So I was looking up who the former great Royals 3B (because I'm stupid and don't know sports prior to 2005- and the answer is George Brett) and I came across the roster for the 1980 All-Star. In it there were five pitchers for the A.L. (seems really low right?). One of the pitchers was Tommy John (He had success prior to people copying his surgery. huh?!).
Anyway, two other pitchers on the roster was Steve Stone and Ed Farmer. This was also the year Steve Stone was the Cy Young award. Also, also, Steve Stone is Jewish. Sweet, a Chicago pitcher who's Jewish, a Cy Young winner, and a great analyst. Haha, take that LA and New York!
I don't know, I think it's interesting that 27 years before being in the broadcast booth together, they were teammates in the 1980 All Star team
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Can 2 legends get some respect please
cubsfan4ever is planning on writing a farewell post on the passing of two of the most synonymous names with bulls basketball, Johnny 'Red' Kerr and Norm Van Lier. In the mean time, I have a gripe to settle with ESPN. How is it that I didn't hear a single peep from the worldwide leader in sports regarding the passing of two individuals who have been around the game of basketball for 40 years. I've been watching ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNNEWS since their passing and have not seen or heard one word about it. They couldn't even write a short message about their passing on the scroll bar? Seriously? I then went to espn.com and couldnt find anything about them on the front page or the NBA page. At last resort I used the aweful espn search menu and found one mention of their passing, and it was a link to the waddle and silvy radio show out of Chicago.
Mike Wilbon did give the two legends a few seconds on PTI, but that was only due to his love and allegiance to the city of Chicago. I'm just flabergasted how this crazy and sad occurance could have flown under the radar at the ESPN headquarters.
Mike Wilbon did give the two legends a few seconds on PTI, but that was only due to his love and allegiance to the city of Chicago. I'm just flabergasted how this crazy and sad occurance could have flown under the radar at the ESPN headquarters.
Why Do People Hate Alex Gordon?
Alex Gordon is one of many players to come out of the fabled 2005 draft -- along with Ellsbury, Zimmerman, Braun, Tulo, Garza (who the Cubs passed up), Upton Jr., Maybin, Buchholz, Jeff Clements and Lance Broadway.
Gordon was brought up to the majors after only one full season in the minors in 2006, where he posted a .325/.427/.588 line with 72 BB, 29 HR and 22 SB (3 CS) at AA. Undeniably spectacular numbers. However, in 285 games and over 2x the number of ABs he had in the minors, Gordon has posted a combined line of .253/.332/.421, with 107 BB, 31 HR and 23 SB.
I wouldn't give up on Gordon just yet, however. He turns 25 this year and took large steps forward last season. He cut his GB/FB ratio down from .86 to .66, increasing both his LD% annd FB% by shaving down his GB% by almost 5 points. His ISO increased to .174, while his BB% increased to a very patient 11.8%. Alex Gordon has yet to "raw home run power" in the majors -- he's posted 8.5% and 8.9% HR/FB percentages so far -- and he might never turn out to be a 30+ HR hitter, but that doesn't make him useless.
As of 208, Alex Gordon is a soon-to-be 25 year old 3B who plays average defense, walks a lot, already smacks 35 doubles a season. He also hits 15+ home runs too. So while Alex Gordon may not be a fantasy commodity, he is still quite valuable in real terms.
Gordon was brought up to the majors after only one full season in the minors in 2006, where he posted a .325/.427/.588 line with 72 BB, 29 HR and 22 SB (3 CS) at AA. Undeniably spectacular numbers. However, in 285 games and over 2x the number of ABs he had in the minors, Gordon has posted a combined line of .253/.332/.421, with 107 BB, 31 HR and 23 SB.
I wouldn't give up on Gordon just yet, however. He turns 25 this year and took large steps forward last season. He cut his GB/FB ratio down from .86 to .66, increasing both his LD% annd FB% by shaving down his GB% by almost 5 points. His ISO increased to .174, while his BB% increased to a very patient 11.8%. Alex Gordon has yet to "raw home run power" in the majors -- he's posted 8.5% and 8.9% HR/FB percentages so far -- and he might never turn out to be a 30+ HR hitter, but that doesn't make him useless.
As of 208, Alex Gordon is a soon-to-be 25 year old 3B who plays average defense, walks a lot, already smacks 35 doubles a season. He also hits 15+ home runs too. So while Alex Gordon may not be a fantasy commodity, he is still quite valuable in real terms.
Best Football Free Agents
As much as I normally hate ESPN, I think they got something right in this article. I think this article is actually a fine piece of reporting and analysis and I wish they do this more often
NFL free agency officially began this morning at 12:01 a.m. ET
While some top players like Albert Haynesworth, DeAngelo Hall and Jeff Saturday have already been signed, there are many other unrestricted free agents worth serious looks.
Attention general managers: Here are 20 available players you should consider signing.
Jason Brown, C, Ravens
This guy knows how to win. A good offense hinges on getting the ball into the hands of your playmakers, and Brown has excelled at getting the ball to the quarterback his entire career.
Ray Lewis, LB, Ravens
Quite simply, he's the best leader in sports, alongside Derek Jeter. (I have them tied because Lewis and Jeter have led their teams to an equal number of championships this millennium.)
Heath Evans, RB, Patriots
Is Heath Evans an elite NFL running back? Not at all. But he's a big back who can give your team half of one those running back tandems with a cool nickname like "Thunder 'N' Lightning" or "Bash and Dash" or "Big Guy And … Smaller Guy." Your dumber fans eat that kind of stuff up!
Chris Canty, DE, Cowboys
The 4-3 is out. The 3-4 is in. Canty is an ideal end for the 3-4, making him the must-have acquisition this offseason for all hipster GMs.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR, Bengals
Houshmandzadeh is the best wideout available. He has the hands of Larry Fitzgerald, the toughness of Hines Ward and the hair of your prettiest cheerleader.
Khalif Barnes, OT, Jaguars
Barnes is a solid player. And that's quite a compliment for someone who plays for the Jaguars. Place him on a team in a major market, and his status would suddenly go from "solid" to "superstar."
Jonathan Vilma, LB, Saints
Vilma is a linebacker with great instincts, exhibited by the fact that he instinctively knew to play his best football in a contract year.
Manny Ramirez, OF, Dodgers
He probably already has offers on the table from Jerry Jones, Al Davis and Daniel Snyder. It's worth throwing your hat into the ring to drive up the price.
Jimmy Kennedy, DT, Vikings
Kennedy is one of those hulking defensive linemen who frees up linebackers to make plays. Although, in Kennedy's case, it's not because he's occupying blockers. It's because he's just not making any of the plays himself.
Ronald Bartell, CB, Rams
I know absolutely nothing about this guy. But I do know that every good team needs some no-name players who don't need to have the spotlight. So this Ronald Bartell guy is an option there.
Moran Norris, FB, Lions
The fullback position is being used less and less in the NFL, but Moran Norris is a good, smart player. Some fans are already demanding his acquisition.
Nate Washington, WR, Steelers
In four years in the NFL, Washington has two Super Bowl rings. It takes only a basic understanding of statistics to realize he's worth signing to a two- or four-year contract.
Grey Ruegamer, G, Giants
Ruegamer can play guard or center, bolstering depth along the offensive line. And if there's a loose ball to be had in a pileup, you know he's the kind of guy that will do anything to get it.
Rodney Harrison, S, Patriots
A string of injuries means he is probably no longer an every-down player, but he can still provide great value as a situational cheap-shotter.
Hunter Smith, P, Colts
Smith is a solid punter. Plus, signing him gives your team a shot at bringing in his cousin, standout Giants receiver Harris Smith.
Derrick Brooks, LB, Buccaneers
The Buccaneers are apparently being contracted. You might as well sign their best player now before he is placed into the dispersal draft.
Richie Incognito, OT, Rams
Incognito can provide depth to your offensive line at a relatively cheap price, which is perfect in this poor economy. Better yet, he still has prime advertising space available.
Bart Scott, LB, Ravens
Scott is a quality player who was overshadowed in Baltimore -- mainly because it was difficult to spot him on the field with Terrell Suggs and Ray Lewis shimmying and dancing in front of the cameras after every one of Scott's tackles.
Kyle Boller, QB, Ravens
Want to light a fire under your quarterback so he improves before next season? Tell him you signed Kyle Boller to push him in camp. There's nothing like a threat of complete and total humiliation to motivate someone.
Rex Grossman, QB, Bears
Kyle Boller AND Rex Grossman? Your current quarterback will be working so hard, you'll have to kick him out of the film room.
Why Do I Hate Yahoo?
It's because their sports analysis is, as the Scottish put it, "pure shite."
This week, they are analyzing third basemen rankings. Scott Pianowski, my "favorite" analyst who isn't Andy "fuck you Andy Behrens" Behrens, gives these third base rankings and justifications:
Great analysis, buddy.
Normally, I'd leave it there with a hearty "fuck you, Scott Pianowski" but he says even worse things as the article continues. This warrants more pointing shit out. Pianowski goes on to list his five most "undervalued" third basemen, where he professes his undying boner (or just blatant ignorance of statistical peripherals) for Jorge Cantu:
Pianowski then goes on to bash Ty Wiggington, who posted an .876 OPS hit 23 HRs as a utility man in under 400 ABs, for being the everyday third baseman in the clusterfuck that is Baltimore.
I'm tired and going to bed. Fuck you Scott Pianowski.
This week, they are analyzing third basemen rankings. Scott Pianowski, my "favorite" analyst who isn't Andy "fuck you Andy Behrens" Behrens, gives these third base rankings and justifications:
1. David Wright – Why not, he beat Alex last year.So let me get this straight. David Wright is better than A-Rod THIS year because A-Rod was injured LAST year, A-Rod is #2 this year because Scott plays Scrabble and can make shitty anagrams out of the word "A-Rod", Miguel Cabrera --who struggled immensely in the first half of last year -- has "no problems in the new park" that we need to address or dismiss, Evan Longoria will hit lefties better this year for no reason and Aramis Ramirez, whose HR totals have declined each of the past few seasons, is a considerate mother fucker who does his best to not let people down.
2. Alex Rodriguez – Shout out to my Scrabble peeps: RADIO has an anagram
3. Miguel Cabrera – No problems in the new park (.540 slugging, .890 OPS)
4. Evan Longoria – Look for him to punish more lefties this year
5. Aramis Ramirez – Hasn’t let anyone down since 2002?
Great analysis, buddy.
Normally, I'd leave it there with a hearty "fuck you, Scott Pianowski" but he says even worse things as the article continues. This warrants more pointing shit out. Pianowski goes on to list his five most "undervalued" third basemen, where he professes his undying boner (or just blatant ignorance of statistical peripherals) for Jorge Cantu:
1. Jorge Cantu – Plenty of balance during rebound year; he’ll keep most of the 2008 numbersJorge Cantu swing at over 31% of the pitches thrown to him outside of the strike zone. That's puts him in Mike Jacobs, Jose Guillen and Corey Hart territory, which is unacceptable because his name isn't Vladamire Guerro or Miguel Cabrera (who have great bat speed, but will rapidly decline in production as their bat speed slows down). Because of this high O-Swing% and career 5.2 BB%, Jorge Cantu is very prone to prolonged slumps. This is why he hits .277 one year and .207 the next. The power is legit, but the consistency is not. Might I add that every other Yahoo analyst, including ANDY BEHRENS HIMSELF, put Jorge Cantu in the overrated column.
Pianowski then goes on to bash Ty Wiggington, who posted an .876 OPS hit 23 HRs as a utility man in under 400 ABs, for being the everyday third baseman in the clusterfuck that is Baltimore.
I'm tired and going to bed. Fuck you Scott Pianowski.
Friday, February 27, 2009
David "MVP" Eckstein Is A Crappy Arguer
I have no problem with arguing. This is a sports blog and it's expected that we all share our sports opinion on different topics. And as expected, we're not all going to agree on the opinions we have. And that's perfectly fine. It's fine that in a post we express something and then someone disagrees with that opinion in the comments. But there is most certainly a right way and a wrong day to comment. Eckstein does this the wrong way.
If you've never heard of logical fallacies, a fallacy is an argument which may convince others but is not logically sound. Note that the truth of the conclusions of an argument does not determine whether the argument is a fallacy - it is the argument which is incorrect. Using basic LSAT terms, in every argument there is a conclusion, evidence, and an assumption. The conclusion is the final statement of fact (i.e. Kevin Youkilis will be better than Carlos Pena next year), the evidence is data to prove the conclusion (i.e. Carlos Pena has been injury prone recently therefore he won't produce like he can. Also, Youk has improved every year he has been in the majors), and the assumption is what bridges the evidence and the conclusion and this is often unstated (i.e. Using what a player had done in the past is a good way to measure how the player has done in the future). This is the right way to make an argument. This is also something that myself, The "Bright" One, and Cubsfan4evr have done often.
But not David "MVP" Eckstein.
He uses logical fallacies often to destroy evidences and create assumption in order to prove a conclusion. And this is bullshit. The reason fallacies are bad is because they destroy credibility to arguments and blur truth from being known.
Two recent fallacies Ecketin has committed recently, The Red Herring and Ad Hominem.
The Red Herring fallacy is where a person takes a trivial point of an argument and argues that trivial point in order to create a contradictory conclusion to the original arguers main conclusion(done in "Random White Sox Notes")
The Ad Hominem fallacy is where a person attacks the arguer instead of the argument. Politicians do this all the time, like calling Obama a Muslim. (done in "Boston Red Sox v. Tampa Bay Rays)
These are just two examples and I'm sure more have been done. Frankly, I'm sick of it. Eckstein uses blinders when reading posts and uses fallacies to win arguments. Eckstein, you try to defeat the arguer instead of trying to win the argument and I'm calling you out on it.
By Eckstein always using fallacies, it beings down the credibility of this blog. You're actions and words affect the other three authors.
Please stop doing this. I have no problem with arguing against what everyone says but stop doing what you normally do to win almost every argument I've seen you enter.
Also, please stop putting your name as a label for every post. It's arrogant and annoying. I've asked you to stop this once before and if you continue, then I'm going to start putting your name as a label for all my posts.
Now despite my harsh tone and words, I mean no disrespect to Eckstein personally. This sole focus of this post is aimed at the specific actions that you, Eckstein, do in relation to your arguing skills and post labels, and that's it.
Thank you and have a great day.
If you've never heard of logical fallacies, a fallacy is an argument which may convince others but is not logically sound. Note that the truth of the conclusions of an argument does not determine whether the argument is a fallacy - it is the argument which is incorrect. Using basic LSAT terms, in every argument there is a conclusion, evidence, and an assumption. The conclusion is the final statement of fact (i.e. Kevin Youkilis will be better than Carlos Pena next year), the evidence is data to prove the conclusion (i.e. Carlos Pena has been injury prone recently therefore he won't produce like he can. Also, Youk has improved every year he has been in the majors), and the assumption is what bridges the evidence and the conclusion and this is often unstated (i.e. Using what a player had done in the past is a good way to measure how the player has done in the future). This is the right way to make an argument. This is also something that myself, The "Bright" One, and Cubsfan4evr have done often.
But not David "MVP" Eckstein.
He uses logical fallacies often to destroy evidences and create assumption in order to prove a conclusion. And this is bullshit. The reason fallacies are bad is because they destroy credibility to arguments and blur truth from being known.
Two recent fallacies Ecketin has committed recently, The Red Herring and Ad Hominem.
The Red Herring fallacy is where a person takes a trivial point of an argument and argues that trivial point in order to create a contradictory conclusion to the original arguers main conclusion(done in "Random White Sox Notes")
The Ad Hominem fallacy is where a person attacks the arguer instead of the argument. Politicians do this all the time, like calling Obama a Muslim. (done in "Boston Red Sox v. Tampa Bay Rays)
These are just two examples and I'm sure more have been done. Frankly, I'm sick of it. Eckstein uses blinders when reading posts and uses fallacies to win arguments. Eckstein, you try to defeat the arguer instead of trying to win the argument and I'm calling you out on it.
By Eckstein always using fallacies, it beings down the credibility of this blog. You're actions and words affect the other three authors.
Please stop doing this. I have no problem with arguing against what everyone says but stop doing what you normally do to win almost every argument I've seen you enter.
Also, please stop putting your name as a label for every post. It's arrogant and annoying. I've asked you to stop this once before and if you continue, then I'm going to start putting your name as a label for all my posts.
Now despite my harsh tone and words, I mean no disrespect to Eckstein personally. This sole focus of this post is aimed at the specific actions that you, Eckstein, do in relation to your arguing skills and post labels, and that's it.
Thank you and have a great day.
The Hawk Harrelson Drinking Game
Not only does this site clearly need more White Sox related posts but with baseball season rapidly approaching, myself and White Sox fan all over the world need a nice drinking game to deal with the team not winning games next year and dealing with Hawk Harrelson, um, speaking. Here's one I found online (although I had to modify it because the original one was written in '06):
WHEN TO TAKE A DRINK
* Everytime Hawk says "Can 'O Corn"
* Everytime Hawk says "Cinch it up and hunker down"
* Everytime Hawk says "In between" as in "AJ is in between right now, and has no
idea what to expect."
* Everytime Hawk mentions that the opposing pitcher is getting a strike zone
much larger than the current White Sox hurler.
* Everytime Brian Anderson strikes out.
* Everytime Steve Stone asks Hawk a question, and is answered with silence.
* Everytime Hawk says "Thats a hang wiffum right there."
* Everytime Jermaine Dye makes a spectacular catch going back on a ball in right
field.
* Everytime AJ Pierzynski swings at a first pitch.
* Everytime a White Sox pitcher sets the opponents down 1-2-3.
* Everytime the White Sox turn a double play.
* Everytime Hawk says "C'mon stretch! Get back there!"
* Everytime Hawk says "Maddabattacola." Ya, I'm not sure what the hell that's
from either, but it means a shattered bat.
* Everytime Alexei Rameriz gets a walk.
* Everytime Hawk makes a reference to how he invented the batting glove.
WHEN TO TAKE A SHOT
* Everytime the White Sox hit a home run.
* Everytime Hawk mentions Yaz or Catfish Hunter.
* Everytime Jim Thome takes advantage of the infield shift and pokes a single
into left field.
* Everytime Ozzie gets ejected.
* Everytime Bartolo Colon gives up at least 3 runs in an inning.
* Everytime the Sox fail to execute a bunt.
* Everytime Bobby Jenks gets a save.
* Everytime Toby Hall or Chris Getz get a hit.
* Everytime a White Sox steals a base.
WHEN TO CHUG AN ENTIRE BEER
* Everytime the White Sox hit a grand slam.
* Everytime a White Sox pitcher strikes out the side.
* Everytime the White Sox win.
WARNING: I am not responsible for any cases of alcohol poisoning. Also, if played correctly(and by correctly I mean you're taking a shot of whiskey, not Pucker; if you're drinking Pucker go watch a Cubs game, Sally) you probably won't remember much that happens after the 4th inning.
DISCLAIMER: I also don't realistically expect anyone to do this because it's probably extremely unsafe and this is meant for entertainment value only. I am not really advocating people do this. Seriously guys, if you're drinking, do it responsibly.
If you have any other suggestions to add to the list, tell me in the comments section. If not, drink up and Go Sox
WHEN TO TAKE A DRINK
* Everytime Hawk says "Can 'O Corn"
* Everytime Hawk says "Cinch it up and hunker down"
* Everytime Hawk says "In between" as in "AJ is in between right now, and has no
idea what to expect."
* Everytime Hawk mentions that the opposing pitcher is getting a strike zone
much larger than the current White Sox hurler.
* Everytime Brian Anderson strikes out.
* Everytime Steve Stone asks Hawk a question, and is answered with silence.
* Everytime Hawk says "Thats a hang wiffum right there."
* Everytime Jermaine Dye makes a spectacular catch going back on a ball in right
field.
* Everytime AJ Pierzynski swings at a first pitch.
* Everytime a White Sox pitcher sets the opponents down 1-2-3.
* Everytime the White Sox turn a double play.
* Everytime Hawk says "C'mon stretch! Get back there!"
* Everytime Hawk says "Maddabattacola." Ya, I'm not sure what the hell that's
from either, but it means a shattered bat.
* Everytime Alexei Rameriz gets a walk.
* Everytime Hawk makes a reference to how he invented the batting glove.
WHEN TO TAKE A SHOT
* Everytime the White Sox hit a home run.
* Everytime Hawk mentions Yaz or Catfish Hunter.
* Everytime Jim Thome takes advantage of the infield shift and pokes a single
into left field.
* Everytime Ozzie gets ejected.
* Everytime Bartolo Colon gives up at least 3 runs in an inning.
* Everytime the Sox fail to execute a bunt.
* Everytime Bobby Jenks gets a save.
* Everytime Toby Hall or Chris Getz get a hit.
* Everytime a White Sox steals a base.
WHEN TO CHUG AN ENTIRE BEER
* Everytime the White Sox hit a grand slam.
* Everytime a White Sox pitcher strikes out the side.
* Everytime the White Sox win.
WARNING: I am not responsible for any cases of alcohol poisoning. Also, if played correctly(and by correctly I mean you're taking a shot of whiskey, not Pucker; if you're drinking Pucker go watch a Cubs game, Sally) you probably won't remember much that happens after the 4th inning.
DISCLAIMER: I also don't realistically expect anyone to do this because it's probably extremely unsafe and this is meant for entertainment value only. I am not really advocating people do this. Seriously guys, if you're drinking, do it responsibly.
If you have any other suggestions to add to the list, tell me in the comments section. If not, drink up and Go Sox
Random White Sox Notes
1) I was looking at the WBC roster to see if any White Sox were on it. There was one- Matt Thorton. Really!? I mean, I like him as a lefty in the bullpen, but as one of the best the U.S. has to offer, this seems kind of silly. Was there no one else, that the U.S. had to go to their 176,875,897,657,000 choice in Thorton?
2) When typing up my "White Sox Announcer" post, I started to type in "Chicago White Sox" into my label for the post. When starting to type out "Chicago" the "Chicago Cubs" "Chicago Bears" and "Chicago Bulls" are pulled up as possible suggestions. But not "Chicago White Sox". My post was the first post to ever have the label of "Chicago White Sox" What the fuck guys!? Seriously, have have multiple A Rod, Jeter, Yankees, and Boston posts but I was the first one, after like 200 posts, to talk about the White Sox!? Come on guys, who are we, ESPN?
3) When looking at Eckstein's "Best Free Agency Team" post I noticed that Ray Durham was on this list. He can walk and has decent power. His career OPS+ is 104. His OPS+ last year: 112. Um, hey Kenny Williams, GO OUT AND FUCKING SIGN RAY DURHAM NOW. RIGHT NOW THE STARTING 2B IS SHITTY ROOKIE CHRIS GETZ WHO DIDN'T WALK ONCE LAST YEAR. GO OUT AND FUCKING SIGN DURHAM RIGHT NOW YOU BLACK ASSHOLE (that last part is a Cartman reference, not me being a racist)
4)The White Sox really won't be as bad as people think. Yes, they have an offense that doesn't walk but it's got pop and power. The team has an above average rotation and bullpen as well. While the team may be predicted to be third or fourth in the division, I think this expectation is a good thing because I think the team can exceed those expectations. I mean come on guys, did you forget this team WON the division last year?
2) When typing up my "White Sox Announcer" post, I started to type in "Chicago White Sox" into my label for the post. When starting to type out "Chicago" the "Chicago Cubs" "Chicago Bears" and "Chicago Bulls" are pulled up as possible suggestions. But not "Chicago White Sox". My post was the first post to ever have the label of "Chicago White Sox" What the fuck guys!? Seriously, have have multiple A Rod, Jeter, Yankees, and Boston posts but I was the first one, after like 200 posts, to talk about the White Sox!? Come on guys, who are we, ESPN?
3) When looking at Eckstein's "Best Free Agency Team" post I noticed that Ray Durham was on this list. He can walk and has decent power. His career OPS+ is 104. His OPS+ last year: 112. Um, hey Kenny Williams, GO OUT AND FUCKING SIGN RAY DURHAM NOW. RIGHT NOW THE STARTING 2B IS SHITTY ROOKIE CHRIS GETZ WHO DIDN'T WALK ONCE LAST YEAR. GO OUT AND FUCKING SIGN DURHAM RIGHT NOW YOU BLACK ASSHOLE (that last part is a Cartman reference, not me being a racist)
4)The White Sox really won't be as bad as people think. Yes, they have an offense that doesn't walk but it's got pop and power. The team has an above average rotation and bullpen as well. While the team may be predicted to be third or fourth in the division, I think this expectation is a good thing because I think the team can exceed those expectations. I mean come on guys, did you forget this team WON the division last year?
The White Sox Announcer Swap
Last year, it was really tough watching White Sox games. The team was above average last year and made the playoffs. But what made them so hard to watch was actually the announcing (so I guess it was hard to listen to Sox games while watching them???). Anyway, the TV announcers were Ken "The Hawk" Harrelson (a man who's more useful as a center for drinking games than he is for announcing) and Darrin "DJ" Jackson (a man who is so boring that I'd rather watch a chick flick than listen to). If I could, I would turn the TV on mute and listen 670 The Score with Steve Stone and Ed "Farmio" Farmer. Two guys who really know their shit about baseball and had such a good rapport that it made games fun to listen to. After the White Sox lost in the playoffs, the team fired DJ. And they replaced him with the radio 'Color Guy', Steve Stone. With an open vacancy next to Farmio, who does 670 hire? That's right Darrin Jackson.
Now I don't know how to feel about this swap. Now I love Steve Stone and he's one of my favorite baseball analysts but he's now seated beside Hawk, a man who's the play-by-play announcer yet often doesn't speak and when he does, it's about how excited he is that the Sox are doing well or he's pissed at a bad call. And I can't really turn to the radio because I'll have a great play-by-play guy in Farmio and a boring mo fo in DJ. The radio had two A's and TV had two C's. Now each has one A and C. What to do!
Hopefully Farmio and Hawk can switch soon.
Although, I don't think this is going to matter this year because the Sox are gonna suck next year. Shit.
Now I don't know how to feel about this swap. Now I love Steve Stone and he's one of my favorite baseball analysts but he's now seated beside Hawk, a man who's the play-by-play announcer yet often doesn't speak and when he does, it's about how excited he is that the Sox are doing well or he's pissed at a bad call. And I can't really turn to the radio because I'll have a great play-by-play guy in Farmio and a boring mo fo in DJ. The radio had two A's and TV had two C's. Now each has one A and C. What to do!
Hopefully Farmio and Hawk can switch soon.
Although, I don't think this is going to matter this year because the Sox are gonna suck next year. Shit.
My Unsigned Free Agent Team
Here is a 25-man roster I constructed using players without jobs at the moment:
C - Pudge Rodriguez
C - Johnny Estrada (backups could be worse)
1B - Sean Casey
2B - Ray Durham
SS - Orlando Cabrera
3B - Nomar Garciaparra
INF - Richie Sexson (meh...)
INF - Mark Grudzielanek (late game defensive replacement)
OF - Jim Edmonds
OF - Manny Ramirez
OF - Kenny Lofton
OF - Moises Alou (productive, when healthy -- all 15 games of it)
OF - Jay Payton (late game defensive replacement)
DH - Frank The Tank Thomas
SP - Pedro Martinez
SP - Curt Schilling
SP - Kenny Rogers
SP - Jon Lieber
SP - Orlando Hernandez
SP - Paul Byrd (much worse #6 starters exist)
CL - Juan Cruz
RP - Joe Beimel
RP - Will Ohman
RP - Dennys Reyes
RP - Chad Cordero
DL - Ben Sheets, Mark Mulder
You know, while I wouldn't expect this team to make the playoffs, I could easily say its a better team than anything The Royals and Pirates plan to trot out on opening day.
C - Pudge Rodriguez
C - Johnny Estrada (backups could be worse)
1B - Sean Casey
2B - Ray Durham
SS - Orlando Cabrera
3B - Nomar Garciaparra
INF - Richie Sexson (meh...)
INF - Mark Grudzielanek (late game defensive replacement)
OF - Jim Edmonds
OF - Manny Ramirez
OF - Kenny Lofton
OF - Moises Alou (productive, when healthy -- all 15 games of it)
OF - Jay Payton (late game defensive replacement)
DH - Frank The Tank Thomas
SP - Pedro Martinez
SP - Curt Schilling
SP - Kenny Rogers
SP - Jon Lieber
SP - Orlando Hernandez
SP - Paul Byrd (much worse #6 starters exist)
CL - Juan Cruz
RP - Joe Beimel
RP - Will Ohman
RP - Dennys Reyes
RP - Chad Cordero
DL - Ben Sheets, Mark Mulder
You know, while I wouldn't expect this team to make the playoffs, I could easily say its a better team than anything The Royals and Pirates plan to trot out on opening day.
Official WBC Rosters
World Baseball Classic rosters are officially set. Grady Sizemore's already out of the mix with a strained groin and will be replaced by Shane Victorino. Click the links below to see who is on what team.
Australia
Canada
China
Chinese Taipei
Cuba
Dominican Republic
Italy
Japan
Korea
Mexico
Netherlands
Panama
Puerto Rico
South Africa
USA
Venezuela
If I was Cubs management, I would very angry that Ted Lilly, who has thrown career highs in IP in back to back years, and Carlos Zambrano, the dehydration prone workhorse who finally broke down late last season, are on the finalized rosters.
Australia
Canada
China
Chinese Taipei
Cuba
Dominican Republic
Italy
Japan
Korea
Mexico
Netherlands
Panama
Puerto Rico
South Africa
USA
Venezuela
If I was Cubs management, I would very angry that Ted Lilly, who has thrown career highs in IP in back to back years, and Carlos Zambrano, the dehydration prone workhorse who finally broke down late last season, are on the finalized rosters.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Ummm...what?
According to Peter Schmuck of the Baltimore Sun, the Cardinals and Orioles are planning on "sharing players" this season through a lease and lend program.
If that isn't the weirdest fucking thing I've ever heard, I don't know what is. How would this work?
Dave Trembley: "Hey Tony, we're playing the Yankees today. Could we borrow Pujols for a few hours?"
La Russa: "Sure Dave, just return him with a full tank of gas."
And WHO in the fuck would the Cardinals want to borrow? Brian Roberts? There is not much other "major league ready" talent on that team...
If that isn't the weirdest fucking thing I've ever heard, I don't know what is. How would this work?
Dave Trembley: "Hey Tony, we're playing the Yankees today. Could we borrow Pujols for a few hours?"
La Russa: "Sure Dave, just return him with a full tank of gas."
And WHO in the fuck would the Cardinals want to borrow? Brian Roberts? There is not much other "major league ready" talent on that team...
Manny's New Offer
According to various sources over on MLTradeRumors, Manny Ramirez has been offered a new two-year, $45 million contract that pays Ramirez $25 million 2009 with a $20 million PLAYER option for 2010 that automatically vests in Manny gets injured anytime during the 2009 season. Like with AJ Burnett's contract in Toronto, Manny will basically be able to opt out if he thinks there is more money on the free market, while guaranteeing himself some nice money if he gets injured or just plain sucks. I do not see any upside with this contract for the Dodgers, who are only bidding against themselves at this point.
The Dodgers probably should have just signed Dunn or Abreu (or both at the cost they went) and let Manny just fend for himself on the open market. After the way he acted in 2008, Manny cost himself big. I see no reason to reward him other than the Dodgers are desperate. The question is just how desperate are they?
The Dodgers probably should have just signed Dunn or Abreu (or both at the cost they went) and let Manny just fend for himself on the open market. After the way he acted in 2008, Manny cost himself big. I see no reason to reward him other than the Dodgers are desperate. The question is just how desperate are they?
The Eastern Seaboard Propaganda Network Showed Love To Illinois/ Mt. Rushmore of Sports
So ESPN is running a time filler called the Mt. Rushmore of Sports. In it they allow fans to vote for the top four athletes associated with that state. This includes ALL sports and not just the major four. Sidenote: further proof that fans are retarded, Tim Tebow is on the Florida Mt. Rushmore. For the past week, ESPN ran the top five states that had the most votes and then revealed the top state. At first I was pissed because New York, California, Pennsylvania, and Alabama were all presented and ESPN wasn't going to show love to ANY Midwest state. But lucky me, Illinois was the fifth state presented.
I was happy with that. I was happy that my home state got some ESPN love. But to my surprise, Illinois was voted the best state Mt. Rushmore! While this is so extremely trivial, I'm just happy whenever ESPN devotes significant time to Chi-town.
Here's the four players Illinois picked:
-Michael Jordan: The greatest basketball player of all time
-Walter Peyton: One of the greatest football players of all time and the second greatest RB (next to the great Jim Brown)
-Ernie Banks: Two time NL MVP and has the most HR for a SS (or maybe a NL SS)
-Mike Ditka: One of, if not, THE greatest TE ever and a great coach
Notables left off the list:
-Red Grange: One of the greatest LB of all time. Played for Illinois football AND Da Bears
-George Halas: Mother fucker just invented football
-Bobby Hull: One of the greatest LW ever
-Jackie-Jorner Kearse: Great track star and Olympian
-Brian Urlacher: Say what you want about him now but mother fucker has been great
-Any from the 1985 Bears defense
Me personally, I would have replayed Banks and Da Coach with Hull and Halas (seriously, after all George Halas has done for football and for the Bears, how was he not even considered?)
_______________________________________________________________________________________
ESPN's First Take did a question of what would the Mt. Rushmore of Sports look like for fictional characters. Here's what mine would look like:
Nuke LaLoosh (Tim Robbins): Bull Durham
Rocky Balboa (Sly Stallone): Rocky
Norman Dale (Gene Hackman): Hoosiers
Irv Blitzer (John Candy): Cool Runnings
What's yours?
I was happy with that. I was happy that my home state got some ESPN love. But to my surprise, Illinois was voted the best state Mt. Rushmore! While this is so extremely trivial, I'm just happy whenever ESPN devotes significant time to Chi-town.
Here's the four players Illinois picked:
-Michael Jordan: The greatest basketball player of all time
-Walter Peyton: One of the greatest football players of all time and the second greatest RB (next to the great Jim Brown)
-Ernie Banks: Two time NL MVP and has the most HR for a SS (or maybe a NL SS)
-Mike Ditka: One of, if not, THE greatest TE ever and a great coach
Notables left off the list:
-Red Grange: One of the greatest LB of all time. Played for Illinois football AND Da Bears
-George Halas: Mother fucker just invented football
-Bobby Hull: One of the greatest LW ever
-Jackie-Jorner Kearse: Great track star and Olympian
-Brian Urlacher: Say what you want about him now but mother fucker has been great
-Any from the 1985 Bears defense
Me personally, I would have replayed Banks and Da Coach with Hull and Halas (seriously, after all George Halas has done for football and for the Bears, how was he not even considered?)
_______________________________________________________________________________________
ESPN's First Take did a question of what would the Mt. Rushmore of Sports look like for fictional characters. Here's what mine would look like:
Nuke LaLoosh (Tim Robbins): Bull Durham
Rocky Balboa (Sly Stallone): Rocky
Norman Dale (Gene Hackman): Hoosiers
Irv Blitzer (John Candy): Cool Runnings
What's yours?
Who THE FUCK Are You? Who who, who who?
So right now there are two sports commercials that have "famous athletes" in them, yet I just don't know who they are.
Commercial One: This is a commercial for the WBC. In it are Jeter, A Rod, Ichiro, and someone else. Are four players talk about former teams they've played on like the names of minor league teams and such. And then at the very end they say "Now I play for America" and Ichiro 'says' "Now I play for Japan. And the repeat." Who is the fourth baseball player, the one who says he will play for Mexico?
Commercial Two: This is a commercial for Sobe drinks and originally aired during the Super Bowl. In it are three football players- two black and one white- and they're just dancing around seemingly pretending to be ballerinas. They are against a white back drop and little CGI lizards are dancing around as well. In the end, one of the football's face turns into a lizard. It was speculated that the players where Ray Lewis, Justin Tuck, and Aarom Kampman, but to be honest, it's not 100% sure to me.
Please tell me who these players are!
Commercial One: This is a commercial for the WBC. In it are Jeter, A Rod, Ichiro, and someone else. Are four players talk about former teams they've played on like the names of minor league teams and such. And then at the very end they say "Now I play for America" and Ichiro 'says' "Now I play for Japan. And the repeat." Who is the fourth baseball player, the one who says he will play for Mexico?
Commercial Two: This is a commercial for Sobe drinks and originally aired during the Super Bowl. In it are three football players- two black and one white- and they're just dancing around seemingly pretending to be ballerinas. They are against a white back drop and little CGI lizards are dancing around as well. In the end, one of the football's face turns into a lizard. It was speculated that the players where Ray Lewis, Justin Tuck, and Aarom Kampman, but to be honest, it's not 100% sure to me.
Please tell me who these players are!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
The Yankees HAVE Improved. Shit.
This post is in relation to David "MVP" Eckstein's December 24th, 2008 post entitled "The 2008 Yankees" and his viewpoint on this in posts after this blog. His contention is that the free-agent signings the Yankees now have do not improve the team all that much from the departures the team had.
First point: Mark Tiexeira replacing Jason Giambi. Looking the the offensive numbers one sees that actually this is not the biggest improvement. Last year, Giambi had this stat line: .373/.502/.875 with 32 HRs. Tex's stat line is predicted to be this: .404/.564/ .969 with with 39 HRs. While there is a difference between the HR and OBS, in reality, this disparity is not as big as public perception make it out to be. But here's the thing, Tex is a gold glove defender and is only like 29 years old. Giambi was an old fuck who couldn't move that well. So the Yankees do get an improvement both offensively and defensively which could tack on at least one more win to their 88/89 win season last year.
Second point: Nick Swisher replaced Bobby Abreu. This is a valid point. Bobby Abreu walked a shit ton (.371 OBS last year) and has decent power and still probably better at walking, hitting for power, and defense. So I'll give Ecksetin that here is not an improvement. But in the Yankees defense, it was never meant to be and they could have done a lot worse.
Third Point: AJ Burnett replaces Mike Mussina. Last year, Mussina had one of his best years getting 20 wins, having a 3.74 ERA, and having a 4.84 K/BB ratio. This is getting replaced with this projected stat line: 15 wins, 3.98 ERA, and 2.71 K/BB with about 10 less IP. Again, this is not an improvement and again, another valid point. But here's the thing, Mussina was the ace of the staff last year and Burnett's only the 2nd guy in the rotation and he's NOT the ace.
Fourth Point: CC Sabathia was worked too hard during the end of the year and this will manifest itself with poor performance while Sabathia is in pinstripes. Again, I can take this as a valid point considering how shitty did Sabathia in like his first maybe 7 starts? I don't but in the beginning he did shit. However, after this, he was amazing. Sabathia pitched well before he went to Milwaukee and amazing once he got there. There's no reason that the vast majority of the season that CC can't be great. Here's his projected stat line: 19 wins, 3.33 ERA, 231 K, 4.44 K/BB ratio, and in 243 innings. You're gonna tell me that's not an improvement for a team?
MY REBUTTAL
The thing that Eckstein overlooks is that the improvements of this team come from more than just off-season free agent signings, they come internally as well. He's other areas where the Yankees with improve.
Xavier Nady: This guy is a damn fine baseball player and a player that helps with their offensive woes. In recent years with Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon were the outfield, the Yanks didn't really have an outfield because these players were oft injured. With Nady (and Swisher) the Yankees finally have depth and talent in the outfield. And this year, Nady will be on the team for an entire year to help this club instead of just half of one.
A-Rod: Remember, this is from a purely objective, on-the-field basis. Last year, A Rod had a down here (if that's possible for him considering he was 2nd in OPS in the AL last year). And this year, he's expected to "rebound". He is projected to get 44 HRs as opposed to his 35 last year and have an OPS 17 points higher than it was last year. His performance should improve thus helping this offense.
Chien-Ming Wang: Wang only pitched 95 innings last year. This was because of a freak injury when Wang was rounding home after playing some NL team. Wang should log significant innings this year and there's no reason to think he can't pitch throughout a 162 game season, something he didn't do last year.
Joba Chamberlian: This year he'll be in the rotation all year. Last year, he started off in the bullpen, then went down to AAA, then was in the starting rotation, and then back in the bullpen. This year, he'll be in the rotation. For sure. Chamberlian needed AAA help and some experience to fully get into the groove of being a full time starter, and watching him last year, he seemed to get it. With a year under his belt and seemingly developed, Chamberlian should be much better than he was last year.
A rotation of Sabathia, Burnett, Wang, Chamberlian and Pettitte is still better than a 2008 rotation that included Mussina, Pettitte, Darrell Rasner with Chamberlian, Wang, Ian Kennedy, Phil Hughes, and Carl Pavano getting significant starting time as well.
Now I'm not saying in this post that the Yankees will make the playoffs or anything like that. I am however saying that David "MVP" Eckstein is, hmmm how to word this nicely wrong?, to think the Yankees can't or won't be better than their 2008 counterparts.
First point: Mark Tiexeira replacing Jason Giambi. Looking the the offensive numbers one sees that actually this is not the biggest improvement. Last year, Giambi had this stat line: .373/.502/.875 with 32 HRs. Tex's stat line is predicted to be this: .404/.564/ .969 with with 39 HRs. While there is a difference between the HR and OBS, in reality, this disparity is not as big as public perception make it out to be. But here's the thing, Tex is a gold glove defender and is only like 29 years old. Giambi was an old fuck who couldn't move that well. So the Yankees do get an improvement both offensively and defensively which could tack on at least one more win to their 88/89 win season last year.
Second point: Nick Swisher replaced Bobby Abreu. This is a valid point. Bobby Abreu walked a shit ton (.371 OBS last year) and has decent power and still probably better at walking, hitting for power, and defense. So I'll give Ecksetin that here is not an improvement. But in the Yankees defense, it was never meant to be and they could have done a lot worse.
Third Point: AJ Burnett replaces Mike Mussina. Last year, Mussina had one of his best years getting 20 wins, having a 3.74 ERA, and having a 4.84 K/BB ratio. This is getting replaced with this projected stat line: 15 wins, 3.98 ERA, and 2.71 K/BB with about 10 less IP. Again, this is not an improvement and again, another valid point. But here's the thing, Mussina was the ace of the staff last year and Burnett's only the 2nd guy in the rotation and he's NOT the ace.
Fourth Point: CC Sabathia was worked too hard during the end of the year and this will manifest itself with poor performance while Sabathia is in pinstripes. Again, I can take this as a valid point considering how shitty did Sabathia in like his first maybe 7 starts? I don't but in the beginning he did shit. However, after this, he was amazing. Sabathia pitched well before he went to Milwaukee and amazing once he got there. There's no reason that the vast majority of the season that CC can't be great. Here's his projected stat line: 19 wins, 3.33 ERA, 231 K, 4.44 K/BB ratio, and in 243 innings. You're gonna tell me that's not an improvement for a team?
MY REBUTTAL
The thing that Eckstein overlooks is that the improvements of this team come from more than just off-season free agent signings, they come internally as well. He's other areas where the Yankees with improve.
Xavier Nady: This guy is a damn fine baseball player and a player that helps with their offensive woes. In recent years with Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon were the outfield, the Yanks didn't really have an outfield because these players were oft injured. With Nady (and Swisher) the Yankees finally have depth and talent in the outfield. And this year, Nady will be on the team for an entire year to help this club instead of just half of one.
A-Rod: Remember, this is from a purely objective, on-the-field basis. Last year, A Rod had a down here (if that's possible for him considering he was 2nd in OPS in the AL last year). And this year, he's expected to "rebound". He is projected to get 44 HRs as opposed to his 35 last year and have an OPS 17 points higher than it was last year. His performance should improve thus helping this offense.
Chien-Ming Wang: Wang only pitched 95 innings last year. This was because of a freak injury when Wang was rounding home after playing some NL team. Wang should log significant innings this year and there's no reason to think he can't pitch throughout a 162 game season, something he didn't do last year.
Joba Chamberlian: This year he'll be in the rotation all year. Last year, he started off in the bullpen, then went down to AAA, then was in the starting rotation, and then back in the bullpen. This year, he'll be in the rotation. For sure. Chamberlian needed AAA help and some experience to fully get into the groove of being a full time starter, and watching him last year, he seemed to get it. With a year under his belt and seemingly developed, Chamberlian should be much better than he was last year.
A rotation of Sabathia, Burnett, Wang, Chamberlian and Pettitte is still better than a 2008 rotation that included Mussina, Pettitte, Darrell Rasner with Chamberlian, Wang, Ian Kennedy, Phil Hughes, and Carl Pavano getting significant starting time as well.
Now I'm not saying in this post that the Yankees will make the playoffs or anything like that. I am however saying that David "MVP" Eckstein is, hmmm how to word this nicely wrong?, to think the Yankees can't or won't be better than their 2008 counterparts.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
What Does Derek Jeter Do When He's Not Playing Baseball?
He teams up with Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Kevin Garnett to fuck your shit up with the power of Gatorade, Monty Python style.
Who Called It?
Earlier in the week, I predicted that Jim Bowden would probably be further investigated in connection with the alleged Latin player signing bonus skimming scandal. According to SportsIllustrated.com, the investigation has been ongoing and many (including those over at the Chicago Tribune) are speculating that the future of Bowden's job is in serious jeopardy.
Best Actoroids
If Mickey Rourke wins an Oscar for best actor tonight, he will once and for all prove the performance enhancing abilities of steroids.
Odalis Perez Is A Little Bitch
Odalis Perez, who once stopped his O's 45's charity program (in which he bought 45 tickets for inner-city school children to attend Dodger games) because they demoted him to the minors for sucking at baseball, is now M.I.A. at spring training after complaining earlier this week that he didn't think the Nationals showed him enough "appreciation" during off-season contract negotiations. Quote Perez:
In other news, I'm gone on a trip for 2.5 days and Izzy, Hudson, Crede, Garrett Anderson and Kris Benson get signed? I guess my absence is good for Free Agents (hey, mathematically speaking, it's no less an illogical conclusion of causation than high Batting Averages and small ball result in wins).
ALSO, on the topic of steroids, I must quote myself from speaking on the radio earlier today: "sure, PED's may be immoral, illegal and dangerous, but there is something boring about an MVP who can't even hit 20 HRs."
Also also, I'm watching the Oscars and must say that Steve Martin and Tina Fey are hilarious. Maybe they should host.
"I thought it best and I prefer to sit in my house if the Nationals do not show more appreciation for my work. Appreciate my work means to increase the value of the contract and guarantee it. I will not accept any minor league contracts with no safeguards. I instructed my agent to report my position to the Nationals...I will play in the World Classic for the Dominican Republic and show everybody that I'm in great shape. I hope to find a team that values me, otherwise I'll go home."Perez has not answered anyone's -- not the media nor the National's -- phone calls. What a little bitch he is.
In other news, I'm gone on a trip for 2.5 days and Izzy, Hudson, Crede, Garrett Anderson and Kris Benson get signed? I guess my absence is good for Free Agents (hey, mathematically speaking, it's no less an illogical conclusion of causation than high Batting Averages and small ball result in wins).
ALSO, on the topic of steroids, I must quote myself from speaking on the radio earlier today: "sure, PED's may be immoral, illegal and dangerous, but there is something boring about an MVP who can't even hit 20 HRs."
Also also, I'm watching the Oscars and must say that Steve Martin and Tina Fey are hilarious. Maybe they should host.
Boston Red Sox v. Tampa Bay Rays
Originally I was going to start this post off by saying the Yankees would win the division and this post was dedicated to who would win the AL Wild Card but with no bullpen and no pitching depth and injury risks to Chien-Minh Wang, C.C. Sabathia, and A.J. Burnett, I'd actually say this division is up for grabs. While I still think the Yankees are going to to win the division, here's my "Wild Card" prediction by match ups. A Yankees/Red Sox match up has already been done so I'm going to do Rays/Red Sox
Catcher
Dioneer Navarro v Jason Varitek.
An old washed up player who has trouble getting his OBS over .300 in recent days versus an young up and coming stud. Maybe if this was Veritek a few years ago, I'd go with him, but this is not the Veritek of old, this is the Veritek who is 36/37 years old
Winner: Rays
First Base
Carlos Pena v Kevin Youkilis
Since Kevin "The Greek God of Walks" Youkilis' rookie season, he has never had an OBS under .381. However Pena is no stranger to walking either having an OBS the past two years of .411 and .377. Pena has also had more HRs than Youkilis of last dinging 46 two years ago and 31 last year versus Youk's 16 two years ago and 29 last year. But Youk has had more plate appearance than Pena, who is the past twp years has maxed out at 490 ABs. Youk is also getting better and better as the years roll on, was 4th in the AL in OBS last year, and is much younger than Pena who seems to be inconsistent and showing his age. It's because of this that Youk wins over Pena, but not by much.
Winner: Red Sox
Second Base
Akinori Iwamura v Dustin Pedroia
Iwamura, in his two seasons in MLB has had an OBS of .359 and .349. Pedroia, in his essentially two seasons have had a OBS of .380 and .376. Pedroia has a better career OPS+, SLG, HR, and SB%.
Winner: Red Sox
Shortstop:
Jason Bartlett v Jed Lowrie
In five season, Bartlett's career OPS+ is 85. I actually am not quite sure how to read defensive stats on baseballreference.com, but because he's a former Twins, and from what I've heard, he's a darn good defender. Lowrie only has a handful of starts under his belt, but his minor league numbers shows he has plate discipline but little to no power. I also don't know anything about his defense but I assume because he's a Red Sox it's pretty good. This match up is pretty bad but I'm going to give it to Lowrie because I think he can get on base in the pros
Winner: Red Sox
Third Base
Evan Longoria v Mike Lowell
I don't even need to look up the players stats to know just how awesome Longoria is and just how average Lowell is
Winner: Rays
Left Field
Carl Crawford v Jason Bay
Crawford has a career OBS+ of 101 but is a damn fine base stealer. Unfortunately his career OBS is .330 and he's injury prone. Bay has a career OPS+ of 131, can hit 30+ HRs a year. Bay walks and has power, what more do you want out of a player?
Winner: Red Sox
Center Field
B.J. Upton v Jacoby Ellsbury
More are young guys known for stealing bases. Upton has a better OBS than Ellsbury. But Ellsbury steals more bases and (although limited sample size) at a better rate. Upton has more power capabilities hitting 24 two years ago but last year only had 9. In his four season, Upton's OPS+ is above 100 versus Ellsbuy's which is not. Therefore, I give the edge to Upton. Plus, BJ stands for Bossman Junior
Winner: Rays
Right Field
Matt Joyce v J.D. Drew
Joyce is young and has some pop but doesn't have the best plate discipline. J.D. can walk and has power but is old and can be inconsistent. However, Drew has proven to be awesome and healthy and he was that last year. I think Joyce will be better than Drew soon, but not next year.
Winner: Red Sox
DH
Pat Burrell v Big Papi
Ortiz' career OPS+ is 138 versus Burrell's 119. Ortiz has has seasons of 40-50 HRs and Burrell has never gotten above 33 in the past 6 years. However Ortiz seems to be on the decline, doesn't have Manny hitting behind him, and now is facing steroid allegations. But Burrell isn't without his faults either having streaks of amazingness and streaks of shittiness giving him just above average total numbers. If Burrell could consistently hold his career numbers I'd give him this one but it's just so hard to.
Winner: Red Sox
Bullpen
Dan Wheeler v Jonathan Papelbon
Troy Pervical v Hideki Okajima
The best closer in the game and one of the leagues best set up man versus two old guys. No question
Winner: Red Sox
Rotation
James Shields v Josh Beckett
Beckett's career ERA+ is 116 versus Shields 114. Shields ERA+ is rising every year versus Beckett who can be amazing (2007- 145)or just his normal self (2008- 115). Josh Beckett can be amazing but Shields is younger and will probably be better than Beckett NEXT year.
Winner: Rays
Scott Kazmir v Jon Lester
Both are about the same age but Kazmir has two more years on Lester. Both essentially have the same ERA+. Kazmir edges Lester is K/BB ratio because he can strike out guys but Lester seems to be getting better and better every year and able to (unlike Kazmir) able to be a big game pitcher. It's for this that I barely give the edge to Lester
Winner: Red Sox
Matt Garza v Dice-K
Both essentially have been in the league the same amount of time and essentially have the same K/BB ratio. Dice-K strikes out a lot of guys but also walks a lot of guys. Garza steadily have had an ERA+ of 118 the past two year versus the streaky Dice-K- because in his first year he had an ERA+ of 108 but 159 last year! Dice-K is in his prime but Garza is younger. Because Dice-K can strike guys out and because he IS in his prime and has shown to be great (4th in Cy Young voting last year) and can be GREAT, I'm going to give this one to Dice-K, but another really close one
Winner: Red Sox
Andy Sonnanstine v Brad Penny
Penny has actually sucked in his overall stint in LA and Sonnanstine is young and should only get better. But last year is ERA was mid 4.00 with a 102 ERA+. But because he is younger and Penny last year SUUUUUCCKKKKEEDDD, the young guy beats the old dude.
Winner: Rays
David Price v John Smoltz
I question if both can finish the season next year. Last year in the playoffs Price was sick and his stuff looked amazing. On the other hand, when Smoltz was healthy, he was one of the best pitchers in the game. Smoltz actually doesn't have to pitch everyday and will be on a need by/ if-he-can-pitch basis. When he can't pitch, Tim Wakefield will pitch for him in that case Price will have the edge. But Price is too much of a wild card for me to pick him right now.
Winner: Red Sox
Totals:
Red Sox: 10
Rays: 5
I think the Red Sox have better players overall, are more experienced, have one of the best bullpen's in baseball, a deep rotation, a strong organization, a deep farm system, and a great GM that I have a hard time believing that the Red Sox won't make the playoffs
Catcher
Dioneer Navarro v Jason Varitek.
An old washed up player who has trouble getting his OBS over .300 in recent days versus an young up and coming stud. Maybe if this was Veritek a few years ago, I'd go with him, but this is not the Veritek of old, this is the Veritek who is 36/37 years old
Winner: Rays
First Base
Carlos Pena v Kevin Youkilis
Since Kevin "The Greek God of Walks" Youkilis' rookie season, he has never had an OBS under .381. However Pena is no stranger to walking either having an OBS the past two years of .411 and .377. Pena has also had more HRs than Youkilis of last dinging 46 two years ago and 31 last year versus Youk's 16 two years ago and 29 last year. But Youk has had more plate appearance than Pena, who is the past twp years has maxed out at 490 ABs. Youk is also getting better and better as the years roll on, was 4th in the AL in OBS last year, and is much younger than Pena who seems to be inconsistent and showing his age. It's because of this that Youk wins over Pena, but not by much.
Winner: Red Sox
Second Base
Akinori Iwamura v Dustin Pedroia
Iwamura, in his two seasons in MLB has had an OBS of .359 and .349. Pedroia, in his essentially two seasons have had a OBS of .380 and .376. Pedroia has a better career OPS+, SLG, HR, and SB%.
Winner: Red Sox
Shortstop:
Jason Bartlett v Jed Lowrie
In five season, Bartlett's career OPS+ is 85. I actually am not quite sure how to read defensive stats on baseballreference.com, but because he's a former Twins, and from what I've heard, he's a darn good defender. Lowrie only has a handful of starts under his belt, but his minor league numbers shows he has plate discipline but little to no power. I also don't know anything about his defense but I assume because he's a Red Sox it's pretty good. This match up is pretty bad but I'm going to give it to Lowrie because I think he can get on base in the pros
Winner: Red Sox
Third Base
Evan Longoria v Mike Lowell
I don't even need to look up the players stats to know just how awesome Longoria is and just how average Lowell is
Winner: Rays
Left Field
Carl Crawford v Jason Bay
Crawford has a career OBS+ of 101 but is a damn fine base stealer. Unfortunately his career OBS is .330 and he's injury prone. Bay has a career OPS+ of 131, can hit 30+ HRs a year. Bay walks and has power, what more do you want out of a player?
Winner: Red Sox
Center Field
B.J. Upton v Jacoby Ellsbury
More are young guys known for stealing bases. Upton has a better OBS than Ellsbury. But Ellsbury steals more bases and (although limited sample size) at a better rate. Upton has more power capabilities hitting 24 two years ago but last year only had 9. In his four season, Upton's OPS+ is above 100 versus Ellsbuy's which is not. Therefore, I give the edge to Upton. Plus, BJ stands for Bossman Junior
Winner: Rays
Right Field
Matt Joyce v J.D. Drew
Joyce is young and has some pop but doesn't have the best plate discipline. J.D. can walk and has power but is old and can be inconsistent. However, Drew has proven to be awesome and healthy and he was that last year. I think Joyce will be better than Drew soon, but not next year.
Winner: Red Sox
DH
Pat Burrell v Big Papi
Ortiz' career OPS+ is 138 versus Burrell's 119. Ortiz has has seasons of 40-50 HRs and Burrell has never gotten above 33 in the past 6 years. However Ortiz seems to be on the decline, doesn't have Manny hitting behind him, and now is facing steroid allegations. But Burrell isn't without his faults either having streaks of amazingness and streaks of shittiness giving him just above average total numbers. If Burrell could consistently hold his career numbers I'd give him this one but it's just so hard to.
Winner: Red Sox
Bullpen
Dan Wheeler v Jonathan Papelbon
Troy Pervical v Hideki Okajima
The best closer in the game and one of the leagues best set up man versus two old guys. No question
Winner: Red Sox
Rotation
James Shields v Josh Beckett
Beckett's career ERA+ is 116 versus Shields 114. Shields ERA+ is rising every year versus Beckett who can be amazing (2007- 145)or just his normal self (2008- 115). Josh Beckett can be amazing but Shields is younger and will probably be better than Beckett NEXT year.
Winner: Rays
Scott Kazmir v Jon Lester
Both are about the same age but Kazmir has two more years on Lester. Both essentially have the same ERA+. Kazmir edges Lester is K/BB ratio because he can strike out guys but Lester seems to be getting better and better every year and able to (unlike Kazmir) able to be a big game pitcher. It's for this that I barely give the edge to Lester
Winner: Red Sox
Matt Garza v Dice-K
Both essentially have been in the league the same amount of time and essentially have the same K/BB ratio. Dice-K strikes out a lot of guys but also walks a lot of guys. Garza steadily have had an ERA+ of 118 the past two year versus the streaky Dice-K- because in his first year he had an ERA+ of 108 but 159 last year! Dice-K is in his prime but Garza is younger. Because Dice-K can strike guys out and because he IS in his prime and has shown to be great (4th in Cy Young voting last year) and can be GREAT, I'm going to give this one to Dice-K, but another really close one
Winner: Red Sox
Andy Sonnanstine v Brad Penny
Penny has actually sucked in his overall stint in LA and Sonnanstine is young and should only get better. But last year is ERA was mid 4.00 with a 102 ERA+. But because he is younger and Penny last year SUUUUUCCKKKKEEDDD, the young guy beats the old dude.
Winner: Rays
David Price v John Smoltz
I question if both can finish the season next year. Last year in the playoffs Price was sick and his stuff looked amazing. On the other hand, when Smoltz was healthy, he was one of the best pitchers in the game. Smoltz actually doesn't have to pitch everyday and will be on a need by/ if-he-can-pitch basis. When he can't pitch, Tim Wakefield will pitch for him in that case Price will have the edge. But Price is too much of a wild card for me to pick him right now.
Winner: Red Sox
Totals:
Red Sox: 10
Rays: 5
I think the Red Sox have better players overall, are more experienced, have one of the best bullpen's in baseball, a deep rotation, a strong organization, a deep farm system, and a great GM that I have a hard time believing that the Red Sox won't make the playoffs
Where's Part II?
A few months ago, The "Bright" One had a post called "Why I Hate College Basketball, Part I". But then never came out with a Part II. What's the deal? How can you have 'Part I' in your title and not have a sequel. That's like coming out with Kill Bill, Part I and then not finishing your story! You can't imply you're going to have multiple parts and then not finish! Didn't your English teachers ever tell you, that when you create an outline you can't have an "a" without a "b" and you can't have a "1" without a "2". I have been anxiously awaiting "Why I Hate College Basketball, Part II"
Although I can create MY own Part II- Illinois and Big Ten basketball. Last week, Illinois played Penn State IN Champaign. Illinois LOST, 38-33. What the hell!? There are 40 minutes in a game! How can both teams score less points than minutes? I mean, fuck, a field goal is either 2 or three points. How can a team make less than 20 FGs!? How do you hold your opponent to under 40 and lose? I've seen football games score more points! Hell, today, Illinois scored 32 points in the first half! Fuck, I hate Big Ten basketball. It's so fucking boring to watch!
Although I can create MY own Part II- Illinois and Big Ten basketball. Last week, Illinois played Penn State IN Champaign. Illinois LOST, 38-33. What the hell!? There are 40 minutes in a game! How can both teams score less points than minutes? I mean, fuck, a field goal is either 2 or three points. How can a team make less than 20 FGs!? How do you hold your opponent to under 40 and lose? I've seen football games score more points! Hell, today, Illinois scored 32 points in the first half! Fuck, I hate Big Ten basketball. It's so fucking boring to watch!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Clutchios
They call this cereal Clutchio's.
(Derek Jeter cried)
(Also, Wheaties aren't the "breakfast of champions." Sterioids are)
"Best" Fantasy Baseball Analysis Ever
So I'm perusing thru Y! Sports' baseball blog, when I came across this golden article which features several "great" "insights" (notice how both of those words are in quotation marks) into several player's prospective fantasy value in 2009. I'll highlight the best of each for ya.
Brad Evans said...
Scott Pianowski said that Jamie Moyer is one of five players that are "most deserving of a fantasy lifetime achievement Oscar award" because he is
"This finesse pitcher, with a career ERA of 4.2 and WHIP over 1.3, is pretty useless. In fact, with a career strikeout rate below 5.5 K/9 -- he has eclipsed 150 Ks in a single season only once throughout his entire career -- he's downright useless. Jamie Moyer is not overpowering, but has above average control. Alas, his career FIP remains at an ugly 4.4, having only crept below 4.00 three times in his 22 year career."
Andy Behrens, the world worst sports analyst, have a pair of quotes
I seriously fucking hate Yahoo.
Brad Evans said...
Kerry Wood – If Wood went to the zoo, he would be attacked by a pack of baboons – that’s how injury prone his career has been.If only we had a statistic that could quantify this for us, like Ass per 9 innings (A/9).
Derek Jeter – Lady prowess alone should make him a top-10 SS; power dwindling but 100 runs, .300 BA overlooked.
Scott Pianowski said that Jamie Moyer is one of five players that are "most deserving of a fantasy lifetime achievement Oscar award" because he is
"one of the smartest pitchers of our generation, tip your cap."IQ/9 is not a fantasy stat, asshole. A better analysis would have been:
"This finesse pitcher, with a career ERA of 4.2 and WHIP over 1.3, is pretty useless. In fact, with a career strikeout rate below 5.5 K/9 -- he has eclipsed 150 Ks in a single season only once throughout his entire career -- he's downright useless. Jamie Moyer is not overpowering, but has above average control. Alas, his career FIP remains at an ugly 4.4, having only crept below 4.00 three times in his 22 year career."
Andy Behrens, the world worst sports analyst, have a pair of quotes
Matt Wieters – That’s right, he’s so good that we don’t even need to see what he’ll do at Triple-A or in the majors. Just put him in the Hall. Right now. Every Hall, in every sport.See, normally, you say "haha, sarcasm" when you read a comment as outlandish as this one. Unfortunately, knowing Behrens, he probably isn't joking.
Ty Wiggington – It’s not that he’s so great, really. But when you’re a fantasy expert searching for a new player to discuss in late-August, while taping your 15th fantasy baseball video segment of the season, Wiggy is always there for you.Great analysis there, buddy. Ty Wiggington is great because he goes undrafted and remains undrafted late in to the season.
I seriously fucking hate Yahoo.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
obafemi ayanbadejo
In the spirit of messed up names, I present to you obafemi ayanbadejo. In the pic, he's posing next to his brother Brandon. It just looks like a mirror image to me. Anywho, the name is bitchin, I would kill embryonic stem cells to have it.
This one goes out to Eckstein and Sexy Rexy
The Oakland Raiders love giving away money. Al David is recession proof fo shizzle. After wasting money on jerkwads last year in the form of Deangelo Hall and Javon Walker, one of whom has an anger issue while the other doesn't have a knee, Davis decided to break the bank on our favorite cover corner Nnamdi Asomugha. At least this guy doesn't appear to have any personal issues that will prevent him from actually playing, meaning he should receive every penny of him new 3yr $45 million dollar contract. This seems absurd, even for the senile Raiders organization. The biggest contracts i've ever seen for a corner has been 7yr $70 million. Deangelo Hall got it last year and Nate Clements got it from the 49ers. So what has Asomugha done to earn a 5 million dollar raise? I understand that he has been a standout corner the past 2 years, even though he admitted to being scared to death when he moved from the safety position, and team rarely throw in his direction, but $15 million a year. Seriously? It's almost as crazy as the New York Islanders giving their goalie, Rick DiPietro, at 15 year extension.
I only mention this story because Eckstein referenced Nnamdi Asomugha in a post making fun of his name. Yes, you are reading 5 year olds playing with a keyboard. Also, he does happen to be one of Sexy Rexy's favorite d-backs.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
The Dominican Republic Is Not To Be Trusted
UPDATE: Apparently, the Dominican official who brokered the deal between Gonzalez and the Nationals's assistant GM, Jose Rijo, were childhood friends. Rijo and Nationals GM Jim Bowden were investigated last season in connection with an alledged bonus skimming scandal among Dominican players. While no one has been implicated with federal fraud charges yet, this scandal may reopen questioning.
The Dominican Republic is to lying about names and ages to baseball teams what Texas and Oakland is to steroids use among power hitters.
First, there was Miguel Tejada, aka Miguel Tejada, who claimed he was two years younger than he really was when he signed with the A's in 1995 (although he plays like he's at least a decade older at this point in his career).
Then there was Santiago Casilla, aka Jairo Garcia, who falsified documents to pretend to be THREE years younger than he really was.
Now there is Carlos Alvarez Daniel Lugo, aka Esmailyn Gonzalez, who claims he is 19, but is actually 23!
If I was a baseball, I'd start investigating my players a little closer...
Also, Miguel Tejada is a huge lying douche (age, name, steroids).
**********************************
The Dominican Republic is to lying about names and ages to baseball teams what Texas and Oakland is to steroids use among power hitters.
First, there was Miguel Tejada, aka Miguel Tejada, who claimed he was two years younger than he really was when he signed with the A's in 1995 (although he plays like he's at least a decade older at this point in his career).
Then there was Santiago Casilla, aka Jairo Garcia, who falsified documents to pretend to be THREE years younger than he really was.
Now there is Carlos Alvarez Daniel Lugo, aka Esmailyn Gonzalez, who claims he is 19, but is actually 23!
If I was a baseball, I'd start investigating my players a little closer...
Also, Miguel Tejada is a huge lying douche (age, name, steroids).
Really Boston Red Sox? Really!?
Here's an article I found on yahoosports.com. Normally I wouldn't care about anything related to what yahoosports.com opinion is ON sports because it's normally so bad but this was is just an AP article ON yahoosports.com so it's OK
Boston owner John Henry renews salary cap callReally!? You, of all owners want to eliminate team spending!? From the team that spent $50 million dollars just to talk to Dice-K? From the team that spent the fourth most out of any team in baseball last year? From the team that normally is the #2 highest spending team? From the team that's smart enough to know it's not about how much money you spend but how wisely you spent it? From a team that HAS wisely spent money on good players? From the team that has Bill James on their payroll? From the team that just saw the Tampa Bay Rays win their division and just saw the New York Yankees miss the playoffs? This team is calling for a salary cap? Really!? Wow. Good luck with that chief.
By HOWARD ULMAN, AP Sports Writer
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP)—Boston Red Sox owner John Henry is renewing his call for a baseball salary cap.
He says he thinks all owners would support an “enlightened” salary cap to improve competitive balance and that players might agree. He did not give details.
Henry’s call came Wednesday at spring training after the New York Yankees signed three free agents for a total of $423.5 million during the offseason. The Red Sox gave out much shorter and cheaper deals.
Exactly five years earlier, Henry called for a salary cap when the Yankees obtained Alex Rodriguez in a trade with Texas after the Red Sox failed to complete a trade for him.
At that time, he advocated a cap to deal with a team that he said has far more resources than any other team.
Bad Baseball
I know this topic was slightly referenced in Baseball Prospectus' book BEHIND THE NUMBERS, but I'm going to accenuate it anyway. Sabermetrically speaking, do you know how bad of a shortstop Ozzie Guillen was? His career WPA (very similar to WARP) was -21.51. That's among the worst in the history of baseball. Very few players have been so bad and given over 7000 PA's.
There is a worse player, however, and his name is Neifi Perez's. Over the course of 11 seasons, Perez accumulated a -26.26 WPA in 5500 PA's. In fact, from 2002-2007 alone, Neifi Perez's production was so poor that it resulted in negative wins, costing four major league teams a total of $400,000 against replacement player production values. This, of course, is BEFORE you consider that he was paid $14.4 million over that same time period of time. So when it's all said and done, Neifi Perez cost almost $15 million in lost money. That's thievery, my friend.
There is a worse player, however, and his name is Neifi Perez's. Over the course of 11 seasons, Perez accumulated a -26.26 WPA in 5500 PA's. In fact, from 2002-2007 alone, Neifi Perez's production was so poor that it resulted in negative wins, costing four major league teams a total of $400,000 against replacement player production values. This, of course, is BEFORE you consider that he was paid $14.4 million over that same time period of time. So when it's all said and done, Neifi Perez cost almost $15 million in lost money. That's thievery, my friend.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Blackhawks need Ilya Kovalchuk
Nearly 2/3 through the season, the blackhawks have established themselves as a top 4 team in the western conference and should contend for the western conference finals. However, the last 6 or so weeks, a weakness has arisen within this young and talented team. That weakness is the lack of consistent scoring from the forward positions. Sharp, Kane, Versteeg, among others on the 3rd and 4th lines have gone extremely cold. Kane has tallied one goal in his last 21 games, Sharp 4 in his last 21, and Versteeg 3 in the past 15. The only consistent forward for the group has been Havlet and Toews has been hot since being voted as an All-Star starter.
The Chicago defense is definitely the strong suite of the Blackhawks. As i recently heard from the Fighting Illini hockey coach, forwards are a dime a dozen. This may not be completely true given the talent of NHL forwards, but finding good defensemen is no easy task. But by bringing in a playoff proven defenseman in Brian Campbell, along with the development of home grown stars like keith and Seabrooke, the Chicago blue line is set for years to come.
To truly complete in this year's as well as future playoffs, this team needs a stud offensemen who puts fear into the opponents eyes the way Ovechkin, Thornton, Staal, and Nash do just to name a few. The best option on the market is the uber talented Ilya Kovalchuk. He has been exiled playing for the Atlanta Thrashers his entire career, constantly finishing at the bottom of the standings. The team has always been strapped for money, unable to hold on to talent around him in the form of danny heatley and marian hossa. With rumors swirling that the franchise may need to fold, or move to another city, this would be the ideal time for the blackhawks to swoon in and steal kovalchuk away. We can give up Khabibulin, who's contract expires at the end of the season, and aquire a premier scorer. The past 4 seasons, Kovalchuk has tallied 41, 52, 42, and 52 goals respectively. Already with 29 goals this year, he would join the team as the top scorer. He's still only 25 years old and I think Dale Tallon should continue his string of good decisions find a way to bring Kovalchuk to the United Center. I mean he only has 8 goals in his past 5 games.
The Chicago defense is definitely the strong suite of the Blackhawks. As i recently heard from the Fighting Illini hockey coach, forwards are a dime a dozen. This may not be completely true given the talent of NHL forwards, but finding good defensemen is no easy task. But by bringing in a playoff proven defenseman in Brian Campbell, along with the development of home grown stars like keith and Seabrooke, the Chicago blue line is set for years to come.
To truly complete in this year's as well as future playoffs, this team needs a stud offensemen who puts fear into the opponents eyes the way Ovechkin, Thornton, Staal, and Nash do just to name a few. The best option on the market is the uber talented Ilya Kovalchuk. He has been exiled playing for the Atlanta Thrashers his entire career, constantly finishing at the bottom of the standings. The team has always been strapped for money, unable to hold on to talent around him in the form of danny heatley and marian hossa. With rumors swirling that the franchise may need to fold, or move to another city, this would be the ideal time for the blackhawks to swoon in and steal kovalchuk away. We can give up Khabibulin, who's contract expires at the end of the season, and aquire a premier scorer. The past 4 seasons, Kovalchuk has tallied 41, 52, 42, and 52 goals respectively. Already with 29 goals this year, he would join the team as the top scorer. He's still only 25 years old and I think Dale Tallon should continue his string of good decisions find a way to bring Kovalchuk to the United Center. I mean he only has 8 goals in his past 5 games.
My reaction to the Arod press conference
I recall watching the Andy Pettitte's news conference a year ago from the same uniform, location, tent. His statements and answers were very genuine and true emotion and regret could be seen and heard from Roger Clemens' little buddy. Seriously, it felt like Pettitte was just a scared little boy hoping him mommy didn't find out he was out past curfew, so he simply fessed up and went to his room.
The opening statement from Arod was just humorous. I can imagine all his Yankee teammates and journalist in attendance trying too keep in their laughs and giggles as Alex read his statement. I'm going to assume that Arod knows how to read, though with 500 million dollars you probably don't need to, so I'm guessing that was the first time Arod even looked at that statement prior to presenting it to the world. The way his sentence structure was all choppy, and tenses out of order, and lack of flow to the whole thing made Sammy's "me no speeky english" seem eloquent. BTW, Arod hired Sammy's lawyer from the congressional hearing, and Sammy made a comeback so he must be good. Then to cap it all off, Arod proclaimed "and to my teammates" which clearly(wink wink) overwhelmed him with emotion, as he went silent for 2 minutes, scrunching his face in agony, leaning back in his chair, taking a sip of water, before finally getting out a "thank you". For being such a great baseball player, this guy just cant get out of his own way outside the baseball diamond.
I doubt anyone bought Arod's story, outside of Buster Olney who just seems like he's trying to protect the players and the game. Arod seamlessly avoided answering the majority of the questions, going to the same excuse over and over of him being young, stupid, and naive. He clearly forgot to throw in oblivious. Baseball is seriously lacking a Cal Ripken Jr. type leader to represent and stand up for today's players. Jeter seems like a good choice, but is too quiet and protective of his image to open up too much. Schilling wants to be the voice of the players, but the players just want him to shut up. Baseball is the perfect game, yet has been smeared with controversy throughout it's existence. Nothing in the universe is perfect all the time, so lets just accept the past for what it was, learn from it, and move on.
Arod is still one of my favorite players in the game. I remember him winning the batting title at the age of 21, his three 50 homer seasons, 40-40 season, his gold glove SS play(although he made 2 errors his first game as a Ranger). He never came across as the most intimidating batter to face, considering my brain seizes every time Pujols come to the plate. Still, it is undeniable to me the greatness of Alex Rodriguez, and I dont think it should be to the Hall of Fame as well.
The opening statement from Arod was just humorous. I can imagine all his Yankee teammates and journalist in attendance trying too keep in their laughs and giggles as Alex read his statement. I'm going to assume that Arod knows how to read, though with 500 million dollars you probably don't need to, so I'm guessing that was the first time Arod even looked at that statement prior to presenting it to the world. The way his sentence structure was all choppy, and tenses out of order, and lack of flow to the whole thing made Sammy's "me no speeky english" seem eloquent. BTW, Arod hired Sammy's lawyer from the congressional hearing, and Sammy made a comeback so he must be good. Then to cap it all off, Arod proclaimed "and to my teammates" which clearly(wink wink) overwhelmed him with emotion, as he went silent for 2 minutes, scrunching his face in agony, leaning back in his chair, taking a sip of water, before finally getting out a "thank you". For being such a great baseball player, this guy just cant get out of his own way outside the baseball diamond.
I doubt anyone bought Arod's story, outside of Buster Olney who just seems like he's trying to protect the players and the game. Arod seamlessly avoided answering the majority of the questions, going to the same excuse over and over of him being young, stupid, and naive. He clearly forgot to throw in oblivious. Baseball is seriously lacking a Cal Ripken Jr. type leader to represent and stand up for today's players. Jeter seems like a good choice, but is too quiet and protective of his image to open up too much. Schilling wants to be the voice of the players, but the players just want him to shut up. Baseball is the perfect game, yet has been smeared with controversy throughout it's existence. Nothing in the universe is perfect all the time, so lets just accept the past for what it was, learn from it, and move on.
Arod is still one of my favorite players in the game. I remember him winning the batting title at the age of 21, his three 50 homer seasons, 40-40 season, his gold glove SS play(although he made 2 errors his first game as a Ranger). He never came across as the most intimidating batter to face, considering my brain seizes every time Pujols come to the plate. Still, it is undeniable to me the greatness of Alex Rodriguez, and I dont think it should be to the Hall of Fame as well.
Join My Fantasy League!
Right now I only have us four authors, my brother, David "MVP" Ecketein's and my "friend" that we know through our former RA and someone that goes by the name "CLEE's club" that is also in David MVP's league and I'm not quite sure who. I know you guys said you have friends that would like to join and I have sent invites to them. Please tell them to join the league!
Also, if you are a reader who loves free roto fantasy baseball and are serious about please join my yahoo league. The ID# is 77463 and the password is illinois. Please join!
Also, if you are a reader who loves free roto fantasy baseball and are serious about please join my yahoo league. The ID# is 77463 and the password is illinois. Please join!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Six Free Fantasy Baseball Resources
For some great information and resources to help you draft great in 09:
1. Fangraphs.com -- This website is functional, sortable, useful, statistically encompassing and most importantly, free. If you don't want pay, but want a comparable resource to Baseball Prospectus (which offers a season-long package for $20), this is your website. Everything from the basica sabermetrics -- BABIP, FB/GB, K/9, etc. -- to the advanced - FIP (similar to DIPS), Value Wins (similar to WARP, but based on position), UZR/150 (advanced range stat) -- is available at your fingertips. Fangraphs is complete with a glossary of terms and formulas to help explain their calculations and how to utilize the data effectively.
2. MockDraftCentral.com & ESPN.com's Mock Auction -- The best way to be prepared for something is to have done it in advance. You may want certain players this year, but unless you do a large enough sample size of mock drafts to verify you can get the player at the price and round you value him at, your strategy will fall short of effective. MDC offers free accounts which offer limited access to useful data such as real-time draft reports that analyze who goes where cumulatively (ie, A-Rod's average draft pick position is currently 2.78), while premium accounts give you it all (for $3/month). Despite the 3 drafts per week limits placed on free accounts at MDC, you can draft as many times as you want if you take over AI positions. ESPN.com offers a comparable, but inferior service that is more subject to have draft ditcher mid-mock and also features inferior rankings (based on experts, rather than real-time valuation by drafters)
3. RotoAuthority.com -- Tim Dierkes of MLBTradeRumors.com puts together useful fantasy information on a daily basis that is free and much better than 90% of the shit written by Y! Sports and ESPN.
4. Google.com -- As ridiculous as this suggestion may sound, I am dead serious when I say "google shit." Do you want to know what the statistically average sustainable level of BABIP for a player is? Do you want to know how to calculate a specific player's future BABIP? If a "power hitter" has a GB/FB of 1.8, will he hit 25 home runs? Google that shit! You'll probably find an answer somewhere. If not, leave a question a forum at Fangraph or some other sabermetrics and fantasyball inclined site and you'll likely find an answer soon.
The answers to those questions, by the way, are:
1) .280-.320
2) LD%+.120, if you want a quick estimate of current BABIP against a player's sustainable BABIP -- ldBABIP, however, can only really analyze past/current measures of BABIP and does not predict future BABIP very well. Look up xBABIP on fangraphs for something more in-depth and predictive.
3) 98% of the time, the answer is no. Expect him to top out around 10-15. Check out this article for more information on BABIP and GB rates.
5. Statistical Resource Guides -- Unsure of which stats consistently correlate highly from season to season? Curious about which scoring categories are more scarce than others? Are you looking for a crash course is basic statistical evaluation of fantasy players? This resource guide to hitters and this one for pitchers should be helpful, courtesy of MVN outsider.
6. My top 12 players list. Here is who I think should be taken (in order) in round 1 of every mock draft. You'd be wise to agree with me.
1. Hanley Ramirez (SS)
2. Alex Rodriguez (3B)
3. Albert Pujols (1B)
4. Jose Reyes (SS)
5. David Wright (3B)
6. Miguel Cabrera (1B) -- played 14 games at 3B in 2008. Make sure he qualifies at 3B in your league BEFORE you draft him as your 3B
7. Grady Sizemore (OF)
8. Ryan Braun (OF)
9. Ryan Howard (1B)
10. Jimmy Rollins (SS)
11. Josh Hamilton (OF)
12. Chase Utley (2B)/Ian Kinsler (2B) -- depending on the health of Utley come opening day
Happy Drafting!
1. Fangraphs.com -- This website is functional, sortable, useful, statistically encompassing and most importantly, free. If you don't want pay, but want a comparable resource to Baseball Prospectus (which offers a season-long package for $20), this is your website. Everything from the basica sabermetrics -- BABIP, FB/GB, K/9, etc. -- to the advanced - FIP (similar to DIPS), Value Wins (similar to WARP, but based on position), UZR/150 (advanced range stat) -- is available at your fingertips. Fangraphs is complete with a glossary of terms and formulas to help explain their calculations and how to utilize the data effectively.
2. MockDraftCentral.com & ESPN.com's Mock Auction -- The best way to be prepared for something is to have done it in advance. You may want certain players this year, but unless you do a large enough sample size of mock drafts to verify you can get the player at the price and round you value him at, your strategy will fall short of effective. MDC offers free accounts which offer limited access to useful data such as real-time draft reports that analyze who goes where cumulatively (ie, A-Rod's average draft pick position is currently 2.78), while premium accounts give you it all (for $3/month). Despite the 3 drafts per week limits placed on free accounts at MDC, you can draft as many times as you want if you take over AI positions. ESPN.com offers a comparable, but inferior service that is more subject to have draft ditcher mid-mock and also features inferior rankings (based on experts, rather than real-time valuation by drafters)
3. RotoAuthority.com -- Tim Dierkes of MLBTradeRumors.com puts together useful fantasy information on a daily basis that is free and much better than 90% of the shit written by Y! Sports and ESPN.
4. Google.com -- As ridiculous as this suggestion may sound, I am dead serious when I say "google shit." Do you want to know what the statistically average sustainable level of BABIP for a player is? Do you want to know how to calculate a specific player's future BABIP? If a "power hitter" has a GB/FB of 1.8, will he hit 25 home runs? Google that shit! You'll probably find an answer somewhere. If not, leave a question a forum at Fangraph or some other sabermetrics and fantasyball inclined site and you'll likely find an answer soon.
The answers to those questions, by the way, are:
1) .280-.320
2) LD%+.120, if you want a quick estimate of current BABIP against a player's sustainable BABIP -- ldBABIP, however, can only really analyze past/current measures of BABIP and does not predict future BABIP very well. Look up xBABIP on fangraphs for something more in-depth and predictive.
3) 98% of the time, the answer is no. Expect him to top out around 10-15. Check out this article for more information on BABIP and GB rates.
5. Statistical Resource Guides -- Unsure of which stats consistently correlate highly from season to season? Curious about which scoring categories are more scarce than others? Are you looking for a crash course is basic statistical evaluation of fantasy players? This resource guide to hitters and this one for pitchers should be helpful, courtesy of MVN outsider.
6. My top 12 players list. Here is who I think should be taken (in order) in round 1 of every mock draft. You'd be wise to agree with me.
1. Hanley Ramirez (SS)
2. Alex Rodriguez (3B)
3. Albert Pujols (1B)
4. Jose Reyes (SS)
5. David Wright (3B)
6. Miguel Cabrera (1B) -- played 14 games at 3B in 2008. Make sure he qualifies at 3B in your league BEFORE you draft him as your 3B
7. Grady Sizemore (OF)
8. Ryan Braun (OF)
9. Ryan Howard (1B)
10. Jimmy Rollins (SS)
11. Josh Hamilton (OF)
12. Chase Utley (2B)/Ian Kinsler (2B) -- depending on the health of Utley come opening day
Happy Drafting!
What happened to Fred Huebner?
Fred Huebner used to be on 670am The Score radio station. Back in December I realized that he wasn’t on during his regular shift of giving the updates during the day. I don’t listen to the radio regularly during the day with school and stuff, so I didn’t think much of it figuring he was on vacation or something. Over the past few months when I occasionally turn into 670 The Score and hear an updates I don’t hear Fred. This has prompted me to look into it and I learned that Fred is no longer with The Score.
Fred started with 670am The Score over 16 years ago with the Score in April of 1992. He started as a producer for the weekend shows, then moved to an update guy, and spent 9 years with the morning show. He spent 5 years as a co-host with Mike Murphy and then 4 years as the update guy or sidekick for The Mike North Show. He was on in the mornings for The Score more then anyone else. He outlived two morning’s host. The replacement’s for Mike North brought in their guy for the updates guy. This bumped Fred to doing updates a shift later during the afternoon. I guess on December 5th was Fred’s last day on the Score.
Does anyone know what happened to Fred? I do not believe he currently has a job so that makes me believe The Score decided it was time to move on.
Fred started with 670am The Score over 16 years ago with the Score in April of 1992. He started as a producer for the weekend shows, then moved to an update guy, and spent 9 years with the morning show. He spent 5 years as a co-host with Mike Murphy and then 4 years as the update guy or sidekick for The Mike North Show. He was on in the mornings for The Score more then anyone else. He outlived two morning’s host. The replacement’s for Mike North brought in their guy for the updates guy. This bumped Fred to doing updates a shift later during the afternoon. I guess on December 5th was Fred’s last day on the Score.
Does anyone know what happened to Fred? I do not believe he currently has a job so that makes me believe The Score decided it was time to move on.
Friday, February 13, 2009
There's no such thing as bear fighting, right?
Just throwing this out there, would Michael Vick be a fit for the Chicago Bears? Personally speaking, this Bears offense is not going to be anything special in the next 3 years, so why not take a chance on Michael Vick. He has the rocket arm, though his accuracy rivals the sex cannon. It's unlikely a large market team such as Chicago is would sign a recently incarcerated felon, but winning should be more of a priority than media relations.
The Bears organization seems to be sticking behind Kyle Orton, proclaiming him the starting quarterback for the foreseeable future. Yes, Kyle did play reasonably well last year, but his 2008 season was very similar to Grossman's 2006 campaign, without the massive extremes of course. The first half of the season was solid, with 10TD versus 4int. However, the second half was a disaster. Yes, he did have a high ankle sprain, much like Patrick Kane back on New Year's Eve which he has yet to recover from, but if it was that a problem they should have put in, eek, the sex cannon. Ortons's final 8 games featured a 1:1 TD/int ratio, a low 50's% completion percentage, and averaging about 170 yards per game. It didn't help to have Ron Turner calling plays or having Devin Hester as the only wide receiver option or a weak defense that gave up 90 yard drives like they were going through the I-Pass lane. Orton is not the option!
If Jerry Angelo doesn't have the stones to go after Vick, Jeff Garcia would give the Bears a better chance to compete next year. I believe Derrek Anderson would be an upgrade and expect him to rebound next year for whatever team he is on. Obviously, the QB isnt the sole problem child on the Bears roster, but let's not forget about it due to all the other deficiencies this team has.
Who do you want starting for the Bears at QB?
The Bears organization seems to be sticking behind Kyle Orton, proclaiming him the starting quarterback for the foreseeable future. Yes, Kyle did play reasonably well last year, but his 2008 season was very similar to Grossman's 2006 campaign, without the massive extremes of course. The first half of the season was solid, with 10TD versus 4int. However, the second half was a disaster. Yes, he did have a high ankle sprain, much like Patrick Kane back on New Year's Eve which he has yet to recover from, but if it was that a problem they should have put in, eek, the sex cannon. Ortons's final 8 games featured a 1:1 TD/int ratio, a low 50's% completion percentage, and averaging about 170 yards per game. It didn't help to have Ron Turner calling plays or having Devin Hester as the only wide receiver option or a weak defense that gave up 90 yard drives like they were going through the I-Pass lane. Orton is not the option!
If Jerry Angelo doesn't have the stones to go after Vick, Jeff Garcia would give the Bears a better chance to compete next year. I believe Derrek Anderson would be an upgrade and expect him to rebound next year for whatever team he is on. Obviously, the QB isnt the sole problem child on the Bears roster, but let's not forget about it due to all the other deficiencies this team has.
Who do you want starting for the Bears at QB?
NBA All Star Break
The NBA All Star break is upon us! Friday is the start of all star festivities with the Rookie challenge. Saturday is the Shooting Stars, Skills Challenge, Three Point shootout, and the Slam Dunk Contest. Sunday is the 58th NBA all star game.
The Bulls have one player in the Rookie challenge with Derrick Rose playing for the rookies. The other players for the rookie team are: Michael Beasley, Rudy Fernandez, Marc Gasol, Eric Gordon, Brook Lopez, O.J. Mayo, Greg Oden, Derrick Rose, and Russell Westbrook. Last year the sophomore team beat the rookie team. I think this year’s sophomore team (made of many of the same players as last year’s rookie team) will loose again. This year’s rookies have a lot more talent than the sophomore class so we will see how they will stack up. The sophomore team is made up of: Aaron Brooks, Wilson Chandler, Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, Al Horford, Luis Scola, Al Thornton, Rodney Stuckey, and Thaddeus Young. Who do you think will win?
Saturday is the Shooting Stars contest which is made up of teams representing a few different cities. These teams are made up of a current NBA player, WNBA player, and a retired NBA player. In the past Chicago has had a team representing them. This year they do not! Does anyone know why we don’t have representation? Last year the Chicago team made it to the semifinals where they lost. The four teams this year are San Antonio, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Phoenix.
The Skills challenge is made up of four point guards who show off their ball handling ability. The Chicago Bulls will have Derrick Rose playing. He is competing against Devin Harris, Tony Parker, and Mo Williams (replacing injured Jameer Nelson). This should be fun to watch, but I feel like last year’s competitor’s was probably a stronger group of Chris Paul, Jason Kidd, Dwyane Wade, and Deron Williams. Who do you think will win? My money is on Rose, but I am biased.
The three point shootout is made up of six players. Jason Kapono tries to become the first players to win the 3-point shootout since Craig Hodges did it from 1990 to 1992. I think Kapono will win it for the third consecutive time. Rashard Lewis and ex-bull Roger Mason Jr. may make it hard for him. Who do you think will win?
The Slam dunk contest is made up of four players and two of them won it before. Dwight Howard won it last year and is going to defend his title. Nate Robinson won it in 2006. Nate Robinson is the shortest of the competitors’ at 5-9. This makes all of his dunk’s look better because he has to get more elevation and jump higher. The others are 6-11 and Howard is the tallest at 6-11 so he makes it look so easy. I think Howard will win it again, but J.R. Smith will make things interesting. Who do you think will win?
The Bulls have no one in the NBA all star game. I would like to see the east win it. Who do you thin will win?
The Bulls have one player in the Rookie challenge with Derrick Rose playing for the rookies. The other players for the rookie team are: Michael Beasley, Rudy Fernandez, Marc Gasol, Eric Gordon, Brook Lopez, O.J. Mayo, Greg Oden, Derrick Rose, and Russell Westbrook. Last year the sophomore team beat the rookie team. I think this year’s sophomore team (made of many of the same players as last year’s rookie team) will loose again. This year’s rookies have a lot more talent than the sophomore class so we will see how they will stack up. The sophomore team is made up of: Aaron Brooks, Wilson Chandler, Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, Al Horford, Luis Scola, Al Thornton, Rodney Stuckey, and Thaddeus Young. Who do you think will win?
Saturday is the Shooting Stars contest which is made up of teams representing a few different cities. These teams are made up of a current NBA player, WNBA player, and a retired NBA player. In the past Chicago has had a team representing them. This year they do not! Does anyone know why we don’t have representation? Last year the Chicago team made it to the semifinals where they lost. The four teams this year are San Antonio, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Phoenix.
The Skills challenge is made up of four point guards who show off their ball handling ability. The Chicago Bulls will have Derrick Rose playing. He is competing against Devin Harris, Tony Parker, and Mo Williams (replacing injured Jameer Nelson). This should be fun to watch, but I feel like last year’s competitor’s was probably a stronger group of Chris Paul, Jason Kidd, Dwyane Wade, and Deron Williams. Who do you think will win? My money is on Rose, but I am biased.
The three point shootout is made up of six players. Jason Kapono tries to become the first players to win the 3-point shootout since Craig Hodges did it from 1990 to 1992. I think Kapono will win it for the third consecutive time. Rashard Lewis and ex-bull Roger Mason Jr. may make it hard for him. Who do you think will win?
The Slam dunk contest is made up of four players and two of them won it before. Dwight Howard won it last year and is going to defend his title. Nate Robinson won it in 2006. Nate Robinson is the shortest of the competitors’ at 5-9. This makes all of his dunk’s look better because he has to get more elevation and jump higher. The others are 6-11 and Howard is the tallest at 6-11 so he makes it look so easy. I think Howard will win it again, but J.R. Smith will make things interesting. Who do you think will win?
The Bulls have no one in the NBA all star game. I would like to see the east win it. Who do you thin will win?
Cubs Spring Training is here!
The Chicago Cubs start spring training today! I have waited for this day since the season abruptly ended. Pitchers and catchers report today. A few players came early arriving yesterday including: Ken Kadokura, Chad Gaudin, Kevin Gregg, Jeff Samardzija, Neal Cotts, Kevin Hart, Randy Wells, Geovany Soto, Koyie Hill, Jake Fox, and Wellington Castillo. All of the pitcher’s that came early have something to prove by battling for a spot in the bullpen or hoping to be a starter, except Kevin Gregg who should be the setup man for closer Carlso Marmol. Now with spring training here we should slowly start learning more about the 2009 Chicago Cubs. Between me and some of the other obsessed Cubs fans here on this blog, we should have complete coverage of the Chicago Cubs! So stay tuned for a lot of Cubs coverage.
Bobby Crosby's Offense "McGwire-itized"
According to MLB.com, Bobby Crosby spent the winter "improving his game" by learning to hit better with none other than former Athletic Mark McGwire. Or, as Crosby puts it:
Crosby's career ISO: .141
McGwire's career ISO: .325
"While trying to explain the changes he'd made in both his stance and swing, [Bobby] Crosby essentially said his approach has been McGwire-itized"Guess that mean's he's on steroids now.
[Crosby's new] stance now features a version of McGwire's distinctive crouch, the swing resembling the compact stoke that helped McGwire hit 583 home runs.Only 528 more dingers to go!
Crosby's career ISO: .141
McGwire's career ISO: .325
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Fantasy Baseball Anyone?
Baseball Season starts In April, but Fantasy baseball registration starts soon. Fantasy baseball is my favorite fantasy sport so I can’t wait to start drafting! Were looking to form some leagues so if you like fantasy baseball and take it seriously, please let us know.
The Cubs Graveyard
Following up on my theory that all washed up Cubs end up in Baltimore or Cincinnati, The "Bright" One and I decided to assemble a 25-man roster of ex-Cubs who have been on either the Reds or O's in just the last five years (2004 and on).
C - Robert Machado (O)
C - Paul Bako (R)
1B - Rafael Palmeiro (O)
2B - Freddie Bynum (O)
SS - Cesar Izturis (O)
3B - Alex Cintron (O)
OF - Felix Pie (O)
OF - Sammy Sosa (O)
OF - Jerry Harriston Jr. (O/R)
OF - Corey Patterson (O/R)
OF - Gary Matthews Jr. (O)
OF - Jacque Jones (R)
INF - Daryle Ward (R)
INF - Brendan Harris (O)
SP - Rich Hill (O)
SP - Steve Trachsel (O)
SP - Kyle Lohse (R)
SP - Todd Van Poppel (R)
RP - LaTroy Hawkins (O)
RP - Rocky Cherry (O)
RP - Phil Norton (R)
RP - Jon Leicester (O)
RP - Kent Mercker (O)
CL - David Weathers (R)
So far, we've got a 24 man roster short 1 SP. Bonus points if anyone can find a SP prospect the Cubs either dealt out or was released and then signed by the O's/Reds.
C - Robert Machado (O)
C - Paul Bako (R)
1B - Rafael Palmeiro (O)
2B - Freddie Bynum (O)
SS - Cesar Izturis (O)
3B - Alex Cintron (O)
OF - Felix Pie (O)
OF - Sammy Sosa (O)
OF - Jerry Harriston Jr. (O/R)
OF - Corey Patterson (O/R)
OF - Gary Matthews Jr. (O)
OF - Jacque Jones (R)
INF - Daryle Ward (R)
INF - Brendan Harris (O)
SP - Rich Hill (O)
SP - Steve Trachsel (O)
SP - Kyle Lohse (R)
SP - Todd Van Poppel (R)
RP - LaTroy Hawkins (O)
RP - Rocky Cherry (O)
RP - Phil Norton (R)
RP - Jon Leicester (O)
RP - Kent Mercker (O)
CL - David Weathers (R)
So far, we've got a 24 man roster short 1 SP. Bonus points if anyone can find a SP prospect the Cubs either dealt out or was released and then signed by the O's/Reds.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
The Worst Time of the Year
Right now, baseball season hasn't started yet and the Super Bowl has recently ended. That means there's no football and no baseball. That also means no fantasy sports! Ugh, What am I going to watch now!? I think I'm going to actually have to start doing my homework. Shit.
Baker likes ex-Cubs
Dusty Baker went to Cincinnati last year. This was his first managerial job after parting ways with the Cubs. He decided to bring some of the ex-Cubs who we didn’t miss in Chicago. For his first season he brought Corey Patterson Paul Bako, and Jerry Hariston Jr.
Corey Patterson signed a minor league contract and made the club out of spring training where he batted 293 with a 341 OBP in 14 games and 41 at-bats. He always plays a gold glove center field. Dusty Baker was so impressed he made him the everyday center fielder where he rewarded Dusty for making a good decision by batting .205 with a .238 OBP, 17 doubles, 10 homeruns, and 14 stolen bases in a whopping 366 at bats over 135 games. Why did he get so much playing time with those numbers when some of the young outfielder they have could have been playing?
Dusty didn’t have a good option at catcher. He had David Ross, Javier Valentin (who can rake), and ex-Cub Paul Bako (now curr ent Cub). He gave the majority of the playing time to………….the ex-Cub in Paul Bako. Bako led all Reds in as-bats with 299 in 99 games while batting .217 with 6 homeruns, 30 runs scored, and 35 RBI’s. David Ross got the next most playing time at catcher in 52 games and 134 at-bats with three homeruns, 13 RBI’s, and batted .231. Javier Valentin played in 94 games with 194 at-bats while being the biggest threat at the plate with his .256 average, but he is a terrible defensive catcher. David Ross and Paul Bako are both pretty similar as defensive catcher’s, but Dusty choose to play his former Cub Bako!
Jerry Hariston did have a good year so I can’t fault Dusty on playing him. I can only fault him for not playing him more. Hariston can play centerfield and he should have played him over Patterson! Hariston batted 326 with 6 homers and 36 RBI’s in 261 at-bats.
This year they decided to bring two ex-Cubs in Jacque Jones and Darlye Ward. Jones was released twice last year by the Tigers and Marlins. He batted a combined .147/.239/.207 in 134 plate appearances for both clubs. Jones had laser eye surgery and played winter ball. I guess they think he can rebound since he can see the ball. Ward is a decent bat off the bench who had a down year last year. He batted 216/.319/.402 in 119 plate appearances for the Cubs last season. Signing Ward isn’t as bad as thinking Jones has anything left in the tank. The sad thing is there are many better free agents still available. We will see how these moves pay off!
Corey Patterson signed a minor league contract and made the club out of spring training where he batted 293 with a 341 OBP in 14 games and 41 at-bats. He always plays a gold glove center field. Dusty Baker was so impressed he made him the everyday center fielder where he rewarded Dusty for making a good decision by batting .205 with a .238 OBP, 17 doubles, 10 homeruns, and 14 stolen bases in a whopping 366 at bats over 135 games. Why did he get so much playing time with those numbers when some of the young outfielder they have could have been playing?
Dusty didn’t have a good option at catcher. He had David Ross, Javier Valentin (who can rake), and ex-Cub Paul Bako (now curr ent Cub). He gave the majority of the playing time to………….the ex-Cub in Paul Bako. Bako led all Reds in as-bats with 299 in 99 games while batting .217 with 6 homeruns, 30 runs scored, and 35 RBI’s. David Ross got the next most playing time at catcher in 52 games and 134 at-bats with three homeruns, 13 RBI’s, and batted .231. Javier Valentin played in 94 games with 194 at-bats while being the biggest threat at the plate with his .256 average, but he is a terrible defensive catcher. David Ross and Paul Bako are both pretty similar as defensive catcher’s, but Dusty choose to play his former Cub Bako!
Jerry Hariston did have a good year so I can’t fault Dusty on playing him. I can only fault him for not playing him more. Hariston can play centerfield and he should have played him over Patterson! Hariston batted 326 with 6 homers and 36 RBI’s in 261 at-bats.
This year they decided to bring two ex-Cubs in Jacque Jones and Darlye Ward. Jones was released twice last year by the Tigers and Marlins. He batted a combined .147/.239/.207 in 134 plate appearances for both clubs. Jones had laser eye surgery and played winter ball. I guess they think he can rebound since he can see the ball. Ward is a decent bat off the bench who had a down year last year. He batted 216/.319/.402 in 119 plate appearances for the Cubs last season. Signing Ward isn’t as bad as thinking Jones has anything left in the tank. The sad thing is there are many better free agents still available. We will see how these moves pay off!
Is Kurt Warner a Hall of Famer?
This was a question I had to hear all the time during the two weeks ESPN had to air something football before the 2009 Super Bowl. I never bothered to really investigate for myself, until now. Here's some of Warner's stats:
4th all time in Passer Rating
5th all time in YPA
40th all time in TDs
79th all time in INT
3rd all time in Adj YD/Pass Attempt
3rd all time in Net YD/Pass Attempt
3rd all time in Passes Completed Per Game
2nd all time in Pass Completion %
38th all time in YRDS
10th all time in Pass Attempt/Game
3rd all time in Pass Completed/Game
4 Pro Bowls and Twice Stating
2 MVPs
3 SB appearance (2 different teams. Rams and Cardinals)
1 SB Win/ MVP
So is he a Hall of Famer? Abso-fucking-lutely! In fact, Kurt Warner is one of the greatest of all time! Besides for the "fantasy stats" in which Favre is #1, Warner beats Favre in essentially all other stats, especially in the important ones like YPA, Comp %, and Passer Rating. Also Warner's 1.60 TD/INT ratio is better than Favre's 1.50. In fact, it is my opinion that Warner is better than Favre. Who the fuck is so retarded to make this debate of whether or not he's in the HOF; He's not even borderline, he should be a fucking lock! Oh right, it's ESPN. Stupid fucking ESPN.
4th all time in Passer Rating
5th all time in YPA
40th all time in TDs
79th all time in INT
3rd all time in Adj YD/Pass Attempt
3rd all time in Net YD/Pass Attempt
3rd all time in Passes Completed Per Game
2nd all time in Pass Completion %
38th all time in YRDS
10th all time in Pass Attempt/Game
3rd all time in Pass Completed/Game
4 Pro Bowls and Twice Stating
2 MVPs
3 SB appearance (2 different teams. Rams and Cardinals)
1 SB Win/ MVP
So is he a Hall of Famer? Abso-fucking-lutely! In fact, Kurt Warner is one of the greatest of all time! Besides for the "fantasy stats" in which Favre is #1, Warner beats Favre in essentially all other stats, especially in the important ones like YPA, Comp %, and Passer Rating. Also Warner's 1.60 TD/INT ratio is better than Favre's 1.50. In fact, it is my opinion that Warner is better than Favre. Who the fuck is so retarded to make this debate of whether or not he's in the HOF; He's not even borderline, he should be a fucking lock! Oh right, it's ESPN. Stupid fucking ESPN.
Why Is Brett Favre Not Considered The Best Ever?
Yes, I realize Brett Favre "retired" which means he's going to come back soon, if not next year and thus skew his stats, but as of right now Brett holds the #1 spot in most statistical categories. Yet, when you ask essentially all sports analysts, they do not put Brett is the best QB of all time. What? If Brett is statistically the best ever, they why is not considered the best ever? If a baseball player had the best BA, OBS, SLG, HR, and (thus) OPS of all time, then he would be considered the best ever (assuming no steroids of course). But why is is not the same in football?
The main reason analysts give is that Brett only went to two Superbowls and only won one. Even though he has three MVPs (only one of two players to do this), his lone Superbowl win hurts his "all-time" ranking. My problem with this reasoning is that the QB is not the only factor in determining Superbowl winning teams. There are such things as a defense and linemen. So while Brett certainly helped his team win playoffs games and regular season games, it's NOT all on him to win Superbowls.
Brett is an extremely mobile quarterback who has the ability to make something out of nothing, the ability to throw the accurate long ball and the accurate short pass. He is an iron man and one of the nicest people you'll ever meet (so I've heard). So let's take a look at his stats, all of them, to see maybe why he's not the best ever.
Favre is first all time in YDS, TD, Games Started, WINS, Pass Attempts, Pass Completions, and of course INT. Being first in YRDS, TD, Pass Completions and Games Started should give a guy the best all time label right there right? I mean, yes we threw a lot on INTS as well, but still being first in all those other stats should give him the best QB ever.
Here's some other stats Brett has done well in. He's 9th all time YDS/Game, 4th all time is Pass Att/Game, 5th all time in playoff games started and 5th all time in Passes Completed/ Game. He has been to 10 pro bowls and three times was the first string. He also has 3 consecutive MVPs, something no one else has.
But it's when you take a look at some more stats that you start to see the entire Brett Favre picture: Favre is 78th all time in YPA, 190th in YDS/Completion, 26th in Net YPA, 17th in Pass Completion Percentage, 23rd in Adj Net YPA, and 20th in Passer Rating. I also remember reading an article on ESPN.com a few years ago saying Brett has just an above average DVOA. He has was also 2nd all time in fumbles lost and 5th all time is SACKS. It's these statistics here that you see Brett was really only a mediocre QB who ended up playing a shit ton of games. And THIS is why Favre eneded up being #1 in all those other statistics.
Now I still have massive respect for Brett Favre and I think he is most certainly top ten if not top five greatest QBs of all time. But I say this despite his Superbowls (or lack thereof).
My main problem I guess is ESPN telling us that Brett is Numero Uno in all these "Major Categories" yet still saying he's not number one of all time. It's like saying a player is the best in standard fantasy leagues therefore he's the best of all time. It also means my analogy in the beginning is a little bit off. What I guess was meant to say was that, "Imagine a baseball player has the best BA, SB, HR, RBI, and R of all time, is he the best ever" That's essentially what ESPN is saying about Brett Favre and it's a false comparison to make and is extremely misleading. And of course not true.
So like many of my articles before, fuck you ESPN and you're reasoning!
The main reason analysts give is that Brett only went to two Superbowls and only won one. Even though he has three MVPs (only one of two players to do this), his lone Superbowl win hurts his "all-time" ranking. My problem with this reasoning is that the QB is not the only factor in determining Superbowl winning teams. There are such things as a defense and linemen. So while Brett certainly helped his team win playoffs games and regular season games, it's NOT all on him to win Superbowls.
Brett is an extremely mobile quarterback who has the ability to make something out of nothing, the ability to throw the accurate long ball and the accurate short pass. He is an iron man and one of the nicest people you'll ever meet (so I've heard). So let's take a look at his stats, all of them, to see maybe why he's not the best ever.
Favre is first all time in YDS, TD, Games Started, WINS, Pass Attempts, Pass Completions, and of course INT. Being first in YRDS, TD, Pass Completions and Games Started should give a guy the best all time label right there right? I mean, yes we threw a lot on INTS as well, but still being first in all those other stats should give him the best QB ever.
Here's some other stats Brett has done well in. He's 9th all time YDS/Game, 4th all time is Pass Att/Game, 5th all time in playoff games started and 5th all time in Passes Completed/ Game. He has been to 10 pro bowls and three times was the first string. He also has 3 consecutive MVPs, something no one else has.
But it's when you take a look at some more stats that you start to see the entire Brett Favre picture: Favre is 78th all time in YPA, 190th in YDS/Completion, 26th in Net YPA, 17th in Pass Completion Percentage, 23rd in Adj Net YPA, and 20th in Passer Rating. I also remember reading an article on ESPN.com a few years ago saying Brett has just an above average DVOA. He has was also 2nd all time in fumbles lost and 5th all time is SACKS. It's these statistics here that you see Brett was really only a mediocre QB who ended up playing a shit ton of games. And THIS is why Favre eneded up being #1 in all those other statistics.
Now I still have massive respect for Brett Favre and I think he is most certainly top ten if not top five greatest QBs of all time. But I say this despite his Superbowls (or lack thereof).
My main problem I guess is ESPN telling us that Brett is Numero Uno in all these "Major Categories" yet still saying he's not number one of all time. It's like saying a player is the best in standard fantasy leagues therefore he's the best of all time. It also means my analogy in the beginning is a little bit off. What I guess was meant to say was that, "Imagine a baseball player has the best BA, SB, HR, RBI, and R of all time, is he the best ever" That's essentially what ESPN is saying about Brett Favre and it's a false comparison to make and is extremely misleading. And of course not true.
So like many of my articles before, fuck you ESPN and you're reasoning!
The Washington Monopoly
EDIT: The Nationals also signed Corey Patterson to a minor league deal.
___________
Is it me, or are the Washington Nationals trying to corner the OF market and gain tons of trade leverage in 2009? They already had a glutton of OFs going into the offseason with Lastings Milledge, Elijah Dukes, Austin Kearns, Willie Harris and Wily Mo Pena.
Then they traded for Josh Willingham, giving them six players for four available positions. The Nationals weren't done yet. They also made a failed run Milton Bradley.
Now, with spring training on the horizon, the Nationals have inked Adam Dunn to a two-year deal. While I'm sure Dunn will probably play first instead of left, minimizing his defensive damage, you have to wonder if the Nationals are just trying to stockpile "bargain players" -- ie, Ray Durham for $500,000 -- at this point in the game to use as trade chips for prospects come midseason.
Then again, maybe this is all just part of the government's bailout plan for the unemployable.
___________
Is it me, or are the Washington Nationals trying to corner the OF market and gain tons of trade leverage in 2009? They already had a glutton of OFs going into the offseason with Lastings Milledge, Elijah Dukes, Austin Kearns, Willie Harris and Wily Mo Pena.
Then they traded for Josh Willingham, giving them six players for four available positions. The Nationals weren't done yet. They also made a failed run Milton Bradley.
Now, with spring training on the horizon, the Nationals have inked Adam Dunn to a two-year deal. While I'm sure Dunn will probably play first instead of left, minimizing his defensive damage, you have to wonder if the Nationals are just trying to stockpile "bargain players" -- ie, Ray Durham for $500,000 -- at this point in the game to use as trade chips for prospects come midseason.
Then again, maybe this is all just part of the government's bailout plan for the unemployable.
Favre is retiring...Seriously this time...Stop laughing
It's official, the melodrama that is the Brett Favre retirement watch is back on. Just when you thought ESPN would give you a 2 week break from football between the super bowl and the combine, Favre decided to ruin it for everyone. Every sports show will now debate whether Favre is serious this time, whether he's gonna back out at the last second, will he go back to the packers, the bears, the lions. Tre Wingo is the happiest person in the world right now.
Honestly speaking, I do think this is the end of the road for 3-time NFl MVP. 3 of the last 4 years have been pretty dismal, with QB ratings in the 70's, excluding the magical 2007 packers team. His consecutive games streak will live on, his legacy in tact, his gunslinger reputation preceding him.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
ESPN Jerks Off A-Rod
Not only is this the name of my fantasy baseball league two/three years ago but I can not turn on any ESPN channel without "extensive" coverage of A-Rod and his steroids scandal. I understand this is absolutely huge news that one of the greatest baseball players ever took steroids but seriously, there's other fucking news going on!? Jesus fucking Christ, I'm sick and tired and hearing every sports journalist saying teh exact fucking thing.
Also, as of now, I'm saying A-Rod is a Hall of Famer. I appreciate his immediate admittance of his usage and think about this: baseball said everyone in like the early 2000's must take a steroid test just to see how widespread steroid usage was. This was supposed to be confidential and just was supposed to be for research purpose only. So why was there a baseball player's name attached to a fucking pee test!? What assholes.
Also, A-Rod, why the FUCK, being as good as you were, feel the need to take 'roids!? You would have been fucking amazing no matter what! You are also an asshole and you let me down.
Albert Pujols, you better be fucking clean you Hispanic asshole!
Also, as of now, I'm saying A-Rod is a Hall of Famer. I appreciate his immediate admittance of his usage and think about this: baseball said everyone in like the early 2000's must take a steroid test just to see how widespread steroid usage was. This was supposed to be confidential and just was supposed to be for research purpose only. So why was there a baseball player's name attached to a fucking pee test!? What assholes.
Also, A-Rod, why the FUCK, being as good as you were, feel the need to take 'roids!? You would have been fucking amazing no matter what! You are also an asshole and you let me down.
Albert Pujols, you better be fucking clean you Hispanic asshole!
I guess we can cancel the baseball season now
Nate Silver of Baseball Prospectus has come out with his win-loss predictions for the upcoming season. Considering he was dead on the money in predicting electoral college votes during the national election, I think we can simply bypass the regular season and jump straight into the division series. Looks like it will be the Braves sweeping the Cubs this year
American League, ranked by projected 2009 record
| East | W | L | RS | RA | AVG | OBP | SLG | ||||
| Boston Red Sox | 98 | 64 | 864 | 684 | .269 | .347 | .433 | ||||
| New York Yankees | 97 | 65 | 838 | 674 | .267 | .341 | .424 | ||||
| Tampa Bay Rays | 92 | 70 | 838 | 715 | .256 | .338 | .421 | ||||
| Toronto Blue Jays | 81 | 81 | 730 | 692 | .254 | .319 | .403 | ||||
| Baltimore Orioles | 76 | 86 | 858 | 898 | .269 | .338 | .435 | ||||
| Central | W | L | RS | RA | AVG | OBP | SLG | ||||
| Cleveland Indians | 84 | 78 | 824 | 819 | .260 | .337 | .423 | ||||
| Minnesota Twins | 79 | 83 | 769 | 802 | .266 | .329 | .397 | ||||
| Detroit Tigers | 78 | 84 | 796 | 844 | .259 | .329 | .425 | ||||
| Kansas City Royals | 75 | 87 | 747 | 813 | .263 | .323 | .407 | ||||
| Chicago White Sox | 74 | 88 | 763 | 839 | .250 | .319 | .419 | ||||
| West | W | L | RS | RA | AVG | OBP | SLG | ||||
| Oakland Athletics | 82 | 80 | 799 | 798 | .251 | .335 | .410 | ||||
| Los Angeles Angels | 79 | 83 | 738 | 758 | .258 | .319 | .403 | ||||
| Texas Rangers | 73 | 89 | 812 | 912 | .263 | .328 | .432 | ||||
| Seattle Mariners | 70 | 92 | 725 | 835 | .260 | .318 | .403 |
National League, ranked by projected 2009 record
| East | W | L | RS | RA | AVG | OBP | SLG | ||||||
| New York Mets | 93 | 69 | 833 | 713 | .264 | .339 | .417 | ||||||
| Atlanta Braves | 88 | 74 | 818 | 742 | .271 | .342 | .416 | ||||||
| Philadelphia Phillies | 88 | 74 | 837 | 756 | .264 | .337 | .431 | ||||||
| Washington Nationals | 77 | 85 | 780 | 808 | .261 | .335 | .410 | ||||||
| Florida Marlins | 74 | 88 | 767 | 819 | .253 | .325 | .423 | ||||||
| Central | W | L | RS | RA | AVG | OBP | SLG | ||||||
| Chicago Cubs | 95 | 67 | 865 | 751 | .271 | .346 | .433 | ||||||
| Milwaukee Brewers | 83 | 79 | 822 | 808 | .260 | .334 | .434 | ||||||
| St. Louis Cardinals | 80 | 82 | 776 | 784 | .257 | .330 | .420 | ||||||
| Cincinnati Reds | 79 | 83 | 779 | 798 | .263 | .329 | .416 | ||||||
| Houston Astros | 66 | 96 | 708 | 851 | .256 | .318 | .404 | ||||||
| Pittsburgh Pirates | 65 | 97 | 719 | 887 | .255 | .321 | .406 | ||||||
| West | W | L | RS | RA | AVG | OBP | SLG | ||||||
| Arizona Diamondbacks | 90 | 72 | 816 | 733 | .261 | .334 | .432 | ||||||
| Los Angeles Dodgers | 84 | 78 | 760 | 741 | .265 | .331 | .397 | ||||||
| San Francisco Giants | 79 | 83 | 703 | 718 | .262 | .319 | .399 | ||||||
| Colorado Rockies | 78 | 84 | 827 | 862 | .266 | .340 | .431 | ||||||
| San Diego Padres | 74 | 88 | 706 | 763 | .251 | .324 | .399 |
Copyright © 1996-2009 Prospectus Entertainment Ventures, LLC.
Clutch Factor (Part 2)
Below is an 8 year analysis of 10 player's "Clutch" rating, courtesy of Fangraphs. I've provided a raw, unadjusted 8 year total, a weighted career total (which adjusts the cumulative total to be proportional to PA/Season) and a postseason Clutch cumulative total to bench mark overall performance.
As should be relatively obvious from the data of these notoriously "clutch" players, the ability to be "clutch" from year to year is highly variable. There seems to be little, if any consistency from one-year to the next. Having looked at much data on Fangraphs, I found that across most player's careers, their cumulative weighted Clutch factor oscillated somewhere around 0 -- this, of course, seems to indicate that as a player's sample size of clutch-situation AB's increases, that player's performance numbers in such situations converges to reflect their average career performance.
However, there were several notable exceptions to this trend, a few of which are documented here.
The big name on the list is A-Rod, who over the course of his career has been incredulously unclutch. Throughout his career, his clutch-situation numbers have been consistently lower than his overall performance numbers. There is a clear statistical trend that seems to point to A-Rod being unable, for whatever reason, to perform well in clutch situations. The reason could be anything from simple sample size to simple psychological factors. Regardless of the cause, a trend does exist; you might even say that booing him has some statistical justification.
On the other end of the spectrum are Beltran, Ortiz and Captain Clutch himself, Derek Jeter. Each of these players have accumulated slightly positive clutch numbers over the course of their careers. Each has arguable statistically earned their label as "clutch players", even if it has been a byproduct of situational luck rather than skill.
Speaking of situational luck vs skill, it would seem that the former is most likely the cause of "clutchiness", as most player's weighted cumulative career clutch numbers fail to translate in the post season. Excluding Ryan Howard, of the remaining 9 players listed here, there is much variability between post season play and career averages. If clutchiness was truly a skill rather than a byproduct of situational luck, you would imagine more consistency between the two figures.
(also, Jermaine Dye -- whose numbers I didn't include is this analysis -- has a cumulative career clutch factor of -8.33, almost as bad as A-Rod!)
As should be relatively obvious from the data of these notoriously "clutch" players, the ability to be "clutch" from year to year is highly variable. There seems to be little, if any consistency from one-year to the next. Having looked at much data on Fangraphs, I found that across most player's careers, their cumulative weighted Clutch factor oscillated somewhere around 0 -- this, of course, seems to indicate that as a player's sample size of clutch-situation AB's increases, that player's performance numbers in such situations converges to reflect their average career performance.
However, there were several notable exceptions to this trend, a few of which are documented here.
The big name on the list is A-Rod, who over the course of his career has been incredulously unclutch. Throughout his career, his clutch-situation numbers have been consistently lower than his overall performance numbers. There is a clear statistical trend that seems to point to A-Rod being unable, for whatever reason, to perform well in clutch situations. The reason could be anything from simple sample size to simple psychological factors. Regardless of the cause, a trend does exist; you might even say that booing him has some statistical justification.
On the other end of the spectrum are Beltran, Ortiz and Captain Clutch himself, Derek Jeter. Each of these players have accumulated slightly positive clutch numbers over the course of their careers. Each has arguable statistically earned their label as "clutch players", even if it has been a byproduct of situational luck rather than skill.
Speaking of situational luck vs skill, it would seem that the former is most likely the cause of "clutchiness", as most player's weighted cumulative career clutch numbers fail to translate in the post season. Excluding Ryan Howard, of the remaining 9 players listed here, there is much variability between post season play and career averages. If clutchiness was truly a skill rather than a byproduct of situational luck, you would imagine more consistency between the two figures.
(also, Jermaine Dye -- whose numbers I didn't include is this analysis -- has a cumulative career clutch factor of -8.33, almost as bad as A-Rod!)
Monday, February 9, 2009
Clutch Factor (Part 1)
God bless Fangraphs.
They have an intriguing statistic called "Clutch", which measures
Statistically speaking, Clutch is calculated by take the net difference between a player's WPA/pLI and their WPA/LI, or, in other words, Clutch calculates the difference between a player's neutral overall Wins Probability Added (WPA) and his luck neutral WPA in leverage situations (such as when runners are in scoring position). While I can't say that future MVPs should be based on this statistic (because a shitty player who only performs well in "clutch" situations will have a high Clutch, while consistent players like Pujols [whos Clutch is almost 0]), it should be at least referenced for relativity in the conversation (ie, was Howard or Pujols more clutch in 2008). At the very least, it should be consulted when asshole sports writers call a player "clutch." It's a pretty good metric of who "choked" last year (Clutch<0), clutch="0),">0).
Let's take a look at which batters were most/least clutch in 2008 and then later take a look some of the notoriously least clutch active hitters in baseball.
Bottom 15 Clutch Batters in 2008
Alex Roidriguez: -3.16
Jermaine Dye: -2.6
Ryan Ludwick: -2.44
Chase Utley: -2.19
Felipe Lopez: -2.09
Adrian Beltre: -1.85
Garrett Atkins: -1.85
James Loney: -1.64
Brian McCann: -1.62
Jim Thome: -1.48
Aubrey Huff: -1.34
Carlos Gomez: -1.33
Lastings Milledge: -1.29
Corey Hart: -1.28
Conor Jackson: -1.27
Top 15 Clutch Batters in 2008
Stephen Drew: 2.09
Lance Berkman: 1.83
Russell Martin: 1.77
Dustin Pedroia: 1.47
Joe Mauer: 1.42
Kelly Johnson: 1.27
Rickie Weeks: 1.25
Xavier Nady: 1.23
Raul Ibanez: 1.14
David DeJesus: 1.14
Manny Ramirez: 1.11
Kosuke Fukudome: 1.11
Carlos Beltran: 1.10
Jeremy Hermida: 1.10
Nate McLouth: 1.09
What is interesting is this data is that the bottom 15 clutch hitters in 2008 diverged more from their overall production than did the top 15 clutch hitters. I was expecting, at the very least, a neutrally skewed variance (but more realistically a slightly positive one).
Secondly, if we were to expand the data to include all 147 major league hitters with at least 400 ABs from last year, about 50 players had positive Clutch numbers, while approximately 75 players had negative ones. Only a grand total of 42 players had clutch numbers that varied by 1% or more in either direction. This seems to indicate to me that as a whole, players generally produced at the same level in clutch situations as they did in non-clutch situations. Most variances seem negligible.
Unsurprisingly, the least clutch player in 2008 was A-Roid (followed by Dye and Ludwick). There are countless articles by countless know-nothing sports journalists who have chronicled A-Roid's inability to "produce when necessary" throughout his career (more on this later).
Suprisingly, however, is Stephen Drew's name at the top of the clutch list. Drew set a career high for himself in RBI's last year, largely bolstered by his ability to hit when it mattered. Though his numbers were unspectacular, he was a large part of Arizona's minimal offense impact in 2008. As expected, we see MVP-nominated names like Manny, Pedroia (who won the AL MVP) and Berkman at the top of the Clutch board.
Guess who was the 16th most "clutch" hitter in 2008? (answer below the break)
Bet you didn't guess Pat Burrell.
Now that that is established, I will take a look at 10 notoriously clutch/not-clutch players (A-Rod, Pujols, Ryan Howard, Carlos Beltran, David Wright, David Ortiz, David Eckstein, Joe Crede, Aramis Ramirez and Derek Jeter) and verify/disprove their legacies in my next post.
(bonus points go out to anyone who actually takes the time to calculate the statistical variance of the 147 hitter's Clutch WPA's against their seasonal WPA's)
They have an intriguing statistic called "Clutch", which measures
"how much better or worse a player does in high leverage situations than he would have done in a context neutral environment....unlike tradition clutch statistics, Clutch is a much more comprehensive statistic taking into account all situations that may or may not have been high leverage. Additionally, instead of comparing a player to the rest of the field, it compares a player to himself. A player who hits .300 in high leverage situations when he’s an overall .300 hitter is not considered Clutch."
Statistically speaking, Clutch is calculated by take the net difference between a player's WPA/pLI and their WPA/LI, or, in other words, Clutch calculates the difference between a player's neutral overall Wins Probability Added (WPA) and his luck neutral WPA in leverage situations (such as when runners are in scoring position). While I can't say that future MVPs should be based on this statistic (because a shitty player who only performs well in "clutch" situations will have a high Clutch, while consistent players like Pujols [whos Clutch is almost 0]), it should be at least referenced for relativity in the conversation (ie, was Howard or Pujols more clutch in 2008). At the very least, it should be consulted when asshole sports writers call a player "clutch." It's a pretty good metric of who "choked" last year (Clutch<0), clutch="0),">0).
Let's take a look at which batters were most/least clutch in 2008 and then later take a look some of the notoriously least clutch active hitters in baseball.
Bottom 15 Clutch Batters in 2008
Alex Roidriguez: -3.16
Jermaine Dye: -2.6
Ryan Ludwick: -2.44
Chase Utley: -2.19
Felipe Lopez: -2.09
Adrian Beltre: -1.85
Garrett Atkins: -1.85
James Loney: -1.64
Brian McCann: -1.62
Jim Thome: -1.48
Aubrey Huff: -1.34
Carlos Gomez: -1.33
Lastings Milledge: -1.29
Corey Hart: -1.28
Conor Jackson: -1.27
Top 15 Clutch Batters in 2008
Stephen Drew: 2.09
Lance Berkman: 1.83
Russell Martin: 1.77
Dustin Pedroia: 1.47
Joe Mauer: 1.42
Kelly Johnson: 1.27
Rickie Weeks: 1.25
Xavier Nady: 1.23
Raul Ibanez: 1.14
David DeJesus: 1.14
Manny Ramirez: 1.11
Kosuke Fukudome: 1.11
Carlos Beltran: 1.10
Jeremy Hermida: 1.10
Nate McLouth: 1.09
What is interesting is this data is that the bottom 15 clutch hitters in 2008 diverged more from their overall production than did the top 15 clutch hitters. I was expecting, at the very least, a neutrally skewed variance (but more realistically a slightly positive one).
Secondly, if we were to expand the data to include all 147 major league hitters with at least 400 ABs from last year, about 50 players had positive Clutch numbers, while approximately 75 players had negative ones. Only a grand total of 42 players had clutch numbers that varied by 1% or more in either direction. This seems to indicate to me that as a whole, players generally produced at the same level in clutch situations as they did in non-clutch situations. Most variances seem negligible.
Unsurprisingly, the least clutch player in 2008 was A-Roid (followed by Dye and Ludwick). There are countless articles by countless know-nothing sports journalists who have chronicled A-Roid's inability to "produce when necessary" throughout his career (more on this later).
Suprisingly, however, is Stephen Drew's name at the top of the clutch list. Drew set a career high for himself in RBI's last year, largely bolstered by his ability to hit when it mattered. Though his numbers were unspectacular, he was a large part of Arizona's minimal offense impact in 2008. As expected, we see MVP-nominated names like Manny, Pedroia (who won the AL MVP) and Berkman at the top of the Clutch board.
Guess who was the 16th most "clutch" hitter in 2008? (answer below the break)
Bet you didn't guess Pat Burrell.
Now that that is established, I will take a look at 10 notoriously clutch/not-clutch players (A-Rod, Pujols, Ryan Howard, Carlos Beltran, David Wright, David Ortiz, David Eckstein, Joe Crede, Aramis Ramirez and Derek Jeter) and verify/disprove their legacies in my next post.
(bonus points go out to anyone who actually takes the time to calculate the statistical variance of the 147 hitter's Clutch WPA's against their seasonal WPA's)
The Rich Hill Trade
I am surprised there hasn’t been more controversy surrounding the Rich Hill trade. Personally I thought it was a terrible trade and shocked I didn’t read more disagreeing on it in the newspapers, blog’s, and on sports talk radio. I understand why Jim Hendry traded Rich Hill. He felt he had to because Rich Hill was out of options. Thus, if Rich Hill did not make the club out of spring training, he would have become a minor league free agent. This means any club could have signed him. Hendry didn’t just want to lose him, so he traded him to his current trading partner, his former boss…... Rich Hill was traded for a Player To Be Named Later. Depending on how he does with the Baltimore Orioles, will depend on the prospect we can choose from. The Orioles are hoping Rich Hill will revert back to his 2007 season and be an anchor in their rotation. If that happens they would have hit the jackpot. I don’t know who were in each pool of candidates the Cubs could pick from for The Player To Be Named Later, but if Rich Hill does go back to his 2007 form, it won’t be enough.
Rich Hill took a long time to develop in the minor leagues. He had control problems for many years, but once he figured it out he was a force. In his first full season as a starter in the major’s he made 32 starts where he went 11-8 with a 3.92 E.R.A pitching 195 innings allowing only 170 hits, 85 earned runs, and 27 homeruns. He only walked 63 batters and hit 12. That’s not too bad for someone who took years to get over his control problem. He did all this while striking out a Chicago Cubs high for the 2007 season in striking out 183 batters’ with his buckling curve ball.
Many people, including myself think Rich Hill’s control problem is mental. I recently read a good article at: http://www.midwestsportsfans.com/2009/01/rich-hill-trade-rumors-baltimore-orioles/ which talks about the Rich Hill trade. One thing it mentions is it does not think Rich Hill’s control problem is mental. They think it is something to do with his mechanic’s. Rich Hill does have nontraditional mechanics to get the grip he needs for his nasty curve ball. Check out the picture’s they show and let me know what you think about this theory.
The Cubs should have kept Rich Hill and see if he could have helped them. His trade value hit rocked bottom, I doubt even if he does well for Baltimore they will get enough in return. So they should have kept him and risked the chance of loosing him for nothing, but the risk could be worth the reward. I guess we will see how he does this season to see if I am right or not.
Rich Hill took a long time to develop in the minor leagues. He had control problems for many years, but once he figured it out he was a force. In his first full season as a starter in the major’s he made 32 starts where he went 11-8 with a 3.92 E.R.A pitching 195 innings allowing only 170 hits, 85 earned runs, and 27 homeruns. He only walked 63 batters and hit 12. That’s not too bad for someone who took years to get over his control problem. He did all this while striking out a Chicago Cubs high for the 2007 season in striking out 183 batters’ with his buckling curve ball.
Many people, including myself think Rich Hill’s control problem is mental. I recently read a good article at: http://www.midwestsportsfans.com/2009/01/rich-hill-trade-rumors-baltimore-orioles/ which talks about the Rich Hill trade. One thing it mentions is it does not think Rich Hill’s control problem is mental. They think it is something to do with his mechanic’s. Rich Hill does have nontraditional mechanics to get the grip he needs for his nasty curve ball. Check out the picture’s they show and let me know what you think about this theory.
The Cubs should have kept Rich Hill and see if he could have helped them. His trade value hit rocked bottom, I doubt even if he does well for Baltimore they will get enough in return. So they should have kept him and risked the chance of loosing him for nothing, but the risk could be worth the reward. I guess we will see how he does this season to see if I am right or not.
A-Roid Admits PED Use
It's official. This morning, Alex Roidriguez admitted his use of Performance Enhancing Drugs to ESPN's Peter Gammons.
Further reinforcing my theory that almost all MLB steroid use is connected to players and trainers from the Oakland A's and Texas Rangers organizations are A-Roid's comments on his PED use:
"When I arrived in Texas in 2001, I felt an enormous amount of pressure, felt all the weight of the world on top of me to perform, and perform at a high level every day...overall, I felt a tremendous pressure to play, and play really well in Texas...[but] all my years in New York have been clean."
Further reinforcing my theory that almost all MLB steroid use is connected to players and trainers from the Oakland A's and Texas Rangers organizations are A-Roid's comments on his PED use:
"When I arrived in Texas in 2001, I felt an enormous amount of pressure, felt all the weight of the world on top of me to perform, and perform at a high level every day...overall, I felt a tremendous pressure to play, and play really well in Texas...[but] all my years in New York have been clean."
Kerry Collins Was In The 2009 Pro Bowl!?
What!? What the fuck!? I am so pissed right now! The alternate to Brett Farve, a player that had no business being in there was replaced by Kerry Collins, who has no business being in the NFL!? (OK, that's an over exaggeration but you get my frustration) How about replace Favre, with I don't know, Philip Rivers! The man who led the NFL in passer rating, YPA, and touchdowns! Rivers had more yards and a better completion percentage than Collins! I'm not even going to bother with Football Outsiders stats! What the FUUUUUUUUCK! Fuck you NFL.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
See David "MVP" Eckstein, I Can Do This Too!
Here's a section from a recent Jayson Stark "Rumblings and Grumbling" ESPN.com article:
We don't use words like "collusion" lightly at times like this, in a world like this.
So somewhere in this column, we're going to search for a different word, a more fitting word, to describe what might be the strangest offseason in modern baseball history.
For the moment, we don't know quite what to call it. But let's just say we're convinced what we've been witnessing hasn't been business as usual.
How far from usual has it all been? Well, we interrupt our national obsession with the continued unemployment of Manny Ramirez for this important announcement:
It isn't just Manny.
He has lots of company. Lots and lots and lots.
• There were five free agents this winter who drove in at least 100 runs last season. Three of those five are still unemployed (Manny, Adam Dunn and Bobby Abreu).
• There were four free agents who scored 90 runs or more. Three of those four are still putting the "free" back in free agency (Manny, Abreu and Orlando Cabrera).
• There were 10 free agents who had batting averages over .295. Four of those 10 still don't have jobs (Manny, Orlando Hudson, Mark Grudzielanek and Abreu). And the job held by one of the other six (Sean Casey) is "broadcaster" -- a field he decided to enter because no team apparently thought a guy who hit .322 could play anymore.
• There were also 10 free agents who had an on-base percentage of .374 or better. Four of those 10 are still looking for work (Manny, Dunn, Ray Durham and Doug Mientkiewicz). And it would be five if we count Casey.
• There were 13 free agents who hit 20 home runs or more. Five of those 13 are still out there (Dunn, Manny, Abreu, Kevin Millar and Jim Edmonds). And a sixth (Ty Wigginton) didn't sign until two days ago.
• Finally, want to talk pitching?
And do we even need to remind you that it's February?
Yet we count 72 players who logged significant time in the big leagues in 2008 who are still out there, wondering where they're going to play -- or whether they're going to play -- in 2009. Yessir. That number was 72.
That number is closer to 90 if you count all big-league free agents.
Amazingly, eight of those players made at least $10 million last season. But now, with a week to go until spring training, none of them has a job.
So how do we explain that, huh?
When we raised this topic with Bud Selig a couple of weeks ago, he spent the next half hour reminding us that this was "the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression" -- and concluded: "I'm stunned if anybody thinks that there's something [like collusion] going on [and] doesn't understand what the economy is doing. I really am.
He isn't the only one. A high-ranking official of one AL team said: "Out of the 30 teams in the sport, 15 are scared to death by this economy. They're scared about ticket sales. They're scared that sponsorships are going to be cutting back. They're just scared."
Meanwhile, one NL club official had a more basic explanation. Essentially, he said, it's the agents' faults.
"Everybody predicted this," he said. "All the predictions said this market would be difficult, and these guys just misread it. They didn't take jobs that were offered, and now those jobs aren't there anymore. They had jobs. They didn't take them."
There's some truth to every one of those assessments.
There's more to this article, but it's REALLY long and if the rest of the article is like the first part then I'm going to have an aneurysm and die
We don't use words like "collusion" lightly at times like this, in a world like this.
But here we go
So somewhere in this column, we're going to search for a different word, a more fitting word, to describe what might be the strangest offseason in modern baseball history.
But my guess is that we’re actually going to talk about free agents and use useless statistics to wonder why these players are still free agents
For the moment, we don't know quite what to call it. But let's just say we're convinced what we've been witnessing hasn't been business as usual.
I don’t know about Jayson Stark, but my guess, I mean as a rational human being who understand baseball a little bit, is that I’m going to call it GM’s just being smart
How far from usual has it all been? Well, we interrupt our national obsession with the continued unemployment of Manny Ramirez for this important announcement:
I mean ESPN’s obsession because the nation just doesn’t give a fuck at this point
It isn't just Manny.
It's just Manny being 36 years old
He has lots of company. Lots and lots and lots.
Or maybe just Adam Dunn and other guys who used to be good or players who I think are good but actually aren'tWant to know how much? Here are some 100-percent factual tidbits that drive home precisely how widespread this free-agent meltdown has been:
Yes these tibits are technically "facts" but there also screwed stats to prove my point
• There were five free agents this winter who drove in at least 100 runs last season. Three of those five are still unemployed (Manny, Adam Dunn and Bobby Abreu).
Yeah, my guess of using useless stats came true!
• There were four free agents who scored 90 runs or more. Three of those four are still putting the "free" back in free agency (Manny, Abreu and Orlando Cabrera).
OMFG, Orlando Cabrera who spent most of the year in the #1 hole was able to score at least 90 runs, sweet! He must be good if he can score at least 90 runs leading off games and being second in the AL last year with 661 ABs!
• There were 10 free agents who had batting averages over .295. Four of those 10 still don't have jobs (Manny, Orlando Hudson, Mark Grudzielanek and Abreu). And the job held by one of the other six (Sean Casey) is "broadcaster" -- a field he decided to enter because no team apparently thought a guy who hit .322 could play anymore.
Yes, more stats that really don't matter! I mean, fuck those things like walks and on base percentage to go along with that .295 BA
• There were also 10 free agents who had an on-base percentage of .374 or better. Four of those 10 are still looking for work (Manny, Dunn, Ray Durham and Doug Mientkiewicz). And it would be five if we count Casey.
OK, now we're getting somewhere. A player with an OBS of .374 is actually worth a look at.
• There were 13 free agents who hit 20 home runs or more. Five of those 13 are still out there (Dunn, Manny, Abreu, Kevin Millar and Jim Edmonds). And a sixth (Ty Wigginton) didn't sign until two days ago.
Yes, 20 HRs is pretty good but let's not look at things like age, defense, and slugging percentage. Not to mention neither Edmonds, Millar, nor Wigginton were on that list of having a .374 OBS or better
• Finally, want to talk pitching?
I guess Jayson StarkFive of the 12 free-agent starting pitchers who won 11 games or more don't have teams (six if you count Mike Mussina). Three of the eight who saved 15 games or more are still out of work. And three of the eight starters who had strikeout rates of better than seven whiffs per nine innings are still team-less.
1) When talking about free agents I'm going to make a specific purpose to mention a guy who retired to make my case look better and 2) I'm going to look at wins and saves, two stats that we "ESPN baseball insiders" like to point out so obviously GMs should too
And do we even need to remind you that it's February?
NOPE! Don't worry Jayson Stark, we can read letters and numbers that is on this new invention called a calendarOr that spring training starts in a week?
But not for everybody
Yet we count 72 players who logged significant time in the big leagues in 2008 who are still out there, wondering where they're going to play -- or whether they're going to play -- in 2009. Yessir. That number was 72.
But really only Adam Dunn and Manny on a short term contract or a long one with little money are TRUELY worth anything
That number is closer to 90 if you count all big-league free agents.
Again, that number is really just two. T-W-O. Ok, you win Jayson Stark, I'll also throw maybe Bobby Abreu in there as well. So three! Not fucking 72 or 90, only fucking 3!And if you count all unemployed free agents (including minor leaguers, players coming back from injuries or Japan, etc.), there are still well over 100 guys out of work. In the first week of February.
Hey, can I be a free agent as well Jayson with a "Y". Can I be free agent 101?
Amazingly, eight of those players made at least $10 million last season. But now, with a week to go until spring training, none of them has a job.
Oh my god, if a player got paid a lot of money he must have performed well, because no one who makes that much money can suck! Like Carl Pavano!
So how do we explain that, huh?
Again, my explanation is that GMs are not like Steve Stone, they're actually smart and rationalWell, depends on whom you ask. Obviously.
It's CLEARLY obvious but I'm going to point it out anyway
When we raised this topic with Bud Selig a couple of weeks ago, he spent the next half hour reminding us that this was "the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression" -- and concluded: "I'm stunned if anybody thinks that there's something [like collusion] going on [and] doesn't understand what the economy is doing. I really am.
And then Bud Selig shat his pants and died. Oh wait, that's just in my dreams
He isn't the only one. A high-ranking official of one AL team said: "Out of the 30 teams in the sport, 15 are scared to death by this economy. They're scared about ticket sales. They're scared that sponsorships are going to be cutting back. They're just scared."
Like the Yankees, they go out and spend 240 million dollars and then ask for money from NYC
Meanwhile, one NL club official had a more basic explanation. Essentially, he said, it's the agents' faults.
Or the players who just aren't good/are old + GM's being retarded on Adam Dunn
"Everybody predicted this," he said. "All the predictions said this market would be difficult, and these guys just misread it. They didn't take jobs that were offered, and now those jobs aren't there anymore. They had jobs. They didn't take them."
There's some truth to every one of those assessments.
Yes, technically everything I said IS true, just not relevantNobody argues that.
But I do want to argue against some of the basis for why you made these true statementsBut is there more going on here than the struggling economy, the fear it's generated and the misjudgments made by individual agents and players?
Or misjudgments made by baseball analysts and those who create media and sports hype. But I'm just guessing
There's more to this article, but it's REALLY long and if the rest of the article is like the first part then I'm going to have an aneurysm and die
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Rookie Salaries
Just how bad do young MLB players get paid? Just ask Angel's OF Reggie Willits, who lived inside of a batting cage with his family for four years.
"The pitching machine, the weight room and the master bedroom are clustered together. "I did put in one wall," Reggie said.To his credit, however, Reggie does own the batting cage free and clear of any mortgage.
When he wants to bat, he pushes aside the sofas to form his personal playing field. He steps inside the net, suspended from the ceiling. If Amber is busy, he hits off a tee.
If she is free, she feeds balls into the pitching machine. Amber stands behind an L-screen, the kind used to protect batting-practice pitchers. Still, line drives sometimes rip through the screen."I know she's taken a few in the helmet," said Mickey Hatcher, the Angels' hitting coach. "But that's part of the game."
Baseball, why do you hate me?
The steroid era that lasted for a solid 2 decades between 1985 and 2005, many of our heroes have been embarrassed and exiled from the game of baseball never to be heard of again. However, in the midst of the books, blood samples, and congressional hearings, we still had a handful of amazing all-time great baseball stars who avoided the steroid urge and rose to the level baseball greatness.
Alex Rodriguez is considered by most as the best baseball player, maybe ever. He was the number one overall selection. He won the batting title his first full year in the bigs, he went 40-40 as a 23 year old, he had 40+ home runs 6 years in a row, including 2 50 homer seasons, while playing the hardest defensive position short stop. He has 2 gold gloves, 14 all-star appearances, 3 MVP's, and made a seamless transition from short to 3rd. He was a pure, natural player that transcends all generations of the game.
This is why it is so disappointing to wake up this morning, look at any media outlet and see the headline that A-fraud tested positive for anabolic steroids as recently as 2003. It's difficult to continually be bashed over the head by someone you love and trust explicitly, but major league baseball keeps doing it again and again.
I'm guessing Albert Pujols is next
Alex Rodriguez is considered by most as the best baseball player, maybe ever. He was the number one overall selection. He won the batting title his first full year in the bigs, he went 40-40 as a 23 year old, he had 40+ home runs 6 years in a row, including 2 50 homer seasons, while playing the hardest defensive position short stop. He has 2 gold gloves, 14 all-star appearances, 3 MVP's, and made a seamless transition from short to 3rd. He was a pure, natural player that transcends all generations of the game.
This is why it is so disappointing to wake up this morning, look at any media outlet and see the headline that A-fraud tested positive for anabolic steroids as recently as 2003. It's difficult to continually be bashed over the head by someone you love and trust explicitly, but major league baseball keeps doing it again and again.
I'm guessing Albert Pujols is next
Cubs looking at Kris Benson
I heard the Cubs are one of a few teams looking at Kris Benson. Kris Benson missed most of the past two seasons with injuries so he is holding a workout to show teams he is healthy and ready to pitch again. The other teams rumored to be attending the work out are the Diamondbacks and Rangers. Benson is 34 years old and last pitched in the majors with the Orioles in 2006 where he went 11-12 with a 4.86 ERA over 30 starts and 183 innings. He has a career ERA of 4.34 with a 68-73 record.
Friday, February 6, 2009
How does Steve Phillips have a job?
Steve Phillips, baseball's worst GM and analyst, is on tonight's Baseball Tonight special. During a roundtable about whether or not the WBC presents a problem for teams who want to protect their investment in players, Phillips said something to the tune of: "We shouldn't be worried about the effects of the WBC on players. Look at the 2006 WBC. Did anyone get hurt? Was anyone affected." He says this "not just as a baseball fan, but as an ex-GM."
Does no one remember Jake Peavy? Following the added workload of the WBC, Peavy's ERA went up by 42%, his walks went up by 25% and his home run rate increased by 28%. He went from being 34% above league average in terms of his ERA to 1% below.
Looking deeper into the stats, we find that Peavy's BABIP was a bit high (.316), which clearly accounted for the 15% increase in hits between 2005 and 2006, while his HR/FB rate remained constant. However, this all happened to coincide with Peavy's 6% decline in groundballs and 8.1% increase in FB's, which led to an increased homerun rate and FIP increased of 21%.
All and all, it seems like Peavy's number were probably affected by some combination of luck and/or fatigue. While Peavy's most of peripherals remained relatively constant, his control was clearly affected by some measure -- and walks tend to be relatively luck neutral. Thus, I am tempted to side with the latter explanation (fatigue).
EDIT: Now the roundtable is talking about the youth movement in baseball. Never one to say something intelligent, Steve Phillips -- again in his opinion as "an ex-GM" -- is advocating drafting High School players over College players, despite all statistical evidence that points otherwise, because you can get "younger players."
Side note -- Phillips was notorious for signing aged veterans -- like Mo Vaugh, Bobby Bonilla and Kenny Rogers -- to expensive contracts during his brief tenure as the Mets GM.
Ay yi yi.
Does no one remember Jake Peavy? Following the added workload of the WBC, Peavy's ERA went up by 42%, his walks went up by 25% and his home run rate increased by 28%. He went from being 34% above league average in terms of his ERA to 1% below.
Looking deeper into the stats, we find that Peavy's BABIP was a bit high (.316), which clearly accounted for the 15% increase in hits between 2005 and 2006, while his HR/FB rate remained constant. However, this all happened to coincide with Peavy's 6% decline in groundballs and 8.1% increase in FB's, which led to an increased homerun rate and FIP increased of 21%.
All and all, it seems like Peavy's number were probably affected by some combination of luck and/or fatigue. While Peavy's most of peripherals remained relatively constant, his control was clearly affected by some measure -- and walks tend to be relatively luck neutral. Thus, I am tempted to side with the latter explanation (fatigue).
************************************
EDIT: Now the roundtable is talking about the youth movement in baseball. Never one to say something intelligent, Steve Phillips -- again in his opinion as "an ex-GM" -- is advocating drafting High School players over College players, despite all statistical evidence that points otherwise, because you can get "younger players."
Side note -- Phillips was notorious for signing aged veterans -- like Mo Vaugh, Bobby Bonilla and Kenny Rogers -- to expensive contracts during his brief tenure as the Mets GM.
Ay yi yi.
Undead Pitching
Remember Corey Lidle, the very average pitcher who tragically died in a plane crash in 2006? Take a look at his Fangraphs profile; Marcel's Seasonal Performance Projection System predicts him to pitch 59 innings of 4.65 ERA baseball.
Spooky.
Spooky.
The second best sports prediction ever
I know that I've quoted this January 2006 Heckler interview with Ryan Dempster at least a hundred times before, but I have yet to quote what I consider the second funniest sports prediction ever made (the first being John Kruk predicting Randy Johnson to win 30 games in 2005).
"The Heckler: A lot of people are pretty down on Dusty. What do you think about that?He sure showed us.
Ryan Dempster: I think he's one of the best guys to have ever managed baseball. I think the reason they are [down on him] is because, number one, he put the blame on himself. I can't honestly remember one time that Dusty has sat there and blamed a player. He always takes the blame himself. He gives us all the positive feedback we can get. Corey [Patterson] had a really tough year and Dusty, all the way down to the end, stood behind him. He sticks behind his players. It hurts to lose for you and your fans, but it also hurts to lose because your manager is such a great guy.
Everyone's going to understand what a great manager he is after this year."
The Cliff Floyd Factor
From the blog of Paul DePodesta, Billy Beane's ex-Assistant GM:
1) The Padres, who play in the NL, do not have a DH spot
2) Cliff Floyd has a -10 UZR/150 rating in the outfield
3) Cliff Floyd has an career OPS below 700 as a Pinch Hitter
Also, on the topic of Cliff Floyd, I am reminded of this "great" article I read last year by Dave Hollander, in which he suggested that Cliff Floyd possessed a unique and immeasurable skill that he dubbed The Cliff Floyd Factor:
We've been talking for a number of weeks internally about the need to add a left-handed bat into the mix, as our bench was looking awfully right-handed. In an ideal world, we wanted to find a guy who could provide three primary skills: 1) the ability to do damage against RHP as either a pinch hitter, DH or occasional starter, 2) the ability to play somewhere other than 1B if need be, and 3) the ability to act as a leader for our younger players. We found a match in Cliff.I wonder DePodesta realizes that:
1) The Padres, who play in the NL, do not have a DH spot
2) Cliff Floyd has a -10 UZR/150 rating in the outfield
3) Cliff Floyd has an career OPS below 700 as a Pinch Hitter
Also, on the topic of Cliff Floyd, I am reminded of this "great" article I read last year by Dave Hollander, in which he suggested that Cliff Floyd possessed a unique and immeasurable skill that he dubbed The Cliff Floyd Factor:
Wherever Cliff Floyd goes, his teams win. Not only do they win, they turnaround. It's as if before Floyd got there not only weren't they winning but his teams appeared to have little idea how to win.My favorite part of that article, however, was Hollander's conclusion about Cliff Floyd's important contribution to the major league baseball:
"Unfortunatley sabermetrics cannot nor can any kind of metrics measure the unmeasurable little things teammates do for each other to make each other better. You can't quantify a well timed joke that eases tension in the clubhouse. Or a look that reassures...These are the human qualities that elude objective statistical analysis. But they're crucial to creating a winning team. In order to win, especially to win a championship, it's not simply about being the best player"Hilarious jokes -- not walks, home runs, doubles, not making outs or good pitching -- are what win World Series titles. The Cubs choked in October because they had no sense of humor (unless you count signing Jason Marquis to a 3 year deal worth just under 30 million).
"Cubs, Absence From World Series Agree To 4-Year Extension"
Shout out to ESPN's Jayson Stark, who pointed out a hilarious, but overlooked article from The Onion a few months a go.
Check it out.
Check it out.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Ben "Mark Prior" Sheets Is Injured (Again)
According to MLB.com, Ben Sheets has a torn flexor tendon. Apparently, Sheets, prior to his Rangers physical, was unaware that his elbow was entirely fucked up -- so fucked up that it is going to require surgery. Meanwhile, the Brewers medical team found no such injury when Sheets was "inspected" back on December 8. So either sometime in the past 60 days, Sheets blew out his elbow not pitching and didn't tell anyone (in which case he's an asshole) or the Brewers knew something was wrong and didn't tell him (in which case the Brewers are a bunch of assholes). Of course, there is also the possibility that the Brewer's medical examiner is Dr. Nick Riviera. Somehow, however, I doubt an $80+ million team would hire shitty doctors to monitor and examine their players.
I have questions and demand answers:
1) If this injury, which is a serious one, was prevalent enough to not only be discovered by the Rangers, but also require surgery, how did the Brewers never catch it? Something here seems fishy.
2) If the Brewers DID know about the injury, why did they offer Sheets arbitration?
3) Should the Brewers be held responsible for paying for Sheet's injury if they were aware of the injury (which often requires expensive surgery to fix) and did not inform Sheets of it?
4) Did the Brewers know about the injury and hide it from Sheets because they knew a healthy Sheets would turn down their offer of arbitration and they wanted an extra first round draft pick?
5) If Sheets knew he was injured, wouldn't he have accepted the Brewers offer of arbitration? You know, so he'd get paid and not have to shell out the surgery money himself?
6) What could Sheets have possibly done to blow out his elbow in the past 60 days?
Something seems fishy here...
I have questions and demand answers:
1) If this injury, which is a serious one, was prevalent enough to not only be discovered by the Rangers, but also require surgery, how did the Brewers never catch it? Something here seems fishy.
2) If the Brewers DID know about the injury, why did they offer Sheets arbitration?
3) Should the Brewers be held responsible for paying for Sheet's injury if they were aware of the injury (which often requires expensive surgery to fix) and did not inform Sheets of it?
4) Did the Brewers know about the injury and hide it from Sheets because they knew a healthy Sheets would turn down their offer of arbitration and they wanted an extra first round draft pick?
5) If Sheets knew he was injured, wouldn't he have accepted the Brewers offer of arbitration? You know, so he'd get paid and not have to shell out the surgery money himself?
6) What could Sheets have possibly done to blow out his elbow in the past 60 days?
Something seems fishy here...
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Barry Rozner Is At It Again
Barry Rozner, the man who called Greg Maddux an afterthought before the release of the Mitchell Report, is at it again. Check out his analysis the Sox's hole at second base for 2009.
There's little doubt that as SoxFest ends and February begins, Brent Lillibridge is the favorite to win the second base job on the South Side.
Yes there is. In fact, there's much doubt that Lillibridge will win the position over the Sox's first round pick from 2008, Gordon Beckman. Ozzie just came out at Sox Fest and said the guy is probably going to have to switch over to second base (from shortstop) because Alexei Ramirez is his SS of the foreseeable future. Beckman, by many insider accounts, is destined to follow in Evan Longoria's footsteps. Far be it from me to endorse Ryan Zimmermaning a player instead of letting him develop and harness his skills in the minors, but that doesn't change the realities of Ozzie Guillen's poor management.
But that doesn't mean the White Sox don't still think a lot of Chris Getz, who figures to be the main competition for Lillibridge.
Him and Gordon Beckham.
However, there is a sleeper in this battle who's been mostly forgotten since Lillibridge arrived from Atlanta in the Javy Vazquez deal,
Gordon Beckham? The guy who 670 AM The Score spent a whole week lobbying Ozzie & Kenny to call up in August?
though it doesn't mean GM Kenny Williams has forgotten Jayson Nix.
...?
The 26-year-old Nix is a former Colorado first rounder whose filthy uniform and solid defense fits the Sox' style like a glove.
With a career line of .260/.325/.415 (in the minors), Nix will perfectly fit in perfectly with the Sox's style of not being good at baseball, circa 2007.
This is a player who was supposedly ruled out of the Olympics in Beijing after he was hit above the eye attempting to bunt a pitch thrown at his head, during a game vs. Cuba.Where most chicken-shit "men" would avoid a baseball thrown at their head, cowardly taking the pitch for a ball, Jayson Nix has the testicles to stare that pitch down, face-to-face, and take a strikeout to the head like a man.
Nix had a 2-inch gash above his left eyebrow, penetrating to his skull, requiring interior and exterior stitching, and microsurgery for multiple lacerations.
Due to the swelling, he was forced to sleep at a 45-degree angle in his bed with eyes bandaged, as doctors monitored the blood massing behind his left eye.
Once pronounced finished for the Games, Nix played eight days after the incident and helped Team USA capture the bronze medal game against Japan.
Jayson Nix is a fucking GRINDER. His ability to recover from injury is only second to Claire Bennett. It doesn't matter that he had only 3 plate appearances in the Olympics. He single handedly earned his bronze medal.
"If it were up to Jayson, he would have been back in three days," said former Cubs trainer John Fierro, who was the Team USA medic in China. "The best way to put it is you wish you had 24 more like him.
"You better kill him if you go after him because he'll be back for more."
Jayson Nix is the Rambo of Second Basemen. It doesn't matter that he was cut from the Rockies for posting a sub-.400 OPS in 2008. Jayson Nix will fucking kill you.
Fierro also saw Nix win the MVP of the World Cup when the U.S. upset Cuba for the gold medal in 2007, on a roster that included Evan Longoria and a couple other monster prospects.
"You can't help but love this kid," Fierro said. "He's a leader, he's tough, and he's respectful. He just wants you to plug him in and let him play.
"He's got a hockey mentality. What else can I say? He's a hockey guy on spikes."
Jayson Nix will fucking kill you. He's a hockey player. You know who else is a hockey player who kills people? Jason Voorhees. Coincidence?
After missing six games with that eye injury, and returning against Japan, Nix went 1-for-4 with a walk and a run. Defensively, he made a play deep in the hole to his right, and turned 2 double plays.
"Guys like him, that kind of grinder, he's the kind of dirty such-and-such you want to see succeed,'' Williams said. "They just want it more than anyone else.
Jayson Nix is 26 and has a career minor league OPS of .740. If that's not the definition of potential, I don't know what is.
Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, on the talented Alexei Ramirez: "When you see this kid play shortstop, you will forget Ozzie Guillen ever played shortstop for the White Sox."
In his 16 year career, Ozzie Guillen posted a .264/.287/.338 slash line (.625 OPS) -- some of the worst offensive numbers in the history of baseball. NOTHING, not even Jose Reyes hitting 100 HRs, will ever make anyone forget how truly terrible he was at baseball.
Ozzie Guillen, on fans' fascination with home runs: "I hope it changes. I wish we could tell the guy in the scoreboard to set the fireworks off when someone hits a triple or moves a runner from second to third."
Let's also celebrate bunting, not dropping routine catches and trying really hard while we're at it.
More SB controversy
As though there hasn't been enough super bowl controversy, here is more evidence that the game was officiated pretty poorly. It appears as though Holmes only got one foot into the end zone. Was this play reviewed? I don't remember, but considering it happened with 30 seconds left in the game, they should have taken a really close look. Maybe that left foot did touch the ground, or maybe it simply looked that way on camera, it's undeniable that the replay officiating was not at championship level.
Random Thoughts
1) Did anyone see the play in the Superbowl where Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison was punching some Cardinal player after a tackle. I mean these weren't whimpy punches but these were fucking hard punches while this Cardinal player was on the ground. Now Wes Welker gets fined $15,000 for making a snow angel after one of his touchdowns and James Harrison is going to get off scott free? What The Hell!? And BTW, the refs didn't even call a penalty on the play if I'm not mistaken.
2) Speaking off touchdown celebrations, after Santonio Holmes' great touchdown catch to essentially end the game, he did a touchdown celebration mimicking LeBron James' warm up celebration pretending the football was talcum powder. This is a flat out violation of the rules. It clearly says you can not use the football as a prop during touchdown celebrations and is a 15 yard penalty for the Cardinals. Now I'm not sure this would have affected the outcome, but at the time you never know. It was not out of the realm of possibility that the Cardinals still could have scored a TD and that 15 yard penalty is a call you have to make with that little time left on the clock.
3) Can we all take a minute in silence to realize how awesome Tennessee Lady Vols basketball coach Pat Summit is? I realize that, yes, it is lady sports, but she's going to get her 1000th win this season. No other coach in the history of college basketball has ever even come close to this mark. Plus she has 8 national championships, EIGHT!? She is just fucking awesome.
4) ESPN, right after the Super Bowl, had a list of top ten plays in Super Bowl history. 10 was Larry Fitzgerald's first TD catch (or maybe second, but who really cares), 3 was James Harrison's 100 pick six, and 1 was Santonio Holmes' TD. Really guys!? OK, I can see the last two being on the list but putting Holmes catch above David Tyree's on helmet catch last year. Don't be fags.
5) This was a question asked on SportsCenter today. "Did Kobe score 61 at Madison Square Garden knowing that LeBron was going to be there two days later?" Don't be fucking retarded SportsCenter, Kobe scored 61 points because he's just a fucking awesome basketball player, he was having an on night, and the Knicks suck. What arena he was at and who playing at that arena soon had nothing to do with his decision numb nuts.
6) I hate John Madden.
7) I like Illinois' basketball team this year.
8) Michael Phelps is 23 fucking years old. God forbid he enjoys his youth and drinks and smokes a little pot. Although it is kind of sketchy that he's in some random frat house in South Carolina...
9) You guys need to lay low a little bit for posting.
10) I did not realize this but in 16 seasons, Manny Rameriz has an OPS of over 1.000. He's like 8th all time in OPS. Fuck Manny is/was fucking awesome. Also, Todd Helton has a career OPS over 1.000 but he plays in Colorado so that doesn't count.
11) I'm in a class where they also use blogger (this site). This site is used for us to talk about current events and every person will have to write and present one speech based on current events. If I had joined this class blog, then Sexy Rexy would have just recently posted about the Roland Burris appointment.
2) Speaking off touchdown celebrations, after Santonio Holmes' great touchdown catch to essentially end the game, he did a touchdown celebration mimicking LeBron James' warm up celebration pretending the football was talcum powder. This is a flat out violation of the rules. It clearly says you can not use the football as a prop during touchdown celebrations and is a 15 yard penalty for the Cardinals. Now I'm not sure this would have affected the outcome, but at the time you never know. It was not out of the realm of possibility that the Cardinals still could have scored a TD and that 15 yard penalty is a call you have to make with that little time left on the clock.
3) Can we all take a minute in silence to realize how awesome Tennessee Lady Vols basketball coach Pat Summit is? I realize that, yes, it is lady sports, but she's going to get her 1000th win this season. No other coach in the history of college basketball has ever even come close to this mark. Plus she has 8 national championships, EIGHT!? She is just fucking awesome.
4) ESPN, right after the Super Bowl, had a list of top ten plays in Super Bowl history. 10 was Larry Fitzgerald's first TD catch (or maybe second, but who really cares), 3 was James Harrison's 100 pick six, and 1 was Santonio Holmes' TD. Really guys!? OK, I can see the last two being on the list but putting Holmes catch above David Tyree's on helmet catch last year. Don't be fags.
5) This was a question asked on SportsCenter today. "Did Kobe score 61 at Madison Square Garden knowing that LeBron was going to be there two days later?" Don't be fucking retarded SportsCenter, Kobe scored 61 points because he's just a fucking awesome basketball player, he was having an on night, and the Knicks suck. What arena he was at and who playing at that arena soon had nothing to do with his decision numb nuts.
6) I hate John Madden.
7) I like Illinois' basketball team this year.
8) Michael Phelps is 23 fucking years old. God forbid he enjoys his youth and drinks and smokes a little pot. Although it is kind of sketchy that he's in some random frat house in South Carolina...
9) You guys need to lay low a little bit for posting.
10) I did not realize this but in 16 seasons, Manny Rameriz has an OPS of over 1.000. He's like 8th all time in OPS. Fuck Manny is/was fucking awesome. Also, Todd Helton has a career OPS over 1.000 but he plays in Colorado so that doesn't count.
11) I'm in a class where they also use blogger (this site). This site is used for us to talk about current events and every person will have to write and present one speech based on current events. If I had joined this class blog, then Sexy Rexy would have just recently posted about the Roland Burris appointment.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
The Yankees Are...Out Of Money???
I was reading the New York Times Online earlier today (yes, I read The Times in addition to baseball stuff) when I came across a mind boggling line from Yankee's GM Brian Cashman in the sports section. At a charity event he recently attended, Cashman fielded various hot topic question that didn't have to do with Torre's book. Naturally, the issue of Manny Ramirez came up:
If you ask me, this is front-page material...especially for New York
doesn't matter that the projected Yankees payroll for 2009 will be lower than that of 2008
Wait...what???? One more time:Cashman took a question about why he was not pursuing (Manny) RamÃrez, and he said that he simply could not afford it after spending so freely during the off-season.
“People expect us to get in on Manny, but it’s not going to happen,” Cashman said. “We’re in the nonroster invitee mode.”
He added, “He’s a great player, but when you look at our payroll, we’re tapped.”
"...when you look at our payroll, we’re tapped.”Holy fucking shit Batman. The Yankees have finally spent so much money that they have no more money left.
If you ask me, this is front-page material...especially for New York
**********************
Question: If the Yankee's payroll -- largely thanks to Giambi making more in 2008 than Tex in 2009 and AJ Burnett's large contract being offset by the departures of Mussina and Abreu -- is projected to be less in 2009 than it was in 2008, how are the Yankees out of money?doesn't matter that the projected Yankees payroll for 2009 will be lower than that of 2008
Super Bowl's biggest, brightest star
She didn't even have to pay the 3 million for her 30 seconds of super bowl fame
Funniest 2 minutes in the history of time
I've never laughed this hard, ever. This kid is either coming home from the doctor's or just watched a certain 30 second clip from the super bowl
Sorry for the porn, here's 10 bucks
Comcast is stepping up and dealing out a $10 coupon to all of it's Arizonian customers for allowing a hacker to hack into their signal and splice in some erotica. I'm sure that will cover the years of therapy those kiddies will need after seeing that.
Let's Calm Down Guys
OK, I think we need an intervention.
February is only 50 hours old, just over two days, and already there's 13 blog posts. Really guys!? Really!? In two days you guys have 13 posts! And none from me! Maybe it's time we take a break from this site and actually focus on things that matter. Like school, work, and LSATs. Maybe we should go out and talk to people for a change. Maybe you guys should go one day without ESPN. OK, maybe that last one is flat out unreasonable, but seriously guys, and this is coming from me, let's cool down on the blog posting. Whaddya say?
I actually need to add 14 blog posts because while I was typing up this blog post, another one was posted.
February is only 50 hours old, just over two days, and already there's 13 blog posts. Really guys!? Really!? In two days you guys have 13 posts! And none from me! Maybe it's time we take a break from this site and actually focus on things that matter. Like school, work, and LSATs. Maybe we should go out and talk to people for a change. Maybe you guys should go one day without ESPN. OK, maybe that last one is flat out unreasonable, but seriously guys, and this is coming from me, let's cool down on the blog posting. Whaddya say?
I actually need to add 14 blog posts because while I was typing up this blog post, another one was posted.
Great Plays In Baseball
This is why Raul Ibanez has a reputation as a poor defender...
List of things Jonny Gomes can't do: hit righties, make consistent contact with baseballs, catch flyballs.
(that's all for now)
Jon H.
Jon Heyman's says the darndest things. Let me quote you this gem-of-an-analysis about the "#2 player" on the market, Bobby Abreu (who, by the way, at the declining age of 35 is not nearly as good of a prospective signing as the in-his-prime-at-the-age-of-29-and-hitting-40-home-runs-a-season Adam Dunn -- especially since they both have comparably terrible defense in the outfield at the corners).
He is one of three players in history with a .400 on-base percentage, 300 steals and 200 home runs (Barry Bonds and Rickey Henderson are the others) and one of three with 100 RBIs in each of the last three years Alex Rodriguez and Albert Pujols are the others),
Bobby Abreu is also at least twice as old as each of those other two players and his three-year peripheral trends clearly show that his offensive and defensive skills are quickly on the decline. But hey, who gives a fuck. Let's give him $48 million over 3 years because he batted behind Johnny Damon and Derek Jeter for the last 3 years.
yet for some reason Raul Ibanez, whose numbers aren't even in Abreu's ballpark, was the more popular pick this winter.
Two bad signings clearly cancel each other out in the name of fiscal fairness. However, it's the next bit of analysis by Heyman that I really love and sparked me to write this mini-rant:
Ibanez signed for $31.5 million over three years with Abreu's former Phillies team, but Abreu would do well to get $20 million for two right now. Ibanez scored points for his deserved rep as a great guy and a clubhouse leader, but Abreu certainly isn't a negative influence in any way. The two perceived knocks on him are minor (that he's interested in stats and fears the wall) and shouldn't preclude anyone from signing him.
So, in other words, Bobby Abreu's two flaws -- which are precluding him from signing a big contract -- are:
1) he doesn't like getting injured (and isn't Aaron Rowand) and
2) he likes to statistically perform well in a game of statistics?
It's not the declining trends in UZR/150, BB/9, HR/AB or even the fact that he's thirty-fucking-five. It's because he hates being injured and focuses his performance on the statically relevant parts of the game. Ughhhhhh.
My brain hurts.
He is one of three players in history with a .400 on-base percentage, 300 steals and 200 home runs (Barry Bonds and Rickey Henderson are the others) and one of three with 100 RBIs in each of the last three years Alex Rodriguez and Albert Pujols are the others),
Bobby Abreu is also at least twice as old as each of those other two players and his three-year peripheral trends clearly show that his offensive and defensive skills are quickly on the decline. But hey, who gives a fuck. Let's give him $48 million over 3 years because he batted behind Johnny Damon and Derek Jeter for the last 3 years.
yet for some reason Raul Ibanez, whose numbers aren't even in Abreu's ballpark, was the more popular pick this winter.
Two bad signings clearly cancel each other out in the name of fiscal fairness. However, it's the next bit of analysis by Heyman that I really love and sparked me to write this mini-rant:
Ibanez signed for $31.5 million over three years with Abreu's former Phillies team, but Abreu would do well to get $20 million for two right now. Ibanez scored points for his deserved rep as a great guy and a clubhouse leader, but Abreu certainly isn't a negative influence in any way. The two perceived knocks on him are minor (that he's interested in stats and fears the wall) and shouldn't preclude anyone from signing him.
So, in other words, Bobby Abreu's two flaws -- which are precluding him from signing a big contract -- are:
1) he doesn't like getting injured (and isn't Aaron Rowand) and
2) he likes to statistically perform well in a game of statistics?
It's not the declining trends in UZR/150, BB/9, HR/AB or even the fact that he's thirty-fucking-five. It's because he hates being injured and focuses his performance on the statically relevant parts of the game. Ughhhhhh.
My brain hurts.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Porn and the Super Bowl, best 1-2 punch ever
Wait, wait, it was male porn. Oh no!
By far the most disturbing story i've ever heard in my life. Some people in Arizona watching the SB on comcast cable were shown 30 seconds of male porn instead of the replay of larry fitzgerald's second touchdown catch. The Arizonians were not pleased, though the funniest response was
"Yeah, well they interrupted my porn movie with 30 seconds of super bowl action. Nothing quite so disgusting as full-frontal football. Yeech. — Rowan D. (RowD1), February 1,2009 @ 8:58PM
Link
By far the most disturbing story i've ever heard in my life. Some people in Arizona watching the SB on comcast cable were shown 30 seconds of male porn instead of the replay of larry fitzgerald's second touchdown catch. The Arizonians were not pleased, though the funniest response was
"Yeah, well they interrupted my porn movie with 30 seconds of super bowl action. Nothing quite so disgusting as full-frontal football. Yeech. — Rowan D. (RowD1), February 1,2009 @ 8:58PM
Link
Bud Selig makes 45 times more money than Barack Obama
The IRS likes to know how much money people earn every year so they can take it away from you and give it to other wealthy people or a useless war, you know stuff like that. Well, apparently MLB commissioner Bud Selig made a cool 18 million last year for his "efforts" as commissioner. For you math geeks, thats 45 times the constitutionally determined 400K the president of the United States is compensated for his or her "efforts". I'm not really sure what Bud Selig does. It's hard to do less then George Walker Bush, but i'm pretty sure Selig has accomplished that feet. He probably signs some papers, lets games end in a tie, and sits dumbfounded as the all-time home run record is surpassed for the first time in 3o years. Oh, he also plays the role of Donald Feir's bitch in front of congress every now and then. I needs to get me a job like that.
This kinda puts forth the issue again of how the players in MLB are compensated the least amount of league revenue than any other sports league. If Selig pockets close to 20 mil, then what are the owners making these days. let's stop complaining about the 20 mil Teixeira will make for playing one of the hardest sports at the highest of level 162+ times a year, and more on Selig and the owners making much more just sitting on their butts all day
Michael Wuertz traded to Oakland
The Cubs traded one of my favorite relief pitchers on the Cubs today in Michael Wuertz. Michael Wuertz was a solid middle reliever who I felt the Cubs never fully valued. He was a slider specialist who was sometimes wild, but effective for his contract. He came up as a Cub and will always be one to me.
The Cubs have an abundance of bullpen guys which I will get more into in the future so they didn’t need him. The bullpen is an area of depth so they felt these prospects were enough in return. They received two prospects in return, Richie Robnett and infielder Justin Sellers from the Oakland Athletics. I have not heard of either of these guys, and they don’t have very good minor league numbers. I guess we will wait and see, but it doesn’t look like we got much in return. Robnett has been added to the Cubs' 40-man roster and will be invited to spring training.
The Cubs have an abundance of bullpen guys which I will get more into in the future so they didn’t need him. The bullpen is an area of depth so they felt these prospects were enough in return. They received two prospects in return, Richie Robnett and infielder Justin Sellers from the Oakland Athletics. I have not heard of either of these guys, and they don’t have very good minor league numbers. I guess we will wait and see, but it doesn’t look like we got much in return. Robnett has been added to the Cubs' 40-man roster and will be invited to spring training.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Rich "Over-The-Hill" Hill
EDIT: It's official. Not only has Rich Hill been traded to the Orioles for "a player to be named later", but Baltimore has officially become the "Graveyard for failed prospects and washed up players from the Cubs organization"
********************************
Sources from Baltimore on MLB Trade Rumors are reporting that the Cubs are extremely close to striking a deal with Orioles for Rich Hill, who is out of options. Thanks to his recent affliction with Steve Blass disease, Hill's value has plummeted from #2 starter status to questionable future. Unfortunate and frustrating as it may be, Hill still possesses tremendous upside -- his K/9 rate has remained consistent and strong, despite his poor performance in both the minor and Venezuela leagues. If he can fix his control problems, which many speculate to be mental, Rich Hill could easily return to form as one of the NL's top hurlers (at 28 years old, Hill is right in his prime). The fact that Hill's pre-2008 major/minor league control rate hovers around 3 tells me that either he was injured or that he made some kind of adjustment last year that simply needs to heal or be unlearned/fixed. FX data from Rich Hill's major/minor league starts indicate that he still has his filthy stuff; he just needs to start hitting the zone consistently again.
This is why I feel selling low on Hill for the infamous "player to be named later" (10 LB of fish?) is a not only a bad idea, but a terrible one. At near zero value -- how many players to be named later have ever excelled? -- Rich Hill can only provide a positive impact value for the Cubs in 2009.
Hell, if he doesn't, just cut him loose mid-season.
As much as I like the Aaron Heilman deal made this week, this fire-sale of out-of-options players by the Cubs is a terrible decision.
********************************
Sources from Baltimore on MLB Trade Rumors are reporting that the Cubs are extremely close to striking a deal with Orioles for Rich Hill, who is out of options. Thanks to his recent affliction with Steve Blass disease, Hill's value has plummeted from #2 starter status to questionable future. Unfortunate and frustrating as it may be, Hill still possesses tremendous upside -- his K/9 rate has remained consistent and strong, despite his poor performance in both the minor and Venezuela leagues. If he can fix his control problems, which many speculate to be mental, Rich Hill could easily return to form as one of the NL's top hurlers (at 28 years old, Hill is right in his prime). The fact that Hill's pre-2008 major/minor league control rate hovers around 3 tells me that either he was injured or that he made some kind of adjustment last year that simply needs to heal or be unlearned/fixed. FX data from Rich Hill's major/minor league starts indicate that he still has his filthy stuff; he just needs to start hitting the zone consistently again.
This is why I feel selling low on Hill for the infamous "player to be named later" (10 LB of fish?) is a not only a bad idea, but a terrible one. At near zero value -- how many players to be named later have ever excelled? -- Rich Hill can only provide a positive impact value for the Cubs in 2009.
Hell, if he doesn't, just cut him loose mid-season.
As much as I like the Aaron Heilman deal made this week, this fire-sale of out-of-options players by the Cubs is a terrible decision.
Kay Yow
Not too many people know who Kay Yow is in the world of sports. She had a relatively quiet career, but had a big impact on women’s college basketball.
She was the head coach of the women's basketball team at North Carolina State University from 1975 to 2009 (until her passing). That is a span of 34 years where she had over 700 wins! She is one of the pioneer’s of women’s college basketball along with the famous Pat Summit who seems to get all the attention. Pat Summit rightfully deserves it over Kay Yow, but Kay Yow left her mark on the game and should be recognized for that. I am not a big women basketball fan and don’t know too much about Kay Yow so I am going to post some links to articles which can tell you more about her and some videos. She should be remembered for her impact on the game! Kay Yow will be missed.
Her amazing Bio: http://www.gopack.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=9200&ATCLID=522025
Her message:http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/28826435/
Her leave of absence when she got sick this year: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/college/basketball/view/2009_01_07_Kay_Yow_to_miss_rest_of_season_at_N_C__State/
The passing: http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/01/24/basketball.coach/
How she said goodbye: http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/sns-ap-bkw-nc-state-yow-funeral,0,2652897.story
She was the head coach of the women's basketball team at North Carolina State University from 1975 to 2009 (until her passing). That is a span of 34 years where she had over 700 wins! She is one of the pioneer’s of women’s college basketball along with the famous Pat Summit who seems to get all the attention. Pat Summit rightfully deserves it over Kay Yow, but Kay Yow left her mark on the game and should be recognized for that. I am not a big women basketball fan and don’t know too much about Kay Yow so I am going to post some links to articles which can tell you more about her and some videos. She should be remembered for her impact on the game! Kay Yow will be missed.
Her amazing Bio: http://www.gopack.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=9200&ATCLID=522025
Her message:http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/28826435/
Her leave of absence when she got sick this year: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/college/basketball/view/2009_01_07_Kay_Yow_to_miss_rest_of_season_at_N_C__State/
The passing: http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/01/24/basketball.coach/
How she said goodbye: http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/sns-ap-bkw-nc-state-yow-funeral,0,2652897.story
My Super bowl predictions
I think the Arizona cardinals will win the super bowl! They have an amazing offense and will outscore the Steelers. I know I am in the minority so lets see if I am right. I think it will be a high scoring game like 35 to 30. I know the Steelers are the better team, but it the Cardinals want it more, they can win!
7 am live blog part 2
Federer escaped 5 break points and seven deuces to hold his serve and proceeded to take Nadal's serve shortly thereafter. After taking set 4, we go to the 5th and final set. There are no tiebreakers in the final set so they will play to the first break.
6 am live blog: Federer vs. Nadal
So i've been up all night watching the Australian Open Final airing on espn2 and espn360.com. Nadal just fought off 6 break points in the 3rd set and ended up winning the set in the tiebreak. He leads 2 sets to 1 but just lost his serve on the first game of the 4th set. Both of these players are superhuman. I'm exhausted just watching the action on television. And Nadal just broke back. Looks like i'm gonna be up for a few more hours...
Baseball's Top Pranks
Over the past few years, I've seen and heard some pretty hilarious baseball tales, such as David Cone's ridiculous libido and propensity for bullpen masturbation. There's also a seemingly endless list of hilarious baseball injuries. In this vein, I present you the eleven funniest baseball pranks (that I know of).
11. Moon Shot
Apparently, it is an annual tradition at the Metronome for former pitching great Bert Blyleven to moon the team during the team photo.
10. R-O-C-C-O
When you're as bad as the Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays were from 1997-2007, you gotta do something to maintain a positive attitude. In 2003, the Rays replaced rookie teammate Rocco Baldelli's jersey with one that said "ROCCO" on the back. Oblivious to this switch, the Rays got the crowd to chant and cheer ROCCO for a full inning. The prank ended when the homeplate umpire burst into tears of laughter during one of Baldelli's at bats, calling for a time out because Baldelli needed to "inspect his uniform."
09. Fishy Foulplay
According to the book Ball Four by Jim Bouton, Orioles pitchers Eddie Watt and Pete Richert once snuck into the visitor bullpen during a game and put four live fish in the Seattle Pilot's water cooler. The bullpen coach was so pissed off that he threatened to protest the game to the commissioner.
08. Rick's A Dick
Cubs pitcher Rick Sutcliffe once sent the team's 8 year old batboy out to home plate to ask the umpire if he had the key to the batter's box.
07. "Fan Appreciation Day"
On the last day of the 1992 season, Joe Carter and the Blue Jays announced that they were "giving away" a car to a lucky ticketholder in honor of fan appreciation day. Too bad that car happened to belong to rookie CF Derek Bell.
06. Will Ohman gets his shit rocked by Ryan Dempster
Prior to the 2005 baseball season, Will Ohman put eyeblack on teammate Ryan Dempster's hat and superglued his clothes in a feeble prank attempt. Dempster responded in kind by removing all four tires from Ohman's car, hiding them around the spring training facility, and placing the tireless car body up on cinder blocks in the middle of the outfield.
05. Don't lend money to Ken Griffey Jr.
Unless you want to get paid back in pennies, one should never lend money to Ken Griffey Jr.
04. "The Great Double-A Potato Swap"
In the summer of 1987, minor leaguer Dave Bresnahan, distraught with his team's awful performance, decided to lighten up the clubhouse mood by secretly replacing the game ball with a potato that he whittled to look like a baseball ball. The result was a bad pitch and potato explosion that looked like a passed ball. The runner on third attempted to advance, only to be tagged out by Besnahan and the real baseball.
03. The curious case of Sidd Finch
How many of you have heard of Mets pitcher Sidd Finch? In 1985, the Mets organization and SI writer George Plimpton pulled the greatest April Fool's joke in the history of sports on Major League Baseball. Plimpton extensively profiled a fictional fireballer by the name of Sidd Finch in the April edition of Sports Illustrated, claiming the New York Mets had signed a prospect whose fastball topped off at 168 MPH. SI even hired a High School teacher to pose for the article as the made-up hurler, while the Mets provided them him an authentic uniform. Following the article's publication, several GM's contacted the commissioner of the league to protest the unfairness of the signing and demanded that he be refused entry into the Major League farm system.
02. Do not cross the Cubs pitching staff
I can't even begin to summarize this prank without losing the article's comical effect.
01. Kyle Kendrick is punked by Brett Meyers
The video speaks for itself. Enjoy!
11. Moon Shot
Apparently, it is an annual tradition at the Metronome for former pitching great Bert Blyleven to moon the team during the team photo.
10. R-O-C-C-O
When you're as bad as the Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays were from 1997-2007, you gotta do something to maintain a positive attitude. In 2003, the Rays replaced rookie teammate Rocco Baldelli's jersey with one that said "ROCCO" on the back. Oblivious to this switch, the Rays got the crowd to chant and cheer ROCCO for a full inning. The prank ended when the homeplate umpire burst into tears of laughter during one of Baldelli's at bats, calling for a time out because Baldelli needed to "inspect his uniform."
09. Fishy Foulplay
According to the book Ball Four by Jim Bouton, Orioles pitchers Eddie Watt and Pete Richert once snuck into the visitor bullpen during a game and put four live fish in the Seattle Pilot's water cooler. The bullpen coach was so pissed off that he threatened to protest the game to the commissioner.
08. Rick's A Dick
Cubs pitcher Rick Sutcliffe once sent the team's 8 year old batboy out to home plate to ask the umpire if he had the key to the batter's box.
07. "Fan Appreciation Day"
On the last day of the 1992 season, Joe Carter and the Blue Jays announced that they were "giving away" a car to a lucky ticketholder in honor of fan appreciation day. Too bad that car happened to belong to rookie CF Derek Bell.
06. Will Ohman gets his shit rocked by Ryan Dempster
Prior to the 2005 baseball season, Will Ohman put eyeblack on teammate Ryan Dempster's hat and superglued his clothes in a feeble prank attempt. Dempster responded in kind by removing all four tires from Ohman's car, hiding them around the spring training facility, and placing the tireless car body up on cinder blocks in the middle of the outfield.
05. Don't lend money to Ken Griffey Jr.
Unless you want to get paid back in pennies, one should never lend money to Ken Griffey Jr.
04. "The Great Double-A Potato Swap"
In the summer of 1987, minor leaguer Dave Bresnahan, distraught with his team's awful performance, decided to lighten up the clubhouse mood by secretly replacing the game ball with a potato that he whittled to look like a baseball ball. The result was a bad pitch and potato explosion that looked like a passed ball. The runner on third attempted to advance, only to be tagged out by Besnahan and the real baseball.
03. The curious case of Sidd Finch
How many of you have heard of Mets pitcher Sidd Finch? In 1985, the Mets organization and SI writer George Plimpton pulled the greatest April Fool's joke in the history of sports on Major League Baseball. Plimpton extensively profiled a fictional fireballer by the name of Sidd Finch in the April edition of Sports Illustrated, claiming the New York Mets had signed a prospect whose fastball topped off at 168 MPH. SI even hired a High School teacher to pose for the article as the made-up hurler, while the Mets provided them him an authentic uniform. Following the article's publication, several GM's contacted the commissioner of the league to protest the unfairness of the signing and demanded that he be refused entry into the Major League farm system.
02. Do not cross the Cubs pitching staff
I can't even begin to summarize this prank without losing the article's comical effect.
01. Kyle Kendrick is punked by Brett Meyers
The video speaks for itself. Enjoy!
Lakers are screwed
No one really cares about a regular season basketball game. One big win or lose isnt going to affect you too much. The cream usually rises to the top and the bottom feeders end up in the lottery. However, the lakers win over the grizz tonight may have ended their season even before the start of the playoffs. Kobe drives to the basket, gets rejected, falls to the ground, destroys andrew bynums knee. Given bynums reaction, i would say he will be very lucky to play again this year. Without the 7-footer the lakers have no chance to win the championship. Bynum was out in last years finals and the celts physically manhandled the undersized lakers. Bynum has established himself as a dwight howard type force. Without him, the lakers will come up short once again. Nice job kobster.
Blackhawks 4 Sharks 2: 27-13-8 62 points
I wanted to give everyone an update on the blackhawks season thus far. After torrid start to the reason, the hawks cooled off quite considerably since the winter classic only going 5-4-1 in the last 10 games. However, with a completely healthy team with the return of kane, keith, and vesteeg the Hawks seem to be playing skilled, enspired hockey. Tonight they were able to defeat the western conference leaders san jose sharks. It was only the sharks second regulation loss at home. Toews scored a pair, while versteeg and keith banged in a short handed and power play goal respectively. Very impressive performance and put the hawks just 7 points behind red wings in the division. Here are the highlights
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