Dodgers 200 Minor League Countdown: 160 - 151
by Brandon Lennox on Dec 20, 2010 8:15 AM PST
in Los Angeles Dodgers Minor League Report
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PrintHere is part 5 of my Dodger minor league countdown. With this post, we are now 25% of the way through the countdown to the Dodgers' top prospects. As a reminder, my ranking includes players in Dodgers minor league system who meets the following qualifications: (1) played in the Dodgers minor league system during 2010, or were injured during the entire 2010 season; (2) is still within the Dodgers organization as of season end; (3) will be under 28 years old as of Opening Day 2011; and (4) the player is still considered a prospect by Baseball America Standards, which means that pitchers must have less than 50 innings pitched in the majors, and hitters must have less than 130 at bats in the majors, regardless of service time. Also, remember that I put together this list after the season was complete, so there are some players in my list that are no longer with the Dodgers organization.
160. Eric Thompson, RHP (3.2 IP in AAA, 3 IP in AA, 20 IP in HiA in 2010) Drafted by Dodgers 2006, 23rd round 6’6”, 210 lbs, 23 years old 0-1, 9.79 ERA, 2.10 WHIP, 6.20 FIP, 7.76 K/9 Pre 2010 Rank: 156; Pre 2009 Rank: 121 Eric Thompson was drafted out of high school in 2006, and even though he was a 23rd round pick, the Dodgers had to pay him a fairly large signing bonus to convince him put his basketball career aside. The thought was that the 6’6” pitcher would have the ideal frame and size to be a power pitcher. After three years of struggling through Rookie ball, Thompson finally got the chance to play against tougher competition in 2010. The results were very ugly, however, as Thompson amassed a combined 9.79 ERA through stops in Inland Empire, Chattanooga, and Albuquerque. Like a few other Dodger minor leaguers, Thompson served as an emergency fill in when injuries struck the upper minor leagues. Probably the biggest surprise to his season was that after spending all of 2009 in the Pioneer League, Thompson actually made his 2010 debut in AAA. He only lasted for two appearances before moving down to AA for a single spot start. He finally settled in with the 66ers as he spent the final 2 months of the season in Inland Empire, but had an 8.10 ERA through 20 innings. Playing the entire 2010 season as a 22 year old, Thomason was simply unable to find a groove and it showed in his stats. I’m guessing that Eric would have been better off spending the entire season in either LoA or HiA, but the Dodgers had other plans. Despite his ugly stats, Thompson still seemed to have potential, and I was hoping he’d get the chance to prove that with a full season in Rancho Cucamonga next season. However, he has been released per Baseball America, so he won’t be around next year. Since I had already finalized my ranking by the time he was released, this is basically where he would have ranked had he stayed in the Dodgers system for 2011.
159. Adner Ruiz, LHP (39.1 IP in DSL in 2010)
Signed by Dodgers in 2010
6’1”, 180 lbs, 22 years old
1-2, 2.06 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 3.53 FIP, 7.55 K/9
Pre 2010 Rank: N/A; Pre 2009 Rank: N/A
Adner Ruiz isn’t your typical Dominican Summer League because the Dodgers are actually his 2nd organization. He started is professional career with the Cubs in 2008, and actually had outstanding stats in both 2008 and 2009. In 2008, he had a 1.91 ERA in 47 innings and batters hit .177 against him, and in 2009 he had a 2.37 ERA in 38 innings and batters hit .171 against him. Nevertheless, the Cubs released Ruiz at the end of the 2009 season probably because he was already 20 years old. The Dodgers didn’t let his age scare them however, as they decided to take a chance on him in 2010. Ruiz had yet another solid season, albeit against much younger competition, as he posted a 2.06 ERA. He did walk too many batters, which is why his WHIP was a little high, but that was really the only negative to his season. At the end of the year, the Dodgers must have seen something they liked because he has already been re-signed for 2011 (according to Baseball America). I highly doubt the Dodgers would re-sign Ruiz to send him back to the DSL, so I expect him to make an appearance in Arizona next season.
158. Raul Burgos, RHP (24.2 IP in Pioneer League in 2010)
Acquired in 2009 minor league portion of Rule 5 draft
6’1”, 210 lbs, 23.5 years old
1-1, 4.74 ERA, 1.70 WHIP, 2.92 FIP, 9.12 K/9
Pre 2010 Rank: N/A; Pre 2009 Rank: N/A
Raul Burgos was signed by the Giants out of the Dominican Republic prior to the 2005 season. After spending two seasons as a position player in the DSL, Burgos was moved to the mound because he was unable to get his average above .190 in either season. He spent 2007 pitching in the DSL, and then was moved to the Arizona League where he spent all of 2008 and 2009 and had a combined ERA over 5 over 26 innings. After the 2009 season, Raul was selected by the Dodgers in the AA portion of the Rule 5 draft and was sent to the Pioneer League for 2010. With the Raptors, Burgos had a 4.74 ERA and batters hit .330 against him, but his FIP was a more impressive 2.92 due to his solid strikeout to walk ratio and the fact that he only allowed 1 homer all year. Now 23 years old, Burgos will probably play in either LoA or HiA in 2011 and will try to hold his own against older competition.
157. Jose Capellan, C (16 games in DSL in 2010)
Signed by Dodgers in 2009
6’0”, 190 lbs, 20.5 years old, bats right handed
.326 average, .828 OPS, 1 HR, 8 RBI’s, 1 SB
Pre 2010 Rank: 135; Pre 2009 Rank: N/A
Jose Capellan is a 2nd year catcher of out the Dominican Republic who didn’t join the Dominican Dodgers until the end of July due to an undisclosed injury. He did his best to make up for lost time, however, hitting .323 in 46 at bats to go along with a .828 OPS. Capellan also posted a solid walk to strikeout ratio in the 16 games that he played, and is the perfect size for a catcher. Despite his lack of playing time in 2010, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Jose in the Arizona Rookie League for the 2011 season.
156. Josmar Cordero, C (51 games in DSL in 2010)
Signed by Dodgers in 2010
5’10, 175 lbs, 19.5 years old, bats right handed
.255 average, .705 OPS, 4 HR’s, 20 RBI’s, 1 SB
Pre 2010 Rank: N/A; Pre 2009 Rank: N/A
Josmar Cordero was signed out of Venezuela prior to the 2010 season, and led the Dominican Dodger in innings behind the plate. He also had by far had the best season among Dominican Dodger catchers as Cordero threw out 48% of potential base stealers, and also had a very strong showing with the bat. He finished 2nd on the team with 4 homers, and posted a .705 OPS. In addition, he played the entire season as an 18 year old, so he is still very young. While Cordero will most likely require another season in the DSL, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the Arizona Rookie League in 2012.
155. Marlon Urriola, RHP (28.1 IP in Arizona League in 2010)
Signed by Dodgers 5/25/06
6’2”, 165 lbs, 22.75 years old
2-4, 3.18 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 4.01 FIP, 7.31 K/9
Pre 2010 Rank: 181; Pre 2009 Rank: 117
Marlon Urriola has been in the Dodgers organization since 2006, when he debuted as a 17 year old. After spending three seasons in the DSL, the Dodgers promoted Urriola to the Arizona Rookie league in 2009. Unfortunately, he only appeared in 2 games that season due to what I can only assume was some sort of an injury. In 2010, Marlon was able to get in a more work as he appeared in 14 games and threw 28.1 innings while posting a solid 3.18 ERA. However, Urriola’s peripherals were not quite as good as his FIP was 4.01, his strikeout rate was on the low side, and batters hit .261 against him. That prompted the Dodgers to release the 22 year old in December. I think that’s a little unfortunate because Urriloa is still pretty young yet already has 5 years of minor league experience under his belt, but I can see where the Dodgers are coming from. Since I had already finalized my ranking by the time he was released, this is basically where he would have ranked had he stayed in the Dodgers system for 2011.
154. Leo Rodriguez, 2B (49 games in DSL in 2010)
Signed by Dodgers in 2010
5’11”, 160 lbs, 19 years old, bats right handed
.277 average, .682 OPS, 0 HR’s, 12 RBI’s, 5 SB’s
Pre 2010 Rank: N/A; Pre 2009 Rank: N/A
Leo Rodriguez was signed out of the Dominican Republic prior to the 2010 season, and made his professional debut with the DSL Dodgers. He was the Dodgers main 2nd baseman, although he also spent time at 3rd base and shortstop. He played the entire season as an 18 year old, and held his own at the plate with a .277 average and a .682 OPS. The 5’11” infielder also demonstrated great plate discipline and made good contact as he walked almost as much as he struck out in 2010. While Rodriguez didn’t really show any power or speed, the one thing he has going for him is his youth. If he can have a solid season in the DSL in 2011, he should be on track to make the jump to a US based rookie league in 2012. That’s a big IF, but I always hope for the best.
153. B.J. Larosa, C (10 games in Arizona League in 2010)
Drafted by Dodgers 2010, 23rd round
6’2”, 200 lbs, 22.75 years old, bats right handed
.280 average, .791 OPS, 0 HR’s, 2 RBI’s, 0 SB’s
Pre 2010 Rank: N/A; Pre 2009 Rank: N/A
B.J. Larosa was selected in the 23rd round of the 2010 draft out of Bucknell University. The chemical engineering major was coming off a senior season in which he hit a team-high .371 and only struck out 19 times in 202 at bats as the team’s starting catcher. Larosa signed quickly with the Dodgers, and while he probably should have gone to the Pioneer League because of his age, he was assigned to the Arizona Rookie League because the Ogden Raptors already had too many catchers. He played every couple of days through the month of July, but then sat out the rest of the season for an unknown reason. Overall Larosa played in just 10 games, and through 25 at bats the only skill he was able to show off was his ability to walk. B.J. took a base on balls in over 25% of his plate appearances which led to an impressive .471 on base percentage. Despite being 22 years old, I highly doubt Larosa will make it to a full season league in 2011 due to the aforementioned logjam of young catchers. Hopefully that won’t stunt his career before he really even gets a chance to play.
152. Irvit Mendez, RHP (32.2 IP in DSL in 2010)
Signed by Dodgers in 2008
6’6”, 225 lbs, 20.75 years old
1-1, 3.31 ERA, 1.78 WHIP, 9.92 K/9, 3.97 FIP
Pre 2010 Rank: 196; Pre 2009 Rank: 175
After making just 4 appearances in his first two professional seasons (1 game in 2008 and 3 games in 2009), Irvit Mendez finally got a chance to play a full season in 2010. In 32.2 innings, Mendez had a solid ERA and strikeout rate, but his WHIP was very high due to his extreme lack of control. Mendez averaged almost a walk per inning, which is actually an improvement over the previous two seasons when he had 12 walks in just 1.1 innings (yes you read that correctly). Still just 20 years and entering his 4th professional season, the Dodgers will probably keep Mendez around because he has a great pitcher’s frame and apparently has good stuff when he can find the plate. He might even make it to a US based league in 2011 since I’m not sure the Dodgers keep any player in the DSL for 4 seasons.
151. Mike Drowne, OF (4 games in Arizona League in 2010)
Drafted by Dodgers 2010, 28th round
5’10”, 175 lbs, 22.5 years old, bats right handed
.143 average, .393 OPS, 0 HR’s, 1 RBI, 0 SB’s
Pre 2010 Rank: N/A; Pre 2009 Rank: N/A
Mike Drowne is a leadoff type hitter who the Dodgers selected in the 28th round of the 2010 draft out of Sacred Heart University (Connecticut). In his senior season at Sacred Heart, Drowne hit .313 with 33 stolen bases and set a school record with 65 runs scored. Upon getting drafted, Drowne said “It feels great. It’s everything I’ve worked for my whole life and to achieve that goal is amazing.” Drowne signed quickly, and got into a few games in late June with the Arizona Dodgers before getting shut down until late August. Overall, Mike got into just 4 games in his first professional season. There isn’t a lot of upside with Drowne, but as a 28th round selection there wasn’t much risk with the pick either. The 22 year old will probably spend 2011 in the Pioneer League in order to get some additional experience before playing in a full season league.
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Per Heyman, Rick Ankiel is a National. He gets $1.5 million in base salary, plus another $1.25 million in performance bonuses.
And Austin Kearns to Cleveland
"Baseball is the heart of America, I would never do anything to besmirch our National Pastime."
by Little Blue Bicycle on Dec 20, 2010 8:33 AM PST up reply actions
Haha
The Brewers will be lucky to get Pods in CF.
by StolenMonkey86 on Dec 20, 2010 9:29 AM PST up reply actions
We win!
Nationals are still awesome though.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Dec 20, 2010 8:57 AM PST up reply actions
There goes two options for LF. Hopefully we trade for a LF and don’t end up signing Thames,Podsednik or Hairston.
Thames would be cool
still need a righty off the bench, unless they plan on letting Mitchell have it, which should be fine.
My belt holds up my pants and my pants have belt loops that hold up the belt. What the f*ck’s really goin' on down there? Who is the real hero?
Thames would be fine of the bench, but if he plays a lot of left field, the Dodgers are really going to need that big bullpen Ned has assembled. And a good therapist.
"Baseball is the heart of America, I would never do anything to besmirch our National Pastime."
by Little Blue Bicycle on Dec 20, 2010 8:38 AM PST up reply actions
Chan Ho to Japan
to Hiroki Kuroda’s old team, I believe. Orix.
My belt holds up my pants and my pants have belt loops that hold up the belt. What the f*ck’s really goin' on down there? Who is the real hero?
Nope, Orix Buffaloes
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/12/orix-buffaloes-sign-chan-ho-park.html
"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
I think Dodgers4Life meant Kuroda’s team was the Carp.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 20, 2010 9:03 AM PST up reply actions
I meant that Kuroda’s old team was the Carp.
by dodgers4life on Dec 20, 2010 9:04 AM PST up reply actions
Heyman says Park got just over $1 million.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 20, 2010 9:20 AM PST up reply actions
reading through yesterdays comments
John Q. Public did not even know that the Dodgers had to re-sign Kuroda.
With the signing of Guerrier shouldn’t a move be made on the 40 man roster. Its been a couple of days and nothing has been done. Could a trade be coming?
Does seem like something has to be done soon
You can be (incompetent and a nice guy), you can be (competent and an asshole), but if you are an (asshole and incompetent), your only future is to be Keith's boss otherwise you are unemployable
This isn't meant as snark
but I was just kind of amazed by the oddity of it…
Tonight’s Clippers (7-21) vs. Timberwolves (6-22) game at Staples Center is the first time the Clippers have played a team with a worse record this season.
The closest previous game was on December 6, when the 4-17 Clips hosted the 4-14 Kings.
I'm loving watching the Clippers this year
Blake Griffin has been just as good as advertised, and the kids are really starting to play well together. I posted on SS&R that if they can string some wins together, I think they’re good enough to be able to steal the 8th playoff seed: needless to say, I was hit with quite a bit of skepticism, but I truly do believe that. The talent is certainly there, so they just need to get the execution part consistently and they’ll be right there, IMHO.
"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
I think their 1-13 start killed any playoff chances, but it wouldn’t surprise me if they won 35-40 games (meaning they would play at least .500 the rest of the way this season).
by Eric Stephen on Dec 20, 2010 9:18 AM PST up reply actions
Not to be a negative nancy, but I don’t really think the talent is there. You could basically claim that there are exactly 2 players on the team that are above average in Gordon and Griffin. If Baron is playing at a high level, he can be above average for a given game, but everybody else is below.
by Michael White on Dec 20, 2010 9:19 AM PST up reply actions
Kaman makes four
and four above average players is usually good enough, but they dug a hole to deep this year. I know your a Kaman fan but his injuries and lack of self motivation every 2nd half has always kept me tepid regarding him, so he is totally the player I’d move for improving the small forward spot. DJ has plenty of holes but I’d be okay with him as the center if we could really improve the SF spot.
You can be (incompetent and a nice guy), you can be (competent and an asshole), but if you are an (asshole and incompetent), your only future is to be Keith's boss otherwise you are unemployable
I don’t see any realistic move for Kaman anymore. I always was a fan, but we’re getting near a full calendar year since Kaman was playing at a high level. Add the fact that he’s hurt and I don’t expect he has much trade value at all at this point.
If you want to be aggressive in the trade market (and I completely agree) you should move that Minnesota pick.
DJ is making me eat my words since I shit on that guy nonstop for 2 years. He’s certainly passable at the 5 now that Griffin is at the 4. As long as he stays out of foul trouble (which he has been) and just rebounds and dunks he can play in this league.
by Michael White on Dec 20, 2010 9:26 AM PST up reply actions
I always liked DJ
He struck me as DeJuan Blair-lite when I first saw him play, but he’s slowly improving his game and is definitely a passable 5 now with a decently high ceiling. I think Aminu has the tools to be a good 3, but I agree that right now that’s a hole for the Clips. I also believe that the best way to see if you need to trade for an upgrade there is to let the youngens run wild and develop some cohesion during this season: if it’s obvious that it’s not working out, you can go after a proven SF like Caron Butler and dangle some young talent to tempt Cuban.
"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
I disagree with the philosophy. If you are always letting your players develop, you have guys playing well at different times. It took DJ 3 years to get to where he’s at, if you wait the same amount of time on Aminu (and continue to suck in the process) you will have other holes to fill by players who have left (Baron, Kaman, EJ?) and you just perpetually suck (sound familiar?) I’d trade Aminu this morning if I thought the value was there. The Clippers, more than any other franchise in American sports, need to take the bird in hand (meaning trades) because they can’t count on free agents signing.
by Michael White on Dec 20, 2010 9:39 AM PST up reply actions
Now that you mention it
That does seem to be the pattern. I honestly didn’t realize DJ had been around for 3 years already…crazy how fast time creeps by. In any case, the Clips have the young talent to attract other teams and the cap space to pay stars (assuming they can handle Sterling heckling them from the stands): this year may be too late already, unfortunately, but if they can swing a deal to strengthen the 3 and position themselves for another improvement in 2011-12, playoffs could be in their future again.
"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
Carmelo would be cool, but I think he’s pretty set on going back to his old college gym.
My belt holds up my pants and my pants have belt loops that hold up the belt. What the f*ck’s really goin' on down there? Who is the real hero?
I gotta say, as someone who was born into Lakerdom and has been following the Purple and Gold since maybe a year or two before Kobe/Derek were drafted, I’ve never had more fun watching basketball than watching the 2010-11 Clippers. It’s a fun pace, they’re easy to root for, and despite the outcome of the game I always come away feeling entertained.
My belt holds up my pants and my pants have belt loops that hold up the belt. What the f*ck’s really goin' on down there? Who is the real hero?
Also how odd is it
that the Clippers have Blake and the Timberwolves have Love and they both have such awful records. I guess dominating power forwards are not as important to the victory total as point guards/shooting guards?
Quite a match up tonight between the next generation of power forwards.
You can be (incompetent and a nice guy), you can be (competent and an asshole), but if you are an (asshole and incompetent), your only future is to be Keith's boss otherwise you are unemployable
Clippers need a true ace.
My belt holds up my pants and my pants have belt loops that hold up the belt. What the f*ck’s really goin' on down there? Who is the real hero?
Looking forward to it
Some of Love’s numbers can be attributed to Minnesota’s pace; they are tops in the league in possessions per game (98.0), nearly a possession and a half more than the next team (the Knicks). That said, Love is still outstanding and a maniac on the boards.
I expect tonight to be some sort of pinball affair down low.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 20, 2010 9:16 AM PST up reply actions
No strangely enough
when we split our tickets he ended up with most of the tickets in Dec and I have just about every game in Jan.
You can be (incompetent and a nice guy), you can be (competent and an asshole), but if you are an (asshole and incompetent), your only future is to be Keith's boss otherwise you are unemployable
Still think everyone is missing the picture with Hairston
he had a bad year in 2010, he gets hurt alot, but he does two things well, hits LHP, and plays defense. Not only plays defense can play all three outfield positions. I think to many are focusing on his lousy 2010 and not enough on what he did in 2008/2009 where he put up an OPS against LHP of .896 and .920 while playing a majority of the time in Petco.
http://www.fangraphs.com/statsplits.aspx?playerid=1926&position=OF&season=0
If we only focused on what a player did the previous year guys like Ryan Raburn ( a fav here) would never have been given a 2nd chance in 2009 after his 2008 season.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/raburry01.shtml
Players have bad years, sometimes you can see it just in the BABIP, or with injuries, but if the player has the history it makes more sense to me to look at the previous three years if the player is not over 35.
Anyway my preference is still Scott Hairston which means we will end up Jerry Hairston.
You can be (incompetent and a nice guy), you can be (competent and an asshole), but if you are an (asshole and incompetent), your only future is to be Keith's boss otherwise you are unemployable
I'm fairly positive that
X Paul against major league LHP would not begin or end well. I’m fine with him getting a shot against RHP, not so much with giving away at bats against LHP. We already have Loney / Andre flailing and failing against LHP we can’t afford to have our LF doing the same.
You can be (incompetent and a nice guy), you can be (competent and an asshole), but if you are an (asshole and incompetent), your only future is to be Keith's boss otherwise you are unemployable
I also still like your notion of going after Conor Jackson.
"Baseball is the heart of America, I would never do anything to besmirch our National Pastime."
by Little Blue Bicycle on Dec 20, 2010 9:19 AM PST up reply actions
That wasn’t my idea; I think it was Phil. But I will gladly take credit if we do the move and it works out great!
by Eric Stephen on Dec 20, 2010 9:21 AM PST up reply actions
Honestly, I meant to post that under my own post just below, as a PS to Phil. But sure, you can have credit.
"Baseball is the heart of America, I would never do anything to besmirch our National Pastime."
by Little Blue Bicycle on Dec 20, 2010 9:22 AM PST up reply actions
He only gets credit
if Connor sucks, otherwise I’m claiming it. Connor would be my first choice. I still think he has some baseball in him, and he is the OB guy we probably need.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jacksco01.shtml
Defense however is another story but T Gwynn needs to do something.
You can be (incompetent and a nice guy), you can be (competent and an asshole), but if you are an (asshole and incompetent), your only future is to be Keith's boss otherwise you are unemployable
I prefer him among the obvious possibilities.
"Baseball is the heart of America, I would never do anything to besmirch our National Pastime."
by Little Blue Bicycle on Dec 20, 2010 9:17 AM PST up reply actions
41
Is the number on the Dodger’s official roster.
by bhsportsguy on Dec 20, 2010 9:18 AM PST via mobile reply actions
They are tight-lipped about that other move, and/or are in holiday mode in the Dodger offices.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 20, 2010 9:19 AM PST up reply actions
Rotoworld said Park is “heading home.” So either he lives in Japan or that’s just a careless mistake.
The preferred nomenclature is “oriental”
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Dec 20, 2010 9:25 AM PST up reply actions
Also, Dude. Chinaman is not the preferred nomenclature. Asian-American, please.
And we go to Trisha Takanowa for her slant on the story.
My belt holds up my pants and my pants have belt loops that hold up the belt. What the f*ck’s really goin' on down there? Who is the real hero?
by G.Scott on Dec 20, 2010 9:35 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
lol
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Dec 20, 2010 9:37 AM PST up reply actions
Diane, I’m here in a motel room with a stranger that I just picked up off the street. He’s in the bathroom right now, possibly doing drugs. Watch as I have sex with this man as we attempt to take you deeper undercover.
I’ve never done it with a Spanish chick before. ¡Olé!
"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
Tom, I’m standing outside the Park Barrington Hotel, because they don’t allow asians inside.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Dec 20, 2010 9:58 AM PST up reply actions
Here's a line
from NBC sports:
[Park] would have easily been able to find another bullpen gig in the major leagues this winter, but apparently spending half the season with the Pirates was enough to convince him to leave the country.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Dec 20, 2010 9:49 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Was curious how long it would last. Too bad it isn’t somewhere where it could be commented on directly.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
2011 Royals
Worst team in recent memory, or are Butler, Mazzaro and a decent defense going to keep them from 2003 Tigers territory?
@andrewngrant
depends
on how soon they trade Butler
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Dec 20, 2010 9:53 AM PST up reply actions
My fantasy team would appreciate that.
This team is gonna have Wilson Betemit hitting cleanup and a rotation with Hochevar, O’Sullivan, and Kyle Davies. Lord only knows whats going to happen when people start getting injured. (They will trade for failed Braves prospects)
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Dec 20, 2010 9:58 AM PST up reply actions
MLBTR
had an interesting article about what they might do with Soria now.
I’m sure there would be no lack of interest for him, and a bad team doesn’t need a good closer.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Dec 20, 2010 10:06 AM PST up reply actions
They should sink or swim with Jeffress. He’s a raw thrower who can really bring it.
by silverwidow on Dec 20, 2010 10:07 AM PST up reply actions
Nope - Ned Yost would say no thank you
Heard him on MLB Radio (XM) this morning, this is another deal where someone who was familiar with players in another system (Yost) played a big part in getting these players for the Royals.
Yost, like most managers, still like to win and Soria is still going to get his 35-45 chances to close games no matter how good or bad they are playing so he will want him on the team.
Yost also said that is time for Hochevar to “step up” and lead the KC staff.
by bhsportsguy on Dec 20, 2010 10:58 AM PST up reply actions
as affordable as Soria is
they really have no reason to move him. They’d probably need to be “blown away” as they like to say about big trades now.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Dec 20, 2010 11:00 AM PST up reply actions
They’d need not only a reliever and a AA pitcher, but a toolsy outfielder that can’t in A ball to go with it.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Dec 20, 2010 11:01 AM PST up reply actions
Ooooh, even better news, Lorenzo Cain isn’t the centerfield plan, Melky Cabrera is. That takes away the decent defense part.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Dec 20, 2010 10:56 AM PST up reply actions
Yost said
that Cain was in their plans to play CF.
by bhsportsguy on Dec 20, 2010 10:59 AM PST up reply actions
He also said the words “Melky Cabrera” after center field. These are not the actions of a sane man.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Dec 20, 2010 11:00 AM PST up reply actions
like Kenny says
Sounds fair given what Berkman and Pena both got.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Dec 20, 2010 10:07 AM PST up reply actions
Roster move note
The Matt Guerrier contract still needs to be approved by the league. Once that happens, the other move will be made, and is expected to happen by tomorrow.
Interesting. I’m wondering if the hold up is him getting so little up front money.
by silverwidow on Dec 20, 2010 10:08 AM PST up reply actions
The union might care about that, but why would the league?
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Dec 20, 2010 10:12 AM PST up reply actions
They’re concerned for Ned’s well-being if he adds anymore pitchers without addressing LF.
My belt holds up my pants and my pants have belt loops that hold up the belt. What the f*ck’s really goin' on down there? Who is the real hero?
by G.Scott on Dec 20, 2010 10:21 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Lawyers are involved. “Hazard” is an excellent verb there.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Dec 20, 2010 11:09 AM PST up reply actions
There is a pretty big one Saturday
and the league generally goes into shutdown mode around this time. I know you are denying that, it must be a very rough 2 weeks for you.
Haha.
I can’t see the league “shutting down” before this Friday. Doesn’t make sense.
by silverwidow on Dec 20, 2010 10:39 AM PST up reply actions
I can. A bunch of men making tons of money at the main office deciding to take two weeks off before the new year?
hollywood does it too
Basically everyone decides to not work so nobody works. I drove by the CAA building in Century City this morning and there was absolutely nobody in the parking lot when theres usually a fair amount of action.
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Dec 20, 2010 10:49 AM PST up reply actions
Sigh
I just joined an industry where the busiest day of the year is the day after Christmas. Second busiest is day after New Years.
Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man
Hangover cures? Divorce lawyers?
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Dec 20, 2010 11:10 AM PST up reply actions
Prescription drugs
I manage (from an IT perspective) the Southern CA pharmacy refill warehouse for Kaiser.
Apparently everyone wants their drugs right after Xmas. And after New years the new flex accounts kick in, so everyone orders in bulk.
Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man
after Xmas is the last week to spend the dollars in your FSA before they line the pockets of the company managing the fund, so I imagine both are flex account related.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Dec 20, 2010 11:23 AM PST up reply actions
Agreed. We are working, but enough people took vacation this week to make an noticeable impact. We are shutdown starting Friday until the Tuesday after New Years.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Dec 20, 2010 11:12 AM PST up reply actions
MSTI has an interesting idea for LF
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Dec 20, 2010 10:58 AM PST reply actions
He would be better than any free agent out there. Good power and can play multiple positions which would appeal to Ned. Makes too much sense to get done.
by dodgers4life on Dec 20, 2010 11:10 AM PST up reply actions
Prior to 2010 the only notable thing he did was a lot of steroids. There’s a lot of ways it could go horribly wrong.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Dec 20, 2010 11:13 AM PST up reply actions
as opposed to
Thames, the Hairstons, or Pods?
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Dec 20, 2010 11:13 AM PST up reply actions
Just saying this is far from making too much sense to not do.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Dec 20, 2010 11:15 AM PST up reply actions
also
he’s hardly gotten consistent playing time. He had 258 PAs in 2005, then between 06 and 09 he only had 134 PAs before getting 293 in 2010. All things considered, he’s not a bad option.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Dec 20, 2010 11:16 AM PST up reply actions
yeah
lets trade x paul and bellasario for raburn.
"The trouble with programmers is that you can never tell what a programmer is doing until it’s too late."
It would take more than that but I want him as well.
by dodgers4life on Dec 20, 2010 11:14 AM PST up reply actions
We used to have Tigers fans who would frequent this blog. I wish they were still here, because I’m fairly certain that the Tigers view Raburn > Boesch.
by Michael White on Dec 20, 2010 11:16 AM PST up reply actions
seems to be true
but Boesch is just coming off a rookie campaign. But with Maggs back in the fold, there are three guys looking at one outfield spot. Raburn, Boesch, and Don Kelly.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Dec 20, 2010 11:18 AM PST up reply actions
Don Kelly will win because the Tigers, much like Brennan Boesch, are bad.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Dec 20, 2010 11:20 AM PST up reply actions
o right I forget
to throw Lindblom in there too
"The trouble with programmers is that you can never tell what a programmer is doing until it’s too late."
Not to mention that his lack of experience makes it difficult to imagine him being on Colletti’s radar.
Now with 33% more Kavula
by Humma Kavula on Dec 20, 2010 11:14 AM PST up reply actions
RABBLE RABBLE RABBLE
Mlbtraderumors lists Cain as one of the pitchers who could potentially beat CCs record sized contract in a couple years, but not Billingsley. I have decided to be offended.
"The trouble with programmers is that you can never tell what a programmer is doing until it’s too late."
link
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/12/pavano-greinke-soria-pettitte.html
quote:
a couple of monster seasons by Francisco Liriano, Cole Hamels, Zack Greinke, and Matt Cain could put it in jeopardy in the 2012-13 offseason if those pitchers do not sign extensions.
"The trouble with programmers is that you can never tell what a programmer is doing until it’s too late."
Cain has been, to put it gently, a shitload better than Billingsley the last two years.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Dec 20, 2010 11:07 AM PST up reply actions
I suppose he has that going for him
I expect them to go back to being long lost twins this season though.
"The trouble with programmers is that you can never tell what a programmer is doing until it’s too late."
I would hope so. Cain is good, but not 200 million dollars good.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Dec 20, 2010 11:10 AM PST up reply actions
No he hasn't
Cain
2008 WAR – 3.7
2009 WAR – 3.5
2010 WAR – 4.0
Billingsley
2008 WAR – 4.4
2009 WAR – 3.2
2010 WAR – 4.6
I know you said the last two years, but he was just barely worse in 2009 and a good deal better in 2010, and then way better in 2008.
"If we hit that bull's eye, the rest of the dominoes will fall like a house of cards. Checkmate"
This is why I don’t read MLBTR.
They should stick to the link dumps.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 20, 2010 11:14 AM PST up reply actions
If MLBTR is useful only for MLBTN — MLB Trade News. It is very useful as an aggreggator of trades and signings that have occurred.
Now with 33% more Kavula
by Humma Kavula on Dec 20, 2010 11:16 AM PST up reply actions
I doubt it
I imagine they can get at least a bench role making decent money somewhere.
"The trouble with programmers is that you can never tell what a programmer is doing until it’s too late."
Watched the Jordan minor league baseball 30 for 30 last night
Wasn’t that good.
I looked it up afterwards and some of the pitching in the Southern League that year that MJ may have faced included Derek Lowe and Jason Schmidt.
It should have used more archival Jordan footage (since he wouldn’t agree to do interviews for the doc) rather than the BS generic stand-in shots.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 20, 2010 11:16 AM PST up reply actions
I’m a pretty shitty sports fan
…and human being! What have you been doing, spending time with family? Pssssh.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 20, 2010 11:19 AM PST up reply actions
I just prefer
to watch live sports is all.
"The trouble with programmers is that you can never tell what a programmer is doing until it’s too late."
A lot of them leave you wanting.
The 2 I strongly recommend are the Escobar one and the SMU one.
by Michael White on Dec 20, 2010 11:20 AM PST up reply actions
I watched the 2 Escobars. It was really good.
I’ve seen “The U”, Len Bias, Iverson, and maybe another
I didn’t like the U. The Len Bias and Iverson ones were entertaining enough.
by Michael White on Dec 20, 2010 11:22 AM PST up reply actions
I think you would really like the SMU one.
by Michael White on Dec 20, 2010 11:22 AM PST up reply actions
I couldn’t finish the Holmes/Ali one, or the Steinbrenner one, and I had to desire to watch a second of Red Sox fans masturbate on screen for an hour, so I missed that one, too.
I liked the USFL one, the SMU one, and the Bias one off the top of my head. And the Martina Navratilova / Chris Evert one was good, although I probably only liked it because my tennis watching peaked in the mid 1980s and 1990s grand slams.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 20, 2010 11:24 AM PST up reply actions
You liked it
because you were trying to peek up Chrissy’s skirt.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Dec 20, 2010 11:26 AM PST up reply actions
I've only seen
a bit of the Marcus Dupree one, while in a restaurant. Seemed pretty good and somewhere said it was.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Dec 20, 2010 11:26 AM PST up reply actions
I've seen the 2nd half of that one
and thought it was good.
"The trouble with programmers is that you can never tell what a programmer is doing until it’s too late."
Jordan’s game was roughly equivalent to Gwynn Jr., correct? Low avg, speed guy.
by silverwidow on Dec 20, 2010 11:20 AM PST up reply actions
Guess so. Jordan was ovbiously very raw despite being 30.
I didn’t realize he played in the AFL. The film also concludes that he would have kept playing baseball if it weren’t for the strike.
by Michael White on Dec 20, 2010 11:21 AM PST up reply actions
It’s weird that they jumped him straight to AA. He probably could have put up a decent avg in A ball.
by silverwidow on Dec 20, 2010 11:25 AM PST up reply actions
I've only seen 3
The Reggie Miller/Knicks one, Fernando Nation, and the SMU one.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Dec 20, 2010 11:24 AM PST up reply actions
Nobody liked the Reggie Miller “Winning Time” doc more than the Reggie Miller “Winning Time” doc.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 20, 2010 11:25 AM PST up reply actions
The Fernando one is re-airing again soon and I’m recording it.
I think a lot of people on this board were disappointed in it.
by Michael White on Dec 20, 2010 11:26 AM PST up reply actions
the footage of his family, or him wearing a uniform or him in the clubhouse was great. the rest of it sucked.
I enjoyed it
but I just wish Vin had been on it. Seems like big oversight
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Dec 20, 2010 11:27 AM PST up reply actions
It's on my DVR
still unwatched.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Dec 20, 2010 11:27 AM PST up reply actions
White Sox
sign Jesse Crain. 3/$13M
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Dec 20, 2010 11:23 AM PST reply actions
God
still has Bob Crane.
Now with 33% more Kavula
by Humma Kavula on Dec 20, 2010 11:24 AM PST up reply actions
Crane (bird), Crane (construction equipment), Ichabod Crane, Ed Kranepool …………….
Didn’t this happen days ago?
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Dec 20, 2010 11:29 AM PST up reply actions
This, friend, is what we call callback.
Now with 33% more Kavula
by Humma Kavula on Dec 20, 2010 11:29 AM PST up reply actions
Indeed, was my callback too feeble?
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Dec 20, 2010 11:31 AM PST up reply actions
I thought you were calling me out!
Now with 33% more Kavula
by Humma Kavula on Dec 20, 2010 11:32 AM PST up reply actions
No
called out Tommy Blackjack. I even considered a Gurnick reference, but it works better in his self-deprecating reply anyway.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Dec 20, 2010 11:34 AM PST up reply actions
get yourself
before they get you :)
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Dec 20, 2010 11:35 AM PST up reply actions
You are wise beyond your years.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Dec 20, 2010 11:36 AM PST up reply actions
i've heard that
and i’ve also heard, “You talk like an old man”
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Dec 20, 2010 11:39 AM PST up reply actions
I only hear
“You are an old man.”
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Dec 20, 2010 11:41 AM PST up reply actions
get’im a body bag…yeah!!!…..heeheeheeheee
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Dec 20, 2010 11:32 AM PST up reply actions
Stan Van Gundy.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Dec 20, 2010 11:34 AM PST up reply actions
Ah
it is official now. 4 / 4.5 / 4.5 – no funky split like Guerrier.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Dec 20, 2010 11:30 AM PST up reply actions
I think it might have
It’s just at the top of the MLBTR page, I think it was just made official. I’m as bad a Gurnick, lol.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Dec 20, 2010 11:30 AM PST up reply actions
In case anyone was thinking CWS would want Broxton
Crain said of his role with the White Sox:
“I am going to be the right-handed pitcher between Sale and Thornton at the end of the game.”
by Eric Stephen on Dec 20, 2010 11:59 AM PST up reply actions
fine
then we’ll just have to give up xpaul and bellasario.
"The trouble with programmers is that you can never tell what a programmer is doing until it’s too late."
In the comments of the MSTI Mike Morse posting
A guy notes that Eckstein is still a free agent. Colletti could sign Eckstein — Uribe plays third, and Blake plays LF.
I felt it was my duty to report this possibility, but now will leave it alone. It is too horrible to further contemplate.
Now with 33% more Kavula
Eckstein registers an off-the-charts reading on the Ned Guy chart.
by silverwidow on Dec 20, 2010 11:31 AM PST up reply actions
In that case
When can we expect Jose Guillen to sign as our new starting LF?
"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
Jose
has a few other problems to deal with first……
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Dec 20, 2010 11:34 AM PST up reply actions
Cocaine’s a hell of a drug.
"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
so is
HGH
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Dec 20, 2010 11:36 AM PST up reply actions
i feell
I should collapse this post, it’s scary.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Dec 20, 2010 11:31 AM PST up reply actions
This is probably better than what ever will actually happen.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Dec 20, 2010 11:31 AM PST up reply actions
Trading Ely and Link back for Pierre?
by StolenMonkey86 on Dec 20, 2010 11:36 AM PST up reply actions
platoon him, Jones and Manny in LF and there is our 2011 15 million plus left fielder (s)
by Jason Ungar on Dec 20, 2010 11:44 AM PST up reply actions
Why do I keep picturing you looking like this
My belt holds up my pants and my pants have belt loops that hold up the belt. What the f*ck’s really goin' on down there? Who is the real hero?
Nah
he’s about ready to turn to dust. I don’t really like him as a player anymore, I just never understood the Eckstein hate I’d see around baseball blogs. I just figured anyone over 6’1 hated him because they just need to hate things since life is handed to them on a silver platter and they don’t quite know what to do with it.
You can be (incompetent and a nice guy), you can be (competent and an asshole), but if you are an (asshole and incompetent), your only future is to be Keith's boss otherwise you are unemployable
by meercatjohn on Dec 20, 2010 11:50 AM PST up reply actions
I love me some eckstein...
he put up a war of 1.4 according to BR last year, is his D really that good or do second baseman hit that poorly?
"The trouble with programmers is that you can never tell what a programmer is doing until it’s too late."
Playing in Petco really messes with your numbers. Translate him out of that he’s hitting .293/.349/.356 which isn’t good, but it’s acceptable from a second baseman with decent defense.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Dec 20, 2010 11:43 AM PST up reply actions
doesn't OPS+
take into account park factors?
"The trouble with programmers is that you can never tell what a programmer is doing until it’s too late."
Then again 86 isn't that bad for a 2nd baseman?
"The trouble with programmers is that you can never tell what a programmer is doing until it’s too late."
far as i know it does
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Dec 20, 2010 11:46 AM PST up reply actions
Yep, but it doesn’t properly weight on base and slug.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Dec 20, 2010 11:46 AM PST up reply actions
… giving too much influence to Slg and not enough to OBP. Saaaaaay, you don’t think Ned just found out about OPS, do you? ;-)
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Dec 20, 2010 11:56 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I will never believe the Dodgers will willingly play Blake regularly in LF until I see it.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 20, 2010 11:41 AM PST up reply actions
I thought one thing the Dodgers were going to do this year
was give Blake more off days. He played one year in the outfield but that will be 6 years ago when the 2011 season starts. Again, the Dodgers have 7 outfielders on their 40-man roster, I don’t see them moving Blake there instead of finding their solution from those guys or an outside outfielder.
by bhsportsguy on Dec 20, 2010 11:54 AM PST up reply actions
Heck
I will never believe the Dodgers will willingly play Blake regularly at 1B either until I see it.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Dec 20, 2010 11:57 AM PST up reply actions
I forget who said this earlier
but I need to find this table.
by StolenMonkey86 on Dec 20, 2010 11:36 AM PST up reply actions
it's in the FOX studios
on some game show :)
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Dec 20, 2010 11:37 AM PST up reply actions
He keeps (reportedly) turning down multi-year deals.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 20, 2010 11:37 AM PST up reply actions
He's got that demand
that Andy has to play on the team too going against him
Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man
Andy and Josh Bell vying for 3B would be funny. Can they trade for DeWitt too?
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Dec 20, 2010 11:40 AM PST up reply actions
so the Orioles have all our old infielders
while the White Sox have our outfielders? (though Manny is an FA)
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Dec 20, 2010 11:42 AM PST up reply actions
That would be hard
after Baltimore just traded for Mark Reynolds
by StolenMonkey86 on Dec 20, 2010 11:42 AM PST up reply actions
Hard reality in a sub-thread started with a whimsical comment about an unrealistic fictional demand? Sir, where is your holiday spirit!
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Dec 20, 2010 12:00 PM PST up reply actions
Sir, where is your holiday spirit!
It was stolen.
By a monkey.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 20, 2010 12:01 PM PST up reply actions
One of my favorite riddles:
Q: Why did the monkey fall out of the tree?
A: Because he was dead.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Dec 20, 2010 12:10 PM PST up reply actions
and JtD is toiling in their minor league system!
by Eric Stephen on Dec 20, 2010 11:42 AM PST up reply actions
What was the offer he turned down last year?
2/17? Was that from SF, who then signed Huff instead? If so, fuck you Adam LaRoche.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Dec 20, 2010 11:39 AM PST up reply actions
Then I reiterate
Fuck you Adam LaRoche. What if Adam LaRoche and his 106 OPS+ had signed in SF and there is no Aubrey Huff, SF Giant? LaRoche couldn’t have been moved to LF either to make room for a different bat at 1B.
Ah, whatever got into that team probably gets into LaRoche too and he hits 40 bombs or something.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Dec 20, 2010 11:44 AM PST up reply actions
He’s waiting for the Dodgers’ job to open up.
I said it.
by silverwidow on Dec 20, 2010 11:40 AM PST up reply actions
“Can you blame me?” said LaRoche. “I mean, Baltimore. You might as well beat yourself over the head with a baseball bat.”
Now with 33% more Kavula
by Humma Kavula on Dec 20, 2010 11:37 AM PST up reply actions
Baltimore, of course, is the city where if you get lost and stop a police officer to ask for directions, you get arrested.
Now with 33% more Kavula
by Humma Kavula on Dec 20, 2010 11:42 AM PST up reply actions
While I feel there was probably more to that story, that is insane.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 20, 2010 11:45 AM PST up reply actions
There was a follow-up in which it was reported that the dude got argumentative with the cop, which is never a good idea.
Now with 33% more Kavula
by Humma Kavula on Dec 20, 2010 11:46 AM PST up reply actions
It’s a bad idea, but arguing with a cop really shouldn’t be an arrestable offense.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Dec 20, 2010 11:48 AM PST up reply actions
Being argumentative with the cop probably shouldn’t mean that you can be a dick to people with the power to complain.
Oh, I certainly agree with both of you. In fact, I’ll go further: I think that when a member of the public interacts with the police, it’s the police’s job to be the bigger person and defuse the situation peacefully, no matter how belligerent the person gets.
My only reason behind the second post was: Eric suggested there was probably more to the story, and I was saying, yeah, there was more to the story.
*Note: I probably don’t mean this literally. There is probably a limit to how belligerent a person can get with the cops before arrest becomes a foregone conclusion.
Now with 33% more Kavula
by Humma Kavula on Dec 20, 2010 11:52 AM PST up reply actions
The would this make a good episode of Cops line.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Dec 20, 2010 11:54 AM PST up reply actions
Just this morning i saw Season 3 Episode 1 of The Wire, where that exact thing thing happens in Baltimore. (Police captain in station wants to know if two recent arrests are for drug dealing or what, is told they’re for “notrespecting” policemen. Makes a face.)
In season 4 there is that Baltimore beat cop (who ends up getting covered in yellow paint) who I pictured when reading about this story.
by Michael White on Dec 20, 2010 11:52 AM PST up reply actions
I once watched someone talk himself into a ticket when it was clear to me he was only getting a warning. I was astonished at the inability of said person to just let it go that the cop was wrong about the warning.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Dec 20, 2010 11:52 AM PST up reply actions
as a young half-black woman I was taught by my fully black mother that if I’m ever pulled over by a cop, keep my hands on the wheel, don’t make eye contact, keep palms raised while going for license, and for the love of god don’t say the name Rodney King
by Josie Becker on Dec 20, 2010 11:55 AM PST up reply actions
I follow those same rules, esp. when I was younger and frequently misidentified as “latino” or “mexican”. That seems to happen less as I age, and since I lost the mustache.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Dec 20, 2010 12:03 PM PST up reply actions
Police Stories
A few years ago my wife was driving a van that had expired tags, several blocks from our house and the school she works at. The cop didn’t just ask for her license and registration but made her get out of the vehicle and spread em against the van. My wife is over 50, 5 feet tall and weighed about 110 at the time. She’s also incredibly sensitive and was crying by the time she got home because of the way she was treated.
She also happens to be Mexican in a very white neighborhood.
On the other flip of the coin, she was traveling in Washington DC and took the subway to a place she did not belong, a Policeman pulled over, told her to get in the squad car and drove her to the hotel, and told her not to leave the hotel until she found another place.
The coolest thing that ever happened to her however regarding the police was that her mom bought her a used cadillac and when she went to register it, it turned out to be stolen and the police came and got her and took her to the station. Luckily it didn’t get as far as mug shots once they figured out that her mom had paid cash to a man who no longer existed. Of course they were out of the cash and the car. What is that old saying “If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is”?.
I’ve worked with Police in jobs I did 33 years ago. I’m sure things have changed but it didn’t matter what ethnicity the cops were, they were they were all racist. Probably very hard not to become that way because you see the worst of the people you are supposed to protect.
You can be (incompetent and a nice guy), you can be (competent and an asshole), but if you are an (asshole and incompetent), your only future is to be Keith's boss otherwise you are unemployable
by meercatjohn on Dec 20, 2010 12:13 PM PST up reply actions
Just read through that
Absolutely ridiculous. Can’t believe human beings are allowed to treat each other like that.
"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
LaRoche's gardeners were overheard saying
They’re shitty!
by delias man on Dec 20, 2010 11:39 AM PST up reply actions 2 recs
Thank God for the subtitles; otherwise we wouldn’t have been able to understand them.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 20, 2010 11:48 AM PST up reply actions
Balmore
So, every Friday you have a crap game.
And every crap game you let LaRoche play.
And every time he steals the cash on the ground.
I gotta ask you, why do let LaRoche play?
Got to man, this is America.
Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man
Baltimore? Shit, that’s the city that the Wire was based in right? Is Omar gonna cap a bullet in my ass?
Upon looking at Baltimore’s roster, LaRoche was quoted as saying, “Who are these guys?”
Sundance Kid: Look out there!
Butch Cassidy: What?
Sundance Kid: Remember a few years ago when we were at a saloon in Denver? We got to talking to some gambler that night, and he told us about an Indian. A full-blooded Indian, except he called himself by an English name. Sir… somebody.
Butch Cassidy: Lord Baltimore?
Sundance Kid: Lord Baltimore, that’s right, and he could track anybody, over anything, day or night.
Butch Cassidy: So?
Sundance Kid: The guy on the ground. I think it’s him.
Butch Cassidy: No, Baltimore works out of Oklahoma. He’s strictly an Oklahoma man. I don’t know where we are, but it sure as Hell isn’t Oklahoma. No, it couldn’t be him. Couldn’t be him.
Sundance Kid: I guess.
Now with 33% more Kavula
by Humma Kavula on Dec 20, 2010 11:48 AM PST up reply actions
Andy MacPhail: I’ll sign the contract first
Adam LaRoche: No
Andy MacPhail: OK, you sign the contract first
Adam LaRoche: No, I said
Andy MacPhail: What’s the matter with you?
Adam LaRoche: I can’t hit
Andy MacPhail: [laughing] Are you crazy, the fall in the standings will probably kill you!
by Eric Stephen on Dec 20, 2010 11:52 AM PST up reply actions
1989 Fleer FTW
Carson Cistulli on FanGraphs digs deep into the story of the Billy Ripken Fuck Face card.
A couple of years ago, there was a story of just how “Fuck Face” came to be written on that bat.
http://www.snopes.com/sports/baseball/ripkencard.asp
Now with 33% more Kavula
by Humma Kavula on Dec 20, 2010 11:59 AM PST up reply actions
Outstanding
I never had that card, but it is a classic.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 20, 2010 12:03 PM PST up reply actions
It’s crazy that 20 years later, Billy Ripken is more famous for that baseball card than for being Cal Ripken’s brother.
Might’ve been the best thing to ever happen to him, legacy-wise.
I think the baseball card is only known by a niche group of hardcore fans, but that Billy Ripken is more widely known as Cal’s bro.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 20, 2010 12:34 PM PST up reply actions
Give it 5 years
I had never heard of that card before you mentioned it right now.
I knew Billy Ripken was Cal’s brother.
In five years, he’ll be that dude on MLB Network.
I don’t remember Harold Reynolds as a player, I remember him as the Baseball Tonight guy who got fired for sexual conduct allegations. I imagine Billy Ripken and Dan Plesac will have similar fates. Mitch Williams isn’t as lucky to escape his playing career mooments.
My belt holds up my pants and my pants have belt loops that hold up the belt. What the f*ck’s really goin' on down there? Who is the real hero?
Dan Plesac
like to harass his female co-workers? What?
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Dec 20, 2010 12:46 PM PST up reply actions
I disagree. If anyone, anywhere knows Bill Ripken’s name, it’s because of the card. Hell, two decades later, it’s still well-known enough to warrant a Snopes article.
I bet even Cal still calls him Fuckface.
So which story is true?
Fangraphs says that Cal wrote it as a joke.
Snopes says that Billy wrote it for identification.
Well, Fangraphs quotes the photographer, who is remembering back 25+ years to what Billy told him during Spring Training after that card came out.
Snopes quotes Billy himself.
Now with 33% more Kavula
by Humma Kavula on Dec 20, 2010 12:09 PM PST up reply actions
He could have been the next John Coutlangus!
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Dec 20, 2010 12:00 PM PST up reply actions
Good for Brent. That’s a nice payday right?
by Michael White on Dec 20, 2010 12:01 PM PST up reply actions
Gotta figure it’s better than the ~$150-200k he would get if stuck in the minors all year.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 20, 2010 12:02 PM PST up reply actions
Eric Stults made $700K
with a $50K signing bonus last year.
by bhsportsguy on Dec 20, 2010 12:05 PM PST up reply actions
Good news for Elbert seeing as how we don’t have any LHP depth.
by silverwidow on Dec 20, 2010 12:05 PM PST up reply actions
Or bad news for the Dodgers
considering out LH depth is now Adkins and Saint Claire. You know Ned is not going to allow that so I fully expect a LHP major league relief pitcher to be signed. No way he counts on Elbert with nothing to back him up.
You can be (incompetent and a nice guy), you can be (competent and an asshole), but if you are an (asshole and incompetent), your only future is to be Keith's boss otherwise you are unemployable
by meercatjohn on Dec 20, 2010 12:24 PM PST up reply actions
Perhaps
Olivia Munn is on NBC at 10pm tonight though.
Brie compares favorably to Hoda Kotb, however.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 20, 2010 12:06 PM PST up reply actions
For the record, I would take Brie over Munn
by Eric Stephen on Dec 20, 2010 12:07 PM PST up reply actions
Munn is a hack
"The trouble with programmers is that you can never tell what a programmer is doing until it’s too late."
Nobody asked about her acting abilities.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 20, 2010 12:27 PM PST up reply actions
some things
just need to be said
"The trouble with programmers is that you can never tell what a programmer is doing until it’s too late."
I can’t think of any hotter off the top of my head
by Michael White on Dec 20, 2010 12:07 PM PST up reply actions
She isn’t the hottest, but Jenna Fischer is still my favorite.
by silverwidow on Dec 20, 2010 12:09 PM PST up reply actions
You are the worst question answerer ever.
by Eric Stephen on Dec 20, 2010 12:10 PM PST up reply actions
Fine, I’ll answer the question:
I pick Maria Menounos from Access Hollywood.
by silverwidow on Dec 20, 2010 12:29 PM PST up reply actions
Access Hollywood is a syndicated show, not NBC, although it may be broadcast locally on KNBC (I got no clue). Try again. ;-)
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Dec 20, 2010 12:34 PM PST up reply actions
That’s an actress? I thought it was a brand name in Humma’s refrigerator.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Dec 20, 2010 12:11 PM PST up reply actions
And smelly and moldy —
I’ve said too much.
Now with 33% more Kavula
by Humma Kavula on Dec 20, 2010 12:13 PM PST up reply actions
I only watch 4 NBC shows
but of those four she is either number one or two for me.
However I don’t think anyone touches ABC and Modern Family.
Of course Robot would just say she’s posing, which of course would be true, because that is what one does when getting photographed.
You can be (incompetent and a nice guy), you can be (competent and an asshole), but if you are an (asshole and incompetent), your only future is to be Keith's boss otherwise you are unemployable
by meercatjohn on Dec 20, 2010 12:21 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
rec
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Dec 20, 2010 12:22 PM PST up reply actions
I think we have done this before
I have no idea who she is.
You can be (incompetent and a nice guy), you can be (competent and an asshole), but if you are an (asshole and incompetent), your only future is to be Keith's boss otherwise you are unemployable
by meercatjohn on Dec 20, 2010 12:27 PM PST up reply actions
This is going to end with Brad Ausmus.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Dec 20, 2010 12:24 PM PST up reply actions
Greinke’s interview style is almost identical to Bills’
by silverwidow on Dec 20, 2010 12:19 PM PST up reply actions
smile
not required.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Dec 20, 2010 12:24 PM PST up reply actions
This story on the Nats signing some NRIs is not really newsworthy, but I am a dork for seeing the name Joe Bisenius and thinking of the damage that 1980s Chris Berman could do with such a name.
is it pronounced "business"?
because I get what you mean.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Dec 20, 2010 12:22 PM PST up reply actions
Considering that the only time he’d ever come up is in a clip of him doing something good, Berman would almost certainly call him Joe Taking Care of Bisenius.
Now with 33% more Kavula
by Humma Kavula on Dec 20, 2010 12:28 PM PST up reply actions
and say
“he’s working overtime!”
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Dec 20, 2010 12:31 PM PST up reply actions
Berman would save that for those occasions when Bisenius comes through in extras.
Now with 33% more Kavula
by Humma Kavula on Dec 20, 2010 12:32 PM PST up reply actions
If he's a reliever
when he gets pulled, you can say he’s “going out of Bisenius.” Which is almost as good as pulling Ray King, and then you can say “Ray King leaves.”
by StolenMonkey86 on Dec 20, 2010 12:39 PM PST up reply actions
Another former first rounder for Pittsburgh
Pirates signed Josh Fields (#18 overall in 2004) to a minor league deal with a spring training invite.
Ha Ha
another highly prized failed 3rd baseman. This is ridiculous, can’t anyone play the hot corner?
You can be (incompetent and a nice guy), you can be (competent and an asshole), but if you are an (asshole and incompetent), your only future is to be Keith's boss otherwise you are unemployable
by meercatjohn on Dec 20, 2010 12:26 PM PST up reply actions
I do think it’s funny that the Pirates now have Alvarez, Fields and Marte. I can’t imagine why they would non-tender Andy LaRoche, he seems like the perfect Neal guy.
My belt holds up my pants and my pants have belt loops that hold up the belt. What the f*ck’s really goin' on down there? Who is the real hero?
I think we are coming very close to our definitions.
Ned Guy: has-been.
Neal Guy: never-was.
Now with 33% more Kavula
by Humma Kavula on Dec 20, 2010 12:36 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
LaRoche was horrible with the bat. If you’re going to suck horribly on either offense or defense. Its probably better to be a 120 OPS+ Left fielder with horrible defense (Carlos Quinton) than be a 58 OPS+ 3rd baseman with a good glove, (Andy LaRoche)
One’s getting paid $7 million, the other is non tendered.
I love when teams that have no hope just throw a bunch of failed prospects against the wall and see what sticks.
It’s a much better strategy than trading for Yunieksi Betancourt.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Dec 20, 2010 12:38 PM PST up reply actions
kind of like us getting Theriot. “Oh you want DeWitt? Well I’m going to need someone to fill his spot”.
My belt holds up my pants and my pants have belt loops that hold up the belt. What the f*ck’s really goin' on down there? Who is the real hero?
beat me to it
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Dec 20, 2010 12:41 PM PST up reply actions
I saw you typing it, and wanted the credit.
/creeper
My belt holds up my pants and my pants have belt loops that hold up the belt. What the f*ck’s really goin' on down there? Who is the real hero?
I need an adult!
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Dec 20, 2010 12:45 PM PST up reply actions
These are the saddest of possible words
Yunieski Betancourt
When he is your shortstop, your team’s for the birds
Yunieski Betancourt
No one that plays could be worse than he
No-hit and no field, he’ll soon be free
He’ll wash up in Baltimore with the other debris
Yunieski Betancourt
Now with 33% more Kavula
by Humma Kavula on Dec 20, 2010 12:42 PM PST up reply actions
The Brewers know what they have in Betancourt. The Royals somehow thought he was going to get better than the crap he was producing in Seattle.
That is the difference.
If the Brewers know what they have in Yunieski Betancourt, they would be releasing Yunieski Betancourt.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Dec 20, 2010 12:53 PM PST up reply actions
You truly
are all about the meter. Nicely done.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Dec 20, 2010 12:48 PM PST up reply actions
Well, the phrase “Yuniesky Betancourt” doesn’t follow the dactylic meter of “Tinker to Evers to Chance,” but I couldn’t resist the first two lines. So I said fuck it and made the rest of it work.
Now with 33% more Kavula
by Humma Kavula on Dec 20, 2010 12:49 PM PST up reply actions
Hell
I’m just impressed that they are both seven syllables, which makes said SS suitable for haiku middle lines.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Dec 20, 2010 12:53 PM PST up reply actions
They just might do it
Yuniesky Betancourt
Will get DFA’d
Now with 33% more Kavula
by Humma Kavula on Dec 20, 2010 12:54 PM PST up reply actions
This is a funny video
if you’re really immature. Eric will enjoy this….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYfDnc42wog&feature=youtube_gdata_player
I'm not convinced
that you have to be immature to get a chuckle out of that.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Dec 20, 2010 12:44 PM PST up reply actions
Is traffic Wed night going to be normal
or is everyone going to be hopping in their cars to travel?
"The trouble with programmers is that you can never tell what a programmer is doing until it’s too late."
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