Houston Astros - Team Preview
by Phil Gurnee on May 17, 2010 9:02 AM PDT
in Team Previews
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PrintSeason Series: First meeting of the year.
Houston comes to town with the worse record in the NL at 13 - 24. The Giants just finished sweeping them right after the Astro's had swept the struggling Cardinals. They managed to score only six runs in three games against the Giants. They finally have Berkman back but he has done little to help the anemic offense. They have a .228 team average, and a .328 team wOBA both dead last in the NL. Their best hitter is a pitcher named Felipe Paulino who at this point is a better hitter then pitcher. As far as pitching goes the Astro's have a solid 4.13 ERA right around league average. The FIP is even batter at .364 good for 4th in the league, and the xFIP is 3.99 also good for the fourth in the league. So while the Astro's can't hit, contrary to popular opinion they can pitch. We will be seeing two pitchers who have much higher ERA's then FIP so don't be surprised if all these games are low scoring.
Old Friends: None
Position Breakdown:
1st Base-Lance Berkman missed the start of the year and is slowly rounding into shape. A week ago his OPS was sitting below .700, and it is now at .818. Berkman has been one of the best hitting 1st baseman for the last ten years, and is still a potent force with the bat. Actually I can't say that, for quite a few years he was an outfielder so I'll just say he's been one of the better hitters in the NL since he started playing full time in 2000.
2nd Base-Jeff Keppinger and Kaz Matsui share 2nd base and neither can hit. Between the both of them they have managed 9 doubles, no triples, no home runs. Very DeWitt like, but without the ability to draw a walk.
SS-Tommy Manzella mans SS for them and is another SS in the long line of Astro shortstops who can't hit. His wOBA of .212 has to be one of the lowest in baseball for someone with over 100 plate appearances. Unlike Everett who was at least a wiz with the glove, Manzella appears to be average at best.
3rd Base-Ex Giant Pedro Feliz takes his ancient bat and glove to the Astro hot corner and not surprisingly is having a tough time of it. A TSL of .233/.252/.320 tells you all you need to know. Other then 1st base the Astro's might have the worse hitting infielder at each position.
Catcher - The Astro's demoted Kevin Towles and are now going with Humberto Quintero / Kevin Cash as their catching duo. This is a team that could use Brad Ausmus back. Even the one with the bad back. These guys have been AAA fodder for years. AJ Ellis your future is calling and it is not being Martin's lackey but playing everyday for the Astro's. When people wonder if Lucas May has a future in the Major Leagues they only need to look at who the Astro's are starting.
Right Field- Hunter Pence not to long ago was the bright young star of the Astro's when he burst upon the scene in 2007. He has never replicated what he did in 2007 but he has had three solid years until this year. Unlike the other Astro's who are not hitting, Pence can hit but simply has not gotten it going yet. His TSL of .248/.265/.421 tell his struggling story. Where did the plate discipline go? Last year he walked 9% of the time, this year 2%.
Center Field- Michael Bourn can actually play some ball. Known most for his penchant for stealing bases (61 in 2009) he can also take a walk and hits enough to be a valuable commodity. His wOBA of .343 is solid and I just love speed who can carry a double digit walk rate (10%).
Left Field- Carlos Lee has been a quiet but productive power hitter since 1999. His time might be over. He had some declining peripherals entering 2010 but they have fallen off the cliff, and the once solid threesome of Lee/Berkman/Pence is now just Berkman. Lee has a TSL of .199/.247/.301 and while his BABIP is only .211 that does not explain the .301 slug%. Is anyone getting paid more and doing less then Carlos Lee? I actually had to do a double take on the .301 slug%. Lee has a career slug% of .499 and it was over .500 before the start of this year. I'm not sure what TBLA would do if the guy earning the most money on the team had an OPS of .548 on May 17th.
Reserves
You know the starters are not very good, so the bench can't be much better. Beside the platoon players mentioned above the rest of the bench consists of Jason Michaels and Jeff Blum. Blum was getting some time at 1st when Berkman was out and he can play anywhere on the diamond. A nice versatile player, as long as he's your utility guy your doing okay. Jason Michaels is a decent backup outfielder.
Starting Pitching for our Series:
Game One: Wandy Rodriguez not Roy Oswalt was the best Astro pitcher in 2009. Not happening in 2010. He's not doing as bad as his 4.82 suggests with a FIP of 3.83, and an xFIP of .405 but the K Rate has dropped from 8.45 to 5.96 and that can't be good. He does like Dodger Stadium and has given up an OPS of only .634 in four career starts.
Game Two: Bud Norris should be fun to watch. He strikes out a lot (10.75) and walks alot (5.24). His ERA of 6.03 is way off his FIP of 3.47 due to a 39% BABIP. He's a two pitch pitcher with a 93 MPH FB and a 88MPH slider. 5% of the time he'll mix in a change.
Bullpen:
They imported Matt Lindstrom to be the closer and for the most part he's done the job when given the lead. He just doesn't get many leads. Brandon Lyon sets him up and so far has been what he normally does. Chris Sampson and Jeff Fulchino round out the right handers who do the bulk of the work. Tim Byrdak is the LHP who might not have to face Andre over the next few games.
Series Prediction:
None - The Dodgers have barely hit the ball since Andre left the lineup.
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Need some help
Are there any soccer fans on True Blue LA? I am looking specifically for fans of the LA Galaxy and/or Chivas USA. Working on a crossover post and need some soccer expertise (I have none).
If interested, either reply here or shoot me an email… eric d stephen at gmail dot com
While I'm a soccer fan I don't follow the LA MLS teams alas...
if I have an MLS team it’s the San Jo Quakes but not that into them either. ;-)
If I think of a friend who can help will pass ’em on though.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
What's a terrible idea?
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
discussing soccer
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 17, 2010 11:15 AM PDT up reply actions
D'oh...
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
WTF...
Soccer is a great sport… The best competition in the world will come next month: World Cup 2010 in South Africa…
Amanda Righetti <3
Preaching to the choir here
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
I enjoy watching the Galaxy, but I probably don’t have the familiarity with the team that you are looking for. But I am more than happy to help you if needed!
and on the 93rd postseason of the National Hockey League, the Slovakian-hockeygod Zeus commanded from high atop Mount Figueroa..."RELEASE THE MEAT TRAIN!" And it was good.
by DodgerBlueBalls on May 17, 2010 12:20 PM PDT up reply actions
I hope the Dodgers don't look past this series
or that I jinxed it yesterday. ;-) These are sort of trap series, as the Cardinals found out last week, but on paper even without Ethier they SHOULD beat the Astros. Here’s hoping the matchups work out as expected.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Only a 2 game series, the dodgers shouldnt be facing paulino. I think?
by papercrane on May 17, 2010 9:30 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
Man - I put a lot of work into that Paulino breakdown:)
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 17, 2010 10:01 AM PDT up reply actions
I saved it in drafts in case you need it in the future :)
by Eric Stephen on May 17, 2010 10:01 AM PDT up reply actions
ESPN Fail?
Yes, I am aware of the current (unreliable in short samples) UZR that drags Matt Kemp’s WAR down to poor levels, but….
The following poll appears on ESPN LA:
Who is the Dodgers best player
It seems to me at the very least, Matt Kemp should merit a spot on that poll. Right? Right????
I figured Tony Jackson didn’t make the list since John Ely wasn’t an option :)
by Eric Stephen on May 17, 2010 9:50 AM PDT up reply actions
Two weeks ago, who would have thought Bills would have made the list? Love his turnaround but he does need to be bumped for Kemp.
by CarolinaDodger on May 17, 2010 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions
Yes indeed
though I feel good about our team when that list is not easy to make, as far as who to leave off. Imagine how easy the Astros’ list would be.
But as much as I love Bills I might have Kemp there instead of him… or expand to 6. ;-)
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
You could make a persuasive argument that if the list had only one pitcher, it should be Kuroda.
by Eric Stephen on May 17, 2010 10:00 AM PDT up reply actions
ok, expand poll to 7 :-)
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Who would you knock off?
Billingsley for me, then Manny
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 17, 2010 10:00 AM PDT up reply actions
Andre is so far and above the best player on the team right now
the poll should only have one option
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 17, 2010 10:01 AM PDT up reply actions
He can miss 8 more games and still have enough PA to qualify for the batting title
by Eric Stephen on May 17, 2010 10:02 AM PDT up reply actions
That's what I was thinking. Would anybody (amongst TBLA readers) even vote for Kemp?
by Michael White on May 17, 2010 10:06 AM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, but we know not to take your vote seriously (see 2009 AL CYA) :)
by Eric Stephen on May 17, 2010 10:08 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm with you there
Though possibly Bills then Broxton. If Bills is really fixed, then I’d go Broxton then Manny then Bills.
According to WAR (will all the SSS warnings Eric mentions above)
1) Andre Ethier: WAR 1.6
2) Hiroki Kuroda: WAR 1.2
3) Rafael Furcal: WAR 1.1
4) Jon Broxton: WAR 0.9
5 tie) Chad Billingsley: WAR 0.8
5 tie) Russel Martin: WAR 0.8
Negative WAR’s:
Haeger, Sherrill, Ramon Ortiz, Nick Green, Matt Kemp, Garrett Anderson
by Michael White on May 17, 2010 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions
my initial thoughts
were Ethier and then Kuroda. Kuoroda has been ACE so far this year. Surprise to still see Raffy there after missing so much time already. Cool beans though.
Hard to believe how bad the Astro offense has been
until you research it. They remind me of the 68 White Sox where I’d stare at the sporting news in disbelief. Even for that pitching age it was grim.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CHW/1968.shtml
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Dang, that is bizarre
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 17, 2010 10:42 AM PDT up reply actions
If the two with no broken bones go 2 for 4 tonight
The numbers after tonight will be:
Loney .29684
Ethier .29679
Kemp .29675
by Eric Stephen on May 17, 2010 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions
D-Backs bullpen
just got…well, another player:
Diamondbacks have acquired right-handed pitcher Saul Rivera from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for cash considerations
The DBacks must have known that they...
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
by underdog on May 17, 2010 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Well played sir!
Is that the bus bench outside of “Pollos Hermanos?”
and on the 93rd postseason of the National Hockey League, the Slovakian-hockeygod Zeus commanded from high atop Mount Figueroa..."RELEASE THE MEAT TRAIN!" And it was good.
by DodgerBlueBalls on May 17, 2010 12:24 PM PDT up reply actions
Hah, yep, I believe so
Also known as the Chicken Brothers.
More Better Call Saul ads.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Because they are holding out hope Ethier doesn’t have to miss 15 days.
by Eric Stephen on May 17, 2010 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions
C'mon...
Bottom of the barrell Houston. Take a stand here….
Dodgers 2-0
Ha
Astro pitching is not bad, we won’t have Andre, Manny is slumping, Kemp is slumping, Blake is slumping, they have Berkman, Lee, and Pence so they could score three runs, these guys can’t stay bad forever. Maybe we whump them, maybe we don’t.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 17, 2010 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions
And Ely is pitching 1 of the 2 games
I could definitely see a split.
by Michael White on May 17, 2010 10:55 AM PDT up reply actions
It will be interesting on Tuesday to watch the contrast
from the command perfect Ely and the hard throwing have no idea where it is going Norris.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 17, 2010 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions
Then nevermind
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 17, 2010 11:00 AM PDT up reply actions
think he got hit in the head this weekend
so theyre taking it easy with him
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on May 17, 2010 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions
That...
is the best screen name I have ever seen.
by dsheridan88 on May 17, 2010 10:49 AM PDT up reply actions
im mad at myself that I forgot to have the last ‘he’ be ‘hee’ but oh well.
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on May 17, 2010 10:54 AM PDT up reply actions
still an excellent name haha
rivals the mccovey reader that’s got “where there’s a Willie, there’s a Mays”
William Doolittle at your service, a.k.a. will do.
Uh....
it is a heck of a lot better than that.
by dsheridan88 on May 17, 2010 12:52 PM PDT up reply actions
well of course
that was just the only other “baseball name/catch phrase allusion” I could think of haha
William Doolittle at your service, a.k.a. will do.
He is expected back today. He was hit in the head during warmups Saturday and ended up leaving the game in the 3rd inning after complaining of headaches.
If they need to DL Ethier, he is healthy enough to get called up.
by Eric Stephen on May 17, 2010 10:49 AM PDT up reply actions
Would it be Hoffmann in the off chance he couldn’t go?
by dsheridan88 on May 17, 2010 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions
Hoffman is the hottest hitter in the PCL
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 17, 2010 10:54 AM PDT up reply actions
You will be sleeping forever
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 17, 2010 11:40 AM PDT up reply actions
Doubtful
Hoffmann isn’t on the 40-man. Unless they put Padilla on the 60-day DL (a possibility, but I doubt it since he could be ready before June 22) they don’t have room.
by Eric Stephen on May 17, 2010 10:54 AM PDT up reply actions
Wow
Those 40 spaces fill up quickly.
They could always DFA Mr. Negative WAR in Ramon Ortiz. I know, I know, they won’t.
by Michael White on May 17, 2010 10:56 AM PDT up reply actions
A Haeger DFA is also an option, correct?
Or is there a rule about DFA’ing somebody whilst they are on a rehab assignment?
by Michael White on May 17, 2010 11:09 AM PDT up reply actions
I don’t think they can until he’s off the DL.
by Eric Stephen on May 17, 2010 11:13 AM PDT up reply actions
You know
Tripon just might end up right about Green. DeWitt had an awful week, Carroll was solid at SS. If DeWitt has another awful week it may not be out of the realm of possibility that he gets sent to AAA instead of them releasing Green.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
No! DeWitt needs a bit more rope than that.
by dsheridan88 on May 17, 2010 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions
I wouldn't agree with optioning DeWitt, but
his wOBA is down to .314. There is no question a platoon of Carroll and Belliard could give you that.
by Michael White on May 17, 2010 10:58 AM PDT up reply actions
A bit quick on that trigger, don’t ya think?
by dsheridan88 on May 17, 2010 10:59 AM PDT up reply actions
He's playing because of his bat
if the bat doesn’t exist how long do you wait? Not very many bad defensive 2nd baseman get to play if they don’t provide a modicum of power, his six doubles in 100 at bats are not cutting it.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 17, 2010 11:06 AM PDT up reply actions
wow man
jsut a few years ago…. i thought dewitt might be like utley…. he kinda reminded me of him….
by matthewmafa on May 17, 2010 11:17 AM PDT up reply actions
you just lobbed a softball for CanuckDodger.
by Eric Stephen on May 17, 2010 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions
That is what I do
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 17, 2010 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions
Rogue Satellite
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-20004772-17.html
Sure hope nobody is counting on watching TV Sunday night . . .
From Olney's Insider Blog
The Dodgers are the hottest team in baseball, and the presumption among rival teams is that L.A. is what it appears to be: a team of extraordinary core talent and extraordinarily limited resources because of the impending divorce at ownership level. If the Astros trade pricey pitcher Roy Oswalt, nobody expects the Dodgers to get him.
My problem with this quote isn’t that it could be right, it is that we have no way of knowing if this is true. There is no way to prove a negative, if they don’t spend, it back ups this premise, if somehow they do spend, it is seen as some type of stunt.
Time will only tell if this proves out but at this point, I don’t expect to see anything big from this front office for a few months.
Oswalt would be a great fit here. I just wish Frank would say “Fuck it, let’s do it” and find the money later.
Yeah…that is his angle and he’s sticking to it, dad gummit. It’s the divorce – no matter what happens.
by dsheridan88 on May 17, 2010 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions
I think Oswalt to the Dodgers makes sense in all ways but financially
but I honestly believe they may have limited spending in the off-season for a midseason acquisition, and then offset that the next season by not resigning Padilla and Kuroda.
Leach
Dodgers should try to get whatever they can for him. I know his value is at an all-time low, but at this point, he’s a LOOGY with piss poor command that will not get a chance in L.A. anytime soon. He seems like a good dude; maybe another team with bullpen issues could use him.
leach aint a loogy
he has a plus plus change up and is better vs RHB because of it…
by matthewmafa on May 17, 2010 12:52 PM PDT up reply actions
If he was on the Dodgers, that would be his role. On another team, he might be serviceable middle reliever who happens to throw left handed.
by silverwidow on May 17, 2010 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions
No
Leach had his cup of tea, doubtful if he gets many more.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
OT
Alright – I’m just going to come out and ask it. Does anybody have a front load washer where leaking is a problem? I am considering buying one.
I have never heard of anyone having those problems
Unless it is broken.
by bhsportsguy on May 17, 2010 11:37 AM PDT up reply actions
No, we love ours, saves lots of water
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 17, 2010 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions
I love my front loader
A Kenmore. I’ve had it for a couple years and have had no problems
Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man
You save water
and your clothes last longer. They are head and shoulders better than traditional top loaders.
Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man
I doubt it comes close to my commercial quality SpeedQueen.
by silverwidow on May 17, 2010 11:45 AM PDT up reply actions
I'd disagree
But that’s why they invented blogs
Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man
Two things we learned about SW
He takes vacation time for the draft and he loves his washing machine.
by bhsportsguy on May 17, 2010 11:47 AM PDT up reply actions
I used to be a VCR snob, too, before they went out of style.
by silverwidow on May 17, 2010 11:51 AM PDT up reply actions
I acquired one for free this weekend and immediately hooked it up to my TV. Over/Under on ever using it? 0.5.
How else will we watch my VHS tape of the 1988 NBA Finals, Game 7?
In a related question, can I come over Saturday?
by Eric Stephen on May 17, 2010 12:21 PM PDT up reply actions
uh… I guess. I’ll Twitter you the address.
by delias man on May 17, 2010 12:24 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Unless it was made in the 90s or earlier, it’s a P.O.S. :)
by silverwidow on May 17, 2010 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions
2 game series?
so is this the only home ‘series’ we have against the worst team in baseball? if so that sucks. and playing the yankees and tigers in interleague doesnt help either.
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on May 17, 2010 11:49 AM PDT reply actions
I get salty just thinking about inter-league play
The results at the end of the year are way too close (for the division and the wildcard) that unbalanced schedules are bullshit.
by Michael White on May 17, 2010 11:52 AM PDT up reply actions
Interleague...
sucks no matter the teams.
by dsheridan88 on May 17, 2010 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Nah
We have four whole days to tuneup for Dontrelle
by Eric Stephen on May 17, 2010 11:58 AM PDT up reply actions
If the Yankee's weren't coming to town
we wouldn’t have been able to afford Ramon Ortiz and then where would we be?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
WE'D PROBABLY BE...
able to go to the Stadium to watch them play another AL opponent, rather than watching them play the Yankees on TV because we can’t afford to buy a SEVEN GAME package. Nice reward for leading the league almost every year, in attendance, don’t ya think?
Oswalt
Hypothetically, lets say that the money was no object to Mccourt and he’s willing to take on the entire salary, what do people believe is a far trade between the dodgers and astros for Oswalt?
It's nice to want things
I don’t think the Dodgers part with “premium” though I’m not sure at the moment the Dodgers have “premium” (will get killed by one of the minor league guys around here for that one.)
Maybe a package around Aaron Miller?
by Michael White on May 17, 2010 1:14 PM PDT up reply actions
As far as I'm concerned
they can have Elbert, McDonald, and Trayvon Robinson. Ned needs to trade that switch hitter now before he pollutes the system with his skills.
The Astro’s need hitting before pitching so maybe more realistic is simply Dee Gordon straight up.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Who in the farm system is a prospect and exceeding expectations at the moment?
Allen Webster, Sands, and Jansen. Anybody else? Those guys are all in the low minors so I doubt it would get the Astros really interested. Maybe Jansen would.
by Michael White on May 17, 2010 1:24 PM PDT up reply actions
Doesn't have to be someone exceeding expectations
but I think it has to be bats. They need catching, 1st (Berkman FA), 2nd, SS, 3rd.
We aren’t a very good fit in prospects and money unless they really like Gordon.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I’ve been wondering the same thing lately. I would think that Withrow, Gordon, E. Martin, and maybe Gould would be off limits. I would also like to keep A. Miller, Jerry Sands, and Webster. Kyle Russell too, but I don’t think he would have tremendous value anyway.
So what could be worked without the first 3 I mentioned being involved, and preferably none of the last 4 I mentioned as well.
My two cents on Ethier
Because it has to heal on its own, it’s basically going to come down to Ethier’s pain threshold — can he swing a bat effectively with the injury? “I think we have to wait,” Dodgers manager Joe Torre said. “It will have to be immobilized. A lot of it will depend on what we find out in the next couple of days, what his comfort level is after we give it a day or so to let some of the soreness get out of there and see what he can do with it.”
Please. Dude is a hot head. Put him on the DL and don’t even entertain the idea that its up to him.
Normally I’d agree with you, but if it is an injury that can’t be made worse then I am ok with him trying to tough it out.
by CarolinaDodger on May 17, 2010 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Does Ethier drop his pinky down on the end of the bat when he swings?
by robotmadeofnails on May 17, 2010 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions
No
He has it on the bat, and called it a crucial point in his swing.
by Eric Stephen on May 17, 2010 2:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Yep, that would do it. I think he needs to sit it out.
by robotmadeofnails on May 17, 2010 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions
personal experience
I play a ton of basketball and I jam my fingers all the time (probably even fractured a couple of them and not even notice). Tape that shit up and get out there. They never heal 100% unless you totally leave it alone for an extended period of time. That was not an option for me and probably isn’t an option for Ethier either.
It's different
the pressure point of the bat on the pinkie is unlike anything you’d do in basketball.
I'm not sure if you guys saw this
But the Yankees n Red Sox are playing on ESPN tonight. Should be great. I have been able to watch the Dodgers 2x this year. I am so tired of that shit.
by keithc13 on May 17, 2010 2:06 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
now if only they would drop blackout restrictions...
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
for some reason, MLB.TV does not recognize my home ip as a blackout .
by robotmadeofnails on May 17, 2010 2:50 PM PDT up reply actions
Maybe I shouldve written it differently. I am tired of watching the Yankees play on the cable network that I currently pay for. I am trying not to create another cost, while my wife looks for a new job. Not a knock on you, Delias. Just mad that the next 4 games on ESPN in the coming weeks feature the Yankees.
by keithc13 on May 17, 2010 2:50 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Why can’t MLB up the price a bit, give everyone every game without sweating it, and split the money? It is really hard for them to grasp that I would buy that and still see my 20 or so home games a year live anyway. There is more money for them to make….instead they make MLB TV pretty much a serious fantasy player’s thing….not a fan thing.
ESPN....
if you throw in Red Sox without the Yankees, the Phillies and the Mets, you have almost 100% of their broadcasts covered. With about 12% of the teams.
Neither…I am umpiring for adult recreations softball…you are all really jealous.
by robotmadeofnails on May 17, 2010 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions
From Dodgers game notes
Dodgers are 200-140 (.588) at Dodger Stadium since beginning of 2006, best home record in NL during that time.
Nick Green
You know what I didn’t realize before today? Nick Green’s service time.
Per Cot’s Baseball Contracts, Green entered the season with 4 years, 2 days service time.
Which is less then 5 years service time.
Which means Green doesn’t have the required amount of service time to refuse a minor league assignment, unless something was written into his contract (I don’t know whether or not this is the case).
Green had a pair of out clauses, one he waived on April 4, and one on May 15 which the Dodgers already honored by calling him up before that date. In other words, unless there is something specific in his contract, the Dodgers can send Green to AAA without losing him.
Sometimes the smallest of details slip through the cracks.
Wouldn’t have to clear waivers if he’s not DFA’d. I’m talking about keeping him on the 40-man (for now).
by Eric Stephen on May 17, 2010 2:44 PM PDT up reply actions
Good question
You are probably right…looking into it.
by Eric Stephen on May 17, 2010 2:44 PM PDT up reply actions
I only care from a standpoint of roster maneuvering.
by Eric Stephen on May 17, 2010 2:51 PM PDT up reply actions
Cot’s has this for Green last year:
signed by Boston as a free agent 1/13/09 (minor-league contract)
contract purchased by Boston 4/5/09
sent outright to AAA by Boston 11/6/09 (refused assignment)
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on May 17, 2010 2:46 PM PDT up reply actions
Yep
Green was first outrighted by the Yankees in October 2006, so he has the right to refuse any subsequent outrighting.
by Eric Stephen on May 17, 2010 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions
I guess Green was outrighted before October 2006…that was his second one (which he refused).
by Eric Stephen on May 17, 2010 2:55 PM PDT up reply actions
So service time doesn't matter in this case, correct?
by Michael White on May 17, 2010 2:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Right, but I was talking about being able to send him down and keep him on the 40-man, but of course I forgot the crucial factor of options
by Eric Stephen on May 17, 2010 2:58 PM PDT up reply actions
Dodgers lineup
per Jon Weisman:
Martin C
Johnson RF
Ramirez LF
Kemp CF
Loney 1B
Blake 3B
DeWitt 2B
Carroll SS
Ely P
Lineups:
Bourn CF
Keppinger 2B
Berkman 1B
Lee LF
Pence RF
Blum SS
Feliz 3B
Quintero C
Rodriguez P
Martin C
Johnson RF
Manny LF
Kemp CF
Loney 1B
Blake 3B
DeWitt 2B
Carroll SS
Ely P
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