Thread: Peanuts & Cracker Jack: Baseball 2013 Board: Oblivion / Ship of Fools.


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Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :
 
Spring training is under way! Time to start the baseball thread. After all, Spring hopes are eternal!

So what will this season bring? Will the Giants repeat as champions? Will the Dodgers run out of money? Will most of the Yankees and Phillies qualify for Social Security retirement? Time will tell--it always does, the little snitch.

This year also brings another installment of the World Baseball Classic, starting in another couple weeks. Any thoughts and/or feelings about it?

And, to tidy up things from last year's thread, the Australian Baseball League concluded its season with Canberra Cavalry defeating defending champion Perth Heat. My favorites, the Sydney Blue Sox, finished in second place during the regular season, but were knocked out of the playoffs by Perth.

So have it! Batter up!
 

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Posted by Winnow (# 5656) on :
 
Did you see Tim Lincecum's new haircut!!?? As they said: instead of looking 14, he now looks 12. Hope this makes a big improvement in his pitching! SF Giants forever! (SF 49ers also, but that's another thread ... )
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
I've signed up for the Pittsburgh Pirates newsline, so I'll be kept abreast of all their excuses as my heroes blunder towards another ever so slightly disappointing season.
 

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Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :
 
Lincecum's new 'do is startling--but I like it better than the "old mop head" style he had been wearing.

SF has the burden of trying to repeat as World Series champ (in consecutive seasons I mean). That is tough to do. It hasn't happened in the past ten years. It will be extra tough this year with the Dodgers spending so much to buy a championship. LAD is now the highest spending team in MLB, leaving even the Yankees in the dust.

I still have hopes for the Pirates to put together a winning season. I really really really thought that they would do it last year--but that just added to the evidence that I cannot predict baseball worth a tinker's darn. So this year I am NOT predicting it. I am just hoping.

I also am hoping that, after last year, my Phillies will have a bit of a fire under them to compete this year. Honestly, to do that I think we need some of our youngsters to surprise people and put up big numbers. Our old guys are, well, old. When you start having four or five starters talking about how they want to end their careers with the Phils, it is not a good sign...
 

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Posted by Barnabas62 (# 9110) on :
 
I agree with Hedgehog about repeating. I think the Giants will have another playoff season, but last year's WS win happened in most unlikely fashion any way.

Too early to pick winners really, but my gut feel is that the WS winner this year will come from the AL, much as it pains me to say that.

Lincecum's hair. Definitely a better look. I hope his pitching is better too.
 

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Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 
Toronto as a city is excited about the Jays for the first time in 20 years.

We'll see what happens.
 

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Posted by Amazing Grace (# 95) on :
 
Hedgehog, perfect title! I was trying to think of one when the old thread was closed.

Oh, Timmy. I am highly ironically amused that a _man's_ new hair-do is a topic of "news". I like the riot nrrd look much, much, much better than Stoner Boy, but I don't give a damn if he's pitching well.

Around here, we are hoping that the A's and Giants have successful seasons again this year and are ready to PLAY BALL! My folks couldn't get in the places they usually stay when they go to the Cactus League, so they aren't going. That's a bandwagon, folks! Although I'm grumpy that Brandon McCarthy got traded. Besides mad skillz and a great story, he and his lovely and witty wife Amanda give some of the best Twitter around.
 

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Posted by ChaliceGirl (# 13656) on :
 
Lets go Phillies!

Please, please do not do a repeat of last year!
 

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Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :
 
I hope so too, ChaliceGirl. But the Phils have a big mountain to climb. I have been reviewing the predictions from various experts and/or knowledgable sorts. There is little agreement on anything with respect to this coming season--with the exception of the NL East. So help me, everybody is predicting the same thing: Nationals take 1st; Braves 2nd; Phillies 3rd--and then the Mets a distant 4th, followed by the Marlins in last.

As always, avoiding injury is key but, when you have older players, injuries are more common. For all practical purposes, we have been waiting for both Chase Utley and Ryan Howard to "come back" from injury for over a year now and I think that they are key to the team making any sort of run for the playoffs.
 

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Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :
 
The World Baseball Classic is about to kick off. The first games are:

Australia v. Chinese Taipei
Japan v. Brazil
Korea v. Netherlands

I know I stink at predictions, but I can't resist. I give Australia the edge in its game. Defending Champion Japan will not have too much trouble with Brazil. The last game is tough, but I think I favor Korea over Netherlands.
 

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Posted by Kyzyl (# 374) on :
 
Interested in how my Astros do in a new league. Couldn't do much worse and I might get to see them come through Minneapolis.
 

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Posted by ChaliceGirl (# 13656) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Hedgehog:
I hope so too, ChaliceGirl. But the Phils have a big mountain to climb. I have been reviewing the predictions from various experts and/or knowledgable sorts. There is little agreement on anything with respect to this coming season--with the exception of the NL East. So help me, everybody is predicting the same thing: Nationals take 1st; Braves 2nd; Phillies 3rd--and then the Mets a distant 4th, followed by the Marlins in last.

As always, avoiding injury is key but, when you have older players, injuries are more common. For all practical purposes, we have been waiting for both Chase Utley and Ryan Howard to "come back" from injury for over a year now and I think that they are key to the team making any sort of run for the playoffs.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Hedgehog:
For all practical purposes, Groups A & B of the World Baseball Classic have finished the first round (Cuba and Japan still have a game to play, but it won't affect who advances to the next round).

Out of Group A, Cuba and Japan will advance. No surprises there. Out of Group B, though, the two teams that will advance are the Netherlands and Taiwan (Chinese Taipei). South Korea is going home. That is a shock to me considering that South Korea played in the final match last time (2009). Being knocked out in the first round is quite a come-down.

Groups C & D will start play on March 7.

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Originally posted by Mere Nick:
The Japan-CT game this morning was one of the best games I've ever seen.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Hedgehog:

quote:

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Originally posted by Mere Nick:
The Japan-CT game this morning was one of the best games I've ever seen.

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That was an amazing game, right up to the last play. I really thought CT would pull it out.

In its opener, USA fell to Mexico, 5-2. Italy has already beaten Mexico and Canada. I am a little unclear about the tiebreaker format, but I think that, assuming Mexico also beats Canada (and so far in this WBC such assumptions are dangerous), the only way for USA to advance is to beat both Canada and Italy--and it has to beat Italy by at least 3 runs (I don't think the Canada score will matter as long USA wins). In other words, USA has a bit of a hill to climb just to make it to the next round.

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Originally posted by Mere Nick:
Well, Mexico and Canada just had an excellent brawl. I like it when folks take their baseball seriously.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Amazing Grace:

quote:

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Originally posted by Mere Nick:
Well, Mexico and Canada just had an excellent brawl. I like it when folks take their baseball seriously.

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That was pretty spectacular. I haven't seen anything like that in a while.

To those who have seen the vid, is it just me, or did it look like the Mexican pitcher was trying to hit the batter right in the nuts with those "way inside" pitches?

I was amused by Sergio Romo in the midst trying to stop the fight by looking disapproving, at the same time I was thinking "Get out of there, you idiot, before someone punches you out!".

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quote:

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Originally posted by Mere Nick:

quote:

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Originally posted by Amazing Grace:

quote:

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Originally posted by Mere Nick:
Well, Mexico and Canada just had an excellent brawl. I like it when folks take their baseball seriously.

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That was pretty spectacular. I haven't seen anything like that in a while.

To those who have seen the vid, is it just me, or did it look like the Mexican pitcher was trying to hit the batter right in the nuts with those "way inside" pitches?

I was amused by Sergio Romo in the midst trying to stop the fight by looking disapproving, at the same time I was thinking "Get out of there, you idiot, before someone punches you out!".

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Yeah, it appears that the more money you make in pro ball the further back you stand from the brawl.

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I rather liked what the game commentator said just as the Mexico players were pouring from the dugout. In rather a shocked voice he said: "You DON'T want to fight the hockey players!"

Another great game this morning, with the Netherlands eliminating Cuba with a walk-off sacrifice fly. So two of the last four teams are decided (Japan and the Netherlands). The final two will be determined from: Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, USA and Italy. The USA really needs to raise its game or it will never make it out of that group.
 

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Posted by Mere Nick (# 11827) on :
 
Tonight at 7 should be a great game - US vs DR.
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
My lovely wife and about ten of our friends shall be singing the National Anthem on Sunday: I believe it is at The Padres Spring Training Stadium. I am the designated driver and I shall be listening!
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
On the 15th, US was battling Puerto Rico: PR were winning 4-2 when I finished my third Irish whisky at the local Knights of Columbus chapter house and my lovely bride drove me home....
 

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Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :
 
Yes, U.S. fell to Puerto Rico, 4-3. That was disappointing but not completely unexpected.

However, even more shocking is that, on Sunday, Puerto Rico also defeated Japan--thereby eliminating the two-time defending champ from the tournament. The Dominican Republic will be playing the Netherlands tonight to see who will play PR for the title. Can the Netherlands continue its fairy tale run? Should we rename them Never-Never-Lands?
 

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Posted by Amazing Grace (# 95) on :
 
The exhibition Bay Bridge Series concluded (Thursday and Friday games when I was in church). It's beginning to look a lot like Baseball.

I guess the Stros and the Strangers have a Texan-style standoff tomorrow. Hail Thee Opening Day! The A's sold out for their home opener, yee haw!
 

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Posted by Kyzyl (# 374) on :
 
It is going to be fraking cold this week in Minneapolis. The Twins' stadium still has some snow along the base lines!
 

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Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :
 
Opening Day! Houston beat Texas last night to officially start the 2013 season. Another twelve games today, with most of them starting in the afternoon (EST). I suspect my productivity at work will take a bit of a hit today.
 

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Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :
 
A few final scores and a couple of good games as well!

Washington beat Miami, 2-0. But both pitchers pitched well--Washington's runs came on two solo homers by Harper. Otherwise, the rest of the team could not score any more than Miami could.

The Cubs just beat the Pirates 3-1, but Pittsburgh did have the tying runs on base in the bottom of the 9th (and they have the unfortunate "honor" of being the first home team to lose this season--although the Yankees are about to join them, as they are losing to Boston 8-2 with 2 outs...oh, never mind, Game over. The Yankees lose.)

In the biggest blow-out of the year so far, the Mets dismantled San Diego 11-2.

There is a great game going on in Milwaukee (vs. Colorado). The Brewers just rallied from a 2-run deficit in the bottom of the 8th to take a 4-3 lead. They are in the top of the 9th as I type.

Out in LA, San Francisco vs. Dodgers is still in the early innings. No score yet.

Oh. My. 2 outs in the top of the 9th and Colorado just got a game-tying home run by Dexter Fowler. Excuse me. I have to listen to the rest of this game...
 

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Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :
 
UPDATE: Brewers win 5-4 in 10 innings. Winning run driven in by a sacrifice fly. That was fun!
 

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Posted by Inanna (# 538) on :
 
Let's go Tigers! Nice start, with a 3-0 lead over the Twins by the fourth inning ... but knowing this team, I'm not holding my breath. We've collapsed and lost games from stronger situations than this. Especially given that we don't have a set closing pitcher right now...
 

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Posted by Mere Nick (# 11827) on :
 
Being a good Christian, I will be supporting my beloved Braves tonight against the Philadelphia Philistines.
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Hedgehog:
A few final scores and a couple of good games as well!

The Cubs just beat the Pirates 3-1, but Pittsburgh did have the tying runs on base in the bottom of the 9th (and they have the unfortunate "honor" of being the first home team to lose this season)

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quote:

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Originally posted by Inanna:
Let's go Tigers! Nice start, with a 3-0 lead over the Twins by the fourth inning ... but knowing this team, I'm not holding my breath. We've collapsed and lost games from stronger situations than this. Especially given that we don't have a set closing pitcher right now...

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quote:

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Originally posted by Hedgehog:
The Cubs just beat the Pirates 3-1,

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quote:

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Originally posted by Hedgehog:

quote:

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Originally posted by Inanna:
Let's go Tigers! Nice start, with a 3-0 lead over the Twins by the fourth inning ... but knowing this team, I'm not holding my breath. We've collapsed and lost games from stronger situations than this. Especially given that we don't have a set closing pitcher right now...

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Tigers win! Although they DID make it interesting...

And, Mere Nick, the only reason I am not responding to your vile calumny is that the Phils are losing right now. It's a City of Brotherly Love thing...we keep thinking we have to let teams win their home openers.

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Originally posted by Mere Nick:
Well, one of the great things about baseball is that you just don't know. Who would have guessed that Luis Avilan would be the one to pull the Braves fat out of the fire last night?

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Originally posted by South Coast Kevin:
Ooh, just seen Yu Darvish was one out away from a perfect game for the Rangers last night! I'm a long-distance Rangers fan so this pleases me, and Darvish's 70mph curveball is a thing of beauty. I couldn't see a great example on the clip the MLB website has of his strikeouts from yesterday's game, but look out for it when you see him pitch. /Fanboy

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Originally posted by Kyzyl:
Interested in how my Astros do in a new league. Couldn't do much worse and I might get to see them come through Minneapolis.

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Originally posted by Hedgehog:
As usual at the start of the year, I like to see which team stays undefeated the longest and which is unvictorious the longest. Last year was disappointing as I think every team had at least one win and one lost within the first week.

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Originally posted by Hedgehog:
The Pirates are having a nightmare against Arizona today. The Diamondbacks are ahead 10-1...in the 4th inning. Brutal.

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Originally posted by Barnabas62:
Some early season Giants reflections.

I see Romo is 100% in saves for the Giants. The little man with the little beard is looking much more secure than the big man with the big beard. A case of "fear the (different) beard".

Early days; I'm hoping that Matt Cain won't become this year's Lincecum-like problem pitcher. And again on pitching, Zito is looking very good so far. And bat-productive too.

Speaking of which, the bats have woken up! Long may that continue.

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Originally posted by Amazing Grace:
The big baseball news today is, of course, the major brawl last night in San Diego. Since Dodgers ace Greinke broke his collarbone in the first of the melees, he'll be out for a while. This is even bigger news locally because, of course, it may make a large difference in the division.

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Honestly, I have biding my time waiting to see if any Dodgers fans on the Ship would post about it. Bad news for them--although the speculation is that it will only keep Greinke out for 4 to 6 weeks. I find that amazingly fast, but that's what I hear.

Usually brawls look worse than they are and nobody gets hurt. But as my mother always said "it's all fun and games until somebody loses a collarbone..." It will be interesting to see what sort of punishments get handed down. Both now and next week when those two teams play again!!
 

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Posted by Barnabas62 (# 9110) on :
 
And, of course, Romo now has his first loss in after a topsy turvy 9th. Tempting fate, that was ...
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
I missed it!


 

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Posted by Amazing Grace (# 95) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Hedgehog:

quote:

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Originally posted by Amazing Grace:
The big baseball news today is, of course, the major brawl last night in San Diego. Since Dodgers ace Greinke broke his collarbone in the first of the melees, he'll be out for a while. This is even bigger news locally because, of course, it may make a large difference in the division.

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Honestly, I have biding my time waiting to see if any Dodgers fans on the Ship would post about it. Bad news for them--although the speculation is that it will only keep Greinke out for 4 to 6 weeks. I find that amazingly fast, but that's what I hear.

Usually brawls look worse than they are and nobody gets hurt. But as my mother always said "it's all fun and games until somebody loses a collarbone..." It will be interesting to see what sort of punishments get handed down. Both now and next week when those two teams play again!!

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Originally posted by Amazing Grace:
"Yo AG, your A's and Giants announcers are really great, and Imma let you finish, but I just wanted to say that Vin Scully is one the best announcers working in baseball OF ALL TIME" - with apologies to Kanye West

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
We just saw "42": fantastic film! Would that our present-day Dodgers could have similar success!
 

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Posted by AmyBo (# 15040) on :
 
Just got back from our first Twins game of the year - a balmy 32 degrees wasn't so bad when you got out of the wind. I love having an outdoor stadium, plus the Angels bit it
 

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Posted by Amazing Grace (# 95) on :
 
The Rox got their game called due to what looked like at least 6" of snow at Coors Field.

The A's played in a _lot_ of wind (v. v. gusty near the Bay, which their stadium is) and dropping temperatures, which made me think that the fans who stayed to the end deserved a decoration similar to the old Croix de Candlestick. The game went long (the A's scored _a lot_ ... it finished after 10:30 pm) and wasn't in doubt after the top of the first, so props to the fans who stayed!
 

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Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :
 
The Phillies have now managed to go four consecutive games without any Phillies batter drawing a walk.

According to a source of mine, since 1916, only one other team has managed to go longer than four games without a walk--the 1919-1920 Phillies (who managed to Not Walk for an amazing seven consecutive games).
 

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Posted by Mere Nick (# 11827) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Amazing Grace:
Given the $$$ most clubs are paying for talent, it's not surprising - manager, coaches, agents all working to try to calm the hotter heads;

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quote:

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Originally posted by Sioni Sais:

quote:

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Originally posted by Hedgehog:
The Pirates are having a nightmare against Arizona today. The Diamondbacks are ahead 10-1...in the 4th inning. Brutal.

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Hey! We won the rest of the game!

Not a great start, but the season is young.

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Your Pirates sure spoke on the pompetus of humility to my beloved Braves.
 

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Posted by South Coast Kevin (# 16130) on :
 
Darvish does it again - he's 4-1 on the season and hasn't conceded a run in his last 18 innings

11 Ks against the Angels last night, and check out the curveballs recorded at 64mph (64! Compared to an above-90 fastball!) at 1:18 and 61mph (61!?*#) at 1:36 on the MLB recap. Darvish's final victim was Josh Hamilton, heh heh.
 

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Posted by Mere Nick (# 11827) on :
 
I was wanting to see that curveball but the link was just to the Rangers putting 9 across in the top of the 4th.

A curveball that slows makes me think he could be working on an Eephus.
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Mere Nick:

quote:

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Originally posted by Sioni Sais:

quote:

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Originally posted by Hedgehog:
The Pirates are having a nightmare against Arizona today. The Diamondbacks are ahead 10-1...in the 4th inning. Brutal.

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Hey! We won the rest of the game!

Not a great start, but the season is young.

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Your Pirates sure spoke on the pompetus of humility to my beloved Braves.

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Originally posted by Barnabas62:
Just got an email from Sky TV informing me that my sub to ESPN America ends in July (following a new deal between ESPN and British Telecom.) So baseball TV coverage in the UK is changing hands .. still looking at my options.

Not blessed!

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I suppose that means I'll get something similar from Virgin.
 

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Posted by Barnabas62 (# 9110) on :
 
It's possible to take out an online licence from MLB for use with PC/laptop and the season cost doesn't look too high. That looks like my best option at present - might need some extra store for downloads ...

Where there's a will.
 

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Posted by South Coast Kevin (# 16130) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Mere Nick:
I was wanting to see that curveball but the link was just to the Rangers putting 9 across in the top of the 4th.

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quote:

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Originally posted by South Coast Kevin:

quote:

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Originally posted by Mere Nick:
I was wanting to see that curveball but the link was just to the Rangers putting 9 across in the top of the 4th.

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Sorry about that, try this one instead. Still at 1:18 and 1:36.

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That's a great curveball, no doubt. What surely makes it tough is that he can use it for an out pitch so when you have two on you there's no telling what he's throwing and you can't sit on a pitch.
 

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Posted by South Coast Kevin (# 16130) on :
 
The Darvish curveball can be hit though, check it out (from 1:10). I don't know how, mind you; did the batter recognise the curveball wind-up or was it a lucky guess? Maybe it was so slow that he had time to swing as a second reaction, after initially leaving it!
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Is that a new(ish) curveball? If so, we ought to look at how well he's doing in a month or so, when more batters will have seen faced him and seen videos.

My guess is that batters play him late, with this pitch in mind. What's his mind going to be like* if they do that all summer?

*I've seen good bowlers go to pieces in cricket when the batting community work them out. Can't run to the crease, they lose their body action. Some even lose the ability to let go of the ball. Poor guys
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Hedgehog:
I don't suppose Sky offers MLB Network, does it? When I travel I grumble excessively that almost no hotel that I stay in carries MLB Network.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Sioni Sais:
Is that a new(ish) curveball? If so, we ought to look at how well he's doing in a month or so, when more batters will have seen faced him and seen videos.

My guess is that batters play him late, with this pitch in mind. What's his mind going to be like if they do that all summer?

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quote:

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Originally posted by Sir Kevin:

quote:

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Originally posted by Hedgehog:
I don't suppose Sky offers MLB Network, does it? When I travel I grumble excessively that almost no hotel that I stay in carries MLB Network.

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I have that, but I don't get all of the games because I don't pay extra for them.

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Originally posted by Sir Kevin:
Throwing money at a problem doesn't always solve it!

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I think a Dodgers fan would know that quite well!

 

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Posted by Mere Nick (# 11827) on :
 
If any of you haven't seen Money Ball, I'd highly recommend it. Not that my recommendation is worth any more than that of the lady at the convenience store, but it shows how Billy Beane has done so much with relatively so little over the years with the Oakland A's.
 

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Posted by South Coast Kevin (# 16130) on :
 
I've still not got round to watching Moneyball, mainly because none of my local IRL friends are the slightest bit interested in baseball. One mate is, but he lives in Louisiana not the south of England!

Check it out, the Rangers walloped Verlander all over the park last night, scoring 8 runs off him in less than 3 innings. Verlander's worst-ever outing, so says the Sports Illustrated report.
 

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Posted by Mere Nick (# 11827) on :
 
I heard about that one. That's the thing about baseball, you never know.

There's never been a pitcher that couldn't get lit up and there's never been a batter that couldn't be whiffed in three.
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Mere Nick:
I heard about that one. That's the thing about baseball, you never know.

There's never been a pitcher that couldn't get lit up and there's never been a batter that couldn't be whiffed in three.

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Originally posted by Hedgehog:
NL Central: Pittsburgh--better than expected. I was hopeful that the Pirates would have a winning record this year, but I was worried that, this year, they would not have the Houston Astros in their division to pad the win total. However, the Bucs are 35-22, the best record they have had at this point in the season for quite some time. I am pleasantly surprised.

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Originally posted by Barnabas62:
Amazing Grace

Very good signs now for the other side of the Bay. For the Giants, not so much. Pitching definitely a growing concern. Without a major turnaround, this is looking like an "also-ran" year.

But the A's have played very well recently, are fast catching the Rangers. I'm impressed, wish them well in the chase.

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Thanks. We had a big slump recently, so glad to see the pitching getting its act together and the team supporting it. 9-1 in the last ten games ain't shabby. Hoping for an injury-free future.

The wheels *have* seemed to be going off on the Giants rotation.

I just cast my "Vote Early, Vote Often" All-Star ballot - I vote a straight A's-Giants ticket for all 25 of my allowable votes. I may use another email and cast 25 more . Would love to see Yoenis Cespedes in the game - he really is electric when he's on. But unlike last year, the A's seem to be getting some e-voting support.
 

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Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :
 
MLB has announced that the 2014 regular season will open in March...in Australia. The Dodgers and Diamondbacks (who were just involved in a major brawl with each other) will play the first games of the season on March 22 & 23 at the Sydney Cricket Grounds. The rest of the regular season will start in USA a week later.

Apparently, the then-NY Giants and Chicago White Sox had previously played an exhibition game at the Sydney Cricket Grounds 100 years ago (1914)(well, it will be 100 years by the time the Dodgers and Diamondbacks start brawling there).
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
The Sydney Cricket Grounds also hosts rugby matches and Australian Rules Football (aka 'Footie'). Fighting won't come as a surprise to the Sydneysiders, in fact they will disappointed if the benches don't empty at some stage.
 

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Posted by Amazing Grace (# 95) on :
 
Holy moly, that was quite a brawl. Second major donnybrook that the Dodgers have been involved in. Second one with Greinke as a major protagonist. What the f*@#$ is going on in that clubhouse?

I know the damn unwritten rules and you basically get one shot to try to plink an opposing player. If Greinke had stopped at one, it wouldn't have gotten out of hand.

The NL West appears to be heating up. San Francisco's "Mr. Mellow" Bruce Bochy and one of his pitchers got themselves suspended this week as well.

In news on my side of the Bay, the A's were in another six-hour game which turned out to be 18 innings and a walk off win for the SWEEP of the Yanquis. Happily for the attendees the game started at 1 pm (unlike the previous one, which went till about 3 am). A friend of mine was at the game and says she feels she got 2 for 1 .
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Amazing Grace:
Holy moly, that was quite a brawl. Second major donnybrook that the Dodgers have been involved in. Second one with Greinke as a major protagonist. What the f*@#$ is going on in that clubhouse?

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quote:

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you I know the damn unwritten rules and you basically get one shot to try to plink an opposing player. If Greinke had stopped at one, it wouldn't have gotten out of hand.

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One wouldn't expect a pitcher to need two attempts at a man within reach. Heck, Grienke's pretty good at hitting batters from the mound

[ 14. June 2013, 07:22: Message edited by: Sioni Sais ]
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
It was good to hear my favourite sports broadcaster call the fight: at least my Dodgers won, though we did not do so well the next day!
 

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Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :
 
Officially, the Pirates have just recently recorded the franchise's 10,000th victory. They are 7th on the all-time win charts, behind: Giants; Cubs; Dodgers; Cardinals; Braves; and Reds. Interesting to note that 4 of the top 7 teams on this win chart currently play in the NL Central.

Of course, age of team plays a big part in this. The Pirates are also 4th in all-time losses and those same 4 NL Central teams are in the top 7 of the Loss List: Phillies; Braves; Cubs; Pirates; Reds; Cardinals; Dodgers.

The other interesting thing is that Pittsburgh is, allegedly, refusing to recognize the 10,000th win. This has to do with the franchise history. In 1882, there was a league called the American Association ("AA"). The AA was formed in 1882 and folded in 1891, but it was a recognized "major league" (i.e., recognized by MLB). One of the founding member teams of the AA was the "Alleghenys." In 1887, the Alleghenys jumped from the AA to become a National League (NL) club and became the "Pittsburgh Alleghenys." In 1891, the franchise was rechartered and renamed the Pittsburgh Pirates.

A long history lesson to simply say that apparently Pittsburgh is refusing to count the records of the AA Alleghenys. MLB, however, does count them as part of the Pirates history. Thus, MLB includes the AA Alleghenys victories (about 236 of them, if my math is accurate) in the 10,000-win count.
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
We'll celebrate it and towards the end of the 2015 season we might be celebrating it again!
 

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Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :
 
Now this is embarrassing! For the College World Series, one of the dugouts had it written as the "Colllege" World Series. 3 Ls.

Miss Utah was right. We do need to create education better.
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
My Dodgers won the second game last night!

Puig is invincible and has a batting average well over .400

Looking forward to seeing another game this weekend.
 

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Posted by Mere Nick (# 11827) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hedgehog:
Things were looking bleak, but the batter who was at bat when Lee got caught off of first (Kratz, a catcher, who was only playing because Ruiz got injured earlier in the game) then hits a homerun to tie the game. This was followed by utility infielder Galvis also hitting a homerun to win the game.

So, after practically a full game of no offense, the Phils won with back-to-back homers off the Cincy closer. And the homers were by two batters that are not known for their ability to hit.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sioni Sais:
I've signed up for the Pittsburgh Pirates newsline, so I'll be kept abreast of all their excuses as my heroes blunder towards another ever so slightly disappointing season.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mere Nick:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sioni Sais:
I've signed up for the Pittsburgh Pirates newsline, so I'll be kept abreast of all their excuses as my heroes blunder towards another ever so slightly disappointing season.

---

I'm sure you've noticed that the Pirates now have the best record in the majors.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sir Kevin:
My Dodgers won the second game (of a series) last night!

---

Puig is no longer invincible but still has a batting average over .400 as does Hanley Ramiriez.

Looking forward to seeing another 6-1 game tonight or 6-0 if a shutout can be sustained. We're back with a vengeance! Throwing money at a problem really does fix it: it just takes time...




(Smugly wearing a Dodger t-shirt just found in a bag not used since a surfing safari in January wishing that I had a Dodgers logo on my jogging suit trousers as well....)

[did not notice the typos in "Preview Post". Aaargh!]

[ 10. July 2013, 19:33: Message edited by: Sir Kevin ]
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 

 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
The Dodgers Thread continues: 1/2 a game behind in NL West!
 

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Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :
 
My team (the Phillies, in case you forgot)continues to be overwhelmingly average. The fact that we are in 2d place in our division speaks more to how bad the division is than any virtue on our part.

But today I am just trying to keep my spirits up as Yet Another Suspension of a player for violating the drug policy. Ryan Braun has accepted the suspension. He had been accused some time back but the charge did not stick because of technical irregularities in the collection of the urine sample. At the time, he professed total innocence. Now he admits that he has been engaged in wrongful conduct.

It just leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Coincidentally, this weekend is Hall Of Fame Induction Weekend. As you may recall, no modern players made the cut this past year, largely due to backlash of the steroid era. This year's inductees are: (1) Deacon White, played 1871-1890, barehanded catcher, was the first player at bat in the first game of the first professional league (the "National Association"); (2) Hank O'Day, umpire, 1884-1927, well-respected in an era when umps were not often respected; even when he made controversial calls nobody dreamed of suggesting that he was biased; (3) Jacob Ruppert, Yankees owner 1915-1938, two words: "Babe Ruth."
 

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Posted by Caissa (# 16710) on :
 
My Blue Jays continue to stink up the American League East. Can't pitch, can't field and half of the lineup can't hit. Time to fire the Manager and the General manager.

[ 23. July 2013, 14:26: Message edited by: Caissa ]
 

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Posted by Barnabas62 (# 9110) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hedgehog:
I am very much in the "Don't Want To Jinx The Pirates" camp. One game at a time, guys!

NL West is a bit of a mess right now. Can anybody explain to me what is wrong with the Giants?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mere Nick:
Tim Hudson of my beloved Braves had too much of the bag and was accidently spiked by Eric Young Jr., breaking his ankle. He was pitching what was probably his best game of the season when he was injured in the 8th inning.

---

That was ugly. As much as I will happily cheer against the Braves in the normal run of things, I do not wish any of them ill. What happened to Hudson was awful. It was an accident and I am sure Eric Young feels horribly about it.

Here is hoping that Hudson comes back from his injury as strong as ever. And, ideally, pitching for the Phils...
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
L A Dodgers now half a game ahead atop the N L West!
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Lively game at Washington; both managers ejected, and sixteen runs. Unfortunately the Bucs were on the wrong end of a 9-7 defeat, which was a heck of an improvement on 4-0 down after the first two horrible inning.

btw, I know it's a way to go, but can both wild-card teams come from the same division? Cincinnatti, lying third, have a better record than any side in NL(west) and NL(East)?
 

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Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sioni Sais:
btw, I know it's a way to go, but can both wild-card teams come from the same division?

---

Yes.

(Geez, somebody clip that to the quotes file. One of the few times I have given a straight answer without blathering on.)
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
(I think that's the one)

The Pirates are still top of the majors but I'm very aware that there are a lot of away games to come and McCutchen, our top batter on stats, was out for the last game (at least). Still, our opponents do us the credit of putting strong sides against us and, barring the odd awful implosion (like the 0-13 v St Louis!) we keep winning close games; nerve racking, but better than losing them.

I think that's been the key: we are mean, calm and resilient. How long our pitchers stay effective (enough) worries me though.
 

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Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :
 
Yes, still a lot of games to go. But, just for perspective, the Pirates have already won more games this season than they won in any season from 2005 through 2010.

Only twelve more wins to guaranty a winning record for the first time in 20 years!

Between the PED scandals and the poor play of the Phillies, it has not been a pleasant baseball season for me. Still, if I couldn't handle adversity I wouldn't be a Phillies fan. After all, historically no team in professional sports has lost as frequently as the Phillies.
 

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Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :
 
The San Francisco Giants are on the path for a little history. If they manage to finish in last place in their division, they will be only the second team in modern World Series history to have won the World Series one year and finished in "last place" (in their division) the following year.

Baseball-Reference blog post on it.

The only other team was the 1998 Marlins, who won the World Series in 1997, then traded away all the team's talent and finished in last place in the NL East in 1998.

Of course, it isn't a truly fair comparison. The Giants are in 5th, which is last place in their division. But, for example, the St. Louis Cardinals won it all in 1964 and then finished in 7th place the following year...but it wasn't a last place finish because the division had ten teams in those days.
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Did I say something about "winning close games" a week ago? Me and my big mouth.
 

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Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Og: Thread Killer:
Toronto as a city is excited about the Jays for the first time in 20 years.

We'll see what happens.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sir Kevin:
I hope my Dodgers remain at least 7 games ahead, but I cannot get the game on television just now - may have to wait for tomorrow's copy of the Times...

---

quote:

---

(d) Intentionally Pitch at the Batter.
If, in the umpire’s judgment, such a violation occurs, the umpire may elect either to:
1. Expel the pitcher, or the manager and the pitcher, from the game, or
2. may warn the pitcher and the manager of both teams that another such pitch will result in the immediate expulsion of that pitcher (or a replacement) and the manager.

If, in the umpire’s judgment, circumstances warrant, both teams may be officially “warned” prior to the game or at any time during the game.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hedgehog:
Nope. The Braves didn't hit anybody. Of course, the game was tied 1-1 until the 10th, so the desire not to put the winning run on base may have held their hand.

But that is the cynic in me. It is much nicer to think that they recognized that it was a pure accident that Heyward was hit and so it was not the proper subject for any retribution.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by RuthW:
But I went so far as to calculate their magic number the other day.

---

I think it is now 27 (following today's Dodgers win over Miami combined with a D-backs loss to Cincy).

Just because it is nagging at me, let me correct a mis-statement I made earlier. It was JASON Heyward who got hit by a pitch, not "Justin." I can never keep his name straight.
 

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Posted by Mere Nick (# 11827) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hedgehog:
It was JASON Heyward who got hit by a pitch, not "Justin." I can never keep his name straight.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Caissa:
My Blue Jays continue to under-perfom given there off-season acquisitions. Time for the GM to be sacked.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sir Kevin:
Dodgers Rule!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sioni Sais:
btw, are the Braves really that good?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hedgehog:


Against the American League, the Pirates are an awesome .706, compared to the Braves' .550. But they are playing different AL teams, so it isn't a fair comparison.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sir Kevin:
My Dodgers are juggernauts again. Onward and upward, to success in October!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hedgehog:
Congrats to the Dodgers on being the first team to clinch a division this year!

I find that to be something of a mixed blessing. The pressure is off them and the temptation is to not play as hard (rationale: stay rested and uninjured). But the playoffs won't start for Quite Some Time. It is easy for a team to get rusty while waiting.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sioni Sais:
With the Dodgers assured of a place will they rest their leading players with a view to October? If so, those sides who will play them over the next few days may be at an advantage, unless you have some all-powerful commissioner who can punish sides for running an understrength side. Does there exist a person with such powers?

---

Not really. It depends on the character of the team. A couple years back the Phillies had clinched early. After that they played a series against the Braves (IIRC) when the Braves still had a chance at a wild card spot. The Phillies' manager played all out to win because he thought he owed it to the sport not to just roll over and let another team win. As it turned out, those games essentially knocked the Braves out of the playoffs...and then during the playoffs the Phillies were eliminated by the team that got into the playoffs because the Braves were eliminated.

But it is not unreasonable, after a long season, to try to rest your top players and let them heal some of their bumps and bruises to be healthy for the playoffs. Thus, I don't think the Commissioner could stop a team from not playing their top players. There is a difference between not trying very hard because you have no motivation and actually throwing a game. Throwing a game is illegal. Not trying hard is not. I suppose if it became too blatant he could step in, but it would have to be pretty blatant ("Now batting for LA, the left field ball girl...").

However, there is still some incentive for a team that has clinched early to keep playing, because home field advantage is based on which playoff teams have the best records. So the Dodgers will still want to win games to try to get home field advantage through at least some of the playoffs.
 

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Posted by Mere Nick (# 11827) on :
 
My beloved Braves just drilled the Phillies in a merciless 1-0 slaughter.

Seriously, the best pitcher's duel I've ever seen.
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
I hate the Giants with a fiery passion: one of their evil fans stabbed one of my Dodger fans outside Pac Bell park and the fan died after the game a couple of days ago!



********************************************************************


 

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Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sir Kevin:
I hate the Giants with a fiery passion: one of their evil fans stabbed one of my Dodger fans outside Pac Bell park and the fan died after the game a couple of days ago!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sioni Sais:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sir Kevin:
My Dodgers are juggernauts again. Onward and upward, to success in October!

---

But Sir K, look at the records of the other teams in your division. Three sides are all but certain to finish with a losing season and the remaining one may well do so. The Dodgers are a big fish in small pool, or so it seems to this baseball newcomer on this side of the Pond.

---

That's how it looks to everyone! The runners-up, Arizona, finished 81-81, and the other three teams had losing seasons, as you note. The Dodgers would be second in the East and only third in the Central division.

But only Texas matched the Dodgers' record on the road: 45-36. So I am not despairing at their not having the home field advantage.
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
We don't have home field advantage?! I should have read The Times today! We can beat the bloody Braves anyway if Kershaw starts and Wilson closes! I grew up in Pasadena, just three miles from Chavez Ravine in the days of Koufax and Drysdale when Vin was still on the radio before he went to KTLA.
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
There was a video of ground staff at PNC painting the field for the Wild Card game. I could see three guys and I think there was one with a brush, one with a bucket of paint and one with a book reading out "P.O.S.T.S.E.A.S.O.N.", to make sure it got spelled out right.
 

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Posted by Mere Nick (# 11827) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sir Kevin:
We don't have home field advantage?! I should have read The Times today! We can beat the bloody Braves anyway if Kershaw starts and Wilson closes! I grew up in Pasadena, just three miles from Chavez Ravine in the days of Koufax and Drysdale when Vin was still on the radio before he went to KTLA.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mere Nick:
Should be a pitchers duel but, this being baseball, anything can happen.

---

It is not only baseball, but playoff baseball. The playoffs: where Gibson can hit a homer despite barely being able to walk; where C.C. Sabathia can have an 0-2 count against the opposing pitcher and still end up walking him; where an ump can call the infield fly rule for a ball hit into the outfield...

Should be fun!
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Not exactly a pitchers' duel but homecrowd v pitcher had some effect.
 

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Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :
 
Home crowd can definitely unsettle a pitcher. My prior post I referenced C.C. Sabathia. It was 2008. Sabathia was pitching for the Brewers at the time and they were playing the Phillies in a playoff game. Bottom of the 2d, man on second. And Brett Meyers (the Phils' pitcher) came up to bat. He was not a hitting threat. His batting average was something under .100. And his at-bat went like this:

1st pitch: swinging strike. Count 0-1
2nd pitch: swinging strike. Count 0-2
3rd pitch: ball. Count 1-2. Small smattering of applause that Meyers held off on swinging at it.
4th pitch: foul. Count 1-2. Somewhat sarcastic applause that Meyers managed to get the bat on the ball.
5th pitch: ball. Count 2-2. Applause a little louder and more sincere.
6th pitch: foul. Count 2-2. Applause much louder and totally sincere.
7th pitch: ball. Count 3-2. Cheers, applause, getting very loud.
8th pitch: foul. Count 3-2. Crowd on their feet screaming and cheering. Deafening.
9th pitch: ball. Meyers walks. And the crowd goes wild.

And that clearly rattled Sabathia. He proceeded to walk the next batter on 4 straight pitches. And the batter after that hit a grand slam.

So, yes, there is no doubt that the home town crowd in a sold-out stadium helped the Pirates win that game.
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
After Thursday's debacle the Pirates roared back to level the best-of-five series with two of the remaining three games in Pittsburgh. I'd rather go into a home game on the back of a lose-win sequence than a win-lose one. Let's have good, noisy crowds on Sunday and Monday and a quiet Wednesday.
 

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Posted by The5thMary (# 12953) on :
 
C'mon Braves! Beat those damn Dodgers! (Normally I like the Dodgers but one of my good friends loves them too and is always dissing the Braves... so, I have to hate the Dodgers right now.)

Go, Braves! Except for their stupid racist "Tomahawk Chop", I love me some Braves!
 

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Posted by RuthW (# 13) on :
 


Not exactly a pitching duel this evening, but I don't care. The Dodgers split the first two against the team with the best home record in baseball this year, and now they have two chances to win one game.

I hope Nolasco looks better tomorrow night than he has lately, though.
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
A tighter game at PNC Park but that's the situation the Pirates are in too. I'll admit that we won with our best starter last night but the Cardinals won the first with theirs, and the match featuring those that could be described as second-strings was won by the away side.

Let's see how well Wacha reacts to the Pittsburgh crowd.
 

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Posted by The5thMary (# 12953) on :
 
Well, much as I hate to admit it, the Dodgers were on fire last night! They handed the Braves their asses on a platter. Great baseball is great baseball. Sure, I'd love for my favorite teams to win but when the opposing team plays so well and with such skill, I end up cheering them on!

I have this sinking feeling the Braves are going to turn into Hoover vacuum cleaners and suck!
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by RuthW:



I hope Nolasco looks better tomorrow night than he has lately, though.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hedgehog:
The Cardinals-Pirates series has been intense. So far, it is my favorite post-season series this year. Dodgers dominated the Braves. Although the Rays have lived to fight another day, the Red Sox have been dominating them too. The As-Tigers series has been interesting, but I have difficulty warming up to either team. But watching the Cardinals-Pirates has been compelling every game!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hedgehog:
Dodgers dominated the Braves.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hedgehog:
That's a bit tricky to answer. In the regular season, you generally want your starter to go as long as possible (generally in excess of 100 pitches). The reason is that you don't want to wear out your bullpen.

---

quote:

---

(Why relief pitchers wear out faster than starters is a more complicated question.)

---

quote:

---

But when you are in the playoffs in a "short series" (especially when there are only 2 games left in the series) there is no need to save your bullpen. So the theory is that you yank your starter as soon as you see cracks developing. I am not a big fan of constantly trotting in new relief pitchers (it feels too much like the manager is trying to find the one pitcher who is NOT effective that day!), but I understand the pressure of a must-win game tends to skew the decisionmaking process.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hedgehog:
Watching Game 6 of the Dodgers-Cardinals series.

Ouch! I am on the verge of listing "the LA Dodgers" in the Celebrity Death Pool thread.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sioni Sais:
It's been a bit of a horror story tonight for the Dodgers, though the Cardinals have had the advantage of a tough series every week (he says, bigging up the NLC).

Generally, ISTM that pitchers are often relieved on an "after the horse has bolted" basis. I'm sure they do get found out at times, or lose form, but on occasions, isn't it for the best to stick with your starter for at least 90 pitches?

---

Mattingly, the Dodgers manager, doesn't seem to like changing pitchers in the middle of innings -- I have no idea why.

If a starter isn't usually good for at least 90 pitchers, he's not a starter. But there is such a thing as leaving a guy in for too long. Former Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda used to do that all the time.

If you really want to be a baseball geek, you can have a look at this record of Pitcher Abuse Points on Baseball Prospectus. Actually, first read this Baseball Prospectus article, where the PAP stat originated.*

*Edit: I notice that he mentions 90s Dodger pitching legend Orel Hershiser leading the league in innings pitched for three years and then blowing out his arm. All Lasorda's fault.

[ 21. October 2013, 19:25: Message edited by: RuthW ]
 

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Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :
 
The World Series starts tonight. Any predictions? My track record has been one of being invariably wrong, but past results are no guaranty of future returns. Soooooo, I am guessing that St. Louis wins in 6 games.
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
On the basis that any side that beat the Pirates must be pretty good, and that the Cards play nine-a-side I'm with them, but it will go to seven.
 

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Posted by Porridge (# 15405) on :
 
The Sox have taken an early lead in Game 1.

Go Sox!
 

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Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on :
 
Okay, so my prediction is now officially wrong--there is no way for St. Louis to win in 6 games. Nice to know that my prognostication record remains intact.

Boston went into St. Louis and won 2 out of 3. You have to like Boston's odds for winning the series.
 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
I'm recording tonight's game as I have a gig tonight and I'm hoping the series will go to 7 games as is my father in law who grew up in the St. Louis area...
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
I've been in world series hell. rehearsing a new show and I've had rehearsal during each goddamn game.

I might have to call in dead to rehearsal tonight.
 

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Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on :
 
Yes folks, baseball gets reported in Britain!

My memory is of David Ortiz chugging round the bases, looking like anything but an athlete, but St Louis couldn't convert enough hits into runs. Whether that's down to great pitching or fallible batting is one for the winter.
 

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Posted by Barnabas62 (# 9110) on :
 
Watched as much of the WS as I could (ESPN lives as part of the UK BT Sports package). David Ortiz was stellar - why didn't they pitch round him more?

Red Sox much deserved the WS win. Congrats to them, commiz to Cards fans.

Maybe my beloved Giants will turn it around next year? After all, the Sox did. Zeros to heroes indeed!
 

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Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on :
 
I'm a Sox fan but I cheered for the Cards all season as my NL team, so for me, this was a World Series made in heaven. And watching them win in Fenway was one of the best sports moments of my life...

I have a stuffed Wally the Green Monster plush toy that I will be carrying around everywhere with me today
 

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