2009 In-Game Discussion

[CrazyCarl]

Ah, it's good to have Joe Morgan back

[Titus_Pullo]

And the soon to be repeat champion Phillies back as well.

[CrazyCarl]

the only thing they'll repeat at is being gay

[Titus_Pullo]

No one told me they signed Mike Piazza.

[CrazyCarl]

Brett Myers sucks

[Genius]

This Gameday at MLB.com is pretty sweet. Good in-depth analysis, real-time stats, and quick updating video highlights of big events. It's about time they tie in video with gamecasts.

[Hanover Fist]

This Gameday at MLB.com is pretty sweet. Good in-depth analysis, real-time stats, and quick updating video highlights of big events. It's about time they tie in video with gamecasts.

They've had video highlights for a few years. The new stuff is pretty kick ass though with the pitchers and batters preference and tendencies.

[Genius]

It'll be better when there's more information, but pretty well put together.

[Hobnail_Boot]

I'm pleasantly surprised by the Braves' power-hitting tonight. And Lowe seems to be OK so far.

[Draven X 23]

Yey braves!

[Genius]

Derek Lowe is mad underrated.

[Hobnail_Boot]

Derek Lowe is mad underrated.
Yes. BTW, it is just now hitting me that Smoltzie is no longer with my team. Fuck it, he' still my favorite player of all time.

[jemeske]

Lowe isn't a front of the rotation pitcher and really he was never good enough to be a #1 at pretty much any point in his career. He's always been a solid pitcher, but I wouldn't expect 8 inning of 2 hit ball all season.

[Hobnail_Boot]

Lowe isn't a front of the rotation pitcher and really he was never good enough to be a #1 at pretty much any point in his career. He's always been a solid pitcher, but I wouldn't expect 8 inning of 2 hit ball all season.
^ that right there. Yes, that just blew my high. Thank you.

[Stax]

He's right though. Save his first year converted to a starter (02?) he's never been a top-of-the-line guy.

[Hanover Fist]

Wow the Reds really let Harang get his pitch count up considering it's the first game of the season. 114 pitches today.

Hmmm, a pitcher pinch hitting for a pitcher.

[Stax]

Through 5 innings, damn he's inefficient.

EDIT - But David Wright has a hit so my "Beat the Streak" streak has started on a good note.

[jemeske]

Arthur Rhodes? Really?

[Hanover Fist]

For some reason I thought Arthur Rhodes was way older than he was. When I saw him come into the game I was thinking, "that dude must be like 45 or something", damn he's not even 40 yet.

[jemeske]

Arthur Rhodes is at least 53 years old. And I will never forgive him.

[Hanover Fist]

How many games did it take for Cliff to give up his first 7 runs last year?

[Stax]

How many games did it take for Cliff to give up his first 7 runs last year?

They said he didn't allow his 7th run til May 18th in the gamecast, IIRC.

[Stax]

Yep, he'd allowed only 5 runs through May 18th (http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/2008/Klee-c0030072008.htm), his 8th start, but had an ugly interleague game against Cinci.

[Draven X 23]

Its nice of Lee to help me by giving Salty a HR. I picked him up late in a draft as a part time catcher until Wieters comes up.

[TheImpossibleMan]

Oh my God, can someone please tell me why the FUCK Pudge is batting second? What the fuck? This is why websites like firejoemorgan.com exist(ed).

[Hanover Fist]

They mentioned at the start of this game that Verlander was on a 100 pitch pitch count, apparently he plans on reaching that in the 1st inning.
Tigers down 4-0 in the 1st and Halladay has only given up more than 2 runs to the Tigers only twice in his career. Thems pretty good odds.

[TheImpossibleMan]

This is literally the fourth year in which I expected Mora to be traded. It's strange that he's endured this way.

[TheImpossibleMan]

I can't believe Mora doesn't score on that double. He must be so fucking slow. It's a sure-fire double to the gap, and with two outs you're running on the pitch.

[Snatch]

This is literally the fourth year in which I expected Mora to be traded. It's strange that he's endured this way.

He has a no trade clause. The same as he has had during this entire contract. Mwah.

[Draven X 23]

Wow watching the Astros telecast on Extra Innings is insightful. did you know that Cubs new addition Milton Bradley lead the AL in Batting Average? Me neither since Mauer lead the AL in Batting Average.

[Hanover Fist]

They just said they were in a delay at the Twins game...wtf? Did the lights go out or something?

[Hanover Fist]

The Blue Jays are absolutely killing Verlanders changeup, they have 6 XBH's tonight and I think they hit them all on his changeup.

[Draven X 23]

I might be the only one but I hate when players wear their hat crooked. Especially pitchers. You get paid millions. At least try to look like a professional. You don't see cops or firemen wearing their hats crooked.

[Draven X 23]

Also I'd like to know who came up with the idea of having female side line reporters be smoking hot with big tits. Cause he deserves a beer. Except for the Nats chick most are nice to look at. Even Amber Theoharis. Her face is meh but good boobage.

[mongo]

crooked hats don't bother me that much. straight bills on the hat do. i hate it when they don't bend that shit. also, leaving stickers on you hat is for poor ass ******* who need to prove they have $20 and can afford a hat. fuck that.

[Stax]

The Blue Jays are absolutely killing Verlanders changeup, they have 6 XBH's tonight and I think they hit them all on his changeup.

That's more XBH than they had all last year, I believe.

[Draven X 23]

crooked hats don't bother me that much. straight bills on the hat do. i hate it when they don't bend that shit. also, leaving stickers on you hat is for poor ass ******* who need to prove they have $20 and can afford a hat. fuck that.

Players can't wear their hats backwards. Why shouldn't they have to wear it correctly.


So it took what 5 innings before Bradley hurt himself. Oh he is staying in?

[Genius]

Brian Giles used to be awesome. That dude should have a steroid named after him.

[wacker]

Idiot drunken Jays fans throwing shit all over the field so Leylan calls in his players.

[ADD]

Brian Giles used to be awesome. That dude should have a steroid named after him.

and a restraining order

[Cornflake]

Idiot drunken Jays fans throwing shit all over the field so Leylan calls in his players.

Yeah they are risking forfeit. Man, 7 run lead and the fans almost blow it.

[wacker]

Its always like this at the home opener. I was there last year and there was idiots doing stupid shit then too (nothing that bad though) and its because of them some of the games have to be dry this summer.

[mongo]

dry baseball gmaes? for reealz? gay.

[Cornflake]

Yeah you could see the guys in the right field corner when they were making that announcement and you could tell they were hammered.

[ADD]

What the fuck is wrong with Canada?

[wacker]

dry baseball gmaes? for reealz? gay.

I think its two games (so far anyway) including tomorrows where you can't buy booze, total BS.

[ADD]

Canada Dry for realz

[ADD]

So this is why Yankee tickets cost so much

CC Sabathia will wear a size 56 jersey for the Yankees this season, with three inches added to both the sleeves and the length.

It might be the largest jersey ever worn by a Yankee, and there is no record of another 300-pound pitcher in Major League history.

Sabathia enters the season at 6'7" and 309 pounds.

[mongo]

that's a lot of man.

[hatepoppy]

more like alotta feman.

[Revolution]

Soriano for MVP!

[ADD]

Let's not get crazy

[Draven X 23]

So this is why Yankee tickets cost so much

309? Damn.

There is an 'around the plate' joke in there somewhere.

[ShitBreak]

Anyone see the Cards start off the season with a blown save?

Yeah...great call, Mozeliak by not going after a closer. We definitely didn't need one.

[mongo]

Anyone see the Cards start off the season with a blown save?

Yeah...great call, Mozeliak by not going after a closer. We definitely didn't need one.

you've got one. he'll be the nl roy.

[hatepoppy]

derrek lee for nl roy!

[Revolution]

And, of course, Kevin Gregg for cy young.

[ADD]

Anyone see the Cards start off the season with a blown save?

Yeah...great call, Mozeliak by not going after a closer. We definitely didn't need one.

You're just making our season easier. Thank you.

Didn't I tell you "false Cardinals hope" weeks ago? Don't underestimate me.

[ADD]

derrek lee for nl roy!

Aramis Ramirez, you drunk

And, of course, Kevin Gregg for cy young.

Only if the award is for ridiculous glasses

[hatepoppy]

im not drunk. im drinkt, byr not drunk.

[ADD]

I'm nicely buzzed at this point

[Stax]

Only if the award is for ridiculous glasses

Another argument for Frank Howard in the HoF (http://forum.gorillamask.net/showthread.php?t=18496):

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/treasure/Wingfield_Howard.jpg

[ADD]

I don't think it's a good thing

[Jericho]

Fucking Stax. spamming his HOF threads

[Stax]

Fucking Stax. spamming his HOF threads

Next up: Kevin Appier.

[ADD]

Andre Dawson god damnit

[Jericho]

Andre Dawson god damnit
zomg, I caught an Andre Dawson home run ball at Candlestick Park in like 92-93. He became my favorite non-A.

[hatepoppy]

zomg, I caught an Andre Dawson home run ball at Candlestick Park in like 92-93. He became my favorite non-A.
somg ur lying or ill cut ur balls off to steal teh ball.

[Jericho]

somg ur lying or ill cut ur balls off to steal teh ball.
I think my brother has it

[Stax]

Andre Dawson god damnit

Fuck Andre Dawson's HoF case.

[hatepoppy]

I think my brother has it
your fucking nards are at stake, joseph. tel the jig to up it.

[TheImpossibleMan]

http://deadspin.com/5200783/johan-santana-has-a-very-good-memory

What an awesome video. I feel like I'm watching a monumental sports occasion as he just keeps going.

[ShitBreak]

You're just making our season easier. Thank you.

Didn't I tell you "false Cardinals hope" weeks ago? Don't underestimate me.

That's true. You are a Cubs fan. You know ALL about false hope.

[ninja33]

i keep getting excited for the brewers season to start...and then I realize that theyre about to get mowed down by Lincecum and theyre countering with their 5th best starter (in a mediocre at best rotation)....

[ADD]

Jim Thome might be as old as dirt, but he still knows his role and eye black. Lots of eye black.

[Stax]

Jim Thome might be as old as dirt, but he still knows his role and eye black. Lots of eye black.

I love Jim Thome.

[ADD]

I do as well. He is not only a great hitter, but just a nice cool guy

[Genius]

Tony Larussa is an idiot. Guy hits .299 last year, with 37 dingers, drives in a hundred, rips a homer in the opener, and he benches him. Way to fucking overthink it, Tony.

[Genius]

Erik Bedard is my cracka.

[wacker]

BJ Ryan is going to lose his closers role soon me thinks...

[ShitBreak]

Tony Larussa is an idiot. Guy hits .299 last year, with 37 dingers, drives in a hundred, rips a homer in the opener, and he benches him. Way to fucking overthink it, Tony.

Yeah, it is just costing them the game, isn't?

PWNT.

[ADD]

I already hate Kevin Gregg and his glasses

[Draven X 23]

Haha Uggla sucks.

[Draven X 23]

The Braves game looks a lot like my softball scrimmage on Sunday. Top of the 3rd and its already 7-2. Without Chipper or Garret.

Oh and McCann in the clean up spot looks like a smart move.

[ADD]

Break up the Marlins and shoot the Phillies

[Snatch]

I guess this is a normal year.

[Revolution]

Who the fuck is Ryan Perry?

[Draven X 23]

Did I just see a pitcher hit a 2 run homer off Randy Johnson?


Yes I did.

[mongo]

yup. the big unit has aged.

[Jericho]

That A's offense is really firing on all cylinders

[jemeske]

Mother fucker, you take that to the Mafia thread. In here you have to mix with Mongo and Ron Paul. You never know what stds you'll end up with.

But you are correct. The A's offense with men on base has to be the worst in the league for at least the past five years.

[Snatch]

Mother fucker, you take that to the Mafia thread. In here you have to mix with Mongo and Ron Paul. You never know what stds you'll end up with.

But you are correct. The A's offense with men on base has to be the worst in the league for at least the Billy Beane Era.

[Rover]

Is there a sabermetric for OBP with men on base? I would use RBI, but that doesn't strike me as a number Billy Beane is interested in. It isn't divided by anything and doesn't get multiplied by a ratio.

[jemeske]

We need more David Ecksteins.

[jemeske]

That was hard to type.

[Snatch]

Is there a sabermetric for OBP with men on base? I would use RBI, but that doesn't strike me as a number Billy Beane is interested in. It isn't divided by anything and doesn't get multiplied by a ratio.

Just a small guess, but Avg. is down in Oakland, because of the field. Plus, they don't get contact hitters/speed guys, they get OBP guys. So those two things combined mean that there's less basehits/sac flies.

I don't know, it could all just be in our heads.

[Rover]

I would rather have a high average guy, plug him in at the cleanup spot and let him knock in all those high OBP guys. If 3 guys all walk, their OBP is through the roof, but it's meaningless if the 4th guy hits a grounder to the SS. But then, I haven't had a book written about my baseball strategy.

[jemeske]

Well, OBP wasn't the point of Moneyball or Beane's strategy. It was finding the undervalued metric that small money teams can exploit in the marketplace. If it was just about OBP, he's done a horrible job, because the A's have been pretty weak in OBP for years too (along with every other offensive category).

Also, I'm sure statistically, if you have a lot of high obp guys, you're bound to get them to score eventually. Really, OBP is much more important.

[Snatch]

Ya, but you also never fired the scouting director that got you Chavez, Mulder, Zito, Crosby, and Bonderman so that you could think you were the man and draft a bunch of pieces of shit.

[jemeske]

So Beane sucks? I think that's a pretty tough case to make. He used trades to quickly reload after the Giambi/Tejada era and now he's on the verge of doing it again rather quickly. All on a shoestring.

[Snatch]

So Beane sucks? I think that's a pretty tough case to make. He used trades to quickly reload after the Giambi/Tejada era and now he's on the verge of doing it again rather quickly. All on a shoestring.

Hell of a good job of trading guys. Not a very good job of drafting them.

Moneyball and after First Round/Supplemental Draft Picks:

Swisher- Win
Blanton- Win
McCurdy- Loss
Fritz- Loss
Obenchain- Loss
Brown- Loss
Teahen- Win
Sullivan- Loss
Snyder- Loss
Powell- Eh
Robnett- Loss
Pennington- Eh

I mean, not very good success there.

[Snatch]

Fuckin' Nomah.

[jemeske]

Nice save here, Brian.

[jemeske]

And it continues!

[jemeske]

They could feel you mocking Beane and they were not pleased.

[Snatch]

They could feel you mocking Beane and they were not pleased.

I just think he was stupid for firing Fuson how he did. Imagine how good the A's would be if they had drafted a little better.

Also, I always laugh when pitchers come from the NL to the AL. The results almost never cease to entertain me.

[jemeske]

In general, I think Fuentes will be better than KRod. He may have racked up the saves, but he was really all over the place last year.

[jemeske]

Hell of a good job of trading guys. Not a very good job of drafting them.

Moneyball and after First Round/Supplemental Draft Picks:

Swisher- Win
Blanton- Win
McCurdy- Loss
Fritz- Loss
Obenchain- Loss
Brown- Loss
Teahen- Win
Sullivan- Loss
Snyder- Loss
Powell- Eh
Robnett- Loss
Pennington- Eh

I mean, not very good success there.
First rounders, true, but there have been other picks that have been pretty solid in recent years. Cahill was a second rounder in like 06 when they had no first rounder. Suzuki was a 2nd rounder. Buck I think was a sandwich pick. I think both Braden, Casilla, and Bailey from the active roster have also been drafted by Oakland in that time and currently on the team as well. I think nearly half of the 25 man roster were original A's picks or amateur signees.

Anyway, regardless of how he goes about doing it, Beane has set the A's up really well again to go on a successful run.

Edit: Huston Street, Andre Ethier!

[Draven X 23]

You know when I see Jeter, Damon and Teixeira go down 1-2-3 all I see is about $55 mil going down one two three.

[Snatch]

You know when I see Jeter, Damon and Teixeira go down 1-2-3 all I see is about $55 mil going down one two three.

All I see is another pimple on Stax's back.

[Snatch]

Yankees just got the Orioles back for the Izturis HR, by having one of their fans take one out of Markakis' glove, and then pose and high five his friend.

This is why I hate cheering for a losing team, fat bandwagon ******* come in yellow shirts and think they own the place.

[Draven X 23]

Luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuke!

[Snatch]

http://forum.orioleshangout.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1701714&postcount=274

[Celtickliq]

Yea, so like, Pavano sucks and stuff. But my Beat the Streak continues. So thank you IAN KINSLER ftw!

[Draven X 23]

Looks like the zombie from Land of the Dead.

[ninja33]

Did I just see a pitcher hit a 2 run homer off Randy Johnson?


Yes I did.

*3 run homer.

And that was Gallardo's third career homerun in about 50 at bats...not bad. He pitched pretty well too.


And even though the Cards are losing, Carpenter looks pretty damn good and healthy right now.

[Snatch]

http://img245.imagevenue.com/loc521/th_04422_pregnantman_122_521lo.jpg (http://img245.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=04422_pregnantman_122_521lo.jpg)

If I do that in yankees stadium, I end up getting hurt.

[Draven X 23]

It was 3? Wow... even worse for Johnson.

[ShitBreak]

All Chris Carpenter does after basically not pitching for two years is have a no hitter through 6.2 innings.

Welcome back, Carp.

Not shockingly...we will still lose this game.

[ADD]

The power of Ohlendorf compels you

[Draven X 23]

Brian Bass can't find home plate... on a grounder back to the mound.

[ShitBreak]

Man...when we get Glaus back, our lineup is gonna be pretty fucking good. Our 3B spot is our achilles heel right now batting-wise.

I mean Joe Thurston? David Freese? Brian Barden? Reallllly?

[ShitBreak]

And just like that...Carpenter heads into the clubhouse with a lead and the chance to get the win.

7 innings, 1 hit, 7 Ks. Not too bad for the longest outing he has had in over 2 years.

[Draven X 23]

The Yankees have brought out Phil Coke to pitch to the O's.

I say his name to waitresses when my cup is empty.

[Stax]

All I see is another pimple on Stax's back.

Why the fuck are you imagining my back?

[Stax]

Nick Swisher is, apparently, Jesus Christ.

And Robbie Cano has maybe possibly finally learned/remembered how to hit in the first half?

[Stax]

Dammit, why has Travis Hafner been on my bench for 2 days?

[Draven X 23]

I think I like Jones in the #2 hole now. I was worried he wasn't patient enough. But so far this year he looks like a totally different guy at the plate.

5-1 woo.

[Draven X 23]

Wow, before the season I thought the one thing the O's had going for it was the bullpen. The offense looked blah and the starters looked sad.

The score was 5-1 when Hendrickson came out of the game. Now its 5-4. Final.

[ADD]

Could Joe Morgan have a bigger shit eating grin when Steve Phillips mentioned it's been 100 years for the Cubs? Joe Morgan is such a turd.

[Stax]

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090412&content_id=4235908&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=la

There's a weird one for ya. At least Manny got a hit to extend my streak to 7.

[jemeske]

I don't get it. Why did they count that run? Why did they need to make a play on Ethier?

[Stax]

I don't get it. Why did they count that run? Why did they need to make a play on Ethier?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourth_out

"According to the rules, the third out does not cause the ball to become dead; if the fielders make a subsequent out that prevents a run from scoring, this out will supersede the apparent third out, thus becoming the recorded third out. [1] For statistical purposes, the apparent third out is "undone" and the fourth out's result is recorded instead."

In other words, Ethier scored before the original third out (not a force out because they tagged the runner, not the base) was recorded, so he scored. Had they offered at 3rd base (since Ethier hadn't tagged) that out would've replaced the original 3rd out and the run stopped, but they didn't.

[ADD]

Amateurs

[jemeske]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourth_out

"According to the rules, the third out does not cause the ball to become dead; if the fielders make a subsequent out that prevents a run from scoring, this out will supersede the apparent third out, thus becoming the recorded third out. [1] For statistical purposes, the apparent third out is "undone" and the fourth out's result is recorded instead."

In other words, Ethier scored before the original third out (not a force out because they tagged the runner, not the base) was recorded, so he scored. Had they offered at 3rd base (since Ethier hadn't tagged) that out would've replaced the original 3rd out and the run stopped, but they didn't.
I still don't understand why Ethier's run should have counted if he didn't tag up. A team has to appeal/tag/whatever in those situations for it not to be allowed? I did not know that.

[Stax]

I still don't understand why Ethier's run should have counted if he didn't tag up. A team has to appeal/tag/whatever in those situations for it not to be allowed? I did not know that.

I think it's that you have to tag up to avoid being put out by tagging 3rd base, but they never tagged 3rd so *shrug*.

[Draven X 23]

Why does Maddon hate me? His team is crushing the ball. And of course both Crawford and Longoria are not in the game after 3 ABs.


Andruw Jones crushes a ball off the O's bullpen.

[Draven X 23]

I hate seeing Sherrill in the game with only a 1 run advantage.

EDIT: His name is Nick Markakis and he is awesome.

[ShitBreak]

Note to AL: Toronto can fucking swing the bat.

[ShitBreak]

Barden says FUCK YOU and hits an opposite field 1st career HR.

[wacker]

Note to AL: Toronto can fucking swing the bat.

Cito!

[Draven X 23]

I love my sleeper middle infield. Khalil Greene and Aaron Hill. Cost me next to nothing in draft picks and they have been as good as I could have hoped.

[ShitBreak]

Yeah...I got Greene with my last pick, but unfortunately, I had to drop him today. Cause BJ Upton is back and fucking up the bases.

[Snatch]

Markakis deserves a gold glove. It's stupid that there's not individual gold gloves for each position. That play he made tonight isn't made by any other RF, in my opinion.

[TheImpossibleMan]

Last night's Rangers/O's game was insane.

[Stax]

Nick Swisher is batting .400 and just threw a shutout inning. I think he really is Jesus.

[ShitBreak]

The Yankees will have to rely on Swisher's arm throughout the season. He's the best arm they have coming out of the bullpen.

[Draven X 23]

Nick Swisher is batting .400 and just threw a shutout inning. I think he really is Jesus.

Who did he strike out? I saw he had 1 K.

[Draven X 23]

Ohh Matt Wieters watch... Zaun is hitting a cool .167/ .286/ .333 so far this season. All 3 of his hits are doubles though.

[Hanover Fist]

Who did he strike out? I saw he had 1 K.

Gabe Kapler.


This is kind of a funny article.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/Morning-Juice-Now-pitching-for-the-Yankees-?urn=mlb,155472

[Draven X 23]

G. Kapler struck out swinging

Wow. He should not be playing anymore after getting struke out by a guy who has not pitched since High School.

[ADD]

As if being Jewish wasn't bad enough for Gabe Kapler

[Hanover Fist]

There must be some way we can trade GMJ for a couple of nice bats or a resin bag. Seriously I think it's time to cut bait and for Arte just to admit they fucked up with the signing and make room on the roster for someone that can actually play the game.

[Draven X 23]

You'd have to pay a team to take him. Or just release him and watch no one pick him up. Like so many other ML.

[Hanover Fist]

You'd have to pay a team to take him. Or just release him and watch no one pick him up. Like so many other ML.

It would suck to have wasted that much money, but it's an even bigger waste to have him taking up a roster spot that could have Brandon Wood or some other prospect in it.
Face it, he isn't happy, he isn't really needed, and we have more pressing needs than a decent OF that strikes out 174% of the time.

[Stax]

Strikeouts are like 17th on the list of what is wrong with GMJ

[Hanover Fist]

I honestly thought he would be done as an Angel once he started spouting off about not being happy about his role on the team. Is Mike getting softer in his old age?
Other than paying for him to sit at home or play for someone else, I can't think of any value he has to the team at this point.

[Draven X 23]

Texas helps OFs get big contracts they aren't worth. I wish I was a Texas OF on my way to Free Agency.

[Stax]

What the FUCK did Nick Swisher take this offseason, and whatever it was he'd better have enough to share with the team.

[Draven X 23]

He didn't have to lead off to begin the season. And he got away from Ozzie. I really wish he was an Oriole.

[Jericho]

What the FUCK did Nick Swisher take this offseason, and whatever it was he'd better have enough to share with the team.
I miss Swish

[Stax]

He didn't have to lead off to begin the season. And he got away from Ozzie. I really wish he was an Oriole.

I agree he's not a leadoff guy and Ozzie sucks dick, but still. Hopefully last year was just a shit year and he gets back to that mid-to-high 120s OPS+ form he had his last 2 years in Oakland, that'd be WAY better than I was hoping for.

Or he could keep hitting .450/.542/1.150, that'd be cool too.

[Stax]

I miss Swish

http://baseballauthority.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/nick-swisher.jpg

[Jericho]

That's a sexy man

[Stax]

You know it is.

[Hanover Fist]

Darren Oliver may be old as shit, but that dude is money.

[Hanover Fist]

Darren Oliver may be old as shit, but that dude is money.

Scott Shields however was way less than impressive :mad:

[jemeske]

The fact that Lance hated Swish so much made him all the better. The fact that he can't do facial hair in NY reduces his effectiveness by at least 59%. Think about that! He could be batting .860 right now AND be the leading contender for the AL Cy Young..

[Stax]

That's actually the real reason facial hair is banned with the Yankees. This season was foretold by the gods, and they used the forces of fate to make Steinbrenner set that rule to prevent the collapse of the game.

[ShitBreak]

Dear god...Carpenter has to leave the game with an undisclosed injury (doesn't look like his arm), and now Pujols is winching with every swing.

The Cardinals have gone from 1st to last. Goodie.

[ADD]

Yes!

[jemeske]

Need I break out this av again?

[mongo]

m's game was awesometown. cold as shit though. also, the umpiring crew fucked up the last play of the game. when figgins overthrew first, a fan reached out and touched the ball. there were like 2 or 3 angels over there w/ their hands up signaling dead ball. the umps were not even paying attention.

[ShitBreak]

Ok...Pooge is fine.

Pitching staff minus Carpenter? Not so much.

[ShitBreak]

Good fucking god. Yadier Molina. With the stolen base. Jesus.

[ADD]

I'm gonna love telling you "Hey, remember when the Cards were in 1st place for a week or 2 in April" in September.

[ShitBreak]

I'm gonna love telling you, "Hey, remember when the Cubs thought this was their year?" in October.

[jemeske]

And I'm gonna love whispering sweet nothings into Patsfan's ear after I bring him back for a surprise September call up.

[ADD]

I'm gonna love telling you, "Hey, remember when the Cubs thought this was their year?" in October.

I'm going to punch you in the vagina

[ShitBreak]

I'm going to give you a hug. Then push you off a cliff.

[ADD]

Don't touch me. Menace.

[ADD]

Eric Byrnes!!!

[Stax]

Damn, I picked Mags for Beat the Streak yesterday (and I've had a streak going since opening day) so I got pushed off the leaderboard w/o losing (I'm at 8, leaders at 9)

EDIT - And Sportscenter is honestly trying to blame the WBC for Daisuke's shittastic start.

[ShitBreak]

Cards just broke this game wide the fuck open. Crooked number FTW!

[Snatch]

Damn, I picked Mags for Beat the Streak yesterday (and I've had a streak going since opening day) so I got pushed off the leaderboard w/o losing (I'm at 8, leaders at 9)

EDIT - And Sportscenter is honestly trying to blame the WBC for Daisuke's shittastic start.

WBC pitchers did far worse last go around.

[ShitBreak]

I need to keep my big fucking mouth shut.

Either that, or Joel Pineiro needs to stop sucking ass.

[Snatch]

Wakefield no hitter wakefield no hitter.
jinx jinx jinx jinx.
red sox suck red sox suck.

[jemeske]

And he'd have a perfect if not for the error.

[ShitBreak]

HEY, DID YOU GUYS SEE THAT WAKEFIELD HAS A NO HITTER GOING?!?!?!?

[Stax]

Wakefield no hitter wakefield no hitter.
jinx jinx jinx jinx.

[ADD]

It's ok, ESPN.com's top headline right now...

"Boston's Wakefield has no-hitter through 7"

[Stax]

This thing w/ everyone wearing 42 is retarded

[jemeske]

Well this game took an extra shitty turn.

[ADD]

This thing w/ everyone wearing 42 is retarded

No kidding. I'm like "who's batting"?

[jemeske]

aSJFDasdfff. A third out would be nice.

[Stax]

No kidding. I'm like "who's batting"?

staxringold (5:08:44 PM): I fucking hate this "Everyone wears 42" thing
friendofstax (5:08:56 PM): you think everybody is mo rivera?
staxringold (5:09:04 PM): lulz
staxringold (5:09:20 PM): oh snap mo just fielded a ball hit by mo off of mo and threw to mo
staxringold (5:09:24 PM): He could do it, BTW
staxringold (5:09:51 PM): And 1st base umpire mo calls him out
friendofstax (5:10:30 PM): It's a 6-4-3, Mo-Mo-Mo double play to get Mo ouot of the inning
staxringold (5:10:38 PM): zomg
staxringold (5:10:43 PM): mo tried to break it up
staxringold (5:10:47 PM): but mo's just too slick a fielder
staxringold (5:10:57 PM): MO MO MO! How do you like it how do you like it?
friendofstax (5:11:21 PM): Mo with the takeout slide!
friendofstax (5:11:25 PM): oh no, benches are clearing
friendofstax (5:11:28 PM): Mo is up in Mos face
friendofstax (5:11:31 PM): MO THROWS A PUNCH!
friendofstax (5:11:33 PM): MO IS DOWN
friendofstax (5:11:41 PM): MO IS LIKE A WILD BEAST OUT THERE
staxringold (5:11:50 PM): OH NO HE FLIPPED OVER DON "MO" ZIMMER!

[jemeske]

Ha. Pedroia provided two of the three outs that inning because he sucks.

[Stax]

There we go

[jemeske]

And the comeback begins. Good thing we didn't give up six runs last inning.

[Stax]

And the comeback begins. Good thing we didn't give up six runs last inning.

Oops

[Jericho]

Dude,I am fucking over this whole shutout shit. Score some fucking runs sometime this year,you fuckers

[Angry Ass Messican Dude]

Nick Swisher is leading my fantasy team to utter dominance. My buddy sent me a trade, He want's my Miguel Cabrera for his A-Rod.

Who would take it and who would leave it?

[Stax]

Nick Swisher is leading my fantasy team to utter dominance. My buddy sent me a trade, He want's my Miguel Cabrera for his A-Rod.

Who would take it and who would leave it?

I wouldn't take that ever, but it becomes a worse trade every day that goes by where you eat a day of no-ARod and lose a day of potential Miggy.

[ninja33]

maybe think about it when Arods healthy, definitely not right now though.

[Angry Ass Messican Dude]

We wouldn't make the trade till ARod is back. We both want to make it to the finals, and I need a power third baseman b=more than I need a power 1st baseman since I have Swish.

[Angry Ass Messican Dude]

And we all know Swish is Baseball Jesus.

[Stax]

Oh wait, I misread that, thought you were giving up ARod. ARod once playing > Miggy. If you can do that once ARod is back? I'd definitely do that.

[ninja33]

why doesn't cabrera have 3B eligibility? He played there some last year.

[Angry Ass Messican Dude]

Yeah I have Miguel, he has Arod.

[Angry Ass Messican Dude]

He does, but my lineup is weird.

[ninja33]

fair enough. Then its probably worth it once ARod is healthy...I do think Cabrera is going to be a monster this year though.

[Stax]

That fly out to deep left-center is probably a double if not a HR in Yankee Stadium. (by Swisher)

[Angry Ass Messican Dude]

I still don't know why I drafted Ryan Zimmerman.

[Genius]

Is it going to take someone shooting Tony Larussa in the head for Ryan Ludwick to play every day? He goes 2 for 5, his average DROPS, and he hits another home run. My money is he's on the bench tomorrow. Can't let our guys get too much of that playing time now, can we, Tony?

[ShitBreak]

Is it going to take someone shooting Tony Larussa in the head for Ryan Ludwick to play every day? He goes 2 for 5, his average DROPS, and he hits another home run. My money is he's on the bench tomorrow. Can't let our guys get too much of that playing time now, can we, Tony?

If Ankiel keeps sucking, Ludwick will get more playing time.

It's weird for me too...BUT Duncan is playing really good, and Rasmus needs to get at-bats.

I'm willing to bet that Ankiel is gone in the middle of the season, depending on injuries and how Rasmus is doing.

[Snatch]

Adam Jones is a totally different player this year. Man, if he keeps walking at this rate, he's going to be an all-star sooner than later.

[ADD]

So far the O's and Padres so far are a million times better than I thought they'd be.

The Brewers and Indians, a million times worse.

[Snatch]

So far the O's and Padres so far are a million times better than I thought they'd be.

The Brewers and Indians, a million times worse.

The O's have the lineup (especially with Wieters) and they have the depth. I just don't know if the cavalry will arrive on time.

[Genius]

If Ankiel keeps sucking, Ludwick will get more playing time.

It's weird for me too...BUT Duncan is playing really good, and Rasmus needs to get at-bats.

I'm willing to bet that Ankiel is gone in the middle of the season, depending on injuries and how Rasmus is doing.
I'm not even a Cards fan. I hate the Cards. But I'm the biggest Ludwick homer ever.

[ShitBreak]

It's a week into the season.

I don't think the O's are going to continue to be hovering around 1st, and the Yanks/Sawks battling for last.

[ShitBreak]

I'm not even a Cards fan. I hate the Cards. But I'm the biggest Ludwick homer ever.

That's why it freaks me out.

Why are you in love with the Luddy so much?

[Snatch]

It's a week into the season.

I don't think the O's are going to continue to be hovering around 1st, and the Yanks/Sawks battling for last.

Oh, of course not.

But, you know how the O's are always hovering around .500 in July and then take a complete shit to end the year?

I think this is the year where we won't fall apart, because Freel, Wigginton, Zaun, Andino is a much better bench than Bynum, Payton, Quiroz, and insert shitty corner guy.

Plus, Bergesen, Tillman, Hernandez, Arrieta, Matusz, and Patton are better than having to rely on AAAA guys like Chris Waters and Brian Bass late in the year.

[Snatch]

That's why it freaks me out.

Why are you in love with the Luddy so much?

Because he's a good player.

You guys have COF out the ass.

[Snatch]

Win 2 games, lose third by 10. It's the magic of Orioles baseball.

[Draven X 23]

Win 2 games, lose third by 10. It's the magic of Orioles baseball.

I think it has more to do with the quality of the pitching staff. Besides Guthrie no starter is exactly known to be ML average.

[ADD]

The O's have the lineup (especially with Wieters) and they have the depth. I just don't know if the cavalry will arrive on time.

In that division though, it might only be the 4th best line up. That was why I'm really surprised so far with them.

[Draven X 23]

I don't think the #42 works well for the O's.

Ian Kinsler just hit the cycle.

[ADD]

What is this? Tax day so Jews (Marquis, Kinsler) perform well?

[Snatch]

In that division though, it might only be the 4th best line up. That was why I'm really surprised so far with them.

At worst, second best lineup in the division with Wieters (offense/defense).

Worst pitching.

BRob, Jones, Markakis, Huff, Wieters, Tyke Wiggincott, Mora, Pie, Izturis is pretty good offense/defense.

That's with the assumption that the young guys aren't awful.

[ShitBreak]

Dude....REALLY? At worst, 2nd best? Really?

Wieters hasn't done shit yet, for 1.

Two, you just said that a lineup with Cesar Izturis is really good.

[ADD]

I'd gladly take the Yankees', Rays' and Red Sox' lineups over the O's'.

[Snatch]

http://baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=8696

Second in runs scored projection by BP.

Plus, with Wieters, BRob, Pie, Jones, Markakis, Izturis, that's a lot of plus defenders.

[mongo]

M's are 7-2? Fucking lulz.

[TheImpossibleMan]

The O's lineup is as good as any team in baseball, period. I would take it straight-up over the Rays lineup, for offense. With defense, they're above average but I wouldn't anoint them fucking gods yet--Markakis and Jones are their best defenders but still have a lot of room to improve, and there is a lot of dead weight defensively, like Huff, Scott, and Mora.

[ShitBreak]

Jesus...the O's have one good week, and Snach and TIM think they are the best lineup in baseball.

Lulz.

[Draven X 23]

I'll agree once Wieters comes up.

[ShitBreak]

I'm gonna laugh when Wieters comes up, and bats like .240 and can't hit the ball out of the park.

[hatepoppy]

um.

the orioles arent that fucking good, ppl. best in baseball?

sure, right after gil meche wins the cy young.

[Draven X 23]

I'm gonna laugh when Wieters comes up, and bats like .240 and can't hit the ball out of the park.

Care to make a Wager?

[hatepoppy]

who is this 'weiners' character?

[Draven X 23]

um.

the orioles arent that fucking good, ppl. best in baseball?

sure, right after gil meche wins the cy young.

No one in baseball has a great line up 1-9. And it ain't the pitching that is getting it done.

[hatepoppy]

go ahead and compare you silly lil lineup to the cubs.

wheres the weak spot in

soriano
theriot
lee
bradley
ramirez
soto
fontenot
fukudome
zambrano

[hatepoppy]

*before october, heh

[Draven X 23]

go ahead and compare you silly lil lineup to the cubs.

wheres the weak spot in

soriano
theriot
lee
bradley
ramirez
soto
fontenot
fukudome
zambrano

Leadoff hitter that has only once had gotten on base 35% of the time.
#2 hitter with a career slugging% around Pujols career B.Average.
A number 3 hitter that has broken 100 RBIs once in his career and that was only because he hit 46 HRs that year.
Clean up hitter who has a career high of 77 RBIs and is a known injury risk.
Ramirez is fine. But he does most of his work at home.
Soto had a great rookie year. How are his injuries doing?
Fontenot is a good back up. Who knows about playing everyday.
Fukudome had a good April last year too. And then every month the numbers went down quickly.
Zambrano has 16 HRs in less then 500 ABs. Good for him.

[Snatch]

go ahead and compare you silly lil lineup to the cubs.

wheres the weak spot in

soriano
theriot
lee
bradley
ramirez
soto
fontenot
fukudome
zambrano

I said second best in the AL. I cited baseball prospectus. So, right now you're arguing with them, not me.

BRob > Fontenot (which might be why we traded him)
Jones > Fukudome (because of glove)
Markakis > Bradley
Wieters > Soto
O's Bench > Cubs Bench
Pie < Soriano
Mora < Ramirez
Izturis < Theriot
Lee = Huff

It's very close, but its hard to compare an NL and AL lineup.

[Snatch]

I think that the thing is that Orioles fans/scouts/BP thinks that Jones and Wieters are going to be right around All-Star level players this year.

[Draven X 23]

Jones should be fine. And according to MLB career stats is already better then Fukudome.

[hatepoppy]

you guys are so fuckin cute.

[Draven X 23]

Thanks!

I didn't think Jones moving to the 2 hole was a good move. But thats mostly because I got to see 2 spring training games. He is a very different hitter then he was last year.

I really want to just enjoy watching the guys just play. I have no thoughts of them contending. The ML leading runs allowed proves that a joke.

I want to see Jones, Markakis, Roberts and Wieters. Also be nice to see what Pie can do everyday. Instead of the play 3 games get 7 ABs and then sit the bench for a week and then get another chance like he got in Chicago.

I will say that he is fast as shit.

[Snatch]

Thanks!

I didn't think Jones moving to the 2 hole was a good move. But thats mostly because I got to see 2 spring training games. He is a very different hitter then he was last year.

I really want to just enjoy watching the guys just play. I have no thoughts of them contending. The ML leading runs allowed proves that a joke.

I want to see Jones, Markakis, Roberts and Wieters. Also be nice to see what Pie can do everyday. Instead of the play 3 games get 7 ABs and then sit the bench for a week and then get another chance like he got in Chicago.

I will say that he is fast as shit.

Ya, but the rotation is just stupid.

Tillman, Arrieta, Matusz, Patton, Bergesen is probably already a better rotation.