Starlin Castro has the Name and Game
by Phil Gurnee on May 24, 2010 9:27 PM PDT
in Team Previews
Email
PrintOne moment the Cubs had a two run lead at home in the first game of the 2008 play offs with two strikes on James Loney, the next moment the Cubs were down 4 - 2, and things have been going downhill ever since. Well, I might be over stating things, but just before the Dodgers swept the Cubbies out of the 2008 playoffs they were considered by many to be the best team in the NL. Now they are in third place looking up at the Cardinals.
Things can turn quickly, so while the Cubs are in 3rd place, three games under .500, Dodger fans can remember just two weeks ago when they were in a similar situation. With 45 games knocked off the schedule the Cubs are 21 - 24, scored 203 runs, allowed 208 runs, giving them a Pythagorean W-L: 22-23.
Even with Aramis Ramirez and Derrek Lee hitting like Mario Mendoza, the Cubs still have been able to post a middle of the pack offensive game. Led by a fearsome outfield of Bryd, Fukudome, and a resurgent Soriano the Cubs can put some runs on the board. Add in the latest star, Starlin Castro along with Theriot and Soto this might be the best offensive team we have faced in May.
Pitching has had some good and bad. Carlos Zambrano has been bad, and was banished to the bullpen making him the most expensive setup man in baseball. He's supposed to come back into the rotation but that will be after we leave town. Carlos Silva who has been batted around by everyone in the AL is making NL hitters look silly. Ted Lilly came off the DL several weeks ago and has yet to regain the velocity that made him one of the better LHP in baseball. We won't see the bizarro Silva so we won't be able to figure out why NL hitters are having such a tough time with him, or Randy Wells. We should see Dempter, Lilly, and Gorzelanny but don't bet the house on it.
Season Series: First meeting of the year.
Old Friends: Ted Lilly, Koyie Hill
Position Breakdown:
1st Base-Derrek Lee has been one of the most consistent offensive 1st baseman this decade but 2010 is not being kind to him. A career TSL of .283/.363/.500 looks out of reach in 2010. With almost 200 plate appearances in 2010 his TSL is sitting at .218/.323/.341. Yes, Blake DeWitt is outhitting Derrek Lee and it is not close. His BABIP is only .250 compared to a career of .321 but power is power and Mr. Lee has no power. In his career, he has 386 doubles and 298 home runs. If he hits two against us he will reach the magical 300 number.
2nd Base- Ryan Theriot was the starting SS when the Cubs decided to shake things up and promote Starlin Castro. So Theriot moves from SS to 2nd but I'm not sure how much better Theriot is then the man he replaced, Mike Fontenot. Theriot has a nice .300 batting average but doesn't walk or hit for power. His TSL of .304/.332/.337 shows just how awol his power is.
SS- The real story of the Cubs right now is the emergence of Starlin Castro as an offensive force at such a young age. The true 20 year old Castro started the year in AA and blistered the Southern League pitching (same pitching that befuddles our boys), to the tune of a .990 OPS. I felt they were being hasty in bringing Castro up but so far he has proven Cub management to be correct. You might remember that Starlin slugged a home run in his first at bat and has barely slowed down since then. With 66 plate appearances under his belt, he's posting a .909 OPS and by all indications is going to give Mr. Heyward a run for the ROY award. Mr. Castro is probably why I'm a bit harsh on our boy Gordon. Two years younger then Gordon, playing in the same league, he destroyed the league, and going into this season, it was a matter of debate as to who was the better prospect. For right now that debate has been put to rest. Looking forward to getting our first look at the Cub's Starlin.
3rd Base-Aramis Ramirez much like Derrek Lee has simply been to good a hitter for to long to grasp his .161 batting average at this point in the season. Some guys struggle but what Ramirez is going through is more then a struggle, it is sitting in quick sand with the demons of hades pulling at your legs. A .495 OPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Catcher -When we wonder if Lambo can bounce back from High Times we only have to look at the resurgent career of Geovany Soto who is stroking this year. Both Martin and Soto had off years in 2009 after being two of the best offensive catchers in the NL. Martin has done a nice little bounceback but Soto is walking his way to the top wOBA for NL catchers at .386. Soto is walking 22% of the time and has almost a 200 point spread between his BA and his OBA. Been a strange year for catchers in the NL, as the names on the wOBA leaderboard are Soto, Doumit, and Carlos Ruiz.
Right Field- Kosuke Fukudome always seems to start fast and this year is no exception. He again has an OBP over .400 but this year he has added power to his repertoire making him one of three Cub outfielders with a plus .500 slug%.
Center Field - Free Agent Marlon Byrd started out the season on fire, but luckily for us, reality might be setting in, as he's has slowed considerably in May, even more so over the last fourteen days. So while he is carrying a .526 slug% into our series, he's only hitting at a .636 OPS clip over his last 50 at bats. Marlon Byrd is a solid hitter but he's not .900 OPS material.
Left Field- Has anyone made a bigger jump back into the pool then Alphonso Soriano? A year ago Cub fans had to be shaken knowing how long his contract still ran, but this year is another story. Soriano has had nice runs before but I'm not sure if he's ever had a run like this. Over his last 88 plate appearances he's posting a 1.134 OPS and he comes into our series smoking hot. Soriano has 299 career home runs, it is possible that both Derrek Lee and Soriano could hit the magic 300 home runs in this series. As long as they happen with the Dodgers comfortably a head I wouldn't mind seeing it happen.
Reserves: Mike Fontenot is now the utility infielder, with Jeff Baker backing him up. Tyler Colvin and Xavier Nady back up the outfield spots, Koyie Hill, he of the horrifying power tool accident backs up Soto. Ex Diamondback Chad Tracy is around if either Lee or Ramirez need to sit.
Starting Pitching for our Series:
Game One:Ryan Dempster gets to say hi to James Loney. Just have to wonder how many times he's replayed that pitch in his mind. Dempster continues to be one of the best RHP in the NL after moving from the bullpen back to the rotation.
Game Two: I'm guessing it will be Ted Lilly but no one has been penciled in. Lilly was slowed down by surgery this spring and simply has not had the velocity he had before the surgery. He says he's okay, so the Cubs just have to hope it comes back with time. The fastball is off by almost two MPH, but the slider is off by 3 MPH. The end result has been a huge drop in his K rate.
Game Three:Tom Gorzelanny is a likely candidate for either Wed or Thurs. Once a highly touted prospect with the Pirates the Cubs stole him last year after he struggled at the start of the year. Right now he has a thumb injury so his normal start day of Tuesday was pushed back. The LH has a K rate this year of 9.4 and in fact has a K rate over 9 ever since joining the Cubs.
Bullpen: Carlos Marmol is still the closer and even though he fights bouts of wildness he is still pretty damn unhittable. This year he's been unbelievable with a K/Rate of 17.5 That is right he has struck out 44 hitters in only 22 innings. He's walked more then he's allowed hits but that is not that hard when you allow less then six hits per nine innings. The Cub bullpen loves the strikeout. Sean Marshall is a nasty LHP who has taken to the bullpen like a duck to water. In 23 innings Marshall has struck out 30 while walking only seven, plus he's very had to hit. The Cubs have a plethora of LHP along with Marshall. Grabow the old vet is still doing his shtick, while control artist James Russell is just getting started with his career. Bob Howry was signed and if we are lucky we will see him pitch.
243 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
1
World Series Championship since 1907 for the Cubbies…
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 24, 2010 9:31 PM PDT reply actions
Comparing Castro and Gordon is unfair IMO
I know why they are being compared, but they are simply different players…
by lakersdodgersyankees4life on May 24, 2010 9:40 PM PDT reply actions
Yeah, one is an impact starting SS in the major leagues
the other is still learning how to play in AA even though he’s two years older. You are right, completely different players. One has a total well rounded game at the age of 20, the other is raw as sushi even two years though he’s two years older with speed his best skill.
FYI – Roto players have been comparing the two since last October as they try to decide who to draft in Keeper leagues. I don’t see how comparing two young SS who started out playing in the same league is unfair. I can’t compare him to DeJesus when they were both the same age in the same league. I can’t compare him to a SS in the same league two years his junior. Are you guys just looking for someone he looks good against that I can compare him with? These are his bloody peers you know. Same position, age. Not like I’m comparing him to a 22 year old right fielder.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 24, 2010 11:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Like I said, I know why they are compared
As you said, Gordon is older in age and are at the same position. Similar with DeJesus. My point is they are different in baseball years. Gordon started the game 4 years ago. DeJesus probably started 10 years ago. Similar with Castro. So while the age says that Gordon should be in the majors before either of them, but when you look at for how long each has been playing the game, it is an unrealistic expectation.
I know as a fact, I tried to pick up baseball as a freshman in HS… 3 years before Gordon. I had no shot. I didnt have the bat speed, glove skill… anything. Gordon obviously had baseball in his blood and grew up around the game, but the fact that he picked up the game as a senior and was good enough to be drafted is amazing. That he is in AA at 22 with his limited experience is, honestly, astonishing.
Then, of course, the skill set is different. Gordon is a speedster, Castro is an all around hitter. They both could be SS in the future, but Castro is expected to move off SS for a prospect(I believe the name is hak ju lee) who is very much like Gordon, fast and toolsy, but raw. There is no prospect who is moving Gordon off of SS. The only way he is moved is if his defensive mechanics arent corrected as he gets older.
One final thing… Gordon is either a guy you love or hate. If you are a tools guy, you are drooling over him… however, if you simply want polished players and people who follow the ‘top prospect’ curve… in the majors in the early 20s… then, you’ll hate Gordon. He is raw and will take time. However, if given the time, he can be a very exciting player… he has been compared to Furcal, Reyes and Rollins by guys’ who’s job is to watch prospects and figure out their ceiling(Ie, John Sickels)…that kind of comparison will make people very excited..
by lakersdodgersyankees4life on May 25, 2010 10:06 PM PDT up reply actions
just to clarify the old friend thing
Lilly never played a game in the bigs with Dodgers right?
William Doolittle at your service, a.k.a. will do.
Nope, traded for Grundz while just a twinkle in our eyes.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 24, 2010 11:10 PM PDT up reply actions
ah, im not suprised
and just to echo the others, great write up
William Doolittle at your service, a.k.a. will do.
agreed
same here. I haven’t been around for the game threads as much this year, but I love to read up all the material on this site still. thanks guys.
I'm nobody's fool, least of all yours
by BoulderDodger on May 25, 2010 2:26 AM PDT up reply actions
Definitely agree. I've come to look forward to them.
You should quit your day job. :)
by TopDeckTrueBlue on May 25, 2010 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Koyie Hill
That is the first time I read about his accident. Yikes.
Link to Joe Aiello and the five questions he answered about his Cubs
http://www.truebluela.com/2010/5/25/1486605/five-questions-for-joe-aiello-from
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Cubs fans are baffled
They don’t know what to do now that they can’t blame Soriano. It’s an interesting organization that in some ways reminds me of the Tigers. They both went all-in with a core group of players—handing out big long-term contracts—but then realized that group was not good enough to win. the Tigers have done a nice job replenishing their squad with young exciting talent while the Cubs seem to be slower in coming around. Castro’s a start, but I don’t see the Cubs getting over the top until they say goodbye to some of the old guard.
You mean the old guard like GM Hendry
or the players, because players like Lee, Ramirez, and Soriano have plenty of offense to still offer. So far in 2010 I have to give Hendry some credit.
1., He turned an untradeble Milton Bradley contract into Carlos Silva who for whatever reason has been great.
2. He signed Marlon Byrd who is doing exactly what they expected Bradley to do last year.
3. He stole Tom Gorzelanny from the Pirates a team that can’t afford to give away quality pitching
4. He promoted Castro, giving a lift to his team when most of the naysayers including myself said he was crazy.
If the old guard of Zambrano, Ramirez, and Lee start to provide anything close to historical levels this is a good team.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Oswalt offer
This is the best offer I can come up with that sacrifice too much in terms of talent (no slight on these guys, because they are talented):
Dee Gordon
Kyle Russell
Nathan Eovaldi
I’m figuring Houston might be intrigued with the Texas kids — and Eovaldi is from Nolan Ryan’s hometown!
See I think this is a situation where you try to take advantage. Everyone knows that Oswalt wants to go to a contender and he has a no-trade clause, plus he is owed a good bit of money. Additionally, GM Ed Wade is not known as one of the more astute executives in the game. I would try to get him to bite on a couple of players that may not be top shelf talent.
My offer:
James McDonald or Scott Elbert – gives the Astros a major league ready pitcher
Jesus Castillo – Putting up good numbers, but not really a prospect.
Scott Van Slyke – Coming off a good season.
George Sherrill – Salary relief
I would lead with this offer and fall back to something similar to Gordon, Russell, Eovaldi.
Wade would be hung
lets pretend he or his scouts are semi bright.
Elbert or McDonald are pretty much off the table given their performances this year. He has to sell this trade to his season ticket base and bringing guys who are getting lit up is not going to fly.
I think Nate or SilverWidow has pretty much nailed what outgoing expectations should be. I agree with Nate that taking back Sherrill would be a big part of the deal.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 25, 2010 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions
In the end
This has less to do about players since we are no longer talking about the Kemps and Kershaws and more to do about the money and risk of injury.
But the PR from this kind of move would probably make it real interesting to.
by bhsportsguy on May 25, 2010 10:16 AM PDT up reply actions
I see what you mean, but lets also not pretend that deals such as this don’t happen, because they do. I mean, if he and his scouts were so bright they wouldn’t have signed Pedro Feliz and Chad Qualls to big contracts this past winter.
Also, if we are giving his scouts credit wouldn’t they be more interested in Elbert or McDonald as opposed to Ely, who scouts don’t seem to like. Anyway, my intent was intentionally slanted in our favor given that I think the leverage lies in our court, if we are indeed playing.
Also depends on when the deal is made
If Jmac continues his recent trend of doing OK at AAA or becomes the 5th starter, or if Elbert’s new angle works out, then that is an OK offer.. if not, then it sucks :)
by lakersdodgersyankees4life on May 25, 2010 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions
what I would do
If I were Colletti’s ’stache, this is what I would whisper to him…
Astro’s get 3 players, one each from pool A,B and C
Pool A:
Chris Withrow
Dee Gordon
Aaron Miller
Pool B
Kyle Russel
Jerry Sands
Kenley Jansen
Pool C
Trayvon Robinson
Pedro Baez
Lucas May
AND they have to take Sherril off our hands to offset some of the salary this year.
I think that is a fucking fair offer. opinions?
I think that’s too much. Withrow/Sands/Trayvon would knock our system for a loop. As for Sherrill, I’d rather release him than try to shoehorn him into a deal. Just my $.02.
Adding a middle reliever to a deal would make Ed Wade like it less? I don’t understand…
by regfairfield on May 25, 2010 10:08 AM PDT up reply actions
if the astros
don’t want to include salary they need to take non useful, expensive shit off of our hands. Which thusly, could turn this trade into
Josh Bell Steve JohnsonA+B+C for Oswalt.
I like your idea but I think you have to start with
Ely and Sherrill and work from there. Or end there.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 25, 2010 10:21 AM PDT up reply actions
Nate must have a free few minutes today
It must be rough being a Laker fan in Suns town today. (But not as bad as in 2006-2007)
by bhsportsguy on May 25, 2010 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions
everyone i work with
are suns fans. They have this swagger again after the last game. It’s okay, Suns are still going down and it will be glorious when I bring in my Kobe jersey after he sends them home.
The method I would use to determine a fair trade would be similar to how arbitration works in determining a young baseball players salary. I’d put a Dodger offer into an envelope and an Astro offer into an envelope and then imagine there was a judge who would pick the fairest of the two. Maybe we could have two people here make offers, one as the Dodgers FO and one as the Astros FO, then have someone like Phil be the judge? It would be interesting to see what the two offers were as both people would have to submit something close to the middle or risk having to take the other persons offer.
Sounds like fun
but I’d rather submit an offer on then be a judge.
We’d need an Astro blogger to submit his offer, Eric to submit ours, and have someone like John Sickels be the judge. This actually sounds like fun, and could be used during the trading deadline. The more I type the more I like.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 25, 2010 10:30 AM PDT up reply actions
Ah, here you are. And here I am, just 12 hours late. I was still following the last thread, which has crept on slowly. Phil, I’d very much appreciate if you could add a “new story” comment into the preceding thread when you post a new one. Though I do get here eventually.
All you have to do is check the front page.
Sorry to add 5 extra seconds to your day.
by Eric Stephen on May 25, 2010 10:03 AM PDT up reply actions
Seriously dude, don’t want to be harsh but these guys are kind of doing a lot, for free, already.
A really useful page is actually this one: http://www.truebluela.com/posts/archive as you can see in one place all the stories and which ones have new comments. It’s actually more useful than the homepage in some ways.
I go to the archive page more often than the front page for that very reason.
by Eric Stephen on May 25, 2010 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions
I don't mind doing it
as I see how useful it is, but when we schedule things, it just can’t happen.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 25, 2010 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions
You guys are gonna
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 guess when you have that kind of deal
you don’t need to pay up front like the rest of us season ticket holders.
by bhsportsguy on May 25, 2010 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions
Well, $100,000 is a lot of money. And though we can joke about Lovitz’s celebrity, he IS a known figure and having him at the games adds a certain cachet. Coupled with a poor economy — I imagine that demand for the premium seats is not what it once was — then I imagine that the Dodgers are all right with working out payment deals for the tickets, including taking it on faith that the guys are good for the money.
I also imagine that Lovitz got more than one warning in a letter that he was gonna get sued/embarrassed if he didn’t pony up.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on May 25, 2010 10:21 AM PDT up reply actions
Thanks for that link. I sent it out via Twitter (along with two Lovitz related puns of course!)
by Eric Stephen on May 25, 2010 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions
“Sure, I’ll pay you…..
………………………….acting!"
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on May 25, 2010 10:16 AM PDT up reply actions
I was gonna do a Critic call back
“So you see, looking back, I think the other kids always picked me last for sports because I was smarter than them, not because of my unpredictable bladder.”
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Thats great
That is some serious doe for baseball tickets, I’d renege to. Arent’ celebrities just used to having their cars taken away from them when the cash flow dries up, I guess they thought the same would happen with the tickets.
The Dodgers must not have been able to resell these, otherwise they wouldn’t bother with the bad publicity this is going to generate with their other celeb clients.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 25, 2010 10:18 AM PDT up reply actions
Why is this bad publicity
If they don’t pay their bills and especially if they had contracts, I don’t see the problem. They did take back the tickets for the current season, it is all about collecting for past seasons.
by bhsportsguy on May 25, 2010 10:24 AM PDT up reply actions
I agree
It’s not bad publicity for the Dodgers. It’s bad publicity for Lovitz and Marlton and whoever doesn’t pay their bills.
Just one thing… it’s not just “past seasons” that the Dodgers are going after:
According to the Dodgers, Marlton signed a deal with the team last for the use of two dugout club seats for the 2010-14 seasons. But he failed to pay his first installment of $60,000 due on Jan. 8 and now the team is asking for the full price for all five seasons, the suit states.
I’m not a lawyer so I have no idea if the Dodgers can hold him to that. They can still sell those seats for the rest of this year and the other four years on the deal. On the other hand, dude signed a deal and it would seem right to me that the Dodgers deserve some damages for that. You can’t just decide, y’know, I don’t really want those tickets after all and not pay.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on May 25, 2010 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions
You have to lock in for a minimum of 3-4 years for these seats, so if you sign the contract you are stuck.
Chicks say they just want a man who makes them laugh.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on May 25, 2010 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions
Made me
laugh in “League of their Own”.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 25, 2010 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions
Jon Lovitz, funny man
1) The Critic
2) several SNL skits
3) A League of Their Own
4) The Critic
by Eric Stephen on May 25, 2010 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions
Seinfeld
Lovitz was pretty funny in Seinfeld. But then again, being in the company of Jerry and George makes it easy.
by Tommy Told Me To Bleed Blue on May 25, 2010 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions
Sad that I can’t remember Lovitz being on Seinfeld.
by Eric Stephen on May 25, 2010 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions
Gary Fogel!
in The Scofflaw.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
He pretended to have cancer.
Jerry bought him a lifetime membership to the Hair Club for Men.
by Tommy Told Me To Bleed Blue on May 25, 2010 11:37 AM PDT up reply actions
A Friends episode, too
“Tartlettes? Tartlettes … Tartlettes!”
by TopDeckTrueBlue on May 25, 2010 12:23 PM PDT up reply actions
I think it is bad publicity
in several ways. The enormous cost of the tickets, the general fan probably had no clue as to how expensive those seats are. The fact that they are desperate enough for money, they would sue instead of simply reselling the seats, meaning there is no demand for those ridiculously priced tickets. The jokes will eventually be about the Dodgers not about Lovitz because his peers could easily see themselves in his situation. JMO
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 25, 2010 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions
Part of my opinion
stems from past work experience, litigation is just a fact of doing business, both sides had executed an agreement and probably this is all spelled out in it. So I don’t see the downside.
by bhsportsguy on May 25, 2010 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions
If Lakers go up 3-1 today
They would all of the sudden be in much better shape to win their series than the Celtics would be. The Celtics only have one more home game left, while the Lakers would have two. Of course, the Lakers need to win tonight.
Given the whack the market had the last two weeks
I could see quite a few people who expected to pull money out of their broker account to pay for these non essentials all the sudden facing margin calls instead.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Sounds like the Rockies are going back to the time-honored “play your best players” tradition. From Troy Renck:
I am hearing strong talk that chris iannetta will rejoin rox today. I expect it to happen
It’s a big reason why they were able to win last year.
by Eric Stephen on May 25, 2010 11:19 AM PDT up reply actions
That will soon be fixed
When Matsui starts playing 2B.
by bhsportsguy on May 25, 2010 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions
Andre Ethier is 4th among NL OF in all-star voting w/ 316,383 votes
Braun 423,834
Werth 365,402
Victorino 348,841
Ethier 316,383
by Eric Stephen on May 25, 2010 11:16 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
More details here
Loney and Furcal are a distant fourth place at their positions. Russell Martin is 5th place.
Kemp is 7th, Manny 9th
by Eric Stephen on May 25, 2010 11:20 AM PDT up reply actions
Apparently not even Philly fans
can vote for Ibanez this year.
by bhsportsguy on May 25, 2010 11:24 AM PDT up reply actions
Victorino?
That is freaking ridiculous
by robotmadeofnails on May 25, 2010 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions
I loved it when Kuroda went and talked to him after the inning.
by robotmadeofnails on May 25, 2010 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions
I love it when a guy with an OBP under .310 is in place to go to the All-Star game. Awesome.
by UCLADodger32 on May 25, 2010 12:18 PM PDT up reply actions
He's f*cking awful
.257/.308/.475…if he makes the All-star team as a starter then there will be blood.
Ya, but he’s a gritty gamer with a catchy nickname. Andre is sitting out cause he hurt his wittle pinky. Makes perfect sense to me.
by UCLADodger32 on May 25, 2010 12:22 PM PDT up reply actions
God, is he drunk again? Sad.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
This is the guy
that traded Scott Kazmir for Victor Zambrano. So apparently he doesn’t learn even by being fired.
Strasburg can’t even be traded until 8/17.
by silverwidow on May 25, 2010 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions
Strasburg is likely to make his MLB debut on 6/4 and stay with the team the rest of the way. If he were the PTBNL list, he’d have to disappear all of a sudden (can’t be on the active roster).
by silverwidow on May 25, 2010 11:40 AM PDT up reply actions
Hey, don't ask me to figure it out
Its not like I’m advocating the trade… except for from Houston’s end.
I know, I know. Just saying, even the wildest scenarios will have a hard time coming to pass.
by silverwidow on May 25, 2010 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions
So who are the other most likely suitors
for Oswalt right now? I know the Nationals were thrown around in the media a few days ago….
by Tommy Told Me To Bleed Blue on May 25, 2010 11:37 AM PDT reply actions
Rangers
MLB would have to approve that deal, so no go.
by bhsportsguy on May 25, 2010 11:47 AM PDT up reply actions
Yes
being in Bankruptcy Court is not a place where you can now ask to commit to more money/
by bhsportsguy on May 25, 2010 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions
The club had to declare bankruptcy yesterday just to help facilitate the sale of the team.
by Eric Stephen on May 25, 2010 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions
in the AL West?
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 25, 2010 11:59 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Has a pitcher of Lee’s ability ever played for 4 teams in the span of 2 years?
by CarolinaDodger on May 25, 2010 12:52 PM PDT up reply actions
Oswalt would refuse to be traded to the Nationals
He has the final say with the no-trade clause.
The Houston Chronicle went through some possibilities today.
Cliff Lee
is my kind of man. Fuck Oswalt! haha
by Tommy Told Me To Bleed Blue on May 25, 2010 11:51 AM PDT reply actions
I would rather get Ben Sheets. As a two month rental, he shouldn’t cost too much. McDonald + some fungible parts.
And who is paying the
$5M salary he will be owed.
by bhsportsguy on May 25, 2010 12:03 PM PDT up reply actions
I feel lukewarm about Sheets.
It would be more of a gamble. Do we want to gamble down the home stretch?
by Tommy Told Me To Bleed Blue on May 25, 2010 11:54 AM PDT reply actions
Loiaza was a nightmare...
Don’t remind me.
by Tommy Told Me To Bleed Blue on May 25, 2010 11:58 AM PDT up reply actions
Sheets
2-3, 5.04 ERA, 4.66 FIP, 4.69 X-FIP, 55.1 IP, 4.55 BB/9 and 7.32 K/9
He sucks…
Colony Capital sucks... Paris est magique...
We might as well get Pedro Martinez. ack!
It sounds like that’s what the Mets or Phillies are thinking about.
by Tommy Told Me To Bleed Blue on May 25, 2010 11:56 AM PDT reply actions
Even though it's not nearly as exciting....
A rotation of:
Kuroda
Kershaw
Billingsley
Padilla (healthy)
Ely
Might be better than any trade.
by Tommy Told Me To Bleed Blue on May 25, 2010 12:00 PM PDT reply actions
So long as, if we do make the playoffs again
and Ely keeps pitching the way he has been, he takes the 4th starter role in the playoffs and Padilla is relegated to the pen.
Otherwise, no objections. 4/5 have been pitching well as of late and the fifth was likely injured during his mess. Even if Padilla maintains a mid-four ERA the rest of the season, that’s perfectly fine for a 5th starter.
Other than health, there is really no reason to expect that Ely will put up better numbers than Padilla for the remainder of the season.
by Eric Stephen on May 25, 2010 12:10 PM PDT up reply actions
But he is going to get profiled by
Buster Olney tomorrow.
by bhsportsguy on May 25, 2010 12:11 PM PDT up reply actions
When we got Padilla last year
It seemed like he had something to prove (or at least he pitched like it) I wonder if he will have that attitude once he returns.
by Tommy Told Me To Bleed Blue on May 25, 2010 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions
why?
It’s not like Ely’s peripherals are suggesting he’s being lucky.
For a junkball pitcher, he has peripherals of a power pitcher…
Agree. The league might very well beat up on him the second time around, but his numbers that matter are really fantastic.
by UCLADodger32 on May 25, 2010 12:16 PM PDT up reply actions
If he continues his current peripherals, well then yes Ely will continue to be great. I just don’t think it’s reasonable to expect him to continue to do that.
I love his approach, and I’m rooting for him.
by Eric Stephen on May 25, 2010 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions
The John Ely Approach
Is that his band’s name?
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on May 25, 2010 12:49 PM PDT up reply actions
as much as I like the guy, if he continues to pitch consistantly
I say sell high and use him as trade bait for Cliff or Roy, just my 2 cents
William Doolittle at your service, a.k.a. will do.
+1
I dont see him being a real long term option, so if he continues pitching with this magic lets see how much he’s worth to a team like the Astros or Mariners.
You would be wrong there. Ely is ABSOLUTELY a long term option in the back of the rotation. 4-5 guy.
by silverwidow on May 25, 2010 12:50 PM PDT up reply actions
For some reason
I’m much more confident in Ely as opposed to Padilla. I think I still have a really sour taste in my mouth from how Padilla started off the season for us.
I wouldn’t mind if he stayed on the DL for the whole season. Am I going to hell for saying that?
by Tommy Told Me To Bleed Blue on May 25, 2010 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions
Can you look into that magic crystal ball and tell me what the lotto numbers are for next week?
Come on man, I have faith in Ely, but who’s to say his stuff will keep up in the majors? I’m not saying he will fail, but if we can get real value out of him in a trade, why not do it while we can while his value is getting higher?
And I know you say you’ve been pimping him out since the spring, but you’ve also done that with Withrow, Link, Lindblom, and now you could care less about them it seems. I’m just saying. Do you really have all this faith in Ely, or is he just the flavor of the week ;)
Why WOULDN’T a plus-plus changeup keep someone in the majors? Are you watching his starts at all? This isn’t a guy that’s going to go from having precision, pinpoint control to walking a shitload of guys. Honestly, it’s time to stop obsessing over his fastball velocity.
Lindblom has been horrible. Sue me. BA listed him as a top 5 prospect, so I’m not the only one that screwed up. And Withrow is still 21 without much pro experience. I’ll cut him some slack.
Yes I’m watching his starts. Are you watching them without your extreme-homer glasses? The dude has been great, but I don’t think we are looking at the next Johan over here.
And my problem isn’t who you pick, it’s that you pick people and then jump ship after a couple of rough months. Doesn’t show too much loyalty, does it?
Rick Vaughn switched out the 103 MPH fastball for the Eliminator and struck out three guys looking in a row!
by regfairfield on May 25, 2010 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Rick Vaughn is a pederass.
Oh wait, that’s the Jesus. Vaughn just likes to get into fisticuffs with his spouse.
by Tommy Told Me To Bleed Blue on May 25, 2010 12:22 PM PDT up reply actions
I really think we should ride out Ely
If/When he stumbles later in the season, let him take it like a man and grow as a Major League Pitcher. Haeger is in the past….even though I wanted to love him as a starter.
by Tommy Told Me To Bleed Blue on May 25, 2010 12:06 PM PDT up reply actions
Speaking of the All Stars
It looks like Ethier and Broxton will be our only guys this year. I would love to see Kershaw and Kemp, but don’t think they’ll make it.
Kemp is 7th in voting and Manny is 9th, so I expect if Kemp heats up again (which he has recently) he will be able to jump to around 4-6 in outfield voting and possibly get a bench spot.
And the manager gets to pick the SP I believe, so Kershaw could give up no runs from now till then and Manual won’t pick him, he’ll pick Moyer instead.
Was looking over some numbers on fangraphs today and saw that Kemp has 0 outfield assists this year. He had 14 last year and 10 in center the year before. So not only has he been the worst defensive outfielder in baseball with the glove, his arm has been crap, too. Man, I need to stop looking at defensive numbers for 1/4 season, but his ineptitude is startling.
From BillJamesOnline.net
Matt Kemp in CF…
2008: 76 opportunities for opponents to advance extra base, 40 extra bases (52.6%)
2009: 114 opportunities, 55 extra bases (48.2%)
2010: 30 opportunities, 26 extra bases (86.7%)
Yikes!
by Eric Stephen on May 25, 2010 12:33 PM PDT up reply actions
Yikes for sure
I didn’t want to see the rest of the story. Good God what has happened?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 25, 2010 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Maybe they simply aren't running on him?
Isn’t there more to the story then assists?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 25, 2010 12:33 PM PDT up reply actions
i know assists are contingent on the situation, where the ball it hit, etc, but for someone with his arm strength to have 0 after 1/4 of the season is not fathomable to me. He has just been an unmitigated disaster on the field and basepaths. And I truly thought he was on his way to a superstar 6 win type season.
by UCLADodger32 on May 25, 2010 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions
Eric destroyed what little hope I had
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 25, 2010 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions
I saw that after I responded. Dude needs to kick Rihanna to the curb. His plate discipline and overall hitting has marginally improved from last year, but with the regression of everything else, she must be the cause.
by UCLADodger32 on May 25, 2010 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't even think she has been in the US
by bhsportsguy on May 25, 2010 12:41 PM PDT up reply actions
The layers get peeled back
and we get a glimpse into the bookmarks of BHSportsGuy!
by Eric Stephen on May 25, 2010 12:42 PM PDT up reply actions
Yep
I have been planning my vacation around her U.S. tour.
by bhsportsguy on May 25, 2010 12:43 PM PDT up reply actions
Thats even worse. Now hes just longing for her, which is obviously contributing to his play.
by UCLADodger32 on May 25, 2010 1:02 PM PDT up reply actions
We should take note
of what Wakefield did against the Phillies and save Haeger for the NLCS letting him start every game with everyone else in relief.
Or I should stop drinking at lunch
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
No control
Wakefield – 2.0 BB/9
Haeger- 7.7 BB/9
by Julio Nievas on May 25, 2010 12:31 PM PDT up reply actions
That is the regular season
Haeger is awesome in October
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 25, 2010 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions
No move announced yet
Dodger game notes are out, and they have covered all their bases by listing profiles for Furcal, DeWitt, and Ortiz (unlike the Friday game in San Diego, when Furcal was expected to be activated and the game notes listed everybody but Green).
For the record, Troncoso is also listed.
by silverwidow on May 25, 2010 12:33 PM PDT up reply actions
Right
everyone is. If Troncoso were an actual option, I would have listed him in my comment :)
by Eric Stephen on May 25, 2010 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions
I picked other in your poll
because I thought Troncoso might hit the DL
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 25, 2010 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions
It could happen, as with Sherrill, but I was just giving Silverwidow the needle.
by Eric Stephen on May 25, 2010 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions
after the damage was done
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on May 25, 2010 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
If you think there’s an ice cube’s chance in hell that Troncoso gets optioned, I’ve got two words: Cory Wade. Shit happens, even to once reliable bullpen guys.
by silverwidow on May 25, 2010 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Thanks for the info, Joe. Or is that you, Ned? :)
by silverwidow on May 25, 2010 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions
If Steve Phillips really said
they should trade Strasburgh for Oswalt then the anyone with the letters “phil” in their name, is hanging their head in shame.
That might just be the most moronic thing any analyst has ever said. Ever, going all the way back to the play by play of Washington crossing the Delaware.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I’m sure Joe Morgan or even Steve Phillips himself have topped that. Well, on second thought, maybe not.
by UCLADodger32 on May 25, 2010 12:33 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm definitely ashamed to share the same last name with him :-(
but am most definitely not related!
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
No, they were cousins, but Steve traded him for Mo Vaughan.
by Little Blue Bicycle on May 25, 2010 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Not Wild Thing Vaughan?
Anyway, my family changed our name from something longer and more ethnic a generation or 2 ago so I don’t think we’re related. We have enough trouble without taking him on!
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'd rather have Cliff Lee
just saying
And as Lvtown has stated, Ben Sheets is dealing this month once he started using all his pitches again.
However our Ely could simply be the guy and we should hitch our horses to his comet.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
It has been against the Rays, Mariners, Padres, and Giants...
but the results are still coming, so at least it’s a step in the right direction.
I still think he can be a guy who has a low to mid 3 ERA season with about 8 Ks per 9 innings and 2.5 BBs per 9 innings. Sheets is great when healthy.
Cliff Lee
I asked this above, but probably too far back for anyone to notice…
Has a pitcher of Lee’s ability ever played for 4 teams in the span of 2 years?
by CarolinaDodger on May 25, 2010 12:55 PM PDT reply actions
I'm not sure
But I thought 4 teams in 4 years was a lot for Edwin Jackson. So 4 teams in 2 years is just yikes.
Steve Carlton’s 1986-87?
Though he was at the end of his rope.
by Eric Stephen on May 25, 2010 1:10 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Wow, Carlton did 5 teams in 2 years. Phi, SF and ChiSox in 86 and then Cle, Minnesota in 87.
by CarolinaDodger on May 25, 2010 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions
It's not DeWitt
Dodger lineup:
Furcal SS
Martin C
Kemp CF
Ramirez LF
Loney 1B
Blake 3B
Paul RF
DeWitt 2B
Kershaw P
About damn time. Dudes a mess and needs a total rehaul. If he cant get back to at least dominating lefties with some decent control, just let him go.
by UCLADodger32 on May 25, 2010 1:32 PM PDT up reply actions
I think this was the best possible option
we need George to get his act together without hurting us in the process. Never underestimate the power of the phantom DL when a roster crunch is happening.
Though it cracks me up that we are going to such lengths to keep Green/Ortiz on the roster.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I agree on both counts
Sherrill needs to straighten himself out somewhere where it doesnt hurt the team. I still think he can be dominating again. Hopefully this fixes it. And it is funny but pathetic that we are trying so hard to hold on to worthless pieces like Ortiz and Green.
Earlier today in Chavez Ravine
Ned: I don’t know, they plantar facsitis excuse is getting a little thin, Kim.
Kim: But we need something with Furcal back.
Ned: Back…back…yes, that’s it! Muwhahaha!
by Little Blue Bicycle on May 25, 2010 1:38 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
apparently mlb does not allow someone to go on the dl with a case of “the sucks”
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on May 25, 2010 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Always bet on the option with the most possible outcomes
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
This is the first time the Dodgers have had just 11 pitchers on the 25-man roster since April 23, 2008
This is of course ignoring
the secret weapon that is James Loney.
Breakdown
only pre September 1 matters since that is the 25-man roster period…
2008
127 games with 12 pitchers
10 games with 11 pitchers
2009
71 games with 12 pitchers
61 games with 13 pitchers
2010
44 games with 12 pitchers
by Eric Stephen on May 25, 2010 1:51 PM PDT up reply actions
Game Preview is Up
http://www.truebluela.com/2010/5/25/1486826/the-return-of-rafael-and-kershaw
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on True Blue LA
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- College player makes impossible over the fence catch to save tournament game (Video)
- Security!: Camden Yards guard collides with Royals’ Mike Moustakas
- The Juice: Nelson Cruz matches career high eight RBIs, Pujols stays hot in Seattle
- Benches clear at Fenway as Red Sox-Rays rivalry heats up
- Keeping good company: Albert Pujols becomes fourth-youngest player to hit 450 home runs
