Nothing was more obvious in baseball than the need for Trey Hillman to lose his job. That's a sad and inhumane statement. But that's the job he signed on for. This particular writer is very sensitive to people losing their jobs because this writer knows what it feels like. But really, this had to happen. Hillman just seemed to have this perfect knack for making the wrong choice in nearly every game he managed.
Hillman seems very well respected by his players and his bosses. Tributes to him were given by Brian Bannister among others. That shows Hillman is a first class guy. There is no doubting that he is. From all accounts, he gave 100% every day and to every game. He never mistreated his players or disrespected them. From the outset it was clear that he is good with ballplayers and a good man. But the results weren't there. And that's the bottom line.
It's also clear that Dayton Moore, the Royals' general manager adored the guy. He was a basket case in his press conference Thursday. He was obviously distraught. But Moore is also aware of the bottom line and the weight of failure was just too much to keep the blade from coming down on Hillman's tough neck.
Clearly, either Hillman was unfailingly unlucky or he just misjudged things all the time. This space has at least a half a dozen tirades about moves Hillman made this year and last. Other writers (much better than this one) like Posnanski and Rany had much longer lists and much more pointed diatribes.
Everything Hillman did worked out wrong. It was uncanny. He didn't bring Soria in when he should and the Royals would lose. Or he would bring him in one out too late or one out too early and the Royals would lose. He would bunt in the worst circumstances. It was surreal at times. If it was bad luck, then that needed to be exorcised. If it was simply bad judgement, then the source of that judgement had to go.
But also make no mistake here. Hillman is just a small piece of the blame here. He didn't bring in Guillen or Mike Jacobs or Farnsworth or Rick Ankiel or the dozens of other roster moves that made little sense. It wasn't Hillman that preached On Base Percentage and then went out and hired players who had a history of not getting on base. Hillman paid the price of those bad personnel decisions because his players could never overcome his bad decisions. Lots of managers make mistakes, but a lot of times, their teams bail them out of those mistakes because they are good enough to. Hillman never had that luxury.
Dayton Moore seems to be excellent at developing young players and the Royals are in much better shape than say the Astros because their minor leagues are stacked with talent. But Moore seems utterly terrible at rounding out his roster with players that can give the team a chance to win. If Moore really liked Hillman that much, he should have shared the blame because there is plenty to go around.
And while the Fan is at it, Ned Yost? Oh please. That's the best you could do? Ned Yost? Man. Valentine is out there. All kinds of better choices are out there than Ned Yost. The Fan wouldn't even want to be led by a guy named Ned. So let's see, their last two managers were a Trey and a Ned. The Fan knows you think this is crazy, but there is power in a name. Torre. LaRussa. Valentine. Strong names. Maybe it's because they are Italian. But names give heft to a person. Ned? Trey? Come on. Next thing you know, they will hire a manager named Dayton.
Update: Told you.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Phenom Report Card
This has been the year of the phenom so far as several teams have their top prospects on the 25 man rosters. It's been exciting to watch in most cases and a bit disappointing in others. And Strasburg hasn't even arrived yet. He threw six no-hit innings yesterday so perhaps it's just a matter of time now. Mid-May seems a good time to get a report card of how these new hopes are doing. Hopefully, the Fan won't leave any out.
Jason Heyward: Heyward continues to impress and despite a muscle problem in his leg that kept him out a while, he is among the league leaders in Runs Batted In and Runs Scored. His .431 OBP, 1.044 OPS and 177 OPS+ are all big numbers. As a left-handed batter, he is holding his own against left-handed pitching with a .917 OPS and a .400 OBP. His fielding has been just south of league average in right field, but that should improve as he gets more comfortable. No assists yet in the outfield. Heyward was batting most of the year in the sixth position in the batting order. But the last two games has featured him batting third and he's responded really well to that with two great games. Heyward has certainly lived up to the hype. Grade A+
Starlin Castro: Hey, it's only been six games so far. Hardly fair to give a report card on such a small sample size. But the bottom line here is that he's been Sterling Starlin at the plate and Starvin' Starlin in the field. You can't ask for more at the dish as Castro has shown that he can hit major league pitching. He currently sports a nifty 167 OPS+ and most impressively, he's only struck out twice. He's got a triple, a homer and a double among his eight hits. Defensively, he's really struggled. His five errors in six games are alarming and already that total is the fifth highest error total in the league. He made 39 errors in the minors last year in only 119 games so his defense is a work in progress, to put it at its most kind. Grade B+
Mike Leake: Who needs the minor leagues? Last year, Leake was pitching college ball. This year, he's 3-0 with the Reds with a 3.10 ERA. He's pitched very well with a WHIP thus far of 1.205. He's given up only three homers which is the fewest among the Reds' starters plus he is batting over .300. Not a bad start for the young guy. There are a few areas of concern. He's been a bit lucky so far with a .257 BABIP and his walk rate is a bit high at 3.8 per 9. His K/BB ratio is at 1.65 and you'd like to see that over 2 in time. He's off to a great start, but those latter numbers bear watching. I has to be exciting though for Reds' fans with Leake, Bailey and Cueto all being 24 years of age or younger and Aroldis Chapman on the way. Grade B+
Cleveland's Young Pitching Rotation: Huff (25), Masterson (25), Carmona (26) and Talbot (26) are not really young enough to be phenoms but they are still all young. Carmona and Talbot have had success in the wins column and both have walked more than they have struck out. That's a bit worrisome. Talbot has thrown two stinkers in a row. Huff hasn't shown last year's success, but he's been better of late. He pitches to contact and how he does is totally dependent on his BABIP rate. The one mystery has been Masterson. He seems to have an uncanny ability to have his contacts falling in for hits. His strikeouts per nine and his K/BB ratio are out of this world though. So he still has a world of promise. He just needs to find a way for the balls put in play to find their way into somebody's mitt. Grade C
Jhoulys Chacin: Two starts don't make a career, but man is he off to a great start. No homers allowed, a 3.2 K/BB ratio, 16 Ks in 15.1 innings all add up to overpowering. When De La Rosa comes off the disabled list, there is no way in the world this guy should go back to the minors. He's not going to maintain a WHIP of 0.783 all year, but he's been awesome so far. Grade A+
Austin Jackson: Everybody keeps waiting for him to come back to earth, but it is mid-May and he's still batting .354 with an OPS+ of 137. His 27 runs scored and his 51 hits lead the American League but so does his 42 strikeouts. He's 2 for his last 12 at bats so he's having his first rough patch of the season. His BABIP is what most people cite as their problem with his performance thus far and they are right as it is an obscene .495. There is no way he can maintain that. Jackson's fielding stats are below league average so far. After watching a few of his games, he looks smooth enough out there and gets to balls quickly. But the numbers don't add up to what the eyes are seeing. Grade A
Ike Davis: The Mets have been a different team since Davis arrived on the scene. The numbers he has put up thus far have been steady if not spectacular. His .405 OBP and his 136 OPS+ are certainly impressive enough. He has struck out 19 times in 21 games, but that is part of his MO, so as long as he produces, the K's are tolerated. His BABIP is a bit high at .354 suggesting he will come down a bit in average, but not alarmingly so. He's not hitting well in high leverage situations which needs to be improved upon. As far as his fielding, he's not elite, but he's made three great plays and he's a darn sight improvement over Tatis, Jacobs or Murphy. Grade B+
Kyle Blanks: Killer Kyle has not gotten untracked yet for the Padres. As well as they are playing, if he can get going, how good can they be? His OBP of .311 is fairly impressive for a guy batting .180, but it's hard to ignore that 180 after 106 at bats. He's struck out 41 times in 28 games and really needs to have some of his other counting stats justify that Mark Reynolds-like whiff total. His fielding in left has been okay which is all you can ask of a left fielder. Blanks needs to stop shooting blanks and soon. Grade D
Matt Latos: Matt Latos has pitched far better than his 2-3 record indicates. His K/BB ratio is great. His WHIP is 1.194 which leads all Padres' starters. His problem thus far has been homers as he has given up seven so far. But over all, you can't ask much more from a 22 year old starter. Grade A.
David Freese: Can you call Freese a phenom when he is 27 years old? Maybe. He was drafted only four years ago and is a solid part of the Cardinals' line up. All his numbers are above average including his .321 average and .400 OBP. He doesn't strike out at an alarming rate and his 22 RBIs are impressive indeed. As you could expect from all those runs driven in, he's batting really, really well in high leverage situations with a 1.081 OPS in those instances. That's terrific. As a right handed batter, he kills lefty pitching and is just okay against righties. His BABIP is slightly elevated at .386 so he could come down a bit in average over the long haul. His fielding has been solid at third. No problems there. Grade A.
Wade Davis: David came up last year so he might be a year beyond phenom-dom. But at 24 and a former top prospect, the Fan will include him in this list. It's hard to fault anything Davis has done in his six starts this year. His 3.12 ERA is solid. He's only given up three homers in 34 innings which is excellent. His 7.1 hits per nine innings is also excellent. The only thing holding Davis back is his control. His 4.8 walks per nine is too high and leads to an early high pitch count which gets him out of games far too soon. He's averaging just over five innings per start thus far as a result. But still, if this is the fifth guy in your rotation, that's pretty sweet stuff. Grade B.
Justin Smoak: Just a few weeks into his rookie campaign, it would be easy to dwell on Smoak's .194 batting average after 19 games. But the feeling here is that he's been on the unlucky side. His batting average on ground balls, for example is .000. That won't continue. He's shown great discipline at the plate with 12 walks in 19 games and only 11 strikeouts. He's already hit four homers and his OPS+ is over league average despite his average. His fielding at first has been excellent thus far too. Mr. Smoak will be just fine. Just give him some time and watch him fly. Grade B-
Travis Snider: Snider is only 22 and has already playing in his third season for the Blue Jays. This is the first time though where he is playing every day and his numbers are encouraging despite an early .232 batting average. His 112 OPS+ is already above league average and is simply going to go up as the year goes along. His strikeout rate (while a bit high) is lower than last year. His walk rate is higher and his .267 BABIP indicates he hasn't been lucky to this point. Snider had an awful April but his OPS has been 1.054 in May. Mark the Fan's words, Snider is going to be great. He'll never be great in the field. But there are worse right fielders... Grade B
Did the Fan leave anyone out? These guys above have been tremendously fun to watch and as the season progresses, it will be super interesting to see how these players develop.
Jason Heyward: Heyward continues to impress and despite a muscle problem in his leg that kept him out a while, he is among the league leaders in Runs Batted In and Runs Scored. His .431 OBP, 1.044 OPS and 177 OPS+ are all big numbers. As a left-handed batter, he is holding his own against left-handed pitching with a .917 OPS and a .400 OBP. His fielding has been just south of league average in right field, but that should improve as he gets more comfortable. No assists yet in the outfield. Heyward was batting most of the year in the sixth position in the batting order. But the last two games has featured him batting third and he's responded really well to that with two great games. Heyward has certainly lived up to the hype. Grade A+
Starlin Castro: Hey, it's only been six games so far. Hardly fair to give a report card on such a small sample size. But the bottom line here is that he's been Sterling Starlin at the plate and Starvin' Starlin in the field. You can't ask for more at the dish as Castro has shown that he can hit major league pitching. He currently sports a nifty 167 OPS+ and most impressively, he's only struck out twice. He's got a triple, a homer and a double among his eight hits. Defensively, he's really struggled. His five errors in six games are alarming and already that total is the fifth highest error total in the league. He made 39 errors in the minors last year in only 119 games so his defense is a work in progress, to put it at its most kind. Grade B+
Mike Leake: Who needs the minor leagues? Last year, Leake was pitching college ball. This year, he's 3-0 with the Reds with a 3.10 ERA. He's pitched very well with a WHIP thus far of 1.205. He's given up only three homers which is the fewest among the Reds' starters plus he is batting over .300. Not a bad start for the young guy. There are a few areas of concern. He's been a bit lucky so far with a .257 BABIP and his walk rate is a bit high at 3.8 per 9. His K/BB ratio is at 1.65 and you'd like to see that over 2 in time. He's off to a great start, but those latter numbers bear watching. I has to be exciting though for Reds' fans with Leake, Bailey and Cueto all being 24 years of age or younger and Aroldis Chapman on the way. Grade B+
Cleveland's Young Pitching Rotation: Huff (25), Masterson (25), Carmona (26) and Talbot (26) are not really young enough to be phenoms but they are still all young. Carmona and Talbot have had success in the wins column and both have walked more than they have struck out. That's a bit worrisome. Talbot has thrown two stinkers in a row. Huff hasn't shown last year's success, but he's been better of late. He pitches to contact and how he does is totally dependent on his BABIP rate. The one mystery has been Masterson. He seems to have an uncanny ability to have his contacts falling in for hits. His strikeouts per nine and his K/BB ratio are out of this world though. So he still has a world of promise. He just needs to find a way for the balls put in play to find their way into somebody's mitt. Grade C
Jhoulys Chacin: Two starts don't make a career, but man is he off to a great start. No homers allowed, a 3.2 K/BB ratio, 16 Ks in 15.1 innings all add up to overpowering. When De La Rosa comes off the disabled list, there is no way in the world this guy should go back to the minors. He's not going to maintain a WHIP of 0.783 all year, but he's been awesome so far. Grade A+
Austin Jackson: Everybody keeps waiting for him to come back to earth, but it is mid-May and he's still batting .354 with an OPS+ of 137. His 27 runs scored and his 51 hits lead the American League but so does his 42 strikeouts. He's 2 for his last 12 at bats so he's having his first rough patch of the season. His BABIP is what most people cite as their problem with his performance thus far and they are right as it is an obscene .495. There is no way he can maintain that. Jackson's fielding stats are below league average so far. After watching a few of his games, he looks smooth enough out there and gets to balls quickly. But the numbers don't add up to what the eyes are seeing. Grade A
Ike Davis: The Mets have been a different team since Davis arrived on the scene. The numbers he has put up thus far have been steady if not spectacular. His .405 OBP and his 136 OPS+ are certainly impressive enough. He has struck out 19 times in 21 games, but that is part of his MO, so as long as he produces, the K's are tolerated. His BABIP is a bit high at .354 suggesting he will come down a bit in average, but not alarmingly so. He's not hitting well in high leverage situations which needs to be improved upon. As far as his fielding, he's not elite, but he's made three great plays and he's a darn sight improvement over Tatis, Jacobs or Murphy. Grade B+
Kyle Blanks: Killer Kyle has not gotten untracked yet for the Padres. As well as they are playing, if he can get going, how good can they be? His OBP of .311 is fairly impressive for a guy batting .180, but it's hard to ignore that 180 after 106 at bats. He's struck out 41 times in 28 games and really needs to have some of his other counting stats justify that Mark Reynolds-like whiff total. His fielding in left has been okay which is all you can ask of a left fielder. Blanks needs to stop shooting blanks and soon. Grade D
Matt Latos: Matt Latos has pitched far better than his 2-3 record indicates. His K/BB ratio is great. His WHIP is 1.194 which leads all Padres' starters. His problem thus far has been homers as he has given up seven so far. But over all, you can't ask much more from a 22 year old starter. Grade A.
David Freese: Can you call Freese a phenom when he is 27 years old? Maybe. He was drafted only four years ago and is a solid part of the Cardinals' line up. All his numbers are above average including his .321 average and .400 OBP. He doesn't strike out at an alarming rate and his 22 RBIs are impressive indeed. As you could expect from all those runs driven in, he's batting really, really well in high leverage situations with a 1.081 OPS in those instances. That's terrific. As a right handed batter, he kills lefty pitching and is just okay against righties. His BABIP is slightly elevated at .386 so he could come down a bit in average over the long haul. His fielding has been solid at third. No problems there. Grade A.
Wade Davis: David came up last year so he might be a year beyond phenom-dom. But at 24 and a former top prospect, the Fan will include him in this list. It's hard to fault anything Davis has done in his six starts this year. His 3.12 ERA is solid. He's only given up three homers in 34 innings which is excellent. His 7.1 hits per nine innings is also excellent. The only thing holding Davis back is his control. His 4.8 walks per nine is too high and leads to an early high pitch count which gets him out of games far too soon. He's averaging just over five innings per start thus far as a result. But still, if this is the fifth guy in your rotation, that's pretty sweet stuff. Grade B.
Justin Smoak: Just a few weeks into his rookie campaign, it would be easy to dwell on Smoak's .194 batting average after 19 games. But the feeling here is that he's been on the unlucky side. His batting average on ground balls, for example is .000. That won't continue. He's shown great discipline at the plate with 12 walks in 19 games and only 11 strikeouts. He's already hit four homers and his OPS+ is over league average despite his average. His fielding at first has been excellent thus far too. Mr. Smoak will be just fine. Just give him some time and watch him fly. Grade B-
Travis Snider: Snider is only 22 and has already playing in his third season for the Blue Jays. This is the first time though where he is playing every day and his numbers are encouraging despite an early .232 batting average. His 112 OPS+ is already above league average and is simply going to go up as the year goes along. His strikeout rate (while a bit high) is lower than last year. His walk rate is higher and his .267 BABIP indicates he hasn't been lucky to this point. Snider had an awful April but his OPS has been 1.054 in May. Mark the Fan's words, Snider is going to be great. He'll never be great in the field. But there are worse right fielders... Grade B
Did the Fan leave anyone out? These guys above have been tremendously fun to watch and as the season progresses, it will be super interesting to see how these players develop.
Game Picks - Thursday: May 13, 2010
The muddling of May continues as this picker can't seem to get rolling this month. Yesterday featured a multitude of games, thanks in part to rain outs on Tuesday. At least the day ended up a couple of games over the .500 mark but that is hardly consolation as the Game of the Day was wrong for the third day in a row. That feature is now in the hole, which is pretty remarkable in itself as those picks are considered by this picker to be mortal locks. Once again, this picker picked the Royals to win. Why? Greinke is pitching today so he'll probably do it again. The second game of the Phillies - Rockies game was rained out. The make up of that game has not yet been determined.
Thursday has a pretty good slate of games. So it's a fresh new chance to get a roll started:
And the GAME OF THE DAY!
Yesterday: 9-7
Week: 29-24
Month: 86-77
Season: 286-204
Games of the Day: 13-14
Thursday has a pretty good slate of games. So it's a fresh new chance to get a roll started:
- The Yankees over the Tigers: A good one here as Sabathia goes against Verlander. Should be a fun game to watch whatever happens.
- The Mariners over the Orioles: King Felix has been a bit of a mystery so far. But he should beat Millwood and the Orioles.
- The Cardinals over the Astros: This picker looked pretty good picking the Astros yesterday. But the combination of Carpenter pitching for the Cardinals and Norris pitching for the Astros means the Astros have no shot today.
- The Rangers over the Athletics: The Rangers are gellin' on offense as Hamilton is hitting and Smoak hit a homer yesterday. Cruz will be back soon too.
- The Royals over the Indians: [sigh] Why does the Fan do this? Greinke has to get a win the way he's pitching.
- The Padres over the Giants: The Padres are remarkable and it's been a lot of fun seeing them put this start together. The Giants are right on their heels though.
- The Marlins over the Mets: Santana versus Josh Johnson. Could be a good pitching duel or the Marlins could get to Santana early.
And the GAME OF THE DAY!
- The Rockies over the Nationals: Chacin has been lights out in his two starts thus far.
Yesterday: 9-7
Week: 29-24
Month: 86-77
Season: 286-204
Games of the Day: 13-14
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Game Picks - Wednesday: May 12, 2010
Another May day, another stab at mediocrity. Man. This is like the sky being grey for twelve straight days. Can't we sing, "Blue sky, shining on me. Nothing but blue sky..." This picker needs a shining moment. A breakthrough. A powerful dead-on day to restore the juices and put some zest into these morning picks. Come on, Fan! You can do it! Think! Concentrate!
Okay, Coach. I'm ready. Put me in there. [running hard to the position]:
And the GAME OF THE DAY!
Yesterday: 6-7
Week: 20-17 blah blah BLAH!
Month: 77-70 ditto
Season: 277-197
Games of the Day: 13-13
Okay, Coach. I'm ready. Put me in there. [running hard to the position]:
- The Yankees over the Tigers: Hughes versus Porcello. This pick is as much the pick of a Fan as it is the pick for a guy with a 4-0, sub 2.00 ERA.
- The Yankees over the Tigers: This is as much a pick for Vazquez to put away his Yankee demons as it is about Bonderman being a pretty sucky pitcher.
- The Reds over the Pirates: The Pirates have scored one run and had four total hits in their last two games. Can you say, "Team Slump." Team Slump. Yes.
- The Mets over the Nationals: The Fan would have bats in his Pelfrey if he didn't pick the Mets in this game.
- The Brewers over the Braves: Heyward batting third makes the Braves a very different team. But Gallardo is pitching for the Brewers.
- The Twins over the White Sox: The Fan has picked Pavano and Livan to win about six straight times. Insane.
- The Red Sox over the Blue Jays: The Fan's delirious hope that the Blue Jays could finish in the standings above the Red Sox was just smoke in the mist.
- The Cubs over the Marlins: The Fan just hates these games. The Marlins are all over the map with pitchers who could twirl no-hitters or twelve-hitters just as easily against a Cubs team that should fire Hendry and Piniella and features a starter like Carlos Silva. Games like this just kill a guy.
- The Phillies over the Rockies: Same pick as yesterday's rained out game. Except now Halladay has an extra day's rest.
- The Bay Rays over the Angels: This pick only works if Price doesn't let the Angels' batters just stand there and get walks. Weaver has been really good, so beware.
- The Orioles over the Mariners: Bergesen has had two good starts in a row. Rowland-Smith has never had two good starts.
- The Rangers over the Athletics: Putting this game's fate in the hands of Mr. Holland's Opus.
- The Royals over the Indians: Suddenly Davies has two good starts in a row. Plus, the Royals have to win at least one game a week, no?
- The Astros over the Cardinals: Has the Fan lost his mind? No. But Wandy is a better pitcher right now than Lohse.
- The Rockies over the Phillies: It suddenly occurred that when picking these day night double headers to make up rain outs, the Fan could always predict a split without mentioning the pitchers. That way, if the teams split the double header, both picks would automatically be right because you wouldn't know the difference. Too bad the Fan wasn't sleazy. Sigh. Moyer will lose after his feel-good last outing.
- The Dodgers over the Diamondbacks: The Dodgers are starting to mash now that Manny is back.
And the GAME OF THE DAY!
- The Giants over the Padres: Think Cain will be better than Richard.
Yesterday: 6-7
Week: 20-17 blah blah BLAH!
Month: 77-70 ditto
Season: 277-197
Games of the Day: 13-13
Who Is That?
Every year another season comes in Major League Baseball. Well...that was profound...Anyway, another season brings another set of 25 major leaguers for each of 30 teams. Of course, many of those players are the same as last year. But the shake up of players on 25 man rosters is pretty continuous and after over 40 years of box score watching, a lot of those names get lost in the mix. Quite frequently, the Fan is looking at a box score and says (usually audibly), "Who is that?" So tonight, the Fan decided to see who those anonymous guys are. Looks like you are coming along for the ride.
Boone Logan: Who? How is it that this guy has pitched 172 times over the course of five years and the Fan never heard of him until just recently? He was a 2oth round draft pick in the 2002 draft out of high school in San Antonio, Texas and he's a lefty. In those 172 appearances, he's only pitched 133 innings, which qualifies him as a LOOGY. At 25 years of age, he's probably one of the youngest LOOGYs around. He hasn't been particularly effective with a career ERA+ of 81. In fact, this year with the Yankees is his only appearance on the plus side of that statistic. But don't get overwhelmed by that, his WHIP this year is over 2 and he's walked six guys in just 5.1 innings of work. So now we both know who Boone Logan is.
Oh! Just a digression for a minute. Did any of you watch the Tigers - Yankees Monday night? Did you see the way Gerald Laird threw back to the pitcher? It looks like he has a yip and has to double clutch to throw the ball back to the pitcher. Did anyone notice that?
Paul Janish: Who? Was looking at the Reds' box score the other day and saw this Janish guy and couldn't remember ever seeing his name before. He's in his third year as the Reds' utility infielder. He's playing well this year in 22 plate appearances, he's batting .300 with a .964 OPS. But looking at his previous stats, that's probably kind of fluky as he has a career line in 400+ at bats of .211/.294/.311. That's not very pretty. He's a 28 year old, drafted in the fifth round of the 2004 amateur draft. One thing his stats do show is that he's an excellent shortstop with great range with a runs-over-replacement-player sitting at 13 in just 82 games. He's another Texas kid from Cyress Creek. Now you know.
Nate Schierholtz: The Fan had actually heard of this player before but didn't know much about him. Actually, the interest stems from his last name. But his Wiki page doesn't give any indication that he's any relation to the baseball executive. Anyway, this Giants' player has played parts of four seasons with the San Francisco team, but he's still in the "prospect" category. That ship might be arriving this year as he is batting .351 with a .949 OPS in 74 at bats. It doesn't look like he gets to play much against lefty pitchers which doesn't seem to match his success rate against them. His OPS against lefties is 1.001 for his career. His OPS against righties is .697. Strange. Schierholtz is 26 and was born in Reno, Nevada but played high school ball in California at the same school as Randy Winn. From the looks of things, the Giants should just put in in the line up every day and let him hit. And, he's a good right fielder with a good arm. He had ten assists last year in limited duty.
Everth Cabrera: Who? Let's unearth Everth. He's a shortstop for the Padres, which doesn't exactly help him become a household name. This is his second season. He played in 103 games for the Padres last year and came in just below league average in OPS+ (98). It looks like he has good plate awareness with 46 walks in 103 games. He has little power but did hit 8 triples and stole 25 bases, so he's fast. He was born in Nicaragua and is only 24 years old. He hasn't hit much at all this year but was slowed down by a hamstring injury. He made 23 errors last year which wasn't good and his range at short is just above league average. Never heard of him until recently.
Rusty Ryal: The Fan's baseball skills must be rusty as this guy's name has never passed this writer's consciousness. Who the heck is Rusty Ryal? He is listed as the Diamondbacks' utility player and he's 27 years old from Oklahoma. He's a former 14th round draft pick so he's already beaten some tough odds. This is his second year and 97 plate appearances isn't much of a stat total. But he had a 136 OPS+ last year and a 152 OPS+ this year. So why isn't he playing more? He's played 13 games at second base and isn't very good there. He's played 15 games at first base and is barely tolerable there. And he's played five games in left field and seems to be pretty good there in a super small sample size. He had an .821 OPS in the minors which is so-so. But he hit his share of homers (67 in five seasons). He's hit four homers in the majors which means he'd hit about 16 to 20 full time. At this point, he's a marginal player that has his uses. But at least the Fan knows who he is now.
We'll do this some more from time to time. The feeling here is that if the Fan's curious, you might be too.
Boone Logan: Who? How is it that this guy has pitched 172 times over the course of five years and the Fan never heard of him until just recently? He was a 2oth round draft pick in the 2002 draft out of high school in San Antonio, Texas and he's a lefty. In those 172 appearances, he's only pitched 133 innings, which qualifies him as a LOOGY. At 25 years of age, he's probably one of the youngest LOOGYs around. He hasn't been particularly effective with a career ERA+ of 81. In fact, this year with the Yankees is his only appearance on the plus side of that statistic. But don't get overwhelmed by that, his WHIP this year is over 2 and he's walked six guys in just 5.1 innings of work. So now we both know who Boone Logan is.
Oh! Just a digression for a minute. Did any of you watch the Tigers - Yankees Monday night? Did you see the way Gerald Laird threw back to the pitcher? It looks like he has a yip and has to double clutch to throw the ball back to the pitcher. Did anyone notice that?
Paul Janish: Who? Was looking at the Reds' box score the other day and saw this Janish guy and couldn't remember ever seeing his name before. He's in his third year as the Reds' utility infielder. He's playing well this year in 22 plate appearances, he's batting .300 with a .964 OPS. But looking at his previous stats, that's probably kind of fluky as he has a career line in 400+ at bats of .211/.294/.311. That's not very pretty. He's a 28 year old, drafted in the fifth round of the 2004 amateur draft. One thing his stats do show is that he's an excellent shortstop with great range with a runs-over-replacement-player sitting at 13 in just 82 games. He's another Texas kid from Cyress Creek. Now you know.
Nate Schierholtz: The Fan had actually heard of this player before but didn't know much about him. Actually, the interest stems from his last name. But his Wiki page doesn't give any indication that he's any relation to the baseball executive. Anyway, this Giants' player has played parts of four seasons with the San Francisco team, but he's still in the "prospect" category. That ship might be arriving this year as he is batting .351 with a .949 OPS in 74 at bats. It doesn't look like he gets to play much against lefty pitchers which doesn't seem to match his success rate against them. His OPS against lefties is 1.001 for his career. His OPS against righties is .697. Strange. Schierholtz is 26 and was born in Reno, Nevada but played high school ball in California at the same school as Randy Winn. From the looks of things, the Giants should just put in in the line up every day and let him hit. And, he's a good right fielder with a good arm. He had ten assists last year in limited duty.
Everth Cabrera: Who? Let's unearth Everth. He's a shortstop for the Padres, which doesn't exactly help him become a household name. This is his second season. He played in 103 games for the Padres last year and came in just below league average in OPS+ (98). It looks like he has good plate awareness with 46 walks in 103 games. He has little power but did hit 8 triples and stole 25 bases, so he's fast. He was born in Nicaragua and is only 24 years old. He hasn't hit much at all this year but was slowed down by a hamstring injury. He made 23 errors last year which wasn't good and his range at short is just above league average. Never heard of him until recently.
Rusty Ryal: The Fan's baseball skills must be rusty as this guy's name has never passed this writer's consciousness. Who the heck is Rusty Ryal? He is listed as the Diamondbacks' utility player and he's 27 years old from Oklahoma. He's a former 14th round draft pick so he's already beaten some tough odds. This is his second year and 97 plate appearances isn't much of a stat total. But he had a 136 OPS+ last year and a 152 OPS+ this year. So why isn't he playing more? He's played 13 games at second base and isn't very good there. He's played 15 games at first base and is barely tolerable there. And he's played five games in left field and seems to be pretty good there in a super small sample size. He had an .821 OPS in the minors which is so-so. But he hit his share of homers (67 in five seasons). He's hit four homers in the majors which means he'd hit about 16 to 20 full time. At this point, he's a marginal player that has his uses. But at least the Fan knows who he is now.
We'll do this some more from time to time. The feeling here is that if the Fan's curious, you might be too.
Johnny Cueto Pitches a Perfect Game - Almost
Sure, it was the Pittsburgh Pirates he faced, but Johnny Cueto showed a bit of the magic that everyone in the world has been expecting forever. He pitched a complete game one hitter and faced the minimum 27 batters on just 102 pitches. The only hit he gave up was to Ronny Cedeno who was promptly thrown out trying to steal (which probably wasn't a good idea).
Cueto has been one of those guys who at times just seems to have overpowering stuff and makes you wonder why he isn't more successful. And again, this performance against the lowly Pirates can't get you too excited. But still, it's a one-hitter with no walks and eight strikeouts. Against any major league team, that's pretty impressive stuff.
The key now is if Cueto can pull off a string of good performances. That certainly hasn't been his MO in the past. He looks great, he looks terrible. He looks great. He looks terrible. Well, he hasn't looked that great in a very long time. So this is good. Time will tell if it was a happy good or just a Pittsburgh Pirates good.
Cueto has been one of those guys who at times just seems to have overpowering stuff and makes you wonder why he isn't more successful. And again, this performance against the lowly Pirates can't get you too excited. But still, it's a one-hitter with no walks and eight strikeouts. Against any major league team, that's pretty impressive stuff.
The key now is if Cueto can pull off a string of good performances. That certainly hasn't been his MO in the past. He looks great, he looks terrible. He looks great. He looks terrible. Well, he hasn't looked that great in a very long time. So this is good. Time will tell if it was a happy good or just a Pittsburgh Pirates good.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Game Picks - Tuesday: May 11, 2010
It was just another night without distinction in a month of mediocrity. Sure, this picker finished above .500 for the day, but just barely. But on the other hand, the games were really difficult to pick yesterday. The Yankees, Red Sox, Tigers and Blue Jays were all featuring starters that were not among their best. So choosing two of those four were dicey. Turns out both were wrong. But, not choosing Hanson to win was kind of stupid. Never thought the Braves would score that many runs. The Fan can hardly be blamed for the Rays losing another game. That's three losses out of their last four games. Pineiro pitched great and then Fuentes blew the save big time but the Bay Rays gave the game back in extra innings. Oh well.
So we move to Tuesday. Are the games any easier to pick? We'll see:
And the GAME OF THE DAY!
Yesterday: 5-4
Week: 14-10
Month: 71-63
Season: 271-190
Games of the Day: 13-12
So we move to Tuesday. Are the games any easier to pick? We'll see:
- The Reds over the Pirates: Cueto versus Morton. Well this one isn't. Cueto is always a crap shoot. Morton has had one effective start out of six. Ugh.
- The Mariners over the Orioles: Lee gets his first win of the season for the Mariners.
- The Yankees over the Tigers: Vazquez gets off the booby pit and pitches well. Watched the Yankees the last two games and people will look at the last week and say Jeter is in a slump. Sure he is hitless in his last five games, but he's hit the ball on the screws at least six times in the last two days. He'll be fine.
- The Mets over the Nationals: Olsen was fantastic his last time out after this Fan predicted he wouldn't be. So then logic would dictate that the Fan should pick Olsen this time. But it never works that way.
- The Blue Jays over the Red Sox: Simply have more faith in Eveland than in Dice-K who really should change his nickname to Dicey-K.
- The Cubs over the Marlins: This one seems impossible to pick. Nolasco should be great for the Marlins, but hasn't been. Wells has shown signs of last season's success but also thrown some clunkers. Hanley Ramirez is hot. Soriano is hot. Yeesh. Good luck with this one.
- The Rangers over the Athletics: Cahill was great last time. But Lewis has been great all season.
- The Braves over the Brewers: Already like the match up of Hudson over Bush. But then Braun will probably be out since he was plunked by Hanson in the elbow last night.
- The Indians over the Royals: The battle of the also-rans pits Westbrook versus Bannister. Flip a coin. Today isn't any easier than yesterday.
- The Cardinals over the Astros: The Astros don't have any chance at all against the Cardinals. None.
- The Phillies over the Rockies: And the Rockies have no chance against Halliday. None.
- The Diamondbacks over the Dodgers: Haren versus Ely doesn't seem like a fair fight either.
- The Bay Rays over the Angels: Kazmir goes against his old team and will have some incentive. But don't think he'll win even if he pitches well.
- The Giants over the Padres: This picker has been burned too many times picking against Zito.
And the GAME OF THE DAY!
- The Twins over the White Sox: Really like Slowey for the Twins, especially against Garcia.
Yesterday: 5-4
Week: 14-10
Month: 71-63
Season: 271-190
Games of the Day: 13-12
Braden and Etiquette Can't Seem to Separate
Turns out the Fan was prophetic after all. According to Big League Stew, Evan Longoria DID try to bunt his way on in the fifth inning during Braden's fantastic perfect game. This time, Braden isn't at the center of the debate, but "Duk" comes out and says that Longoria's attempt wasn't kosher. In the fifth inning?
Although the Athletics were up 4-0 at the time, the game was by no means out of hand. An offense like the Bay Rays can score four runs in a heart beat. And let's face it, this is going to be a long season and one win could mean a lot in the American League East. The Yankees are right on the Bay Rays' tail. Boston and even the Blue Jays are not even close to being out of the race. Both the Twins and the Tigers are playing well and a wild card in the AL East is not written in stone. Despite what Braden had going, in the fifth inning, a bunt attempt to get things started is not an etiquette thing. It's a strategic thing.
It's all a moot point of course, because as it all worked out, the bunt attempt went foul and Braden got his game of glory. But what about this etiquette thing? This Fan still wonders about the big deal of celebrating a homer or a big strikeout by a reliever or a guy running across the mound. Of all the things in the world to worry about, should those really be so important?
As Duk himself pointed out, when is it poor etiquette to bunt? If the lead off batter of the game attempts to bunt his way on, is that poor etiquette as the game is a perfect game at that point too? Is it okay in the third inning? The fifth? The seventh? It would seem to this observer that if the score was something like 8-0 in the seventh or eighth inning and the pitcher is throwing a no-no or a perfect game, then a bunt seems unseemly. But 4-0 in the fifth? No, the Fan can't buy that. The Bay Rays are trying to win a division here.
And it's funny how this thing seems to always center on Braden. Well, he brought a bit of that on himself. At least he isn't the one screaming this time. Thank goodness. But anyway, the good news is that Braden got his history and it was a great mother's day gift for him and the Oakland fans. Let it be.
Although the Athletics were up 4-0 at the time, the game was by no means out of hand. An offense like the Bay Rays can score four runs in a heart beat. And let's face it, this is going to be a long season and one win could mean a lot in the American League East. The Yankees are right on the Bay Rays' tail. Boston and even the Blue Jays are not even close to being out of the race. Both the Twins and the Tigers are playing well and a wild card in the AL East is not written in stone. Despite what Braden had going, in the fifth inning, a bunt attempt to get things started is not an etiquette thing. It's a strategic thing.
It's all a moot point of course, because as it all worked out, the bunt attempt went foul and Braden got his game of glory. But what about this etiquette thing? This Fan still wonders about the big deal of celebrating a homer or a big strikeout by a reliever or a guy running across the mound. Of all the things in the world to worry about, should those really be so important?
As Duk himself pointed out, when is it poor etiquette to bunt? If the lead off batter of the game attempts to bunt his way on, is that poor etiquette as the game is a perfect game at that point too? Is it okay in the third inning? The fifth? The seventh? It would seem to this observer that if the score was something like 8-0 in the seventh or eighth inning and the pitcher is throwing a no-no or a perfect game, then a bunt seems unseemly. But 4-0 in the fifth? No, the Fan can't buy that. The Bay Rays are trying to win a division here.
And it's funny how this thing seems to always center on Braden. Well, he brought a bit of that on himself. At least he isn't the one screaming this time. Thank goodness. But anyway, the good news is that Braden got his history and it was a great mother's day gift for him and the Oakland fans. Let it be.
Mr. Griffey. Please Retire
It was written in this space just last year that bringing Ken Griffey Jr. back to Seattle for a swan song was a very good idea not only for him but for the Mariners' fans. The idea though at the time was that Griffey would play a little, share one last year in a Mariner uniform and call it a career. But he came back for another year. It was one year too many.
You really can't rake Griffey on the decision. What ball player wants to end a period of his life that has been so much fun? What ball player wants to face the great unknown when forty years of his life has been only focused on one thing? The Fan puts this one on the Mariners. They should have looked at his performance last year and politely told him that it was a marvelous experience, enjoy the rest of your life.
The whole news story out today about Griffey sleeping in the clubhouse when he could have pinch hit the other day is not really the problem here. Okay, it looks bad on the surface. It's an embarrassing situation for the Mariners and for Griffey. But it's really just a stupid thing that happened. The Fan has felt this way long before that news story. This post comes from every sad cringe that occurs when Griffey's name is searched in a box score as the "Left on Base" category grows deeper and the outs pile up. It's time for Griffey to go out into that good night and let people remember him for the star that he was.
Griffey won't be the first HOF player who stayed too long. Willie Mays was the most famous. Tom Seaver stayed too long. Greg Maddux probably played one season too many as did Tom Glavine. It's happened before and it will happen again. It's not really the player's fault as mentioned earlier. They are probably the last judge in the world on where they are in their career. It really is a general manager and a manager's call and they have to be smart enough and tough enough to turn back a legend and tell him that he's done and if he disagrees, apologies, but we're trying to win games and have to do what's best for or team.
But perhaps this embarrassing situation will tip the scales (Egads! Another cliche!) and help Griffey to make the decision he needs to make or at least help the Mariners at a team force him to make that decision. The Fan has loved Griffey his entire career. He has brought pure joy to baseball from the time he was a kid until last year. Let us Fans remember those times and those joys and not this sad going-through-the-motions type thing that Griffey's last season has seemed to become.
You really can't rake Griffey on the decision. What ball player wants to end a period of his life that has been so much fun? What ball player wants to face the great unknown when forty years of his life has been only focused on one thing? The Fan puts this one on the Mariners. They should have looked at his performance last year and politely told him that it was a marvelous experience, enjoy the rest of your life.
The whole news story out today about Griffey sleeping in the clubhouse when he could have pinch hit the other day is not really the problem here. Okay, it looks bad on the surface. It's an embarrassing situation for the Mariners and for Griffey. But it's really just a stupid thing that happened. The Fan has felt this way long before that news story. This post comes from every sad cringe that occurs when Griffey's name is searched in a box score as the "Left on Base" category grows deeper and the outs pile up. It's time for Griffey to go out into that good night and let people remember him for the star that he was.
Griffey won't be the first HOF player who stayed too long. Willie Mays was the most famous. Tom Seaver stayed too long. Greg Maddux probably played one season too many as did Tom Glavine. It's happened before and it will happen again. It's not really the player's fault as mentioned earlier. They are probably the last judge in the world on where they are in their career. It really is a general manager and a manager's call and they have to be smart enough and tough enough to turn back a legend and tell him that he's done and if he disagrees, apologies, but we're trying to win games and have to do what's best for or team.
But perhaps this embarrassing situation will tip the scales (Egads! Another cliche!) and help Griffey to make the decision he needs to make or at least help the Mariners at a team force him to make that decision. The Fan has loved Griffey his entire career. He has brought pure joy to baseball from the time he was a kid until last year. Let us Fans remember those times and those joys and not this sad going-through-the-motions type thing that Griffey's last season has seemed to become.
It's Finally Happened
Yes, everyone now knows that the Starlin Castro era has begun in Chicago. And everyone knows that he drove in six runs in his first game in the major leagues. He's hitting a solid .286 and sure as shooting, the young man will have his good days and his bad days.
But one thing escaped this Fan's notice until just yesterday. And it was only a matter of time before this happened. But (correct the Fan if he's wrong) Castro is the first player born in the 1990s to play in the majors. Ugh! Now that's got to make you feel old.
Castro was born March 24, 1990. He is twenty years old. 1990 was when this Fan moved to northern Maine. It doesn't seem that long ago. This Fan is living in his seventh decade: 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 00s, 10s. Castro is only a babe in this world. And he has the whole world in front of him.
It had to happen sooner or later. It's funny how this hurts much more than another birthday.
But one thing escaped this Fan's notice until just yesterday. And it was only a matter of time before this happened. But (correct the Fan if he's wrong) Castro is the first player born in the 1990s to play in the majors. Ugh! Now that's got to make you feel old.
Castro was born March 24, 1990. He is twenty years old. 1990 was when this Fan moved to northern Maine. It doesn't seem that long ago. This Fan is living in his seventh decade: 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 00s, 10s. Castro is only a babe in this world. And he has the whole world in front of him.
It had to happen sooner or later. It's funny how this hurts much more than another birthday.
Monday, May 10, 2010
2010 is the Year of Andre Ethier
Andre Ethier has been a really good player since he broke into the majors in 2006. Each year he got a little better and a little better and last year, he seemed to break through, at least on "counting" stats like homers and RBIs. His 132 OPS+ last year tied 2008 as the best of his career. But this year, he's on a totally different planet and right now, he looks like one of the best players in the National League.
Ethier currently leads the league in homers, ribbies, batting average, slugging percentage and OPS+. He's already had several walk off hits to win games this year. What is totally amazing is his performance in high leverage situations. In those at bats, his line reads: .440/.462/.770. Wow.
The only knock on Ethier is that he isn't that great a right fielder. He has a good arm and his assists have always been quite impressive. But his range and his efficiency are below league standard.
But the way he is raking? Who cares.
Ethier currently leads the league in homers, ribbies, batting average, slugging percentage and OPS+. He's already had several walk off hits to win games this year. What is totally amazing is his performance in high leverage situations. In those at bats, his line reads: .440/.462/.770. Wow.
The only knock on Ethier is that he isn't that great a right fielder. He has a good arm and his assists have always been quite impressive. But his range and his efficiency are below league standard.
But the way he is raking? Who cares.
Game Picks - Monday: May 10, 2010
Okay. This picker will fully admit it. After days of needling, Dallas Braden's pitching told this picker to shut his trap. Got it. Much congratulations on the perfect game. You're still a punk. But congrats. Truth is, he has the makings of a great pitcher. And he probably will be. The Bay Rays are one of the best offenses in baseball and they were totally shut down. So yeah. Message received. There was one kernel of truth in the needling though. Longoria should have bunted for a base hit in the first. Of course, his gem did mess up the Game of the Day. But at least the rest of the day was in the positive column.
Before we get to Monday's picks, can this Fan vent a minute? Sure. Go for it. This Fan just can't stand A. J. Burnett as a pitcher. It seems he's a fun guy that helps loosen up the Yankees. But his pitching drives the Fan stark raving crazy. Take the Ortiz at bat where Ortiz hit the double that started the big inning. He had Ortiz all set up for the curve. He got the first strike with a curve. Then threw a couple of good fastballs and one last curve would have buckled Ortiz like a bad tent. Instead, he threw him a fastball right in the sweet spot. Second example. Beltre came up right after Ortiz's double and Burnett made him look totally stupid with a curve ball. But then he threw nothing but fastballs after that and Beltre drove in two runs. Burnett is one of those pitchers that has no brain at all for pitching. He totally relies on his talent but if he just had a little bit of a pitcher's mentality, he'd be amazing. Instead, he is as reliable as the Italian army. Okay. Rant over.
Trying to calm down over here so there is some sanity to Monday's picks. Taking a deep breath. Okay. Let's do it:
And the GAME OF THE DAY!
Yesterday: 9-6
Week: 9-6
Month: 66-59
Season: 266-186
Games of the Day: 12-12
Before we get to Monday's picks, can this Fan vent a minute? Sure. Go for it. This Fan just can't stand A. J. Burnett as a pitcher. It seems he's a fun guy that helps loosen up the Yankees. But his pitching drives the Fan stark raving crazy. Take the Ortiz at bat where Ortiz hit the double that started the big inning. He had Ortiz all set up for the curve. He got the first strike with a curve. Then threw a couple of good fastballs and one last curve would have buckled Ortiz like a bad tent. Instead, he threw him a fastball right in the sweet spot. Second example. Beltre came up right after Ortiz's double and Burnett made him look totally stupid with a curve ball. But then he threw nothing but fastballs after that and Beltre drove in two runs. Burnett is one of those pitchers that has no brain at all for pitching. He totally relies on his talent but if he just had a little bit of a pitcher's mentality, he'd be amazing. Instead, he is as reliable as the Italian army. Okay. Rant over.
Trying to calm down over here so there is some sanity to Monday's picks. Taking a deep breath. Okay. Let's do it:
- The Reds over the Pirates: Ohlendorf is one of the Fan's favorites, but there is a rule here that a pitcher making his first start coming off the disabled list is never picked for the win. It's a solid rule.
- The Yankees over the Tigers: Doiks! Mitre versus Willis? How are you supposed to pick that?
- The Nationals over the Mets: The Nats are now tied with the Mets for second place in the NL East. How do you like that? Atliano will make sure they pull ahead by a game.
- The Blue Jays over the Red Sox: This pick only happens if Morrow throws strikes. If he doesn't. Man...the Fan doesn't even want to think about it.
- The Marlins over the Cubs: These picks today are awful! Robertson versus Lilly. It's another dadburn toss up. The Marlins haven't won in an awfully long time. They are totally due.
- The Brewers over the Braves: Watched the Braves today and they are really struggling. Chipper is out (so what else is new). Heyward is still out. They don't field well. They don't hit. They just looked terrible.
- The Dodgers over the Diamondbacks: Torn on this one too. The Dodgers still look flat. But Billingsley tilts this one in the Dodgers' favor.
- The Bay Rays over the Angels: Mad at being no-hit on Sunday, the Bay Rays jump all over Pineiro. Plus Hunter has a leg problem (knees).
And the GAME OF THE DAY!
- The Phillies over the Rockies: The Rockies are really scuffling and now Tulo is out with a groin (this season's favorite injury it seems). Plus Kendrick and Moyer are in an interesting battle for the fifth spot in the rotation.
Yesterday: 9-6
Week: 9-6
Month: 66-59
Season: 266-186
Games of the Day: 12-12
Sunday, May 09, 2010
Game Picks - Sunday: May 9, 2010
Oy! This picker now has three sub-.500 days out of the last four. As soon as Liriano got banged around by the Orioles in the first game of a double-header, this Fan knew he was in trouble. The day was exemplified by the Game of the Day. This was a game that should have been a lock. Instead, the Cubs took their biggest drubbing of the season. Oh man, that was brutal. The entire month of May so far is barely over .500. The Fan has GOT to turn it around!
So let's start today with a full slate of Sunday games:
And the GAME OF THE DAY!
Yesterday: 7-9
Last week: 53-42
Month: 57-53
Season: 257-180 It used to look so pretty...
Games of the Day: 12-11
So let's start today with a full slate of Sunday games:
- The Tigers over the Indians: Scherzer really hasn't pitched well and Talbot was really good early but not last time out. Have to go with the better team.
- The Reds over the Cubs: Haven't lost yet picking Leake. Hope today isn't the first time.
- The Giants over the Mets: Lincecum looks like a lock over Perez.
- The Phillies over the Braves: Hamels versus Kawakami. Thus ends the Braves' one game winning streak.
- The Cardinals over the Pirates: Why aren't the Cardinals hitting? This has to stop right now.
- The Nationals over the Marlins: Livan still has a WHIP under 1. Is this Fan eating crow about that or what?
- The Astros over the Padres: Oswalt has to win some time. Might as well be today.
- The Blue Jays over the White Sox: Gavin Floyd has not been good. Marcum is very good. Konerko is hurting.
- The Orioles over the Twins: Matusz is a good lefty and the Twins are a lefty group of hitters. Sounds good.
- The Rangers over the Royals: Still believe in Feldman even though he hasn't given the Fan any reason to do so.
- The Rockies over the Dodgers: Ubaldo the Magnificent!
- The Brewers over the Diamondbacks. The Brewers may be tired after scoring 17 runs last night. But Kennedy is due for a clunker.
- The Angels over the Mariners: Are the Mariners the worst hitting team this side of the Astros or what?
- The Yankees over the Red Sox: This game totally hinges on whether Cervelli catches Burnett or if Posada wins out and gets to catch him. Maybe Posada will DH.
And the GAME OF THE DAY!
- The Bay Rays over the Athletics: Shields gets the win while Braden starts yelling at Longoria for breaking up his no-hitter with a bunt single in the first inning. Braden then throws his glove in the dugout and it's his fastest pitch of the day.
Yesterday: 7-9
Last week: 53-42
Month: 57-53
Season: 257-180 It used to look so pretty...
Games of the Day: 12-11
The Vulture Does It Again
Alfredo Aceves is the Vulture. He has pitched parts of three seasons for the Yankees and after picking up the win on Saturday, his won-loss record stands at 14-1. Last year, Aceves kept coming in with the score either tied or the Yankees behind just in time to see the Yankees rally for the win. He ended up 10-1. This writer has an idea that his manager is starting to see the uncanny ability Aceves has to pick up wins and absolutely fed him one on Saturday. How so you ask?
The game with Boston started innocently enough with Sabathia pitching against Buchholz. Each pitcher is currently or supposedly the best pitcher on his team. Buchholz got nicked for two runs in the top of the third and Sabathia gave the runs right back in the bottom of the third plus one for good measure when he gave up homers to McDonald and Martinez. The Yankees are to much for Buchholz and score another un in the fourth to tie the game up and then three in the top of the fifth to pull ahead 6-3. Sabathia gets the first two outs in the bottom of the fifth...and then the umpire called for the tarp and a 90 minute rain delay stops things cold.
Poor Sabathia. He was one out away from a guaranteed win. If he had just been given a chance to get one more out in the fifth before the delay, it would have been his game. When the rain delay was over, was there any other pitcher that was going to go in there for the Yankees other than Aceves? Heck no. This set up was perfect for the Vulture. All he had to do was get an out and the game was his. Unbelievable.
Turns out that Aceves got three outs. He probably would have been asked to get more, but his back stiffened up on him with two strikes to Hermida. And Aceves was done for the day and maybe for a while. Add one more wounded player for the Yankees. And the funny thing was, the Vulture got a little taste of his own medicine. Since he couldn't finish off Hermida, Logan came in for the Yankees and finished the strikeout of Hermida so Logan got credit for the K.
Let's take a little trip to the Vulture's dinner palate for the last three years:
2008
The legend of the Vulture had not yet been born. He finished the season at 1-0 but his only win was a seven inning masterpiece start.
2009
The Legend Begins!
He won his first three games in May in just five games.
2010
The Legend Continues!
It's an amazing thing. Sure, Aceves had to pitch pretty darn well to be in those positions, but still. That's a lot of luck. A LOT of luck. But heck, it sure does work.
The game with Boston started innocently enough with Sabathia pitching against Buchholz. Each pitcher is currently or supposedly the best pitcher on his team. Buchholz got nicked for two runs in the top of the third and Sabathia gave the runs right back in the bottom of the third plus one for good measure when he gave up homers to McDonald and Martinez. The Yankees are to much for Buchholz and score another un in the fourth to tie the game up and then three in the top of the fifth to pull ahead 6-3. Sabathia gets the first two outs in the bottom of the fifth...and then the umpire called for the tarp and a 90 minute rain delay stops things cold.
Poor Sabathia. He was one out away from a guaranteed win. If he had just been given a chance to get one more out in the fifth before the delay, it would have been his game. When the rain delay was over, was there any other pitcher that was going to go in there for the Yankees other than Aceves? Heck no. This set up was perfect for the Vulture. All he had to do was get an out and the game was his. Unbelievable.
Turns out that Aceves got three outs. He probably would have been asked to get more, but his back stiffened up on him with two strikes to Hermida. And Aceves was done for the day and maybe for a while. Add one more wounded player for the Yankees. And the funny thing was, the Vulture got a little taste of his own medicine. Since he couldn't finish off Hermida, Logan came in for the Yankees and finished the strikeout of Hermida so Logan got credit for the K.
Let's take a little trip to the Vulture's dinner palate for the last three years:
2008
The legend of the Vulture had not yet been born. He finished the season at 1-0 but his only win was a seven inning masterpiece start.
2009
The Legend Begins!
He won his first three games in May in just five games.
- May 16 - Came in the eleventh inning of a tie game against Minnesota at home. The Yankees score in the bottom of the eleventh. 1-0
- May 17 - Two days in a row! He came in a tie game in the top of the tenth against the same Minnesota. The Yankees scored in the bottom of the tenth. 2-0
- May 21 - At home against the Orioles. Top of the first inning, Joba Chamberlain got the start, but only pitched two thirds of an inning and is pulled. Must have gotten hurt. Aceves came in and pitched the next three and a third innings. The Yankees pull ahead while he's pitching and Aceves gets another W. 3-0
- May 26 - The only blemish on Aceves' career. Joba again got the start and gave up three runs in four innings. The Joba Rules were in effect and Joba reached his pitch limit due to wildness. Enter Aceves with a golden opportunity to vulture another win. The Yankees indeed rallied but Aceves gave up three runs and is tagged with the loss. His only loss of his career. 3-1.
- June 7 - It was another Joba start, but he pitched well that time and went six innings, giving up only three runs. But the Yankees managed only one run against Garza. Enter Aceves to pitch the seventh and eighth. The Yankees scored three runs in the bottom of the eighth off of Balfour and the Yankees won. 4-1.
- June 25 - Interleague game against the Braves at Atlanta. Andy Pettitte got the start but threw 95 ineffective pitches in three and two thirds of an inning and gave up three runs. Perfect opportunity for Aceves and he came in and pitched two and a third innings. Meanwhile, the Yankees gnawed Derek Lowe to the tune of six runs and then scored two more off of Boone Logan, who now pitches for them. 5-1.
- July 30 - Orioles at home. Hernandez and Pettitte were both masterful. But niether team could break a 1-1 tie. Pettitte starts the eighth inning and gets one out. Phil Coke got the final two outs of the eighth and the first out of the ninth and it was still 1-1. Aceves got the final two outs of the ninth. The Yankees score in the bottom of the ninth to win the game. 6-1.
- August 5 - At Toronto. One of the most thrilling match ups in history as Sergio Mitre started against Marc (Pat, can I buy a vowel please) Rzepczynski. Both were ineffective. Mitre lasted four and a third inning and is pulled after he gave up his tenth base runner. In came Aceves and pitched two innings. He gave up a run on a homer, but the Yankees surged ahead during that time and won the game. 7-1.
- August 19 - At Oakland. Chad Gaudin got the start (and the Yankees won the pennant?). He only gave up one hit and no runs in four and a third innings of work. But he also walked five. After his fifth walk, Girardi had seen enough and brought Aceves in. The Yankees were ahead 3-0 at the time. Aceves pitched two and a third innings and gave up another homer and two runs. But was given the victory as the Yankees stayed ahead the whole game. 8-1.
- August 30 - At home against the White Sox in another Joba start. Joba pitched three innings and gave up two runs. But was ahead 3-2. But it was that Joba Rules thing again and he was done. Aceves came in and pitched three scoreless innings. Meanwhile, the Yankees were taking batting practice off of Freddie Garcia and friends and made it a laugher. 9-1.
- September 3 - At Toronto in another Gaudin start. Gaudin floundered around for three and two thirds innings giving up three runs on eight base runners. For one final vulture of the season, Aceves came in and pitched two and a third innings. Meanwhile, the Yankees were single-handedly ruining Ricky Romero's ERA for the season after he had pitched so well. Yankees win. 10-1.
2010
The Legend Continues!
- April 6 - At Boston. Burnett went five innings and gave up four runs, two of which were earned. Lester gave up four runs too, all earned. Aceves came in to a game tied 4-4 and pitched two scoreless innings (the sixth and the seventh). In the top of the eighth, the Yankees scratch out two runs in the top of the eighth thanks in part to a Scutaro error. Joba got the hold. Rivera got the save. Aceves got the win. 1-0.
- April 30 - At home against the White Sox. Pettitte pitched six innings but left with the game tied 4-4. Who else would you want in there other than Aceves? Right. Aceves pitched a scoreless inning. The Yankees scored two in the bottom of the seventh. Marte and Joba got the holds and Rivera got the save. Aceves vultured the win. 2-0.
- May 8 - You started this post with this one. 3-0.
It's an amazing thing. Sure, Aceves had to pitch pretty darn well to be in those positions, but still. That's a lot of luck. A LOT of luck. But heck, it sure does work.
The Catchers are Banging
If nothing else, these last eight days have been the time of the catcher. Offensive mashing by those who handle the tools of ignorance (Egads! a cliche!) have been happening all over baseball. This Fan has watched decades of baseball and can't remember a week like it. Ever.
We of course have to start with the Blue Jays and one John Buck. Buck has hit 78 career homers in 2005 at bats or roughly one homer per 26 at bats. In his last ten games, he's hit seven and has eight for the season in 89 at bats or one homer per 11.5 at bats. In those last ten games, he has a three homer game and a two homer game. Buck now has 22 hits on the season. Eight have been homers and eight have been doubles. That's 54 total bases in just 22 hits or 2.45 total bases per hit. Amazing.
The Mets are having fun with their catchers too. Henry Blanco has seven hits in his last fifteen at bats and raised his average to .300. He also hit the game winning (and walk off) homer on Saturday. His partner, Rod Barajas, who caught for Toronto, if you'll remember, had two homers on Friday to give him nine for the year in just 82 at bats. Once again, here is a catcher that has averaged one homer per 26 at bats currently going at a clip of one homer per 9 at bats this year.
Stories in the New York papers stated that Jorge Posada pleaded with Joe Girardi to get in the line up in Saturday's games. Who can blame him. Girardi mumbled something about giving Posada's calf another day, but secretly, he was riding Cervelli as long as he could ride him. And who could blame him? Cervelli has batted safely eight times in his last thirteen at bats and is batting a guady .395. Want to bet that a bunch of Yankees are calling Jorge, Mr. Pipp?
The Twins are the only team in history that has a catcher that has won three batting titles. He's got another shot this year as Mauer is in the high .300's. But he got hurt. No problem. Wilson Ramos came up from the minors and got seven hits in his first nine at bats in the majors. Butera didn't want to be left out so he got two RBIs in the nightcap of the double header on Saturday.
How about Ivan Rodriguez? He had to go 0-4 on Friday to cool his average to .383. That's the first time he's been under .400 all season!
Carlos Ruiz for the Phillies has six hits in his last twelve at bats and is now batting .317.
John Jaso is getting more playing time for the Bay Rays because he is hitting .314 with a .977 OPS.
How about the Giants? Bengie Molina has thirteen hits in his last eleven games and is batting .325. Their back up catcher? Eli Whiteside is batting .385 with an OPS of 1.200. Sheesh.
Want more? Ryan Hanigan is batting .409 for the Reds and had five RBIs on Saturday and now has fifteen RBIs in 17 games. Geovany Soto went hitless on Saturday but is still hitting .349 with an OPS over 1 and before Saturday had six hits in his last ten at bats. Jason Jaramillo had three hits for the Pirates Saturday and is now batting .280. Yadier Molina went hitless on Saturday but is still hitting .304 and before Saturday had ten hits in his last fifteen at bats. Jason Kendell has been starting for the Royals nearly every game and is batting a healthy .291 with a .377 OBP.
There are still some teams struggling at catcher like the Rangers and the Mariners. But over all, it's been an amazing offensive run by catchers around the majors.
We of course have to start with the Blue Jays and one John Buck. Buck has hit 78 career homers in 2005 at bats or roughly one homer per 26 at bats. In his last ten games, he's hit seven and has eight for the season in 89 at bats or one homer per 11.5 at bats. In those last ten games, he has a three homer game and a two homer game. Buck now has 22 hits on the season. Eight have been homers and eight have been doubles. That's 54 total bases in just 22 hits or 2.45 total bases per hit. Amazing.
The Mets are having fun with their catchers too. Henry Blanco has seven hits in his last fifteen at bats and raised his average to .300. He also hit the game winning (and walk off) homer on Saturday. His partner, Rod Barajas, who caught for Toronto, if you'll remember, had two homers on Friday to give him nine for the year in just 82 at bats. Once again, here is a catcher that has averaged one homer per 26 at bats currently going at a clip of one homer per 9 at bats this year.
Stories in the New York papers stated that Jorge Posada pleaded with Joe Girardi to get in the line up in Saturday's games. Who can blame him. Girardi mumbled something about giving Posada's calf another day, but secretly, he was riding Cervelli as long as he could ride him. And who could blame him? Cervelli has batted safely eight times in his last thirteen at bats and is batting a guady .395. Want to bet that a bunch of Yankees are calling Jorge, Mr. Pipp?
The Twins are the only team in history that has a catcher that has won three batting titles. He's got another shot this year as Mauer is in the high .300's. But he got hurt. No problem. Wilson Ramos came up from the minors and got seven hits in his first nine at bats in the majors. Butera didn't want to be left out so he got two RBIs in the nightcap of the double header on Saturday.
How about Ivan Rodriguez? He had to go 0-4 on Friday to cool his average to .383. That's the first time he's been under .400 all season!
Carlos Ruiz for the Phillies has six hits in his last twelve at bats and is now batting .317.
John Jaso is getting more playing time for the Bay Rays because he is hitting .314 with a .977 OPS.
How about the Giants? Bengie Molina has thirteen hits in his last eleven games and is batting .325. Their back up catcher? Eli Whiteside is batting .385 with an OPS of 1.200. Sheesh.
Want more? Ryan Hanigan is batting .409 for the Reds and had five RBIs on Saturday and now has fifteen RBIs in 17 games. Geovany Soto went hitless on Saturday but is still hitting .349 with an OPS over 1 and before Saturday had six hits in his last ten at bats. Jason Jaramillo had three hits for the Pirates Saturday and is now batting .280. Yadier Molina went hitless on Saturday but is still hitting .304 and before Saturday had ten hits in his last fifteen at bats. Jason Kendell has been starting for the Royals nearly every game and is batting a healthy .291 with a .377 OBP.
There are still some teams struggling at catcher like the Rangers and the Mariners. But over all, it's been an amazing offensive run by catchers around the majors.
Saturday, May 08, 2010
Game Picks - Saturday: May 8, 2010
The picking season here in the FanDome has sprung a few leaks and it's time to start bailing water as fast as possible before this great season's ship sinks completely. Even with Minnesota's first rain out in 30 years, yesterday's picks went south in hurried fashion. Silva won again. Whuh? Greinke lost again through no fault of his own...again. King Felix looked more like the court jester. The Braves lost big to the Phillies. It just wasn't a fun night for the picks.
Okay, with pail in hand and sleeves rolled up, let's tackle Saturday's picks:
And the GAME OF THE DAY!
Yesterday: 6-8
Week: 46-34
Month: 50-44
Season: 250-171
Games of the Day: 12-10
Okay, with pail in hand and sleeves rolled up, let's tackle Saturday's picks:
- The Marlins over the Nationals: Chico will not be the man for the Nationals and Josh Johnson will be for the Marlins.
- The Tigers over the Indians: Verlander got April out of the way. Now he can have fun the rest of the season.
- The Giants over the Mets: Don't know what to make of Mr. Santana for the Mets. Will pick the Giants and Wellemeyer until it can be figured out.
- The Twins over the Orioles: Same pick as yesterday. Liriano over Millwood.
- The Phillies over the Braves: Medlan? Nope. Going with Blanton and the Phillies.
- The Yankees over the Red Sox: Sabathia should get the job done providing the Yankees can score four runs against Buchholz. No easy task.
- The Bay Rays over the Athletics: Sheets just doesn't look good. Wade Davis looked great last time out.
- The Padres over the Astros: Garland continues his improbable strikeout run.
- The Cardinals over the Pirates: Garcia over Karstens? Well, heck yeah. These picks seem too easy so far. Yikes!
- The Blue Jays over the White Sox: Made the mistake of picking against the Blue Jays yesterday. Won't make the same mistake today. Cecil wins.
- The Rangers over the Royals: Harden versus Meche. It's scary today with all these obvious picks.
- The Brewers over the Diamondbacks: Wolf. Got to go with Wolf.
- The Twins over the Orioles: Baker makes it a very long day for the Orioles. Poor guys.
- The Mariners over the Angels: Fister has been really good. Saunders, not so much.
- The Rockies over the Dodgers: Especially if Chacin pitches like last time.
And the GAME OF THE DAY!
- The Cubs over the Reds: Mr. Castro had quite a debut yesterday, eh?
Yesterday: 6-8
Week: 46-34
Month: 50-44
Season: 250-171
Games of the Day: 12-10
Tripping Through the Transactions
It is once again time to trip through a passel of transactions FanDome style. These are some of the moves made in the last week or so...
That's all for now. Tune in next time. Oh, stop! Of course there's going to be a next time.
- There is a revolution in Chicago as Castro is taking over...shortstop.
- But Starlin won't be taking over Chad because Tracy is the poor guy who got designated for assignment.
- It's a Kerry Lewis telethon! Well, not exactly. Kerry Wood is off the DL and Jensen Lewis lost his roster spot.
- The Marlins needed Mike to hit like a lion, but he hit like a Lamb, so he was designated.
- So the Angels' pitcher, Rodriguez got called into the manager's office. The manager said, "Can you hear the drums, Fernando?" The pitcher said, "Que?" So his manager said, "The stars were bright, Fernando. They were shining there for you and me." The confused pitcher said, "I don't understand, skeeper." And then the manager gently told him he was being designated for assignment. Fernando asked in broken English if there was any way the manager would change his mind. His manager concluded by saying, "Though I never thought we could lose, there's no regret. If I had to do it all the same again, I would my friend, Fernando."
- Oh yeah, the Angels also put Michael on the Ryan Express to Salt Lake of the PCL.
- The Mariners put all the game pieces in place to help their outfielder and put Milton Bradley on the restricted list.
- As if the Mariners weren't already Lowe enough in morale, pitcher, Mark, went on the disabled list.
- For the A's, poor Mazzaro can't Vin. He got one shot in the rotation and was sent back to the minors.
- Yunel's season scraped on the sand Escobar as the shortstop went on the DL.
- Outfielder, John, thought that when Pittsburgh selected him in the Rule V draft and that he made it this far into the season, he was going to stay with the Pirates come Raynor shine. But he got sent back to the Marlins and is headed to the minors.
- Couldn't decide on which pun to use for this next one, so you get two (stop rolling your eyes): The Rangers needed Cash to pay for Towles as they swapped catchers from the majors to the minors and vice versa. Or: In a strictly Cash deal, the Rangers purchased the contract of catcher, Kevin.
- The disabled list is Rick's Achillies Ankiel as the outfielder went on another injury holiday.
- The Royals also performed a Colonospopy as Roman was released. And you thought just the Greeks were in trouble? Alternate: Colon went on a Roman holiday as he was released.
- The Twins Manshipped pitcher Jeff back to the minors after just one start.
- When outfielder, Greg, first got called up to the Yankees, Girardi put his arm around him and said in his best Foghorn Leghorn voice: "You gotta keep your eye on the Golson."
- The fact that the Yankees needed an outfielder instead of a relief pitcher made Mark Melenconally since he was the guy who got shipped out.
- Valdez thought it was slick when he was called up by the Angels.
- The White Sox told Donny that he was going to be Lucy in the minors with baseball diamonds.
- The Astros perched Byrdak on the disabled list.
- After pitcher, Ricky, was so ineffective, his manager thought there was something wrong with his A-Orta, so to protect his heart, they released him.
- Perhaps the Giants won't be Rowand so much up stream since Aaron's back from the DL.
- The Mariners thought infielder, Matt, was only Tuiosososo and he got sent to the minors.
That's all for now. Tune in next time. Oh, stop! Of course there's going to be a next time.
Friday, May 07, 2010
Lance Berkman Should Be Quiet
Lance Berkman isn't helping the Houston Astros. First, his absence (again) at the beginning of the season for the Astros didn't help them get off on the right foot. Without him being there, the team had no offense and lost their first nine games of the season. Then he finally gets back, but is hitting all of .219 and then comes out (not once, but twice) and says he'd be willing to waive his no trade clause to play for a contender. Nice.
First of all, Berkman has been a part of several Houston teams that looked moribund early in the year only to put a charge in the second half that in some cases put the Astros in the playoffs. It doesn't appear on paper that the Astros have that kind of team to do that this year. But still. Isn't he effectively telling his team that he has given up on them? Sure, he says as a postscript that he would prefer to stay with the team and that they could turn it around, but isn't that just covering his bases? If this Fan was a teammate of Berkman's, he would be called out just for what the comments are doing for his team.
But let's look at it another way? Who would want him? He makes $15 million and his health (especially his knees) is questionable. He only has one position (and DH if he goes to the AL) and he is 34 years old. Plus he has a $15 million option for next year. If the Mariners can stay close in the AL West, they could probably use him. If the Red Sox tire of David Ortiz, they could use him and afford him. If the Twins tire of Kubel/Thome, they could use him. But who else? The Dodgers? They might be so out of the race that they wouldn't bother.
Berkman has had a great career and all of his stats are fantastic for his body of work. But he's on the downside now and he's on a team that isn't going anywhere. The Fan gets that. But shouldn't those conversations be made privately with his general manager (who, by the way, seemed less than pleased with Berkman's statement)? Shouldn't that be the way Berkman handles this instead of throwing his teammates under the bus? The Fan gets a bit fed up with a big time player who gets what he wants in a long term deal with the added bonus of a no-trade clause and then when his team's fortunes go south wants to unmake the bed he put the sheets on himself.
The Fan could understand if Berkman was slugging his usual 140+ OPS+ and killing the ball. But he isn't and his early disabled list stint makes him part of the problem. When you are part of the problem and not the only shining bauble in a team full of misfits, you shouldn't be acting like you are the latter. Berkman should stay quiet in public and if he wants to get out, then work behind the scenes with his team to get out of there. He isn't doing anyone a good hill of beans by making these statements under his and his team's current situation.
First of all, Berkman has been a part of several Houston teams that looked moribund early in the year only to put a charge in the second half that in some cases put the Astros in the playoffs. It doesn't appear on paper that the Astros have that kind of team to do that this year. But still. Isn't he effectively telling his team that he has given up on them? Sure, he says as a postscript that he would prefer to stay with the team and that they could turn it around, but isn't that just covering his bases? If this Fan was a teammate of Berkman's, he would be called out just for what the comments are doing for his team.
But let's look at it another way? Who would want him? He makes $15 million and his health (especially his knees) is questionable. He only has one position (and DH if he goes to the AL) and he is 34 years old. Plus he has a $15 million option for next year. If the Mariners can stay close in the AL West, they could probably use him. If the Red Sox tire of David Ortiz, they could use him and afford him. If the Twins tire of Kubel/Thome, they could use him. But who else? The Dodgers? They might be so out of the race that they wouldn't bother.
Berkman has had a great career and all of his stats are fantastic for his body of work. But he's on the downside now and he's on a team that isn't going anywhere. The Fan gets that. But shouldn't those conversations be made privately with his general manager (who, by the way, seemed less than pleased with Berkman's statement)? Shouldn't that be the way Berkman handles this instead of throwing his teammates under the bus? The Fan gets a bit fed up with a big time player who gets what he wants in a long term deal with the added bonus of a no-trade clause and then when his team's fortunes go south wants to unmake the bed he put the sheets on himself.
The Fan could understand if Berkman was slugging his usual 140+ OPS+ and killing the ball. But he isn't and his early disabled list stint makes him part of the problem. When you are part of the problem and not the only shining bauble in a team full of misfits, you shouldn't be acting like you are the latter. Berkman should stay quiet in public and if he wants to get out, then work behind the scenes with his team to get out of there. He isn't doing anyone a good hill of beans by making these statements under his and his team's current situation.
Game Picks - Friday: May 7, 2010
Although yesterday's picks were somewhat successful, there is a bit of an empty feeling after seeing the results. The Game of the Day was successful again. And the call on the Red Sox' game was dead on as was Halladay's handling of the Cardinals. The Fan couldn't have been more right about the Rangers - Royals game if he had written the script himself. But gosh, who would have thought Pittsburgh would jump all over the Cubs and that the Cubs would go back to being futile at the plate? Why are the Nationals so dang hard to predict? And the Brewers and the Dodgers are complete mysteries thus far. And never in a million years would this picker have seen an Orioles' shut out coming when Bergesen was starting! But, that's the life of a prognosticator who chooses baseball as his venue.
Let's see if Friday can bring more of the thrill of victory:
And the GAME OF THE DAY!
Yesterday: 7-4
Week: 40-26
Month: 44-36
Season: 244-163
Games of the Day: 12-9
Let's see if Friday can bring more of the thrill of victory:
- The Cardinals over the Pirates: Zach Duke is probably the Pirates best pitcher. But he won't get enough run support with Carpenter pitching.
- The Braves over the Phillies: Lowe needs to keep the ball in the ball park and if he does, he should win. This might be Moyer's last start with the Phillies.
- The Marlins over the Nationals: The Fins have lost three straight and have their weakest starter (Volstad) starting tonight. So that means they will win. Why? Because they are the Marlins.
- The Indians over the Tigers: The Indians haven't won a game in a while and are due. Huff hasn't pitched well so far this year after a very good 2009 and he is due. These planets align for a reason. Throw in Bonderman for the Tigers to help the pick along.
- The Giants over the Mets: Pelfrey is listed for the Mets. He's been REALLY good. But he has been hurting. Sanchez has been great for the Giants, especially if he can keep his walks down.
- The Reds over the Cubs: Still can't buy Carlos Silva. Just can't. Homer Bailey needs to get it going and tonight would be a good place to start.
- The Yankees over the Red Sox: It's Hughes against Beckett. Lots of questions abound in this game. Is Hughes this good? Is Beckett this bad? We'll find out together.
- The Padres over the Astros: The latest story down in Houston is that Berkman wants to play for a winner. Well, that's just great for the good old team morale. Latos wins this one.
- The Royals over the Rangers: Oy. Can Greinke ever get enough run support to win a game? It's got to be sad to be 0 for the season when you have a 2.45 ERA.
- The Twins over the Orioles: Still laughing that some wanted Liriano to be a closer for this team. Ha!
- The White Sox over the Blue Jays: Buehrle has to have a good game some time.
- The Brewers over the Diamondbacks: Jackson has been horrific for the D-backs. Gallardo has been the Brewers best pitcher and their best hitter.
- The Bay Rays over the Athletics: Price versus Gonzalez. The Bay Rays have been unstoppable.
- The Mariners over the Angels: Weaver will have to be near perfect to beat King Felix.
And the GAME OF THE DAY!
- The Rockies over the Dodgers: Going with an upset victory of Rogers over Kuroda. Don't you always sing: du du du du My Kuroda, whenever you hear that name? Maybe the Fan is just a freak.
Yesterday: 7-4
Week: 40-26
Month: 44-36
Season: 244-163
Games of the Day: 12-9
Gary Carter Interviewed by the Hall of the Very Good
Gary Carter wasn't a player you had few emotions about. He was either hated or he was loved. He had one of those images that made you want to muss him up a bit even if you shared his belief system. For this Fan, Gary Carter was in the same category as Steve Garvey of the Dodgers. Both seemed too good to be true and thus were the objects of some deep dislike.
But they were very different in other ways. Steve Garvey was always trying to be dignified, like he was a Clark Kent on the baseball field. It's hard for any catcher to be dignified as that position is as close to constantly playing in the dirt as possible. He was more flamboyant than Garvey and much more animated. That combined with what seemed to be a yearning for attention from the media and that ridiculously permed hair made him somewhat cartoonish for this Fan during his playing days.
But Carter is in the Hall of Fame, so that is the ultimate comeback answer to all those guys like this writer who didn't like him. And he deserved his election. He hit over three hundred homers and drove in over 1200 runs. He played well in the post season, especially in 1981 for the Expos when we first found out who he was. In the end, it didn't matter who we thought Gary Carter was, because his body of work told us what kind of player he was. He won. And rightly so.
There is a terrific site on the Web called the Hall of the Very Good. The Fan has recently discovered it and the author of the site always keeps it interesting with on-point interviews and other posts of interest. The Fan has really come to enjoy it. The Fan encourages you to see the latest post as the site interviews Gary Carter, the Hall of Fame Catcher. Check it out.
But they were very different in other ways. Steve Garvey was always trying to be dignified, like he was a Clark Kent on the baseball field. It's hard for any catcher to be dignified as that position is as close to constantly playing in the dirt as possible. He was more flamboyant than Garvey and much more animated. That combined with what seemed to be a yearning for attention from the media and that ridiculously permed hair made him somewhat cartoonish for this Fan during his playing days.
But Carter is in the Hall of Fame, so that is the ultimate comeback answer to all those guys like this writer who didn't like him. And he deserved his election. He hit over three hundred homers and drove in over 1200 runs. He played well in the post season, especially in 1981 for the Expos when we first found out who he was. In the end, it didn't matter who we thought Gary Carter was, because his body of work told us what kind of player he was. He won. And rightly so.
There is a terrific site on the Web called the Hall of the Very Good. The Fan has recently discovered it and the author of the site always keeps it interesting with on-point interviews and other posts of interest. The Fan has really come to enjoy it. The Fan encourages you to see the latest post as the site interviews Gary Carter, the Hall of Fame Catcher. Check it out.
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Albert Pujols
On Tuesday night, this writer was thinking about Albert Pujols while pouring over the box scores. According to the one box score that caught the eye, Pujols had struck out twice in Tuesday night's game. "Wow!" thought the Fan. That seemed unusual. But it clicked in the consciousness because a number in Pujols' strikeout column seemed to be happening regularly. We are talking about a guy who has more career walks than strikeouts. His hitting has been legendary but more so because he is a high-average slugger with the rarity that he never strikes out.
And so the Fan did some checking and sure enough, Albert Pujols is striking out and record rates for him. For his entire career, Pujols has strike out per plate appearance ratio of .094. That's an incredible number. But this year, his rate is .146. That's quite a jump. He is on pace to strikeout 95 times this season, something he hasn't done since his rookie season. The highest total since his rookie season has been 69. So this is indeed something strange.
The Fan isn't smart enough to know why Pujols is striking out more. So the Fan turns to someone who does that kind of analysis for a living. For a great in depth look at the numbers, click here. The one number that jumped out was his swing and miss percentage which has jumped from 14% to 19%. That's a big jump.
What does all this mean? Probably nothing. It has seemed that Pujols has been quiet so far this year. But geez, he still has an OPS of 1.022. The strikeout thing is probably a blip in what will probably be just another blistering year for the best hitter in baseball.
And so the Fan did some checking and sure enough, Albert Pujols is striking out and record rates for him. For his entire career, Pujols has strike out per plate appearance ratio of .094. That's an incredible number. But this year, his rate is .146. That's quite a jump. He is on pace to strikeout 95 times this season, something he hasn't done since his rookie season. The highest total since his rookie season has been 69. So this is indeed something strange.
The Fan isn't smart enough to know why Pujols is striking out more. So the Fan turns to someone who does that kind of analysis for a living. For a great in depth look at the numbers, click here. The one number that jumped out was his swing and miss percentage which has jumped from 14% to 19%. That's a big jump.
What does all this mean? Probably nothing. It has seemed that Pujols has been quiet so far this year. But geez, he still has an OPS of 1.022. The strikeout thing is probably a blip in what will probably be just another blistering year for the best hitter in baseball.
Milton Bradley To Get Help?
What do we make over the latest stories about Milton Bradley? His manager pulled him after two strikeouts on Tuesday, the last one with the bases loaded and indications were that Bradley did not take the benching very well. His manager stated that Bradley looked like he wasn't handling the strikeouts well and felt it was in Bradley's best interest to get out of there. The next day (Wednesday), Bradley spoke with his manager and general manager and told them he needed help with personal problems that were hindering his on-field activities. Of course, the Mariners said they would try to help him.
The cynic inside the Fan wants to think that Bradley probably knew he was out of "get of jail free" cards in his Monopoly baseball career and asked for help to try to keep his baseball job. But on the surface of things, Bradley has never been that astute to come up with such a gimmick. This is a guy who will drive off a bridge despite the sign pointing to danger ahead.
Perhaps this is the most positive story about Bradley in an awful long time. It takes a lot of guts to ask for help. And perhaps it is a real positive that Bradley has finally admitted he needs it. Of course, with privacy issues in play, the help needed wasn't provided in the news stories and it shouldn't be. But whether the problem is chemical (which would make sense due to Bradley's erratic behavior), or emotional, this is a guy whose baseball career shouts out to a falling sky of breakdown.
And so, this Fan is going to push away the cynical and hope for the best for Bradley, if not for his baseball career--which seems toast these days--but for his life. The man is one of those me-against-the-world types and man, that takes a lot of energy to maintain. It's time for Milton Bradley to get on a more even keel in life and find some peace. Let's hope it's still a possibility for him.
The cynic inside the Fan wants to think that Bradley probably knew he was out of "get of jail free" cards in his Monopoly baseball career and asked for help to try to keep his baseball job. But on the surface of things, Bradley has never been that astute to come up with such a gimmick. This is a guy who will drive off a bridge despite the sign pointing to danger ahead.
Perhaps this is the most positive story about Bradley in an awful long time. It takes a lot of guts to ask for help. And perhaps it is a real positive that Bradley has finally admitted he needs it. Of course, with privacy issues in play, the help needed wasn't provided in the news stories and it shouldn't be. But whether the problem is chemical (which would make sense due to Bradley's erratic behavior), or emotional, this is a guy whose baseball career shouts out to a falling sky of breakdown.
And so, this Fan is going to push away the cynical and hope for the best for Bradley, if not for his baseball career--which seems toast these days--but for his life. The man is one of those me-against-the-world types and man, that takes a lot of energy to maintain. It's time for Milton Bradley to get on a more even keel in life and find some peace. Let's hope it's still a possibility for him.
Game Picks - Thursday: May 6, 2010
April flowers have brought May showers here in the FanDome. With a sub par picking day yesterday, this picker is barely over .500 for the month of May. A lot went wrong yesterday. The Padres had the lead but young Richard had to leave after five innings because of too many walks and the Padres' relievers were terrible. Kyle Kendrick, who had been so bad so far, pitched a gem against the suddenly flat looking Cardinals. Picking against Zito was simply a bad idea. Picking the Nationals was almost a good idea, but they couldn't hold down a bad hitting team. The Royals were a bad pick. The Rangers had a golden opportunity to zoom up in the standings in the AL West but let the injury-riddled Athletics walk all over them for the second straight night. The Brewers are on a hitting binge after weeks of slumber and the Fan didn't seem to get that. So, the Fan deserves the lumps he took.
The scheduling has been different this year. Mondays and Thursdays have had a fairly full slate of games so far. Today is no different. Here's what they look like:
And the GAME OF THE DAY!
Yesterday: 6-9
Week: 33-22
Month: 37-33
Season: 237-159
Games of the Day: 11-9
The scheduling has been different this year. Mondays and Thursdays have had a fairly full slate of games so far. Today is no different. Here's what they look like:
- The Phillies over the Cardinals: How can anyone pick against Halladay? Of course, that obvious pick is scary as heck.
- The Cubs over the Pirates: This picker never picks against the Cubs when Randy Wells is pitching. Burres for the Pirates makes this even easier to do that.
- The Braves over the Nationals: Scott Olsen is a tall lefty with a lot of talent. But his concentration skills have never been good. Don't see two good performances in a row for him. But Heyward will be out for the Braves after injuring his groin.
- The Giants over the Marlins: The Marlins continue to be a mystery to this picker. Will probably get this one wrong again too. Nolasco goes against Cain in a good match up. Who knows...
- The Red Sox over the Angels: Kazmir versus Matsuzaka seems like an Angel win, but the Red Sox are heating up and will out slug the Angels in a high scoring contest.
- The Rangers over the Royals: Davies was pretty good last night and Harrison has never really been good for the Rangers. But we are talking the Royals here.
- The Twins over the Orioles: Pavano over Bergesen easily. Have the Orioles has the toughest schedule in baseball? The poor schmucks are always playing the top teams.
- The Blue Jays over the White Sox: Danks hasn't been very good. Eveland needs to go deeper into games, but the Blue Jays should win.
- The Brewers over the Dodgers. Bush goes for the Brewers. Normally that would be a bad thing. But the Dodgers counter with Ely. Who?
- The Bay Rays over the Mariners: The Bay Rays have had a pretty cushy schedule so far. The Mariners are as cushy as they get.
And the GAME OF THE DAY!
- The Diamondbacks over the Astros: Hate to think of Wandy losing again, but he hasn't been nearly as sharp as last year. Plus, he's matched up against Haren.
Yesterday: 6-9
Week: 33-22
Month: 37-33
Season: 237-159
Games of the Day: 11-9
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Dustin Pedroia Is REALLY Good
The time has come to fully admit the obvious. Of course everyone knows that Dustin Pedroia is really good. It's just that this Fan has taken a long time to come around. Let's be honest here. The Fan just doesn't like the guy. Take, for example, how he pumped his fist in glee when he hit a homer against the Yankees in the first dang series of the year. It wasn't the World Series, you piker. So that's just an example. But the Fan's problem with the guy doesn't mask the obvious. The guy is one of the best in the business and credit is due here in this space.
Chase Utley is definitely number one. He is on top of all second basemen in UZR and he's one of the best hitters in baseball. The real debate comes to number two. And there really are only three choices: Pedroia, Cano and Brandon Phillips. Orlando Hudson would be in the equation because he is a great fielder. But his bat is no where near the others. Brandon Phillips had a good year at the plate last year, but not in the class of Pedroia and Cano. So you have to drop him out.
The really weird thing is that Pedroia and Cano are not faring well in the UZR ratings so far this year. Pedroia is 14th and Cano is 16th. But Cano has the second best range at his position in baseball and Pedroia hardly ever makes an error. Go figure. Really smart people tally these statistics so there must be something to them. But gosh, both seem a lot better fielding their position than indicated by UZR.
Robinson Cano has a real chance at a batting title this year. His wOBA leads all second basemen, even Utley. So offensively, the Fan thinks that Cano has overtaken Pedroia. That would seem to give Cano the definitive number two spot.
But Pedroia just has something. Uh oh. It's that intangible word again. Egads! The Fan will probably take a beating for this, but there is just something about Pedroia that puts him in the right place at the right time (check out that double play last night) and up at the plate in a big moment. He's like an ultimately more annoying Jeter. He's like Jeter without that same kind of class that Jeter always exhibits.
His grit and his determination have made him, like his teammate, Youkilis, a much better player than his physical skills seem to dictate he should be. There is something to be said for that. Okay, here is the ultimate analogy. Are you ready? He's like a more annoying Jeter and like a David Epstein who can actually hit. Yup, that's perfect.
And while the Red Sox have their share of problems (will Ortiz get released?) Pedroia is not one of them. He's a star at his position and probably the third best overall second baseman in baseball. Not too shabby for a guy this Fan so totally dislikes.
Man, that was painful.
Chase Utley is definitely number one. He is on top of all second basemen in UZR and he's one of the best hitters in baseball. The real debate comes to number two. And there really are only three choices: Pedroia, Cano and Brandon Phillips. Orlando Hudson would be in the equation because he is a great fielder. But his bat is no where near the others. Brandon Phillips had a good year at the plate last year, but not in the class of Pedroia and Cano. So you have to drop him out.
The really weird thing is that Pedroia and Cano are not faring well in the UZR ratings so far this year. Pedroia is 14th and Cano is 16th. But Cano has the second best range at his position in baseball and Pedroia hardly ever makes an error. Go figure. Really smart people tally these statistics so there must be something to them. But gosh, both seem a lot better fielding their position than indicated by UZR.
Robinson Cano has a real chance at a batting title this year. His wOBA leads all second basemen, even Utley. So offensively, the Fan thinks that Cano has overtaken Pedroia. That would seem to give Cano the definitive number two spot.
But Pedroia just has something. Uh oh. It's that intangible word again. Egads! The Fan will probably take a beating for this, but there is just something about Pedroia that puts him in the right place at the right time (check out that double play last night) and up at the plate in a big moment. He's like an ultimately more annoying Jeter. He's like Jeter without that same kind of class that Jeter always exhibits.
His grit and his determination have made him, like his teammate, Youkilis, a much better player than his physical skills seem to dictate he should be. There is something to be said for that. Okay, here is the ultimate analogy. Are you ready? He's like a more annoying Jeter and like a David Epstein who can actually hit. Yup, that's perfect.
And while the Red Sox have their share of problems (will Ortiz get released?) Pedroia is not one of them. He's a star at his position and probably the third best overall second baseman in baseball. Not too shabby for a guy this Fan so totally dislikes.
Man, that was painful.
Where Have All the Iconic Announcers Gone?
It appears that Vin Scully is the last of his breed. With the passing of the lovely Ernie Harwell, the man with the velvet voice and the huge heart, one more of the iconic baseball announcers is gone. We've lost Rizzuto, Buck (the elder), Harry Carey and others and there doesn't appear to be many others to take their place.
When play by play men spend decades with a team, an unbelievable bond develops between them and their team. Curt Gowdy was the voice of the Red Sox. Rizzuto for the Yankees. Buck was the guy in St. Louis. And Harwell had become that kind of institution. He broadcast games until he was nearly 90 for gosh sakes. It doesn't get any better than that.
The sad thing is, there isn't much out there that replaces them. The Bay Rays have a really good one. Michael Kay for the Yankees? The Red Sox have a pretty good one. But none yet have the heft of history or the bond with the fans that takes decades to cement.
Of course, their is always the color guys like Hawk Harrelson, but from what I read from Chisox fans, they aren't that thrilled there. How about it, Fan Friends? Who do you listen to and like a lot? Are there any out there besides Scully that you think are icons? The Fan would love to hear from you. There just may be some still out there.
In any case, rest in peace, Mr. Harwell. You will be missed.
When play by play men spend decades with a team, an unbelievable bond develops between them and their team. Curt Gowdy was the voice of the Red Sox. Rizzuto for the Yankees. Buck was the guy in St. Louis. And Harwell had become that kind of institution. He broadcast games until he was nearly 90 for gosh sakes. It doesn't get any better than that.
The sad thing is, there isn't much out there that replaces them. The Bay Rays have a really good one. Michael Kay for the Yankees? The Red Sox have a pretty good one. But none yet have the heft of history or the bond with the fans that takes decades to cement.
Of course, their is always the color guys like Hawk Harrelson, but from what I read from Chisox fans, they aren't that thrilled there. How about it, Fan Friends? Who do you listen to and like a lot? Are there any out there besides Scully that you think are icons? The Fan would love to hear from you. There just may be some still out there.
In any case, rest in peace, Mr. Harwell. You will be missed.
Game Picks - Wednesday: May 5, 2010
The trick to picking Major League Baseball games is to be able to figure out when a team, a pitcher, or a group of players is going to stop playing against their norms. For example, the Brewers are a team of sluggers that were not slugging and thus not scoring any runs. Their players (with the exception of Braun) have been struggling below their norms. Sooner or later they had to bust out of it and the trick is to anticipate when that would be. It didn't figure it would be against Clayton Kershaw, but that's exactly what happened as they scored nine runs in the second inning and exploded. The Astros are another example. Certainly they are a bad hitting team. But their norms indicate that they should average three runs a game at least. And so when Oswalt is on the mound, the picker would figure that to be enough. But the Astros didn't score three runs. They didn't score any runs. The Fan fell on the wrong side of both of those situations which is a good reason why it was such a wishy washy picking day.
The Fan has been accused in the past of simply picking games out of the hat. That couldn't be further from the truth. The Fan only picks a third of any day's games out of a hat. Each pick is considered carefully with match ups and histories those match ups have had in the past. But at least a third of the games every day are so unpredictable that luck has to factor in. So far this season, the Fan has been mostly lucky in those wacky 1/3 picks. Not complaining at all about that.
So the bottom line here is that Wednesday's picks are brought to you with 2/3 logic and acumen and 1/3 blindfolded "pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey" type guessing. It is what it is...
Editor's Note: These picks must be fraught with danger as the computer has crashed three times while trying to make them!
- The Blue Jays over the Indians: This is one of those picks that drive you crazy. Morrow has been really good lately, which is against type. Carmona was really bad last time which is against type this year, but not against last year. Doh!
- The Mets over the Reds: Niese has been a nice surprise. Cueto is never one to count on but can be occasionally brilliant. Don't think he will be here.
- The Yankees over the Orioles: Pettitte was more back to his old self his last game out, but with the Yankee bats, that's good enough.
- The Twins over the Tigers: The Twins are putting their stamp on this series without Mauer too.
- The Rangers over the Athletics: Raise your hand if you thought Feldman would be the fouth best starter on the Rangers. Yeah, the Fan couldn't raise his hand either.
- The Cubs over the Pirates: Just can't see the Cubbies losing with Lilly going and Morton on the other side.
- The Cardinals over the Phillies: Sooner or later, the Phillies are going to have to take Kendrick out of the rotation.
- The Nationals over the Braves: Atilano has been good in his two starts, Hanson was pretty shaky his last time out. It's weird. The Fan is acting like the Nationals are a real team and everything.
- The Marlins over the Giants: Zito is due for a clunker and a right-handed team like the Marlins might be the one to give it to him.
- The Red Sox over the Angels: Don't know which team the Fan roots against harder. Bad Fan...very bad. But anyway, Lackey rises up against his old team and shows they should have paid him instead of Pineiro.
- The Astros over the Diamondbacks: Just feel like Lopez is vulnerable as a starter in this one.
- The Royals over the White Sox: With a win, the Royals could hop over the White Sox in the standings. Wouldn't that be a kicker?
- The Padres over the Rockies: Have the Padres been an unbelievable story so far? Richard beats Cook.
- The Dodgers over the Brewers: Hmm..Davis versus Billingsley. Yup, this is one of those 1/3.
And the GAME OF THE DAY!
- The Bay Rays over the Mariners: So what if Lee is pitching for Seattle. They won't score against Garza.
Yesterday: 8-7
Week: 27-13
Month: 31-24
Season: 231-150
Games of the Day: 10-9
The Fan has been accused in the past of simply picking games out of the hat. That couldn't be further from the truth. The Fan only picks a third of any day's games out of a hat. Each pick is considered carefully with match ups and histories those match ups have had in the past. But at least a third of the games every day are so unpredictable that luck has to factor in. So far this season, the Fan has been mostly lucky in those wacky 1/3 picks. Not complaining at all about that.
So the bottom line here is that Wednesday's picks are brought to you with 2/3 logic and acumen and 1/3 blindfolded "pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey" type guessing. It is what it is...
Editor's Note: These picks must be fraught with danger as the computer has crashed three times while trying to make them!
- The Blue Jays over the Indians: This is one of those picks that drive you crazy. Morrow has been really good lately, which is against type. Carmona was really bad last time which is against type this year, but not against last year. Doh!
- The Mets over the Reds: Niese has been a nice surprise. Cueto is never one to count on but can be occasionally brilliant. Don't think he will be here.
- The Yankees over the Orioles: Pettitte was more back to his old self his last game out, but with the Yankee bats, that's good enough.
- The Twins over the Tigers: The Twins are putting their stamp on this series without Mauer too.
- The Rangers over the Athletics: Raise your hand if you thought Feldman would be the fouth best starter on the Rangers. Yeah, the Fan couldn't raise his hand either.
- The Cubs over the Pirates: Just can't see the Cubbies losing with Lilly going and Morton on the other side.
- The Cardinals over the Phillies: Sooner or later, the Phillies are going to have to take Kendrick out of the rotation.
- The Nationals over the Braves: Atilano has been good in his two starts, Hanson was pretty shaky his last time out. It's weird. The Fan is acting like the Nationals are a real team and everything.
- The Marlins over the Giants: Zito is due for a clunker and a right-handed team like the Marlins might be the one to give it to him.
- The Red Sox over the Angels: Don't know which team the Fan roots against harder. Bad Fan...very bad. But anyway, Lackey rises up against his old team and shows they should have paid him instead of Pineiro.
- The Astros over the Diamondbacks: Just feel like Lopez is vulnerable as a starter in this one.
- The Royals over the White Sox: With a win, the Royals could hop over the White Sox in the standings. Wouldn't that be a kicker?
- The Padres over the Rockies: Have the Padres been an unbelievable story so far? Richard beats Cook.
- The Dodgers over the Brewers: Hmm..Davis versus Billingsley. Yup, this is one of those 1/3.
And the GAME OF THE DAY!
- The Bay Rays over the Mariners: So what if Lee is pitching for Seattle. They won't score against Garza.
Yesterday: 8-7
Week: 27-13
Month: 31-24
Season: 231-150
Games of the Day: 10-9
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
The Flagrant Fan Joins the Baseball Bloggers Alliance
This site is now a card carrying member of the Baseball Bloggers Alliance (BBA for short). The BBA is a network of baseball-writing bloggers who share ideas and provide mutual support for those of us that are passionate about this great sport of ours. Blogging success is not much different than any business success. It's all about networking and making good connections to help promote what you do and receive support while doing it.
The Fan couldn't be more proud to be aligned with such a great group of people. Nothing on the site here will change (for better or for worse) but it's still a great day for this lonely writer in northern Maine.
The Fan couldn't be more proud to be aligned with such a great group of people. Nothing on the site here will change (for better or for worse) but it's still a great day for this lonely writer in northern Maine.
Rangers Grabbing Their Opportunity
The time has never been more ripe for someone other than the California Angels of Los Angeles or Anaheim to win the American League West. You can never count the Angels out, not with their manager and track record, but it really seems as if the Angels can't hit enough and can't pitch enough to get the job done this year. Meanwhile, the Oakland A's, after a good start, have fallen on hard times due to injuries to key players and the Mariners can't seem to hit enough to be a factor. That leaves the Rangers with a golden opportunity to grab the division.
For almost two decades, the Rangers have been an all-hit, no-pitch kind of team. They could always slug with the best in baseball with guys like A-Rod, Ivan Rodriguez in his prime, Juan Gonzalez and others. But their pitching was always the lamest in the land. You knew they were going to get feasted upon. Let's face it, if Millwood was your best pitcher, you know you're pitching staff sucks. But the Rangers have re-invented themselves.
The Fan doesn't know if Nolan Ryan is the catalyst for the makeover or if the credit goes to the collective, but the Rangers focus much more now on pitching and defense. And they did so with determination. That process was never more in focus than when Elvis Andrus was handed the shortstop position and Michael Young, a perennial all star was told in no uncertain terms that he was headed to third base.
The Rangers now have four guys in their starting rotation that can keep you in the ball game. Harden and Feldman are the anchors and Wilson and Lewis were brilliant pick ups. Only Harrison remains as a weak link and if the Rangers could find a hot hand in the minors to take Harison's place, their rotation would really be dynamic.
The bullpen has been a work in progress. Frankie Francisco has struggled but had a good outing on Sunday before having another bad one on Monday. But he'll be okay in the long run because he's always been okay before. Neftali Feliz had struggled earlier in the season, but is coming on strong. He bailed out Francisco in last night's game by coming in and blowing away the opposition to save the game. Meanwhile, the aged Darren Oliver has struck out 13 in 12 innings of work while only walking one. He's been great. Also great have been Darren O'Day, who hasn't given up a run yet this season and Chris Ray, who has struggled with his control, but still posts a 1.69 ERA. Nippert and Mathis are useful too. O'Day's work so far seems like a fluke though. He's pitched in eleven games so far and has only struck out one batter. Now that's pitching to contact!
Over all, the Rangers' pitching staff ranks in the top five in most categories. Their only negatives have been walks and homers. They are eighth in the fourteen team league in homers allowed and are twelfth in the league in walks given. That number in particular has to come down. Harden has been uncharacteristically wild to date, but last night he struck out nine and gave up no walks in his seven innings of work. That's a great sign.
This Fan thinks the offense will come around. They currently rank in the bottom five in just about all offensive categories. But remember that Kinsler has been out most of the year and just recently came back. Josh Hamilton was in a funk most of the early part of the season but is starting to come on now. The Chris Davis experiment didn't work out and now Smoak is up to take his place. Smoak has started slowly, but he's been steadily improving and he has more walks currently than strikeouts. That leads this writer to believe that he will be just fine. Vlad is Vlad and will continue to have a very good season. Nelson Cruz needs to hurry up and get back as he was carrying the team earlier.
The most glaring weaknesses so far for the Rangers have been behind the plate and now Treanor has taken over and it looks like he can at least give you professional at bats. So that position has stabled out. The Rangers also have to stop giving at bats to Garko and David Murphy. Garko is that minor league slugger that makes your eyes dance but has never put it together in the majors. He's now batting .074. Ugh. Make it stop! David Murphy is another out machine. He has struck out 17 times with only two walks and is batting .174. Enough already.
Another concern has been Michael Young's defense. He's already made six errors and they have all been on throws. Does he have a bad arm? What's going on there? Young has never been what anyone would call a great fielder. But he was serviceable last year at third if not spectacular. But he is throwing everything away so far this year. For a team based on pitching and defense, that has to be a bit annoying.
But the Rangers are on the right track. You can never count the Angels out. But the Fan thinks you can count out the A's and the Mariners which leaves the Rangers in a great position. This could be their year and recent indications are that they are starting to seize it.
For almost two decades, the Rangers have been an all-hit, no-pitch kind of team. They could always slug with the best in baseball with guys like A-Rod, Ivan Rodriguez in his prime, Juan Gonzalez and others. But their pitching was always the lamest in the land. You knew they were going to get feasted upon. Let's face it, if Millwood was your best pitcher, you know you're pitching staff sucks. But the Rangers have re-invented themselves.
The Fan doesn't know if Nolan Ryan is the catalyst for the makeover or if the credit goes to the collective, but the Rangers focus much more now on pitching and defense. And they did so with determination. That process was never more in focus than when Elvis Andrus was handed the shortstop position and Michael Young, a perennial all star was told in no uncertain terms that he was headed to third base.
The Rangers now have four guys in their starting rotation that can keep you in the ball game. Harden and Feldman are the anchors and Wilson and Lewis were brilliant pick ups. Only Harrison remains as a weak link and if the Rangers could find a hot hand in the minors to take Harison's place, their rotation would really be dynamic.
The bullpen has been a work in progress. Frankie Francisco has struggled but had a good outing on Sunday before having another bad one on Monday. But he'll be okay in the long run because he's always been okay before. Neftali Feliz had struggled earlier in the season, but is coming on strong. He bailed out Francisco in last night's game by coming in and blowing away the opposition to save the game. Meanwhile, the aged Darren Oliver has struck out 13 in 12 innings of work while only walking one. He's been great. Also great have been Darren O'Day, who hasn't given up a run yet this season and Chris Ray, who has struggled with his control, but still posts a 1.69 ERA. Nippert and Mathis are useful too. O'Day's work so far seems like a fluke though. He's pitched in eleven games so far and has only struck out one batter. Now that's pitching to contact!
Over all, the Rangers' pitching staff ranks in the top five in most categories. Their only negatives have been walks and homers. They are eighth in the fourteen team league in homers allowed and are twelfth in the league in walks given. That number in particular has to come down. Harden has been uncharacteristically wild to date, but last night he struck out nine and gave up no walks in his seven innings of work. That's a great sign.
This Fan thinks the offense will come around. They currently rank in the bottom five in just about all offensive categories. But remember that Kinsler has been out most of the year and just recently came back. Josh Hamilton was in a funk most of the early part of the season but is starting to come on now. The Chris Davis experiment didn't work out and now Smoak is up to take his place. Smoak has started slowly, but he's been steadily improving and he has more walks currently than strikeouts. That leads this writer to believe that he will be just fine. Vlad is Vlad and will continue to have a very good season. Nelson Cruz needs to hurry up and get back as he was carrying the team earlier.
The most glaring weaknesses so far for the Rangers have been behind the plate and now Treanor has taken over and it looks like he can at least give you professional at bats. So that position has stabled out. The Rangers also have to stop giving at bats to Garko and David Murphy. Garko is that minor league slugger that makes your eyes dance but has never put it together in the majors. He's now batting .074. Ugh. Make it stop! David Murphy is another out machine. He has struck out 17 times with only two walks and is batting .174. Enough already.
Another concern has been Michael Young's defense. He's already made six errors and they have all been on throws. Does he have a bad arm? What's going on there? Young has never been what anyone would call a great fielder. But he was serviceable last year at third if not spectacular. But he is throwing everything away so far this year. For a team based on pitching and defense, that has to be a bit annoying.
But the Rangers are on the right track. You can never count the Angels out. But the Fan thinks you can count out the A's and the Mariners which leaves the Rangers in a great position. This could be their year and recent indications are that they are starting to seize it.
Game Picks - Tuesday: May 4, 2010
Some very good pitchers like Harden, Sabathia, Garcia, Cecil, Jiminez and Leake all pitched great and helped ensure that this picker had another solid day of picks. The only down picks were caused by other good pitchers who had been struggling until yesterday (Baker and Peavy). But this picker will take results like yesterday any day of the week.
Another Tuesday, another full slate of games:
And the GAME OF THE DAY!
Yesterday: 7-3
Week: 19-6
Month: 23-17
Season: 223-143
Games of the Day: 10-8
Another Tuesday, another full slate of games:
- The Cubs over the Pirates: The Cubs are red hot and Dempster has been real good. A bad combination for the Pirates.
- The Cardinals over the Phillies: Great match up of Wainwright versus Hamels. Think Wainwright is the better pitcher.
- The Nationals over the Braves: The more Livan starts, the more of a quandry this picker gets into. When will he finally get hit like normal? Going to say it won't be this game.
- The Blue Jays over the Indians: Should have picked the Blue Jays yesterday. Will not make the same mistake today as Romero gets the nod over Westbrook.
- The Yankees over the Orioles: Burnett gets to pitch to Cervelli as Posada has a bad calf. That bodes well for the Yankees even though Matusz is pitching for Baltimore.
- The Mets over the Reds: Ike Davis will hit a homer off of Arroyo and Maine looked much better last time out.
- The Giants over the Marlins: Sanchez has been pretty good for the Marlins, but Lincecum is pitching for the Giants.
- The Red Sox over the Angels: Lester has been rounding into form. It was interesting to see that David Ortiz did not make an appearance at all last night. The signs are on the wall, folks.
- The Astros over the Diamondbacks: The Fan roots of Ian Kennedy, but Oswalt gets the nod and the win.
- The Tigers over the Twins: This same pick yesterday went real sour, but Willis should baffle the Mauer-less Twins long enough for the Tigers to whack Blackburn around some.
- The White Sox over the Royals: As much as the Fan likes Hochever, let's face it, if Greinke can't win, then Hochever can't either.
- The Padres over the Rockies: LeBlanc has an ERA of 0.52. Smith's is over 7. What should that tell you?
- The Dodgers over the Brewers: Kershaw has been pitching a little deeper into games. Narveson goes for the Brewers.
- The Bay Rays over the Mariners: Shields versus Vargas. The Bay Rays are just too good a team to lose this one.
And the GAME OF THE DAY!
- The Rangers over the Athletics: Feldman was much better his last time out and Mazzaro is making his first start of the year for the Athletics. The Rangers are starting their push to the top.
Yesterday: 7-3
Week: 19-6
Month: 23-17
Season: 223-143
Games of the Day: 10-8
Monday, May 03, 2010
Some Player Thoughts Watching Sunday's Games
Sunday is the best baseball day of the week. Except for the ESPN Sunday Night Baseball, all of the teams play during the day. TBS usually shows a game plus your local team is available on television at a decent hour too. After drinking in a full slate of day games, the following players left brain impressions:
Brent Gardner: This Fan really wanted Gardner to get 500 at bats this season to see what he could do. Then the Yankees got Granderson and the Fan figured that was that. But then it was announced that Gardner would play left. But then the Yankees got Randy Winn and the Fan said that was that. But Gardner has played nearly every day and he's delivered. His current line is: .342/.415/.438. He has 25 hits in 22 games played. He's scored 18 runs and he's stolen 11 bases in 12 attempts. He looks more comfortable at the plate with each passing game. So far so good.
Alfonso Soriano: Two weeks ago, his career seemed dead. He was written off in this space as well. His manager was asked several times why he was still penciling Soriano in the line up. But look at Soriano now. He's had four homers in his last three games and has been red hot. His current line is remarkable considering where he was just a little while ago: .325/.382/.624. His OPS is now over 1. Amazing. Guess we'll have to call him Lazurus.
Eric Byrnes: Poor Eric Byrnes. In a career where it seems he hit one too many walls (he wasn't called, "The Crash Dummy" for nothing), he hasn't been able to come close to producing for three straight years now. After producing only three hits in over 30 at bats for the Mariners, that team pulled the plug and released him today. No doubt his botched squeeze attempt on Saturday night didn't help his cause any. You can't cry too much for Byrnes because he made a lot of money based on two slightly above league average seasons. But his skill really deteriorated and it seems his career is pretty much over.
Phil Hughes: Do you think the Joba/Hughes debate looks silly now? Hughes has been tremendous. He's made four starts and is now 3-0 and after his seven shut out innings today, he's pitched 25 innings and has a WHIP of 0.88 while striking out 24. He's only given up one homer and it looks like an easy game for him right now.
Jhoulys Chacin: Can we just call him Jose based on his middle name? Anyway, Chacin has been touted as the Rockies best prospect and he certainly showed why Sunday. He pitched seven innings and gave up only one hit while blanking the Giants. Before you get all thinking that the Giants weren't much of a challenge, they are a much better hitting team this year. Schierholtz is batting .345. Sandoval has been as good as last year. Downs is doing well at second base and in the line up. Uribe is hitting well and Huff has been very solid with a .485 slugging percentage. Chacin is just that good and the Rockies won't miss a beat with De La Rosa out.
Jason Giambi and Nick Johnson: Two erstwhile first basemen with somewhat checkered pasts are both having really strange seasons. Giambi is batting .100 for the season, but has a .387 On Base Percentage. However, his slugging percentage is only .150. Nick Johnson is batting .149 and his OBP is .368.
Paul Konerko: Konerko has had a really good career. But the Fan has to admit that he wrote right here in this space that Konerko's best years were behind him. Well, now he has 12 homers and an OPS of 1.206. Uhh...the Fan can shut his trap any time now.
Jason Heyward: Heyward has been like a binary switch for the Braves so far. When he hits, he hits big and the Braves win. When he doesn't hit, they don't hit and they don't win. He's on a mini-tear lately which is the on side of that switch for the Braves.
Austin Jackson: The young man is now batting .367 and has 40 hits already. And he has a .420 OBP despite striking out 34 times in 25 games. The Fan still thinks he'll end up in the .290 range. His BABIP is pretty darn high right now.
Andre Ethier: You can't blame the Dodgers' struggles on Ethier who after slugging two homers Sunday, now has nine on the season and has a downright gaudy OPS of 1.161. He's already drivin in 26 runs. He has as many walks as strikeouts (10). Looks like a superstar has arrived.
Andruw Jones: Jones has been given up for dead so many times over the last three years, but he has a whopping OPS of 1.084 thus far with 8 homers. Plus he is playing centerfield every day. Did anyone see this happening? But to show how poorly the White Sox are faring, with 8 homers, Jones has only knocked in 11 runs.
Hanley Ramirez: The Marlins' shortstop has been pretty quiet thus far. But he is six for his last nine with three homers. Look out National League, Mr. Ramirez is back on his game.
Jorge Cantu and Ty Wiggington: These two guys might be the most underrated players in their respective leagues. They always seem to come up big in critical situations and just give solid, professional at bats every time they come up to the plate, particularly when men are in scoring position. Wiggington's at bat against Papelbon today was outstanding and a great case in point.
Prince Fielder: Fielder has been really quiet thus far which somewhat accounts for the Brewers really bad run scoring slump. Even Craig Counsell has a higher slugging percentage right now than Fielder and Fielder has only hit two homers to date.
Jason Varitek: Okay, he's having a fine season thus far. The Fan has to admit it. He hit another homer today and even threw a runner out at second on a stolen base attempt. He looks much better than Victor Martinez these days.
Vernon Wells: The man has been awesome so far. Good for him! After years of abuse, he deserves it.
Brent Gardner: This Fan really wanted Gardner to get 500 at bats this season to see what he could do. Then the Yankees got Granderson and the Fan figured that was that. But then it was announced that Gardner would play left. But then the Yankees got Randy Winn and the Fan said that was that. But Gardner has played nearly every day and he's delivered. His current line is: .342/.415/.438. He has 25 hits in 22 games played. He's scored 18 runs and he's stolen 11 bases in 12 attempts. He looks more comfortable at the plate with each passing game. So far so good.
Alfonso Soriano: Two weeks ago, his career seemed dead. He was written off in this space as well. His manager was asked several times why he was still penciling Soriano in the line up. But look at Soriano now. He's had four homers in his last three games and has been red hot. His current line is remarkable considering where he was just a little while ago: .325/.382/.624. His OPS is now over 1. Amazing. Guess we'll have to call him Lazurus.
Eric Byrnes: Poor Eric Byrnes. In a career where it seems he hit one too many walls (he wasn't called, "The Crash Dummy" for nothing), he hasn't been able to come close to producing for three straight years now. After producing only three hits in over 30 at bats for the Mariners, that team pulled the plug and released him today. No doubt his botched squeeze attempt on Saturday night didn't help his cause any. You can't cry too much for Byrnes because he made a lot of money based on two slightly above league average seasons. But his skill really deteriorated and it seems his career is pretty much over.
Phil Hughes: Do you think the Joba/Hughes debate looks silly now? Hughes has been tremendous. He's made four starts and is now 3-0 and after his seven shut out innings today, he's pitched 25 innings and has a WHIP of 0.88 while striking out 24. He's only given up one homer and it looks like an easy game for him right now.
Jhoulys Chacin: Can we just call him Jose based on his middle name? Anyway, Chacin has been touted as the Rockies best prospect and he certainly showed why Sunday. He pitched seven innings and gave up only one hit while blanking the Giants. Before you get all thinking that the Giants weren't much of a challenge, they are a much better hitting team this year. Schierholtz is batting .345. Sandoval has been as good as last year. Downs is doing well at second base and in the line up. Uribe is hitting well and Huff has been very solid with a .485 slugging percentage. Chacin is just that good and the Rockies won't miss a beat with De La Rosa out.
Jason Giambi and Nick Johnson: Two erstwhile first basemen with somewhat checkered pasts are both having really strange seasons. Giambi is batting .100 for the season, but has a .387 On Base Percentage. However, his slugging percentage is only .150. Nick Johnson is batting .149 and his OBP is .368.
Paul Konerko: Konerko has had a really good career. But the Fan has to admit that he wrote right here in this space that Konerko's best years were behind him. Well, now he has 12 homers and an OPS of 1.206. Uhh...the Fan can shut his trap any time now.
Jason Heyward: Heyward has been like a binary switch for the Braves so far. When he hits, he hits big and the Braves win. When he doesn't hit, they don't hit and they don't win. He's on a mini-tear lately which is the on side of that switch for the Braves.
Austin Jackson: The young man is now batting .367 and has 40 hits already. And he has a .420 OBP despite striking out 34 times in 25 games. The Fan still thinks he'll end up in the .290 range. His BABIP is pretty darn high right now.
Andre Ethier: You can't blame the Dodgers' struggles on Ethier who after slugging two homers Sunday, now has nine on the season and has a downright gaudy OPS of 1.161. He's already drivin in 26 runs. He has as many walks as strikeouts (10). Looks like a superstar has arrived.
Andruw Jones: Jones has been given up for dead so many times over the last three years, but he has a whopping OPS of 1.084 thus far with 8 homers. Plus he is playing centerfield every day. Did anyone see this happening? But to show how poorly the White Sox are faring, with 8 homers, Jones has only knocked in 11 runs.
Hanley Ramirez: The Marlins' shortstop has been pretty quiet thus far. But he is six for his last nine with three homers. Look out National League, Mr. Ramirez is back on his game.
Jorge Cantu and Ty Wiggington: These two guys might be the most underrated players in their respective leagues. They always seem to come up big in critical situations and just give solid, professional at bats every time they come up to the plate, particularly when men are in scoring position. Wiggington's at bat against Papelbon today was outstanding and a great case in point.
Prince Fielder: Fielder has been really quiet thus far which somewhat accounts for the Brewers really bad run scoring slump. Even Craig Counsell has a higher slugging percentage right now than Fielder and Fielder has only hit two homers to date.
Jason Varitek: Okay, he's having a fine season thus far. The Fan has to admit it. He hit another homer today and even threw a runner out at second on a stolen base attempt. He looks much better than Victor Martinez these days.
Vernon Wells: The man has been awesome so far. Good for him! After years of abuse, he deserves it.
Game Picks - Monday: May 3, 2010
It was nearly a historic day of picking. The tally was 12-2 going into the Mets - Phillies game and the Mets had a 5-2 lead with Santana on the mound. That felt like a pretty good lock for a 13-2 day and a new record for this here picker. Twelve has been the highest total ever seen in this space. But then the Phillies exploded and Santana ended up with one of his ugliest lines of his career. He allowed ten base runners. Every single one of then scored. He gave up four homers, one a grand slam to Victorino. This Fan has never seen anything like it. But still, after a disastrous Saturday, there is no real way one can complain about bouncing back with a 12-3 day.
Monday has a pretty good schedule of games. Let's keep the ball rolling:
And the GAME OF THE DAY!
Yesterday: 12-3
Week: 12-3
Month: 16-14
Season: 216-140
Games of the Day: 9-8 You still out there, Kryss?
Monday has a pretty good schedule of games. Let's keep the ball rolling:
- The Cardinals over the Phillies: Garcia should be better than Hamels and the Cardinals need to dominate this series.
- The Indians over the Blue Jays: Two good young pitchers in Talbot versus Cecil. Talbot has been lights out so far.
- The Yankees over the Orioles: Rematch of Sabathia versus Guthrie. Will turn out the same way as the first one. And Teixeira is starting to hit.
- The Reds over the Mets: Still riding the Leake bandwagon, especially since Perez is going for the Mets and the bullpen has already had to cover a lot of innings over the weekend.
- The Red Sox over the Angels: The Red Sox just got swept by the Orioles [snicker]. But Buchholz has been their best pitcher thus far.
- The Diamondbacks over the Astros: The Astros had a miserable weekend. It won't get any better on Monday.
- The Royals over the White Sox: In the upset of the day, Gil (ga) Meche pitches his first good game of the year. Peavy does too, but the Royals come out on top.
- The Tigers over the Twins: No Mauer. Baker hasn't been sharp. The Tigers have been hot. Tigers.
- The Rangers over the Athletics: Harden pitches a gem and Braden yells at Vlad Guerrero for trotting too slow on his home run. But Vlad can't run anymore and that's as fast as he can go.
And the GAME OF THE DAY!
- The Rockies over the Padres: Ubaldo is the new king. It's King Ubaldo the First.
Yesterday: 12-3
Week: 12-3
Month: 16-14
Season: 216-140
Games of the Day: 9-8 You still out there, Kryss?
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Game Picks - Sunday: May 2, 2010
Oh my. That was really bad. That was as bad a night as this picker has ever had. There were fifteen picks to be had and this picker only managed to gather in four correct picks. Yeah, it was dumb to pick against Halladay and Cain. But other than that, it was just amazing how wrong it all turned out. The Cubs suddenly have an offense. The Twins suddenly do not have a bullpen. The Bay Rays have suddenly lost two in a row to the Royals. The Royals! The Yankees have a pitcher who has been great his entire career...except when he has pitched for them. Put it all together in a blender and the picks were puree and May is already a mess. It was awful.
It's funny how a night like that can whisk away all confidence. But the picks must go on. Hopefully, Sunday will be a bit more successful. It couldn't be much more unsuccessful.
And the GAME OF THE DAY!
Yesterday: 4-11 uuuuggggly
Week: 50-45
Month: 4-11
Season: 204-157
Games of the Day: 8-8
It's funny how a night like that can whisk away all confidence. But the picks must go on. Hopefully, Sunday will be a bit more successful. It couldn't be much more unsuccessful.
- The Twins over the Indians: Perhaps it would be nice is Liriano would have another powerful game today.
- The Tigers over the Angels: Verlander is so overdue for a powerful performance and a win that it's overripe and sitting in a big pear tree.
- The Yankees over the White Sox: This pick doesn't feel very good with Hughes versus Buehrle. But dang, it's the right pick.
- The Blue Jays over the Athletics: Hopefully, this pick won't be three Ben Sheets to the wind. Marcum should out pitch him.
- The Marlins over the Nationals: The darn Marlins are about as predictable as Mrs. Palin. Josh Johnson is a good pick today though.
- The Braves over the Astros: Derek Lowe is not a solid pick, but the Braves have picked it up of late at the dish.
- The Orioles over the Red Sox: What a lousy pick this is. Which Beckett will show up tonight? Which Millwood? Which to choose?
- The Royals over the Bay Rays: If Greinke is Greinke and can get some relief pitching, the Royals could actually sweep this series.
- The Cardinals over the Reds: If I were a Carpenter and you were a lady, would you marry me anyway, would you hit my curveball?
- The Cubs over the Diamondbacks: How bad can a picker be shaken up when he picks Gorzelanny to win?
- The Padres over the Brewers: Garland struck out 10 last time out. How did that happen? Can he pitch well two times in a row?
- The Giants over the Rockies: Why can't the Rockies ever start a season well? They are like the Teixeira of teams.
- The Rangers over the Mariners: Great match up of Fister versus Wilson. Both have sub-2 ERAs. But the Mariners have a really bad hitting team.
- The Mets over the Phillies: Will take Santana over Moyer just about every time.
And the GAME OF THE DAY!
- The Dodgers over the Pirates: Karstens? For the Pirates? No way they win.
Yesterday: 4-11 uuuuggggly
Week: 50-45
Month: 4-11
Season: 204-157
Games of the Day: 8-8
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