Just when I thought the Cubs were best at something, along comes another team to take away their prize. I didn’t think any team anywhere could top the Cubs in over-hyping players the way Vine Line and Cubs.com and Ricketts’ puppet blogger have in the past, but they are going to have to step up their game to catch up to the Rays.
The Tampa Bay Rays are holding a Sam Fuld Superhero Cape night on May 29th at Tropicana Field.
I swear on a stack of Bibles I am not making this up. Here’s the link to the story in the Sporting News. (h/t WaLi)
Fuld, a 29-year-old outfielder who got his first taste of the majors in 2007 but played only 98 big-league games with the Chicago Cubs prior to this season, has been a revelation. More than that, he has been an inspiration.
He is inspiring children everywhere to run into walls and furniture at high rates of speed. Look at them go! Look at their bruises and scabs! What gamers these kids will grow up to be!
Through his first nine games with the Rays, Fuld is batting .313 with a .965 OPS. He makes diving catches, and he hustles like his job depends on it. Fuld missed his shot at a cycle at Fenway Park—keep in mind that he is a New England native—when he refused to stop at first base in the ninth inning, even though a single would have given him the rare feat.
You know why he hustles like his job depends on it? Because it does. He is the most easily replaceable player. There is a reason they are called “replacement level.” Yes, he has a .965 OPS through his grand total of 9 games played. Want to know his OPS in the 7 games prior to his super-cycle night? It was .638. If you put that on last year’s Cubs team he would rank in between Xavier Nady and Chad Tracy. In his game since the super-cycle, he went 1 for 4 with a single and lowered his OPS 60 points. Why are they only giving away a cheesy cape? Where is the statue?
And why would it matter that he’s a New England native? Does anybody really think he was more likely to stop at first for some feat of statistical coincidence because maybe somebody he went to high school with might be getting drunk up on the Monstah as he played? I’d argue that two doubles, a triple and a homerun on the same night is even MORE RARE than a true “cycle,” so why stop at first? Why is that something that needs to be praised? It was nothing more than logic and instinct at work. Granted, Logic and reason are good virtues, but they aren’t something I would call super powers.
The Rays understand the stat side of baseball probably as well as any team in the majors at this point, so you have to wonder why they are going to such lengths to crown a new king of the small sample size. It’s not like they don’t get that Fuld is less likely to maintain that .965 OPS as he was to stay as low as .638. He’ll settle in somewhere in between and probably be the very model of an average player. He’ll be Clark Kent. Not Superman. The Rays have to know this, so what’s the deal?
May 29 was supposed to be Manny Ramirez bobblehead night at Tropicana Field. Instead, the first 10,000 fans 14 and under will get a cape with the words “Super Sam” over a picture of Fuld diving to make a catch.
Ohhhh… I see. They needed a replacement promotion and what better than to hype a replacement player that is off to a “hot” start. But still, this has to trump every stupid promotion the Cubs have ever come up with.
But I remain certain that Wally Hayward and the kid from the grounds crew that Todd hired are putting their heads together to come up with something that will return them to the top of the over-hype mountain. My bet is it involves Darwin Barney or Reed Johnson.
Comments
(dying laughing)
Good stuff.
GBTSQuote Reply
Meh.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Meh.[/quote]
Don’t you like anything?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Meh.[/quote]
Directed at the Rays, not your post.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Meh.[/quote]
I’ll flag this one myself.
Aisle424Quote Reply
Flag redacted.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Meh.[/quote]
Would you be “meh” if the Cubs did this promotion?
Hector VillanuevaQuote Reply
Though wouldn’t it make sense to capitalize on his recent popularity now rather than, say, never?
I’ve actually been more bullish on Fuld throughout his career than most, I definitely think he can be a 1-2 win player, but probably not on a contender. A 4th outfielder.
MishQuote Reply
The Cubs should put a chalk outline on the ivy to commemorate the next time Reed Johnson flies through the brick wall. Then sell photographs of it, or Fathead decals that you can stick to your wall at home so you can feel like you were part of the moment when Reed killed himself for the glory of baseball.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
When Fuld finishes the season with a .965 OPS I’m going to repost this. (dying laughing)
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Though wouldn’t it make sense to capitalize on his recent popularity now rather than, say, never?
I’ve actually been more bullish on Fuld throughout his career than most, I definitely think he can be a 1-2 win player, but probably not on a contender. A 4th outfielder.[/quote]
Oh sure, they have to sell tickets too, but boy is that raising expectations for a guy that almost assuredly won’t achieve lofty levels of production.
Aisle424Quote Reply
The Rays are run by people with a business background. This is what business people do. They take advantage of trends.
XoomwaffleQuote Reply
They probably just had a shitload of blue sheets lying around and decided this would be a good way to unload them while also replacing the Manny Bobbleheads.
DoogolasQuote Reply
There’s also this…
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=gallo/110413_grading_baseball_slogans&sportCat=mlb
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Xoomwaffle]The Rays are run by people with a business background. This is what business people do. They take advantage of trends.[/quote]
Or it’s a cheap marketing ploy used to take advantage of the overnight success of a player that is marketable as much for the color of his skin (white) and the style of his play (gritty) as for the amount he contributes to the team’s success.
There is a lot to admire about the way the Rays do business. I think this promotion is a joke though.
Hector VillanuevaQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Oh sure, they have to sell tickets too, but boy is that raising expectations for a guy that almost assuredly won’t achieve lofty levels of production.[/quote]
Clearly, I’m not a huge fan of this. But (what exists of) the Rays fanbase has apparently taken a liking to Fuld, and given the fledgling state the fanbase is in, I’m not surprised by it.
MishQuote Reply
Help me understand how a promotion based on a player fans love is stupid. That Fuld is not an All-Star caliber play has zero to do with it. This is marketing. Pat Burrell Boxer Short Night – that’s a stupid promotion. Quickly capitalizing on a player’s popularity sounds pretty savvy to me.
ramedyQuote Reply
I’m still shocked the Cubs never came up with this for when DeRosa was here.
Aisle424Quote Reply
I disagree HV. This isn’t some reflection of the team’s baseball strategy. It’s a marketing strategy. All sorts of marginal players have giveaways, and they are just seizing the moment. It’s kinda silly, but I don’t think it’s that bad.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]I’m still shocked the Cubs never came up with this for when DeRosa was here.[/quote]
DeRosa Shrouds?
Hector VillanuevaQuote Reply
[quote name=ramedy]Help me understand how a promotion based on a player fans love is stupid. That Fuld is not an All-Star caliber play has zero to do with it. This is marketing. Pat Burrell Boxer Short Night – that’s a stupid promotion. Quickly capitalizing on a player’s popularity sounds pretty savvy to me.[/quote]
Hey buddy.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=ramedy]Help me understand how a promotion based on a player fans love is stupid. That Fuld is not an All-Star caliber play has zero to do with it. This is marketing. Pat Burrell Boxer Short Night – that’s a stupid promotion. Quickly capitalizing on a player’s popularity sounds pretty savvy to me.[/quote]
I didn’t say it wouldn’t work. I’m more surprised that a team is hyping a player of such limited skill as a superhero, and that if a team did do it, I’m surprised that it wasn’t the Cubs.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Hector Villanueva ]There is a lot to admire about the way the Rays do business. I think this promotion is a joke though.[/quote]
I agree. I just think that this makes sense considering who is running the team.
XoomwaffleQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]I disagree HV. This isn’t some reflection of the team’s baseball strategy. It’s a marketing strategy. All sorts of marginal players have giveaways, and they are just seizing the moment. It’s kinda silly, but I don’t think it’s that bad.[/quote]
Oh, I wasn’t passing judgment on the Rays baseball strategy. I clearly understand that this came from the marketing folks and not from the baseball side.
I suppose it is rather harmless and silly. And if 10,000 extra fans show up, that is a non-trivial amount for them. But, we would be killing the Cubs if they had done this.
Hector VillanuevaQuote Reply
[quote name=Hector Villanueva ]Oh, I wasn’t passing judgment on the Rays baseball strategy. I clearly understand that this came from the marketing folks and not from the baseball side.
I suppose it is rather harmless and silly. And if 10,000 extra fans show up, that is a non-trivial amount for them. But, we would be killing the Cubs if they had done this.[/quote]
Hell, we are practically killing the Cubs for not doing this here. (dying laughing)
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Xoomwaffle]I agree. I just think that this makes sense considering who is running the team.[/quote]
I would assume most teams’ marketing departments are guys with business backgrounds.
Hector VillanuevaQuote Reply
[quote name=Hector Villanueva ]I would assume most teams’ marketing departments are guys with business backgrounds.[/quote]
Unless they are the Cubs, where they get guys from the grounds crew.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Unless they are the Cubs, where they get guys from the grounds crew.[/quote]
Dying laughing.
Hector VillanuevaQuote Reply
[quote name=Hector Villanueva ]I would assume most teams’ marketing departments are guys with business backgrounds.[/quote]
I just don’t know that you get this past the “baseball people” in a lot of other organizations.
XoomwaffleQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Unless they are the Cubs, where they get guys from the grounds crew.[/quote]
…let’s see what happens.
MishQuote Reply
Mish —-> glad he drafted Tulo in his keeper league
MishQuote Reply
When it is all said and done, this is more a statement about how gullible marketers think people are. Promoting Sam Fuld as a superhero is like when McDonald’s claimed their oatmeal was good for you. It’s not true, but people want to believe it.
I’d be interested to see how much of a kick in ticket sales this has for that game, if any.
Aisle424Quote Reply
(dying laughing) @ the Rays. This has to be the dumbest promotion in the history of promotions.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21](dying laughing) @ the Rays. This has to be the dumbest promotion in the history of promotions.[/quote]
Those Matt Clement fake beards were pretty bad, but I don;t know if the Cubs ever gave those out or if people actually paid for them from street vendors.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]When it is all said and done, this is more a statement about how gullible marketers think people are. Promoting Sam Fuld as a superhero is like when McDonald’s claimed their oatmeal was good for you. It’s not true, but people want to believe it.
I’d be interested to see how much of a kick in ticket sales this has for that game, if any.[/quote]
Yep and it’s evidence that every fan base has the group of idiots that are worthy of making fun of. When I read this in the last thread I thought it was a joke. An actual real joke. Not an actual real promotion.
mb21Quote Reply
I really am in love with Brett jackson
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Yep and it’s evidence that every fan base has the group of idiots that are worthy of making fun of. When I read this in the last thread I thought it was a joke. An actual real joke. Not an actual real promotion.[/quote]
I did too. So I googled it and couldn’t believe it was real.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Xoomwaffle]I just don’t know that you get this past the “baseball people” in a lot of other organizations.[/quote]
What organization’s baseball people would disapprove of an idea that generates revenue? It’s a cheap piece of plastic that will almost certainly have junior begging Mom and Dad to take them to the game. Baseball talent has nothing to do with popularity, only as much as a player’s talent creates popularity. But fans of any team should know that popularity and talent don’t always climb at the same rate.
ramedyQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Those Matt Clement fake beards were pretty bad, but I don;t know if the Cubs ever gave those out or if people actually paid for them from street vendors.[/quote]At least Matt Clement was good when he was with the Cubs. This is Sam fucking Fuld. A guy who had to do AA twice and was in AAA for 4 years. This is the equivalent of the Cubs running a promotion for James Russell. Seriously. Russell’s FIP is ridiculously good right now. Off the charts good even though his RA sucks. Same thing. It’s the same as doing a Super Aaron promotion for Aaron Miles.
mb21Quote Reply
I guess the problem is no one here realizes how out of hand the Fuld thing has gotten here. #legendofsamfuld is still the 4th highest trending topic on Twitter in the Tampa Bay area. That meme started several days ago. Marketers aren’t selling fans on Fuld – fans sold marketers on Fuld.
ramedyQuote Reply
[quote name=ramedy]What organization’s baseball people would disapprove of an idea that generates revenue? It’s a cheap piece of plastic that will almost certainly have junior begging Mom and Dad to take them to the game. Baseball talent has nothing to do with popularity, only as much as a player’s talent creates popularity. But fans of any team should know that popularity and talent don’t always climb at the same rate.[/quote]I don’t have a problem with the Rays generating revenue. Good for them. I just think that after years and years of people blasting the Cubs for their ridiculously stupid gimmicks (well deserved by the way) that people should at least call this what it is: marketing toward the least knowledgeable fan.
I also doubt it has any impact on ticket sales. In two weeks Fuld’s wOBA will be about .320 and he’ll be an afterthought.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21](dying laughing) @ the Rays. This has to be the dumbest promotion in the history of promotions.[/quote]
False http://www.weirdworm.com/7-weird-minor-league-baseball-fan-promotions/
MishQuote Reply
Wasn’t it just during this HOU series where Len and Bob were listing out some of the weirdest promotions?
MishQuote Reply
It’s time for the Cubs to retaliate with a Tuffy Rhodes promotion (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
What are peoples thoughts on Moreland?
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
Aisle424Quote Reply
(dying laughing)
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]What are peoples thoughts on Moreland?[/quote]Not as positive as when he was only a sub.
But I’m willing to give him a few seasons to settle in. (dying laughing)
Suburban kidQuote Reply
I mean i like moreland but i think he way overhypes people. He keeps repeating that Tyler Colvin is too good of a hitter to slump. And it leaves bubbles confused as to what that means
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
I think Moreland is running out of things to say. He’s going to have to work hard to come up with new and fresh stuff, and not refer back to the same old lessons/explanations.
He’s also messing up a bit when doing interviews, and asking some super softball questions.
I love that he’s doing PBP instead of Judd, though, even if Judd;s job during that inning is to now lob Zonk softball after softball. (dying laughing)
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Nice snark.
Is that like an easy question?
You and I don’t often agree…
Aisle424Quote Reply
I am going to give moreland the benefit of the doubt becuase of the fact that he has the hardest job on the cubs in replacing Ronnie. Is he related to mitch mroeland
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
I don’t think so
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I don’t have a problem with the Rays generating revenue. Good for them. I just think that after years and years of people blasting the Cubs for their ridiculously stupid gimmicks (well deserved by the way) that people should at least call this what it is: marketing toward the least knowledgeable fan.
I also doubt it has any impact on ticket sales. In two weeks Fuld’s wOBA will be about .320 and he’ll be an afterthought.[/quote]
Really, you’re bringing wOBA into this? It’s a promotion for children – you think a 5-year old cares about him being replacement level (by the way, Fuld already has more SB attempts in 9 games than he did in his Cubs career – pretty good chance we’ll get better value out of him)? Heck, Fuld is child-sized – kids will relate to him more than any other player on the roster.
Look, if you want to criticize fans for idolizing Fuld after a few games while regularly booing BJ Upton, I’m right there with you. But criticizing the team for selling to those fans is ridiculous. Go ahead – run a Matt Joyce OBP promotion and let me know how that goes. Of course I see nothing wrong with being on board with advanced statistical analysis and enjoying Fuld’s play. I spent years trying to wring entertainment out of players like Zombie Greg Vaughn – Fuld is hardly the biggest affront to quality baseball.
I’ve said enough. Good luck this season – with Los and Garza you guys are practically the NL Rays, so I’m rooting for you. We’ll take good care of Archer and Co.
ramedyQuote Reply
The truth is that I don’t care what other fan bases think about various players. I have enough trouble trying to get Cubs fans to stop idolizing the likes of Ryan Theriot and Sam Fuld. It’s a full time job if you let it become one. I trust you’ll take care of it for the Rays.
As I said, I don’t blame the Rays for trying to generate revenue. They’d be insane not to. I don’t care what the Cubs do as long as they generate revenue. That doesn’t mean I’m not going to laugh at some of the ideas. Some of them are just too funny not to laugh at. If the Cubs tried to take advantage of the one time Fuld ran into the bricks (something the fans thought happened about 94 times), I’d have been happy. I’d have made fun of it, but I’d be happy they’re trying to make money off of it.
Same thing here. The only real issue is that it markets itself toward the least knowledgeable fan. I think you’re underestimating fans if you think it’s just children who would love this idea. If Rays fans are anything like Cubs fans (and let’s hope they aren’t), it would be the 40 year olds rushing to the ballpark to get the cape. It’s those guys whose dreams of playing in the big leagues were crushed because they weren’t big enough, weren’t good enough, etc. They look at Sam Fuld and they see someone that reminds them of themselves. He’s not huge. He’s not overly gifted. He’s one of them. One of the 40 year olds that is.
mb21Quote Reply
I wish the NL Rays were as statistically inclined as the AL version. I’d much rather have their front office than either of the two players. I don’t see Garza ever being part of a championship team in Chicago. Team is too old. I wish the Rays were running the front office in Chicago before that trade was made.
mb21Quote Reply
mb, from what little I know, the Rays fans (excluding our ilk) can have the same problems as Cubs fans, but without the century build up of angst. The analogies between Upton and (pick one) Soriano/Zambrano are evident. I’m not sure if the fanbases are different in their lowest common denominator (probably true of all fanbases), but I just feel like the Cubs have more of that LCD, and Cubs fans feel like their entitled to something (what, I don’t know).
Whatever though. I did tweet that it’s cognitive dissonance that I’d excorciate the Cubs for doing something similar, though the Cubs never get the benefit of the doubt with me anymore whereas the Rays would.
It is kinda funny all this hub bub about a fucking cape, though.
Thanks for dropping in, ramedy. See on Twitter/DRB.
MishQuote Reply
I’m a rabble rouser. I rouse rabble.
Aisle424Quote Reply
Chris Archer is pitching against the smokies tonight
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
Did robinson chironos make the Rays roster?
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
Nah, he had a good ST (FWTW) but they felt he needed more seasoning at catcher; really, I think the plan is to eventually find a suitor for Kelly Shoppach and then have Chirinos/Jaso platoon for the big league club.
I just recalled today that Russ Canzler is also among the former Smokies in the Rays organization: http://theprocessreport.com/2011/04/14/russ-canzler-and-friends-trek-to-durham-from-tennessee_robinson-chirinos_brandon-guyer/
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]Did robinson chironos make the Rays roster?[/quote]
No he’s at AAA Durham
ZappBranniganQuote Reply
Darn those Rays.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110414&content_id=17768258&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]I’m a rabble rouser. I rouse rabble.[/quote]
Correct
MishQuote Reply
Archer just walked Vitters
Bubbles head =====>> Exploded
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]Archer just walked Vitters
Bubbles head =====>> Exploded[/quote]
Is this in Durham or in wherever the Smokies play in TN? I loved the new park in Durham.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Durham is the Rays AAA team. This is in Smokie stadium
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]I’m a rabble rouser. I rouse rabble.[/quote]
Didn’t you guys promise to stop giving us good content as soon as the site opened?
Seems like you guys have been coming up with good stuff almost every day recently.
Hector VillanuevaQuote Reply
Brett Jackson ====>> Ejected
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
Tulo has homered in 4 straight games. Wonder how he’s going to do against the Cubs pitching staff? *snicker*
ZappBranniganQuote Reply
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]Brett Jackson ====>> Ejected[/quote]
What happened?
ZappBranniganQuote Reply
[quote name=Hector Villanueva ]Didn’t you guys promise to stop giving us good content as soon as the site opened?
Seems like you guys have been coming up with good stuff almost every day recently.[/quote]
Almost? Don’t you like anything?
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Hector Villanueva ]Didn’t you guys promise to stop giving us good content as soon as the site opened?
Seems like you guys have been coming up with good stuff almost every day recently.[/quote]It just seems like it’s good because we convinced you it wouldn’t be.
mb21Quote Reply
I strongly encourage every baseball fan to read this article and all the comments on it: http://www.insidethebook.com/ee/index.php/site/comments/barry_bonds_sentenced_to_15_years_of_hall_of_fame_discussions_by_holy_write/
Tango says it best in the comments:
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=ZappBrannigan]What happened?[/quote]
He threw a bat at the umpire
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
He threw it at the umpire? That’s fucked up.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]He threw a bat at the umpire[/quote]What an asshole.
Also, Delmon Young applauds this tactic.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Nah. I was jsut kidding. Hes not delmon young
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
Dont know.. He got thrown out stealing 3rd after stealing second and then was tossed by first base umpire
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]Nah. I was jsut kidding. Hes not delmon young
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
Dont know.. He got thrown out stealing 3rd after stealing second and then was tossed by first base umpire[/quote]I rescind my asshole epithet.
The first base umpire ejected him? That sounds odd.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I rescind my asshole epithet.
The first base umpire ejected him? That sounds odd.[/quote]
My guess is that he got back to the dugout and wouldnt stop jawing. Or he said something on way back to dugout
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]My guess is that he got back to the dugout and wouldnt stop jawing. Or he said something on way back to dugout[/quote]
Or he went back to the dugout, got a bat, and then ran onto the field and threw it at the first base ump.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Or he went back to the dugout, got a bat, and then ran onto the field and threw it at the first base ump.[/quote]
#winning!
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
He was ejected for slamming helmet after thrown out..
Tulowitzki is fucking awesome
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
I had never heard of bilateral leg weakness, and upon looking it up, I fear for Joe Mauer.
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/04/14/joe-mauer-placed-on-disabled-list-with-bilateral-soreness
MishQuote Reply
I am too!
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]I really am in love with Brett jackson[/quote]
Steve SwisherQuote Reply
Vitters with two more doubles up to .360 and a walk. I am back in the bandwagon. If he is healthy he might be a good hitter
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
Random, unsolicited insult: mb21? What’s that, your Matchbox 20 cover band?
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]I had never heard of bilateral leg weakness, and upon looking it up, I fear for Joe Mauer.
[/quote]
I think he’ll be fine if he wears some leg braces for a while and then starts running and breaks out of them.
GWQuote Reply
I guess I don’t have any clout at SB Nation beyond BCB.
Al YellonQuote Reply
[quote name=GW]I think he’ll be fine if he wears some leg braces for a while and then starts running and breaks out of them.[/quote]
Forrest.gif?
MishQuote Reply
new thread up: http://obstructedview.net/articles/major-league-baseball/i-just-checked-and-barry-bonds-is-still-the-home-run-leader.html
mb21Quote Reply