At the bottom of The Hardball Time’s Oliver forecasts page they have the 2012 projected standings. They were updated yesterday, but I know this was done before the Brewers signed Aramis Ramirez.
| National League Central | ||
| Team | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|
| CIN | 90 | 72 |
| STL | 88 | 74 |
| MIL | 86 | 76 |
| CHN | 82 | 80 |
| HOU | 65 | 97 |
| PIT | 62 | 100 |
Oliver projects 1.2 WAR for Ramirez so let’s increase the Brewers to 87 wins. I don’t have a problem with the Brewers being this low. If I recall correctly, some of the projections last year weren’t as optimistic as I was about them. I’m not exactly sure why that is, but in my opinion they’re clearly the best team in the division and that’s with or without Prince Fielder. Ignoring my opinions for a moment, the Cubs aren’t that far out.
By the time July rolled around the Cubs would be about 4 to 5 games behind the Reds. They’re contenders. Any team that close to the top would consider themselves in contention and are more likely to be buyers at the deadline than sellers. There are still a lot of free agents available and the Cardinals have a lot of money to spend.
Let’s say the Cubs do sign Fielder. Forget about the contract. That would improve them to about 86 wins. Maybe 87. Another addition or two and they could easily enter the season as a 90-win team according to Oliver. This can’t be right. Can it?
Looking over some of the Cubs projections it’s hard to figure out how Oliver has them at 82 wins. Here are the position players projected to provide more than 1 WAR:
| Name | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | K | BB | BA | OBP | SLG | wOBA | WAR |
| Geovany Soto | 623 | 125 | 29 | 0 | 21 | 143 | 72 | .232 | .325 | .406 | .323 | 2.4 |
| Starlin Castro | 623 | 175 | 33 | 8 | 6 | 79 | 32 | .303 | .338 | .422 | .332 | 2.4 |
| Marlon Byrd | 623 | 156 | 33 | 2 | 12 | 98 | 31 | .272 | .321 | .406 | .319 | 1 |
Those projections were published before the Cubs acquired David DeJesus and Ian Stewart. Oliver doesn’t think much of either. They have only .6 WAR for DeJesus and .4 WAR for Stewart. That’s 1 more win than Oliver projected out of Blake DeWitt, Jeff Baker, Tyler Colvin and DJ LeMahieu. Here are the pitchers:
| IP | H | HR | K | BB | ERA | FIP | WAR | |
| Matt Garza | 205 | 191 | 21 | 180 | 66 | 3.69 | 3.74 | 4 |
| Ryan Dempster | 205 | 207 | 23 | 183 | 78 | 4.36 | 4.01 | 2.4 |
| Carlos Zambrano | 200 | 198 | 19 | 157 | 88 | 4.34 | 4.19 | 2.4 |
| Randy Wells | 175 | 185 | 21 | 114 | 54 | 4.25 | 4.38 | 2.3 |
| Sean Marshall | 70 | 61 | 4 | 68 | 20 | 3.15 | 2.86 | 1.8 |
| Carlos Marmol | 70 | 50 | 3 | 90 | 43 | 3.63 | 3.03 | 1.4 |
Based on these projections it really makes you wonder why the Cubs front office is so focused on pitching, but that’s not relevant here.
Cincinnati has 6 position players projected for more than 1 WAR. They also have 3 others right at .9 WAR. They have 7 pitchers projected for more than 1 WAR and also 3 others at .9 (subscription required for both links).
It’s no surprise to see Oliver thinks much more highly of the Reds since they’re projected 8 more wins, but it’s a huge difference.
The Brewers have 9 pitchers and 3 position players. One of them is Ryan Braun who will more than likely be missing 50 games next year. So whatever increase they got from Ramirez is going to be eliminated with their loss of Braun.
The Cardinals have 5 position players and 8 pitchers projected to provide more than 1 WAR.
In total, the Cubs have 9 players at 1 WAR or more. The Reds have 13, but also have 6 at .9 WAR. The Brewers have 12 and the Cardinals 13.
This is a lazy way to look at it, but it does paint a picture that the Cubs pitching isn’t all bad and their offense has serious issues. It also shows us that adding another one or two valuable players would make them more equal to the top 3 than I had thought. That’s at least true based on the Oliver projections anyway. I’m less confident that will be true based on other projections.
Comments
Been beating this drum for a while now.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Rice CubeQuote Reply
How do these projections work? Do they just simulate every game over the course of the season using projected lineups, or are they just adding WAR projections to the replacement level baseline?
82 wins seems mighty optimistic to me.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
In terms of optimistic projections, how does OLIVER normally stack up vs. other projection systems?
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]In terms of optimistic projections, how does OLIVER normally stack up vs. other projection systems?[/quote]http://www.intermsofoptimisticprojectionshowdoesolivernormallystackupvsotherprojectionsystems.com
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]http://www.intermsofoptimisticprojectionshowdoesolivernormallystackupvsotherprojectionsystems.com[/quote]That’s certainly an interesting fetish site.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]That’s certainly an interesting fetish site.[/quote]Projection pr0n?
/Rule 34
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Sammy Sosa ——> his boys can swim
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Sammy Sosa ——> his boys can swim[/quote]The baby will come out with a hop and blow kisses to the fans.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Sammy Sosa ——> his boys can swim[/quote]
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Sammy Sosa ——> his boys can swim[/quote]
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
These are simulated seasons. I’m sure it’s the average of at least 1000 simulated seasons. Adding WAR to simulated standings is probably a pretty good way to look at it, but not perfect.
MO, from what I’ve seen of Oliver the last 3 seasons it’s been rather pessimistic relative to other projections. However, even using the Bill James projections you have to look at them compared to the league average. BJ always has a higher league average than the others so they look more optimistic, but if you converted it to wRC+ it would be about the same as the others.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Mish]
[/quote][quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]
[/quote]
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Sammy Sosa ——> his boys can swim[/quote]
Suburban kid 22Quote Reply
I give a fuck, 424.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I give a fuck, 424.[/quote]
Aisle424Quote Reply
I don’t know if I give a fuck or not, but I definitely don’t give enough of a fuck to ponder whether I give a fuck.
GBTSQuote Reply
BK says Braun might not be suspended after all….
http://hirejimessian.com/2011/12/13/more-braun-than-brains/
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
[quote name=EnricoPallazzo]BK says Braun might not be suspended after all….
http://hirejimessian.com/2011/12/13/more-braun-than-brains/%5B/quote%5D
That would be awesomely hilarious, if true. That’s better than when Manny was taking fertility medicine.
Aisle424Quote Reply
Passan on Darvish:
I agree that the posting system is BS, but as far as the Cubs should be concerned, fuck Yu. Sign Fielder, bolster the rotation with a veteran arm, look to splurge on pitching in 2013 and 2014.
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
[quote name=EnricoPallazzo]BK says Braun might not be suspended after all….
http://hirejimessian.com/2011/12/13/more-braun-than-brains/%5B/quote%5DMeh. I’m sure there are tons of legit meds he could be on, but would any of them be likely to raise his testosterone levels?
Also, (dying laughing) at nickname.
fang2415Quote Reply
[quote name=Smokestack Lightning]fuck Yu. [/quote](dying laughing)
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Sammy Sosa ——> his boys can swim[/quote]I don’t understand this enough to know whether I give a fuck or not.
fang2415Quote Reply
[quote name=fang2415]I don’t understand this enough to know whether I give a fuck or not.[/quote]
His wife just had a baby: Calexy. I’m pretty sure it’s a girl. It’s a bad name either way.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]His wife just had a baby: Calexy. I’m pretty sure it’s a girl. It’s a bad name either way.[/quote]Mm. So I guess asking what stroke they swim wouldn’t have yielded useful information then.
fang2415Quote Reply
The phrase is a reference to:
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]The phrase is a reference to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJBZDrUEYYo%5B/quote%5DAh, now I understand. Your ideas are intriguing to me and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter.
fang2415Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]That would be awesomely hilarious, if true. That’s better than when Manny was taking fertility medicine.[/quote]What’s awesome about it is that it’s probably bullshit. I love the excuses these guys give for testing positive. Why would anyone want steroids out of baseball? The excuses these guys come up with are comical. I love it.
mb21Quote Reply
Best mom ever.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
One-upped by the best grandma ever:
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=EnricoPallazzo]BK says Braun might not be suspended after all….
http://hirejimessian.com/2011/12/13/more-braun-than-brains/%5B/quote%5DIn other words, Sully told BK that Braun has herpes.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]What’s awesome about it is that it’s probably bullshit. I love the excuses these guys give for testing positive. Why would anyone want steroids out of baseball? The excuses these guys come up with are comical. I love it.[/quote]When I start picking excuses, “You don’t understand, sir. I actually have herpes.” is going to be pretty far down the list.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]In other words, Sully told BK that Braun has herpes.[/quote]one would think that would be the normal chain of causality around these parts.
FonteYESQuote Reply
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/correlation-or-causation-12012011-gfx.html
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]When I start picking excuses, “You don’t understand, sir. I actually have herpes.” is going to be pretty far down the list.[/quote]That doesn’t get you out of jury duty, FYI.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]That doesn’t get you out of jury duty, FYI.[/quote]
So much for that idea…..
FonteYESQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/correlation-or-causation-12012011-gfx.html[/quote]The mountain range correlation is uncanny.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]That doesn’t get you out of jury duty, FYI.[/quote]
But “You don’t understand, sir, I have herpes that I received from the defendant” does.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]In other words, Sully told BK that Braun has herpes.[/quote]My thought exactly. After all, Sully probably is a friend of a friend of someone who knows someone in middle management. He obviously isn’t a friend with someone who knows what the fuck is going on.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]That doesn’t get you out of jury duty, FYI.[/quote]The trick is to say you’re prejudiced against all races.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]When I start picking excuses, “You don’t understand, sir. I actually have herpes.” is going to be pretty far down the list.[/quote]If you had Braun’s money and saying you had herpes would somehow get you out of being suspended for 50 games I’m pretty sure you’d say it. I don’t know if Braun is married or not but I’d bet the list of chicks wanting to get fucked by Braun would reduce by about 0. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]If you had Braun’s money and saying you had herpes would somehow get you out of being suspended for 50 games I’m pretty sure you’d say it. I don’t know if Braun is married or not but I’d bet the list of chicks wanting to get fucked by Braun would reduce by about 0. (dying laughing)[/quote]
So we can conclude that more than 0 fucks would be given?
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]So we can conclude that more than 0 fucks would be given?[/quote]That would be a better bet than betting Darwin Barney wins the MVP.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=ACT]The trick is to say you’re prejudiced against all races.[/quote]That’s how the wife’s grandpa used to get out of jury duty. Wise man.
Not sure if really racist though.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
List of non-tenders:
Not much there that would help.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]My thought exactly. After all, Sully probably is a friend of a friend of someone who knows someone in middle management. He obviously isn’t a friend with someone who knows what the fuck is going on.[/quote]well, IMO, the real question is which would you rather be true? if braun’s lying, then he’s not kicking our ass for the first 50 games of the season, but if he’s telling the truth, i’ll have a blast heckling him unmercifully. win-win.
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
[quote name=EnricoPallazzo]well, IMO, the real question is which would you rather be true? if braun’s lying, then he’s not kicking our ass for the first 50 games of the season, but if he’s telling the truth, i’ll have a blast heckling him unmercifully. win-win.[/quote]
I would imagine he is going to have a lifetime supply of condoms showered on him from various bleacher fans.
Aisle424Quote Reply
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]List of non-tenders:
Not much there that would help.[/quote]
IIRC Spilborghs is a decent Reed Johnson type. And as much as I love to bash Joe Saunders, I wouldn’t mind picking him up if the price was right (i.e. cheap). I think other FOs are going to value him a lot more than the Cubs will though.
Nothing with a real impact there though.
BerseliusQuote Reply
What the hell happened to Kuo? He was halfway decent for a few years and he’ll only be 30. Did he trash his arm or something?
Aisle424Quote Reply
What do you Rays fans think of Sonnanstine?
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]What the hell happened to Kuo? He was halfway decent for a few years and he’ll only be 30. Did he trash his arm or something?[/quote]
Bill James is projecting a 3.20 FIP for him in 2012, FWIW.
Aisle424Quote Reply
Kuo has had 4 elbow surgeries, back problems, and also missed time for an anxiety disorder.
ACTQuote Reply
Sonnanstine has never struck anybody out but used to not walk people. Then he started to walk more and he lost all value
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]Sonnanstine has never struck anybody out but used to not walk people. Then he started to walk more and he lost all value[/quote]That’s certainly what it looks like.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Kuo has had 4 elbow surgeries, back problems, and also missed time for an anxiety disorder.[/quote]
so get him some rehab, a chiropractor and a hooker.
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]That’s certainly what it looks like.[/quote]
i cant argue with you today
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Kuo has had 4 elbow surgeries, back problems, and also missed time for an anxiety disorder.[/quote]
I could see the Cubs trying to get him. They wouldn’t go hard after him, but if health is a market inefficiency, he could be had for dirt cheap.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=1 of 3 Rays Fans]Sonnanstine has never struck anybody out but used to not walk people. Then he started to walk more and he lost all value[/quote]
/sdsjm
WaLiQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]Sonnanstine has never struck anybody out but used to not walk people. Then he started to walk more and he lost all value[/quote]http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/andy-sonnanstine-and-situational-babip/
fang2415Quote Reply
Nope. RT @ScottEKeltner: @Kevin_Goldstein does Brett Jackson break camp with the Cubs this spring?
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]What do you Rays fans think of Sonnanstine?[/quote]
Does “DO NOT WANT” basically cover it?
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Nope. RT @ScottEKeltner: @Kevin_Goldstein does Brett Jackson break camp with the Cubs this spring?[/quote]If KG said it, it probably means Brett Jackson is already penciled in as the Opening Day CF.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Does “DO NOT WANT” basically cover it?[/quote]Is that like a “no”?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]If KG said it, it probably means Brett Jackson is already penciled in as the Opening Day CF.[/quote]He did, I thought I grabbed the header to the tweet. No dinner for me.
MishQuote Reply
(dying laughing) am now watching a replay of a cricket match where the announcers are talking about how they need instant replay now that the ump has missed like 5 calls. The human element proposes, culture disposes. (dying laughing)
fang2415Quote Reply
[quote name=EnricoPallazzo]well, IMO, the real question is which would you rather be true? if braun’s lying, then he’s not kicking our ass for the first 50 games of the season, but if he’s telling the truth, i’ll have a blast heckling him unmercifully. win-win.[/quote]I hope he didn’t take steroids. It would be an advantage for the Cubs if he did, but I don’t want to hear about how Braun cheated for the next decade.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]IIRC Spilborghs is a decent Reed Johnson type. And as much as I love to bash Joe Saunders, I wouldn’t mind picking him up if the price was right (i.e. cheap). I think other FOs are going to value him a lot more than the Cubs will though.
Nothing with a real impact there though.[/quote]Considering the Cubs are entering the season with 38 starting pitchers, they probably need to start signing some.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=fang2415](dying laughing) am now watching a replay of a cricket match where the announcers are talking about how they need instant replay now that the ump has missed like 5 calls. The human element proposes, culture disposes. (dying laughing)[/quote]
You watch cricket?
Rodrigo RamirezQuote Reply
[quote name=Rodrigo Ramirez]You watch cricket?[/quote]Whenever I can. It’s not easy to find a lot of it, even here in the UK. You need a zillion-dollar special cable subscription to watch practically all sports here, stupidly.
fang2415Quote Reply
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Rodrigo Ramirez]You watch cricket?[/quote]I’ve set myself the goal of watching every single delivery of an entire test match that I Tivo’d, but Holy Baby Jesus Christ these things are long so I may not get it in before Christmas. (dying laughing)
fang2415Quote Reply
[quote name=fang2415]I’ve set myself the goal of watching every single delivery of an entire test match that I Tivo’d, but Holy Baby Jesus Christ these things are long so I may not get it in before Christmas. (dying laughing)[/quote]I think it’s a bit like trying to watch an entire golf tournament. You never realize quite how long they’re out there for until you watch the whole thing.
fang2415Quote Reply
[quote name=fang2415]I’ve set myself the goal of watching every single delivery of an entire test match that I Tivo’d, but Holy Baby Jesus Christ these things are long so I may not get it in before Christmas. (dying laughing)[/quote]
I’ve never seen one, but they look interesting.
Rodrigo RamirezQuote Reply
[quote name=Rodrigo Ramirez]I’ve never seen one, but they look interesting.[/quote]I like it for mostly the same reasons I like baseball. It’s an incredibly similar game except that in cricket there’s only two bases, no walks, and you never have to run. ( —-> loong games)
fang2415Quote Reply
[quote name=fang2415]I like it for mostly the same reasons I like baseball. It’s an incredibly similar game except that in cricket there’s only two bases, no walks, and you never have to run. ( —-> loong games)[/quote]Lots of little differences too of course, but that’s basically the game. Also, they rotate pitchers (bowlers) every few deliveries instead of batters.
fang2415Quote Reply
Soriano —-> Cricket All-Star?
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=fang2415]Lots of little differences too of course, but that’s basically the game. Also, they rotate pitchers (bowlers) every few deliveries instead of batters.[/quote]
Back in college some of my Indian friends invited me to watch one of their club-sport cricket games. I couldn’t really figure out what was going on, but there was a lot of yelling, one guy got injured pretty badly, and there was lots of homemade pie and beer afterwards. I assume that’s basically the game, no?
WenningtonsGorillaCockQuote Reply
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/12/venezuelan-notes-zambrano-guillen-hanley-vizquel.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MlbTradeRumors+%28MLB+Trade+Rumors%29
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Soriano —-> Cricket All-Star?[/quote](dying laughing), nope, he’d be terrible. Never havingg to run makes outs *really* valuable in cricket (in the longest matches, each of your 11 players bat twice).
Also a power-first profile is lousy in cricket because fly balls make for easy catches if they don’t go yard. Soriano would have to be a damn good bowler to make it above junior level. (dying laughing)
fang2415Quote Reply
[quote name=WenningtonsGorillaCock]Back in college some of my Indian friends invited me to watch one of their club-sport cricket games. I couldn’t really figure out what was going on, but there was a lot of yelling, one guy got injured pretty badly, and there was lots of homemade pie and beer afterwards. I assume that’s basically the game, no?[/quote]That’s probably how they play it in India. In Britain they’d do it with chips wrapped in a newspaper instead of pie. (dying laughing)
fang2415Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/12/venezuelan-notes-zambrano-guillen-hanley-vizquel.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MlbTradeRumors+%28MLB+Trade+Rumors%29[/quote]I found some footage of that:
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=WenningtonsGorillaCock]Back in college some of my Indian friends invited me to watch one of their club-sport cricket games. I couldn’t really figure out what was going on, but there was a lot of yelling, one guy got injured pretty badly, and there was lots of homemade pie and beer afterwards. I assume that’s basically the game, no?[/quote]Also, the bases/wickets are in the center of an oval with no foul territory so basically all spectators are in the bleachers. I’ve never been to a match but I have no idea how you’d see anything without binoculars.
Good enough for Alvin, I guess. (dying laughing)
fang2415Quote Reply
[quote name=fang2415](dying laughing), nope, he’d be terrible. Never havingg to run makes outs *really* valuable in cricket (in the longest matches, each of your 11 players bat twice).
Also a power-first profile is lousy in cricket because fly balls make for easy catches if they don’t go yard. Soriano would have to be a damn good bowler to make it above junior level. (dying laughing)[/quote]
did you watch that sports science episode with mark reynolds? he seemed to be kicking ass, which seemed strange given his contact problems in the big leagues. what do you make of that?
GWQuote Reply
[quote name=fang2415](dying laughing), nope, he’d be terrible. Never havingg to run makes outs *really* valuable in cricket (in the longest matches, each of your 11 players bat twice).
Also a power-first profile is lousy in cricket because fly balls make for easy catches if they don’t go yard. Soriano would have to be a damn good bowler to make it above junior level. (dying laughing)[/quote]I also forgot the part about how you get to keep on batting until you’re out. A good batsman will go for hours, so Soriano’s 45-second maximum wouldn’t cut it.
fang2415Quote Reply
[quote name=ACT]I found some footage of that:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8xHjC27YvM%5B/quote%5DRocky did it the right way.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/12/venezuelan-notes-zambrano-guillen-hanley-vizquel.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MlbTradeRumors+%28MLB+Trade+Rumors%29[/quote]
Selfish prick.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Rocky did it the right way.[/quote]Right on. He took out that steroid using son of a bitch who ruined boxing.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=fang2415](dying laughing), nope, he’d be terrible. Never havingg to run makes outs *really* valuable in cricket (in the longest matches, each of your 11 players bat twice).
Also a power-first profile is lousy in cricket because fly balls make for easy catches if they don’t go yard. Soriano would have to be a damn good bowler to make it above junior level. (dying laughing)[/quote]So, this was a sport designed for Darwin Barney?
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Right on. He took out that steroid using son of a bitch who ruined boxing.[/quote]How ironic, considering Stallone has been busted at least once for ordering HGH through the mail and now looks like he is made entirely of steroids.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=GW]did you watch that sports science episode with mark reynolds? he seemed to be kicking ass, which seemed strange given his contact problems in the big leagues. what do you make of that?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYMhT_wgBwE%5B/quote%5DHadn't seen it, thanks for the clip. I’d say they’re right that it’s harder to hit a baseball, but cricket is much more about protecting the wicket and avoiding fielders than crushing the ball.
Reynolds hit 14 out of 20, but they didn’t say whether the other 6 hit the wicket, or what happened to those 14. If any of those balls could’ve resulted in an out, it’s a lousy performance (the best batsman in the match I’m watching made 142 runs before making an out; the worst so far made 6).
If I had to guess I’d say that slap-hitting types would be better at cricket. (That wide bat gives you a lot more precision.)
Also, my knowledge of cricket is only just above beginner level, but my guess is that any MLBer is going to be a lot better than anybody on the US national team (dying laughing). It’d be like comparing a mediocre NFL player with a decent college player — the NFL guy would crush him.
fang2415Quote Reply
I actually played cricket at a birthday party once, though I have no idea how closely we followed the rules.
ACTQuote Reply
Since the game ended in under a week, I’d guess not too closely.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=fang2415]Hadn’t seen it, thanks for the clip. I’d say they’re right that it’s harder to hit a baseball, but cricket is much more about protecting the wicket and avoiding fielders than crushing the ball.
Reynolds hit 14 out of 20, but they didn’t say whether the other 6 hit the wicket, or what happened to those 14. If any of those balls could’ve resulted in an out, it’s a lousy performance (the best batsman in the match I’m watching made 142 runs before making an out; the worst so far made 6).
If I had to guess I’d say that slap-hitting types would be better at cricket. (That wide bat gives you a lot more precision.)
Also, my knowledge of cricket is only just above beginner level, but my guess is that any MLBer is going to be a lot better than anybody on the US national team (dying laughing). It’d be like comparing a mediocre NFL player with a decent college player — the NFL guy would crush him.[/quote]
interesting. it would be fun to see a low K guy like josh vitters make a go of it in cricket after he inevitably flames out in aaa.
GWQuote Reply
[quote name=GW]interesting. it would be fun to see a low K guy like josh vitters make a go of it in cricket after he inevitably flames out in aaa.[/quote]
He has to go to India to save face
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]He has to go to India to save face[/quote]
thoyer is probably on the phone with a squad over there in negotiations as we speak.
GWQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]So, this was a sport designed for Darwin Barney?[/quote](dying laughing), could be.
There was some cricketer who played in the minors for the Mets and wrote a book about it a while back. I’ve been meaning to read that…
http://www.amazon.com/Playing-Hard-Ball-Cricket-Baseball/dp/0349116660
fang2415Quote Reply
[quote name=GW]thoyer is probably on the phone with a squad over there in negotiations as we speak.[/quote]Video from inside the Cubs negotiating room:
http://www.hulu.com/watch/4174/saturday-night-live-president-reagan-mastermind
fang2415Quote Reply
[quote name=fang2415](dying laughing), could be.
There was some cricketer who played in the minors for the Mets and wrote a book about it a while back. I’ve been meaning to read that…
http://www.amazon.com/Playing-Hard-Ball-Cricket-Baseball/dp/0349116660%5B/quote%5DDecent plug/summary for it: http://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/05/sports/05iht-cricket_ed3_.html
All right, time to take a break to eat dinner at hour 14 of the test match. f2415 out, fuckfaces.
fang2415Quote Reply
[quote name=fang2415]Decent plug/summary for it: http://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/05/sports/05iht-cricket_ed3_.html
All right, time to take a break to eat dinner at hour 14 of the test match. f2415 out, fuckfaces.[/quote]
Later, Fangy.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]How ironic, considering Stallone has been busted at least once for ordering HGH through the mail and now looks like he is made entirely of steroids.[/quote]that’s not ironic. Rocky was getting steroids in 2006, but Drago wasn’t getting them in 1996. Don’t you even know what ironic means?
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=GW]interesting. it would be fun to see a low K guy like josh vitters make a go of it in cricket after he inevitably flames out in aaa.[/quote]How much do they pay the cricket players? Someone should tell Vitters it’s probably his best chance of having a career playing a stick and ball game.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]that’s not ironic. Rocky was getting steroids in 2006, but Drago wasn’t getting them in 1996. Don’t you even know what ironic means?[/quote]What’s the over under that Stallone calls himself Rocky today?
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]What’s the over under that Stallone calls himself Rocky today?[/quote]
Yo.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Yo.[/quote]Correct.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Angel Guzman ———> Dodgers minor league deal
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Angel Guzman ———> Dodgers minor league deal[/quote]I had him penciled in as the 12th starter.
mb21Quote Reply
I’m going to have to adjust my expectations now.
mb21Quote Reply
Thinking about, I’m guessing the Cubs can’t win 30 games without their 12th starter.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Angel Guzman ———> Dodgers minor league deal[/quote]I wish we hadn’t blown our “don’t really give a fuck” wad this morning. (dying laughing)
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]I wish we hadn’t blown our “don’t really give a fuck” wad this morning. (dying laughing)[/quote]
Zero fucks are given for your remorse.
BerseliusQuote Reply
Yu Darvish posting period ends tomorrow. That’s gotta be worth at least one or two fucks given.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Yu Darvish posting period ends tomorrow. That’s gotta be worth at least one or two fucks given.[/quote]
Is that the over/under?
FonteYESQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Yu Darvish posting period ends tomorrow. That’s gotta be worth at least one or two fucks given.[/quote]I ain’t giving a fuck more than one and a half.
mb21Quote Reply
Maddaog, isnt it past your bedtime?
FonteYESQuote Reply
Last episode of Homeland was bananas.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=FonteYES]Is that the over/under?[/quote]It could go either way.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
personally I kind of enjoy giving fucks
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
[quote name=Recalcitrant Blogger Nate]personally I kind of enjoy giving fucks[/quote]I’ll flag this one myself.
GBTSQuote Reply
Will we know the high bid by tomorrow? I know his team has several days to mull it over, wonder if they’ll release the winner before then.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Will we know the high bid by tomorrow? I know his team has several days to mull it over, wonder if they’ll release the winner before then.[/quote]Why would they mull it? I thought they just kinda took the money and held it until a contract is agreed upon.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Well if the winning bid is like twelve bucks, they’ll probably just keep Darvish.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Why would they mull it? I thought they just kinda took the money and held it until a contract is agreed upon.[/quote]
I didn’t figure it would take long at all. You open up the envelopes, you see which number is biggest and that team wins. Unless the bids are submitted in code, I don’t see how they wouldn’t know an answer within 5 minutes of the deadline..
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Well if the winning bid is like twelve bucks, they’ll probably just keep Darvish.[/quote]
Can they set a minimum bid? Why don’t they just use E-bay?
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Can they set a minimum bid? Why don’t they just use E-bay?[/quote]I was going to suggest EJap but then I realized how incredibly racist it sounds.
I assume there is a reserve bid though.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Will we know the high bid by tomorrow? I know his team has several days to mull it over, wonder if they’ll release the winner before then.[/quote]I’ll know tomorrow, but I’m not telling anyone.
mb21Quote Reply
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111213&content_id=26155420&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb
Bitches.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I was going to suggest EJap but then I realized how incredibly racist it sounds.
I assume there is a reserve bid though.[/quote]One day I should check myself for E-Tourettes.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111213&content_id=26155420&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb
Bitches.[/quote]I can’t argue with you today.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I’ll know tomorrow, but I’m not telling anyone.[/quote]Probably cause you’re still mad about Ryan Flaherty.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]I didn’t figure it would take long at all. You open up the envelopes, you see which number is biggest and that team wins. Unless the bids are submitted in code, I don’t see how they wouldn’t know an answer within 5 minutes of the deadline..[/quote]We knew the Red Sox won the bid for Daisuke right away. Same thing with Fukudome. I don’t think we’ll be 100% certain tomorrow night, but by Thursday afternoon we will be.
mb21Quote Reply
Cubs didn’t post for Fukudome, he was a free agent, no?
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Cubs didn’t post for Fukudome, he was a free agent, no?[/quote]You’re right. I’m a dumbass.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I’ll know tomorrow, but I’m not telling anyone.[/quote]
The Chicago media will know in two months
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]We knew the Red Sox won the bid for Daisuke right away. Same thing with Fukudome. I don’t think we’ll be 100% certain tomorrow night, but by Thursday afternoon we will be.[/quote]
There’s no way the winning club could keep it secret anyway. It’s very much in the interests of Darvish’s agents to make it public to provide public pressure on the org to sign him after winning the bid.
BerseliusQuote Reply
On the other hand, from what I remember of the Daisuke saga there was vastly more information about what teams were going to bid before the posting deadline happened. Things seem relatively quiet this time.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]On the other hand, from what I remember of the Daisuke saga there was vastly more information about what teams were going to bid before the posting deadline happened. Things seem relatively quiet this time.[/quote]That’s a good point. We did know that the Red Sox had bid $52 million, which is yet another example of that front office not being as secretive as the media likes to think. It also more than likely means the Cubs have no interest in Darvish. I’m guessing Red Sox.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Last episode of Homeland was bananas.[/quote]Should I watch the rest of the season or just ignore it?
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Should I watch the rest of the season or just ignore it?[/quote]Did you stop after the cabin episode? Just go ahead and watch the rest. Season finale is this Sunday. It should be a good ending.
WaLiQuote Reply
I stopped after the episode after the cabin one. Brody was a terrorist. Then he wasn’t. A presumed dead guy was. Then Brody was a terrorist. I liked 24, but was hoping this wouldn’t have the unnecessary twists and turns. I’ll probably watch the rest of season 1 at some point.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I stopped after the episode after the cabin one. Brody was a terrorist. Then he wasn’t. A presumed dead guy was. Then Brody was a terrorist. I liked 24, but was hoping this wouldn’t have the unnecessary twists and turns. I’ll probably watch the rest of season 1 at some point.[/quote]Yeah I heard you make the 24 comparison before. I never watched that show so Homeland is new to me.
WaLiQuote Reply
Hmm, when I click on the “Profile” button it brings me to an “Internet Fail” page (http://obstructedview.net/community.html), but when I go to “Your Blog” then “Back to Profile” it works.
WaLiQuote Reply
[quote name=WaLi]Hmm, when I click on the “Profile” button it brings me to an “Internet Fail” page (http://obstructedview.net/community.html), but when I go to “Your Blog” then “Back to Profile” it works.[/quote]Forgot to change that link. I’ll change it sometime today. Click on your avatar.
mb21Quote Reply
That link is fixed now. Thanks for pointing that out.
mb21Quote Reply
Can someone explain that to me? That just doesn’t make sense.
mb21Quote Reply
new shit: http://obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/articles/qyou-better-know-who-your-ninth-starters-going-to-beq.html
mb21Quote Reply