View Full Version : David the Mighty's Official MLB Thread: Spring Training Edition
Ah, the smell of spring in the air! Well, not here, here it's 33 degrees (but it feels like 20!), and it smells like, well New York City, but you get the point!
The Mets hats are appearing on heads (as well as this other navy colored hat for some other team), the speculation is begining, as is the trash talk.
While I toil away at my desk :toil!: :toil!: Spring Training is in full swing down in FL and Arizona.
El Duque has arthritis, he is 78 years old, after all. Paul LoDuca has had his weekly cortisone shot (but not his weekly 19 year Long Island girl), and the young arms are competing for the Mets last 18 open spots in the rotation. Oh and Aaron Heilman is bitching about where he's pitching (and parking, strangely enough).
I loved the Hot Stove Thread (which really exceeded my hopes for the thread), so I was hoping he could all discuss the developments in our teams' camps, and speculate about the season.
Intersquad games start very soon, as do Exhibition games.
Mets will be starting against the Tigers (just to further break my heart about last season).
Play ball!
Shane W
02-23-2007, 07:23 AM
Ah, the smell of spring in the air! Well, not here, here it's 33 degrees (but it feels like 20!), and it smells like, well New York City, but you get the point!
The Mets hats are appearing on heads (as well as this other navy colored hat for some other team), the speculation is begining, as is the trash talk.
While I toil away at my desk :toil!: :toil!: Spring Training is in full swing down in FL and Arizona.
El Duque has arthritis, he is 78 years old, after all. Paul LoDuca has had his weekly cortisone shot (but not his weekly 19 year Long Island girl), and the young arms are competing for the Mets last 18 open spots in the rotation. Oh and Aaron Heilman is bitching about where he's pitching (and parking, strangely enough).
I loved the Hot Stove Thread (which really exceeded my hopes for the thread), so I was hoping he could all discuss the developments in our teams' camps, and speculate about the season.
Intersquad games start very soon, as do Exhibition games.
Mets will be starting against the Tigers (just to further break my heart about last season).
Play ball!
:lol:
So the Phillies (who are about 30 losses away from losing more games than any other franchise in the history of Professional Sports) are talking smack.
Jimmy Rollins: "We're the team to beat. I can't put it any other way ... Look at our team and what we're bringing. Look at the improvements we've made. You look at the rest of the division.
"If they needed motivation to play this game, then they are playing the wrong game ... The Mets had a chance last year to go to the World Series. They made it to the playoffs. They won the division. Congratulations, but last year is over. They can take that any way they want, but I'm just stating a fact."
It's funny that Rollins would bring up motivation, since most people consider them to be a team that gives up late in games.
And, upstanding citizen (and part time public wife beater) Brett Myers has now said (as quoted by the Courier Post):
“I hate the Mets…I want to beat them more than anyone else.
“What we need to do is make sure none of their fans get in our building. We shouldn't sell tickets to Mets fans.”
Now The Rollins comment I can understand, I took it to be nothing more than confidence in his team, but Myers is just a douche.
I love Billy Wagner's response:
“Our motivation isn't to beat the Phillies, our motivation is to win the World Series.”
PeterSparker
02-23-2007, 08:00 AM
The good thing about El Duque is that his AARP coverage should help with cost of his arthritis medicne.
And I am so glad spring is finally here... now I wish it would end quickly because I can't take another A Rod/Jeter article. And as much as I've been guilty of hyping Philip Hughes, they've got to lower it a little. Every word you hear about him is glowing, Posada already said he should come north with them, but I think he should at least start in AAA. (can't wait to see this guy as a Yankee at some point though, I hope he's the real deal and the killer stuff translates to the big leagues)
And I think Rollins is dumb to start talking smack like that, but on paper they are pretty damn good. I think with the El Duque news, and the fact that the Mets are already worried about starting pitching, Milledge's days might be numbered. They're gonna have to trade that guy at some point to get an arm.
En Sabah Poo
02-23-2007, 08:13 AM
In Twins news, it sounds as if perennial gold glover Torii Hunter's days in MN are over. And I couldnt' be happier. Dealing with more pressing contracts right now, the Twins refused to spend the time and effort hammering our a contract extension with Hunter.
My plan? Trade Joe Nathan this year. The Devil Rays would be more than willing to save their dying bullpen with someone like Nathan. Might be able to get a decent cheap center field replacement like Baldelli. If the Rays can't afford Nathan, send him to a struggling pitching team like Texas. That'll give you your new cheap centerfielder to replace Hunter and you won't need to worry about Nathan's contract. The Twins have plenty of hurlers able to take over the closer role.
So what do you do with that extra 15 million dollars every year you have just saved? You sign Johan Santana and Justin Morneau to long term deals. It's entirely doable but it needs to get done now before Spring training starts.
And as much as I've been guilty of hyping Philip Hughes, they've got to lower it a little. Every word you hear about him is glowing, Posada already said he should come north with them, but I think he should at least start in AAA.
But what about expert scout Jason Giambi's assessment that Hughes is a young Roger Clemens?
PeterSparker
02-23-2007, 09:12 AM
But what about expert scout Jason Giambi's assessment that Hughes is a young Roger Clemens?
Yeah, thats not too much pressure to put on a 20 yr old kid.
(even though he probably is) ;)
from yahoosports:
Shortstop Rankings
By Sporting News correspondents
February 13, 2007
An analytical look at the top shortstops heading into the 2007 season:
1. Jose Reyes, Mets
2006 stats: .300 average, 647 at-bats, 122 runs, 19 home runs, 81 RBI, 53 walks, 81 strikeouts, 64 stolen bases, .354 on-base percentage, .487 slugging percentage.
Offense: The premier catalyst in either league. Has outstanding speed that forces infielders to play shallow, and the strength to drive balls into gaps with deceptive power. Will use the whole field. Has a sweeping-type swing, more so from the left side, and makes good contact; a better hitter from his natural right side but has more power lefthanded. Has improved with runners on base and shows more patience. Has exceptional acceleration and instincts to steal lots of bases.
Defense: Footwork is exceptional and quick; has outstanding range to either side. Has quick, soft hands and a strong arm with a very quick release and accuracy.
2007 outlook: Reyes is the first Rickey Henderson-caliber player to come along in a long time. He has intimidating, game-changing speed and ranks among the best shortstops defensively. Grade: 9.6
2. Derek Jeter, Yankees
2006 stats: .343 average, 623 at-bats, 118 runs, 14 home runs, 97 RBI, 69 walks, 102 strikeouts, 34 stolen bases, .417 on-base percentage, .483 slugging percentage.
Offense: Has a natural inside/out swing with an extremely quick bat. Has exceptional bat control; can foul off tough pitches to keep at-bats alive. The best opposite-field hitter in the game but also quick enough to pull inside pitches with power. An excellent two-strike and situational hitter. An outstanding baserunner with superior instincts.
Defense: Approaches grounders instinctively and avoids bad hops. Very fluid with quick hands and agility. Doesn't have real quick feet; range is a product of positioning and very long arms. Charges well and is quick with transfers and releases. Throws have good carry from the hole.
2007 outlook: Jeter is the Yankees' unquestioned leader and one of their few big-game players. He no longer is a one-dimensional hitter. Grade: 9.5
3. Michael Young, Rangers
2006 stats: .314 average, 691 at-bats, 93 runs, 14 home runs, 103 RBI, 48 walks, 96 strikeouts, .356 on-base percentage, .459 slugging percentage.
Offense: A very good high-ball and breaking-ball hitter who has power, especially on pitches up, and good bat control. Stays behind the ball well, has quick hands and uses the whole field. A good baserunner but doesn't steal many bases.
Defense: One of the league's best shortstops. Has quick footwork and agility to each side and can adjust his stride when going after the ball. Has quick, soft hands and a quick release; his throws have very good carry. His arm strength is good from the hole.
2007 outlook: Young is a pure hitter who has the ability to make adjustments quickly. An underrated, consistent player, he has put up more than 200 hits in each of the past four seasons. In the prime of his career, he is a good bet to sustain his streak. Grade: 9.5
4. Miguel Tejada, Orioles
2006 stats: .330 average, 648 at-bats, 99 runs, 24 home runs, 100 RBI, 46 walks, 79 strikeouts, .379 on-base percentage, .498 slugging percentage.
Offense: A proven run producer with an exceptional swing. Very adept at staying inside the ball and can use the whole field. Has outstanding bat speed and can handle breaking balls. Rises to the occasion with runners on and the game on the line. Continues to cut down his strikeouts as he becomes more patient, even without a lot of support around him. Has power to all fields. Pummels mistakes and tough pitches alike. An average runner who rarely attempts to steal.
Defense: Showed an alarming decline in range early in the season; appeared heavier. Improved as the season progressed but no longer has exceptional range to either side, though it still is above average. Has good feet and hands but can be awkward at times on in-between hops. Has a quick release with excellent carry on throws from the hole.
2007 outlook: Playing on a losing team seems to have sapped some of Tejada's enthusiasm, but he still is an outstanding hitter and an elite run producer. There are some concerns about his decline in defense. Grade: 9.5
5. Jimmy Rollins, Phillies
2006 stats: .277 average, 689 at-bats, 127 runs, 25 home runs, 83 RBI, 57 walks, 80 strikeouts, 36 stolen bases, .334 on-base percentage, .478 slugging percentage.
Offense: Starting to change as a hitter and drive the ball more. A better high-ball hitter from both sides of the plate. Becoming a good breaking-ball hitter. Has a short, quick stroke but still tends to lift the ball in the air too much and doesn't take advantage of his speed. Gives away a lot of at-bats. An aggressive basestealer.
Defense: A top-notch fielder who has become steadier. Has quick, soft hands and excellent agility. Has improved at getting a jump on the ball. Has exceptional range. Adept at going back on pop flies. Throws well with a quick release and excellent carry.
2007 outlook: Rollins is becoming more of a complete player, and his power number continue to increase. He is a top-shelf shortstop who could get even better if he exercises more patience at the plate. Grade: 9.2
Updated on Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 2:51
************************************************** ************
That's crazy to see. I don't know, even just looking at their stats, it's hard to pick one over the other. Reyes had more HRs, but Jeter had a higher average and on base percentage...
However, imagine if all the stolen bases Reyes had were factored into his slugging % as doubles....
PeterSparker
02-23-2007, 09:48 AM
I think it's fair to put Reyes first. (acknowledging it's a close call) He's a switch hitter, and can cause more problems on the base paths than anyone in the game right now. Plus one thing they didn't add was that he proved he can do it in the post-season already.
Now, I'm more than happy with Jeter :) and one thing they mentioned which really says a lot about him, is that he's gotten to be an even better hitter in recent years. (Seeing those numbers again though, it just reminds me even more that he should've won the MVP last year. Not a knock on Justin Morneau, I just think DJ deserved it more) And that description of his inside out swing, really has me jonzing for the regualr season now, I never get tired of watching him hit.
Here is Dayn Perry's assessment of the top position battles for 10 teams.
I think it's teensy bit early in Spring Training to give many of these much credence (for example, last week Perry had Jorge Sosa listed as the Mets top fifth starter candidate based, uh...I don't know, maybe he had the cleanest locker?), but here they are nontheless:
Assessing baseball's top position battles
Story Tools:
Dayn Perry / FOXSports.com
Posted: 10 hours ago
With Cactus and Grapefruit League play just around the bend, it's time for your weekly look at the top 10 position battles in baseball right now.
1. Angels fourth/fifth starters
The contenders: Joe Saunders, Darren Oliver
The favorite: Depends ...
The Angels rotation right now is in a state of disrepair. Ace Bartolo Colon is out until May with shoulder problems, Kelvim Escobar is battling a sore knee, and now Jered Weaver is laid up with a case of bicep tendonitis. Escobar should be fine (for the time being, anyway), but there's some concern that Weaver won't be ready for opening day. Weaver's currently on a throwing program, but he's not yet working from a mound, which leaves him with a tight timetable. If he's not able to answer the bell, then the Angels will be facing a quandary. Saunders is presently penciled in as the No. 5 man, but a Weaver-less rotation might force them to open the season with Oliver in the mix. Perish the thought, Angels fans. That's not good, considering that all five starters will see action in the first week of the season. Much depends on Weaver's convalescence.
2. Cubs fifth starter
The contenders: Juan Mateo, Angel Guzman, Sean Marshall, Carlos Marmol, Wade Miller
The favorite: Pick 'em
The news here is that Mark Prior threw a batting practice session without disaster this week. His velocity is picking up, and he's saying he'll be ready for opening day. Of course, this is Mark Prior we're talking about, so pronouncements of newfound health are bound to ring hollow. Still, if he's able to go on time, then Jason Marquis will slide down to the five slot, and the arms mentioned above will be scrambling for bullpen jobs. On that front, Miller, if healthy, will have a decided edge. The longshot now appears to be Marshall, who's battling a sore shoulder.
3. Mets fifth starter
The contenders: Jorge Sosa, Philip Humber, Mike Pelfrey, Chan Ho Park, David Williams
The favorite: Park
The good news for the Mets and their suspect rotation is that they won't need a fifth starter until April 15; the bad news is that a neck injury has sidelined Orlando Hernandez for the moment. It appears to be a minor setback, but you never know with a 37-year-old El Duque. If he's sidelined for an extended period of time, then the Mets will obviously need to find two arms from the above list. Recent indications are that they'll play the veteran hand with Park in the early going. Otherwise, they might try out one of their top two pitching prospects, Humber or Pelfrey. One pitcher no longer in the fray is Williams, who will miss the next two-and-a-half months while recovering from neck surgery.
4. Cardinals' center fielder
The contenders: Jim Edmonds, So Taguchi, Preston Wilson, John Rodriguez
The favorite: Edmonds
Edmonds, of course, is the Cardinals' starting center fielder, but he's been waylaid by shoulder and foot injuries and won't be able to run or swing the lumber for at least two weeks. So he's going to have a hard time being ready by opening day. In Edmonds' stead, the Cards will likely turn to Taguchi. Wilson could also see some time in center, but the underutilized Rodriguez will probably continue to be, well, underutilized.
5. Yankees fifth starter
The contenders: Carl Pavano, Jeffrey Karstens
The favorite: Pavano
The Yankees fifth starter spot should go to Carl Pavano. if he stays healthy. (DTM note-better stay outta your Porsche Carl!)
The job belongs to Pavano if he's healthy, but Pavano is rarely healthy. This spring, he's already created a bit of intrigue by getting smacked on the foot by a line drive. The incident left him with a bone bruise and day-to-day status. While it's not a serious injury in isolation, anything that might cause the injury-prone Pavano to alter his mechanics — even slightly — is something over which the Yankees should fret. Should Pavano pull up lame at any point, the underwhelming Karstens will step into the breach.
6. Red Sox closer
The contenders: Joel Pineiro, Mike Timlin, Brendan Donnelly, Julian Tavarez, Craig Hansen
The favorite: Pineiro
Pineiro enters camp as the favorite, but he's never worked as a closer before. He's got the power arsenal to succeed, but does he have the makeup to thrive in pressure situations? Time will tell. If Pineiro blows up in spring training, then the Sox will turn to Timlin, Donnelly, Tavarez or Hansen, with Timlin being the backup plan of first resort. Timlin's having some ribcage issues this spring, however, so his status bears monitoring. One rumor out there is that the Sox might pursue a deal for Nationals closer Chad Cordero. Cordero has exceptional command, but his fly-ball tendencies and home-run problems make him a poor fit for Fenway. At this early juncture, Pineiro is Boston's best option.
7. A's left fielder/first baseman
The contenders: Dan Johnson, Nick Swisher, Shannon Stewart
The favorite: Johnson
This one depends heavily on the relevant spring performances. Johnson has the inside track, but his poor performance in 2006 means he doesn't have a great deal of breathing room. A case of double vision hindered Johnson last season, so he'll need to prove that's no longer a concern. If he fails to hit, then Swisher will likely move to first, and Stewart will take over in left.
8. Giants closer
The contenders: Armando Benitez, Brian Wilson
The favorite: Benitez
The job belongs to Benitez, but the Giants' front office made things interesting recently by commenting on Wilson's promise as a future closer. It'll take a trade, an injury or a dose of spring ineffectiveness to dislodge Benitez from the job, but any of those is possible.
9. Brewers third baseman
The contenders: Corey Koskie, Craig Counsell, Tony Graffanino, Ryan Braun
The favorite: Counsell and Graffanino
The job would be Koskie's were it not for a case of post-concussion syndrome. As a result, he may not be ready for the start of the season. If that's the case, then the Brewers' infield depth will come in quite handy. In particular, they'll probably opt for a Counsell-Graffanino platoon until Koskie returns. If he's out longer than anticipated or perhaps misses the entire season (a possibility with this kind of injury), then you may see Braun, the top hitting prospect in the organization, arrive in Milwaukee a bit ahead of schedule.
10. Nationals first baseman
The contenders: Nick Johnson, Travis Lee, Robert Fick, Larry Broadway
The favorite: Lee
Johnson has a broken leg, and the notoriously slow healer will be out until at least June (and probably longer). So the Nats will likely replace him with the veteran Lee, who boasts a good glove and passable OBP skills against right-handers. Still, during camp keep an eye on Broadway, one of the Nats' few position prospects worth mentioning. Broadway's already 26, so his future is quite limited. However, he does have some pop — more than Lee, anyway. He could play himself onto the active roster with a strong spring. The job, however, is Lee's to lose.
Dayn Perry is a frequent contributor to FOXSports.com and author of the new book, "Winners: How Good Baseball Teams Become Great Ones" (Available now at Amazon.com).
A couple of notes from Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News Mets Spring Training blog:
Notes: Duque Throws Off Mound
Orlando Hernandez threw off a mound this morning, his first time doing so since receiving cortisone to address an arthritic neck last week.
* * *
It's not exactly a stellar travel squad for the Tigers this afternoon in Port St. Lucie. They're bringing infielders Sean Casey, Brent Dlugach, Mike Hessman, Kevin Hooper, Omar Infante, Kody Kirkland, Neifi Perez and Ramon Santiago. The outfielders are Curtis Granderson, Cameron Maybin, Timo Perez, Ryan Raburn, Marcus Thames and Brandon Watson.
Isn't every mention of a 37 year old El Duque supposed to be in quotes, or at the very least, air quotes?
Isn't every mention of a 37 year old El Duque supposed to be in quotes, or at the very least, air quotes?
Yeah, or atleast have a "supposed" in front of it.
TSChamp
02-28-2007, 08:23 AM
As a person that hates Baseball and lives in a two team spring training town, I just got one thing to say. LEAVE NOW!
And, upstanding citizen (and part time public wife beater) Brett Myers has now said (as quoted by the Courier Post):
“I hate the Mets…I want to beat them more than anyone else.
“What we need to do is make sure none of their fans get in our building. We shouldn't sell tickets to Mets fans.”
Now The Rollins comment I can understand, I took it to be nothing more than confidence in his team, but Myers is just a douche.
I love Billy Wagner's response:
“Our motivation isn't to beat the Phillies, our motivation is to win the World Series.”
HAH!! The last 2 years we've gone to their building to watch the Mets kick their asses!!! Unfortunately there are no afternoon games at Philly this year...
PeterSparker
02-28-2007, 09:24 AM
So, I'm off work today. Had to take the morning off, and decided to just take the whole day. Turns out the Mets first spring training game is on today. I'm ready to watch any baseball, so I'll suffer through the Mets. (especially since I just got to watch Perez get touched up in the top of the first :) )
Yanks first game is broadcast tomorrow. WOO fucking HOO!!!!
Shane W
02-28-2007, 01:12 PM
Wainwright pitches three hitless innings in Cards' win
STLTODAY.COM SPORTS
Wednesday, Feb. 28 2007
Adam Wainwright picked up where he left off in October, only this time he did
it at the start of the game instead of the end.
Wainwright started the Grapefruit League opener today and pitched three hitless
innings as the Cardinals beat the Florida Marlins 6-3 in front of 4,164
spectators at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla.
Wainwright, who closed out the decisive Game 5 of the World Series with a
strikeout of Detroit's Brandon Inge, struck out one and walked one today. Mike
Smith followed with two scoreless innings as the Marlins managed only one hit
through five innings.
Rick Ankiel entered the game as a replacement in right field for Preston Wilson
and went two for two with two RBIs.
Left fielder Chris Duncan went two for three, and second baseman Aaron Miles
had the only extra-base hit -- a double.
Skip Schumaker, Brendan Ryan and Eli Marrero also had RBIs for the Cardinals,
who play the Mets in Port St. Lucie on Thursday. Chris Carpenter is the
scheduled starter.
Game-time temperature today was 79 degrees under sunny skies.
I couldn't catch the Mets ST game today, but I know it wasn't pretty.
Oh well, we spanked the Cardinals in our first ST game last season...lotta good that did us...
Note: Glavine vs. Carpenter, Today
Tom Glavine will start against Chris Carpenter and the Cardinals this afternoon at Tradition Field.
This will most likely be the pitching match up on opening day.
Jorge Sosa, Pedro Feliciano and Ambiorix Burgos are also scheduled to pitch in today’s exhibition game.
Health: El Duque Feeling Better
According to multiple reports, Orlando Hernandez threw a 40-pitch bullpen session for thr first turn since being diagnoses with arthritis in his neck.
The word from st. lucie notes that he did well, warranting a thumbs up and a smile from Rick Peterson, who watched him like a hawk.
El Duque will likely rest today, maybe even tomorrow, but will certainly pitch another follow-up bullpen session by the end of the weekend.
Health: Duaner Sanchez at 75 Percent
Duaner Sanchez threw from flat ground yesterday, at close range, noting that he is at roughly 75 percent, ans still hoped to be ready for opening day, writes John Delcos at the Journal News.
The unofficial word from Tradition Field continues to be that Sanchez should begin throwing from a during the first week or so of March, though the team is reluctant to vocalize a set timetable.
Sanchez had surgery last August to repair a separated shoulder suffered in a taxi cab accident.
Shane W
03-01-2007, 06:05 AM
Note: Glavine vs. Carpenter, Today
Tom Glavine will start against Chris Carpenter and the Cardinals this afternoon at Tradition Field.
This will most likely be the pitching match up on opening day.
Jorge Sosa, Pedro Feliciano and Ambiorix Burgos are also scheduled to pitch in today’s exhibition game.
So what do you see? No scoring for 3 innings and then a slugfest? That's what I'm guess.
So what do you see? No scoring for 3 innings and then a slugfest? That's what I'm guess.
I don't know. It's Spring Training, so I can't tell. I don't know how ready all our batters or Glavine is. He may just use this to try some shit out and get beat up. It's not like he's trying to make the team. Same with Carpenter.
Plus it's not like Ambiorix Burgos has faced the likes of Pujols yet so I really couldn't make a prediction. Actually now that I'm typing this out and thinking about it, I'd say the Cards have the advantage. I doubt Glavine will be doing anything more than a tune up, whereas Carp being younger is probably closer to game ready at this point.
Shane W
03-01-2007, 06:27 AM
I don't know. It's Spring Training, so I can't tell. I don't know how ready all our batters or Glavine is. He may just use this to try some shit out and get beat up. It's not like he's trying to make the team. Same with Carpenter.
Plus it's not like Ambiorix Burgos has faced the likes of Pujols yet so I really couldn't make a prediction. Actually now that I'm typing this out and thinking about it, I'd say the Cards have the advantage. I doubt Glavine will be doing anything more than a tune up, whereas Carp being younger is probably closer to game ready at this point.
3 1 0 0 1 3 0 1 0 0 0 .333 .333 1.333 1.667
1 for 3 with a HR.
I love Pujols.
Actually I put ZERO stock into spring training games. I've seen way too many good springs/bad seasons and bad springs/good seasons to actually think that they are connected.
Just for the fun of it, I'm saying 6-3 Mets.
3 1 0 0 1 3 0 1 0 0 0 .333 .333 1.333 1.667
1 for 3 with a HR.
I love Pujols.
Actually I put ZERO stock into spring training games. I've seen way too many good springs/bad seasons and bad springs/good seasons to actually think that they are connected.
Just for the fun of it, I'm saying 6-3 Mets.
Spring Training games have about as much impact on the season as the freethrows that NBA players practice with before games have on the game. They're warm ups, that's all.
I like the position battles and getting the chance to see the development of some prospects, but yeah, I put no stock in the actual game competition at all.
Billy Wagner threw a splitter yesterday for like the first time ever in his career.
Shane, by the way...I just realized: The Cardinals will start Rick Ankiel in right field today against the Mets.
Shane W
03-01-2007, 08:15 AM
Shane, by the way...I just realized: The Cardinals will start Rick Ankiel in right field today against the Mets.
He does alright with the bat. I don't think he'll ever make the team and I'm not exactly sure why the Cards have stuck with him unless they're trying to talk him into pitching again.
He has to be my biggest heartbreaker. I'm sure I told you, but I was at the infamous "wild record" game against the Braves, and it was just devastating to watch a career just implode like that live. I never heard old Busch quieter than it was that inning. I'm going to miss that curveball that made grown men weep.
He does alright with the bat. I don't think he'll ever make the team and I'm not exactly sure why the Cards have stuck with him unless they're trying to talk him into pitching again.
He has to be my biggest heartbreaker. I'm sure I told you, but I was at the infamous "wild record" game against the Braves, and it was just devastating to watch a career just implode like that live. I never heard old Busch quieter than it was that inning. I'm going to miss that curveball that made grown men weep.
I won't mention the cheer at the 2000 NLCS :twisted:
I know I've asked you before, but I can't remember, did you read 'Three Nights in August'? The Ankiel chapter was fascinating.
Shane W
03-01-2007, 08:27 AM
I won't mention the cheer at the 2000 NLCS :twisted:
I know I've asked you before, but I can't remember, did you read 'Three Nights in August'? The Ankiel chapter was fascinating.
I picked it up and it's in the middle of a big pile of "to reads". I went kinda crazy with Borders coupons and gift certificates. I think I have about 7 books in front of it.
If you ever get a chance, you should see if "You're missing a great game" by Whitey Herzog is still in print. It only has maybe 1 or 2 chapters dedicated to the Cardinals, the rest is how he would fix the game if he was commish.
And are you sure you want to talk about NLCS's already? I have the avatar ready to break out in a moments notice. :lol:
I picked it up and it's in the middle of a big pile of "to reads". I went kinda crazy with Borders coupons and gift certificates. I think I have about 7 books in front of it.
If you ever get a chance, you should see if "You're missing a great game" by Whitey Herzog is still in print. It only has maybe 1 or 2 chapters dedicated to the Cardinals, the rest is how he would fix the game if he was commish.
And are you sure you want to talk about NLCS's already? I have the avatar ready to break out in a moments notice. :lol:
I wish a book like "3 Nights" had been written about the Mets, let's put it that way. It's such a joy.
As for NLCS talk, you know you win. :surrend:
Jonny Z
03-01-2007, 08:51 AM
the cards are going DOWN today! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO O. THIS IS FOR BRAGGING RIGHTS!!!!
Shane W
03-01-2007, 10:03 AM
the cards are going DOWN today! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO O. THIS IS FOR BRAGGING RIGHTS!!!!
I have that image in my head of Homer Simpson running in circles while lying on the floor.
Jonny Z
03-01-2007, 10:06 AM
it's 2-2... tight game!!!
Shane W
03-01-2007, 10:07 AM
it's 2-2... tight game!!!
Damn me being in the mid-west where we don't have spring baseball broadcasts.
En Sabah Poo
03-01-2007, 10:08 AM
Damn me being in the mid-west where we don't have spring baseball broadcasts.
Yeah. Its really bullshit. You can't even see live play by play or live box scores online without paying.
Shane W
03-01-2007, 10:11 AM
Yeah. Its really bullshit. You can't even see live play by play or live box scores online without paying.
We get every Saturday and Sunday game braodcast, but not during the week at all.
However, our local paper does a nice job of updated the box score as soon as they can.
DaGetHighKnight
03-01-2007, 10:24 AM
I have that image in my head of Homer Simpson running in circles while lying on the floor.
Best Baseball Homer moment is when he runs around the baseball feild in slow motion with everyone throwing food at him and him catching it in his mouth.
PeterSparker
03-01-2007, 10:33 AM
Can you guys keep it down in here, I'm trying to listen to Philip Hughes pitch dammit!
;)
Damn me being in the mid-west where we don't have spring baseball broadcasts.
Man it must suck not being in a real baseball market. :no:
En Sabah Poo
03-01-2007, 12:42 PM
Man it must suck not being in a real baseball market. :no:
Oh yeah? All your champions are coming out of the central division these days. Likely the best division in baseball this year will be the AL Central (again).
Oh yeah? All your champions are coming out of the central division these days. Likely the best division in baseball this year will be the AL Central (again).
I know dude, I was kidding. It was just a joke because I'm constantly told that St. Louis fans are baseball's best. Just teasing Shane (in his small market).
Shane W
03-01-2007, 12:51 PM
I know dude, I was kidding. It was just a joke because I'm constantly told that St. Louis fans are baseball's best. Just teasing Shane (in his small market).
My small market team walked into your big market's home for game seven and shut your fans up.
Now THAT'S gotta hurt!
My small market team walked into your big market's home for game seven and shut your fans up.
Now THAT'S gotta hurt!
What are you talking about? The crowds were rocking in Port St. Lucie today!!
Shane W
03-01-2007, 12:55 PM
What are you talking about? The crowds were rocking in Port St. Lucie today!!
Oh yeah.. I stand corrected. Wait, I thought today was game 1?
Oh yeah.. I stand corrected. Wait, I thought today was game 1?
God I can't wait for April 1st.
Shane W
03-01-2007, 12:58 PM
God I can't wait for April 1st.
Me neither, it's going to be great watching the Cards unfurl the World Champions banner and I get my magnetic scedule that day.. And the day off for me to sober up and take my dad to game 2 where we get our replica rings (best promotion ever)
Oh! Bought a ticket package with two of my buddies yesterday. One of the 7 packs. I got the Saturday Yankees game, so I still have to buy Opening Day tickets. I have the second home game so far, vs. the Phillies. I'm psyched!
Shane W
03-01-2007, 12:59 PM
Oh! Bought a ticket package with two of my buddies yesterday. One of the 7 packs. I got the Saturday Yankees game, so I still have to buy Opening Day tickets. I have the second home game so far, vs. the Phillies. I'm psyched!
You should fly to St. Louis and see how a REAL baseball town has opening day.
Me neither, it's going to be great watching the Cards unfurl the World Champions banner and I get my magnetic scedule that day.. And the day off for me to sober up and take my dad to game 2 where we get our replica rings (best promotion ever)
That's totally a kickass promotion. I said before and I'll say it again, while I'll be vomiting at the sight, I'm glad the Mets have to watch that in their season opener.
En Sabah Poo
03-01-2007, 01:01 PM
So the Yankees spanked the shit out of the Twins Carlos Silva today, reenforcing my hope that he doesn't get a rotation spot.
Shane W
03-01-2007, 01:01 PM
That's totally a kickass promotion. I said before and I'll say it again, while I'll be vomiting at the sight, I'm glad the Mets have to watch that in their season opener.
I'm guessing that it's plastic, but I've heard a couple reports that it's a cheaper metal.
1 month and 2 days I'll find out.
PeterSparker
03-01-2007, 01:02 PM
Ok, so Hughes was shaky today, :) but Wang is right back where he left off in '06, and spanking the Twins is a perfect way to kick off the '07 campaign!!!
Wang, Bats Pace Yanks in Opener
03/01/2007 4:00 PM ET
By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com
YANKEES 6, TWINS 1
at Tampa, Fla.
Thursday, March 1
Twins at the plate: Jason Kubel stroked a run-scoring single in the fourth inning off New York reliever T.J. Beam.
Yankees at the plate: Johnny Damon hit the second pitch he saw over the right-field wall for a leadoff home run, and Jason Giambi slugged a two-run shot in the bottom of the second. Jorge Posada and Robinson Cano both added RBIs in the first inning.
Twins on the mound: Starter Carlos Silva allowed five runs and four hits in two innings, including home runs to Damon and Giambi. Kevin Slowey turned in two scoreless innings of relief.
Yankees on the mound: Starter Chien-Ming Wang retired all six batters he faced in a 19-pitch spring debut, including five ground-ball outs. Top prospect Phil Hughes struggled with his command over 1 1/3 innings, particularly with his curveball, walking two and throwing a wild pitch.
Grapefruit League records: Twins 0-1; Yankees 1-0.
Up next: The Twins host the Reds on Friday in Fort Myers at 7:05 p.m. ET. Right-hander Ramon Ortiz is slated to start for Minnesota. The Yankees play the Devil Rays in St. Petersburg at 1:05 p.m., with left-handed starter Andy Pettitte scheduled to pitch two innings.
Taxman
03-02-2007, 08:58 AM
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17384233/
'Shadows' details Bonds' massive growth
Paperback edition says star's cleat has grown 2 1/2 sizes as Giant
MSNBC News Services
Updated: 7:33 p.m. PT Feb 28, 2007
Barry Bonds' cleat size has grown 2 1/2 sizes since he joined the team prior to the 1993 season, according to new material in the paperback edition of "Game of Shadows," to be released this week, Sports Illustrated said.
Authors Lance Williams and Mark Fainaru-Wada write about the massive growth in Bonds' jersey size (42 to 52), cleat size (10 1/2 to 13) and cap size (7 1/8 to 7 1/4) — even though he is shaving his head bald now.
"The changes in his foot and head size," says the book, "were of special interest: medical experts said overuse of human growth hormone could cause an adult's extremities to begin growing, aping the symptoms of the glandular disorder acromegaly."
Williams also told SI he thinks Bonds might be indicted for perjury in the next six months.
"My gut feeling is we're going to know before the end of the season," Williams said. "I think they'll come to some resolution [on whether to indict] and we'll hear about it."
Williams told SI that he thinks the prosecution "intended to indict last season" but that Kevin V. Ryan, the United States attorney for the Northern District of California, wanted former Bonds trainer Greg Anderson's testimony.
But he "has shown no intention to ever participate," Williams says of Anderson, who is serving a third prison sentence for his refusal to testify about Bonds to a grand jury.
The authors also said that Bonds has yet to challenge any of the facts in the book, which alleges Bonds' extensive use of performance enhancing drugs, like HGH and steroids.
I am thinking that if his feet and head grew that much, it must have been very painful.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17384233/
I am thinking that if his feet and head grew that much, it must have been very painful.
I saw this the other day...it's nuts.
Taxman
03-02-2007, 09:06 AM
I saw this the other day...it's nuts.Bonds is nuts if he did all of this.
Mets doctor clears Pedro to start throwing SaturdayAssociated Press
JUPITER, Fla. -- New York Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez can start throwing Saturday as part of his recuperation from October rotator cuff surgery.
Team physician Dr. David Altchek gave the approval for Martinez's next step, general manager Omar Minaya said Friday. Minaya said the most realistic expectation is for the three-time Cy Young Award to return by August.
"We're probably being very conservative with him," Minaya said. "A lot of it has to do with, psychologically, where is he at?"
Martinez was not available for comment. He went 9-8 with a 4.48 ERA last season and missed the playoffs.
Shane W
03-02-2007, 12:21 PM
Crapsy.
Looper's line: Two hits and a run in three innings
STLTODAY.COM SPORTS
Friday, Mar. 02 2007
JUPITER, Fla. -- The Braden Looper Experiment advanced to the competition phase
today at Roger Dean Stadium.
The veteran reliever who is auditioning for a spot in the Cardinals' starting
rotation pitched three uneventful innings against a watered-down New York Mets
lineup. The Mets won the game 6-5 with a three-run ninth inning against Cards
reliever Josh Kinney.
Looper allowed two hits and one earned run, with the Mets scoring on an RBI
double by Endy Chavez in the third inning.
Looper opened with a perfect first, retiring the Mets on eight pitches and
getting a strikeout (Chavez) and two fly-ball outs.
He threw 39 pitches in three innings -- 23 for strikes -- and finished with one
walk and one strikeout.
Seven of the Mets' outs against Looper were fly balls. One ended with a good
running catch by John Rodriguez in deep right-center field.
The Cardinals broke open a 1-1 game with a four-run fourth inning that included
a two-run single by Albert Pujols.
Ryan Franklin, Ricardo Rincon and Chris Narveson followed Looper with a
scoreless inning apiece, before Narveson allowed two runs in the seventh as the
Mets cut the Cards' lead to 5-3.
The Mets got three hits in the ninth and also benefited from a wild pickoff
throw by Kinney, one of three Cardinals errors. Shortstop Aaron Miles and right
fielder Skip Schumaker committed the others.
Updates provided by Derrick Goold of the Post-Dispatch.
It was 6-5 Mets.
This was the Mets line-up:
1) David Newhan - LF
2) Endy Chavez - CF
3) Damion Easley - 3B
4) Julio Franco - 1B
5) Ruben Sierra - DH
6) Sandy Alomar - C
7) Ruben Gotay - 2B
8 ) Ben Johnson - RF
9) Anderson Hernandez - SS
SP Aaron Sele :lol:
Shane W
03-02-2007, 12:29 PM
It was 6-5 Mets.
This was the Mets line-up:
1) David Newhan - LF
2) Endy Chavez - CF
3) Damion Easley - 3B
4) Julio Franco - 1B
5) Ruben Sierra - DH
6) Sandy Alomar - C
7) Ruben Gotay - 2B
8 ) Ben Johnson - RF
9) Anderson Hernandez - SS
SP Aaron Sele :lol:
Alomar is still around?
Jonny Z
03-02-2007, 12:35 PM
you know what really sucks? i downloaded the demo to Baseball 2k7 for Xbox 360, and in addition to derek jeter being the spokesman for the game, the demo is innings 7-9 of game 7 of the NLCS, tied 1-1 between the cards and mets :?
although i did win it last night on an 8th inning 3 run homer from jose valentin. and billy wagner actually recorded an error free save!
Shane W
03-02-2007, 12:36 PM
you know what really sucks? i downloaded the demo to Baseball 2k7 for Xbox 360, and in addition to derek jeter being the spokesman for the game, the demo is innings 7-9 of game 7 of the NLCS, tied 1-1 between the cards and mets :?
although i did win it last night on an 8th inning 3 run homer from jose valentin. and billy wagner actually recorded an error free save!
That was a classic game. I'm glad it's getting props. I still have nightmares about Chaves's catch. *shudder*
Alomar is still around?
YEah he's got a minor league deal along with Sierra. Rumor is they're both being groomed to be coaches. (Sandy Alomar Sr is already a Mets coach)
you know what really sucks? i downloaded the demo to Baseball 2k7 for Xbox 360, and in addition to derek jeter being the spokesman for the game, the demo is innings 7-9 of game 7 of the NLCS, tied 1-1 between the cards and mets :?
although i did win it last night on an 8th inning 3 run homer from jose valentin. and billy wagner actually recorded an error free save!
I bought the game yesterday. I also covered the picture on the cover with a replica David Wright baseball card.
But yeah, I don't think I could play a demo of that game..
That was a classic game. I'm glad it's getting props. I still have nightmares about Chaves's catch. *shudder*
I have nightmares too. Except they end with me waking up screaming "Swing the bat Carlos!"
Shane W
03-02-2007, 12:56 PM
YEah he's got a minor league deal along with Sierra. Rumor is they're both being groomed to be coaches. (Sandy Alomar Sr is already a Mets coach)
I bought the game yesterday. I also covered the picture on the cover with a replica David Wright baseball card.
But yeah, I don't think I could play a demo of that game..
I have nightmares too. Except they end with me waking up screaming "Swing the bat Carlos!"
Just for reference.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v633/chizip/hellya2.gif
Just for reference.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v633/chizip/hellya2.gif
It's already burned into my mind forever.
Jonny Z
03-02-2007, 01:03 PM
I bought the game yesterday. I also covered the picture on the cover with a replica David Wright baseball card.
But yeah, I don't think I could play a demo of that game..
what do you think of the game? i'm debating whether or not to get it...
the hitting is really weird... i miss the good old fashion button mashing to swing.
Shane W
03-02-2007, 01:03 PM
It's already burned into my mind forever.
Actually, as time goes on and the WS gets further away, the NLCS was much more exciting than the WS. After game 3, there really wasn't *much* doubt.
Me and my best friend were at the bar watching and getting more and more nervous as the game went on.. When Chavez made that catch, we started to resign ourselves that it wasn't going to happen.
Then in the ninth, right before the pitch before Rolen got on, I told my buddy that a "strange calm" had come over me. He ordered a bottle of Champaign as soon as he heard me say that.
Shane W
03-02-2007, 01:04 PM
what do you think of the game? i'm debating whether or not to get it...
the hitting is really weird... i miss the good old fashion button mashing to swing.
The newer baseball games don't do as much for me as the older ones. pound for pound, I still think the regular Intellivision baseball is the best version ever.
Jonny Z
03-02-2007, 01:08 PM
The newer baseball games don't do as much for me as the older ones. pound for pound, I still think the regular Intellivision baseball is the best version ever.
yeah, i mean, i'd go so far as to say the all star baseball games for N64 were a lot of fun, but since then, none of the baseball games have done anything for me.
PeterSparker
03-02-2007, 01:10 PM
you know what really sucks? i downloaded the demo to Baseball 2k7 for Xbox 360, and in addition to derek jeter being the spokesman for the game, the demo is innings 7-9 of game 7 of the NLCS, tied 1-1 between the cards and mets :?
although i did win it last night on an 8th inning 3 run homer from jose valentin. and billy wagner actually recorded an error free save!hmm, Derek Jeter you say, I might have to check this out after all :)
and whats up with a DH (Sierra) in a game with two NL teams? I know it's spring training, but that was kind of odd to see listed.
Jonny Z
03-02-2007, 01:14 PM
hmm, Derek Jeter you say, I might have to check this out after all :)
and whats up with a DH (Sierra) in a game with two NL teams? I know it's spring training, but that was kind of odd to see listed.
i think its just to keep pitchers from getting hurt and to give more players ABs
PeterSparker
03-02-2007, 01:18 PM
i think its just to keep pitchers from getting hurt and to give more players ABs
makes sense. I suppose later in the spring they get the pitchers some AB's.
what do you think of the game? i'm debating whether or not to get it...
the hitting is really weird... i miss the good old fashion button mashing to swing.
I really like it so far. THe graphics are vastly improved over the last one. I like the pitching system.
The batting does take a lot of getting used to, but you can can change it to the classic button mashing style in the game settings.
Picking baseball's best starting lineup
Five teams stand out with their defense, speed and power
By Jim Molony / MLB.com
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070305&content_id=1827802&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp
Any manager will tell you it takes 25 men (and sometimes more) to win a championship, but what if the top prize went to the best starting lineup? Which team would finish on top if the race went to the best starting eight?
We're not talking best offense, best defense or most speed but the best, as in best all-around in all phases of the game. Like all subjective appraisals, part of the analysis lies in determining which factors of the game to place the most emphasis on, or whether to give them all equal weight. Everyone has their own methods for evaluating a team.
For purposes of this exercise, we used the 1976 Cincinnati Reds' starting eight as the benchmark example.
That team had arguably one of the best all-around starting eights in baseball history with defense (four Gold Glove winners up the middle: catcher Johnny Bench, shortstop Dave Concepcion, second baseman Joe Morgan and center fielder Cesar Geronimo), speed (seven of the eight starters had 10 or more stolen bases and four had 20 or more) and a prolific offense. The eight regulars averaged 81 RBIs, five had 10 or more homers and five had batting averages of .306 or better.
The '76 Reds lineup also had balance (four right-handed hitters, three left-handed hitters and one switch-hitter) and the optimum kind of experience. There were no rookies in the lineup (the youngest was Ken Griffey Sr., then a 26-year-old) and no one over 35 (Tony Perez, 34, was the oldest). And all of the starters played just about every day. Only Bench, at catcher, did not appear in at least 139 games.
The game has changed considerably since then, and determining a best all-around starting eight today is a much more difficult task. We sought help from around the game to come up with an answer. The results are based on an unscientific sampling of baseball personnel, including scouts, on the condition they would not be quoted and not be allowed to select their own team.
We simply asked: Which team has the best all-around starting eight in the Major Leagues right now?
The criteria meant no designated hitters were considered, which hurt the ratings of some of the obvious contenders like the Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox. No platoon situations were considered, which eliminated other stout starting lineups like Cleveland's, because the Indians will likely have at least two platoon situations this season.
A few teams have the potential to be the best in the coming season, but had more question marks at this point of the spring to fall short of the top five, though they do deserve mention. Included in this group are the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, the Texas Rangers, the San Diego Padres, the St. Louis Cardinals, the Minnesota Twins, the Seattle Mariners and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
That left five nominees in the Best of Baseball Series, lineups category. Five teams with starting eights who could prove to be the best in 2007:
No. 5 -- Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox had the best fielding percentage in the Major Leagues last season and should be among the elite defenses in the game again this time after adding shortstop Julio Lugo and right fielder J.D. Drew. And with Drew, Lugo and Manny Ramirez among the starting eight, the Red Sox should once again top 800 runs, expecially if catcher Jason Varitek and outfielder Coco Crisp bounce back and second baseman Dustin Pedroia lives up to expectations.
No. 4 -- Philadelphia Phillies
No one has a better right side of the starting infield than the Phillies' Ryan Howard and Chase Utley. The left side isn't too shabby either, with shortstop Jimmy Rollins and third baseman Wes Helms (who hit a career-high .329 for the Marlins last year and posted a .938 fielding percentage at the postion). The outfield is good but not great -- if it were, this lineup would rate a lot higher. The Phillies led the National League in runs last year and should score even more this season.
No. 3 -- Chicago Cubs
The Cubs? Hard to believe, but on paper the projected starting lineup is formidable: catcher Michael Barrett, first baseman Derrek Lee, second baseman Mark DeRosa, shortstop Cesar Izturis, third baseman Aramis Ramirez, left fielder Matt Murton, center fielder Alfonso Soriano and right fielder Jacque Jones. Lee, Ramirez and Soriano could hit 35 or more homers and drive in 100 or more runs apiece. Soriano, Barrett, Murton and Izturis run better than average for the positions they play. During the last two years, seven of the projected Cubs regulars have hit .285 or better for a season at least once. Izturis is the exception, and he hit .288 the last time he was healthy for a full year (2004).
No. 2 -- New York Yankees
The Yankees led the Majors in 2006 with 930 runs scored, 60 more than the No. 2 team, the Indians. A potent starting eight led by Derek Jeter (.343 average, 14 homers, 97 RBIs), Alex Rodriguez (.290, 35, 121), Johnny Damon (.285, 24, 80), Robinson Cano (.342, 15, 78) and Jorge Posada (.277, 23, 93) helped fuel that impressive production. The Yankees have decent speed -- New York was second in the American League in steals, but among the starting eight, only Jeter and Damon ran regularly with a combined 59 stolen bases. Defensively, the Yankees' starting eight is adequate at best (Jeter's Gold Gloves notwithstanding). Only three AL teams had fewer total chances last season and only four AL teams committed more errors. Age is also a consideration. Only Cano is under 30, Rodriguez turns 32 in July. The other six already are or will be at least 33 years old during the 2007 season.
No. 1 -- New York Mets
Among NL teams, only the Braves and Phillies scored more runs than the Mets, who led the NL in steals in '06. Four starters hit .300 or better last season -- Jose Reyes, David Wright, Paul Lo Duca and Moises Alou (with the Giants) -- and five had 74 or more RBIs (Reyes, Wright, Carlos Delgado, Carlos Beltran and Alou). Seven projected starters (Delgado with 38, Reyes 19, Wright 26, Shawn Green 15, Beltran 41, Jose Valentin 18 and Alou 22) hit at least 15 home runs last season. Beltran, Reyes and Wright combined for 102 steals. Catcher Lo Duca, shortstop Reyes and center fielder Beltran give the Mets a very strong defensive lineup up the middle. They probably won't score as many runs as the Yankees, but the Mets' advantage in speed and defense gives their starting eight the advantage.
Jim Molony is a writer for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
PeterSparker
03-05-2007, 12:28 PM
Well since they're not counting Giambi's bat (for the Yanks) in the calculation I say that's fair enough. Though I think A Rod is gonna have huge numbers this year, and up his stolen bases a bit. I think they'll hit even more this year than last, but will we pitch is still the question.
Shane W
03-05-2007, 12:42 PM
Wainwright pitches four more hitless innings :grope:
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
Monday, Mar. 05 2007
JUPITER, Fla. -- Chris Duncan made two diving catches in left field and a
double play in the first inning to keep it scoreless, but the Houston Astros
went on to beat the Cardinals 5-0 in Monday's Grapefruit League game at Roger
Dean Stadium.
Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright pitched four innings with two walks, one
strikeout, no hits and no runs.
Because of the double play and a runner caught stealing, Wainwright faced the
minimum 12 batters.
Wainwright, used throughout 2006 as a reliever, has made two spring starts
covering seven innings and still has not allowed a hit.
Duncan committed a fielding error in the fifth that led to the Astros' first
run on a sacrifice fly by Richard Hidalgo.
Josh Kinney allowed a two-run homer to designated hitter Mike Raodriguez in the
seventh that put the Cards behind 4-0.
The Cardinals managed seven hits -- all singles -- off six Houston pitchers.
Leadoff batter and second baseman Scott Spiezio had two hits.
En Sabah Poo
03-05-2007, 12:43 PM
Well since they're not counting Giambi's bat (for the Yanks) in the calculation I say that's fair enough. Though I think A Rod is gonna have huge numbers this year, and up his stolen bases a bit. I think they'll hit even more this year than last, but will we pitch is still the question.
I dunno. A Rod just doesnt seem to have the spark he used to have. Now, I do think its ridiculous people get all on his case and accuse him of having an off year when that off year is still better than most players best year.
Maybe when he leaves NY he can regain some of his greatness from a few years back.
On the pitching end in NY? Who knows. Igawa isn't going to turn out anything like the Yankees hope I fear. Pettite is also getting on in years and had a pretty rough season in Houston, the weakest division in baseball. Coming back to the AL East may be murder for him.
PeterSparker
03-05-2007, 01:17 PM
I dunno. A Rod just doesnt seem to have the spark he used to have. Now, I do think its ridiculous people get all on his case and accuse him of having an off year when that off year is still better than most players best year.
Maybe when he leaves NY he can regain some of his greatness from a few years back.
On the pitching end in NY? Who knows. Igawa isn't going to turn out anything like the Yankees hope I fear. Pettite is also getting on in years and had a pretty rough season in Houston, the weakest division in baseball. Coming back to the AL East may be murder for him.
Well, A Rod won an MVP with the Yanks the season before last, so his regular season "greatness" is still in full effect I'd say. And that was my point, he's down 12 lbs this spring looking lean, and ready to go. I think he bounces back from last years numbers (which weren't too shabby anyway) and has a huge regular season. What will he do in the post-season? Probably more of the same, not much, and he probably will leave after this season. Here's hoping he swings a big stick while still here though.
As for Igawa, we'll see, if he doesn't have it, we have other options for the fith spot in the rotation. (but I think he'll get it togther during the spring and make the staff). As for Pettitte, Dave and I wore that topic out in his Hot Stove thread, but I'll just say Andy finished his season 7-4 down the stretch with Houston and had an ERA under 3.00 during that stretch after returning from an injury. He looks sharp so far this spring. No worries about him in the AL East. Pettitte gets hit, he loses a handful of games every season, and that's where his higher ERA's come from, but more often than not he wins and keeps his teams in the game. He'll get all kinds of run support here he didn't with Houston. He'll be fine. We'll just have to outscore teams like we did last year for the most part with an average staff.
JABSEN
03-05-2007, 01:23 PM
I really like it so far. THe graphics are vastly improved over the last one. I like the pitching system.
The batting does take a lot of getting used to, but you can can change it to the classic button mashing style in the game settings.iIt's out? I gotta pick it up,
PeterSparker
03-05-2007, 01:23 PM
Wainwright pitches four more hitless innings :grope:
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
Monday, Mar. 05 2007
JUPITER, Fla. -- Chris Duncan made two diving catches in left field and a
double play in the first inning to keep it scoreless, but the Houston Astros
went on to beat the Cardinals 5-0 in Monday's Grapefruit League game at Roger
Dean Stadium.
Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright pitched four innings with two walks, one
strikeout, no hits and no runs.
Because of the double play and a runner caught stealing, Wainwright faced the
minimum 12 batters.
Wainwright, used throughout 2006 as a reliever, has made two spring starts
covering seven innings and still has not allowed a hit.
Duncan committed a fielding error in the fifth that led to the Astros' first
run on a sacrifice fly by Richard Hidalgo.
Josh Kinney allowed a two-run homer to designated hitter Mike Raodriguez in the
seventh that put the Cards behind 4-0.
The Cardinals managed seven hits -- all singles -- off six Houston pitchers.
Leadoff batter and second baseman Scott Spiezio had two hits.
So the mantra this year in St Louis will be:
"Wainwright and Carp, then pray we need the tarp!"
:)
iIt's out? I gotta pick it up,
Yeah boy. Beat the shit out of your Braves just for you the other day :)
Jonny Z
03-05-2007, 01:27 PM
Yeah boy. Beat the shit out of your Braves just for you the other day :)
i started the GM mode yesterday on all-star level (way too hard for me, considering i can barely hit the ball with the swing stick) and i'm 0-2 so far :(
i really wish they told us the difference between GM career mode and Franchise mode. do you know what the difference is?
En Sabah Poo
03-05-2007, 01:28 PM
iIt's out? I gotta pick it up,
Yeah, it came out last week. I got it the other day after playing the demo. Pretty fun game. The settings on difficulty definitely need to be adjusted as you can easily go anywhere from being massacred by the AI hitting every at bat to striking out 20 guys a game. But if you play with the settings enough, you should be able to make it a semi realistic baseball game.
Although I will say, stealing bases in this game is near impossible and the system atrocious. But this has plagued many baseball games since the beginning of video games.
JABSEN
03-05-2007, 01:29 PM
Yeah boy. Beat the shit out of your Braves just for you the other day :)aw, I even played as the Mets in the demo and won.
I felt really wrong playing as the Mets....seriously
Shane W
03-05-2007, 01:29 PM
So the mantra this year in St Louis will be:
"Wainwright and Carp, then pray we need the tarp!"
:)
It worked last year. ;)
And I don't think the starting rotation is as big a question mark as everyone seems to think it is.
So we lost Suppan.. Big deal. Suppan sucked for most of the season. Marquis? He's more helpful to the Cards on the Cubs staff. Weaver? :lol:
Carp is still Carp. besides that, we have the same basic rotation. If Mulder comes back healthy, we're golden.
Now to get rid of Encarnacion.
i started the GM mode yesterday on all-star level (way too hard for me, considering i can barely hit the ball with the swing stick) and i'm 0-2 so far :(
i really wish they told us the difference between GM career mode and Franchise mode. do you know what the difference is?
All I know is that with Franchise mode your revenues stay with you from year to year. Not sure if that helps though.
Haven't gotten into the seasons and stuff yet. Still trying to figure out the controls and whatnot.
Hitting is hard.
Shane W
03-05-2007, 01:33 PM
aw, I even played as the Mets in the demo and won.
I felt really wrong playing as the Mets....seriously
You're dead to me.
En Sabah Poo
03-05-2007, 01:33 PM
All I know is that with Franchise mode your revenues stay with you from year to year. Not sure if that helps though.
Haven't gotten into the seasons and stuff yet. Still trying to figure out the controls and whatnot.
Hitting is hard.
Yeah. I use the classic style because its much more video-gamish. The swing stick method games use is just too unforgiving. Using the A button with the left stick is fine for me.
En Sabah Poo
03-05-2007, 01:34 PM
aw, I even played as the Mets in the demo and won.
I felt really wrong playing as the Mets....seriously
Heh. I played as the Mets too. I think the demo may have been set to easy though. Of the few times I played it, I had Bradford last all three innings and struck out six with no hits and no walks.
Shane W
03-05-2007, 01:35 PM
Heh. I played as the Mets too. I think the demo may have been set to easy though. Of the few times I played it, I had Bradford last all three innings and struck out six with no hits and no walks.
Also dead to me.
JABSEN
03-05-2007, 01:36 PM
You're dead to me.I actually played as the Cardinals first but I wanted to get everything I could out of the demo. And Mets was the only other cho..ah..whatever you're right.
I'm dead to myself.:cry:
Yeah. I use the classic style because its much more video-gamish. The swing stick method games use is just too unforgiving. Using the A button with the left stick is fine for me.
YEah I get tempted to do that but I wanna learn the swing stick.
JABSEN
03-05-2007, 01:39 PM
heh, We're talking fake baseball in the Spring Training thread.
heh, We're talking fake baseball in the Spring Training thread.
AWESOME.
En Sabah Poo
03-05-2007, 01:41 PM
YEah I get tempted to do that but I wanna learn the swing stick.
I actually enjoy the pitching aspect of the game much more than the hitting. The cheats you can enter are fun too. Like the two strikes yer out cheat and the cheat that makes breaking balls break a lot crazier. Whats fun is the computer gets these cheats too. While the strike out one is unrealistically lame, the breaking ball one can be loads of fun.
I actually enjoy the pitching aspect of the game much more than the hitting. The cheats you can enter are fun too. Like the two strikes yer out cheat and the cheat that makes breaking balls break a lot crazier. Whats fun is the computer gets these cheats too. While the strike out one is unrealistically lame, the breaking ball one can be loads of fun.
I really like the pitching too. As long as the Mets actually have me controlling the pitchers this season then the rotation should be great.
What other cheats have you found? Anything to unlock rosters/uniforms/etc?
En Sabah Poo
03-05-2007, 01:45 PM
I really like the pitching too. As long as the Mets actually have me controlling the pitchers this season then the rotation should be great.
What other cheats have you found? Anything to unlock rosters/uniforms/etc?
There are tons of old uniform cheats I think. You unlock them with tokens (achievment points) in the franchise mode skybox section. You can even unlock a cheat somehow to bring in Mickey Mantle to pinch hit whenever you want. Like I mentioned, most cheats are too unrealistic to want to use, but some are fun.
I'm playing as the Twins right now, I've revamped the bullpen and rotation, and I'm dominating. I'm going to have to raise the difficulty even more. One thing I have had to do though, is add another pitcher or two to the bullpen, long relief guys because if you play too many games without a break, like ten or so, you're starting rotation is going to be exhausted and you'll need a day to recover and have some "6th starter" or combination of long relievers play from time to time.
News: Mike Hampton Injured Again
Braves LHP Mike Hampton seriously injured his ‘left side’ while taking batting practice, reports MLB.com.
According to the report, it's still unknown whether he suffered a strained left oblique or broken rib, but the injury will definitely ‘erase his availability’ for opening day.
************************************************** ************
I'm sorry, but I hate Mike Hampton.
JABSEN
03-08-2007, 07:55 AM
News: Mike Hampton Injured Again
Braves LHP Mike Hampton seriously injured his ‘left side’ while taking batting practice, reports MLB.com.
According to the report, it's still unknown whether he suffered a strained left oblique or broken rib, but the injury will definitely ‘erase his availability’ for opening day.
************************************************** ************
I'm sorry, but I hate Mike Hampton.grrrrr
Jonny Z
03-08-2007, 08:22 AM
News: Mike Hampton Injured Again
Braves LHP Mike Hampton seriously injured his ‘left side’ while taking batting practice, reports MLB.com.
According to the report, it's still unknown whether he suffered a strained left oblique or broken rib, but the injury will definitely ‘erase his availability’ for opening day.
************************************************** ************
I'm sorry, but I hate Mike Hampton.
:lol:
PeterSparker
03-08-2007, 11:20 AM
here's one for the Jeter haters :D I'm sure you're all as broken up as he is that he hasn't won a ring in 6 seasons.
Focus For Jeter Is On Winning a Title
03/07/2007 9:00 AM ET
By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com
TAMPA, Fla. -- A cursory glance at the Yankees' last campaign reveals promising highlights and opportunities for the members of the 2006 squad to thump their collective chests and look back with some fondness.
Yes, the Yankees' season ended too early for the organization's taste, abruptly coming to a close by dropping the American League Division Series to the Detroit Tigers. But the Yankees brought home their ninth straight division title, tied for the Major League lead with 97 wins, and led the big leagues with 930 runs scored.
Shouldn't that count for something? It's not good enough, Derek Jeter says.
"A lot of guys who haven't won might say that," Jeter said. "A lot of guys with other teams might say that. Here [in New York], it was a wasted year. That's the bottom line, and that's how it goes. Nobody is walking around saying, 'Oh, we had a great year last year.' It was a wasted year, because we play to win."
As Jeter spoke, he sat at his Legends Field locker, stuffing items into a midnight blue duffel bag for an afternoon road trip. Even with his attention diverted and three exhibition at-bats at St. Petersburg on tap, it's clear that Jeter's focus never wavers.
Jeter arguably gave the Yankees his finest all-around season last year, finishing second in the AL Most Valuable Player voting, while bringing home a Silver Slugger Award and his third consecutive Rawlings Gold Glove Award.
Those sorts of personal achievements might play in other locales or organizations where playing in October isn't considered an annual right, but Jeter is wise enough to understand that the street credibility of such honors loses quite a bit of value within the city limits of New York.
Perhaps more than ever, with a six-year title drought hanging over the Yankees' heads, the ring is the thing up around 161st Street and River Avenue in the Bronx.
"It's no good. You sense it because you're going home," Jeter said. "You're watching another team win, that's how you sense it. You put a lot of work in to win a championship. If you don't do it, man, it's a wasted year. The only sign is how you feel afterward."
So Jeter looks toward the reconstruction of the Yankees and barely bats an eyelash. The corner locker previously owned by Bernie Williams no longer houses either the outfielder's sweet stroke or his music, perhaps the only roster change in the Spring Training clubhouse that disappoints Jeter.
Everything else is just icing. Among the more notable moves, Andy Pettitte is fitting in like he never left, filling the role of left-handed starter vacated by Randy Johnson, who never really quite adjusted to life as a Yankees hurler.
And top to bottom, the Yankees' lineup has already drawn rave reviews -- notably, both Jason Giambi and Johnny Damon have crowed that it must be a frightening proposition for any pitcher to face such a solid lineup.
Robinson Cano, the Yankees' projected No. 7 hitter, finished third in the AL with a .342 batting average last season. If that's not a wealth of offense, what is?
"We've got a solid lineup," Jeter agrees, "but really, scoring runs has never been a problem for us. We've been scoring runs for a while. We've got a lot of guys who can hit and a lot of guys who can beat you. We're capable in scoring in a lot of ways."
It all translated to a grand total of 14 runs in the AL Division Series, and just six after Game 1. So excuse Jeter if he appears nonplussed by exhibition game rallies against a variety of pitchers who may or may not taste the big leagues this season.
"It's the first days of Spring Training," Jeter said. "It's the first days for us, it's the first day for pitchers. What happens really for the first few weeks of Spring Training has no bearing whatsoever on the season. You just want everyone to get ready. You want no injuries and you want just to be rolling into the regular season."
It has been suggested that the clubhouse might feel a little fresher and more relaxed, but Jeter doesn't see it that way. He'll reserve judgment until he sees it play out on the field. Jeter has seen the assemblage fall short of the dreams far too many times this decade.
"Ever since we lost in 2001, it's always new guys coming in and new guys coming out," Jeter said.
As Jeter points out, there are still only four players in the Yankees' clubhouse -- Pettitte, catcher Jorge Posada, closer Mariano Rivera and himself -- who can claim ownership of a World Series ring from the team's four-title dynasty.
A new piece of hardware, Jeter said, that is long overdue.
"There's restlessness for everyone -- not just us four," Jeter said. "It's everyone who's in the organization. We play to win here. It's not to get to the playoffs or get to the World Series. It's to try and win a championship. Everyone should be restless."
here's one for the Jeter haters :D I'm sure you're all as broken up as he is that he hasn't won a ring in 6 seasons.
Oh man, that Jeter he's amazing. God I'm just in awe...an athelete that wants to win a championship, that's just so novel. Wow.
I look forward to more fascinating insights into Jeter's mind.
"When I'm hungry, I like to eat food."
"I find breathing oxygen to be very beneficial to my body."
"I'd much prefer to not have pneumonia than to have it."
PeterSparker
03-08-2007, 11:29 AM
Oh man, that Jeter he's amazing. God I'm just in awe...an athelete that wants to win a championship, that's just so novel. Wow.
I look forward to more fascinating insights into Jeter's mind.
"When I'm hungry, I like to eat food."
"I find breathing oxygen to be very beneficial to my body."
"I'd much prefer to not have pneumonia than to have it."
yeah, I knew you'd love that one! posted it just for you :)
yeah, I knew you'd love that one! posted it just for you :)
:)
So is it totally sacreligous that I totally love the MLB 2K7 commercial with "breed" playing in it?
I know Cobain must be rolling over in his grave over it being used like that, but damn I love that song, and I think it kicks ass being combined with something else I love, baseball.
As a matter of fact, I realized I didn't have Nevermind on my iPod so I bought it last night off of iTunes. There's effective marketing at work.
PeterSparker
03-14-2007, 05:04 PM
(so, to keep Dave's thread alive while he's away)
just watching another Yankees/Twins spring training game tonight, and while Damon was up they mentioned that he was third in runs scored over the last five seasons. I was surprised he was that high, and I woulda thought Manny would be in the top 5 too, but he wasn't. Here they are:
Albert Pujlos 636
Alex Rodriquez 598
Johhny Damon 576
Derek Jeter 562
Carlos Beltran 547
A lot of the ususl supects in the baseball threads around here :)
Shane W
03-14-2007, 05:06 PM
(so, to keep Dave's thread alive while he's away)
just watching another Yankees/Twins spring training game tonight, and while Damon was up they mentioned that he was third in runs scored over the last five seasons. I was surprised he was that high, and I woulda thought Manny would be in the top 5 too, but he wasn't. Here they are:
Albert Pujlos 636
Alex Rodriquez 598
Johhny Damon 576
Derek Jeter 562
Carlos Beltran 547
A lot of the ususl supects in the baseball threads around here :)
Look at my boy up there at 636. He makes me proud.
PeterSparker
03-14-2007, 05:23 PM
Look at my boy up there at 636. He makes me proud.
So you say you're a Pujlos fan then? huh :?
And yeah, thats a staggering number for your boy. But I think it sheds some positive light on my man Derek too, being in the top five. Especially not being a power hitter. (he only hit over 20 HR's once in that stretch - 23). Same with Damon, I just looked, he did it twice. But yes, Albert is putting up truly insane stats in his career so far.
Shane W
03-14-2007, 05:26 PM
So you say you're a Pujlos fan then? huh :?
Yeah, I don't talk about it too much though.
PeterSparker
03-15-2007, 11:19 AM
Probably not the most important story in the world today, but hey:
MLB Celebrates New Official Cap
03/14/2007 12:00 PM ET
By Mark Newman / MLB.com
Everyone is talking about the new authentic Major League Baseball cap that has just undergone its first revolutionary change in more than a half-century, and right off the top of our heads, here are 10 things to know:
1. Everyone can wear it -- New Era's 59FIFTY model is the official on-field cap of MLB for the regular season and postseason, and on Wednesday, it became available to everyone in the MLB.com Shop. The 39THIRTY is the batting practice cap players have been wearing these days at Spring Training in Florida and Arizona -- with that distinctive half-moon gusset over the ears -- and that is also available for each club's fan.
2. Less wool is cool -- The 59FIFTY game cap is 100 percent polyester. This is a massive change in baseball tradition, during which wool has been the rule practically forever. The last universal change to the MLB cap was in 1954, when the six-panel model was introduced. The BP cap is 62 percent polyester and 38 percent wool.
3. Moisture and vapor management -- For the 59FIFTY game cap, moisture management takes moisture and wicks it away from the skin and moves it into the fabric. The fabric accepts the moisture and accelerates drying, keeping the player cooler and dryer. For the 39THIRTY BP cap, vapor management helps to eliminate moisture from even forming -- a very visible difference between the BP and game cap fabric. The BP cap also has a half-moon gusset and piping along the sides for added vapor management.
4. Fewer balls lost in the sun -- The new undervisor for these caps is made of New Era performance fabric that also carries moisture-wicking properties -- and now it is black across the board, a change to assist in reducing glare.
"The biggest difference initially will be adjusting to the darker feel beneath the undercarriage of the bill," said Padres closer Trevor Hoffman, who wears his cap low as he stares down batters at the plate. "Otherwise, it's basically the same. In time, adjusting should be no problem."
5. Players will smell better -- "They look exactly the same, they breathe more and they won't shrink," said Tigers pitcher and 2006 American League Rookie of the Year Justin Verlander, who shot a commercial for New Era in the offseason. "The best thing is, when it rains, the hats won't stink like the wool ones did."
6. Players also will perform better, theoretically -- "By revolutionizing the cap, we're ensuring the players' headwear provides the best performance while they play," New Era CEO Christopher Koch said.
It is all part of Commissioner Bud Selig's initiative to focus on greater "performance wear" for the athletes. Steve Armus, MLB's vice president of consumer products, said, "It's all about the performance initiative, and this is the first major step in a lot of things that are going to be seen throughout the season which are really going to revolutionize our field."
7. The caps are all the buzz -- The Red Sox scarlet model has been scarlet-hot, leading the way as all of the BP caps immediately became the hottest Shop items so far in 2007. Now the availability of the revolutionary official season caps is going to make it feel a lot like the post-Thanksgiving frenzy around the Shop.
8. That Arizona hat will really look different -- One of the biggest changes between the 2006 and 2007 seasons might be the Diamondbacks' cap. It's not just these revolutionary advances in the cap's technology. The new look features a Sedona red rattlesnake coiled around in the shape of a "D" against a black cap. As for more subtle changes, look for a more raised MLB "batterman" embroidered logo on the back and a black sweatband that hides the dirt.
"As long as I catch the ball behind my pitchers, make plays and get the important outs, that's the big thing. I don't think the hat is going to help the ball stay in the glove," Diamondbacks second baseman Orlando Hudson said recently. Then he jokingly added: "If I boot it and it's the hat's fault, I'll tell you after the game, 'It had to be the hat.'"
9. The cap has already proven itself this spring -- A's equipment manager Steve Vucinich had doubts a year ago when he began testing these new versions in camp. After watching A's pitchers go through their routines in Arizona, Vucinich said, "This one is just so much better. The heat is from the inside of the cap, where your head is. Before, it would just sweat to the band and it would drip kind of toward the bill but drip off there. Now, the sweat goes out of the cap, even on top, and then it dries naturally."
10. This is not your 1849 baseball cap -- The New York Knickerbockers adopted the first official uniform on April 24, 1849. The first caps were chip (or straw) hats. A few years later, the club switched to a cap made of merino (a soft, fine wool) that featured the two main characteristics of the modern-day baseball cap: a crown and a bill (or visor). Now the wool is fading away, the visor is black underneath and the players will smell and ideally perform better. But the baseball cap is eternal, and best of all, every fan now can find one exactly like the players will wear in 2007.
and didn't George Costanza already think of this? :)
So in Mets news: Looks like El Duque is having some neck issues. Something tells me this will be an ongoing thing.
In good news, Mike Pelfrey has been having a steller spring, and powerhouse Jose Reyes hit his 4th homerun of Spring Training, tying him for the most, with 6 other players.
Jonny Z
03-19-2007, 06:32 AM
So in Mets news: Looks like El Duque is having some neck issues. Something tells me this will be an ongoing thing.
In good news, Mike Pelfrey has been having a steller spring, and powerhouse Jose Reyes hit his 4th homerun of Spring Training, tying him for the most, with 6 other players.
i'm following the mets news every day, but the starting rotation (save for pelfrey) is something i'm trying to ignore til opening day. i really just don't want to think about all the questions and holes.
someone mentioned that hernandez should start the season on the DL and have pelfrey be the #4 with no #5 starter yet (since they don't need a #5 for a while).
DaGetHighKnight
03-19-2007, 06:36 AM
Dave did you walk off a 1 train at Chambers St. this morning?
i'm following the mets news every day, but the starting rotation (save for pelfrey) is something i'm trying to ignore til opening day. i really just don't want to think about all the questions and holes.
someone mentioned that hernandez should start the season on the DL and have pelfrey be the #4 with no #5 starter yet (since they don't need a #5 for a while).
Same here. Besides seeing how some young pitchers do, I don't put much stock into Spring Training. I know the article you're talking about, it was John Delcos, in the Journal News, here is the excerpt (http://mets.lohudblogs.com/):
Have been thinking about the fifth starter slot and talked to a couple a people about it, notably Willie Randolph and Rick Peterson. They wouldn’t admit it, but I could tell by their reaction when I asked the question that they knew I wasn’t nuts.
Here are three things we know:
1. Mike Pelfrey is pitching better than any of the other fifth starter candidates. It is also desirable to get him consistent work.
2. Orlando Hernandez is still not 100 percent.
3. The fifth starter won’t be used until mid-April.
Solution: Put Pelfrey in the rotation and DL Duque. There’s no need to carry a fifth starter and have him sit. Carry another reliever (you can carry Jon Adkins because he’s out of options) or another position player.
This gives Pelfrey his innings; it enables Hernandez to get in better shape; and it gives the Mets a couple more weeks to weigh their options.
Makes sense to me.
Dave did you walk off a 1 train at Chambers St. this morning?
No, I used to take the 1 uptown from Franklin, but nowadays I take the E from Canal.
DaGetHighKnight
03-19-2007, 07:00 AM
No, I used to take the 1 uptown from Franklin, but nowadays I take the E from Canal.
Then you have a Twin!
Then you have a Twin!
Fucking imposters.
PeterSparker
03-19-2007, 07:04 AM
yeah whatever, blah, blah, blah.... the important thing here is that Yankee opening day is now officially two weeks from today!!!!!!!!!!!
Shane W
03-19-2007, 07:08 AM
yeah whatever, blah, blah, blah.... the important thing here is that Yankee opening day is now officially two weeks from today!!!!!!!!!!!
And the Official opening day is one day before that!
I can't wait to see the new banner. :)
Wow 2 weeks. In a lot of ways, this offseason went by quickly, to me. Gotta get crackin on my fantasy draft.
Shane W
03-19-2007, 07:11 AM
Wow 2 weeks. In a lot of ways, this offseason went by quickly, to me. Gotta get crackin on my fantasy draft.
SHIT!
Mine's Wednesday, and I haven't done a damn thing yet.
SHIT!
Mine's Wednesday, and I haven't done a damn thing yet.
Yeah me neither, really. I have a couple notes I've taken, but that's about it so far.
PeterSparker
03-19-2007, 07:37 AM
eh, I did fantasy baseball a couple of years ago (anyone remember the lovely Vanessa from the board? she organized it) but it was too much to keep track of all season long... so never again. Good luck guys
I guess there's always buying the team:
Dodgers demote lefty White to minors
VERO BEACH, Fla. -- The Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher who made more headlines for his rocks than his lobs during training camp this spring was reassigned to the team's minor league camp Monday.
Matt White, a 29-year-old left-hander, discovered a valuable rock quarry behind a house he bought from an aunt three years ago in western Massachusetts. But while everyone else wanted to talk about his possible fortune, White wanted to stay focused on baseball.
The attention the quarry received wasn't to blame for his reassignment, he said.
Talk of the rock fortune was strange for a week, "but it settled down and I was able to do my job on the mound and that's what they are looking at," White said. "I don't even want to talk about rocks right now, but it wasn't a distraction to my pitching."
The reliever allowed one earned run and two hits in 7 1-3 innings. He said he will be sent to Triple-A Las Vegas, where he is likely to be a situational left-hander.
"Just go down and get your work in, keep your focus on what you have been doing since you have been up here," White said the team told him. "I will continue to work on my sidearm pitches and go down and get some innings to get ready to be called up."
The Dodgers signed White as a free agent on Dec. 20. He has spent less than a year in the major leagues since his professional career began in 1998, and White entered camp competing for a job in a deep pitching staff.
The bullpen already includes Takashi Saito, Jonathan Broxton, Joe Beimel, Chad Billingsley and Elmer Dessens, and White also would have been competing with the losers in the fifth-starter competition that includes Hong-Chih Kuo, Brett Tomko and Mark Hendrickson.
Still, he said he never once thought about being reassigned. His one thought was on making the big club.
"I know there is a lot of numbers in here, I am not naive to that, and I understand it is what it is," White said. "But it's always a bad feeling to get sent to minor league camp."
In other Dodgers transactions Monday, pitchers D.J. Houlton and Eric Stults and outfielder Delwyn Young were optioned, and pitcher Jon Meloan, infielder Tony Abreu and outfielder Choo Freeman were reassigned. Abreu ended his spring training with a mild bone bruise on his left shoulder, sustained sliding into second base headfirst during a game Saturday.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press
En Sabah Poo
03-19-2007, 12:57 PM
Rumor has it the Twins rotation is going to consist of Silva, Ponson, AND Ortiz.
My prediction, the Twins lose 90 games this season.
Shane W
03-19-2007, 01:05 PM
Rumor has it the Twins rotation is going to consist of Silva, Ponson, AND Ortiz.
My prediction, the Twins lose 90 games this season.
Ponson will be good as long as you pump the AC and make it freezing for him, if it gets over 68 dgrees, the fat man sweats and loses the ability to pitch.
The sage pitching wisdom of Rick Peterson:
In a great column for the New York Times, Ben Shpigel talks at length with Rick Peterson about how a pitcher’s location is far more important than his velocity, an idea that alludes so many young pitchers.
“When you’re an amateur and trying to be a professional, your highest priority is velocity, because there’s a dollar figure attached to it. If you can locate and change speeds at 85 miles per hour with movement, that doesn’t have the same dollar value as when you throw 97-98 toward the catcher somewhere…
“When they wrote that check to you and now you become a professional, that was a velocity check. You cashed out. You’ll never make another dollar on velocity. All your money’s been made. But you’ll make a whole bunch of money on location.”
Matt O'Keefe
03-20-2007, 07:27 AM
Go Twins!:rock:
I can't believe we lost first round in the playoffs last year.
ST. LOUIS -- Busch Stadium, home of the World Champion St. Louis Cardinals, is going smoke-free starting next month.
The club announced Monday it will prohibit smoking inside the ballpark beginning opening night April 1.
Busch Stadium will become the 15th of 30 ballparks in Major League Baseball to go completely smoke-free. Smoking has been prohibited in the stadium's seating areas since 1995.
Smokers will be allowed to exit and re-enter the ballpark at three designated exit and re-entry gates.
"Unlike old Busch, which generally had open-air concourses, the new ballpark is designed with many services, amenities and access areas such as stairwells which are enclosed," Cardinals president Mark Lamping said.
Lamping said fans asked for the no-smoking policy.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press
Busch: so...beer good? Smoking bad?
En Sabah Poo
03-20-2007, 08:52 AM
Busch: so...beer good? Smoking bad?
Smoking bothers others. Whereas only drunks bother others, not the actual beer.
Smoking bothers others. Whereas only drunks bother others, not the actual beer.
Yeah, I agree. I was just taking a shot at the Cardinals stadium, because it houses the Cardinals.
En Sabah Poo
03-20-2007, 08:56 AM
Yeah, I agree. I was just taking a shot at the Cardinals stadium, because it houses the Cardinals.
Yeah. The Cardinals are douchebags.
SteveFlack
03-20-2007, 09:03 AM
Rumor has it the Twins rotation is going to consist of Silva, Ponson, AND Ortiz.
My prediction, the Twins lose 90 games this season.
I think that's a just punishment for stealing Derek Jeter's MVP award.
Go Yanks.
-Steve!
En Sabah Poo
03-20-2007, 09:04 AM
I think that's a just punishment for stealing Derek Jeter's MVP award.
Go Yanks.
-Steve!
Yeah. Enjoy your 45 million dollar minor league pitcher.
Shane W
03-20-2007, 09:29 AM
Yeah. The Cardinals are douchebags.
That's World Series Champion Douchebag to you.
That's World Series Champion Douchebag to you.
That's what the banner is gonna say, isn't it?
SteveFlack
03-20-2007, 09:31 AM
Yeah. Enjoy your 45 million dollar minor league pitcher.
Meh. I've already began working on my "Welcome to New York, Johan!" sign.
-Steve!
I think that's a just punishment for stealing Derek Jeter's MVP award.
Go Yanks.
-Steve!
Meh. I've already began working on my "Welcome to New York, Johan!" sign.
-Steve!
:blah:
En Sabah Poo
03-20-2007, 09:32 AM
Meh. I've already began working on my "Welcome to New York, Johan!" sign.
-Steve!
Aint gonna happen. With the new ballpark, the departure of Hunter, and hopefully the trade of Joe Nathan this season, we can sign Johan. He's also mentioned a desire to stay in Minnesota with all the hot rookies we have and the new park.
Johan is otherwise of no value as we can't trade him.
Shane W
03-20-2007, 09:34 AM
That's what the banner is gonna say, isn't it?
It might, and that brings up the question: "Tell me Mr. Mighty, what does it feel like knowing that you lost game 7 at home to a bunch of douchebags?"
It might, and that brings up the question: "Tell me Mr. Mighty, what does it feel like knowing that you lost game 7 at home to a bunch of douchebags?"
Believe you me Shane, losing to a bunch of douchebags sucks.
Shane W
03-20-2007, 09:47 AM
Believe you me Shane, losing to a bunch of douchebags sucks.
Yes, I remember 2000 quite well.
En Sabah Poo
03-20-2007, 09:49 AM
Believe you me Shane, losing to a bunch of douchebags sucks.
Yeah, but you'll never have that less than fresh feeling.
SteveFlack
03-20-2007, 09:50 AM
Yes, I remember 2000 quite well.
So do I.
But not for the losing part.
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i138/skeetzjackson/6.jpg
-Steve!
En Sabah Poo
03-20-2007, 09:51 AM
The only post season Yankee memory I have is A Rod running down the first base line, flailing his hands and slapping like a little girl.
Shane W
03-20-2007, 09:53 AM
So do I.
But not for the losing part.
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i138/skeetzjackson/6.jpg
-Steve!
Are you saying that Jeter is a douchebag?
En Sabah Poo
03-20-2007, 09:53 AM
Are you saying that Jeter is a douchebag?
I thought that was his middle name.
PeterSparker
03-20-2007, 09:54 AM
Yeah. Enjoy your 45 million dollar minor league pitcher.
Igawa ain't going to the minors. :? Maybe they'll decide to start him in the bullpen at the begining of the year (because they don't need 5 starters until about week three), but he's clearly a major leaguer. Now he has labored some this spring, and he's had to throw a lot of pitches each inning. But he has plenty of strikeouts so far, and they haven't really scored a lot of runs against him. Plus anyone who can lead their league in strikeouts three different seasons, AND they don't even throw 90mph, knows how to pitch. He has an excellent curve and killer change-up, he's just gotta be more aggressive early in the counts and get used to working with Posada. But he'll be a solid 5th starter. (plus he'll generate even more income for the Yankees in Japan, which will more than pay for the cost of his contract)
SteveFlack
03-20-2007, 09:54 AM
The only post season Yankee memory I have is A Rod running down the first base line, flailing his hands and slapping like a little girl.
Well, that's a fair bit of schadenfreude, after A-Rod humiliated the Twins in the 2004 ALDS.
-Steve!
En Sabah Poo
03-20-2007, 09:55 AM
Igawa ain't going to the minors. :? Maybe they'll decide to start him in the bullpen at the begining of the year (because they don't need 5 starters until about week three), but he's clearly a major leaguer. Now he has labored some this spring, and he's had to throw a lot of pitches each inning. But he has plenty of strikeouts so far, and they haven't really scored a lot of runs against him. Plus anyone who can lead their league in strikeouts three different seasons, AND they don't even throw 90mph, knows how to pitch. He has an excellent curve and killer change-up, he's just gotta be more aggressive early in the counts and get used to working with Posada. But he'll be a solid 5th starter. (plus he'll generate even more income for the Yankees in Japan, which will more than pay for the cost of his contract)
I just think its silly spending that much money on someone who can eventually be a solid fifth starter. He had some bad last years in Japan. I don't think he's going to amount to much at all.
PeterSparker
03-20-2007, 09:56 AM
I just think its silly spending that much money on someone who can eventually be a solid fifth starter. He had some bad last years in Japan. I don't think he's going to amount to much at all.
You just don't understand the concept of spending money to make money at all.
En Sabah Poo
03-20-2007, 09:59 AM
You just don't understand the concept of spending money to make money at all.
I guess. :blah:
I can't imagine under any circumstances you would pay that much money for a shitty player. Why not just outbid the Redsox for Matsuzaka? It was a bonehead move thats going to bite the Yankees in the ass as they continue to try and buy their Championship.
PeterSparker
03-20-2007, 10:03 AM
I guess. :blah:
I can't imagine under any circumstances you would pay that much money for a shitty player. Why not just outbid the Redsox for Matsuzaka? It was a bonehead move thats going to bite the Yankees in the ass as they continue to try and buy their Championship.
*yawn*
SteveFlack
03-20-2007, 10:05 AM
You just don't understand the concept of spending money to make money at all.
That's the inherent problem with small market baseball.
They should just get rid of the ten smallest markets, and condense the MLB to 20 teams.
-Steve!
SteveFlack
03-20-2007, 10:09 AM
I guess. :blah:
I can't imagine under any circumstances you would pay that much money for a shitty player. Why not just outbid the Redsox for Matsuzaka? It was a bonehead move thats going to bite the Yankees in the ass as they continue to try and buy their Championship.
Yes, because the Yankees are the only team who use free agency to help build their team. The 29 other teams in baseball have rosters of 25 players they drafted, and no free agents.
Oh, wait.
-Steve!
En Sabah Poo
03-20-2007, 10:10 AM
Yes, because the Yankees are the only team who use free agency to help build their team. The 29 other teams in baseball have rosters of 25 players they drafted, and no free agents.
Oh, wait.
-Steve!
So did you have an actual response or did you want to talk about something else? Because that has absolutely nothing to do with what I said.
The Igawa deal is right up there with Gil Meche. And at least Meche has upside.
PeterSparker
03-20-2007, 10:14 AM
That's the inherent problem with small market baseball.
They should just get rid of the ten smallest markets, and condense the MLB to 20 teams.
-Steve!
Just don't tell Carl Pohlad that, he likes taking that "revenue sharing" money, and putting it right in his pocket just fine. Lets his fans keep whining about the Yankees. I mean listen to 'em. There are 80 Japanese reporters following Igawa just this spring, and Bill can't think of "any circumstance" where that's benificial to the Yanks. :lol:
En Sabah Poo
03-20-2007, 10:17 AM
Just don't tell Carl Pohlad that, he likes taking that "revenue sharing" money, and putting it right in his pocket just fine. Lets his fans keep whining about the Yankees. I mean listen to 'em. There are 80 Japanese reporters following Igawa just this spring, and Bill can't think of "any circumstance" where that's benificial to the Yanks. :lol:
I'm talking about baseball though, not business profit. So if you're a money whore like Steinbrenner, props to you. But I prefer to talk about the sport as a sport rather than a business.
SteveFlack
03-20-2007, 10:27 AM
I'm talking about baseball though, not business profit. So if you're a money whore like Steinbrenner, props to you. But I prefer to talk about the sport as a sport rather than a business.
Then stop talking about "buying a championship".
-Steve!
En Sabah Poo
03-20-2007, 10:29 AM
Then stop talking about "buying a championship".
-Steve!
Wow. Thats not the same at all. Spending money to make money and spending money to make a good baseball team are completely different.
Are people really closing the book on Igawa based on Spring Training? It means nothing.
Igawa will be a decent Major League 5th starter, or releiver. Did the Yankees over pay for him? Yes. Did it make sense for them? If he's only as good as 5th starter or longman, then yes, it was. Would that be a good price for the Twins to pay? No.
PeterSparker
03-20-2007, 10:34 AM
I'm talking about baseball though, not business profit. So if you're a money whore like Steinbrenner, props to you. But I prefer to talk about the sport as a sport rather than a business.
Ugh, sometimes I wonder what's the point in even responding to your childishness. Glad to hear you're not a money whore, congrats, and one thing I know Stienbrenner does with his cash, unlike most other ownwers, is invest in his team. Why that's such a fucking crime to so many of the Yankee haters out there I'll never get. If he could just "buy" rings, he would have six this century already. Also they wouldn't of won in '96 when they didn'y have the highest payroll.
And if you're gonna start you're whole premise by saying they paid 45 million for a minor leaguer, how is someone supposed to respond? -On the baseball merits you're completely wrong, and seem to be basing it on nothing but standard Yankee hate. You can't be basing it on his Japanese career, including his final season there, and you can't be basing it on his spring so far? So we explain why having that type of exposure in the Japanese market is good for the Yankees and you cry its becuase they're money whores. He is a solid investment for both finacial and baseball reasons, but you just can't seem to understand that. He will pitch in the majors, and quite possibly with signifigant success.
En Sabah Poo
03-20-2007, 10:35 AM
Are people really closing the book on Igawa based on Spring Training? It means nothing.
Igawa will be a decent Major League 5th starter, or releiver. Did the Yankees over pay for him? Yes. Did it make sense for them? If he's only as good as 5th starter or longman, then yes, it was. Would that be a good price for the Twins to pay? No.
I would never close the book on a guy based on ST because it doesn't really mean that much, but based on his last few years in Japan and how much they spent on him, I can't imagine why they wouldn't just use Karstens or Hughes or make a trade.
En Sabah Poo
03-20-2007, 10:37 AM
Ugh, sometimes I wonder what's the point in even responding to your childishness. Glad to hear you're not a money whore, congrats, and one thing I know Stienbrenner does with his cash, unlike most other ownwers, is invest in his team. Why that's such a fucking crime to so many of the Yankee haters out there I'll never get. If he could just "buy" rings, he would have six this century already. Also they wouldn't of won in '96 when they didn'y have the highest payroll.
And if you're gonna start you're whole premise by saying they paid 45 million for a minor leaguer, how is someone supposed to respond? -On the baseball merits you're completely wrong, and seem to be basing it on nothing but standard Yankee hate. You can't be basing it on his Japanese career, including his final season there, and you can't be basing it on his spring so far? So we explain why having that type of exposure in the Japanese market is good for the Yankees and you cry its becuase they're money whores. He is a solid investment for both finacial and baseball reasons, but you just can't seem to understand that. He will pitch in the majors, and quite possibly with signifigant success.
Heh. I was merely making a crack about the situation based on words that have actually come out of Joe Torre's mouth. Don't get mad at me for that. Go cry somewhere else.
SteveFlack
03-20-2007, 10:37 AM
Wow. Thats not the same at all. Spending money to make money and spending money to make a good baseball team are completely different.
...ahem....
The Yankees spend alot of money, and then, in a concept foreign to small market baseball team, THEY ACTUALLY INVEST THAT MONEY IN THEIR TEAM!
Shocking, I know.
So, spending money to make money is the same as spending it on making a good baseball team.
-Steve!
En Sabah Poo
03-20-2007, 10:37 AM
So, spending money to make money is the same as spending it on making a good baseball team.
-Steve!
Apparently not for the Yankees. :)
(plus he'll generate even more income for the Yankees in Japan, which will more than pay for the cost of his contract)
Well I wouldn't count on that. The Japanese keep it real. If, Igawa ends up a bust (which I don't think he will) the Japanese fans will drop him as quickly as the dropped Kaz Matsui, and it certainly will not increase their Japanese revenues at all.
As a matter of fact, as Godzilla ages (or if he has to spend a signifigant amount of time on the DL again) then I can easily see the Japanese fanbase taking a huge swing towards Boston if Dice-K prospers (and I do not think he will live up to the hype, especially not this season).
PeterSparker
03-20-2007, 10:39 AM
Heh. I was merely making a crack about the situation based on words that have actually come out of Joe Torre's mouth. Don't get mad at me for that. Go cry somewhere else.
link?
SteveFlack
03-20-2007, 10:39 AM
Apparently not for the Yankees. :)
Yeah, because 12 straight playoff appearances and 9 straight division titles doesn't make them a good team.
-Steve!
I would never close the book on a guy based on ST because it doesn't really mean that much, but based on his last few years in Japan and how much they spent on him, I can't imagine why they wouldn't just use Karstens or Hughes or make a trade.
Didn't he lead Japan in strike outs last season?
En Sabah Poo
03-20-2007, 10:42 AM
link?
Rotoworld.com
Search for Igawa.
Once again, I was merely making a crack about a possible outcome I found hilarious. Nothing to get in a huff about or bring up the typical "you just hate the Yankees" spiel.
Ryan F
03-20-2007, 10:43 AM
That's the inherent problem with small market baseball.
They should just get rid of the ten smallest markets, and condense the MLB to 20 teams.
-Steve!
Wow. That's nuts.
These are the ten smallest markets:
Twins Minneapolis-St. Paul 15
Indians Cleveland-Akron 16
Padres San Diego 17
Cardinals St. Louis 18
Rockies Denver-Boulder 19
Devil Rays Tampa-St. Petersburg 20
Pirates Pittsburgh 21
Reds Cincinnati 23
Royals Kansas City 25
Brewers Milwaukee 27
The Reds and the Cardinals are two of the most storied franchises in baseball history, and all of those teams, except maybe the D-Rays and the Rockies, have a lot of history. The Cardinals are also perenially in the top 5 in average attendance.
I guess if it's not New York, it doesn't matter though, huh?
Wow. That's nuts.
These are the ten smallest markets:
Twins Minneapolis-St. Paul 15
Indians Cleveland-Akron 16
Padres San Diego 17
Cardinals St. Louis 18
Rockies Denver-Boulder 19
Devil Rays Tampa-St. Petersburg 20
Pirates Pittsburgh 21
Reds Cincinnati 23
Royals Kansas City 25
Brewers Milwaukee 27
The Reds and the Cardinals are two of the most stories franchises in baseball history. The Cardinals are also perenially in the top 5 in average attendance.
I guess if it's not New York, it doesn't matter though, huh?
Yeah, I'm assuming he was kidding a little bit, but if not that was a pretty asinine thing to say.
PeterSparker
03-20-2007, 10:45 AM
Well I wouldn't count on that. The Japanese keep it real. If, Igawa ends up a bust (which I don't think he will) the Japanese fans will drop him as quickly as the dropped Kaz Matsui, and it certainly will not increase their Japanese revenues at all.
As a matter of fact, as Godzilla ages (or if he has to spend a signifigant amount of time on the DL again) then I can easily see the Japanese fanbase taking a huge swing towards Boston if Dice-K prospers (and I do not think he will live up to the hype, especially not this season).
I agree in some part, which is why Boston spent the money they did. (again, a concept Bill just doesn't get, the Yankees with Matsui are the #1 baseball team in Japan) And why even more when the Gil Meches of the world are getting the money they are, you should try and get something else out of the deal. A bust is a bust, but at these prices its smart to take a chance on Igawa for that reason alone. And don't hold your breath for the decline of Hideki at any time soon. (yes he could br4eak his wrist again) but he's looked the best of anyone offensively in Yankee camp. He's well rested from missing so much of last season, and now that his "streak" is over, Torre can give him off days this season. The only downside to him so far is that he's been tired by the time the playoffs got here each season, this year he'll be ready to go!
PeterSparker
03-20-2007, 10:49 AM
Apparently not for the Yankees. :)
Yeah, 10 straight AL EAST titles and flush enough with cash to build a brand new stadium is quite a failed run.
Sparks: Just to clarify, I'm not in anyway suggesting I think the Matsui will decline this season, or that he is injury prone because he broke his wrist. I'm just saying that popularity shifts are pretty rapid in Japan and you never know what can happen.
But yeah, I think you and I see eye to eye on the subject.
En Sabah Poo
03-20-2007, 10:53 AM
I agree in some part, which is why Boston spent the money they did. (again, a concept Bill just doesn't get, the Yankees with Matsui are the #1 baseball team in Japan) And why even more when the Gil Meches of the world are getting the money they are, you should try and get something else out of the deal. A bust is a bust, but at these prices its smart to take a chance on Igawa for that reason alone. And don't hold your breath for the decline of Hideki at any time soon. (yes he could br4eak his wrist again) but he's looked the best of anyone offensively in Yankee camp. He's well rested from missing so much of last season, and now that his "streak" is over, Torre can give him off days this season. The only downside to him so far is that he's been tired by the time the playoffs got here each season, this year he'll be ready to go!
I'd actually like some info on Matsui being more popular in Japan than guys like Ichiro. I'd be interested in reading that.
And to insinuate that Boston's primary reason for buying Matsuzaka was economics rather than to help a potential floudering rotation, that's just nonsense.
PeterSparker
03-20-2007, 10:53 AM
Didn't he lead Japan in strike outs last season?
and he's done it 2 other times, again without being anything close to a power pitcher. But yes, that and his 2.80 ERA last season are what Bill seems to be "basing" his statements on :lol:
SteveFlack
03-20-2007, 10:58 AM
Yeah, I'm assuming he was kidding a little bit, but if not that was a pretty asinine thing to say.
It was a pretty blanket statement, and I'm sorry if I offended anyone, but yeah, I think baseball can use to lose a few teams. Maybe not 10, but a good amount. I think it over-expanded under the watchful eye of the worst commisioner ever. By loosing teams, you'd have a better dipersion of power, and you'd get rid of teams like Kansas City and Tampa Bay, which, honestly are just minor league teams of washed up players and up-and-comers, who will go on to fame and fortune in other teams. Of course, other factors than size of the markets would have to come into affect when it comes to cutting teams (I would never think of losing the Reds and the Cards).
I also think that the DH should be abolished, there shouldn't be a salary cap, but rather a salary minimum, and Bud Selig should be forced to introduce himself as "Bud Seling, The Man Who Cancelled the World Series.", but what does it matter, I'm just a loudmouth with a keyboard.
-Steve!
PeterSparker
03-20-2007, 10:59 AM
Sparks: Just to clarify, I'm not in anyway suggesting I think the Matsui will decline this season, or that he is injury prone because he broke his wrist. I'm just saying that popularity shifts are pretty rapid in Japan and you never know what can happen.
But yeah, I think you and I see eye to eye on the subject.
Gotcha, and no question Dice-K will get the real press this year in Japan. Matsui is old news at this point.
And Bill, Matsui is regularly refered to as the "Michael Jordan" of Japan, to try and give us some context of his popularity. I'm sure Ichiro, and Nomo in his day, are huge too, but Matsui seems to be the household name guy. The one with the most endorsements etc.
En Sabah Poo
03-20-2007, 10:59 AM
and he's done it 2 other times, again without being anything close to a power pitcher. But yes, that and his 2.80 ERA last season are what Bill seems to be "basing" his statements on :lol:
You mean his 2.97 era? :) I see you trying to fudge the numbers.
He had a few rough years before this little "resurgence" last season. But he's definitely been on a downward path. And any baseball expert will tell you, Japanese stats don't tend to translate well into the MLB.
Theres a reason everyone considers him to be a fifth starter at best.
I'd actually like some info on Matsui being more popular in Japan than guys like Ichiro. I'd be interested in reading that.
And to insinuate that Boston's primary reason for buying Matsuzaka was economics rather than to help a potential floudering rotation, that's just nonsense.
They're both uber popular there.
I don't think he was insinuating that all, he was merely pointing out that there were economic aspects to that deal along with his pitching prowess, which is true.
It's also true for most teams, including the Twins. You can't seperate business from baseball in the MLB, they are inextricibly interconnected.
What do you think, that New Era Hat commercial I saw this morning with Morneau playing a starring role was related to baseball?
SteveFlack
03-20-2007, 10:59 AM
I'd actually like some info on Matsui being more popular in Japan than guys like Ichiro. I'd be interested in reading that.
And to insinuate that Boston's primary reason for buying Matsuzaka was economics rather than to help a potential floudering rotation, that's just nonsense.
Actually, Boston's primary reason for buying Matsuzaka was making sure the Yankees didn't, and when they found out they actually outbid the Mets, they were kicking themselves.
-Steve!
It was a pretty blanket statement, and I'm sorry if I offended anyone, but yeah, I think baseball can use to lose a few teams. Maybe not 10, but a good amount. I think it over-expanded under the watchful eye of the worst commisioner ever. By loosing teams, you'd have a better dipersion of power, and you'd get rid of teams like Kansas City and Tampa Bay, which, honestly are just minor league teams of washed up players and up-and-comers, who will go on to fame and fortune in other teams. Of course, other factors than size of the markets would have to come into affect when it comes to cutting teams (I would never think of losing the Reds and the Cards).
I also think that the DH should be abolished, there shouldn't be a salary cap, but rather a salary minimum, and Bud Selig should be forced to introduce himself as "Bud Seling, The Man Who Cancelled the World Series.", but what does it matter, I'm just a loudmouth with a keyboard.
-Steve!
I completely agree that there are too many teams. There are as many problems currently plagueing the talent pool from that as there are from steroids. But I don't know contraction is the answer.
Say what you will about Bud Selig, and I agree with some of your points, but MLB is at it's most popular in decades. The ill will that a mass contraction (5 teams would be alot. 10 would be staggering) would engender would put baseball back years. It would be second only to the last strike in comparitive damage to the League.
Plus, the teams you list are puzzling. You protect the Reds from contraction, but not the Royals? The Royals have one of the most storied legacies of any team.
I'd say contract 2 teams, tops (possibly those added most recently,with lowest revenues and without or nearing an end, to a stadium deal), and give the talent base a chance to expand to meet the team count.
Ryan F
03-20-2007, 11:07 AM
It was a pretty blanket statement, and I'm sorry if I offended anyone, but yeah, I think baseball can use to lose a few teams. Maybe not 10, but a good amount. I think it over-expanded under the watchful eye of the worst commisioner ever. By loosing teams, you'd have a better dipersion of power, and you'd get rid of teams like Kansas City and Tampa Bay, which, honestly are just minor league teams of washed up players and up-and-comers, who will go on to fame and fortune in other teams. Of course, other factors than size of the markets would have to come into affect when it comes to cutting teams (I would never think of losing the Reds and the Cards).
I also think that the DH should be abolished, there shouldn't be a salary cap, but rather a salary minimum, and Bud Selig should be forced to introduce himself as "Bud Seling, The Man Who Cancelled the World Series.", but what does it matter, I'm just a loudmouth with a keyboard.
-Steve!
Yeah, I'd say ditch the D-Rays, the Nats, maybe KC (although they were originally my favorite team), and maybe Pittsburgh. I wouldn't go any farther than that, if that far. The Marlins are pathetic (lowest attendance and something like a tenth of the Yankees salary), but they're in a huge market, they've already won 2 World Series, and they seem to have a knack for developing talent.
Yes on getting rid of the DH.
No, on salary minimum, big yes on salary cap.
And, don't worry about offending me - you're a Yankee fan, so it's inevitable. :)
PeterSparker
03-20-2007, 11:08 AM
You mean his 2.97 era? :) I see you trying to fudge the numbers.
He had a few rough years before this little "resurgence" last season. But he's definitely been on a downward path. And any baseball expert will tell you, Japanese stats don't tend to translate well into the MLB.
Theres a reason everyone considers him to be a fifth starter at best.I actually thougt it was 2.87 so I didn't intentionally fudge ;), but everyone needs a fifth starter, especially when every fucking 'w' matters in the AL East, so again, no problem if he only lands in the 5 spot.
Actually, Boston's primary reason for buying Matsuzaka was making sure the Yankees didn't, and when they found out they actually outbid the Mets, they were kicking themselves.
-Steve!
Eh, not so sure about that., Maybe at the start, but Dice-K is the real deal, in his prime. So I'm sure the Sox are psyched as hell now that they've got him.
Ryan F
03-20-2007, 11:11 AM
I completely agree that there are too many teams. There are as many problems currently plagueing the talent pool from that as there are from steroids. But I don't know contraction is the answer.
Say what you will about Bud Selig, and I agree with some of your points, but MLB is at it's most popular in decades. The ill will that a mass contraction (5 teams would be alot. 10 would be staggering) would engender would put baseball back years. It would be second only to the last strike in comparitive damage to the League.
Plus, the teams you list are puzzling. You protect the Reds from contraction, but not the Royals? The Royals have one of the most storied legacies of any team.
I'd say contract 2 teams, tops (possibly those added most recently,with lowest revenues and without or nearing an end, to a stadium deal), and give the talent base a chance to expand to meet the team count.
Does MLB have the power to force out owners? The owners of the Royals, the Pirates, and the Marlins have got to go if those teams are ever going to do anything.
Would contracting the D-Rays really engender any ill-will. :)
SteveFlack
03-20-2007, 11:11 AM
I completely agree that there are too many teams. There are as many problems currently plagueing the talent pool from that as there are from steroids. But I don't know contraction is the answer.
Say what you will about Bud Selig, and I agree with some of your points, but MLB is at it's most popular in decades. The ill will that a mass contraction (5 teams would be alot. 10 would be staggering) would engender would put baseball back years. It would be second only to the last strike in comparitive damage to the League.
Plus, the teams you list are puzzling. You protect the Reds from contraction, but not the Royals? The Royals have one of the most storied legacies of any team.
I'd say contract 2 teams, tops (possibly those added most recently,with lowest revenues and without or nearing an end, to a stadium deal), and give the talent base a chance to expand to meet the team count.
Oh, contraction would never happen, the MLBPA would never allow it (what union would allow that many jobs to be lost?). But in my fantasy world, where I am in charge of baseball, and have eyes that shoot laser beams, that is what I would do.
And honestly, I don't think anyone would really miss the Royals. Except maybe George Brett.
-Steve!
En Sabah Poo
03-20-2007, 11:13 AM
Oh, contraction would never happen, the MLBPA would never allow it (what union would allow that many jobs to be lost?). But in my fantasy world, where I am in charge of baseball, and have eyes that shoot laser beams, that is what I would do.
And honestly, I don't think anyone would really miss the Royals. Except maybe George Brett.
-Steve!
Yeah, but you're basing that on a rather short period of time. The Royals used to be one of the better teams in baseball not too terribly long ago. Nearly all franchises have gone through bad slumps for many years. New ownership could turn it completely around.
SteveFlack
03-20-2007, 11:13 AM
Eh, not so sure about that., Maybe at the start, but Dice-K is the real deal, in his prime. So I'm sure the Sox are psyched as hell now that they've got him.
That's why I said primary reason. They're just really glad this all looks like it will work out for them, and not blow up in their faces, like Kaz Matsui. But that's the risk you take anytime you bring over a Japanese player.
-Steve!
En Sabah Poo
03-20-2007, 11:18 AM
That's why I said primary reason. They're just really glad this all looks like it will work out for them, and not blow up in their faces, like Kaz Matsui. But that's the risk you take anytime you bring over a Japanese player.
-Steve!
Matsuzaka is ace quality though. Sports writers commented that he was bringing over more talent now than Ichiro did.
PeterSparker
03-20-2007, 01:24 PM
Rotoworld.com
Search for Igawa.
Once again, I was merely making a crack about a possible outcome I found hilarious. Nothing to get in a huff about or bring up the typical "you just hate the Yankees" spiel.
So, this must've been the quote you're refering to, after Torre was asked if it's possible they would start the season with Igawa in the minors :
"I think we have a lot of options that we have to consider," Torre said. "But the first consideration for us is do what's best for the player, especially someone you feel is going to be a big part of what you do."
Big difference to say you might have someone pitch in the minors for a stretch to help their adjusment here, especially since you think "he's going to be a big part of what we do." As opposed to making him sound like a bust, just because they might consider it. Nice spin, I'll give you that. :)
En Sabah Poo
03-20-2007, 01:28 PM
Hey, you Yankee fans. Was Moose hurt in 04 and 05 at all? Any explanation for his downfall those two seasons that would lead you to think he'd have a good 07 like the rest of his career and 06, or do you think 06 was just a fluke in his downfall?
I am asking this with the most sincerity. No bias from me and please none from you.
PeterSparker
03-20-2007, 01:43 PM
Hey, you Yankee fans. Was Moose hurt in 04 and 05 at all? Any explanation for his downfall those two seasons that would lead you to think he'd have a good 07 like the rest of his career and 06, or do you think 06 was just a fluke in his downfall?
I am asking this with the most sincerity. No bias from me and please none from you.
Honestly I don't remember any major injury those years, and I'd have to look at the numbers specifically for 04 and 05, but my overall impression is that he's had about the same consistancy throughout his Yankee run. He was on a particular groove for part of last year, and no real reason to think it will be all that different. His last spring start (for what its worth) was particularly sharp. I haven't noticed any drastic downfall from the Moose, the numbers may say otherwise but I expect the usual from him this year. He never quite reaches 20 wins, but he always has more than 15, thats pretty much him.
En Sabah Poo
03-20-2007, 01:46 PM
Honestly I don't remember any major injury those years, and I'd have to look at the numbers specifically for 04 and 05, but my overall impression is that he's had about the same consistancy throughout his Yankee run. He was on a particular groove for part of last year, and no real reason to think it will be all that different. His last spring start (for what its worth) was particularly sharp. I haven't noticed any drastic downfall from the Moose, the numbers may say otherwise but I expect the usual from him this year. He never quite reaches 20 wins, but he always has more than 15, thats pretty much him.
Take a peek at his career stat line:
http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=MLB&id=1677
Im looking mainly at his WHIP and ERA.You can see some glaring years. Only three times in his career did his WHIP go into the 1.30's, and that was 04 and 05. His ERA was noticably higher too, and his innings were way down.
I have the possibility of getting him on my fantasy team. And I'm obviously interested but also concerned.
PeterSparker
03-20-2007, 01:55 PM
Take a peek at his career stat line:
http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=MLB&id=1677
Im looking mainly at his WHIP and ERA.You can see some glaring years. Only three times in his career did his WHIP go into the 1.30's, and that was 04 and 05. His ERA was noticably higher too, and his innings were way down.
I have the possibility of getting him on my fantasy team. And I'm obviously interested but also concerned.
Yeah his innings were down in 04, but he's made about the same number of starts each year (more or less) and usually gets to about 200 innings. Hey, he's 38 and usually pitches with a higher ERA anyway (but a lot of effective AL pitchers do) so you have to factor that in for fantasy stuff. Over the course of a season you have a pretty good idea what you're getting, but maybe the numbers will stay in the slight decline this year. Tough to say with a guy like him, he has real good mindset this year for what its worth though. He is definitely the elder statesmen of the staff now, and still wants a fucking ring. So he'll be motivated, but the AL East is a minefield, stats can get crazy.
En Sabah Poo
03-20-2007, 01:57 PM
Yeah his innings were down in 04, but he's made about the same number of starts each year (more or less) and usually gets to about 200 innings. Hey, he's 38 and usually pitches with a higher ERA anyway (but a lot of effective AL pitchers do) so you have to factor that in for fantasy stuff. Over the course of a season you have a pretty good idea what you're getting, but maybe the numbers will stay in the slight decline this year. Tough to say with a guy like him, he has real good mindset this year for what its worth though. He is definitely the elder statesmen of the staff now, and still wants a fucking ring. So he'll be motivated, but the AL East is a minefield, stats can get crazy.
His stats last year were amazing. Some of his best ever including his lowest number of walks in his career. I just don't want that to be a fluke. I can get him straight up for Delmon Young. Don't know if you have played fantasy ball before, but I'm in an AL only 4x4 deep keerp league and have Delmon for 21 and Mussina is at 17. Lots of our top quality starters are being kept so they're not available on the draft. If Moose can repeat anything close to his career average and not his 04 and 05, he'd be a prime #2 or even #1 starter for my fantasy team.
PeterSparker
03-20-2007, 02:01 PM
His stats last year were amazing. Some of his best ever including his lowest number of walks in his career. I just don't want that to be a fluke. I can get him straight up for Delmon Young. Don't know if you have played fantasy ball before, but I'm in an AL only 4x4 deep keerp league and have Delmon for 21 and Mussina is at 17. Lots of our top quality starters are being kept so they're not available on the draft. If Moose can repeat anything close to his career average and not his 04 and 05, he'd be a prime #2 or even #1 starter for my fantasy team.
Grab the Moose if thats the case! :D He'll be more like last year than 04 (again he looked friggin awesome earlier this week in spring). If he gets injured don't blame me, but I say trade for him.
SteveFlack
03-20-2007, 05:22 PM
In 2004, Moose came down with a nasty stomach virus in Japan, and couldn't shake it. Also, I like to think there was a psychological issue there, since with the departure of Pettite and Clemens, Moose became the staff ace by default, and he's not an ace, #1 starter, he's a solid #2. With the arrival Randy Johnson in 2005, Moose was able to slip back to #2, and get back to normal.
-Steve!
Taxman
03-20-2007, 06:39 PM
http://www.nypost.com/seven/03202007/sports/yankees/damons_take__were_the_best_yankees_kevin_kernan.ht m
DAMON'S TAKE: WE'RE THE BEST
March 20, 2007 -- DUNEDIN, Fla. - One of Johnny Damon's great strengths is that he tells it like it is; the center fielder will always offer an honest opinion. When he looks around the baseball landscape, this is what he says about the 2007 Yankees.
"We're the best team," Damon told me. He was quick to add that the Yankees have to go out and prove it this season, which doesn't quite make this a Jimmy Rollins "We're the team to beat" statement.
----------------------------------------------------------------:jackoff:
PeterSparker
03-21-2007, 07:28 AM
Hey, from what I've seen this spring, Damon is right :) In the AL anyway.
As for the Igawa discussion of yesterday, I watched him pitch last night, and I think it's safe to say he won't be going to the minors. He's getting better every time out and continues to show how he led the Japanese league in strikeouts last year. (leads the Yanks this spring with 15) Almost all the third strikes coming on sliders and change-ups. (speaking of change-ups, Mariano has been working some in this spring and they've been devastating. Don't know if he'll break 'em out during the season, but he made Ryan Howard look silly with two last night. Also, if it's even possible, Mo looks better than I've ever seen him *whew* )
Igawa Sharp As Yankees Blank Phils
03/20/2007 9:38 PM ET
By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com
YANKEES 2, PHILLIES 0
at Tampa, Fla.
Tuesday, March 20
Phillies at the plate: Philadelphia was limited to just two hits through the first seven innings, with Shane Victorino opening the game with a single and Pat Burrell beginning the second inning with another hit.
Yankees at the plate: Johnny Damon brought in the first run of the game in the fifth inning with a one-out single to left, scoring Robinson Cano. Miguel Cairo got to Ryan Madson for New York's second run with a double to left in the seventh. Making his 2007 Grapefruit League debut after a right oblique strain suffered Feb. 26, outfielder Bobby Abreu went 0-for-3 with a strikeout.
Phillies on the mound: Zack Segovia looked strong in his first spring start, limiting New York to two hits through the first four innings before allowing a run in the fifth. The 23-year-old walked none and struck out two, making his second appearance this spring against the Yanks, having also pitched two innings of relief on March 4.
Yankees on the mound: Kei Igawa turned in arguably his most impressive outing of the spring, finding better command and limiting Philadelphia to two hits through five innings. The 27-year-old walked three, struck out three and had a little help from his defense in a 65-pitch (38 for strikes) effort, with two double plays, including an 8-6-3 twin killing that ended the second. Mariano Rivera pitched a scoreless sixth inning, striking out three. He has allowed just three baserunners all spring.
Grapefruit League records: Phillies 7-13; Yankees 12-7-1.
Up next: After a day off on Wednesday, the Yankees travel to Sarasota, Fla., to face the Reds on Thursday, facing off at 7:05 p.m. ET. Righty Carl Pavano (0-1, 5.63 ERA) is scheduled to start for New York, with righty Kyle Lohse (1-0, 1.59 ERA) going for Cincinnati.
The Phillies travel to Dunedin, Fla., on Wednesday to play the Blue Jays at 1:05 p.m. Right-hander Freddy Garcia is scheduled to start for Philadelphia, with right-hander Josh Towers going for Toronto.
En Sabah Poo
03-21-2007, 08:13 AM
Dammit. Why does Mussina have to be 38?
The downfall of my team last year was like an average age of 35.
From the looks of Damon coming into camp, it looks like he'd be far more qualified to comment on which Dairy Queens are "the best" and not baseball teams. :twisted:
Taxman
03-21-2007, 08:20 AM
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/070320/bba_manny_s_grill.html?.v=1
Manny Ramirez Auctions Grill on EBay
Tuesday March 20, 11:33 pm ET
By Howard Ulman, AP Sports Writer
Boston Red Sox Slugger Manny Ramirez Auctions His Fancy Grill on EBay
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) -- How much would you pay to cook up a few steaks on a fancy grill? If you buy it from Manny Ramirez, prepare to shell out more than $20,000 -- but it comes with an autographed baseball.
The Red Sox quirky slugger with the $160 million contract is selling on eBay a JENN-AIR grill he said he bought for about $4,000.
"Manny, get over here now," teammate David Ortiz bellowed when he saw a television report about Ramirez's move into the luxury appliance trade before Tuesday night's 6-5 win over Minnesota.
Moments later, a smiling Ramirez strolled into the clubhouse, carrying a salad from the players' kitchen.
"I'm a businessman," he said with a laugh. "I need the money."
By the time the game ended, the high bid was $6,200. One hour later, it was up to $20,201 and climbing.
One of the offers -- apparently from a playful bidder -- was for $5,111.11, a reminder of the $51.11 million the Red Sox offered for the rights to negotiate with Japanese star Daisuke Matsuzaka, who signed with Boston.
On the first pitch Ramirez saw from Twins starter Glen Perkins, he grounded into a double play but there was some good news -- the high bid at that moment, the 24th of the auction, was $4,950. That hadn't changed when he flied out to right field on the second pitch he saw in the second inning.
The minimum bid allowed was $3,000 and that was posted at 1:11 p.m. EDT Tuesday.
The listing shows seven photographs, two with Ramirez posing next to the large grill that appears to be located in a garage. The item is in Weston, Fla., where Ramirez has a home.
"Hi, I'm Manny Ramirez," the listing said. "I bought this AMAZING grill for about $4,000 and I used it once. ... But I never have the time to use it because I am always on the road. I would love to sell it and you will get an autographed ball signed by me.
"Enjoy it, Manny Ramirez."
The left fielder has had an eventful six full seasons with Boston -- highlighted by numerous trade requests, 234 homers and a batting championship.
Earlier in spring training, Ramirez created a stir when he had a classic car for sale at an auction in Atlantic City, N.J. The event was two days after Red Sox position players reported and three days before the team gave Ramirez position to show up. He had planned to attend the sale but changed his mind.
No one came up with the minimum amount required and the car didn't sell.
Other Boston players can't get people to take their extra items off their hands either.
"Nobody'll buy anything of mine," Boston center fielder Coco Crisp said before the game. "I throw away my garbage and people dig it up and say, `yep,' and put it back."
"Somebody said it was on there for 4,700 bucks. That's crazy," right fielder J.D. Drew said before the bidding for the grill escalated. "I'm not buying it."
If he changes his mind, there's still time. The bidding closes on March 28 at 2:57 p.m. EDT.
Oh, and shipping is $70 extra.
Taxman
03-21-2007, 08:22 AM
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=189340
Wood and Prior, as usual, battling health
March 20, 2007
Kerry Wood and Mark Prior could start the season on the Chicago Cubs' disabled list.
Wood, coming back from a torn right rotator cuff, threw 25 pitches off a mound Tuesday at the Cubs' spring-training complex in Mesa, Ariz. On March 11, he strained his right triceps while pitching against Milwaukee, and it's unclear whether he will be ready for the start of the season.
"Until we get him back out there and get him on a schedule, you just don't know," pitching coach Larry Rothschild said. "Hopefully he could, but it has to work for the team and it has to be in his best interests."
The 29-year-old Wood was just 1-2 with a 4.12 ERA last year and has a 12.00 ERA in three spring training appearances. If he's on the active roster, it most likely would be as a one-inning reliever.
The 26-year-old Prior was 1-6 with a 7.21 ERA last year when his season was cut short by a strained right shoulder. He is 0-1 with an 18.90 ERA in two spring training appearances, allowing seven runs and eight hits in 3 1-3 innings with five strikeouts and no walks.
"How many innings has he pitched?" manager Lou Piniella asked Monday. "You need 25 or so innings. In fairness to the person, is he going to be ready?"
-------------------------------
Shane W
03-21-2007, 08:26 AM
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=189340
The Cubs will be fun to watch this year, a lot of 14-10 losses.
Buk Was Right
03-21-2007, 08:37 AM
Dammit. Why does Mussina have to be 38?
The downfall of my team last year was like an average age of 35.
35? that's a fucking youth movement around here!
<------------------------------------------------
From the always excellent Jon Heyman's SI column:
Yankees won't bid on A-Rod
Also in this column:
• Relief market looks grim
• Smoltz to leave Braves?
• More news and notes
Alex Rodriguez will inspire a bidding frenzy if he opts out of his $252 million contract at the end of the season, with the Angels perhaps first in line. But Yankees general manager Brian Cashman made clear in an interview on Tuesday that Rodriguez's current team will not chase A-Rod and will not be part of any bidding war.
"He has a significant contract as it is," Cashman told SI.com. "So I don't anticipate any dialogue regarding an extension."
In other words, Cashman is leaving the ball in A-Rod's court. If Rodriguez wants to remain a Yankee and keep the $81 million and three years remaining on his contract, he can do that. But if he wants to forego that $81 million to seek even greater riches, that's his choice, too. He just won't be getting those extra riches in pinstripes -- at least not this winter.
"I hope he stays," Cashman says. "He knows how I feel about him."
Cashman is a proven A-Rod fan, one of the main powers behind the megatrade that moved Rodriguez east from Texas. But Cashman has shown since taking over full GM powers in recent months that he is fully cognizant of the bottom line, and that means dollars and cents as well as wins and losses. He traded away Gary Sheffield and Randy Johnson (though those are two players he appeared far less enamored of than A-Rod), and the only megabucks deals he signed off on this winter were for Andy Pettitte (one-year, $16 million with a player option for 2008) and Kei Igawa (five years, $20 million, with a $26 million posting fee).
Cashman likes Rodriguez enough that it's believed he'd consider an extension at some point, but not an extension merely to prevent A-Rod from opting out of his current deal. "That's smart," one competing GM says. "This way all the pressure's on A-Rod, and there's no blood on [Cashman's] hands."
With plenty of teams likely to line up, including the Angels (the favorite for Rodriguez can offer a contending team, a stadium where he hits big, the American League and probably even a chance to switch back to shortstop), no one should be surprised if A-Rod does opt out. And no one should blame him if he does, though plenty will.
There's nothing wrong with exercising an option that was bargained for in good faith. J.D. Drew opted out of the $33 million that remained on his Dodgers deal, and more than doubled it, to $70 million, with Boston. And Aramis Ramirez more than tripled his pay, from $22 million to $75 million, when the Cubs made the opposite call and decided to re-sign him after he opted out of his deal.
Some Yankees fans might applaud A-Rod's departure, but his loss would sting since they'd also lose the $29 million Rangers owner Tom Hicks has to contribute toward A-Rod's contract through 2010, so long as he remains a Yankee. And perhaps even worse for Yankees fans, there isn't much right-handed power available, except Andruw Jones, who'll have plenty of suitors. As for right-handed power, not counting free-agent switch-hitter Jorge Posada, the Yankees will be down to Derek Jeter if A-Rod leaves.
Some will criticize Cashman if A-Rod walks away after at least eight teams called last year to inquire about acquiring the superstar in trade, including both Chicago teams and both L.A. teams. However, it wasn't really Cashman's call to keep him then; A-Rod made it clear to Cashman last summer that he wouldn't consent to a trade -- and as long as the Yankees are in the race, he still won't.
That was all A-Rod's call last summer. And once again, it will be his call again this winter.
Several teams are looking for relief help, among them the Red Sox, Marlins and Phillies, whose bullpen may prevent them from reaching what Jimmy Rollins sees as their first-place destiny. And it isn't going to be easy to find relievers. As one GM put it, "No one's pitching looks great. A lot of guys are getting the ... kicked out of them."
That in mind, it's going to be disappointing to hear that Padres reliever Scott Linebrink, who seems permanently on the block, is probably staying put in San Diego. And even Armando Benitez may remain in San Francisco, as well.
The Red Sox have been scouting Derrick Turnbow, Chad Cordero, Brad Lidge and Linebrink in a huge sellers' market for pitching. Boston and San Diego make a lot of trades, but it seems like the longer the Padres hold Linebrink, the more his value rises. And that's despite some so-so spring outings and whispers about past back pain.
The moral of this story is that maybe the Orioles were the smart ones by stockpiling relief pitchers. Chad Bradford for $10.5 million over three years looks like the steal of the winter right now.
The relief market is such that the ever erratic Jorge Julio is looking pretty attractive right now. Oh yes, the Diamondbacks' Julio is one we expect will be dealt.
Mets' recent play gives him the Willies
Willie Randolph didn't inherit George Steinbrenner's fixation on spring training records. Far from it. But that doesn't mean he is thrilled with how his Mets have played during their 6-14-1 start to spring.
Randolph addressed his troops on Tuesday, suggesting they "kick it up a notch" with 13 games to go before the games start to count.
Randolph also told his team he'd like to see better fundamentals, or a greater emphasis on "attacking the details," as he put it. The speech came after the Mets' day off, and the team responded with a 6-1 victory behind young Mike Pelfrey, who solidified the No. 5 starting spot with the victory.
Around the camps
• John Smoltz may be heading into his last year with the Braves. One person close to Smoltz said the pitcher is disenchanted and won't sign a team-friendly contract again. "He's done that twice already," the friend says.
• The Devil Rays are listening to teams interested in second baseman Jorge Cantu, who hit 28 home runs and had 117 RBIs in 2005, but halved that to 14 and 62 last year.
• Among young pitching phenoms, one AL exec reports that while Tampa Bay's Scott Kazmir looks great, Cole Hamels does not.
• That same exec said, "Going in, I thought the Phillies would be a threat to the Mets. But after seeing their bullpen, I don't think so anymore."
• Several teams have inquired about Rockies shortstop Clint Barmes, who hasn't been the same since injuring himself while returning from deer hunting. Most teams that have inquired envision Barmes as a "super sub" type. If anyone sees him as a starter, he'll probably have a new home.
• Marlins hitters continue to struggle. One NL exec said he'd advise against ever pitching to Miguel Cabrera. "In that lineup, he's a man among boys," says the exec.
• One AL exec thinks Mark Hendrickson could be a steal for someone. "The Dodgers are loaded, and they obviously don't need him," the exec says.
• The Mariners are calling closer J.J. Putz's elbow strain "mild." Still the same, I wonder whether they'd like to have Rafael Soriano back.
• While the Mets haven't announced it, John Maine, Oliver Perez and Pelfrey will fill the final three spots in their rotation. That means Chan Ho Park may be on the way out.
• Any released pitchers' first call should be to Washington. The Nationals first four starters were a combined 2-5 in 2006 (John Patterson was most productive at 1-2, followed by Shawn Hill at 1-3; Jason Simontacchi hasn't pitched in the majors since 2004 and Matt Chico has yet to pitch in the majors), according to Joel Sherman's New York Post blog. Plus, the five guys competing for the No. 5 spot were a combined 0-4.
Obviously, someone in Washington has a low budget.
So I've been taking notes and notes and notes and planning a draft strategy for my AL Only Fantasy League, last night the group decided they wanted to NL and AL.
That changes things, a lot.
En Sabah Poo
03-21-2007, 08:47 AM
So I've been taking notes and notes and notes and planning a draft strategy for my AL Only Fantasy League, last night the group decided they wanted to NL and AL.
That changes things, a lot.
I think mixed is boring. Not enough strategy. Everyone has a team of superstars.
PeterSparker
03-21-2007, 08:47 AM
From the looks of Damon coming into camp, it looks like he'd be far more qualified to comment on which Dairy Queens are "the best" and not baseball teams. :twisted:
Yeah, my man was looking pretty chunky early on :)
I think mixed is boring. Not enough strategy. Everyone has a team of superstars.
I agree. I fought against it, but it was left to a vote. :-?
PeterSparker
03-21-2007, 09:12 AM
From the always excellent Jon Heyman's SI column:
Yankees won't bid on A-Rod
Also in this column:
• Relief market looks grim
• Smoltz to leave Braves?
• More news and notes
Alex Rodriguez will inspire a bidding frenzy if he opts out of his $252 million contract at the end of the season, with the Angels perhaps first in line. But Yankees general manager Brian Cashman made clear in an interview on Tuesday that Rodriguez's current team will not chase A-Rod and will not be part of any bidding war.
"He has a significant contract as it is," Cashman told SI.com. "So I don't anticipate any dialogue regarding an extension.".....
Yeah, I think A-Rod (and Boras) want to get him another mega 6-year deal, and Alex wants out of NY anyway. We really do need his r/h bat though (even with all his post season chocking) since we don't have Sheff any more either. But I say he walks, and the Yanks put the full court press on Andruw Jones. Damon can move to right (since the club has the option for Abreu in '08) and I gots no problem with those developments!
Yeah, I think A-Rod (and Boras) want to get him another mega 6-year deal, and Alex wants out of NY anyway. We really do need his r/h bat though (even with all his post season chocking) since we don't have Sheff any more either. But I say he walks, and the Yanks put the full court press on Andruw Jones. Damon can move to right (since the club has the option for Abreu in '08) and I gots no problem with those developments!
I don't know, that's a lot of money in an outfield. I'd keep the outfeild as is and look for a third baseman, and a catcher with some pop. Going after the Mongoloid (andruw) would seem to run contrary to the direction that Cashman is trying to go in lately.
PeterSparker
03-21-2007, 10:03 AM
I don't know, that's a lot of money in an outfield. I'd keep the outfeild as is and look for a third baseman, and a catcher with some pop. Going after the Mongoloid (andruw) would seem to run contrary to the direction that Cashman is trying to go in lately.
Kind of agree, but if you can get Jones, you pay him. The price is what it is these days, you just have to pick and choose. Zito, of course not, but Andruw you sure have to consider it. Yeah, they will need a 3rd baseman and someone needs to replace Posada at some point no doubt. (and boy will Jorge be appreciated even more once he's not there everyday) But since they already have the money invested that they do in this current team, they have to have a right handed power bat in the line-up to stay competitive. As the article points out, not many available or on the horizon. You can live without Sheff, but not without A-Rod too. They're pretty left/handed heavy as it is. You also won't have Arod's and Abreu's contracts, and Damon will only have two years left. Maybe they work out a trade, or maybe they win this year and A-Rod decides to stay. (but I can't see that happening even if they do, Alex and Boras are all about the money)
Buk Was Right
03-21-2007, 10:06 AM
Yeah, I think A-Rod (and Boras) want to get him another mega 6-year deal, and Alex wants out of NY anyway.
there's a good article in this months esquire (hillary swank cover) about zito and boras and how basically boras wrung every last cent possible out of the zito deal.
it was a pretty interesting look into how that whole deal went down and how boras works... even if he is a bit smarmy...
PeterSparker
03-21-2007, 10:23 AM
there's a good article in this months esquire (hillary swank cover) about zito and boras and how basically boras wrung every last cent possible out of the zito deal.
it was a pretty interesting look into how that whole deal went down and how boras works... even if he is a bit smarmy...
I'll check it out, thanks.
But yeah, he's sure good at what he does. I mean there was no other team even offering ARod within $100 million of what they got Hicks in Texas to pay. I mean he was competing against himself, and Boras still got him to not only give Alex a $252 million contract, but this walk option after 7 years, so they can get even more money. Slimy, but impressive.
Kind of agree, but if you can get Jones, you pay him. The price is what it is these days, you just have to pick and choose. Zito, of course not, but Andruw you sure have to consider it. Yeah, they will need a 3rd baseman and someone needs to replace Posada at some point no doubt. (and boy will Jorge be appreciated even more once he's not there everyday) But since they already have the money invested that they do in this current team, they have to have a right handed power bat in the line-up to stay competitive. As the article points out, not many available or on the horizon. You can live without Sheff, but not without A-Rod too. They're pretty left/handed heavy as it is. You also won't have Arod's and Abreu's contracts, and Damon will only have two years left. Maybe they work out a trade, or maybe they win this year and A-Rod decides to stay. (but I can't see that happening even if they do, Alex and Boras are all about the money)
How about Duncan at third? Has he dropped that much in the eyes of the organization?
PeterSparker
03-21-2007, 10:48 AM
How about Duncan at third? Has he dropped that much in the eyes of the organization?
Y'know I can't say, honestly haven't heard much about him recently. Maybe thats because Alex already has the job. But I think that they still feel he's the futrue at 3rd, but I don't think you could count on him to bat 4th in the order yet, thats for sure. And from what I remember he had work in general to do still as far as being a big-leaguer. Thats why with the '08 club option for Abreu, you might have to look at an outfielder to put your power bat.
En Sabah Poo
03-21-2007, 05:14 PM
As for the Igawa discussion of yesterday, I watched him pitch last night, and I think it's safe to say he won't be going to the minors. He's getting better every time out and continues to show how he led the Japanese league in strikeouts last year. (leads the Yanks this spring with 15) Almost all the third strikes coming on sliders and change-ups.
Yeah, he looked pretty good, I have my doubts though.
In my defense though regarding his talent in Japan, I did discover Matsuzaka and Igawa each played the past 8 years. Of those years, Matsuzaka beat Igawa in K's 6 years, including the last two years. So. I'm just saying. Igawa hasn't led K's in Japan for a while.
Shane W
03-22-2007, 05:12 AM
Uh Oh... Signs that 2007 is going to be an interesting year..
http://images.stltoday.com/stltoday/resources/larussabooked260.jpg
La Russa arrested on drunk-driving charge
By Joe Strauss and Derrick Goold (jstrauss@post-dispatch.com)
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
Thursday, Mar. 22 2007
JUPITER, Fla. -– Cardinals manager Tony La Russa was jailed by the Palm Beach
County Sheriff’s Department early this morning on a charge of suspicion of
driving under the influence, according to a police report obtained by the
Post-Dispatch.
La Russa, 62, was booked at 4:07 a.m. local time after Jupiter police conducted
the traffic stop.
The arrest potentially represents La Russa’s first offense, according to the
report.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff placed the report on-line before most players had
arrived at the team’s spring training complex. La Russa typically arrives at
Roger Dean Stadium around 7 a.m.
A release from the Jupiter Police Department said the traffic stop had happened
around midnight. The police report said he had been given a field sobriety test
that showed La Russa’s blood alcohol level was 0.093. Florida law considers
0.080 driving under the influence. He gave two breath samples at Palm Beach
County Jail before being booked.
The charge is a misdemeanor, and La Russa posted a $500 bond. But he was
required to spend eight hours in custody before being released. He was expected
to be released between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. Florida time, Palm Beach County
Sheriff spokesman Paul Miller said.
La Russa was found inside his stalled dark blue Escalade SUV at Frederick Small
Blvd and Military Trail, about 1 1/2 miles from the stadium and less than a
mile from the manager’s spring residence, the release from Jupiter police said.
La Russa was found asleep behind the wheel with his foot on the vehicle’s brake
pedal. When an undercover officer told him to put the car in park, the
Cardinals manager complied, according to a release.
A report filed by Jupiter police said that the Cardinals manager was breathing
but that initial attempts to rouse La Russa by "repeated knocks on the window"
on the driver’s side window had failed.
Jonny Z
03-22-2007, 05:20 AM
:lol: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Shane W
03-22-2007, 05:53 AM
:lol: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:nonono2:
It's a messed up situation, I hate the Cardinals obviously, but I do respect LaRussa for a lot of reasons. This is a shame, thankfully no one was hurt, although ofcourse, some one easily could have been considering the irresponsible behaviour. It'll be interesting to see how this is played across the media. I suspect he'll get some heat for it initially, and then they'll ease up on him.
Damn, the Cards pitching problems must be getting to him.
From Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports:
Mets officials are divided over whether to make Lastings Milledge their starting right fielder over Shawn Green.
Milledge, batting .370 this spring, could be an upgrade over Green not just offensively, but also defensively — no small consideration, given that Moises Alou, 40, will be in left.
The Mets would not keep Milledge, who turns 22 on April 5, unless they planned to play him every day, according to a source with knowledge of the club's thinking.
Such a decision, however, would make Green a $12.75 million reserve, though the Mets are obligated for only about $6.5 million of that amount, with the Diamondbacks paying the rest.
Green, 34, is batting .163 this spring.
Matt Cerrone of Metsblog writes (with a lot elipses):
Meanwhile, in 46 at bats, Milledge is hitting .370, including 25 total bases in 19 games.
…the buzz around baseball suggests that this is green’s last stop, i.e., no team will trade for him, assuming he doesn’t perform and the Mets end up starting milledge on a regular basis…
…if this is the case, i can see the dilemma: if the Mets immediately bench him, they are also making the decision to essentially eat $6 million…if they start him, at least he gets a chance to shine, but at the risk of hurting the team, and at the expense of starting milledge, the team’s top position prospect…
…so, as i wrote yesterday, like most people, i suspect green will start the year in right field, though it could be a masked platoon…
Shane W
03-22-2007, 06:00 AM
Had my draft last night. I was in the #9 spot out of 12. I had my eye on Chase Utley at that point, but he went early. I ended up taking Vlad with my first pick.
Brewtown Andy
03-22-2007, 06:03 AM
Had my draft last night. LaRussa had too many drafts last night.
:twisted:
Seriously, though, the Cardinals can't pop for someone to drive him around?
Shane W
03-22-2007, 06:06 AM
LaRussa had too many drafts last night.
:twisted:
:lol:
Had my draft last night. I was in the #9 spot out of 12. I had my eye on Chase Utley at that point, but he went early. I ended up taking Vlad with my first pick.
Vlad? You live dangerously my man.
LaRussa had too many drafts last night.
:twisted:
Seriously, though, the Cardinals can't pop for someone to drive him around?
Haha good one dude.
Shane W
03-22-2007, 06:14 AM
Vlad? You live dangerously my man.
Yeah, I didn't feel great about my picks at all. I have my list in my car, i may post it later. I was sure Utely would be there and when he went at #7 I panicked just a bit.
This was as unprepared for a draft as I've ever been.
Taxman
03-22-2007, 06:53 AM
The Mets would not keep Milledge, who turns 22 on April 5, unless they planned to play him every day, according to a source with knowledge of the club's thinking.No one's ever needed a fourth outfielder.
Yeah, I didn't feel great about my picks at all. I have my list in my car, i may post it later. I was sure Utely would be there and when he went at #7 I panicked just a bit.
This was as unprepared for a draft as I've ever been.
With any luck Vlad will get off to a good start and you can trade high on him before inevitable injury.
No one's ever needed a fourth outfielder.
He'd actually be the fifth outfielder, behind Alou in left, Beltran center, and Green right. But Endy Chavez wil lbe getting a ton of playing time, filling in everywhere and providing late inning defense. So yeah, Milledge would be on the bench and it'd make much more sense to start him in Triple A so he's getting at bats. But keep Green on a short leash.
Shane W
03-22-2007, 07:15 AM
My drafted team. I'm not fully happy.
Vlad
Carp
Abreau
Morneou
Pierre
Cano
Dice-K
Hall
Blalock
Pudge
Kazmir
Fuentes
Beltre
Bedard
Haren
Overbay
LaDuca
T. Jones
Biggio
Peralta
Buehrle
Olsen
My drafted team. I'm not fully happy.
Vlad
Carp
Abreau
Morneou
Pierre
Cano
Dice-K
Hall
Blalock
Pudge
Kazmir
Fuentes
Beltre
Bedard
Haren
Overbay
LaDuca
T. Jones
Biggio
Peralta
Buehrle
Olsen
Oh man there's potential for a lot of injury there, and some pitching questions. Personally, I'm not going anywhere near Dice-K in my draft.
Shane W
03-22-2007, 07:40 AM
Oh man there's potential for a lot of injury there, and some pitching questions. Personally, I'm not going anywhere near Dice-K in my draft.
Looking back, I would have been better served taking your boy Wright, then grabbing Mauer, then taking Oswalt as my #1.
Ugh.
Looking back, I would have been better served taking your boy Wright, then grabbing Mauer, then taking Oswalt as my #1.
Ugh.
Yeah, I'm basically salivating over Mauer and Wright, although I think I'll get Gordan in a later round for Third as a steal because I know my fellow Mets fans I'm playing with are gonna be all over Wright.
Shane W
03-22-2007, 08:08 AM
Yeah, I'm basically salivating over Mauer and Wright, although I think I'll get Gordan in a later round for Third as a steal because I know my fellow Mets fans I'm playing with are gonna be all over Wright.
Wright went 11th in ours, Reyes went 3rd.
Wright went 11th in ours, Reyes went 3rd.
Reyes is gonna have some kinda year. During last night’s win over the Dodgers, Mets SS Jose Reyes was 3 for 3 with four runs scored, three stolen bases and a walk.
So far this spring, Reyes is batting .377 in 53 at bats, including 10 stolen bases and four home runs through 16 games.
He's young and still developing his power. He put on some muscle weight in the offseason and now almost as big as Beltran.
Shane W
03-22-2007, 08:17 AM
Reyes is gonna have some kinda year. During last night’s win over the Dodgers, Mets SS Jose Reyes was 3 for 3 with four runs scored, three stolen bases and a walk.
So far this spring, Reyes is batting .377 in 53 at bats, including 10 stolen bases and four home runs through 16 games.
He's young and still developing his power. He put on some muscle weight in the offseason and now almost as big as Beltran.
Did somebaody say Beltran?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v633/chizip/hellya2.gif
Did somebaody say Beltran?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v633/chizip/hellya2.gif
Did somebody say LaRussa? http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/953994/2/istockphoto_953994_no_dui_sign.jpg
Shane W
03-22-2007, 08:27 AM
Did somebody say LaRussa? http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/953994/2/istockphoto_953994_no_dui_sign.jpg
Eh.. I've come to expect more from you. Me on the other hand, I'm not capable of much more than that.
Eh.. I've come to expect more from you. Me on the other hand, I'm not capable of much more than that.
I don't know what I've ever done to raise expecations from me, but I'll try not to it again.
PeterSparker
03-22-2007, 09:28 AM
I like how LaRussa is booked at 4:00 in the morning and they say he usually arrives at camp around 7:00. Dude, my man is partying old school! :D Someone might want to tell him he's not 18, and it's not spring break. But as bad as drunk driving is, I kinda respect a guy who's boozing on a wed/thurs till about 3:30 or so, gets a couple of hours of sleep and is good to go. Classic
(oh and Shane I think Cano is due for another all-star season, so he was a good pick up anyway)
and Dave what do you think they should do about Green/Millidge? Start with Green and if he falters just give the time to Millidge? Or start him right out of the gate. I saw Green the other night, and he did not look good in the outfield. You don't want to give any games away early.
(oh and Shane I think Cano is due for another all-star season, so he was a good pick up anyway)
and Dave what do you think they should do about Green/Millidge? Start with Green and if he falters just give the time to Millidge? Or start him right out of the gate. I saw Green the other night, and he did not look good in the outfield. You don't want to give any games away early.
Cano is a great pick, he'll hit for average at the least.
As for Green and Milledge, I think they should start Green. Sure he's looked lousy in Spring Training, but that's Spring Training. His average was much better last season, even if his power numbers have dwindled.
I think he's underrated in the outfield too. Well, maybe not underrated per se, but he's not as bad as people make him out to be. His physical tools are lacking, sure, but man he plays the ball so smart that it almost makes up for a lack of athleticism in certain cases. During the playoffs last season (can't remember which game) a ball was hit that surely would've been caught spectacularly by Beltran or Endy. People instantly started groaning as it became clear that Green couldn't make a huge jump to rob it or anything. The ball ended up not clearing the wall though, and there was another groan as it appeared that Green was positioned in a good place to field it. Turns out he was in exactly the right place as he played the ball off a bounce off the wall and made the play. It was really impressive.
But yeah, to answer your question, give Green the roster spot and keep Milledge either in AAA or or platooning until it becomes evident that Green can't play anymore.
PeterSparker
03-22-2007, 10:04 AM
Cano is a great pick, he'll hit for average at the least.
As for Green and Milledge, I think they should start Green. Sure he's looked lousy in Spring Training, but that's Spring Training. His average was much better last season, even if his power numbers have dwindled.
I think he's underrated in the outfield too. Well, maybe not underrated per se, but he's not as bad as people make him out to be. His physical tools are lacking, sure, but man he plays the ball so smart that it almost makes up for a lack of athleticism in certain cases. During the playoffs last season (can't remember which game) a ball was hit that surely would've been caught spectacularly by Beltran or Endy. People instantly started groaning as it became clear that Green couldn't make a huge jump to rob it or anything. The ball ended up not clearing the wall though, and there was another groan as it appeared that Green was positioned in a good place to field it. Turns out he was in exactly the right place as he played the ball off a bounce off the wall and made the play. It was really impressive.
But yeah, to answer your question, give Green the roster spot and keep Milledge either in AAA or or platooning until it becomes evident that Green can't play anymore.
Ok, and I really only saw a like one play he was trying to make, so I'll give him the spring training benifit. And I actually do remember the play you're talking about from last year, so good point. And yeah, older veterans do know how to postion themselves in the field, so everything doesn't have to look so dramatic.
---------------
And since Millidge came up (and Cano), and earlier in the week the ever popular charge that the Yankees are trying to "buy" another championship, it got me thinking, who are everyone's "home grown" players this season?
The Yanks will have Wang pitching opening day (and hopefully Rivera closing out the 'w'), Jeter, Posada, and Cano will be in the line-up. And Melky, and most likely Phillips will be on the bench. We will also have Pettitte (and even though he left for 3 years he's still a product of the Yankee farm system). So that's 8 guys (too bad no Bernie, that would be one more) on the opening day roster that are home grown, and the majority are also all-stars btw. Couple of others will make an appearance before the seasons over, but not bad for any modern/free agency era team.
So who are your home growns?
Ok, and I really only saw a like one play he was trying to make, so I'll give him the spring training benifit. And I actually do remember the play you're talking about from last year, so good point. And yeah, older veterans do know how to postion themselves in the field, so everything doesn't have to look so dramatic.
---------------
And since Millidge came up (and Cano), and earlier in the week the ever popular charge that the Yankees are trying to "buy" another championship, it got me thinking, who are everyone's "home grown" players this season?
The Yanks will have Wang pitching opening day (and hopefully Rivera closing out the 'w'), Jeter, Posada, and Cano will be in the line-up. And Melky, and most likely Phillips will be on the bench. We will also have Pettitte (and even though he left for 3 years he's still a product of the Yankee farm system). So that's 8 guys (too bad no Bernie, that would be one more) on the opening day roster that are home grown, and the majority are also all-stars btw. Couple of others will make an appearance before the seasons over, but not bad for any modern/free agency era team.
So who are your home growns?
That's a great point.
The Mets do disapoint in this.
SP
Mike Pelfrey
SS
Jose Reyes
Third
David Wright
Releiver
Aaron Heilman
DL'ed Releiver
Juan Padilla
Possible bench/OF
Lasting Milledge
However on the horizon are:
SP
Phil Humber
OF
Carlos Gomez
and
Fernando Martinez
1B
Mike Carp
And 2B/SS Anderson Hernandez will make appearences throughout the season.
PeterSparker
03-22-2007, 10:23 AM
That's a great point.
The Mets do disapoint in this.
SP
Mike Pelfrey
SS
Jose Reyes
Third
David Wright
Releiver
Aaron Heilman
DL'ed Releiver
Juan Padilla
Possible bench/OF
Lasting Milledge
However on the horizon are:
SP
Phil Humber
OF
Carlos Gomez
and
Fernando Martinez
1B
Mike Carp
And 2B/SS Anderson Hernandez will make appearences throughout the season.
Was "disappoint" used sarcastically, because that's not too shabby. Wright and Reyes are cornerstones, so they count for a lot.
And since you brought up bullpens, I might've short-changed Rasner, good chance he makes the club.
How about everyone else? (or at least the 4 other people who post in these threads :) )
Was "disappoint" used sarcastically, because that's not too shabby. Wright and Reyes are cornerstones, so they count for a lot.
And since you brought up bullpens, I might've short-changed Rasner, good chance he makes the club.
How about everyone else? (or at least the 4 other people who post in these threads :) )
Actually I meant disapoint because at first I thought there weren't that many, but then as I started thinking about it more kept coming to me, and I never changed it. Yeah, Wright and Reyes alone are a great reward for the farm system.
How about everyone else? (or at least the 4 other people who post in these threads :) )
Well off the top of my head for the Twins they have:
Mauer, Morneau Cuddyer Kubel Garza Santana and Liriano (if he's ever healthy again).
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