In lieu of MVP's Eckstein's post about sports nicknames, I decided I'd like to post about a similar topic- aptronyms. An aptronym is a name aptly suited to fit the person. For example, Chris Moneymaker is a professional poker player (How fitting is it that a guy has a last name of Moneymaker and his job is solely to make money? You see?). So without further adue, here we go:
-Usain Bolt (sprinter)
-Brian Cashman (Yankees GM)
-Gilbert Arenas (basketball)
-Cecil and Prince Fielder (baseball)
-Eric Gagne (pitcher) (Gagne is french for "to win")
-Derek Jeter (SS) (Jeter is French for "to throw")
-Scott Speed (NASCAR)
-Willie Thrower (QB)
-Josh Outman (pitcher)
Box Score Tonight: April 18
The theme tonight is the shutout as there were 6 of them
- Trevor Cahill has 13 walks, 5 K's in 17.1IP. He's the reverse Cory Patterson, despite having the highest VORP on the A's. Lyle Overbay hits his first walkoff home run, or homerun in general as far as i'm concerned.
- Ian Snell should star in the new movie "2007 again" as he throws 7 shutout innings. Quitely Chipper Jones hasnt played in the last 4 games due to a finger injury. That didnt take long
- Joel Hanrahan has had 2 save opportunities all year. They both came in the past two days. He has blown both. Thanks a lot. Bonifacio is 1 for his last 16. Who called it. Ups to me. Elijah Dukes cant buy a break as some guy named Bernadina started ahead of him. Kearns hits a grand slam
- I dont care about Santana's 83% stranded rate last season, the guy is unstoppable and will continue his greatness this year. 0.46 ERA in 3 starts
- Chieng-Mang Wang has allowed 23 runs, 23 hits in 6IP. That is how you accumulate a -11 VORP and 10 FIP in just 3 games. 14 run 2nd for the Indians as every player got a hit, scored a run, and deflowered a virgin. If Dirty 30 pitches when the Yanks are down 10, who pitches when they are down 18? Don Zimmer
- Cubs/Cards just can't play a normal game. This one ends with an Aramis Ramirez walkoff 2 run bomb in the 11th. According to fangraphs, he has outperformed his contracts by 45 million dollars. Think the Pirates want to redo the Aram, Kenny Lofton, Randall Simon for Bobby Hill trade? Just use the Easy Button
- Anyone who didn't know, Micah Hoffpauir hit 4 homers in a single game in AAA last year and had 100RBI's in 71 games. Maybe find him some at-bats. Just saying.
- Manram and Either go deep twice, TWICE!
- Zona shuts out San Fran 2-0 the day after being shutout 0-2. Lincecum K's 13 in 7IP. 6th time this year a pitcher gets 13 K's, all of which came in loses. Secret to baseball, be Livan Hernandez
- The Dusty Baker's get shutout by Wandy Rodriguez. Arang Harang is not a machine
- Last year Brad Lidge gave up 15 runs, he's already allowed 7 this year. Also blows his first save since about the time Albert Pujols chastised him
- Carlos Quintin hits 6th home run. Does not break wrist punching bat
- Dustin Pedroia does not like his home town, mainly cause they wont let his child molesting brother, molest children. Bill James predicts Adam Eaton will have a sub 5 FIP. Why is he so freakin generous. Not as generous as Marcel giving Cory Lidle 4 wins this year despite being dead.
- Twins score 9 runs with just 2 XBHs. Yesterday, the Yanks scrored 6 runs while hitting 5 home runs. Huh?
- When Zack Greinke isnt suicidal, he's a hell of a pitcher. Complete game shutout biatch, over the powerful Rangers
- So far, the Tigers have gotten the better end of the Edwin Jackson/Matt Joyce trade. Still doesnt make up for getting Willis, then signing him to an extension. Someone put him on the subway diet.
Just How Bad Is Chien-Ming Wang?
How bad are the fucking Yankees? Not only did two pitchers each give up 8 ER in 3 IP, but the Yankees bullpen also gave up another 8 runs throughout the game. Jesus fucking Christ.
Wang's ERA sits at an unfathomably high 34.5. No, that's not a typo. Thirty-four and a half. In 6 IP, Wang has surrendered 23 runs (all earned). He's let in 7 or more runs in each of his starts and only lasted over 1.1 innings once this season. To put this in perspective, Wang surrendered a total of 82 ER in 200 IP in 2007.
So what's wrong with Wang? Screw the "he's coming off an injury" bit, Wang's ratios are down right scary. He's struck out exactly two batters and issued six walks in six innings (.34 K/BB). He's also surrendered two home runs after having given up only 9 in 2007 (200 IP). I know that 6 IP is a small sample size, but this is outing number three for Wang and it's time to start worrying. Either Wang's mechanics are fucked up or he is hiding an injury.
Thankfully, Phil Hughes is still around.
Wang's ERA sits at an unfathomably high 34.5. No, that's not a typo. Thirty-four and a half. In 6 IP, Wang has surrendered 23 runs (all earned). He's let in 7 or more runs in each of his starts and only lasted over 1.1 innings once this season. To put this in perspective, Wang surrendered a total of 82 ER in 200 IP in 2007.
So what's wrong with Wang? Screw the "he's coming off an injury" bit, Wang's ratios are down right scary. He's struck out exactly two batters and issued six walks in six innings (.34 K/BB). He's also surrendered two home runs after having given up only 9 in 2007 (200 IP). I know that 6 IP is a small sample size, but this is outing number three for Wang and it's time to start worrying. Either Wang's mechanics are fucked up or he is hiding an injury.
Thankfully, Phil Hughes is still around.
Sports Nicknames
Walk-'Em Soria
Grant Ball-Four
Blow Job Upton
A-Roid
Pudge Roidriguez
Gary Leftfield
Karlos Marmol
Bunt Lullabridge
Feel free to add some in the comments!
Also, does every team have someone named Carlos on it?
Grant Ball-Four
Blow Job Upton
A-Roid
Pudge Roidriguez
Gary Leftfield
Karlos Marmol
Bunt Lullabridge
Feel free to add some in the comments!
Also, does every team have someone named Carlos on it?
Box Score Tonight: April 17
The theme today will be home runs. Why you may ask? According to fangraphs, runs are up .3 per game, AB/HR is down by 4 and the average home run has traveled 9 feet further than last year. I an here Eckstein yelling sample size, but April is usually the hardest month to hit due to the weather, so one can only expect the run production to increase as the players are adjusting to playing without steroids.
- The Yankees hit 5 solo home runs, with the cluttchiest being Jeter's 8th inning go ahead homer. As noted by ESPN, Joba's swing and miss percentage has fallen from 35% in 2007 down to the mid 20's in 2008 and is so far at a dismal 16% this season. Maybe it's time for him to go back to the bullpen?
- Wild game at Wrigley. Zambrano gives up 7 in 7, along with 3 home runs. Didnt he used to be a sinker ball pitcher? Ludwick hit 2 homers, while soriano hit's the game winner in the 8th.
- Cody Ross ties the game with a 9th inning bomb and the fish win in extras. There is rumor Zimmerman is about to sign an extension worth close to Markakis' 6yr 66million contract. Only difference is that Zim isnt close to the player Markaksi is.
- Phils blow a 7-1 lead to the Padres as WS MVP Cole Hamels continues to struggle
- Pitching duel goes to Paul Maholm and the Pirates over the Braves.
- Somehow Aaron Hill and Marco Scutaro have 4 homers each while alexis rios and matt holliday have none.
- O's blow a 7 run lead despite Markakis grand slam
- Ryan Braun hit his first dinger, while Sheffield hit his 500th career blast. If not for the steroids, he would be a HOFer
- Bartolo Colon was pitching a gem, until Ben Zobrist hits a pinch hit grand slam. Surprisingly, Troy Percival is throwing gas, so i dont expect him to lose the closer job anytime soon.
- Meche shuts out the Rangers offense over 6IP. Royals explode for 19 hits led by 5 from Teahen with a homer.
- Valverde blows a 1-0 lead in the 9th on a Ramon Hernendez 2 run homer in the 9th. Why wasn't he bunting? Cause i'm sure the bunt is the appropriate move there.
- Angles surrender 7 run in the 8th to the Twins leading to a 11-9 win. Jason Kubel hits for the cycle. What up with all the cycles? Hudson -> Kinsler -> Kubel -> ?
- Verlander had 7K through 4IP and then exploded for 5 runs in the 5th. I've given up on him.
- Manram still no homers. Also hats off to Glenson Rusch for making it back to the bigs after a life threatening blood clot in his lungs.
- 1-0 pitching duel as Johnathan Sanchez is outlasting Dan Haren. Both of whom are on Ecksteins fantasy team
Reporter Fail
I tend to swear after doing something stupid, but I have never said that before. Yeesh
The Temperment Of A Wide Out
Wide Receivers in the NFL tend to have a reputation of being loud mouth guys. See: Terrell Owens, Keyshawn Johnson. Many wide outs just seem to "want the ball" and the media makes a big deal whenever receivers are yelling at their QB whenever they're open. But this only seems to happen with wide receivers. TE don't really complain about not catching passes and RB rarely complain about getting carries. So why is it that wide receivers are the only ones complaining?
On average, an offensive gets the ball about 60-70 times a game. On a normal team, RBs will get about 25-30 carries and QB will throw the ball about 30-40 times. This assuming you're not on a team like the Chicago Bears or the the Pittsburgh Steelers where backs can get about 30-40 carries and QBs can get about 20-25 attempts. And out off all those attempts, good QBs only make about 60-65% of their passes. So out of 30+ attempts, only about 19 attempts are caught. And those caught passes are getting distributed to at least four guys. Which means wide receivers actually catch the ball very little. If you're a great WR who gets 100+ catches, you still only catch the ball about 8 times a game. The best receivers only contributes to about 12% of plays. That means, on 88% of plays, wide receivers do not directly contribute the play- and that most likely means the WR has to go down the fields and block for another receiver or for the RB.
All this is assuming above average offensives. The Bears QBs in recent years only made about 50% of their passes and only threw it about 20-30 times a game. That means only about 12 passes are actually caught per game. Distribute that number between abut 4 receivers and a wide out only catches about 4 passes per game. Last year Devin Hester only caught 51 passes- that's only 3.2 catches per game!
So when you think about it, most of the time WRs are throwing blocks or attempting to catch passes instead of actually catching a pass. If you're a stud wide receiver, you're doing very little of what you enjoy doing- and that's catching passes. And because you catch so little passes relative to a team's offense, you seem to have every right to get upset at you're QB if he misses you when you're wide open. Now, you don't need to criticize the QB every chance you get (T.O!) but I do think if you want to be a successful WR in the NFL, you do have to "want to catch the ball on every play" and you do need SOME fire that sports analysts seem to criticize wide outs for. Now you obviously can be a successful receiver without throwing a hissy fit every play (Jerry Rice, Marvin Harrison) but I do think that T.O. sometimes has at least a LITTLE point whenever he gets upset (But obviously tearing teams apart like Dallas and Philly are just unacceptable).
So the next time you see a wide receiver yelling at someone on the sidelines, I want you to step in his shoes for a second before you judge him.
SIDENOTE: Because of all the stats and whatnot I just mentioned about receivers catching the ball so few times per game, in fantasy football, whenever I have a WR/RB position, I always try to fill it with a RB. RB are almost guarantee to get carries and even if the back sucks , the back can still carry the ball a lot to produce good fantasy numbers (One of the best examples of this is during the Indy/Green Bay game last year. Ryan Grant had good fantasy numbers: 105 yards and a TD, but also had 31 carries and a shitty 3.4 YPC). Having the guarantee to hold the ball on many downs can go a long way in fantasy.
On average, an offensive gets the ball about 60-70 times a game. On a normal team, RBs will get about 25-30 carries and QB will throw the ball about 30-40 times. This assuming you're not on a team like the Chicago Bears or the the Pittsburgh Steelers where backs can get about 30-40 carries and QBs can get about 20-25 attempts. And out off all those attempts, good QBs only make about 60-65% of their passes. So out of 30+ attempts, only about 19 attempts are caught. And those caught passes are getting distributed to at least four guys. Which means wide receivers actually catch the ball very little. If you're a great WR who gets 100+ catches, you still only catch the ball about 8 times a game. The best receivers only contributes to about 12% of plays. That means, on 88% of plays, wide receivers do not directly contribute the play- and that most likely means the WR has to go down the fields and block for another receiver or for the RB.
All this is assuming above average offensives. The Bears QBs in recent years only made about 50% of their passes and only threw it about 20-30 times a game. That means only about 12 passes are actually caught per game. Distribute that number between abut 4 receivers and a wide out only catches about 4 passes per game. Last year Devin Hester only caught 51 passes- that's only 3.2 catches per game!
So when you think about it, most of the time WRs are throwing blocks or attempting to catch passes instead of actually catching a pass. If you're a stud wide receiver, you're doing very little of what you enjoy doing- and that's catching passes. And because you catch so little passes relative to a team's offense, you seem to have every right to get upset at you're QB if he misses you when you're wide open. Now, you don't need to criticize the QB every chance you get (T.O!) but I do think if you want to be a successful WR in the NFL, you do have to "want to catch the ball on every play" and you do need SOME fire that sports analysts seem to criticize wide outs for. Now you obviously can be a successful receiver without throwing a hissy fit every play (Jerry Rice, Marvin Harrison) but I do think that T.O. sometimes has at least a LITTLE point whenever he gets upset (But obviously tearing teams apart like Dallas and Philly are just unacceptable).
So the next time you see a wide receiver yelling at someone on the sidelines, I want you to step in his shoes for a second before you judge him.
SIDENOTE: Because of all the stats and whatnot I just mentioned about receivers catching the ball so few times per game, in fantasy football, whenever I have a WR/RB position, I always try to fill it with a RB. RB are almost guarantee to get carries and even if the back sucks , the back can still carry the ball a lot to produce good fantasy numbers (One of the best examples of this is during the Indy/Green Bay game last year. Ryan Grant had good fantasy numbers: 105 yards and a TD, but also had 31 carries and a shitty 3.4 YPC). Having the guarantee to hold the ball on many downs can go a long way in fantasy.
John Madden, The Joe Morgan Of Football
Anyone who has ever watched Monday Night Football or Frank Caliendo's stand-up can tell you just how bad John Madden was at narrating football games. I hate football and know very little about football, and yet even I have the capacity to comprehend this fact.
And yet, quote Roger Goodell:
"He had an incredible talent for explaining the game"
Biggest overstatement ever.
And yet, quote Roger Goodell:
"He had an incredible talent for explaining the game"
Biggest overstatement ever.
Box Score Tonight: April 16
Today's theme will be 'holds'. I have started to notice the hold category for relief pitchers. I have no clue what one must do to not earn a hold. I'm sure whatever it is, Neal Cotts has zero of them. I'm afraid holds will become the new saves, and now we'll start paying guys 10 million a year for 40 'holds' like we do for closers with 40 'saves'. Useless, moronic stats. Wow you pitched a whole inning without losing the game. You deserve a cookie
Some funny pics i came across while googling barry zito
- Emilion Bonifacio has 6 strikeouts the past two games, but the Marlins pitching keeps rolling with Anibel Sanchez
- Russ Ortis doesnt have an ERA below 5.5 since 2004, but somehow he is back in the Majors. It makes sense cause it's the Astros. Tejada, Blum, Pudge...They'll sign Edmunds and Lofton once they realize the Michael Bourne experiment failed hard.
- I've never even heard of half the Yankee's bullpen, explains the 9 run 7th the indians put up behind Sizemore's grand slam. He's dreamy
- Bradley get's ejected in his first at-bat as a Cub. Injured(check) Ejected(check) Suspended(check minus)
- The Cardinals always have a high OBP despite having pretty bad players outside the human cyborg Albert Pujols. I'd praise Tony LaRusa, but he's spent his career coaching roided freaks like Canseco and McGuire, batting the pitcher eighth, and being drunk
- Adam Dunn has an isolated discipline of .200 and an isolated power of .423. Mercy! Washington is 1-7. Break em up
- How is that Danks for McCarthy trade looking now? Danks is a stud lefty, damn you Kenny Williams. Jenks almost blows the save and is clearly not the pitcher he once was.
- Carlos Delgado hits a 3 run homer. He is one of the most overlooked superstars in the game. 162 game average of 38 homers, 38 doubles, 100 runs, 120 RBI, 88 walks and a 138 OPS+. Assuming he hasnt been roiding up the last 10 years, he a definite hall of famer for me.
- Roy Halladay is a pitching machine. Considering he has spent his entire career in the AL central, his greatness is all the more impressive
- Explain this to me, a reliever can get a blown save in any inning, but a save in only the 9th or later? Well that's what happened to Corcoran of the Mariners in the 7th inning. Maybe we should get rid of these retarded pitching stats
- Barry Zito does two things really well. Modeling jeans and losing baseball games.
Some funny pics i came across while googling barry zito
Andre Smith Runs The 40- NSFW
Andre Smith is an Offensive Lineman from the University of Alabama that WAS a projected #1 overall pick. But then all the NFL scouts gouged their eyes out so all the people left in Detroit I guess decided to go with Matthew Stafford
Sha Na Na Na, Hey Hey Hey, GOODBYE
Today is a great today in the world of football! On ESPN, I see on the scroll that:
JOHN MADDEN HAS RETIRED FROM BROADCASTING!!!
FINALLY, while John Madden may have been a great coach (although not THAT great considering he had a shit ton of great Raiders teams and only won ONE Superbowl, but I'll give him his props he was really really good...) and has been immortalized on the best and favorite football video game ever. But his announcing was just god awful. In fact, in our mission statement we say "John Madden is the enemy". He's so bad a strong suggestion for this site was firejohnmadden.com. John Madden was only a good announcer if you were an alien and had absolutely no idea what the game of football was(Although then you'd be confused on who the hell Brett Favre is...). But even guys like MVP Eckstein, who have no knowledge really on football, get upset at Madden's obvious commentary. If the Announcing Trifecta From Hell is like nails on a chalkboard then John Maddon is like a damn drill going directly in your eye. Even Maddon's commentary in his game are annoying as shit. I'm so happy I don't have to hear him anymore!
P.S. Tony Kornheiser on PTI just said that John Madden is the most beloved announcer in sports. And there's a bridge in Brooklyn I'd like to sell you. And Kornheiser just said how smart Madden was! What!? Jesus Christ- this PTI debate is just as dumb as John Madden explaining what a first down is.
JOHN MADDEN HAS RETIRED FROM BROADCASTING!!!
FINALLY, while John Madden may have been a great coach (although not THAT great considering he had a shit ton of great Raiders teams and only won ONE Superbowl, but I'll give him his props he was really really good...) and has been immortalized on the best and favorite football video game ever. But his announcing was just god awful. In fact, in our mission statement we say "John Madden is the enemy". He's so bad a strong suggestion for this site was firejohnmadden.com. John Madden was only a good announcer if you were an alien and had absolutely no idea what the game of football was(Although then you'd be confused on who the hell Brett Favre is...). But even guys like MVP Eckstein, who have no knowledge really on football, get upset at Madden's obvious commentary. If the Announcing Trifecta From Hell is like nails on a chalkboard then John Maddon is like a damn drill going directly in your eye. Even Maddon's commentary in his game are annoying as shit. I'm so happy I don't have to hear him anymore!
P.S. Tony Kornheiser on PTI just said that John Madden is the most beloved announcer in sports. And there's a bridge in Brooklyn I'd like to sell you. And Kornheiser just said how smart Madden was! What!? Jesus Christ- this PTI debate is just as dumb as John Madden explaining what a first down is.
Switch Hitter vs Switch Pitcher
When are the Yankees going to promote this sideshow??
Apparently, baseball invented a new rule because of him. It reads:
- The pitcher must visually indicate to the umpire, batter and runner(s) which way he will begin pitching to the batter. Engaging the rubber with the glove on a particular hand is considered a definitive commitment to which arm he will throw with. The batter will then choose which side of the plate he will bat from.
- The pitcher must throw one pitch to the batter before any “switch” by either player is allowed.
- After one pitch is thrown, the pitcher and batter may each change positions one time per at-bat. For example, if the pitcher changes from right-handed to left-handed and the batter then changes batter’s boxes, each player must remain that way for the duration of that at-bat (unless the offensive team substitutes a pinch hitter, and then each player may again “switch” one time).
- Any switch (by either the pitcher or the batter) must be clearly indicated to the umpire. There will be no warm-up pitches during the change of arms.
- If an injury occurs the pitcher may change arms but not use that arm again during the remainder of the game.
Box Score Tonight: April 15
The San Diego Super Padres run has officially come to and end. Just in time to dedicated today's Box Score Tonight section to the greatest jew to ever live. Ian Kinsler
- Despite his high WHIP and work load in the WBC, it's time we accept the fact the Armando Galarraga is an awesome pitcher. Shuts out the White Sox offense while Cabrera continues to mash the ball over the fence. How long until Cabrera mashes the dinner table and eats himself out of the league? Seriously, he starting to remind me of an oopma loompa.
- Kerry Wood got a save for Indians. NOOOOOOOOOO
- Rich Harden strikes out 8 in 3IP. Still gets rocketed by the Rocks. Derek Lee actually has home run power. Who knew?
- Time Wakefield took a no-hitter into the 8th against the A's. So much for their new and improved offense.
- If not for a weak bullpen, the Cards would be undefeated.
- John Garland allows 12 base runners in 3.2IP while Joel Piniero allows 12 base runners in 5 IP. Hence the Cardinals wins.
- Grant Balfour mysteriously has a 21 ERA after being Marmol like unhittable last season. Yanks pull out a late inning win due to Jeter's cluttchiness
- The Marlins are 7-1. The offense will actually be worse this year than last, but the starting pitching is finally healthy(outside sergio mitre, yeah no one cares) and are dominating the national league
- Mike Hampton decided to finally start earning the 126 mil he stole from Colorado/Atlanta for the Astros. He was a 20 game winner for the Astros back in the day.
- Met's get first win at CitiField behind the arm of Oliver Perez. Don't expect it to continue though.
- The Reds managed one walk today. Yup, sounds like a Dusty Baker team. Mike Cameron goes yard twice.
- Scott Baker and Kevin Slowey are struggling big time this year without Mauer behind the plate. And we have a Michael Barrett sighting as he homers for the Jays.
- Ichiro returns with a grand slam as Jared Washburn is officially resurrected
- Clayton Kershaw with 13K in 7IP and Dodgers win on the walk-off walk.
- It's Ian Kinsler's world and we're just living in it. He hits for the cycle and a half as he adds on an extra single and double for a 6-6 day. He also added 5 runs score, 4 RBI, a stolen base. Move over Sandy Koufax, we have a new Jew in town. He's the Captain Planet of major league baseball.
One Week In, The Stupidity Is In Full Swing
I'm watching Wednesday Night Baseball on ESPN and Joe Morgan just claimed that David Eckstein is one of "the few players you really want hitting in the number two spot."
David Eckstein owns a career wOBA of .321, thanks to his .362 career slugging percentage. There are many better #2 options out there, many of whom (Lofton, Thomas, Edmonds, Durham, etc.) remain unemployed. Did I mention Ray Durham? He plays second base well and hits better than Eckstein (Durham has a .346 career wOBA). Durham also walked 4% more than Eckstein last season/every season.
Where is FireJoeMorgan when you need them?
David Eckstein owns a career wOBA of .321, thanks to his .362 career slugging percentage. There are many better #2 options out there, many of whom (Lofton, Thomas, Edmonds, Durham, etc.) remain unemployed. Did I mention Ray Durham? He plays second base well and hits better than Eckstein (Durham has a .346 career wOBA). Durham also walked 4% more than Eckstein last season/every season.
Where is FireJoeMorgan when you need them?
Where Would You Draft A RB?
With the NFL draft a little over a week away, NFL Live's Tim Hasselbeck says he would never draft a RB in the first round. This reminded me of a conversation The Bright One and I had a while back during the 2008 football season- one in which a good friend of his shared the same exact sentiment. Obviously if you can find a player like Walter Peyton or even Adrian Peterson, you snatch him up as quickly as possible. But if you're a RB behind an AP-like player in the draft, there's not a whole lot of difference between the #2 RB and say the #10 RB. Mainly because RB rely so heavily on their offense line. So I wanted to look at two questions in this post: 1) Should a team ever draft a RB before the 2nd round? and 2) How much of a RBs stats are based off the offensive line and how much is based of a RB's talent?
I'd like to start with the second question first: is stats due to the offensive line or the RB? Last year, according to footballoutsiders.com, the top five rushing O-lines were: Denver, New England, New York Giants, New York Jets, and Washington Redskins. And according to RB stats, the top five RBs were: DeAngelo Williams, Brandon Jacobs, Clinton Portis, Derrick Ward, and Thomas Jones. There's actually not a whole lot of discrepancy here. Both Ward and Jacobs are Giants RB. It's no surprise that the Giants who have 3rd best rushing line was able to produce two players in the top five. Thomas Jones made his first pro bowl last year but he also had the 4th best rushing line in front of him. Portis was the #2 overall back in front of the 5th best rushing line. And as for the best RB last year and who I called the MVP DeAngelo Williams, his rushing O-line was 7th.
Well, you might ask, "how come there is no Patriot or Broncos RB on that list?" Well that's easy, both teams used 4 or more RBs so obviously running stats for one individual player is going to be low. Denver went through at least 8 RBs last year, mainly due to injury, and the Pats just rotated in guys like Sammy Morris (5th in DVOA), Kevin Faulk, LaMont Jordan, and Ben Jarvis Green-Ellis (the latter three had less than 100 carries each so they do not qualify for stats like the other top RBs mentioned do. However, for guys who had less than 100 carries: Faulk is #1, Jordan is #5, and Ellis is #17. And for Denver, because they also didn't really have guys who had significant carries: Peyton Hillis was #3, Michael Pittman was #7 and Tatum Bell was #11)
But let's see if this type of thing also hold true year after year. In 2007 the top RBs were (and their subsequent teams rushing O-line ranking): Brian Westbrook (PHI 4th), LT (SD 24th), Marion Barber (DAL 14th), AP (MIN 15th), Jospeh Addai (IND 5th). In 2006: LT (SD 1st), Brian Westbrook (PHI 3rd), Tiki Barber (NYG 4th), Joseph Addai (IND 5th), Larry Johnson (KC, 17th). In 2005: Larry Johnson (KC 3rd), Sean Alexander (SEA 7th), Edge (IND 1st), Tiki Barber (NYG 10th), Rudi Johnson (CIN 4th). In 2004: Curtis Martin (NYJ 2nd), Corey Dillon (NE 5th), Edge (IND 1st), Priest Holmes (KC 3rd), Sean Alexander (SEA 9th).
As you can see, if a RB is top five the league, it tends to be that his rushing offense line tends to also be top five, if not top 10. Especially if the RB is on teams like the Colts or the Jets, the RB seem to do well because of the offensive line. The one outlier seems to be in 2007. LT, Barber, and AP has exceptional years yet their rushing lines were 14th or lower. But I think these are clearly examples of sometimes a RB is good no matter the O-line. LT is one of the games great players (although his career setting year in '06 is obviously more the O-line than him, but still, I mean the guys just amazing); as mentioned at the top of the article, Peterson could end his career, assuming health, as being on Walter Peyton's level; and Marion Barber's running style will help him get yards no matter the O-line (however this does cause him to be more of an injury risk). But overall, RBs that have great years is mainly due to the line and not necessarily due to the RB's talent.
But this is not a perfect correlation either. Just because a RB is the best does not necessarily mean his rushing offensive line is the best and just because a player plays for the best rushing offensive line, does not mean he will be the best RB. This means that a RBs talent does play a factor into his own stats, but in reality that factor is a lot smaller than the vast majority of people think.
So now onto the second question, should a team ever draft a RB in the 2nd round or lower? Well I think to help answer this question, we can look at fantasy football. I'm going to list the top RBs according to ESPN's fantasy football (yes I realize it's fantasy but if a RB is good in fantasy play, then they actually will be very good in reality play. Fantasy football has a better correlation than baseball does) and then see what round that player was drafted in:
1) Adrian Peterson- 1st
2) Matt Forte- 2nd
3) Michael Turner- 5th
4) Maurice Jones-Drew- 2nd
5) DeAngelo Williams- 1st
6) Chris Johnson- 2nd
7) Steven Jackson- 1st
8) Brian Westbrook- 3rd
9) Frank Gore- 3rd
10) Marion Barber- 4th
11) Steve Slaton- 2nd
12) Clinton Portis- 2nd
13) LaDainain (LT) Tomlinson- 1st
14) Brandon Jacobs- 4th
15) Joseph Addai- 1st
16) Kevin Smith- 3rd
17) Ronnie Brown- 1st
18) Marshawn Lynch- 1st
19) Derrick Ward- 7th
20) Thomas Jones- 7th
Out of the top 20, 7 were drafted in the first round, 5 in the second, 3 in the third, and 5 in rounds 4-7. This may seem like it actually is worth it to take a RB in the first round but 65% of the top 20 were NOT first round picks. AP and LT are players like the ones I mentioned earlier, backs that will be amazing no matter the O-line. The one first rounder that sticks out to me is Joseph Addai. The Colts have had one of the best rushing offensive lines throughout the past five+ years, that they probably could have taken a RB in the later rounds and still have had the production that Addai has had. Forte, K. Smith, Slaton, Jones-Drew and C. Johnson are the younger ones on this list, some of the best on this list, and all were taken in the 2nd or 3rd round. But the one thing on this list that sticks out to me, is that there is not a clump or group of the same round draftees in one place. The #3 RB is a fifth rounder and the #18 RB is a first rounder.
So, now let's go back to the original question: should a team ever draft a RB is the first round? Well, sometimes, but mainly no. It's not necessarily a waste to do so but you can always get value in a later round. But I think something else to consider is health. Yes, you clearly need a good Line, but if you have a player that has shown to get constantly injured or deals with injuries badly (like many "experts" are telling me about Ohio State RB Chris "Beanie" Wells), its probably not the best idea to draft that player in a higher round (you hear that New Orleans?). So if you think there's a handful of backs that are just as good as some projected first rounders, but are injury risks, then it's probably a good thing to take a RB is the first round. And sometimes when you're not good/ too stupid to realize your teams O-line sucks or is just mediocre (Buffalo Bills), it may be a good idea to take a RB in the first round (Marshawn Lynch). But because the line sucks the RB may not achieve top-tier like he could, but he's still worth a first round pick.
But overall, the line still is more important than the RB itself. So if I were a GM, I would concentrate more on the line than the RB. That way, in a future draft, I can draft a RB in the 2nd or 3rd round, not waste a first round pick, and still have a lot of production out of the RB position.
I'd like to start with the second question first: is stats due to the offensive line or the RB? Last year, according to footballoutsiders.com, the top five rushing O-lines were: Denver, New England, New York Giants, New York Jets, and Washington Redskins. And according to RB stats, the top five RBs were: DeAngelo Williams, Brandon Jacobs, Clinton Portis, Derrick Ward, and Thomas Jones. There's actually not a whole lot of discrepancy here. Both Ward and Jacobs are Giants RB. It's no surprise that the Giants who have 3rd best rushing line was able to produce two players in the top five. Thomas Jones made his first pro bowl last year but he also had the 4th best rushing line in front of him. Portis was the #2 overall back in front of the 5th best rushing line. And as for the best RB last year and who I called the MVP DeAngelo Williams, his rushing O-line was 7th.
Well, you might ask, "how come there is no Patriot or Broncos RB on that list?" Well that's easy, both teams used 4 or more RBs so obviously running stats for one individual player is going to be low. Denver went through at least 8 RBs last year, mainly due to injury, and the Pats just rotated in guys like Sammy Morris (5th in DVOA), Kevin Faulk, LaMont Jordan, and Ben Jarvis Green-Ellis (the latter three had less than 100 carries each so they do not qualify for stats like the other top RBs mentioned do. However, for guys who had less than 100 carries: Faulk is #1, Jordan is #5, and Ellis is #17. And for Denver, because they also didn't really have guys who had significant carries: Peyton Hillis was #3, Michael Pittman was #7 and Tatum Bell was #11)
But let's see if this type of thing also hold true year after year. In 2007 the top RBs were (and their subsequent teams rushing O-line ranking): Brian Westbrook (PHI 4th), LT (SD 24th), Marion Barber (DAL 14th), AP (MIN 15th), Jospeh Addai (IND 5th). In 2006: LT (SD 1st), Brian Westbrook (PHI 3rd), Tiki Barber (NYG 4th), Joseph Addai (IND 5th), Larry Johnson (KC, 17th). In 2005: Larry Johnson (KC 3rd), Sean Alexander (SEA 7th), Edge (IND 1st), Tiki Barber (NYG 10th), Rudi Johnson (CIN 4th). In 2004: Curtis Martin (NYJ 2nd), Corey Dillon (NE 5th), Edge (IND 1st), Priest Holmes (KC 3rd), Sean Alexander (SEA 9th).
As you can see, if a RB is top five the league, it tends to be that his rushing offense line tends to also be top five, if not top 10. Especially if the RB is on teams like the Colts or the Jets, the RB seem to do well because of the offensive line. The one outlier seems to be in 2007. LT, Barber, and AP has exceptional years yet their rushing lines were 14th or lower. But I think these are clearly examples of sometimes a RB is good no matter the O-line. LT is one of the games great players (although his career setting year in '06 is obviously more the O-line than him, but still, I mean the guys just amazing); as mentioned at the top of the article, Peterson could end his career, assuming health, as being on Walter Peyton's level; and Marion Barber's running style will help him get yards no matter the O-line (however this does cause him to be more of an injury risk). But overall, RBs that have great years is mainly due to the line and not necessarily due to the RB's talent.
But this is not a perfect correlation either. Just because a RB is the best does not necessarily mean his rushing offensive line is the best and just because a player plays for the best rushing offensive line, does not mean he will be the best RB. This means that a RBs talent does play a factor into his own stats, but in reality that factor is a lot smaller than the vast majority of people think.
So now onto the second question, should a team ever draft a RB in the 2nd round or lower? Well I think to help answer this question, we can look at fantasy football. I'm going to list the top RBs according to ESPN's fantasy football (yes I realize it's fantasy but if a RB is good in fantasy play, then they actually will be very good in reality play. Fantasy football has a better correlation than baseball does) and then see what round that player was drafted in:
1) Adrian Peterson- 1st
2) Matt Forte- 2nd
3) Michael Turner- 5th
4) Maurice Jones-Drew- 2nd
5) DeAngelo Williams- 1st
6) Chris Johnson- 2nd
7) Steven Jackson- 1st
8) Brian Westbrook- 3rd
9) Frank Gore- 3rd
10) Marion Barber- 4th
11) Steve Slaton- 2nd
12) Clinton Portis- 2nd
13) LaDainain (LT) Tomlinson- 1st
14) Brandon Jacobs- 4th
15) Joseph Addai- 1st
16) Kevin Smith- 3rd
17) Ronnie Brown- 1st
18) Marshawn Lynch- 1st
19) Derrick Ward- 7th
20) Thomas Jones- 7th
Out of the top 20, 7 were drafted in the first round, 5 in the second, 3 in the third, and 5 in rounds 4-7. This may seem like it actually is worth it to take a RB in the first round but 65% of the top 20 were NOT first round picks. AP and LT are players like the ones I mentioned earlier, backs that will be amazing no matter the O-line. The one first rounder that sticks out to me is Joseph Addai. The Colts have had one of the best rushing offensive lines throughout the past five+ years, that they probably could have taken a RB in the later rounds and still have had the production that Addai has had. Forte, K. Smith, Slaton, Jones-Drew and C. Johnson are the younger ones on this list, some of the best on this list, and all were taken in the 2nd or 3rd round. But the one thing on this list that sticks out to me, is that there is not a clump or group of the same round draftees in one place. The #3 RB is a fifth rounder and the #18 RB is a first rounder.
So, now let's go back to the original question: should a team ever draft a RB is the first round? Well, sometimes, but mainly no. It's not necessarily a waste to do so but you can always get value in a later round. But I think something else to consider is health. Yes, you clearly need a good Line, but if you have a player that has shown to get constantly injured or deals with injuries badly (like many "experts" are telling me about Ohio State RB Chris "Beanie" Wells), its probably not the best idea to draft that player in a higher round (you hear that New Orleans?). So if you think there's a handful of backs that are just as good as some projected first rounders, but are injury risks, then it's probably a good thing to take a RB is the first round. And sometimes when you're not good/ too stupid to realize your teams O-line sucks or is just mediocre (Buffalo Bills), it may be a good idea to take a RB in the first round (Marshawn Lynch). But because the line sucks the RB may not achieve top-tier like he could, but he's still worth a first round pick.
But overall, the line still is more important than the RB itself. So if I were a GM, I would concentrate more on the line than the RB. That way, in a future draft, I can draft a RB in the 2nd or 3rd round, not waste a first round pick, and still have a lot of production out of the RB position.
It's Scotty Pods, Mercy!
News came across the wire overnight that the White Sox signed Scott Podsednik to a minor league deal. Scotty Pods is becoming the new Roberto Alomar. The affection of Kenny Williams eye, such that he will always have a job, regardless how low the OPB or little outfield range.
This brings up three points:
1) If Williams is looking for an extra centerfielder, with the (un)fortunate injury to Dewayne Wise, why not sign Kenny Lofton instead? I know that he is more expencive, but he is also much better. At the age of 40, he stole bases at a 77% clip.
2) Why do the White Sox hate Brian Anderson? He has the speed and he has gold glove potential, the only thing holding him back is a propencity to strike out. But Joe Crede used to strike out and Alexei ramirez used to strike out and both those players got all the playing time in the world to flourish. The Sox must know something I do not.
3) The Sox called up Jerry Owens to be the backup centerfielder, but knowing the luck of Anderson, Owens will most likely receive the majority of the playing time. If that happens, then there's no order to the universe and Anderson should just go find himself a playmate a drift into the horizon.
Did i mention Podsednik is married to a playmate?
This brings up three points:
1) If Williams is looking for an extra centerfielder, with the (un)fortunate injury to Dewayne Wise, why not sign Kenny Lofton instead? I know that he is more expencive, but he is also much better. At the age of 40, he stole bases at a 77% clip.
2) Why do the White Sox hate Brian Anderson? He has the speed and he has gold glove potential, the only thing holding him back is a propencity to strike out. But Joe Crede used to strike out and Alexei ramirez used to strike out and both those players got all the playing time in the world to flourish. The Sox must know something I do not.
3) The Sox called up Jerry Owens to be the backup centerfielder, but knowing the luck of Anderson, Owens will most likely receive the majority of the playing time. If that happens, then there's no order to the universe and Anderson should just go find himself a playmate a drift into the horizon.
Did i mention Podsednik is married to a playmate?
Box Score Tonight: April 14
The theme will continue to be "break up the padres" up until they finally lose. Seeing as how they did not play today, we will have a substitute theme today in the form of "extra innings".
- Ken Griffey made his illustrious return to the Emerald city 10 years after demanding a trade to Cincinatti, and singled in his first at-bat. He'll be lucky to break the mendoza line if he gets over 400Ab. Some guy named Shane Loux pitched 5 solid inning for the Halos. Looking up his minor league numbers, the guy didnt pitch, at all, from 2003 to 2008. Last year he managed 4K in 16IP. Dude must have had a freakish spring to get a major league start. Get Kevin Costner on the phone, i smell a cheezy sports flick
- Javy Vazquez strikes out 12 with one walk in 6IP and gets the loss. Of course he does. Meanwhile the Marlins rotation seems only second best to the Cardinals as Volstad dominates again.
- AJ Burnett takes a no-hitter into the 7th, a la Ted Lilly, as the Yanks get a win over the Rays behind a homer and double from the clean up hitter, Dirty 30.
- The Brew Crew is 2-6. That will happen when Jeff Suppan is your opening day pitcher. Braun has yet to go deep. And mark my words, Carlos Villanueva will get DFA SOON!
- The O's can simply hit the ball. One of the most balanced lineups in the game that rarely go into slumps. And look at all the white guys. Roberts, Markakis, Huff, Wiggington, Scott, Zaun. Represent!
- The Tribe is 1-7. Can the Cubs get Wood and Derosa back please? Break up the Indians, no sarcasm involved here. The Royals are 5-3 despite hitting .198 as a team
- Romero and Perkins, two lefties, both go 8IP 2ER despite not being able to strike people out. Impressive. The cluttchiest player in baseball, Joe Crede comes up with the game winning hit.
- Chris Carpenter leaves the game after 3IP due to a rib cage strain, while batting. Boy is he unlucky. Both bullpens suck, but the D-backs come out on top.
- Jack Cust, hit, RBI, run, walk, strikeout. Dude is the Robocop of baseball.
Comparing Rose to LeBron Rookie Years
Us Chicago Bulls fans have seen the immense potential of Derrick Rose lead the Bulls from a lackluster start all the way to the 6th spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Although smaller in size than LeBron James, Rose's athleticism and basketball IQ all point to the fact that he will be a superstar for many years to come. But how does Rose's rookie campaign compare to LeBron, as well as other young successful point guards Chris Paul and Deron Williams?
Truth be told, Rose's season compares favorably with each of the NBA superstars listed above. The most impressive part of Rose's game is his shooting percentage. While most rookies shoot in the low 40% range, Rose has a top shooting percentage for guards at 47.5%. Not to say that Rose is a pure shooter, which he definitely is not, but he has the unique ability to finish in the lane over or through centers. His ability to constantly penetrate the defense is possible the most important quality of any point guard, as it breaks down the defense and allows the player to finish or find the open man.
The assist numbers are very comparable among these particular players, except Chris Paul showed a superior ability to distribute with an 8 assist avegare, while the other players sit in the 6 assist range. Rose's greatest weakness was his ability to distribute the ball to the appropriate player, however, the Bulls recent stretch of 15 home wins in 16 games has been partially a product of Rose's ability to run the fast break and pitch the ball out to shooter like Gordon, Salmons, and Hinrich. Still he has yet to record a double digit assist game this season, but i expect his assist totals to jump into the 8 range much like Paul, Willians, and James had.
A second major complaint I have of Rose this season is his low free throw attempt numbers. He is only averaging 3.0 attempts per game. As i had pointed out in a previous post, nearly every NBA superstar is in the top 30 of free throw attempts per game. If he is able to improve in this essential category, Rose's point per game average can sky rocket from 17 to 22 points per game. This would be concurrent with James(+6.3) Paul(+1.2) Willaims(+5.4).
The biggest jump in production for most NBA players comes in the second year in the league, just look at players like Wade, Roy, and Bosh etc...if you need more verification. I'll go as far as predict that next year Rose will be the first Bulls all-star since the Michael Jordan era. I can't say if the supporting cast will be talented enough for the Bulls to compete for a title, but look out 2010.
Did I mention he's still 20?
Truth be told, Rose's season compares favorably with each of the NBA superstars listed above. The most impressive part of Rose's game is his shooting percentage. While most rookies shoot in the low 40% range, Rose has a top shooting percentage for guards at 47.5%. Not to say that Rose is a pure shooter, which he definitely is not, but he has the unique ability to finish in the lane over or through centers. His ability to constantly penetrate the defense is possible the most important quality of any point guard, as it breaks down the defense and allows the player to finish or find the open man.
The assist numbers are very comparable among these particular players, except Chris Paul showed a superior ability to distribute with an 8 assist avegare, while the other players sit in the 6 assist range. Rose's greatest weakness was his ability to distribute the ball to the appropriate player, however, the Bulls recent stretch of 15 home wins in 16 games has been partially a product of Rose's ability to run the fast break and pitch the ball out to shooter like Gordon, Salmons, and Hinrich. Still he has yet to record a double digit assist game this season, but i expect his assist totals to jump into the 8 range much like Paul, Willians, and James had.
A second major complaint I have of Rose this season is his low free throw attempt numbers. He is only averaging 3.0 attempts per game. As i had pointed out in a previous post, nearly every NBA superstar is in the top 30 of free throw attempts per game. If he is able to improve in this essential category, Rose's point per game average can sky rocket from 17 to 22 points per game. This would be concurrent with James(+6.3) Paul(+1.2) Willaims(+5.4).
The biggest jump in production for most NBA players comes in the second year in the league, just look at players like Wade, Roy, and Bosh etc...if you need more verification. I'll go as far as predict that next year Rose will be the first Bulls all-star since the Michael Jordan era. I can't say if the supporting cast will be talented enough for the Bulls to compete for a title, but look out 2010.
Did I mention he's still 20?
Is Javier Vazquez Hall Of Fame Material?
It's an interesting question to ask. On the surface, Javier Vazquez seems like the most unclutch pitcher in the world. His ERA has been below 4.40 only once in the past five seasons and he is notorious for pitching poorly when the game matters most. If Win-Loss records meant anything (which they do not), his five year 63-61 mark would be nothing to talk about.
But that's where all my "criticism" of Javi ends. If you look beneath the situational numbers, you find one of baseball's premier pitchers. Over the past five seasons (1041.1 IP), Javier Vazquez has struck out 939 batters (8.12 K/9) and walked a mere 273 (2.39 BB/9). Even with his high 1.25 HR/9 rate over that five year period, Vasquez still managed to post a FIP just below 4 (3.99), despite playing 4 of those 5 seasons at baseball's most home run friendly parks. If you remove Vasquez's disastrous 2004 campaign from this analysis and we look at the four year period from 2005-2008, we find even more to love about Ozzie's whipping boy.
At HR friendly US Cellular and Chase Field between 2004 and 2008, Javier Vazquez struck out 789, walked 213 and only gave up 112 long balls in 843.1 IP. That's good for a 8.42 K/9, 2.27 BB/9, and remarkable (given the circumstance that Javi is a flyball pitcher at two home run inflating parks) 1.19 HR/9 -- significant improvements on his already great peripherals from the five year analysis. Javi's FIP over this period is a very respectable 3.81.
So if Javi is so great, why were his numbers so terrible over this period of time? The answers are simple.
Vazquez's stint on the Yankees in 2004 was just a down year. Vazquez gave a then career high amount of bombs (33) in a career low amount of innings (198). Vazquez, who had just moved from the NL to the AL that season had to make adjustments and in doing so, his K/9 fell from 9.40 per nine in 2003 to a career low 6.82 per nine in 2004. His walk rate, though not terrible, spiked to a career high 2.73 per nine. Following his down year on the Yankees, Vazquez adjusted and his peripherals returned to normal. His K/9 rose and BB/9 fell to match his career rates and would remain pretty consistent from 2005-2008. However, as Vazquez spent a lot of time in both Chase Field and US Cellular Field, he was still susceptible to the long ball. In 2005, Javier Vazquez topped his home run mark from 2004 with 35 bombs allowed, but did so in 18 extra innings of work. When Vazquez was traded from the Diamondbacks to the White Sox, he not only made the transition from the NL to the AL again (this time, Javi would make the necessary adjustments and his peripherals would remain constant), he moved to one of the worst defensive teams in all of baseball. With the notable exception of Joe Crede, who saw limited playing time due to back injury complications from 2006-2008, and Orlando Cabrera, who only played for the team for one season, the entire White Sox infield and outfield have not only been one of the most below average defensive teams in baseball, but also one of the least efficient at converting balls-in-play into outs. In 2007 and 2008, the White Sox respectively ranked 23rd and 20th in defensive efficiency. If not for Orlando Cabrera last season, the White Sox would have ranked even lower in 2008. Furthermore, in 2006 and 2008, Javier Vazquez's BABIPs were .321 and .328, both career high marks.
Some combination of bad luck, poor defense and home run inflating parks have resulted in a stigma being placed upon Javier Vazquez in both real life and fantasy baseball. His K/9 and BB/9 (and thus K/BB) rates have been top of the league since 2000. In fact, since 2000, the only players who have better control (K/BB) rates than Vazquez are Jake Peavy, Pedro Martinez, Josh Beckett, Randy Johnson and Roger Clemens. Pretty exclusive company.
Currently, 33 year old Javi has 11 seasons and 200 strikeouts to his name. Since 2000, Javi has managed to pitch 200+ innings in every seasons except 2004 (where he tossed 198 innings). If -- and with pitchers, this is a big if -- Vazquez can pitch another five seasons in the big leagues and maintain the same ratios he did last season (at offense inflating US Cellular Field), Vazquez will be able to reach the exclusive 3000 strikeout mark by the age of 38. If -- again, a BIG if -- he can pitch at this rate for ten seasons, he will reasonably be able to reach the 4,000 K plateau, something that only four other pitchers have ever been able to do.
Javier Vazquez may not have a sexy win total or ERA, but his ratios suggest that he's hall of fame material thus far into his career. If he reaches the 3,000 strikeout mark (let alone the 4,000 K mark), Javi should be a lock to get in by the time his career ends. If Vazquez were to pitch until he was 41 and eclipse the 3,000 K mark at age 38, he could easily pass Greg Maddux for 10th place on the all-time strikeouts list. Fuck Wins, Fuck ERA. Sub-poor offensive teams like the 1999-2003 Expos and 2007 White Sox have prevented Vazquez from racking up elite win totals, while poor defensive teams like the 2005 Diamondbacks and 2007-2008 White Sox have inflated his ERA. Javi deserves a spot in Cooperstown so far.
Now that Vazquez has moved from a offense-friendly park in the AL to an offense-neutral park in the NL, his numbers should only improve going as his K/9 increases/maintains and HR/9 declines. Expect big things from Vazquez going forward.
But that's where all my "criticism" of Javi ends. If you look beneath the situational numbers, you find one of baseball's premier pitchers. Over the past five seasons (1041.1 IP), Javier Vazquez has struck out 939 batters (8.12 K/9) and walked a mere 273 (2.39 BB/9). Even with his high 1.25 HR/9 rate over that five year period, Vasquez still managed to post a FIP just below 4 (3.99), despite playing 4 of those 5 seasons at baseball's most home run friendly parks. If you remove Vasquez's disastrous 2004 campaign from this analysis and we look at the four year period from 2005-2008, we find even more to love about Ozzie's whipping boy.
At HR friendly US Cellular and Chase Field between 2004 and 2008, Javier Vazquez struck out 789, walked 213 and only gave up 112 long balls in 843.1 IP. That's good for a 8.42 K/9, 2.27 BB/9, and remarkable (given the circumstance that Javi is a flyball pitcher at two home run inflating parks) 1.19 HR/9 -- significant improvements on his already great peripherals from the five year analysis. Javi's FIP over this period is a very respectable 3.81.
So if Javi is so great, why were his numbers so terrible over this period of time? The answers are simple.
Vazquez's stint on the Yankees in 2004 was just a down year. Vazquez gave a then career high amount of bombs (33) in a career low amount of innings (198). Vazquez, who had just moved from the NL to the AL that season had to make adjustments and in doing so, his K/9 fell from 9.40 per nine in 2003 to a career low 6.82 per nine in 2004. His walk rate, though not terrible, spiked to a career high 2.73 per nine. Following his down year on the Yankees, Vazquez adjusted and his peripherals returned to normal. His K/9 rose and BB/9 fell to match his career rates and would remain pretty consistent from 2005-2008. However, as Vazquez spent a lot of time in both Chase Field and US Cellular Field, he was still susceptible to the long ball. In 2005, Javier Vazquez topped his home run mark from 2004 with 35 bombs allowed, but did so in 18 extra innings of work. When Vazquez was traded from the Diamondbacks to the White Sox, he not only made the transition from the NL to the AL again (this time, Javi would make the necessary adjustments and his peripherals would remain constant), he moved to one of the worst defensive teams in all of baseball. With the notable exception of Joe Crede, who saw limited playing time due to back injury complications from 2006-2008, and Orlando Cabrera, who only played for the team for one season, the entire White Sox infield and outfield have not only been one of the most below average defensive teams in baseball, but also one of the least efficient at converting balls-in-play into outs. In 2007 and 2008, the White Sox respectively ranked 23rd and 20th in defensive efficiency. If not for Orlando Cabrera last season, the White Sox would have ranked even lower in 2008. Furthermore, in 2006 and 2008, Javier Vazquez's BABIPs were .321 and .328, both career high marks.
Some combination of bad luck, poor defense and home run inflating parks have resulted in a stigma being placed upon Javier Vazquez in both real life and fantasy baseball. His K/9 and BB/9 (and thus K/BB) rates have been top of the league since 2000. In fact, since 2000, the only players who have better control (K/BB) rates than Vazquez are Jake Peavy, Pedro Martinez, Josh Beckett, Randy Johnson and Roger Clemens. Pretty exclusive company.
Currently, 33 year old Javi has 11 seasons and 200 strikeouts to his name. Since 2000, Javi has managed to pitch 200+ innings in every seasons except 2004 (where he tossed 198 innings). If -- and with pitchers, this is a big if -- Vazquez can pitch another five seasons in the big leagues and maintain the same ratios he did last season (at offense inflating US Cellular Field), Vazquez will be able to reach the exclusive 3000 strikeout mark by the age of 38. If -- again, a BIG if -- he can pitch at this rate for ten seasons, he will reasonably be able to reach the 4,000 K plateau, something that only four other pitchers have ever been able to do.
Javier Vazquez may not have a sexy win total or ERA, but his ratios suggest that he's hall of fame material thus far into his career. If he reaches the 3,000 strikeout mark (let alone the 4,000 K mark), Javi should be a lock to get in by the time his career ends. If Vazquez were to pitch until he was 41 and eclipse the 3,000 K mark at age 38, he could easily pass Greg Maddux for 10th place on the all-time strikeouts list. Fuck Wins, Fuck ERA. Sub-poor offensive teams like the 1999-2003 Expos and 2007 White Sox have prevented Vazquez from racking up elite win totals, while poor defensive teams like the 2005 Diamondbacks and 2007-2008 White Sox have inflated his ERA. Javi deserves a spot in Cooperstown so far.
Now that Vazquez has moved from a offense-friendly park in the AL to an offense-neutral park in the NL, his numbers should only improve going as his K/9 increases/maintains and HR/9 declines. Expect big things from Vazquez going forward.
Box Score Tonight: April 13
This has gone too far. Someone break up the Padres!!!
- Dye, Konerko both hit home run #300, in the same game, back to back. Hey, it happens every 132 years of baseball. Dewayne Wise hurts his shoulder on a catch, White Sox fans rejoice.
- Pirates pitchers figured out this year it's bad to walk hitters as Zack Duke throws a 4 hit, 2 walk shutout. Former hitting champ Freddy Sanchez hitting .375 with 6 doubles in a contract year. What a koinkidinkie?
- Ted Lilly takes a no-hitter into the 7th inning and the offense has drawn 19 walks the past 2 game, 5 with the bases loaded.
- Phills win after Harry Kalas died in the booth. Cristian Guzman goes 5-5 and we have another Elijah Dukes sighting. Double, homer, 2 RBI
- Orlando Hudson hits the first Cycle by at Dodger at Dodger stadium. Chad Billingsley should be better than he is, like he was today with 11K
- BJ Upton returns to the Rays with a hit, 3 walks, 2SB, 2 runs, and i forget to start him on my fantasy team. Carlos Pena muscled up for a granny and 6RBI. Wang gave up 9 runs in 1IP, again, and Dirty 30 strikes out Gabe Gapler. That should change the percenption of Jews. Nice job representing Gabe
- Mets Citi Field is enormous. I hope nobody just traded for Carlos Beltran. *Caugh* Eckstein *Caugh*. Oh, yeah, break up the padres.
- Edwin Encarnacion hit a grand slam. I'm surprised Dusty didnt have him bunt. Gallardo and Volquez both sucked, but Gallardo a little more. Jason Kendall broke his 0-25 with 2 hits.
- What happens when you mix 2 teams that cant pitch? A 10-9 score.
Andrew Jones, Chris Davis, and Feliz Pie all homer for the first time as the O's win. - Greinke goes 5 shutout with 9K as the Indians are now 1-6. Did anyone realize former Sox great Tony Graffanino is still in the majors, playing over Mark Derosa? That should never happen
- Lind and Snyder are really really good. They might actually add some needed offense to the Jays.
- Former Cub great Todd Wellemeyer continues St. Louis amazing pitching with 7 solid innings. Cards are 6-2 with Ryan Franklin being next in line to get a save for the Cards.
- The Red Sox are quitely 2-5 and Jon Lester is really struggling. Maybe it was too soon to anoit him pitching god after only one good season. Jack Cust - homer(check) walk(check) strike out(check). He's like a machine
Nick Swisher, Pitcher M.D.
In today's Rays v Yankees square off in which the Yankees were pummeled by the Rays 15-5, Nick Swisher, former 1B-turned-CF-returned-1B-turned-pitcher, tossed a scoreless frame for the Bronx Bombers. Swisher walked Upton, struck out Gabe Kaplan and then gave up a single to Willy Aybar before retiring both Carlos Pena and Pat Burrell. Swisher's line for the day was 1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K, 0 R, good for a FIP of 4.2.
Need proof?
Reverse Rick Ankiel?
Need proof?
Reverse Rick Ankiel?
Congratulations, White Sox
This White Sox offense is not a stranger to seeing HR milestones. Last year, White Sox DH Jim Thome hit his 500th HR. The only milestone HR to ever that was also a walk off, game winning homer.
Well today, versus Zach Miner and the Detroit Tigers, both Jermaine Dye and Paul Konerko hit their 300th HR. Both did it in the 2nd inning and were actually back to back home runs. The first time ever two players hit century mark homers in the same game, nevertheless, the first time it happened back to back.
While J.D. has been on a few team in his career (Royals, Athletics), Konerko has been a White Sox for life. And while Konerko (and Dye too) will probably not be in the team next year, as a White Sox fan, I would like to thank you both for all your service in a White Sox uniform and helping the team win a World Series in 2005.
Congratulations guys.
Well today, versus Zach Miner and the Detroit Tigers, both Jermaine Dye and Paul Konerko hit their 300th HR. Both did it in the 2nd inning and were actually back to back home runs. The first time ever two players hit century mark homers in the same game, nevertheless, the first time it happened back to back.
While J.D. has been on a few team in his career (Royals, Athletics), Konerko has been a White Sox for life. And while Konerko (and Dye too) will probably not be in the team next year, as a White Sox fan, I would like to thank you both for all your service in a White Sox uniform and helping the team win a World Series in 2005.
Congratulations guys.
Funneh Pics
It's not really sports related, but here's a look at what made me laugh on the internet today. Don't forget to check out my visual comparison of Miller Park to the Hall of Doom.
Carl Skanberg
One of my favorite Chicago sports commentators is a guy by the name of Carl Skanberg. This guy is fucking hilarious. He mainly writes about the White Sox but obviously makes commentaries about all Chicago sports teams.
I urge you all to go to his blog Smells Like Mascot and if you ever have time to look through his previous series about the 2006 White Sox, The 2007 White Sox, or The 2008 White Sox, and I encourage you to look through his old work as well on the Smells Like Mascot. This guy is just funny as shit and a lot funnier than any of is will ever be. So after you read through all of our obnoxious commentary, go to this guy's blog
ESPNChicago.com is Up and Running
As Cubsfan4evr1 wrote and promised in a previous post, ESPNChicago is here. I'm actually very glad Cubsfan wrote about this because as ESPN, being their normal East Coast Biased bullshit selves, didn't advertise this because Chicago is not on the East Coast. As much as I rant and hate on ESPN I'm addicted and I truly do love the channel. As a die hard Chicago fan, it always upsets me whenever I log into ESPN.com or watch ESPN and there's always lots of coverage devoted to New York, Boston, and L.A. teams, yet Chicago- one of the largest sports markets in the U.S., seems to always get glossed over time and again. I took a brief look around ESPNChicago and it looks exactly like ESPN.com but it's all dedicated to Chicago, which means I know which website I'll be obsessing with after I check/write on this one...
But being their normal ESPN retarded selves, I already have something to complain about. Scoop Jackson writes about why ESPN picked Chicago as the first city to do this with. The answer is that Chicago is one of the greatest cities in America to begin with, but have a shit ton of sports fan who are extremely loyal to their teams. And because we're pissed that ESPN keeps ignoring us and we can only watch Dan Jiggets so so long. But instead, Scoop just goes on and on listing off great players, past and present, and great events in Chicago sports history. Yes, Scoop, we get it. You're trying to pander to us, just get on with it already. But despite my love/hate relationship with ESPN, I think this is a great idea and I hope it lasts and I hope this gets big enough that ESPN will realize that they need to include more Chicago related highlights during their broadcasts
SIDENOTE: Why am I the first one to use "ESPNChicago" as a post label when I'm the second person to write about this website in GOI?
But being their normal ESPN retarded selves, I already have something to complain about. Scoop Jackson writes about why ESPN picked Chicago as the first city to do this with. The answer is that Chicago is one of the greatest cities in America to begin with, but have a shit ton of sports fan who are extremely loyal to their teams. And because we're pissed that ESPN keeps ignoring us and we can only watch Dan Jiggets so so long. But instead, Scoop just goes on and on listing off great players, past and present, and great events in Chicago sports history. Yes, Scoop, we get it. You're trying to pander to us, just get on with it already. But despite my love/hate relationship with ESPN, I think this is a great idea and I hope it lasts and I hope this gets big enough that ESPN will realize that they need to include more Chicago related highlights during their broadcasts
SIDENOTE: Why am I the first one to use "ESPNChicago" as a post label when I'm the second person to write about this website in GOI?
The Frozen Four- An Outsourced Post
When originally creating this site, I asked my brother if he would like to be a commentator. But he wanted to write about dumb sports like Rugby and Cricket so I told him 'no'. But recently the college that he attends, Boston University, won the Frozen Four (obviously the hockey equivalent of March Madness) and since he's just as smart as the four contributors, if not smarter (and obviously much much smarter than Cubsfan4evr1. haha j/k), I of course let him write about his alma mater's great win. And hell, it's not like U of I or DePaul is winning anytime soon anyway. So without further ado, my brother's commentary (with a few of my obnoxious comments mixed within) about BU winning the hockey championship:
Congratulations Boston University: 2009 NCAA Division I Men’s Hockey National Champions
Over this past Saturday night, while the jokers who write for this blog were probably drinking their livers away (HEY!, I did some homework too. Maybe.), Boston University played Miami University for the college hockey championship. BU had been one of top teams in the nation throughout the hockey season, including winning another Beanpot, the Hockey East regular season title and the Hockey East playoffs. Coming into the tournament, BU was ranked number one overall. BU hada narrow victory in the last minutes against the University of New Hampshire in the second round and two squandered leads in the first Frozen Four game against the University of Vermont. Despite this, BU was the clear favorite to win its fifth national hockey title against Miami of Ohio, a school that has never won a national title in any sport. BU senior defenseman Matt Gilroy winning the Hobey Baker Award for top college hockey player the day before only added to the pressure. With a minute remaining in the third period, Miami was beating BU 3 – 1. Having already pulled their goalie, BU went on to score two goals in the last minute of the third period to tie the game. Eventually, BU won it all in overtime. Miami of Ohio was winning 3 to 1 with a minute left and they end up losing. I do not keep track of hockey statistics, but that has to be one of the most improbable comebacks ever. Frankly, the way the RedHawk’s neutral zone defense had been stifling the speed-based offense of BU all night makes the comeback all the more improbable. Anyways, for those who actually watched the game, it was a high quality hockey game with the best sports endings a fan could hope to witness.
Now, I know what you’re thinking right now: “I don’t like professional hockey during the best of times, so why the hell should I care about two random teams and college hockey.” Frankly, you shouldn’t (Nice Audience Adaptation here buddy...). But hear me out as to why I care. I go to BU. We don’t have a football team. Our basketball team has talent, but it’s in the America East conference. This year, Binghamton won the America East men’s basketball tournament and promptly lost to Duke as a 15 seed. You see, my school doesn’t have a big time Big Ten football program. Our basketball program doesn’t make the tournament every year. The one sport BU is good at is hockey. And when that one team wins a national championship in anything, that’s a big moment. I haven’t followed hockey at any level since I was 10, but even I plan on indulging in this moment. And frankly, that’s what I think sports should be all about anyways. It’s escapism, pure and simple, and nothing creates pure joy like seeing your favorite team win a championship. I’m not much of a fan of BU hockey, but this is one of the few moments during my time here at BU where I actually want to be associated with Terriers athletics. And when was the last time the University of Illinois won a sports championship (Hey asshole, at least our team made a real sport tourney and played in a sport that people cared about! haha).
If you would like to read more about the game that of course ESPN neglected to report on besides a few scrolls on the bottom of a screen, you can read about the article here and see video highlights here
Miami of Ohio's top sports alum: Ben Roethlisberger
BU's top sports alum: Mike Eruzione
Sidenotes: This is a tangent. Feel free to not read this. One, I never realized how annoying the announcing style in hockey really is. Next time you watch you watch a hockey game, look out for this. The announcer talks in a normal voice for most of game, then switches to a high shrill anytime the puck ends up remotely close to the net. Announcers in other sports get excited anytime a big play happens, but they’re not as shrill about it as hockey announcers. I don’t get it. Also, throughout ESPN’s coverage of the Frozen Four, ESPN kept referring to BU’s coach as Jackie Parker. His name is Jack, not Jackie. He’s not a boyhood pal. He’s not a mobster. I found it really annoying and disrespectful. He goes by Jack, not Jackie. ESPN and BU hockey are not the close friends that ESPN and the New York Yankees are. Get it right.
Congratulations Boston University: 2009 NCAA Division I Men’s Hockey National Champions
Over this past Saturday night, while the jokers who write for this blog were probably drinking their livers away (HEY!, I did some homework too. Maybe.), Boston University played Miami University for the college hockey championship. BU had been one of top teams in the nation throughout the hockey season, including winning another Beanpot, the Hockey East regular season title and the Hockey East playoffs. Coming into the tournament, BU was ranked number one overall. BU hada narrow victory in the last minutes against the University of New Hampshire in the second round and two squandered leads in the first Frozen Four game against the University of Vermont. Despite this, BU was the clear favorite to win its fifth national hockey title against Miami of Ohio, a school that has never won a national title in any sport. BU senior defenseman Matt Gilroy winning the Hobey Baker Award for top college hockey player the day before only added to the pressure. With a minute remaining in the third period, Miami was beating BU 3 – 1. Having already pulled their goalie, BU went on to score two goals in the last minute of the third period to tie the game. Eventually, BU won it all in overtime. Miami of Ohio was winning 3 to 1 with a minute left and they end up losing. I do not keep track of hockey statistics, but that has to be one of the most improbable comebacks ever. Frankly, the way the RedHawk’s neutral zone defense had been stifling the speed-based offense of BU all night makes the comeback all the more improbable. Anyways, for those who actually watched the game, it was a high quality hockey game with the best sports endings a fan could hope to witness.
Now, I know what you’re thinking right now: “I don’t like professional hockey during the best of times, so why the hell should I care about two random teams and college hockey.” Frankly, you shouldn’t (Nice Audience Adaptation here buddy...). But hear me out as to why I care. I go to BU. We don’t have a football team. Our basketball team has talent, but it’s in the America East conference. This year, Binghamton won the America East men’s basketball tournament and promptly lost to Duke as a 15 seed. You see, my school doesn’t have a big time Big Ten football program. Our basketball program doesn’t make the tournament every year. The one sport BU is good at is hockey. And when that one team wins a national championship in anything, that’s a big moment. I haven’t followed hockey at any level since I was 10, but even I plan on indulging in this moment. And frankly, that’s what I think sports should be all about anyways. It’s escapism, pure and simple, and nothing creates pure joy like seeing your favorite team win a championship. I’m not much of a fan of BU hockey, but this is one of the few moments during my time here at BU where I actually want to be associated with Terriers athletics. And when was the last time the University of Illinois won a sports championship (Hey asshole, at least our team made a real sport tourney and played in a sport that people cared about! haha).
If you would like to read more about the game that of course ESPN neglected to report on besides a few scrolls on the bottom of a screen, you can read about the article here and see video highlights here
Miami of Ohio's top sports alum: Ben Roethlisberger
BU's top sports alum: Mike Eruzione
Sidenotes: This is a tangent. Feel free to not read this. One, I never realized how annoying the announcing style in hockey really is. Next time you watch you watch a hockey game, look out for this. The announcer talks in a normal voice for most of game, then switches to a high shrill anytime the puck ends up remotely close to the net. Announcers in other sports get excited anytime a big play happens, but they’re not as shrill about it as hockey announcers. I don’t get it. Also, throughout ESPN’s coverage of the Frozen Four, ESPN kept referring to BU’s coach as Jackie Parker. His name is Jack, not Jackie. He’s not a boyhood pal. He’s not a mobster. I found it really annoying and disrespectful. He goes by Jack, not Jackie. ESPN and BU hockey are not the close friends that ESPN and the New York Yankees are. Get it right.
Box Score Tonight: April 12
Today's theme will be complete (or near complete) games
- Pronk already has 3 homers this year. Maybe he just needed a few years to adjust to playing without steroids. Youngster David Purcey of the Jays had 10K in 4.2IP. Don't go picking him up in your fantasy leagues, minor league numbers show a crazy high walk rate.
- Brandon Inge in flourashing with 4 home runs now that he doesnt have to play catcher/CF anymore. Dont trust Millwood's fast start, as the summers in texas are humid and the homers abundent
- Pirates turn the triple play, however no answer to Harang's 3 hit shutout. Harang has thrown 230 pitches his first two starts. Dusty will never learn. Moron. MLB has no pitching depth solely due to Dusty. He's the Jack Bauer of baseball
- Josh Johnson complete game outduals Santana's 7IP 13K performance.
- Jeff Francoeur has a new batting stance, still hitting .240. Proving once again that plate discipline is the best metric of hitters. Elijah Dukes sighting equals 3 RBI
- News flask. Adam Eaton has never, ever been good. Why do teams keep trading for him/giving him 40 million dollars. Eaton and Brett Tomko need to hook up and make the world's worst pitching combo
- Twins need Mauer, now. They score a run, increasing their loss run average to 0.5. White Sox hit some homers get some pitching win the game
- Maybe I missed something but why the frick wasnt Rivera closing the Yankee's game today? Some guy named Coke blows the lead, and the anemic Royals get another win.
- Add Kyle Lohse to the list of Cardinal starters to throw scoreless outings. Complete game 3 hitter
- Corpas and Street combine to blow a win against the Phils as Chase Utley and Matt Stairs muscle up. Wonder if it was an ass hammering situation?
- Not only is David Ortiz not hitting, he got thrown out stealing. Why the frick is he stealing? Beckett throws a ball near Abreu's head. Torii hunter goes insane, touches an umpire, will be suspended. Also, how expensive is the Angles outfield. Vlad 15 mil. Torii 18 mil. Matthews Jr. 10 mil. Abreu 5 mil. Rivera 5 mil. 53 million just doesnt buy what it once did
- Bedard outduels Cahill 1-0. Both guys started for my fantasy team. I'm happy :)
- Tim Lincecum gets hit hard again by the Padres. Break up the Padres!!!
- Juan Pierre got the start over Matt Kemp. That should never happen. Dodgers still win behind Randy Wolf. Wolf had a following back in Philly called the wolf pack. Looks like it's back
- Cubs score 4 runs in the 4th on 4 bases loaded walks. Soriano hits another solo leadoff home run. And Reed Johnson makes the first of many memorable plays for the Cubs season. Robbing Fielder of a grand slam by climbing the right field wall. A-freakin-mazing!
