Last night, Paul Konerko hit 3 HR (one solo, one two run shot, and one granny). This year he hit his 300th HR and 1,000 RBI this year
Tonight, Jose Contreras had another amazing game: 6.1 IP, 1 BB, 9 K, 1 ER (1R) and had six straight amazing starts.
Just wanna say
New Podcast! Sexy Rexy and DME, Part I
Sexy Rexy and DME discuss players All-Star snubs and fantasy baseball players we love/hate going forward
Listen to the podcast via iTunes, link on the sides, or the website below
http://gameofinches.podbean.com/
Listen to the podcast via iTunes, link on the sides, or the website below
http://gameofinches.podbean.com/
Patton Injured?
On Monday the Cubs activated three players from the disabled list in Aramis Ramirez, Reed Johnson, and Angel Guzman. They had to make three corresponding moves. I thought they were going to send down Sam Fuld, Kevin Hart, and originally Mike Fontenot until I heard they were leaning towards sending down two pictures. The Cubs had 12 pitchers, but most teams have 11. Many teams shuffle back and fourth between 11 and 12 pitchers. There always seem to be a big debate (at least among the Cubs) to carry 11 or 12 pitchers or go with the extra bench guy. For as long as I can remember the Cubs always go with 12 pitchers for most of the season. When I heard the Cubs were probably going to send down 2 pitchers I thought they were going to send down Kevin Hart and Jeff Samardzija.
I turned out to be wrong. The Cubs ended up sending down Kevin Hart and Sam Fuld to Triple-A Iowa. Then they placed David Patton on the 15-day disabled list with a right groin strain, retroactive to July 5. Sam Fuld did well in limited action, but the Cubs have enough outfielders and there just wasn’t room for him. He batted .364 going 4-11including two doubles, 2 walks, and provided great defense. This was his first chance at the big league level since spring training last year when he lost the battle to be the everyday center fielder with Felix Pie. He never really had a chance then, and there just isn’t room for him now. Hopefully he’ll get another chance when we need him. We have a logjam of guys, who can play the outfield, especially the corner outfield with Johnson, Fox, and Hoffpauir who we have enough problems in finding playing time for.
Kevin Hart is another guy who has been up and down with the Cubs the last three years since we traded for him from Baltimore. In 2007 he looked like a great pick up only allowing 1 run in 11 innings pitched for a 0.82 ERA and also had 13 strikeouts. Last year he had a disappointing season pitching in 21 games going 2-2 with a 6.51 ERA pitching 27.2 innings, allowing 20 runs and 18 walks. Hart was called up for his first time this season on June 21st and had a 1.59 ERA in 5.2 Innings pitched. He looked good in limited action so hopefully he will be able to contribute when we go back to 12 pitchers or some one gets injured. I thought they should have sent down Jeff Samardzija over Kevin but knew they would send Hart down.
The third move the Cubs made was placing David Patton on the disabled List with a right groin strain. I didn’t even know he was unavailable, let alone injured. After the game on Sunday, Lou said it would be a very hard decision because everyone is playing so good. The players who aren’t playing good are signed to major league contracts or out of options and we don’t want to loose them. David Patton is a rule 5 guy. Thus, the Cubs have to keep him on the roster for the entire season or we would have to offer him back to Colorado. Patton was 3-1 with a 5.63 ERA in 24.0 innings pitched in 17 games this season. He has looked good at times, but was hit hard in a few outings. I think he will be good, but just needs time to develop. I wonder if he was really injured or the Cubs put him on the Disabled List to make room for others because he wasn’t doing that well. What do you think?
I turned out to be wrong. The Cubs ended up sending down Kevin Hart and Sam Fuld to Triple-A Iowa. Then they placed David Patton on the 15-day disabled list with a right groin strain, retroactive to July 5. Sam Fuld did well in limited action, but the Cubs have enough outfielders and there just wasn’t room for him. He batted .364 going 4-11including two doubles, 2 walks, and provided great defense. This was his first chance at the big league level since spring training last year when he lost the battle to be the everyday center fielder with Felix Pie. He never really had a chance then, and there just isn’t room for him now. Hopefully he’ll get another chance when we need him. We have a logjam of guys, who can play the outfield, especially the corner outfield with Johnson, Fox, and Hoffpauir who we have enough problems in finding playing time for.
Kevin Hart is another guy who has been up and down with the Cubs the last three years since we traded for him from Baltimore. In 2007 he looked like a great pick up only allowing 1 run in 11 innings pitched for a 0.82 ERA and also had 13 strikeouts. Last year he had a disappointing season pitching in 21 games going 2-2 with a 6.51 ERA pitching 27.2 innings, allowing 20 runs and 18 walks. Hart was called up for his first time this season on June 21st and had a 1.59 ERA in 5.2 Innings pitched. He looked good in limited action so hopefully he will be able to contribute when we go back to 12 pitchers or some one gets injured. I thought they should have sent down Jeff Samardzija over Kevin but knew they would send Hart down.
The third move the Cubs made was placing David Patton on the disabled List with a right groin strain. I didn’t even know he was unavailable, let alone injured. After the game on Sunday, Lou said it would be a very hard decision because everyone is playing so good. The players who aren’t playing good are signed to major league contracts or out of options and we don’t want to loose them. David Patton is a rule 5 guy. Thus, the Cubs have to keep him on the roster for the entire season or we would have to offer him back to Colorado. Patton was 3-1 with a 5.63 ERA in 24.0 innings pitched in 17 games this season. He has looked good at times, but was hit hard in a few outings. I think he will be good, but just needs time to develop. I wonder if he was really injured or the Cubs put him on the Disabled List to make room for others because he wasn’t doing that well. What do you think?
If A Rational Person Choose the All-Star Ballots: NL Version
C:
Brian McCann (Braves)
Yadier Molina (Cardinals)
1B:
Albert Pujols (Cardinals)
Prince Fielder (Brewers)
Adrian Gonzales (Padres)
2B:
Chase Utley (Phillies)
Freddy Sanchez (Pirates)
3B:
Pablo Sandoval (Giants)
Mark Reynolds (Diamondbacks)
SS:
Hanley Rameriz (Marlins)
Miguel Tejada (Astros)
OF:
Ryan Braun (Phillies)
Adam Dunn (Nationals)
Raul Ibanez (Phillies)
Brad Hawpe (Rockies)
Carlos Beltran (Mets) (DL)
Justin Upton (Diamondbacks)
Matt Kemp (Dodgers) (hmmm, maybe he does deserve to go)
Jayson Werth (Phillies)
Hunter Pence (Astros)
P:
Dan Haren (Diamondbacks)
Tim Lincecum (Giants)
Matt Cain (Giants)
Josh Johnson (Marlins)
Javier Vazquez (Branves)
Yovani Gallardo (Brewers)
Ted Lilly (Cubs)
Chad Billingsley (Dodgers)
RP:
Heath Bell (Padres)
Fransisco Cordero (Reds)
Houston Street (Rockies)
Ryan Franklin (Cardinals)
Trevor Hoffman (Brewers)
Last player in: David Wright (Mets)
My apologies to: Jair Jurrgins, Adam Wainwright, Lance Berkman, Todd Helton, Chipper Jones
Brian McCann (Braves)
Yadier Molina (Cardinals)
1B:
Albert Pujols (Cardinals)
Prince Fielder (Brewers)
Adrian Gonzales (Padres)
2B:
Chase Utley (Phillies)
Freddy Sanchez (Pirates)
3B:
Pablo Sandoval (Giants)
Mark Reynolds (Diamondbacks)
SS:
Hanley Rameriz (Marlins)
Miguel Tejada (Astros)
OF:
Ryan Braun (Phillies)
Adam Dunn (Nationals)
Raul Ibanez (Phillies)
Brad Hawpe (Rockies)
Carlos Beltran (Mets) (DL)
Justin Upton (Diamondbacks)
Matt Kemp (Dodgers) (hmmm, maybe he does deserve to go)
Jayson Werth (Phillies)
Hunter Pence (Astros)
P:
Dan Haren (Diamondbacks)
Tim Lincecum (Giants)
Matt Cain (Giants)
Josh Johnson (Marlins)
Javier Vazquez (Branves)
Yovani Gallardo (Brewers)
Ted Lilly (Cubs)
Chad Billingsley (Dodgers)
RP:
Heath Bell (Padres)
Fransisco Cordero (Reds)
Houston Street (Rockies)
Ryan Franklin (Cardinals)
Trevor Hoffman (Brewers)
Last player in: David Wright (Mets)
My apologies to: Jair Jurrgins, Adam Wainwright, Lance Berkman, Todd Helton, Chipper Jones
If A Rational Person Choose the All-Star Ballots: AL Version
I don't care who starts because they're all pretty damn good. I will admit the best of the best of the best won't be playing because we can only take 33 guys and every team needs to have a representative, but this list will be much better than the actual list
C:
Victor Martinez (Indians)
Joe Mauer (Twins)
1B:
Carlos Pena (Rays)
Kevin Youkilis (Red Sox)
Mark Texeira (Yankees)
2B:
Aaron Hill (Blue Jays)
Ian Kinsler (Rangers)
3B:
Evan Longoria (Rays)
Scott Rolen (Blue Jays)
SS:
Derek Jeter (Yankees)
Jason Bartlett (Rays)
OF:
Carl Crawford (Rays)
Jermaine Dye (White Sox)
Torii Hunter (Angels)
Adam Jones (Orioles)
Jason Bay (Red Sox)
Shin-Soo Choo (Indians)
Adam Lind (Blue Jays)
Ben Zobrist (Rays)
SP:
Zach Grienks (Royals)
Justin Verlander (Tigers)
Edwin Jackson (Tigers)
Jon Lester (Red Sox)
Roy Halladay (Blue Jays)
Felix Hernandez (Mariners)
Josh Beckett (Red Sox)
Dallas Braden (A's)
RP:
Matt Thorton (White Sox)
Joe Nathan (Twins)
Mariano Rivera (Yankees)
Jonathan Papelbon (Red Sox)
David Aardsma (Mariners)
Last man: Russell Branyan (Mariners)
My apologies to: Justin Morneau, Miguel Cabrera, Johnny Damon, Nick Blackburn, Jarrod Washburn, A.J. Burnett, Jered Weaver, Mark Buerhle
Now I will admit for the most part the real All-Star ballot was correct but some few notables like Ichiro and especially Josh Hamilton I don't like on the real team
C:
Victor Martinez (Indians)
Joe Mauer (Twins)
1B:
Carlos Pena (Rays)
Kevin Youkilis (Red Sox)
Mark Texeira (Yankees)
2B:
Aaron Hill (Blue Jays)
Ian Kinsler (Rangers)
3B:
Evan Longoria (Rays)
Scott Rolen (Blue Jays)
SS:
Derek Jeter (Yankees)
Jason Bartlett (Rays)
OF:
Carl Crawford (Rays)
Jermaine Dye (White Sox)
Torii Hunter (Angels)
Adam Jones (Orioles)
Jason Bay (Red Sox)
Shin-Soo Choo (Indians)
Adam Lind (Blue Jays)
Ben Zobrist (Rays)
SP:
Zach Grienks (Royals)
Justin Verlander (Tigers)
Edwin Jackson (Tigers)
Jon Lester (Red Sox)
Roy Halladay (Blue Jays)
Felix Hernandez (Mariners)
Josh Beckett (Red Sox)
Dallas Braden (A's)
RP:
Matt Thorton (White Sox)
Joe Nathan (Twins)
Mariano Rivera (Yankees)
Jonathan Papelbon (Red Sox)
David Aardsma (Mariners)
Last man: Russell Branyan (Mariners)
My apologies to: Justin Morneau, Miguel Cabrera, Johnny Damon, Nick Blackburn, Jarrod Washburn, A.J. Burnett, Jered Weaver, Mark Buerhle
Now I will admit for the most part the real All-Star ballot was correct but some few notables like Ichiro and especially Josh Hamilton I don't like on the real team
Hey, You're A Crazy Bitch, But You Killed Steve McNair So The News Is On Top Of It
OK maybe bad taste in my title, but if you know the Buckcherry song, you might find it slightly amusing.
But anyways, the Nashville police officially reported today that Sahel Kazemi, Steve McNair's mistress, shot McNair while he was sleeping and then shot herself. After hearing reports about how fucking crazy this bitch McNair was fucking was I feel I need to FJM this shit! (something we haven't really done in a while). I'm using reports from an ESPN.com article...
I think that little hiccup of McNair was married with four kids might have put a dent in Kazemi's plan of "building a life" with McNair
By other woman, did she mean STEVE McNAIR'S WIFE! Either McNair is a motherfucking P-I-M-P to convince a 20 year girl he was single or this girl is fucing wee-todd-did!
HAHA, bitch can't do anything right
What I heard on ESPN but didn't come up in this article was apparently the "financial problems" Kazemi had included paying rent on her condo because her roommate was leaving for another place and to make payments on an Escalade (of course) McNair had recently gotten her.
1) You're dating a long time NFL starter. You went on vacation with him. He's cheating on his wife. You can't get him to help you with your payments? Really!? And with her condo, you can't just move? You're roommate tells you she's moving and you decide not to sell the place? Really!? How fucking retarded are you! Move bitch and get you're cheating rich boyfriend to help you out in the short term!
2) You're a little stressed out so you kill yourself! Fuck you! I realize McNair is now a scumbag but he doesn't deserve to die. Michelle McNair just found out her husband not only cheated on her but was murdered, yet she's not killing anyone! You think you're the first person who's having money problems!
3) McNair is cheating on his wife with you and yet you're suspecting him of cheating on YOU! Hey, get this through you're head, you're the other woman! You're shocked that the married man you're fucking is a sleeze ball and fools around!
Couple other notes about this:
1) I hadn't really heard the full story and details until today. But up until today, I didn't realize McNair was married. I had assumed this because ESPN and other news outlets were calling Kazemi "McNair's girlfriend" and made no mention of his wife. I hate ESPN but not reporting that Kazemi was the mistresses is absolutely distasteful. And I respect McNair for all of his on-field accomplishments, but just like what people are doing for Michael Jackson, don't make this man out as a Saint.
2) Kazemi got a DUI a few days earlier when the Nashville police found out the Escalade Kazemi was driving was partially registered to McNair's name and Steve paid Kazemi's bail. TMZ has photos of Kazemi and McNair on vacation. The apartment Kazemi killed herself and McNair in had roommates. How THE FUCK did no one realize McNair was having an affair before this?
R.I.P. McNair (although I have lost a shit ton of respect for you) and I hope Sahel Kazemi burns in hell.
Have a good day.
But anyways, the Nashville police officially reported today that Sahel Kazemi, Steve McNair's mistress, shot McNair while he was sleeping and then shot herself. After hearing reports about how fucking crazy this bitch McNair was fucking was I feel I need to FJM this shit! (something we haven't really done in a while). I'm using reports from an ESPN.com article...
McNair, 36, a quarterback for the Tennessee Titans most of his career, met Kazemi six months ago at a sports cafe where she was a waitress and his family often ate. She seemed happy and eager to build a life with him, but something went wrong.
I think that little hiccup of McNair was married with four kids might have put a dent in Kazemi's plan of "building a life" with McNair
Serpas [Nashville Chief Police]said detectives learned that Kazemi recently found out about another young woman she thought McNair was romantically involved with and had even followed that woman home, though she did not confront her.
By other woman, did she mean STEVE McNAIR'S WIFE! Either McNair is a motherfucking P-I-M-P to convince a 20 year girl he was single or this girl is fucing wee-todd-did!
Before shooting herself, she sat next to his body and "tried to stage it so she would fall in his lap," Serpas said. She did, but her body slid to the floor and ended up at McNair's feet. The gun was found underneath her.
HAHA, bitch can't do anything right
Former NFL star Steve McNair was shot dead in his sleep last week by a 20-year-old girlfriend distraught about mounting financial problems and her belief that he was seeing someone else, police said Wednesday.
What I heard on ESPN but didn't come up in this article was apparently the "financial problems" Kazemi had included paying rent on her condo because her roommate was leaving for another place and to make payments on an Escalade (of course) McNair had recently gotten her.
1) You're dating a long time NFL starter. You went on vacation with him. He's cheating on his wife. You can't get him to help you with your payments? Really!? And with her condo, you can't just move? You're roommate tells you she's moving and you decide not to sell the place? Really!? How fucking retarded are you! Move bitch and get you're cheating rich boyfriend to help you out in the short term!
2) You're a little stressed out so you kill yourself! Fuck you! I realize McNair is now a scumbag but he doesn't deserve to die. Michelle McNair just found out her husband not only cheated on her but was murdered, yet she's not killing anyone! You think you're the first person who's having money problems!
3) McNair is cheating on his wife with you and yet you're suspecting him of cheating on YOU! Hey, get this through you're head, you're the other woman! You're shocked that the married man you're fucking is a sleeze ball and fools around!
Couple other notes about this:
1) I hadn't really heard the full story and details until today. But up until today, I didn't realize McNair was married. I had assumed this because ESPN and other news outlets were calling Kazemi "McNair's girlfriend" and made no mention of his wife. I hate ESPN but not reporting that Kazemi was the mistresses is absolutely distasteful. And I respect McNair for all of his on-field accomplishments, but just like what people are doing for Michael Jackson, don't make this man out as a Saint.
2) Kazemi got a DUI a few days earlier when the Nashville police found out the Escalade Kazemi was driving was partially registered to McNair's name and Steve paid Kazemi's bail. TMZ has photos of Kazemi and McNair on vacation. The apartment Kazemi killed herself and McNair in had roommates. How THE FUCK did no one realize McNair was having an affair before this?
R.I.P. McNair (although I have lost a shit ton of respect for you) and I hope Sahel Kazemi burns in hell.
Have a good day.
Ben Gordon walks
NBA free agency started July 1st 2009. Ben Gordon left the Chicago Bulls for the Detroit Pistons. The Bulls kept saying they wanted to bring Ben Gordon back and were trying to resign him. Considering he agreed with the Pistons the first day he could, the Bulls never seemed in the running. I don’t know they said they wanted him back if they had no intention of actually bringing him back. The Bulls will either start John Salmons at shooting guard or start Kirk Hinrich. If Hinrich started then he would still be the primary back up point guard to Rose and Salmons would back up shooting guard and small forward. If Salmons started he would give us a bigger backcourt and then Hinrich would back up both guard spots. This is all a result of letting the former number three pick, Ben Gordon leave via free agency. Ben Gordon was a great shooter and an important part of the Bulls going as far as they did to 7 games against the Celtics in the playoffs this past season. The other players like Deng, Hinrich, Rose, Salmons and Tryus Thomas will have to step up their game for the offense were losing. The Bulls will not target any big names this offseason because they have less than 2 million dollars before they hit the luxury tax.
Cubs have an All-Star
Last year the Chicago Cubs had a great year on their way to winning 98 games and their division! They had a great first half in which they seemed unstoppable having multiple games coming back from behind to win. They had eight All-stars last year and Lou Piniella on the coaching staff for the National League. This season has been much different for the Cubs and they only have one All-star. The Cubs are currently third in the central division and aren’t the favorite to win the central anymore after a disappointing first half. This year the Cubs only have two players that haven’t been terrible. One is rookie pitcher Randy Wells who has made 11 starts, including winning his last four games, and has a microscopic 2.48 ERA in 69 innings pitched. He has been the best player on the Cubs, but they aren’t going to send a rookie to an All-star game. Thus, Ted Lilly gets to go to St. Louis and represent the Cubs. Lilly has been the only consistent player on the team the entire season. Ted Lilly is 8-6 in 17 games pitching 111 innings (leads Cubs staff), with 97 strikeouts. This is Lilly’s second All-star game and he has quietly had a very solid season, just like the rest of his time in Chicago.
More Captcha Fail
So I was trying to add a comment on my post about a few guys who were snubbed during the all-star voting and forgot to log in and thus needed to enter a captcha to post my comments. Take a look at what the captcha read...
For those of you who don't speak spanish, "Chinga" means fuck. This is almost as funny as the time I tried to buy Brewers tickets online.
For those of you who don't speak spanish, "Chinga" means fuck. This is almost as funny as the time I tried to buy Brewers tickets online.
New Podcast! With Special Guest Keith
Keith joins me to discuss the upcoming Bears season. Listen and enjoy!
Listen to the podcast via iTunes, link on the sides, or the website below
http://gameofinches.podbean.com/
Listen to the podcast via iTunes, link on the sides, or the website below
http://gameofinches.podbean.com/
Miles Story
I don't know if everyone knows Aaron Miles story of when he was a minor leaguer in the Astros organization. Here are two link's to articles on it:
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/1360470,CST-SPT-cub04.article
http://vineline.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/02/vine_line_exclusive_held_hosta.html
It is a scary story and shows how tough he is. Here is another link to the same story, but more detailed and from teammate Morgan Ensberg view. I would check out one of the top story's and this article. http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?section=magazine&id=3657182
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/1360470,CST-SPT-cub04.article
http://vineline.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/02/vine_line_exclusive_held_hosta.html
It is a scary story and shows how tough he is. Here is another link to the same story, but more detailed and from teammate Morgan Ensberg view. I would check out one of the top story's and this article. http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?section=magazine&id=3657182
What happened to Ascanio?
Last week the Cubs sent down Jose Ascanio and called up Jeff Samardzija. I wonder why? He has had some rough times since we acquired him from Atlanta a few years ago, but he was starting to look like he put it all together. It seemed like he finally realized how to pitch and use his great fastball instead of just throwing 98 mph. He had a 3.53 ERA in 14 games with 18 strikeouts this season. Does anybody know why he was sent down? I feel like they just wanted an excuse to call up Jeff Samardzija whom they seem to be in love with. In his last eight games he only allowed 3 runs scattered over the month of June. That isn’t shabby for a young reliever to develop. Hopefully he will get another chance soon.
Marquis Turns His Career around
The Cubs signed Jason Marquis to a three year deal before the 2007 season. His first two years in Chicago was very disappointing and he never had much support from the media or fans. He always seemed to underperform for his contract, but was one of the best fifth starters in baseball, and that was what he was supposed to be. So before this season started Jim Hendry traded him to Colorado for pretty much nothing. We got Luis Vizcaino back in return whom we ended up cutting. Thus, it was pretty much a salary dump. Now this season, the joke is on the Cubs. Jason Marquis is pitching great this season leading the National League in wins with 11. Jason Marquis has pitched in 17 games so far with a 3.61 ERA, 2 complete games, 1 shutout, in 117.1 innings this season (5th best in NL). It looks like the Cubs traded him too early for too little. We could have used him or traded him for a lot more.
Guys who were notoriously left off the All-Star ballot
Javier Vazquez (No one loves Javi except me. Fuck his consistent 3.05 ERA or second-in-baseball 130 Ks. Or his 2.55 FIP.)
Yovani Gallardo (How is the guy with the sixth best ERA and 8th most strikeouts in all of baseball just left off the starting roster?)
Ubaldo Jimenez (really? You picked Jason Marquis' ten wins and 4.11 FIP [it was 4.84 until a start or two ago] over the guy with a 2.03 GB/FB ratio and 3.33 FIP?)
Matt Kemp (Joe Torre clearly got involved here)
Carlos Pena (Isn't Joe Maddon the AL Manager for the All-Star game?)
Jermaine Dye (I'm not even a White Sox fan and I know he got snubbed)
Yovani Gallardo (How is the guy with the sixth best ERA and 8th most strikeouts in all of baseball just left off the starting roster?)
Ubaldo Jimenez (really? You picked Jason Marquis' ten wins and 4.11 FIP [it was 4.84 until a start or two ago] over the guy with a 2.03 GB/FB ratio and 3.33 FIP?)
Matt Kemp (Joe Torre clearly got involved here)
Carlos Pena (Isn't Joe Maddon the AL Manager for the All-Star game?)
Jermaine Dye (I'm not even a White Sox fan and I know he got snubbed)
Does Steve McNair Belong In The Hall of Fame?
First of all, my condolences to the friends and family of the late Steve McNair. It's pretty crazy when you start hearing the details surrounding his death and it's even crazier to think that McNair was only 36 when he died; a very young man. But after I gave it a day and mourned, they inevitable question popped into my head: was he a hall of famer, and if not, will this shooting put him in? It seems very cold to think like that I know, but let's be honest, we're all thinking it or soon will. When his eligibility for the Hall comes, his tragic death will come up. But I'm here to analyze now, l;ooking at just his numbers, if he actually deserves to be inducted into Canton.
Upon first glance, without looking into any numbers, you think there's definitely a possibility McNair could go in. He's played for some pretty good teams in Houston/Tennessee and Baltimore and when you really think about it, he seems to be consistent. He brought the Titans to a Superbowl only to lose on the last play of the game and only by one yard, ONE YARD. McNair also won a MVP (granted it was a co-MVP with Peyton Manning, but hey a MVPs an MVP) and went to three Pro Bowl games. But now let's look at this numnbers
First, we'll look at the "on the surface" numbers, his total yards, TDs, INT, and so forth. Throughout his career he put up 31,304 yards (28th all time), 174 TD (46th all time), but only 119 INT (77th all time), leaving him with a decent 1.46 career TD/INT ratio. He has a career passer rating of 82.8 (28th all time). But McNair was also a running QB and he put up some decent yards on the ground as well. He has a career 5.6 yards per carry (ranked 9th all time, although I don't know if this is among QBs or all runners) and has 37 career rushing TDs. On the surface, these numbers are decently impressive, but let's look "beneath the surface" to see if we can make a more convincing argument.
McNair had a career 60.1% passing percentage which is good for 25th all time, a career 2.6 INT %, and 3.8 TD % good for 142th all time. He's ranked 98th in yards per passes attempted and 183 all time for yards per passes completed. However, he really compete a lot of his passes ranking 34th in passes completed per game. He also did not fumble a lot ranked 14th all time in fumbles.
So what does this tell us. Well, for starters, if you looked just at all those rankings, you didn't see a whole lot of top 20s. He only topped in the top ten in one category, YPC (albiet that's a nice category to be top ten in), and the vast majority of his rankings are within the 25-45 range. What really hurts him is the TD% and the yards per passes completed. This tells me that he didn't fully help his team by scoring for them. And although he did complete a lot of passes, his career yards per completion tells me those were pretty short passes and probably didn't help his team TOO much.
But his passing numbers are a bit flawed because he did a lot with his feet which doesn't really come up in statistics. So all those total yards and TDs should get a few extra bumps because when he ran, he ran effectively, which really did help his team. Plus, he rarely coughed up the ball. While he may not have helped his team, he most certainly did not hurt them either. His low INT% and low amount of fumbles tells us a lot.
So does this make him a HOFer? I say "no". I'm sorry to have to say this, especially with his death so recent, but I'm sad to say I don't think, on numbers alone, he SHOULD get in. However, if he does get in you won't hear any objections for me. To me he's borderline and you can make the argument that when you include his rushing stats, all those "25th all time" gets bumped up to "top 20". But to me, his numbers suggest that teams win with him, not because of him. He seems more of a "manager of the game" than an elite all time QB. QB's get put to a higher standard and I'm sad to say McNair does not meet them. I look for a QB that can win games or play smart and effectively when I "choose" HOF quarterbacks and McNair did not seem to do that.
Now don't get me wrong, if there was a "Hall of Very Good", McNair is a first ballot-er. And if he was still playing and able to play, he would help out a lot of teams and if the Bears didn't just get Jay Cutler, I would love to have McNair on my team. But when we're talking about the best of the best and the cream of the crop, I don't think McNair is up there.
But for now, let's all mourn the loss of a good man and a great player and still remember all the good he has done, both on and off the field.
Upon first glance, without looking into any numbers, you think there's definitely a possibility McNair could go in. He's played for some pretty good teams in Houston/Tennessee and Baltimore and when you really think about it, he seems to be consistent. He brought the Titans to a Superbowl only to lose on the last play of the game and only by one yard, ONE YARD. McNair also won a MVP (granted it was a co-MVP with Peyton Manning, but hey a MVPs an MVP) and went to three Pro Bowl games. But now let's look at this numnbers
First, we'll look at the "on the surface" numbers, his total yards, TDs, INT, and so forth. Throughout his career he put up 31,304 yards (28th all time), 174 TD (46th all time), but only 119 INT (77th all time), leaving him with a decent 1.46 career TD/INT ratio. He has a career passer rating of 82.8 (28th all time). But McNair was also a running QB and he put up some decent yards on the ground as well. He has a career 5.6 yards per carry (ranked 9th all time, although I don't know if this is among QBs or all runners) and has 37 career rushing TDs. On the surface, these numbers are decently impressive, but let's look "beneath the surface" to see if we can make a more convincing argument.
McNair had a career 60.1% passing percentage which is good for 25th all time, a career 2.6 INT %, and 3.8 TD % good for 142th all time. He's ranked 98th in yards per passes attempted and 183 all time for yards per passes completed. However, he really compete a lot of his passes ranking 34th in passes completed per game. He also did not fumble a lot ranked 14th all time in fumbles.
So what does this tell us. Well, for starters, if you looked just at all those rankings, you didn't see a whole lot of top 20s. He only topped in the top ten in one category, YPC (albiet that's a nice category to be top ten in), and the vast majority of his rankings are within the 25-45 range. What really hurts him is the TD% and the yards per passes completed. This tells me that he didn't fully help his team by scoring for them. And although he did complete a lot of passes, his career yards per completion tells me those were pretty short passes and probably didn't help his team TOO much.
But his passing numbers are a bit flawed because he did a lot with his feet which doesn't really come up in statistics. So all those total yards and TDs should get a few extra bumps because when he ran, he ran effectively, which really did help his team. Plus, he rarely coughed up the ball. While he may not have helped his team, he most certainly did not hurt them either. His low INT% and low amount of fumbles tells us a lot.
So does this make him a HOFer? I say "no". I'm sorry to have to say this, especially with his death so recent, but I'm sad to say I don't think, on numbers alone, he SHOULD get in. However, if he does get in you won't hear any objections for me. To me he's borderline and you can make the argument that when you include his rushing stats, all those "25th all time" gets bumped up to "top 20". But to me, his numbers suggest that teams win with him, not because of him. He seems more of a "manager of the game" than an elite all time QB. QB's get put to a higher standard and I'm sad to say McNair does not meet them. I look for a QB that can win games or play smart and effectively when I "choose" HOF quarterbacks and McNair did not seem to do that.
Now don't get me wrong, if there was a "Hall of Very Good", McNair is a first ballot-er. And if he was still playing and able to play, he would help out a lot of teams and if the Bears didn't just get Jay Cutler, I would love to have McNair on my team. But when we're talking about the best of the best and the cream of the crop, I don't think McNair is up there.
But for now, let's all mourn the loss of a good man and a great player and still remember all the good he has done, both on and off the field.
Adam Dunn Home Runs vs. Washington Nationals Wins Update 7/6/09
The Nats actually have won recently and without a Dunn HR
Dunn HR (22) vs Nats W (24)
Dunn HR (22) vs Nats W (24)
Sexy Rexy News Scroll
If ESPN can have their shitty scroll on the bottom of their screen that claims "Garciapara plays first game back at Fenway since being traded" and "Santana looks to stop Yankees winning streak at 8 PM ET" are top headline news, then I can have my own "newsworthy" scroll-esque comments. Also, I hope to do in depth analysis and posts on these topics as well.
-RIP Steve McNair. Hall of Famer?
-Fans retarded again and vote in guys like Josh Hamilton and Ichiro into the All-Star game.
-Adam Dunn, Ian Kinsler, Russell Branyan, and Carlos Pena (even though his own fucking manager is the manager of the All-Star game) most notables left out of All-Star game
-Jason Marquis is a fucking all star
-Marh Buerhle lone ChiSox representative in the All-Star game. Does he deserve to go over Matt Thorton?
-Roger Federer wins in amazing fashion over shitty overrated Andy Roddick to become greatest male tennis player. How can TBO be in the minority and say Federer is better than Nadal?
-Terrell Owens has a new reality show on VH1 starting in two weeks. I'm extremely excited.
-RIP Steve McNair. Hall of Famer?
-Fans retarded again and vote in guys like Josh Hamilton and Ichiro into the All-Star game.
-Adam Dunn, Ian Kinsler, Russell Branyan, and Carlos Pena (even though his own fucking manager is the manager of the All-Star game) most notables left out of All-Star game
-Jason Marquis is a fucking all star
-Marh Buerhle lone ChiSox representative in the All-Star game. Does he deserve to go over Matt Thorton?
-Roger Federer wins in amazing fashion over shitty overrated Andy Roddick to become greatest male tennis player. How can TBO be in the minority and say Federer is better than Nadal?
-Terrell Owens has a new reality show on VH1 starting in two weeks. I'm extremely excited.
Adam Dunn Home Runs vs. Washington Nationals Wins Update
Last night Dunn homered in a Nats rare win which brings the totals to:
Dunn HRs (22) vs Nats W (23)
Dunn HRs (22) vs Nats W (23)
Adam Dunn Home Runs vs. Washington Nationals Wins Update
Last night Dunn homered in a Nats loss which brings the totals to:
Dunn HRs (21) vs Nats W (22)
Dunn HRs (21) vs Nats W (22)
New Podcast! With special guest Joe
Former roommate Joe and The 'Bright' One podcast about sky diving and midnight jew frolf
http://gameofinches.podbean.com/
http://gameofinches.podbean.com/
Are The Cubs trying to acquire Heath Bell?
Can anyone confirm this rumor? I've spotted some scattered information with regard to this matter around the internet and today at work, two people were talking about it. I do not see anything on MLBTradeRumors.com, however...
Help?
Help?
Jim Hendry and Lou Piniella Relationship
When Lou Piniella came to the Chicago Cubs a few years ago he had an big impact on the club. This wasn't because of his managing moves, but how he affected the whole organization and Jim Hendry. He was having Hendry call up youngsters and make roster moves we never saw in the past. Lou Piniella is a very knowledgeable baseball man and was able to help Jim Hendry sculpt the team. With Lou Piniella pretty much running the organization we knew it was in good hands. A few weeks ago we saw Gerald Perry fired and he was one of Lou's guys he brought in. Lou Piniella never didn't say much about the move, except that it was an organizational move and he obviously was not in favor of it. Well now it is coming out that the relationship of Jim Hendry and Lou Piniella isn't what it used to be. There is a great article in the Chicago Sun Times by Chris De Luca which can be found at http://www.suntimes.com/sports/deluca/1649094,CST-SPT-deluca02.article which talks about the relationship between Jim Hendry and Lou Piniella. I think it is a bad thing that Lou Piniella does not have as much influence on Jim Hendry as he used to. What do you think?
Cubs acquire utillity man
The Chicago Cubs acquired Jeff Baker from the Colorado Rockies and designated Ryan Freel for Assignment. I was not a big Ryan Freel fan, but I don't know if Jeff Baker will be much better. Baker was recently activated from the 60 day DL. Baker is 28 years old and batted .268 with 22 doubles, 12 home runs, and 48 RBI in 104 games last year for the Rockies. He is a .257 career hitter and can play all over the field. He has played 44 games at first base, 52 games at second base, 24 games at third base, eight games in left, and 26 games in right field. Hopefully he can be a good utility man which were missing even though we have many in Ryan Freel (recently releases), Andres Blanco, and Aaron Miles. Let’s see how he does.
A 12 year deal!
I was reading in the Sports section how the Blackhawks signed four time All-star winger Marian Hossa to a 12 year deal worth 62.8 million dollar contract. I don't follow hockey at all so "The Bright One" will have to shed more light on this deal, but I was shocked any team would sign a player to a 12 year deal! Hossa is 30 years old and will be 42 when the contract ends. He is great now, but you never know how he will be in a few years, especially 12 years. Look at the Cubs giving Soriano a 8 year deal. A 62.8 million dollar contract isn't that big in some sports, but for Hockey that seems big. Is anyone else shocked by a 12 years contract?
The New Found Scott Podsednik Power
This year, Scotty Pods has 3 HRs is only 53 games, which is an impressive feat for him. The last time he hit 3 HRs was in 2006 over the span of 153 games. And over the course of five seasons playing in home run friendly parks such as The Cell and Coors, he hasn't shown this kind of power. This year he has a SLG of .406 and an OPS of .770. Now this obviously doesn't sound that impressive but when you take into account Pods has never has a SLG over .400 and an OPS over .740 since 2004, I think this new found power is worth noting. Besides the obvious answer of steroids and PEDs, I think he should find out where this power has come from.
The first thing I looked at was LD%, to see if he's just smoking more balls (yes I realise how funny this sounds) this year. And as it turns out, this year is the lowest LD% of his career. Yet, he's hitting about the same amount of ground balls but more fly balls. And it is probably the spike in fly ball percentage that is causing his high HR/FB. So this seems to tell me his home runs are mainly luck. Considering he's only hit 3 HR and not in the double digits, means on three individual pitches, Scotty Pods just happened to hit it far.
But yet he's never done that before. So then I looked and his plate discipline and I was surprised at what I found. Scott Podsednik is making a lot of contact with the ball. Obviously this explains his .311 BA, but the rate at which he's making contact is very surprising. The rate at which he makes contact at pitches within the strike zone in up 12.7% from his average, the rate at which he makes contact with pitches out of the strike zone is up 2.8%. This makes his contact rates this year 86.8% and 96.2% respectively. Pods is also swinging at more pitches within the strike zone which is boding well for him.
So what do I think is the final verdict? Well, personally, I think it's just luck. He's making more contact with the ball which is helping his chances of the ball going out of the infield and also leaving the yard, but the fact Pods has 3 HR this year is just luck. The more times you hit the ball means the chances that you can hit a home run goes up. His really low LD% and his higher than average contact rates scares me as a White Sox fan, but hey, I'm happy with everything he's given me this year. Now if only he wouldn't get picked off so fucking much and not get caught stealing every other fucking time.... but that's for another post
The first thing I looked at was LD%, to see if he's just smoking more balls (yes I realise how funny this sounds) this year. And as it turns out, this year is the lowest LD% of his career. Yet, he's hitting about the same amount of ground balls but more fly balls. And it is probably the spike in fly ball percentage that is causing his high HR/FB. So this seems to tell me his home runs are mainly luck. Considering he's only hit 3 HR and not in the double digits, means on three individual pitches, Scotty Pods just happened to hit it far.
But yet he's never done that before. So then I looked and his plate discipline and I was surprised at what I found. Scott Podsednik is making a lot of contact with the ball. Obviously this explains his .311 BA, but the rate at which he's making contact is very surprising. The rate at which he makes contact at pitches within the strike zone in up 12.7% from his average, the rate at which he makes contact with pitches out of the strike zone is up 2.8%. This makes his contact rates this year 86.8% and 96.2% respectively. Pods is also swinging at more pitches within the strike zone which is boding well for him.
So what do I think is the final verdict? Well, personally, I think it's just luck. He's making more contact with the ball which is helping his chances of the ball going out of the infield and also leaving the yard, but the fact Pods has 3 HR this year is just luck. The more times you hit the ball means the chances that you can hit a home run goes up. His really low LD% and his higher than average contact rates scares me as a White Sox fan, but hey, I'm happy with everything he's given me this year. Now if only he wouldn't get picked off so fucking much and not get caught stealing every other fucking time.... but that's for another post
Question Of The Day #2
Right now, Albert Pujols has 30 home runs over the course of 78 games (265 PA). That's a home run per every 8.83 at bats, or a long ball per every 2.6 games. Extrapolating the same size, Pujols in on pace for a 550 AB season with 62+ home runs. Even with the league leading 24 IBBs (second is Adrian Gonzalez with 11), Pujols' pace this season far and away surpasses his monstrous 2006 campaign that was shortened by injury (535 PA, 49 HR). Thus, a pair of important questions that collectively make up today's QUESTION OF THE DAY are posed:
1) Will Pujols eclipse 60 home runs this season, or will pitchers be less inclined to pitch to The Machine in the second half? Will Pujols slow down or need more rest down the stretch?
2) If Prince Albert does indeed eclipse 60 home runs this season, how do we regard the single-season home run record with regard to the tainted legacies of Barry Bonds (73), Mark MwGwire (70) and Slammin' Sammy (66, 64, 63)? Do we crown Pujols the unquestioned champion or leave the records as they are, however tainted they may be.
Personally, I believe that if Pujols does achieve the 60 HR milestone, he should be crowned the true home run king, with BB, MM and SS being listed as asterisked footnotes in the Guiness Book of World Records. As much as I defend the legacies of the bulk of great players who were on roids (its not like you inject and succeed -- you still need to train your ass off; plus MVPs who can't hit 20 HRs (let alone any that eclipsed 400 FT in length) are boring), I feel that the home run title is something pure and accomplished that transcends VORP. In other words, it must be truly earned.
On a final note, the term BB is not an abbreviation for Base on Balls. It refers to Barry Bonds, who was intentionally walked 120 times in 2004 [232 BB that season]. Only three times in the history of baseball has a batter been intentionally walked more than 45 times. All three of those instances belong to Barry Bonds (the other two were 68 and 61 IBB seasons). Pujols is on pace for 51.
1) Will Pujols eclipse 60 home runs this season, or will pitchers be less inclined to pitch to The Machine in the second half? Will Pujols slow down or need more rest down the stretch?
2) If Prince Albert does indeed eclipse 60 home runs this season, how do we regard the single-season home run record with regard to the tainted legacies of Barry Bonds (73), Mark MwGwire (70) and Slammin' Sammy (66, 64, 63)? Do we crown Pujols the unquestioned champion or leave the records as they are, however tainted they may be.
Personally, I believe that if Pujols does achieve the 60 HR milestone, he should be crowned the true home run king, with BB, MM and SS being listed as asterisked footnotes in the Guiness Book of World Records. As much as I defend the legacies of the bulk of great players who were on roids (its not like you inject and succeed -- you still need to train your ass off; plus MVPs who can't hit 20 HRs (let alone any that eclipsed 400 FT in length) are boring), I feel that the home run title is something pure and accomplished that transcends VORP. In other words, it must be truly earned.
On a final note, the term BB is not an abbreviation for Base on Balls. It refers to Barry Bonds, who was intentionally walked 120 times in 2004 [232 BB that season]. Only three times in the history of baseball has a batter been intentionally walked more than 45 times. All three of those instances belong to Barry Bonds (the other two were 68 and 61 IBB seasons). Pujols is on pace for 51.
The Replacements vs. The Longest Yard
Although I hate Pod Vader, I really somehow enjoy all of the podcasts he produces. One of which is Play Ball with Amanda and Melissa. The main reason I enjoy them is because of the match ups they do. Before the did TV shows and the fans voted for the best TV shows based off of a NCAA bracket format. Well now, they are doing something similar- but with fictional sports teams. One of which is Keanu Reeves team is the Replacements versus the football team in the Longest Yard (you probably know the shittier Adam Sandler version but Burt Reynolds did an equally shitty version back in the day). So what would happen if those teams played each other, who would win? Well here we go...
The first thing to look at is the offensive and the O-line. Surprisingly, the Washington Sentinals (the team in the Replacements) had a pretty good O-line. In the history of fictional football teams, The Replacements ranked first in terms of pass protection, but only 15th in run blocking. The Mean Machine (the team in the Longest Yard) seemed to have the opposite problem. They ranked first in run blocking but only 16h in pass protection. The Mean Machine O-line's was probably the causal factor in the running because the MM's RB, Megget (played by Nelly), only ranked 13th in DYAR and a mere 25th in DVOA. However, it didn't matter how bad the Sentinals rushing line was because they had a fantastic runner, before he got hurt, who ranked 2nd in DYAR and DVOA.
So the advantage seems to go to the Sentinals, but the passing game seems to tell a different story. When you look at Shane Falco (played by Keanu Reeves) versus Paul Crewe (played by Adam Sandler), one can clearly see that Crewe is the better QB (although it doesn't help that Crewe was a major league QB and Falco only played 4 NFL games). Crewe had a better DYAR, YPA, TD/INT, and yards, although Falco does have the better DVOA, completion percentage, and LNG. Falco seems to have the better arm but, probably due to experience, Crewe is better at playing and "managing the game" I give the slight advantage to Crewe here but I give the bigger advantage to him because of weapons. Deacon Moss (played by Michael Irvin) ranked 3rd in DVOA and 4th in DYAR versus Clifford Franklin (played by Orlando Jones) who was merely ranked 25th in DVOA and 30th in DYAR. Franklin had great speed but his poor hands and inability to run routs made him much less valuable than Gene Hackman thought. However, Falco had the best TE (wasn't drafted because he was deaf) who was first in yards and TDs among tight ends and put up similar peripherals to Deacon Moss although was thrown to much less.
So I give the slight advantage to the Sentinals because their O-line helps plays to the teams strengths and weaknesses although the Mean Machine was certainly hold their own. Now let's analyze the defense.
This is where the Mean Machine's weaknesses really show. The Sentinals were fantastic at rushing the passer ranking first in sacks, 2nd in pass protection, and fifth in running. The Sentinals corners aren't that good but they benefit hugely from the front 7 getting to the QB (similar to the New York Giants the past two years). The Mean Machine on the other hand wasn't really THAT good ranking 15th in sacks, 16th in passing, and 30TH in running. They sort of can get to the QB but teams run all over them leaving them very vulnerable. The fact that the Sentinals RB is very very good and will absolutely destroy the Mean Machine's D, will also help out Shane Falco, who really isn't that good.
I think the offenses are very comparable but the defenses are not even close, and in individual games, I'll take the defense, especially one that can get to the QB as well as the Sentinals can, any day over the offense, especially one I don't thin is THAT good.
So that is why I voted for the Washington Sentinals over the Mean Machine. That and the Longest Yard was a shit movie.
The first thing to look at is the offensive and the O-line. Surprisingly, the Washington Sentinals (the team in the Replacements) had a pretty good O-line. In the history of fictional football teams, The Replacements ranked first in terms of pass protection, but only 15th in run blocking. The Mean Machine (the team in the Longest Yard) seemed to have the opposite problem. They ranked first in run blocking but only 16h in pass protection. The Mean Machine O-line's was probably the causal factor in the running because the MM's RB, Megget (played by Nelly), only ranked 13th in DYAR and a mere 25th in DVOA. However, it didn't matter how bad the Sentinals rushing line was because they had a fantastic runner, before he got hurt, who ranked 2nd in DYAR and DVOA.
So the advantage seems to go to the Sentinals, but the passing game seems to tell a different story. When you look at Shane Falco (played by Keanu Reeves) versus Paul Crewe (played by Adam Sandler), one can clearly see that Crewe is the better QB (although it doesn't help that Crewe was a major league QB and Falco only played 4 NFL games). Crewe had a better DYAR, YPA, TD/INT, and yards, although Falco does have the better DVOA, completion percentage, and LNG. Falco seems to have the better arm but, probably due to experience, Crewe is better at playing and "managing the game" I give the slight advantage to Crewe here but I give the bigger advantage to him because of weapons. Deacon Moss (played by Michael Irvin) ranked 3rd in DVOA and 4th in DYAR versus Clifford Franklin (played by Orlando Jones) who was merely ranked 25th in DVOA and 30th in DYAR. Franklin had great speed but his poor hands and inability to run routs made him much less valuable than Gene Hackman thought. However, Falco had the best TE (wasn't drafted because he was deaf) who was first in yards and TDs among tight ends and put up similar peripherals to Deacon Moss although was thrown to much less.
So I give the slight advantage to the Sentinals because their O-line helps plays to the teams strengths and weaknesses although the Mean Machine was certainly hold their own. Now let's analyze the defense.
This is where the Mean Machine's weaknesses really show. The Sentinals were fantastic at rushing the passer ranking first in sacks, 2nd in pass protection, and fifth in running. The Sentinals corners aren't that good but they benefit hugely from the front 7 getting to the QB (similar to the New York Giants the past two years). The Mean Machine on the other hand wasn't really THAT good ranking 15th in sacks, 16th in passing, and 30TH in running. They sort of can get to the QB but teams run all over them leaving them very vulnerable. The fact that the Sentinals RB is very very good and will absolutely destroy the Mean Machine's D, will also help out Shane Falco, who really isn't that good.
I think the offenses are very comparable but the defenses are not even close, and in individual games, I'll take the defense, especially one that can get to the QB as well as the Sentinals can, any day over the offense, especially one I don't thin is THAT good.
So that is why I voted for the Washington Sentinals over the Mean Machine. That and the Longest Yard was a shit movie.
Put It On The Board?
I think this should be a bet for the sister website: Adam Dunn HR versus Nationals win. Right now, the Nats are winning- but barely. They have 22 wins versus Dunn's 20 HR. HAHAHAHA the Nationals suck
Insane Bat Skillz
This is Josh Womack, he has become a fairly popular internet sensation the past month. He unveils all the bat tricks in his proverbial bag.
There is one problem with this minor leaguer, he absolutely sucks at baseball. Maybe him and the ambidextrous pitcher could join Cirque du Soleil
There is one problem with this minor leaguer, he absolutely sucks at baseball. Maybe him and the ambidextrous pitcher could join Cirque du Soleil
