Ryan Dempster‘s April was just horrible. In his first start he allowed 6 runs and then in two others he allowed 7 runs. Dempster took over the role that Carlos Zambrano had for several years in which he was the opening day starter and had a bad April. In 31 April innings he allowed 42 hits, walked 16, hit 1 batter and 1 reached on an error. That’s 60 baserunners. 34 of them scored. His BABIP was only .351, but that was in large part thanks to the 9 home runs he allowed. This month was so bad that we knew entering May that Dempster was unlikely to bring his ERA below 4 by season’s end. It was so bad it made the typical Zambrano April look more like a Greg Maddux Cy Young season.
Toward the end of April I wrote that there was nothing wrong with Ryan Dempster. I wrote that just two days before the shortest start of Dempster’s career on April 28th. I took some shit for that as I should have, but nothing changed. There was still nothing wrong with him. And in May, Dempster turned it around. He threw 38 innings, allowed 36 hits, walked 9, and struckout 33. He allowed only 13.
Since the first of May, Dempster has thrown 165.2 innings, allowed 161 hits, walked 62 and struckout 155. He’s also given up 12 home runs, which was 3 more than in April and he’s thrown more than 130 innings more. His ERA since then is 3.59, which is more in line with previous years when you factor in the league average.
What has been interesting to me has been all the complaints about Ryan Dempster. Some of which have absolutely nothing to do with his performance. I’ve made it very clear over the years that the only thing I care about is performance. I don’t care if the guy is an asshole or an all-time meanie. I don’t care what he says and I sure as hell don’t care what the Chicago sportswriters have to say. I don’t care if he’s a genius or illiterate. I don’t care if he’s heterosexual or homosexual. I don’t care if he’s turned on by 75 year olds or 25 year olds. I don’t care if he likes humans or cats as his sexual partner. I don’t care if he’s the best looking guy on the planet or so damn ugly I can barely stand to look at him. I don’t care if he’s the most well-mannered individual or someone who picks his nose and wipes his ass with fingers in plain view.
I don’t like these guys for what they say or don’t say. I don’t like them for how they dress or in all honesty how they even behave away from the field. I don’t know them, I will never know them and I’m pretty sure of the 25 guys on an active MLB roster, 24 of them are people I would wish I had never met. I don’t care if they’re the most clean person around or if they piss on their hands.
I’m not saying that you should be like that. Like whatever you want. Dislike whatever you want. I don’t really care about that either. What I do care about and what is the only important thing when it comes to evaluating the performance is the actual performance. That’s it. If you want to say Carlos Zambrano is an asshole and delusional, go for it. If you think Zambrano is batshit insane, say it. Or don’t. Doesn’t matter. Just don’t tell me that he sucks at baseball because of these things. None of those things has a damn thing to do with his performance and I’m pretty sure every baseball fan knows it.
I think this has happened to Ryan Dempster to some degree. His willingness or even eagerness to stand in front of a microphone has left a sour taste the mouths of many. It’s a legitimate complaint, though I think the complaint is more with the media than with Dempster. When Ryan Theriot stood in front of the microphone you couldn’t help but notice it was one of the worst players on the team that was often representing them. That doesn’t affect Theriot’s performance, but it was frustrating. With Ryan Dempster though, he’s been one of the best players on the team for several years now. Is there anything all that strange about one of the better players on the team often talking to the media? Maybe he says dumb things and isn’t funny and so on and so forth. I won’t argue with that because I couldn’t care less.
The problem is when those opinions affect the way we view the performance of that player. I’ve not seen anyone around here make this mistake, but I have seen it plenty of other places. We saw the same thing happen with Zambrano. When he was a really good pitcher there weren’t all that many complaints. When he clearly began to decline, people started highlighting his personal issues on an hourly basis. These issues were then used as examples of why the Cubs needed to get rid of him. For many of these people, that was all that mattered and the performance was secondary. We’re starting to see it with Dempster though the personal issues aren’t really personal issues. I’ve never heard anybody question Dempster’s leadership or likability.
Dempster has struggled this year and we’ve heard a lot more about how not funny he is. This has become supporting evidence to Dempster’s down season. Except it’s not supporting evidence. It’s not evidence of anything other than Dempster not being funny. It’s not evidence of him being unlikable. It’s not evidence of him not being a team leader. It’s not evidence of his ability to parent, drive a car, make a sandwich or take a dump either. His funniness is not like throwing strikes. One of them will have a direct impact on his performance while the other has none whatsoever.
Although Dempster has struggled when we look at the runs he’s allowed, many stats show he’s pitched about the same as he has in recent years. Runs allowed is influenced by the defense, sequencing and luck. When we look at single season stats we mostly care about the results. rWAR looks at runs allowed and then gives credit to the pitcher for team defense. fWAR ignores sequencing, BABIP and some of the luck. rWAR has Dempster with 1.4 while fWAR has him with 3.0.
Defense is obviously important in run prevention. The same pitcher could allow many more or fewer runs with a different defense behind him. This has to be accounted for and is by bother WAR methods. Sequencing is also important. Imagine two pitchers who allowed in one inning 2 hits (double and a single), a walk, a stolen base, struckout two and a flyout. Say it goes something like this for each pitcher:
Pitcher A: K, FO, 2B, BB, 1B, SB, K
Pitcher B: 1B, BB, 2B, SB, FO, K, K
The two pitchers had identical innings. The only difference was the sequence of those events. Pitcher A would have allowed 1 run and stranded 2 runners. Pitcher B would have allowed 3 runs and stranded no runners. The FO would have been a sac fly for Pitcher B whereas it was just any other out for Pitcher A. Two identical events here resulting in two entirely different results. That’s sequencing. Over time there’s no reason to think sequencing will have as big an impact as it had in that one inning. It mostly becomes meaningless in large samples.
To get an idea how big an impact sequencing can make in a single season, take a look at Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee. Batters hit .240/.255/.363 against Lee and they hit .245/.271/.373 vs Halladay. Lee allowed 3.56 runs per 9 innings. Halladay allowed 2.66 runs per 9. Although Lee had a slight edge when it came to how the batters performed against him at the plate compared to Halladay, he allowed nearly 1 full run per 9 innings. The difference is sequencing. With runner in scoring position, Halladay allowed only a .483 OPS. Lee allowed a .662 OPS. With men on base Halladay allowed a .564 OPS while it was .722 for Lee. When Halladay got runners on base, he pitched much better than Lee did. The result was 1 run per 9 inning difference. There’s not much skill in pitching with runners on base or the bases empty so there’s no reason to expect the huge difference to continue.
rWAR doesn’t really care about this. Halladay had 7.0 rWAR while Lee had 4.3 rWAR. fWAR ignores sequencing so it’s not surprising to find that Lee has 7.1 fWAR compared to Halladay’s 6.6.
Dempster has allowed an .873 OPS with RISP, which is 100 points higher than his overall average this year. That largely explains the difference between Dempster’s rWAR and fWAR right there. Much of pitching independent stats have been right in line with what he’s done in recent years and about what expected from him, but because he’s pitched so poorly with RISP, the results have been much worse. In 2008 when Dempster allowed fewer runs than expected, it can also be explained by sequencing. With RISP that year he allowed only a .409 OPS and a .440 OPS with men on.
Overall, Dempster has pitched a bit worse than previous years, but he’s in his 30s so who didn’t see that coming? The biggest issue has been sequencing. In 2011 it has killed him and in 2008 it helped him significantly. He’s much the same pitcher he was then, with a little age-related regression of course, but defense and sequencing have resulted in many more runs allowed.
Comments
Speaking of weird sequencing, Alex Rodriguez has a negative WPA this year. For once, A-Rod haters have a “sophisticated” stat to back their case.
ACTQuote Reply
Boston starting poorly again. I’m unsure how to root for this AL WC. I’m inclined to pull for TB, but I just don’t want NYY or PHL to win the WS, and despite their struggles, I think Boston has the best chance to beat both. I would love the Cubs to hire Friedman or Epstein, but I’m not sure the way this season ends will effect their ability to do either.
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
The start on Friday was troublesome because of all the walks he issued, and it was also troubling that online fans were railing on him because of it despite giving up just one run. I’d say he was pretty lucky. Since he has a player option I’m about 90% sure he exercises it and I don’t mind having Dempster for another year especially if they’re going to dump Z anyway. Always nice to have somebody who can eat 200 innings.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I just want the AL WC to come down to the last day. Preferably the last play. I want a lot of high drama, nail-biting, and cursing.
ACTQuote Reply
Rays and Red Sox could be tied in the wild card by tonight.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
In the NL WC, by contrast, I just want the Cards to lose. Preferably in a humiliating way.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Rays and Red Sox could be tied in the wild card by tonight.[/quote]Not if John Lackey can help it.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Not if John Lackey can help it.[/quote]
Pittsburgh needs to keep winning to stay ahead of the Cubs in the draft race. Come on, Pirates!
Playing the Padres head-to-head in the last series should help too.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Yeah, Nate, I don’t think how this season affects whether Friedman or Theo would be available, but I’ve thought of the same thing. Is it best to have the Red Sox flame out? Is it better to have the Rays not reach the postseason? Probably doesn’t matter one bit, I’ve thought about it.
mb21Quote Reply
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/Report-MLB-to-add-two-wild-card-teams-one-game?urn=mlb-wp20903
This seems to be inevitable, so I guess we should get ready for the Rays/Yankees/Red Sox jostling for position every season to avoid Game 163.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Rays have a 2-run lead; Sox have a 2-run deficit. This is getting juicy.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Yeah, Nate, I don’t think how this season affects whether Friedman or Theo would be available, but I’ve thought of the same thing. Is it best to have the Red Sox flame out? Is it better to have the Rays not reach the postseason? Probably doesn’t matter one bit, I’ve thought about it.[/quote]It wouldn’t affect the hiring, but I’m thinking a subset of Cubs fans may get upset that Ricketts hired a GM who either a) orchestrated an epic collapse (Epstein) or 2) couldn’t field a competitive enough team despite being “smart” (Friedman)
I’d actually be happy with either guy.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
More on catcher framing (and more evidence that Koyie Hill does not belong in the majors): http://www.insidethebook.com/ee/index.php/site/comments/wowy_and_catcher_framing/
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Yeah, Nate, I don’t think how this season affects whether Friedman or Theo would be available, but I’ve thought of the same thing. Is it best to have the Red Sox flame out? Is it better to have the Rays not reach the postseason? Probably doesn’t matter one bit, I’ve thought about it.[/quote]
I’m rooting for a three team tie between them and the Angels. Whoever makes it through the tiebreakers is going to feel like they lost anyway (dying laughing).
BerseliusQuote Reply
(dying laughing)boston
BerseliusQuote Reply
What’s a WOWY?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]What’s a WOWY?[/quote]With or Without You. It’s like a controlled scientific experiment in which you look at what happens when one variable changes. For instance, for defense, you can compare how many plays are made at shortstop when one shortstop is playing verses other shortstops.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]With or Without You. It’s like a controlled scientific experiment in which you look at what happens when one variable changes. For instance, for defense, you can compare how many plays are made at shortstop when one shortstop is playing verses other shortstops.[/quote]Cool, thanks. How very U2.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
On a related note to this post, is there any reason to be concerned about Randy Wells?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]On a related note to this post, is there any reason to be concerned about Randy Wells?[/quote]I’m going to take a look at that, but my lying eyes tell me there is plenty to be concerned about.
mb21Quote Reply
Rays are in good shape. That Red Sox/Yankees night cap is going to be huge.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Rays are in good shape. That Red Sox/Yankees night cap is going to be huge.[/quote]I saw the replay of Zobrist’s ITPHR and I thought he had killed Jose Bautista. Glad Bautista wasn’t seriously hurt, looked like he got the wind knocked out of him.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Carlos Pena —-> 99 BB
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Carlos Pena —-> 99 BB[/quote]Somehow, 100 BB’s just isn’t a very exciting milestone.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Somehow, 100 BB’s just isn’t a very exciting milestone.[/quote]Whitlock’d?
GBTSQuote Reply
I was hoping for a Soto grand slam but I guess the Cubs won’t be getting that opportunity this season…over 162 games you’d think they’d luck into a grand slam.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Wow, Edwin has been an extreme flyballer today.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Somehow, 100 BB’s just isn’t a very exciting milestone.[/quote]I agree with this, but it’s a rare event for the Cubs.
mb21Quote Reply
R. Wells: 0 BB, 0 K
ACTQuote Reply
Player BB Year PA
Jimmy Sheckard 147 1911 704
Jimmy Sheckard 122 1912 660
Sammy Sosa 116 2001 711
Richie Ashburn 116 1960 672
Cap Anson 113 1890 623
Johnny Evers 108 1910 556
Hack Wilson 105 1930 709
Sammy Sosa 103 2002 666
Gary Matthews 103 1984 608
George Gore 102 1886 546
Woody English 100 1930 755
Stan Hack 99 1945 702
Stan Hack 99 1941 694
Carlos Pena 97 2011 594
Jimmy Slagle 97 1905 681
Ron Santo 96 1969 687
Ron Santo 96 1968 682
Ron Santo 96 1967 697
Mark Grace 95 2000 621
Ron Santo 95 1966 672
Stan Hack 94 1942 657
Stan Hack 94 1938 707
Vic Saier 94 1914 658
Kosuke Fukudome 93 2009 603
Mark Grace 93 1998 698
Player BB Year PA
Jim Hickman 93 1970 613
Bill Nicholson 93 1944 686
Rick Monday 92 1973 651
Ron Santo 92 1970 655
Bill Nicholson 92 1945 660
Eddie Stanky 92 1943 616
Sammy Sosa 91 2000 705
Stan Hack 89 1936 666
Mark Grace 88 1997 654
Andre Thornton 88 1975 473
Ron Santo 88 1965 704
Phil Cavarretta 88 1946 602
Ryne Sandberg 87 1991 684
Bill Nicholson 87 1947 580
Augie Galan 87 1935 748
Rogers Hornsby 87 1929 712
Ron Santo 86 1964 686
Cap Anson 86 1889 609
Derrek Lee 85 2005 691
Mark Grace 83 1999 688
Rick Monday 83 1975 583
Stan Hack 83 1946 409
Stan Hack 83 1937 678
Jimmy Sheckard 83 1910 626
King Kelly 83 1886 534
Player BB Year PA
Stan Hack 82 1943 630
Bill Nicholson 82 1941 617
George Van Haltren 82 1889 630
Kosuke Fukudome 81 2008 590
Steve Ontiveros 81 1977 636
Bill Nicholson 81 1948 581
Phil Cavarretta 81 1945 586
Jimmy Slagle 81 1903 643
Mark Grace 80 1989 596
Bobby Murcer 80 1978 585
Bobby Murcer 80 1977 649
Adolfo Phillips 80 1967 541
Ned Williamson 80 1886 510
Ron Santo 79 1971 642
Augie Galan 79 1937 695
Bob OFarrell 79 1922 481
Vic Saier 79 1916 590
Tommy Leach 79 1914 676
Fred Pfeffer 79 1891 580
Sammy Sosa 78 1999 712
Rick Monday 78 1972 520
Hack Wilson 78 1929 670
Frank Chance 78 1905 502
Frank Chance 78 1903 531
Jose Cardenal 77 1975 666
Player BB Year PA
Billy Williams 77 1971 677
Hank Sauer 77 1952 649
Hack Wilson 77 1928 623
Tommy Leach 77 1913 540
Derrek Lee 76 2009 615
Mark Bellhorn 76 2002 529
Billy Williams 76 1973 659
Ralph Kiner 76 1954 643
Bill Nicholson 76 1942 673
Frank Schulte 76 1911 687
Jimmy Sheckard 76 1907 601
Jimmy Slagle 76 1907 575
Bill Dahlen 76 1894 596
Ralph Kiner 75 1953 491
Phil Cavarretta 75 1943 620
Stan Hack 75 1940 686
Augie Galan 75 1939 641
Ray Grimes 75 1922 596
Cap Anson 75 1891 616
Ned Williamson 75 1885 482
Aramis Ramirez 74 2008 645
Ivan de Jesus 74 1978 712
Al Bridwell 74 1913 495
Johnny Evers 74 1912 568
Topsy Hartsel 74 1901 636
Player BB Year PA
Ryan Theriot 73 2008 661
Sammy Sosa 73 1998 722
Brian McRae 73 1996 716
Ron Santo 73 1961 655
Johnny Evers 73 1909 552
Jimmy Ryan 73 1898 657
Jimmy Cooney 73 1890 653
Ned Williamson 73 1887 517
Mickey Morandini 72 1998 669
Mark Grace 72 1992 689
Billy Williams 72 1970 714
Kiki Cuyler 72 1931 710
Kiki Cuyler 72 1930 741
Jimmy Sheckard 72 1909 644
Derrek Lee 71 2008 698
Derrek Lee 71 2007 650
Mark Grace 71 1993 676
Ernie Banks 71 1960 678
Bill Nicholson 71 1943 684
Phil Cavarretta 71 1942 566
Hack Wilson 71 1927 646
George Grantham 71 1923 665
Mark Grace 70 1991 703
Rick Monday 70 1974 617
Billy Williams 70 1962 699
Player BB Year PA
Ernie Banks 70 1957 674
Hank Sauer 70 1954 605
Ray Grimes 70 1921 622
Frank Chance 70 1906 574
Jimmy Ryan 70 1889 652
Mark DeRosa 69 2008 593
Leon Durham 69 1984 548
Ron Santo 69 1972 547
Billy Williams 69 1966 727
Andy Pafko 69 1950 595
Hack Wilson 69 1926 613
Moises Alou 68 2004 675
Derrek Lee 68 2004 688
Ryne Sandberg 68 1992 687
Keith Moreland 68 1985 667
Keith Moreland 68 1983 619
Don Kessinger 68 1975 693
Billy Williams 68 1967 712
Billy Williams 68 1963 687
Dom Dallessandro 68 1941 559
Woody English 68 1931 727
Woody English 68 1929 700
Riggs Stephenson 68 1928 591
Cap Anson 68 1893 467
George Gore 68 1885 509
Player BB Year PA
Leon Durham 67 1986 557
Billy Williams 67 1974 474
Don Kessinger 67 1972 660
Phil Cavarretta 67 1944 692
Augie Galan 67 1936 649
Riggs Stephenson 67 1929 582
Bob OFarrell 67 1923 526
Jimmy Sheckard 67 1906 662
Cap Anson 67 1892 630
Bill Dahlen 67 1891 623
Milton Bradley 66 2009 473
Ricky Gutierrez 66 2000 542
Leon Durham 66 1983 409
Leon Durham 66 1982 609
Don Kessinger 66 1970 711
Dale Long 66 1958 554
Billy Herman 66 1939 713
Kiki Cuyler 66 1929 596
Bernie Friberg 66 1924 587
Solly Hofman 66 1911 605
Johnny Evers 66 1908 509
Mark Grace 65 1995 627
Billy Williams 65 1965 719
Andre Rodgers 65 1963 601
Ron Santo 65 1962 679
Player BB Year PA
Bill Serena 65 1950 503
Stan Hack 65 1939 723
Stan Hack 65 1935 504
Gabby Hartnett 65 1928 464
Riggs Stephenson 65 1927 668
Solly Hofman 65 1910 572
Bill Lange 65 1896 545
Ned Williamson 65 1888 523
Kosuke Fukudome 64 2010 429
Leon Durham 64 1985 607
Ernie Banks 64 1959 671
Dode Paskert 64 1920 572
Vic Saier 64 1915 568
Bill Dahlen 64 1896 573
Charlie Irwin 64 1894 581
Walt Wilmot 64 1890 637
Moises Alou 63 2003 638
Fred McGriff 63 2002 595
Eric Young 63 2000 690
Bob Dernier 63 1984 612
Ron Santo 63 1973 604
Andy Pafko 63 1949 592
Hack Wilson 63 1931 458
Jimmy Slagle 63 1906 571
Geovany Soto 62 2010 387
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Play Index Tool Used
Generated 9/25/2011.
mb21Quote Reply
Red Sox have had a player walk 100 times in a season 38 times.
mb21Quote Reply
Yankees 50 times
mb21Quote Reply
I guess it’d be more exciting if Pena ran to first Pete Rose-style and then while the pitcher wasn’t looking, stole second base (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Mickey Mantle combined for more 100 walk seasons than the Cubs have since 1876. Those guys were good at sports.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I guess it’d be more exciting if Pena ran to first Pete Rose-style and then while the pitcher wasn’t looking, stole second base (dying laughing)[/quote]Didn’t Dunston do that once?
mb21Quote Reply
Randy Wells —> Marmol moment
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Didn’t Dunston do that once?[/quote]I wouldn’t be surprised, but I’ve never seen video evidence of such an event.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I could be wrong, but I have this vision of Dunston doing that once. I may have made it up though.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I could be wrong, but I have this vision of Dunston doing that once. I may have made it up though.[/quote]You’re talking about taking a walk, right?
GBTSQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
Barry Bonds had more walks in 2004 than Dunston did in his 18 year career.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS](dying laughing)
Barry Bonds had more walks in 2004 than Dunston did in his 18 year career.[/quote]I have a feeling that Bonds will have more walks in that season than Dunston and Dunston Jr. will have combined.
mb21Quote Reply
The guy at Wrigley with the Shawon-O-Meter originally had an OBP-Meter too, but he stopped after a few weeks because it was redundant.
GBTSQuote Reply
Interesting that Bobby Bonds had 914 BB and 57 rWAR for his career. Could argue that genetics was responsible for a sizable chunk of Barry’s production while steroids did the rest (dying laughing)
I think Dunston Sr. said that his son has a better eye than he did, so Dunston Jr. should be good for 300 BB over his career…
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Yeah, Nate, I don’t think how this season affects whether Friedman or Theo would be available, but I’ve thought of the same thing. Is it best to have the Red Sox flame out? Is it better to have the Rays not reach the postseason? Probably doesn’t matter one bit, I’ve thought about it.[/quote]
Well, Boston is losing and TB is winning. I’m actually to the point that I expect TB to win the WC. Boston just sucks now for some reason. I don’t expect Friedman or Epstein to actually be available; I think the Cubs have a better chance of getting Billy Beane. I read on MLBTR today that OAK currently has a spending freeze, and if they do finally get a new park, they’re going full rebuild. I bet Beane could be getting tired of that. I realize he has an ownership stake, but that was just a form of compensation because they couldn’t otherwise match what he could get elsewhere. I think he’d love to come to a place like CHC where he can perenially contend.
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
FIP hates Randy Wells today.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Rays —-> .5 GB
MishQuote Reply
TB .5 games out of WC.
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
Rays!
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Hey, Quade, ever heard of this thing called a pinch-hitter? It’s what you do instead of letting your pitcher hit with the game on the line.
ACTQuote Reply
The Braves had been the team I root for after the Cubs season was all but over, but I also root for the Cardinals. The Braves team isn’t anything like it was when I was a big fan of them. So unlike the rest of you guys, I’m actually pulling for the Cardinals. Can’t root against the Cubs, but I won’t be the least bit unhappy if the Cardinals win this one.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Hey, Quade, ever heard of this thing called a pinch-hitter? It’s what you do instead of letting your pitcher hit with the game on the line.[/quote]Now see, if they had a DH…
/blaspheme’d
Rice CubeQuote Reply
This Boston collapse is of a pretty historic magnitude, correct?
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
Furcal!
mb21Quote Reply
(dying laughing) @ Wells
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Now see, if they had a DH…
/blasphe-meme’d[/quote]
fixed
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
[quote name=Recalcitrant Blogger Nate]This Boston collapse is of a pretty historic magnitude, correct?[/quote]No idea. I don’t even know where the 1969 Cubs fall in.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Recalcitrant Blogger Nate]This Boston collapse is of a pretty historic magnitude, correct?[/quote]I don’t know how historic it is given that back in the days of the other Boston collapse and the 1969 Cubs, there was no wild card to speak of. But in the wild-card era I’d think it was pretty bad.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Recalcitrant Blogger Nate]This Boston collapse is of a pretty historic magnitude, correct?[/quote]
I don’t think a team has been further back of a playoff spot at the start of September (9.5 back) than the Rays. I might be misremembering.
MishQuote Reply
Reed Johnson instead of Tyler Colvin against a RHP? Interesting. Not that Colvin was that good anyway, but y’know.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Cards —> 1 GB
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I’m starting to think Adam Dunn isn’t very good anymore.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]The Braves team isn’t anything like it was when I was a big fan of them. [/quote]Yeah, now the Bravos are a pitching-driven team with Chipper Jones in the middle of the lineup. Wait…
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Yeah, now the Bravos are a pitching-driven team with Chipper Jones in the middle of the lineup. Wait…[/quote]I meant the personnel.
mb21Quote Reply
Craig Steltz is a fucking horrendous safety.
GBTSQuote Reply
Well, this might get ugly…
MishQuote Reply
What. The. Fuck.
GBTSQuote Reply
How can you not throw a flag when the receiver is basically tripped? Huh.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Doesn’t help that the receivers don’t like catching passes from Cutler.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Doesn’t help that the receivers don’t like catching passes from Cutler.[/quote]Knox hauls in that catch if its thrown with more leadership.
GBTSQuote Reply
If only the defense weren’t so lazy.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Rays fans may be pleased to know that the Yankees are already threatening to score in the bottom of the first.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
Boston.
GBTSQuote Reply
Aramis Ramirez told the refs not to call that PI penalty (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
If I were to play fantasy football I wouldn’t mind having Aaron Rodgers on my team.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Conspicuously not on a TV in this bar: the Red Sox game.
BerseliusQuote Reply
Doesn’t look like Lackey has it today…
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Doesn’t look like Lackey has it this season…[/quote].
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I like how on the replay of the Teixiera double/error/(dying laughing) play, Terry Francona has his head down in the “I’m so fired” pose.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Unless Lincecum manages to get into another game this season, he will finish with a losing record. That’s the most damning indictment of the Giants offense that I can think of.
ACTQuote Reply
I’d forgotten that Brian Urlacher existed.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I’d forgotten that Brian Urlacher existed.[/quote]So did Rodgers.
GBTSQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
That was genuinely pathetic.
GBTSQuote Reply
Wow, did the Bears just use all their timeouts?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
The refs blatantly had the under. (dying laughing)
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]The refs blatantly had the under. (dying laughing)[/quote]I have watched that play about 10 times now and I have no fucking clue what they were looking at. Someone tweeted a picture where Graham has his finger on a shoulder pad of a player and that was apparently the “hold.”
The Bears didn’t deserve to have a shot in that game, but that play was fucking beautiful and should have counted.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]The refs blatantly had the under. (dying laughing)[/quote]
and dinner reservations (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
Oooh, the Red Sox remembered how to score.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Tie game.
ACTQuote Reply
Boston has a lead!
ACTQuote Reply
Simpsons —> Tsarbucks (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]I have watched that play about 10 times now and I have no fucking clue what they were looking at. Someone tweeted a picture where Graham has his finger on a shoulder pad of a player and that was apparently the “hold.”
The Bears didn’t deserve to have a shot in that game, but that play was fucking beautiful and should have counted.[/quote]I honestly wonder if that was a situation where the refs were so confused by what was happening on the field (like everyone else in the stadium) that they figured something had to be afoul.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]I honestly wonder if that was a situation where the refs were so confused by what was happening on the field (like everyone else in the stadium) that they figured something had to be afoul.[/quote]I’m surprised they didn’t say Hester called a fair catch. He didn’t, but he sold it as far as one can without actually calling it. If there was anything they could have called that was somewhat plausible, it was that.
Aisle424Quote Reply
Yankees tie it up again.
Aisle424Quote Reply
Terry shouldn’t have brought Lackey out for the 7th inning (he “Quaded” that one, if you will).
ACTQuote Reply
Of course, Quade would have had Lackey hit in the top of the seventh, and then pulled him after facing one batter in the bottom, but that doesn’t happen in the AL.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]I honestly wonder if that was a situation where the refs were so confused by what was happening on the field (like everyone else in the stadium) that they figured something had to be afoul.[/quote]I think you’re dead on there.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Of course, Quade would have had Lackey hit in the top of the seventh, and then pulled him after facing one batter in the bottom, but that doesn’t happen in the AL.[/quote]He could have pulled an uber-Quade (i.e. a move that transcends Quade-level stupidity) by sacrificing the DH for the remainder of the game just to have Lackey hit. But nobody is that stupid…
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I don’t get the IBB to Scutaro at all. What’s the point?
ACTQuote Reply
Shut me right up.
ACTQuote Reply
IBBing Montero. This I get.
ACTQuote Reply
(dying laughing) @ nonintentionally intentionally walking Posada. FAIL
Rice CubeQuote Reply
The baseball gods must be trying to decide who to punish for all the random IBBs…
Rice CubeQuote Reply
As someone pulling for the Rays, I’m totally cool if the Yankees decide to win this one in the 28th.
GBTSQuote Reply
As someone pulling for a good show, I’m happy.
ACTQuote Reply
I think I’d like the Rays better if some of their fanbase didn’t hold them up as the ideal baseball franchise that all other clubs should live up to. (e.g., Why can’t the Cubs be more like the Rays?)
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]I think I’d like the Rays better if some of their fanbase didn’t hold them up as the ideal baseball franchise that all other clubs should live up to. (e.g., Why can’t the Cubs be more like the Rays?)[/quote]Well, y’know, I wouldn’t mind if the Cubs were more like the Rays in certain ways…
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Also, what was wrong with “The Devil Rays”? Much cooler name and logo.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Also, what was wrong with “The Devil Rays”? Much cooler name and logo.[/quote]There was an entire chapter or two dedicated to this in Jonah Keri’s book.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
What should be a good game is going to turn into a bad IBB/bunt-off.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]There was an entire chapter or two dedicated to this in Jonah Keri’s book.[/quote]I’ve been thinking about reading that. Is it good?
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]I’ve been thinking about reading that. Is it good?[/quote]I liked it. It was basically Moneyball II but didn’t so much talk about market inefficiencies as it did about how to revamp a franchise on almost all levels.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
13 innings! W00t
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Human element!!!
GBTSQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
Not a great night for McClelland.
GBTSQuote Reply
So at some point the Yankees will score, right?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]So at some point the Yankees will score, right?[/quote]Is that what they’re trying to do? I honestly can’t tell.
ACTQuote Reply
Come on Swisher, Moneyball that shit.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
90 feet from a wild card tie.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]90 feet from a wild card tie.[/quote] False.
Jeez (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Scott Proctor —> white flag
If the Red Sox don’t win it right here they deserve to go to hell.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Fack.
GBTSQuote Reply
Ellsbury—–> Only Boston player who’s been playing for the last month. (dying laughing)
31 HR, crazy
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
Obviously Ellsbury is clutch…
…in the 14th inning (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I’m ready for some playoff baseball.
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
It would be hilarious if the Red Sox got swept this week by the O’s.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
It would be more hilarious if the Cardinals got swept this week by the ‘stros.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]It would be more hilarious if the Cardinals got swept this week by the ‘stros.[/quote]It would be even more more hilarious if my house got swept by my wife. I think the chances for the other two are greater.
WaLiQuote Reply
Last 10 minutes of Breaking Bad was FUCKING EPIC! Someone needs to find the video of the crawl space scene.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
Someone post a UV so I can post the video!
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
It’s already up, Ryno.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=WaLi]It would be even more more hilarious if my house got swept by my wife. I think the chances for the other two are greater.[/quote](dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
Is it just me, or does the photo of Dempster look like Jesse Pinkman with a goatee?
GBTSQuote Reply
2-1
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]2-1[/quote]
3-0
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]3-0[/quote]Oh go to hell (dying laughing) (1-2)
WaLiQuote Reply
Somewhat surprisingly, the Raiders are 2-1 and may yet be 3-0 if not for an epic fail against the Bills, who are 3-0 and may be too legit to quit.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Bills are the only 3-0 team in the AFC.
GBTSQuote Reply
Joe Poz on the AL MVP vote:
http://joeposnanski.blogspot.com/2011/09/obvious-mvp-choice.html
I think NL MVP goes to Ryan Braun. Much to everyone’s chagrin, I’m sure.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]
I think NL MVP goes to Ryan Braun. Much to everyone’s chagrin, I’m sure.[/quote]Most Voluminous Peepers
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Most Voluminous Peepers[/quote]He’s like a lemur who can hit baseballs a long way.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]2-1[/quote]
An ugly 2-1.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Joe Poz on the AL MVP vote:
http://joeposnanski.blogspot.com/2011/09/obvious-mvp-choice.html
I think NL MVP goes to Ryan Braun. Much to everyone’s chagrin, I’m sure.[/quote]I wouldn’t mind Brain winning, but I’d prefer Kemp, and Bautista in the AL. I pretty much ignore the “rule” about having to be on a contender.
ACTQuote Reply
Speaking of giving the MVP to a non-contender, the year Andre Dawson won MVP on a last-place team, he only had the fourth-best season among NL outfielders (behind Murphy, Strawberry, and Gwynn.)
ACTQuote Reply
Make that right fielders. There were several other outfielders with better years (Davis, Bonds, Van Slyke, Raines, Guerrero).
ACTQuote Reply
ugly wins = playoffs in our division
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=Dr. Aneus Taint]An ugly 2-1.[/quote]^
^
^
understatement of the day
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Make that right fielders. There were several other outfielders with better years (Davis, Bonds, Van Slyke, Raines, Guerrero).[/quote]He did it on bad knees though. And Eric Show hit him in the face with a fastball. And he had the best scowl.
Aisle424Quote Reply
I don’t even care that Andre Dawson probably didn’t deserve the MVP. He deserved getting some recognition after being hidden away in Montreal for all those years,
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424] And he had the best scowl.[/quote]
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]He did it on bad knees though. And Eric Show hit him in the face with a fastball. And he had the best scowl.[/quote]
I wonder what his Fearededness Over Replacement was that year.
BerseliusQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
GBTS wins the internets
BerseliusQuote Reply
I made that one way back in the old ACB days when we had that “It’s A Way Of Life” photo album.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]I made that one way back in the old ACB days when we had that “It’s A Way Of Life” photo album.[/quote]That was awesome. Is it allowed to be shared?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]That was awesome. Is it allowed to be shared?[/quote]The album or the gif?
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]The album or the gif?[/quote]The Dawson gif. The mouth movements almost sync up to the captions.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Go for it.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Joe Poz on the AL MVP vote:
http://joeposnanski.blogspot.com/2011/09/obvious-mvp-choice.html
I think NL MVP goes to Ryan Braun. Much to everyone’s chagrin, I’m sure.[/quote]
It probably should go to Kemp. What’s funny is that if Kemp wins the triple crown, he surely would be the MVP. But if his BA is .005 short of Braun, he likely won’t.
So it goes.
MishQuote Reply
I just found this one by GBTS too (dying laughing)
I found the clip on Youtube that day and posted it, but this gif was a nice touch.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
To hell with it; I’m ending the season on an optimistic note. In order for Starlin to finish under .300, he’d have to average 5 AB per game and go hitless in all of them.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]It probably should go to Kemp. What’s funny is that if Kemp wins the triple crown, he surely would be the MVP. But if his BA is .005 short of Braun, he likely won’t.
So it goes.[/quote]I don’t think Braun is undeserving but it’d be great to see Kemp get it.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Kent’s BABIP is .382. Granted, he’s been a BABIP machine his whole career, but.. wow.
ACTQuote Reply
I’m not holding that against him. Last year Hamilton won, also partly the result of a fluky BABIP. Great years are always part talent, part fluke.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]I’m not holding that against him. Last year Hamilton won, also partly the result of a fluky BABIP. Great years are always part talent, part fluke.[/quote]And part opposing pitchers being pansies (Bonds 2001-2004)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I don’t think Braun is undeserving but it’d be great to see Kemp get it.[/quote]
Braun’s an okay choice, but I think Kemp has been significantly better. He’s been one win better by fWAR and 2 wins by rWAR (his offensive WAR is 8.8 to Braun’s 7). He plays a more difficult position and has a playing time advantage. If you wanted to list the 2-3 best candidates, Braun would make that list, but I think Kemp is clearly a superior choice.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Braun’s an okay choice, but I think Kemp has been significantly better. He’s been one win better by fWAR and 2 wins by rWAR (his offensive WAR is 8.8 to Braun’s 7). He plays a more difficult position and has a playing time advantage. If you wanted to list the 2-3 best candidates, Braun would make that list, but I think Kemp is clearly a superior choice.[/quote]I agree with you.
Non sequitur:
Rice CubeQuote Reply
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/26/why-does-everyone-want-to-give-millions-to-billionaires/
[quote name=some commenter]*BTW, guys: I learned this many years ago in a judo class: should you receive trauma in the place-that-must-not-be-named, and you’re still conscious and capable of minimal movement, tap your heels against the ground/floor. It doesn’t stop the pain but definitely moderates it by sending an impulse along an acupuncture meridian. And yes, I had a couple of chances to “test” this treatment since I learned it, and it works pretty much as advertised: it helps enough that you don’t feel that agony-level of someone’s-pulling-my-bowels-out-thru-my-navel. And it helps quicken the return to normalcy.[/quote]Learn something new every day!
Rice CubeQuote Reply
This was the play you guys were talking about yesterday right? The video here unfortunately didn’t show the “hold”, if such a hold actually happened…
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Video-Hester-fakes-punt-return-while-Knox-field?urn=nfl-wp7932
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]This was the play you guys were talking about yesterday right? The video here unfortunately didn’t show the “hold”, if such a hold actually happened…
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Video-Hester-fakes-punt-return-while-Knox-field?urn=nfl-wp7932%5B/quote%5DI really like the writer’s speculation on why the Bears did this so late in a two-score game. Now other team’s will know! Or do the Bears want them to know? What if the other team knows that the Bears know that they know?
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]This was the play you guys were talking about yesterday right? The video here unfortunately didn’t show the “hold”, if such a hold actually happened…
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Video-Hester-fakes-punt-return-while-Knox-field?urn=nfl-wp7932%5B/quote%5DWow so apparently the refs called the penalty on #29… the Bears don’t even have a #29 on the team. (dying laughing) fuckers
WaLiQuote Reply
[quote name=WaLi]Wow so apparently the refs called the penalty on #29… the Bears don’t even have a #29 on the team. (dying laughing) fuckers[/quote]I was not aware of this. How shady.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=WaLi]Wow so apparently the refs called the penalty on #29… the Bears don’t even have a #29 on the team. (dying laughing) fuckers[/quote]Raymont Harris held on a punt 15 years ago and got away with it, it was a makeup call by the refs.
GBTSQuote Reply
The NL CYA race looks like a virtual tie between Halladay, Lee, and Kershaw. I kind of hope Kershaw wins, since he hasn’t won yet and deserves the recognition. (I’m inclined to think Halladay is most deserving, but just barely.)
ACTQuote Reply
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]
[/quote]Not sure if that’s a donkey, but one might say that the ass kicked the ass of the ass.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I can’t find the link, but in the live feed of the game, you can see Corey Graham grabbing a shoulder pad of one of the gunners. I watched it about 10 times yesterday and never saw it, but if you go frame by frame and zoom in, there it is. It isn’t blatant, but it is there and it is technically the correct call. I personally think it is ticky-tack, but I’m biased and I’m not going to make the “yeah it was a penalty, but it wasn’t much of a penalty” argument.
As for when the Bears used it, I kind of wish they had pulled it out when the score might have given them the lead or a tie, but whatever. The good part of running it now is that teams will have to be aware of it and that might give Hester a little more running room on future kick returns. If they don’t the play will probably work again sometime in the future. So either way works out for the Bears in the long run.
Aisle424Quote Reply
Maybe the Bears saw something with the way the Packers covered punts and thought they were particularly vulnerable.
GBTSQuote Reply
I just can’t believe a team covers a punt without someone actually watching where the ball is going.
GBTSQuote Reply
I guess when the punt coverage team goes down field they really don’t know where the punt is going, but that was a bit of special teams fail there. Too bad about the penalty but I guess the rule is the rule.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
MishQuote Reply
FLAGGED
GBTSQuote Reply
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I guess when the punt coverage team goes down field they really don’t know where the punt is going, but that was a bit of special teams fail there. Too bad about the penalty but I guess the rule is the rule.[/quote]You know the punter was back there just screaming his ass off and waving his hands.
binkyQuote Reply
Kerry Wood just tweeted this pic:
MishQuote Reply
I don’t have my glasses right now, but I don’t know who most of those guys are. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
Is that Hannibal Lector? (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Is that Hannibal Lector? (dying laughing)[/quote]Mostly costumes from the “sexy girl” line of Haloween wear.
binkyQuote Reply
That’s definitely Hannibal Lecter (dying laughing)
Who’s the penis?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Campana CF
Barney 2B
Castro SS
Peña 1B
LaHair LF
Clevenger C
LeMahieu 3B
Colvin RF
Coleman P
ACTQuote Reply
Peña is still trying to get 30 HR’s. Good luck in Petco Park.
ACTQuote Reply
By my estimation, that lineup is good for -1 runs per game.
ACTQuote Reply
When did Steve Clevenger get called up?
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
I dont recognize half the people in the picture. Barney is all.. I love theat they made him wear a chinese food box
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]By my estimation, that lineup is good for -1 runs per game.[/quote](dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]When did Steve Clevenger get called up?[/quote]last week, I think. He’s starting tomorrow.
WenningtonsGorillaCockQuote Reply
If the Cubs were playing the Giants, -1 runs per game may be enough to sweep.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=WenningtonsGorillaCock]last week, I think. He’s starting tomorrow.[/quote]is beef castle hurt or something?
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]is beef castle hurt or something?[/quote]Yup.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Peña is still trying to get 30 HR’s. Good luck in Petco Park.[/quote]There have been some insane home runs at Petco Park this season. Justin Upton’s homer comes to mind. Not impossible!
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]There have been some insane home runs at Petco Park this season. Justin Upton’s homer comes to mind. Not impossible![/quote]The Padres have hit almost as many homers at home (43) as they have on the road (45). Their team leader is Ryan Ludwig, who has 11. I think someone forgot to tell them the deadball era is over.
ACTQuote Reply
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/26/hawk-harrelson-steve-stone-rip-moneyball-book-and-movie-admit-theyve-seen-nor-read-neither/
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/26/hawk-harrelson-steve-stone-rip-moneyball-book-and-movie-admit-theyve-seen-nor-read-neither/[/quote]dont know how i feel about that
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/26/hawk-harrelson-steve-stone-rip-moneyball-book-and-movie-admit-theyve-seen-nor-read-neither/[/quote]Joe Morgan has telepathic powers?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/26/hawk-harrelson-steve-stone-rip-moneyball-book-and-movie-admit-theyve-seen-nor-read-neither/[/quote]I wish all blogs used the prefix “former Playgirl model” when mentioning Steve Stone. I’ve read it so much here that I automatically include it in my conversations, and then usually have to explain (dying laughing)
WenningtonsGorillaCockQuote Reply
I love this:
Mr. Ricketts, if you want some friendly advice from Mr. Harrelson, here it is:
“I couldn’t believe what Ricketts said about the Cubs, that whoever is going to be the new general manager is going to have to be well-versed in sabermetrics,” Harrelson said.
Somebody needs to tell Hawk that the guy one seat away on the south side is well versed. His name is Rick Hahn
8volumesthickQuote Reply
also Hawk’s never heard of the library:
So I take it you haven’t read the book?
“I wouldn’t waste the money,” Harrelson said.
8volumesthickQuote Reply
I love Hobgoblins that know exactly how the world works. Nothing has ever been gained by researching a new idea on a complex and dynamic subject/system. Those ideas and results supporting them are poppycock. Obviously, their champions are just lining their pockets with research dollars and spending their lives work building corrupt data so they can support themselves finically.
/Perry’d
cdwQuote Reply
Go Braves!
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=cdw]I love Hobgoblins that know exactly how the world works. Nothing has ever been gained by researching a new idea on a complex and dynamic subject/system. Those ideas and results supporting them are poppycock. Obviously, their champions are just lining their pockets with research dollars and spending their lives work building corrupt data so they can support themselves finically.
/Perry’d[/quote](dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
I still can’t figure out how the Dbacks won the West. I never would have thought that entering the season.
mb21Quote Reply
This is shaping up to be a devastating night for the Rays.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]This is shaping up to be a devastating night for the Rays.[/quote]Shut me right up.
ACTQuote Reply
If the Red Sox win it’s a devastating night for the Rays.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]If the Red Sox win it’s a devastating night for the Rays.[/quote]
beckett seems to be in trouble in the 5th
GWQuote Reply
Holy….
ACTQuote Reply
I predict half the population of Boston commits suicide tonight.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]I predict half the population of Boston commits suicide tonight.[/quote]Only 25 minutes till the Cubs game starts. I’m getting excited about that. Last WGN game. Against the arch rival Padres. That’s so worth losing an entire night’s worth of sleep.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=GW]beckett seems to be in trouble in the 5th[/quote]Walter White seems to be in trouble on April 11th.
/Saving Face’d
cdwQuote Reply
I seem to remember Brad Lidge being good at one point.
ACTQuote Reply
Whose the AL MVP leading candidate? Robinson Cano thinks it’s Robinson Cano.
binkyQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
WTF is wrong with the Red Sox?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]Whose the AL MVP leading candidate? Robinson Cano thinks it’s Robinson Cano.[/quote]I’d like to say Jose Bautista still has it but Jacoby Ellsbury may shut me right up.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I’d like to say Jose Bautista still has it but Jacoby Ellsbury may shut me right up.[/quote]Go watch the footage of the Adino homer on Gameday. It brings Ellsbury’s candidacy into serious doubt.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Go watch the footage of the Adino homer on Gameday. It brings Ellsbury’s candidacy into serious doubt.[/quote]Defensive fail?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Defensive fail?[/quote]Popped out of his glove as he crashed into the wall.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Popped out of his glove as he crashed into the wall.[/quote]Guess he wasn’t having fun.
Oakland’s money situation:
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/A-8217-s-aren-8217-t-spending-money-until-stad?urn=mlb-wp21004
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Bautista did basically the same thing yesterday and ended up having to come out of the game. So maybe they’re still neck and neck.
binkyQuote Reply
I assume y’all heard that Ozzie is being traded to the Marlins?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Sox have the tying run at the plate.
ACTQuote Reply
…and fail to score even once.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]…and fail to score even once.[/quote]Cub’d
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Here’s the Andino HR/Boston defense fail: http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=19675183
ACTQuote Reply
Cards have two more offensive innings to take advantage of Braves’ loss.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I assume y’all heard that Ozzie is being traded to the Marlins?[/quote]I heard they were trying to work a deal. Is it official yet?
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]I heard they were trying to work a deal. Is it official yet?[/quote]Sounds official but not yet officially official.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
It’s final, but not finally final.
ACTQuote Reply
Sawx with the tying run at bat again.
ACTQuote Reply
LaHair almost hit one out. Damn Petco.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Holy shit AL Wild Card!
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Wow, the wildcard is exciting all around. That’s good.
binkyQuote Reply
Sox = Rays
ACTQuote Reply
Cards threatening!
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Boo!
ACTQuote Reply
The movement on that last pitch by Coleman was actually really sweet.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Astros are turning Lance Berkman righty. How’s his platoon split this year?
/too lazy to B-Ref’d
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Berkman wOBA vs. LHP 2011: .355; careeer: .341
Berkman wOBA vs. RHP 2011: .417; career: .421
ACTQuote Reply
Damn Astros sucking.
ACTQuote Reply
Astro’s bullpen failed? That’s UNpossible.
binkyQuote Reply
Gameday suggests that Lance Berkman just punched a hole right through the shortstop. Tie game.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I miss Zambrano.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]I miss Zambrano.[/quote]Looks like we’re the only ones.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]I miss Zambrano.[/quote]It’s hard to say, but it wouldn’t really surprise me if they brought him back.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]It’s hard to say, but it wouldn’t really surprise me if they brought him back.[/quote]I’d sort of like that, but for his sake I hope they let him go somewhere else.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
SD offense making Coleman look really good.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Cubs offense making Latos look really good.[/quote].
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I’d sort of like that, but for his sake I hope they let him go somewhere else.[/quote]I don’t know. He’s never going to be as welcome anywhere else. I’m guessing if he’s a dump contract, the press and the local fans of his new destination will eat him for breakfast. He’s not exactly in his prime. It’ll probably be good for him if he can pitch consistently. If not, I could see him getting eaten alive.
binkyQuote Reply
I started watching this game, but it was too painful. Too soon.
GBTSQuote Reply
‘Stros and Cards going to extras.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]I started watching this game, but it was too painful. Too soon.[/quote]Too soon since yesterday’s game? They waited as long as they could.
binkyQuote Reply
Theriot —> TOOTBLAN (dying laughing) (dying laughing) (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
It is what it is.
ACTQuote Reply
(dying laughing) @ Cards fail
Rice CubeQuote Reply
A sac bunt pays off!
ACTQuote Reply
Cards lose!
ACTQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
Stupid Cardinals.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
On a squeeze even!
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Casey Coleman (dying laughing) Screw you, no-hitter!
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Infield in at all for positions. Campana bunts.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Infield in at all for positions. Campana bunts.[/quote]The baseball gods frown upon that. Padres lead.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Teeing off on Coleman.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Coleman went to the Starlin Castro school of sliding.
ACTQuote Reply
This is a great AB by Pena.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]This is a great AB by Pena.[/quote]Even though he struck out.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Campana strikes out on a pitch that bounces in front of him like a good leadoff hitter.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]On a squeeze even![/quote]This drives me crazy. Brad Mills pulls a suicide squeeze with one out, which you are never supposed to do, and it wins the game. I hate it when idiot managers’ bad moves are rewarded.
ACTQuote Reply
Sorry, I mean no outs. Suicide is fine with 1 out. With no outs, it’s stupid.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Sorry, I mean no outs. Suicide is fine with 1 out. With no outs, it’s stupid.[/quote]I hope you never run a hotline (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=19691569
OK, it looks like it wasn’t a suicide, so I take it back.
ACTQuote Reply
The runner didn’t take off until it was bunted, so I have no problem with that play. Mills may not have even called for it.
ACTQuote Reply
A headfirst slide into first base may have cost the Cards the game here: http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=19685893
ACTQuote Reply
Still hard to believe the Rays are tied for a WC spot. I’m not sure they’ll end up winning, but this is a lot of fun.
MishQuote Reply
Some tards on Twitter are calling for FPM Steve Stone to be the next Sox manager…that would be LoLasaurus Rex.
MishQuote Reply
Now that Ozzie is going to be the Marlins manager, I wonder if he’ll push them to trade for his dinner buddy.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Some tards on Twitter are calling for FPM Steve Stone to be the next Sox manager…that would be (dying laughing)asaurus Rex.[/quote]
Manager and co-GM (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Now that Ozzie is going to be the Marlins manager, I wonder if he’ll push them to trade for his dinner buddy.[/quote]I have no idea why any team would hire that guy. It makes even less sense to actually trade for him.
mb21Quote Reply
Have they said who they traded for Ozzie?
GBTSQuote Reply
Gary Hughes ———–> resigned
http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/6557/quade-sorry-to-see-hughes-leave
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Have they said who they traded for Ozzie?[/quote]A couple people I’d never heard of, but still. If I’m any team in baseball I wouldn’t trade a soda can for him. I wouldn’t hire him if he paid me.
mb21Quote Reply
Someone on twitter should say that the White Sox are just copying the Cubs and getting rid of their GM. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
I think it’s more likely for the Red Sox to win twice against the Orioles than the Rays sweeping the Yankees, but stranger things have happened.
In the NL, I think the Braves split the remaining games against the Phillies but the Cardinals dispatch the Astros.
If the Red Sox lose out and the Cards can’t take the Astros, well, they deserved to lose anyway (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Re: the Ellsbury defensive “fail” (I think it was a really tough play)
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/27/jacoby-ellsbury-one-play-does-not-an-mvp-make-or-lose/
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I think a Rays and Red Sox split is likely, and thus a game 163, which would be super way awesome.
GBTSQuote Reply
Looks like no team is going to get the wildcard. Bummer. http://www.baseballprospectus.com/odds/
ACTQuote Reply
It’s only fitting, though. Teams have been treating the WC lead as if it were radioactive. You take it! No, you take it!
ACTQuote Reply
Clayton Kershaw: 233.1 IP, 66 R
Roy Halladay: 233.2 IP, 65 R
Cliff Lee: 233.2 IP, 66R
Good luck, Cy Young, voters!
ACTQuote Reply
Nate Silver weighs in on the BoSox:
http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/27/september-collapse-of-red-sox-could-be-worst-ever/
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Clayton Kershaw: 233.1 IP, 66 R 21 W
Roy Halladay: 233.2 IP, 65 R 19 W
Cliff Lee: 233.2 IP, 66R 17 W
Good luck, Cy Young, voters![/quote]Seems much easier now, don’t it?
GBTSQuote Reply
I just hope Kershaw can hold off Ian Kennedy.
GBTSQuote Reply
McNutt and Simpson make the list of the most disappointing pitching prospects: http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=15086
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]McNutt and Simpson make the list of the most disappointing pitching prospects: http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=15086%5B/quote%5DSo's Archer, however.
ACTQuote Reply
Archer was always a guy with a relatively high ceiling, but also a pretty good chance of failing. I don’t know that I’d call his season a disappointment. I also wouldn’t call Simpson’s disappointing, but that’s because I figured he wouldn’t be very good. McNutt had high expectations and sucked. His control was solid so the chance of him failing was much less likely than Archer who some scouts have always said is a reliever.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=ACT]So’s Archer, however.[/quote]
GBTSQuote Reply
I think that Simpson’s velocity loss, at least, makes him disappointing.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]I think that Simpson’s velocity loss, at least, makes him disappointing.[/quote]Are we really sure he had the velocity some people were saying? I was always skeptical. I remember reading when they drafted him that he had low 90s stuff and then all of a sudden I’m reading about how he can hit 187 mph. But yeah, sitting in the high 80s is disappointing, but I didn’t really believe the high 90s stuff.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Are we really sure he had the velocity some people were saying? I was always skeptical. I remember reading when they drafted him that he had low 90s stuff and then all of a sudden I’m reading about how he can hit 187 mph. But yeah, sitting in the high 80s is disappointing, but I didn’t really believe the high 90s stuff.[/quote]The only velocity readings I saw were from his MLB.com scouting video when they used an 8-bit radar gun to show he hit 93 mph (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Finally played the kids last night…Padres 2, “kids” 0.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Finally played the kids last night…Padres 2, “kids” 0.[/quote]Only because Quade is on an island and didn’t tell the kids to have fun.
WaLiQuote Reply
[quote name=WaLi]Only because Quade is on an island and didn’t tell the kids to have fun.[/quote]Too bad it wasn’t an island of fun.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Finally played the kids last night…Padres 2, “kids” 0.[/quote]The kids amassed a whopping 2 hits. They were by Castro and Coleman, who are regular starters, anyway. The only other baserunner was a walk. By Pena.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]The kids amassed a whopping 2 hits. They were by Castro and Coleman, who are regular starters, anyway. The only other baserunner was a walk. By Pena.[/quote]I was honestly hoping for a perfect game but the Cubs fucked that up (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I always root for the Cubs’ no no-hitter streak to keep going. It’s one of the few cool things the Cubs have going for them.
ACTQuote Reply
Plus, I love the fact that every time the Cubs are being no-hit, they bring up that Koufax game. Koufax is awesome.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]I always root for the Cubs’ no no-hitter streak to keep going. It’s one of the few cool things the Cubs have going for them.[/quote]I do enjoy watching good baseball and while I don’t really want the Cubs to lose per se, you can’t argue that a perfect game would be really cool to see.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/27/doc-gooden-thinks-albert-pujols-will-go-to-the-marlins/
This would be a “holy shit” moment if the Marlins somehow manage to land Pujols, Aramis, Zambrano and whatever other free agents they can poach. It’d be like 1997 again.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Any insiders here?
http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/features/rumors?date=20110927&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fmlb%2ffeatures%2frumors%3fdate%3d20110927#10929
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Any insiders here?
http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/features/rumors?date=20110927&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fmlb%2ffeatures%2frumors%3fdate%3d20110927#10929%5B/quote%5D
.
mb21Quote Reply
FWIW, Cashner ——-> reliever in AFL
BerseliusQuote Reply
Chiefs’ season in four seconds:
GBTSQuote Reply
New shit: http://obstructedview.net/articles/major-league-baseball/this-is-about-motherfucking-collapses.html
Aisle424Quote Reply