but parks factor into both avg and power in many different areas.

Next...
Ok, Thames and his 92 at bats? That Thames, RIGHT!? Just want to make sure, good point. Oh and sure, Jeter or Gardner, good point again. I know I'd go after one pitch Derek as he's so aptly know. Jetercakewalk as deadspin calls him right. Sure thing.

1) Gardner has five home runs, two of them being Inside the Park. Two others were to center field of Yankee Stadium, if I recall correctly.

2) Thames was just a point, but the other people giving Gardner protection were Cervelli, Kevin Russo, and other patchwork players the Yankees were using while Posada and Granderson were injured. The point is, Gardner has surpassed a lot of people's expectations of him this year and to say that he's a product of the stadium and protection is not entirely true. Gardner's speed is his OWN protection, because pitchers HAVE to pitch to him. If they walk him, 90% of the time, he's on second base.

[epo]

WOW..

What a fucking BOMB.

Maybe the best 2B in the game.

The only one you can argue is Utley.

That's so wrong.

Utley, Kinsler, Phillips, Pedroia. In another year I'd put Weeks above him too.

[epo]

1) Gardner has five home runs, two of them being Inside the Park. Two others were to center field of Yankee Stadium, if I recall correctly.

2) Thames was just a point, but the other people giving Gardner protection were Cervelli, Kevin Russo, and other patchwork players the Yankees were using while Posada and Granderson were injured. The point is, Gardner has surpassed a lot of people's expectations of him this year and to say that he's a product of the stadium and protection is not entirely true. Gardner's speed is his OWN protection, because pitchers HAVE to pitch to him. If they walk him, 90% of the time, he's on second base.

Actually a hitter's true "protection" in the lineup would be the hitter following them in the lineup. So in the #9 spot Gardner would be protected by Jeter.

[hanso]

Uggla has to be on that list. Pitchers park, little protection. Look what his done in the last 12 games. With almost no help. He has a string of the most 20 + HR seasons of any 2b ever. And he is still adding to it.

[Kevin]

That's so wrong.

Utley, Kinsler, Phillips, Pedroia. In another year I'd put Weeks above him too.



You have obviously been smoking that bad Wisconsin weed..

Pads and Kinsler are in the convo..

Weeks??? SERIOUSLY?

What a high pasty Wisconsinite!

[Kevin]

Actually a hitter's true "protection" in the lineup would be the hitter following them in the lineup. So in the #9 spot Gardner would be protected by Jeter.



Jeter has had an awful year..

270 with a low on base..

Very little protection.

[hanso]

Rays are starting to pitch and hit better. Could make a run at 1st again.

[Kevin]

Rays are starting to pitch and hit better. Could make a run at 1st again.



Rays have great .pitching.

That will keep you in any race.

[razorboy]

Speaking of Rays pitching, I am so stoked Hellickson was called up. I've been following that kid forever. I have the feeling he is going to be a great one.

[epo]

Jeter has had an awful year..

270 with a low on base..

Very little protection.

If you are a pitch would you rather pitch to Brett Gardner or the ghost of Derek Jeter?

That's why Gardner sees anything to hit.

[epo]

You have obviously been smoking that bad Wisconsin weed..

Pads and Kinsler are in the convo..

Weeks??? SERIOUSLY?

What a high pasty Wisconsinite!

Do yourself a favor...put Weeks' numbers up next to Cano. Now realize that Cano hits in the middle of the Yankees lineup, while Weeks is a leadoff hitter in the National League.

I hate to tell you, but baseball doesn't start and stop with your stupid pinstripes.

[Kevin]

Do yourself a favor...put Weeks' numbers up next to Cano. Now realize that Cano hits in the middle of the Yankees lineup, while Weeks is a leadoff hitter in the National League.

I hate to tell you, but baseball doesn't start and stop with your stupid pinstripes.



Cano hits 5th with protection from an always hurt Posada or a 250 hitting Granderson.

Do me a favor, know of what you are speaking.

[epo]

Cano hits 5th with protection from an always hurt Posada or a 250 hitting Granderson.

Do me a favor, know of what you are speaking.

Fifth in the Yankees lineup with runners on base and Posada/Granderson behind him.

Leadoff in the National League with nobody on base & a rotating cast of characters behind him in the lineup hitting second.

Think about it...

[Kevin]

The Yankee Lineup is very top heavy.

The bottom has been very mediocre.

[Kevin]

Fifth in the Yankees lineup with runners on base and Posada/Granderson behind him.

Leadoff in the National League with nobody on base & a rotating cast of characters behind him in the lineup hitting second.



And Weeks does not have Braun Prince and Hart after?

[disneyspy]

<div style="float: left; margin-right: 10px;"><embed src="http://media.entertonement.com/embed/OpenEntPlayer.swf" id="1_05156f7c_9d9e_11df_ae36_00219b9a75f0" name="1_05156f7c_9d9e_11df_ae36_00219b9a75f0" flashvars="auto_play=false&clip_pid=xhnbgxvgjf&e=&id=1_05156f7c_9d9e_11df_ae36_00219b9a75f0&skin_pid=wfxswdnlkf" width="300" height="30" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" allowscriptaccess="always" wmode="transparent"></embed><div id="1_05156f7c_9d9e_11df_ae36_00219b9a75f0_anchor" style="font-size: 8px; color: black; text-decoration: none; display: block; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.entertonement.com/clips/xhnbgxvgjf--cow-mooing-cows-2-cows-mooing-loudlyI-Have-a-Dream-Animals-Cows-" style="font-size: 8px; color: black;" target="_blank">cow mooing, cows, 2 cows mooing loudly sound bite</a> &nbsp;<a href="http://www.entertonement.com/collections/30574/moo?ht_link=1_05156f7c_9d9e_11df_ae36_00219b9a75f0" style="font-size: 8px; color: black;" target="_blank">moo sound bites</a></div><img alt="cow mooing, cows, 2 cows mooing loudly sound bite" border="0" height="0" src="http://www.entertonement.com/widgets/img/clip/xhnbgxvgjf/1/1_05156f7c_9d9e_11df_ae36_00219b9a75f0/blank.gif" style="visibility: hidden; width: 0px; height: 0px; margin:0; padding:0; float:right" width="0" /></div>

[epo]

And Weeks does not have Braun Prince and Hart after?

Hart only moved into the #2 spot in late June. Before that he was hitting #6.

Macha seriously is that dumb.

[Snoogans]

you are all jealous of the red sox awesome lineup. D McD, Eric paterson.....a couple other guys i dont know.

AWESOME

[disneyspy]

oh ya? we got cabrera and a bunch of rookies!

[epo]

you are all jealous of the red sox awesome lineup. D McD, Eric paterson.....a couple other guys i dont know.

AWESOME

Don't undersell it: you do have Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

[Snoogans]

Don't undersell it: you do have Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

yea awesome. maybe he can throw it to the CF

[Kevin]

Hart only moved into the #2 spot in late June. Before that he was hitting #6.

Macha seriously is that dumb.



Would you pitch to Cano having an aging Posada a bad year Granderson then Cerveli then Gardner.

Or Weekes having Braun Prince and Hart coming up?

Why would you put him on and set the table for them?

[Kevin]

oh ya? we got cabrera and a bunch of rookies!



We are talking 2b, last time i checked Miggy was a 1B..

Pay attention old man.

[disneyspy]

We are talking 2b, last time i checked Miggy was a 1B..

Pay attention old man.

miggy? holy fuck where do you get these albanian nicknames from,deadspin?

[epo]

Would you pitch to Cano having an aging Posada a bad year Granderson then Cerveli then Gardner.

Or Weekes having Braun Prince and Hart coming up?

Why would you put him on and set the table for them?

Cano steps up often with runners on base & Posada/Swisher/Granderson behind him.

Weeks steps up often with the bases empty after having the bottom of the lineup clear out.

See the difference?

[Kevin]

miggy? holy fuck where do you get these albanian nicknames from,deadspin?



Thats been his nickname since he came up..

Pay attention.

[disneyspy]

Thats been his nickname since he came up..

Pay attention.

never heard that but i hear miggs all the time,400 pound cow

[hanso]

oh ya? we got cabrera and a bunch of rookies!

http://www.10pix.ru/img1/3112/1987331.jpg
HHuurrummhhpp.

[Kevin]

http://www.10pix.ru/img1/3112/1987331.jpg
HHuurrummhhpp.



Inge, Ordonez before he got hurt and others...

[Kevin]

http://www.10pix.ru/img1/3112/1987331.jpg
HHuurrummhhpp.



Inge, Ordonez before he got hurt and others...

With that being said.. If the Tigers make the the playoffs, Cabrerra is hands down the MVP.

[razorboy]

I heard Inge and Ordonez might be hurt.

[Kevin]

Pryce is prob the CY Young as of now, no?

Of course in the NL you gotta give it to Big Pelf.

No one is better than Big Pelf.

[spoon]

Cano hits 5th with protection from an always hurt Posada or a 250 hitting Granderson.

Do me a favor, know of what you are speaking.

You're simply not right. Don't pick the one game Cano hit bt those guys versus the normal order in which he's in bt Arod or Tex and Swisher. So off it's comical.

[spoon]

That's so wrong.

Utley, Kinsler, Phillips, Pedroia. In another year I'd put Weeks above him too.

Uggla has to be on that list. Pitchers park, little protection. Look what his done in the last 12 games. With almost no help. He has a string of the most 20 + HR seasons of any 2b ever. And he is still adding to it.

The point is, you're both right bc it's simply NOT CANO with only one argument in Utley. Just stupid and talk about picking your highest moment as your proclamation time.

[disneyspy]

bulldogcakevins

[spoon]

Jeter has had an awful year..

270 with a low on base..

Very little protection.

Yah, ok. They'll pick the guy legging out infield hits to hit .290 or the guy who leads all YANKEE hitters all-time and is having an off year and still a hot streak away from .300.

Right. That's a great strategy.

[spoon]

Fifth in the Yankees lineup with runners on base and Posada/Granderson behind him.

Leadoff in the National League with nobody on base & a rotating cast of characters behind him in the lineup hitting second.

Think about it...

The Yankee Lineup is very top heavy.

The bottom has been very mediocre.

Yankee fans are so out of touch, they don't realize what most teams have at the front of their lineups, let alone the back. You have guys at the back with tons of potential and aren't simple pitch through guys with no power like POSADA, GRANDERSON, KERNS, fuck even SWISHER is (5th a LOT) middle of the pack.

Come on, just stop Kevin/BDC.

[spoon]

Would you pitch to Cano having an aging Posada a bad year Granderson then Cerveli then Gardner.

Or Weekes having Braun Prince and Hart coming up?

Why would you put him on and set the table for them?

Again, Arod/Tex and Swish. Nice try.

[Kevin]

Yankee fans are so out of touch, they don't realize what most teams have at the front of their lineups, let alone the back. You have guys at the back with tons of potential and aren't simple pitch through guys with no power like POSADA, GRANDERSON, KERNS, fuck even SWISHER is (5th a LOT) middle of the pack.

Come on, just stop Kevin/BDC.

Did you seriously just put Kerns in this argument?

He just came here last night.

[spoon]

Did you seriously just put Kerns in this argument?

He just came here last night.

It's part of a point Kev, he's there now and yet ANOTHER piece to the puzzle that the yanks buy bench players for spot starts at costs most people can't pay their starters who bat in those positions. You keep laying out stats based on who bats where incorrectly, not to mention they start based on lefty/righty matchups bc they have someone for both. Go back and look at each players stats versus those type matchups, not to mention you pinch hit plenty of big bats due to the unreal number of bats you have.

[hanso]

The point is, you're both right bc it's simply NOT CANO with only one argument in Utley. Just stupid and talk about picking your highest moment as your proclamation time.

Watching the fish now they said hanley ramirez has gone 28 games w/o an extra base hit. Stanton has been almost the only help for uggla the last 12 games he went on a tear.


Don't under sell Damon. He looks good as of late. He will get an extra day off monday to rest his back. If he is better on Tue. I say he puts one out.
I don't know the team he plays nor the pitcher. But I'm going their.

[TripleSkeet]

This debate is still going on?

Chase Utley is the best 2nd baseman in baseball. Case closed.

You guys can move on now.

[Kevin]

It's part of a point Kev, he's there now and yet ANOTHER piece to the puzzle that the yanks buy bench players for spot starts at costs most people can't pay their starters who bat in those positions. You keep laying out stats based on who bats where incorrectly, not to mention they start based on lefty/righty matchups bc they have someone for both. Go back and look at each players stats versus those type matchups, not to mention you pinch hit plenty of big bats due to the unreal number of bats you have.

Look..

I agree that he plays in a great lineup, and there is an advantage to that.

But you can't just dismiss a guys year just because of it.

He excels in a ton of things that are not lineup related.

Like getting to good pitches like the one low and inside last night.

And his range and arm are prob the best in the game for a 2b.

Did i miss a few guys in my orginal assestment.. yea..

But was more to do with the moment than anything.

[epo]

Look..

I agree that he plays in a great lineup, and there is an advantage to that.

But you can't just dismiss a guys year just because of it.

He excels in a ton of things that are not lineup related.

Like getting to good pitches like the one low and inside last night.

And his range and arm are prob the best in the game for a 2b.

Did i miss a few guys in my orginal assestment.. yea..

But was more to do with the moment than anything.

Defense?

Orlando Hudson.

The world exists outside of pinstripes.

[brettmojo]

Defense?

Orlando Hudson.

The world exists outside of pinstripes.

Well, in this world...

.996 is better than a .993

2 errors in 100 games is better than 3 errors in 80 games.

[epo]

Well, in this world...

.996 is better than a .993

2 errors in 100 games is better than 3 errors in 80 games.

That's just silly.

Next I'm going to hear from Yankees fans that Nick Swisher is better than Jason Werth due to stats from one season too.

[foodcourtdruide]

Well, in this world...

.996 is better than a .993

2 errors in 100 games is better than 3 errors in 80 games.

Not agreeing or disagreeing with anyone here, but fielding % is not a good way to judge defense.

[Kevin]

That's just silly.

Next I'm going to hear from Yankees fans that Nick Swisher is better than Jason Werth due to stats from one season too.

You do realize that Hudson is like on his 15th team.. and is getting up there in age..

Maybe he isnt as good anymore

And Btw..

Weeks is hitting ALMOST 70 pts lower than Cano..



and almost 100pts lower slugging..

No lineup can account for 70 pts. and 100pts..

Fail on the comparison..