First-Pitch Strikes: An Updated Look
by Eric Stephen on Jun 10, 2010 10:52 PM PDT
in Dodgers History & Records
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Back in the second week of the season, the Dodgers were struggling at throwing first pitch strikes, and were at the bottom of the league in first-pitch strike percentage. Since then, the Dodgers have improved a great deal, and are now near the National League average. Here's an updated look:
| 2010 National League First Pitch Thrown | ||||
| Team | Strikes | Balls | Balls in Play | Strike % |
| Astros | 1095 | 926 | 295 | 60.0% |
| Diamondbacks |
1155 | 952 | 269 | 59.9% |
| Cardinals | 1095 | 913 | 267 | 59.9% |
| Phillies | 1015 | 868 | 248 | 59.3% |
| Rockies | 1079 | 909 | 243 | 59.3% |
| Marlins | 1074 | 921 | 252 | 59.0% |
| Brewers | 1153 | 994 | 253 | 58.6% |
| Cubs | 1052 | 917 | 244 | 58.6% |
| Nationals | 1076 | 967 | 289 | 58.5% |
| NL Average | 1076 | 951 | 250 | 58.2% |
| Reds | 1142 | 980 | 219 | 58.1% |
| Mets | 1097 | 960 | 230 | 58.0% |
| Dodgers | 1076 | 1001 | 257 | 57.1% |
| Padres | 1042 | 939 | 206 | 57.1% |
| Braves | 1030 | 966 | 227 | 56.5% |
| Giants | 1012 | 962 | 222 | 56.2% |
| Pirates | 1020 | 1035 | 283 | 55.7% |
Here are the Dodgers' individual numbers on the first pitch. It is no surprise that control maestro John Ely leads all Dodger starters in throwing first-pitch strikes:
| 2010 Dodgers First Pitch Thrown | ||||
| Pitcher | Strikes | Balls | Balls in Play | Strike % |
| Miller | 18 | 8 | 2 | 71.4% |
| Broxton | 66 | 33 | 11 | 70.0% |
| Kuo | 38 | 20 | 6 | 68.8% |
| Belisario | 51 | 38 | 9 | 61.2% |
| Ely | 98 | 79 | 26 | 61.1% |
| Billingsley | 144 | 124 | 36 | 59.2% |
| Weaver | 31 | 29 | 11 | 59.2% |
| Kuroda | 143 | 138 | 46 | 57.8% |
| Ra.Ortiz | 64 | 57 | 14 | 57.8% |
| Padilla | 43 | 44 | 13 | 56.0% |
| Kershaw | 164 | 147 | 21 | 55.7% |
| Link | 8 | 9 | 3 | 55.0% |
| Sherrill | 35 | 36 | 8 | 54.4% |
| Troncoso | 49 | 52 | 12 | 54.0% |
| Monasterios |
66 | 76 | 21 | 53.4% |
| Haeger | 46 | 75 | 9 | 42.3% |
| Schlichting | 4 | 10 | 2 | 37.5% |
| Ru.Ortiz | 8 | 22 | 5 | 37.1% |
| Elbert | 0 | 4 | 2 | 33.3% |
| Totals | 1076 | 1001 | 257 | 57.1% |
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The Guitar is in Tune
Per Enrique Rojas:
Breaking News: Cleveland call up top prospect Carlos Santana. Debut set for friday against Nats, report EPNdeportes.com.
The moment has finally arrived
This is Phil’s moment. Santana was his guy to my Strasburg.
by silverwidow on Jun 10, 2010 11:03 PM PDT up reply actions
He’s in the Indians organization, they’ll find a way to break him. Right now I’m leaning towards converting Chris Gimenez to catcher.
by regfairfield on Jun 11, 2010 6:54 AM PDT up reply actions
Why would you want him to fail?
To make the Dodgers look good? The kid worked his ass off for this opportunity, no one works harder when converted from a fielding position to a catcher at the age of 20 then these guys. If he fails what does that say about plate discipline. He’s like the total disciple, plate discipline, power, contact. I’d hate for him to fail and see these guys who chase every pitch succeed.
by meercatjohn on Jun 11, 2010 7:11 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I want Santana to succeed so the failure of McCourt to fund this team comes better into light. A lot of the counter-criticism of the Casey Blake-Santana trade was that Santana didn’t make it to the majors yet so you couldn’t count the trade as a failure. Well, now he is, and all indications is that he’s going to rake.
It’ll be a nice rebuttal to Frank and Jamie McCourt.
i would see more as a fail of the scouting staff
to allow them to trade him. The money thing is all conjecture but the one concrete thing we have is that the scouting staff did not tell Ned No and Ned asked.
Not sure that would work anyway
Front office also looks at what is going on at the big league level, Dodgers have had the best record in the National League since the day Casey Blake arrived at Dodger Stadium. He filled a gap that had not been filled since Beltre left.
No one laments the fact that the Dodgers traded away their best position player prospect at the time, Andy LaRoche, who of all the Dodger prospects, had the most success in the minor leagues at nearly every level.
Certainly Carlos Santana may turn out to be a very good player but that is something that we won’t really know for a few months or even a few years. But is this deal like Jeff Bagwell for Larry Anderson? I doubt it.
Among all the concerns that the McCourts have right now
What Carlos Santana does in Cleveland would rank near the bottom.
He's supposed to be ridiculous at hitting, correct?
But medicore at fielding?
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
qualification
I became a serious Dodger fan (i.e. not BRING BACK JUAN PIERRE casual) after Casey Blake was acquired.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
From what I hear
he’s a monster at the plate, but as a catcher he’s not all that great. I heard he was working on his game calling and such.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 8:11 AM PDT up reply actions
That's why it would be a scouting failing
The company line is/was that Dodger scouts were unsure that Santana would ever be able to field his position.
by Michael White on Jun 11, 2010 8:11 AM PDT up reply actions
The expectation is Victor Martinez
if he can’t even do that and becomes a 3rd baseman, with his bat it will still probably be a moot point. It would be interesting if he does become a 3rd baseman. Back in 2008 when he and Pablo Sandoval were tearing up the California League they were both catchers. Even with Pablo in a slump I think it is safe to say his bat plays at 3rd base, as would Carlos Santana’s.
Ok.
I’m not the most baseball savvy person. I only recently learned that sometimes players are converted from one position to another based on how they hit (I think Russell Martin was the example given). It seems to me that trading Santana to a team on the AL where it would make sense for him to be a DH would be a good thing, no? He would have been blocked in our organization for a while (God, could you just imagine how people would be because Martin was blocking Santana, especially given his drop from Golden God status to Pewter?).
I guess people just don’t think Casey Blake was worth it, which was fine, but his beard is made of magic, so. (That’s a joke. OK, I’m half-kidding.)
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
i don’t think teams want their younger players to just DH, as they like those spots for older players. As for Casey, while some people just see the TSL, I think he’s done more for this team than people give him credit for. He really reached out to the younger players when them and the Vets were at odds and I think taught guys like Kemp how to really survive in the Bigs.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 8:21 AM PDT up reply actions
I disagree strongly
Compile your team with the best baseball players. The impact of older vets mentoring young kids is a non-issue.
by Michael White on Jun 11, 2010 8:27 AM PDT up reply actions
I don't agree
the idea that veterans don’t have something to offer is off base. It is the same in every industry and I don’t expect it is any different in baseball. Experience matters.
It would be nice I guess
But ultimately a secondary consideration. Nobody would exchange “good at baseball” for “good experience.”
by Michael White on Jun 11, 2010 8:35 AM PDT up reply actions
I think you get the latter
by being the former
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 8:38 AM PDT up reply actions
how easy that is to say
But, you don’t know the conversations he has with other players, some things he might tell them that down the road could help them be productive. I mean, the guy holds numerous team records on the Angels, so he used to do something right.
Still, doesn’t help me from groaning every time he comes to bat with men on.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 8:43 AM PDT up reply actions
You're right, I don't know and neither do you
But I do know how these guys play baseball. That stuff is measurable. Everything else is make believe.
We could make excuses about every crappy player if we wanted to use the catch all “he’s a good clubhouse guy.”
by Michael White on Jun 11, 2010 8:47 AM PDT up reply actions
Well I guess one thing we can agree on
is that we know nothing about what goes on in the Dodger clubhouse. Other than Party in the USA playing after a win.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 8:54 AM PDT up reply actions
When there is a rift between the two generations
it effects the product on the field. You can’t really play with guys you don’t respect. You don’t have to like them, but respect is important.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 8:30 AM PDT up reply actions
Where is this coming from, though?
Blake joined a team where Kemp had been the starter for 3/4 of the year? What did Blake do to reach out to Kemp exactly?
by Michael White on Jun 11, 2010 8:35 AM PDT up reply actions
From what I've read
When Casey joined the team, he noticed that the older players didn’t even associate with the younger players in the locker room. He thought that it wasn’t right and took the effort to talk to them. Combined with Manny basically letting them know it was ok to have fun while playing baseball resulted in a much looser clubhouse, more teamwork, and more success.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 8:37 AM PDT up reply actions
Don’t buy it as in you think they’re making it up? Or don’t buy it cos you don’t think that someone could or would have that effect on a team?
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
its a cute heartwarming romantic story. I can see the movie trailer now.
There are many stories of WS winning teams where everybody hated each other or had divided clubhouses, etc.
Sure.
I’ve played on teams where the collective talent could surpass any issues of a personal kind. But that’s not always the case. In fact, I would say that’s the exception rather than the rule.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
These guys are professionals though
They don’t need to be besties. Especially in a baseball which is such an individualistic sport.
by Michael White on Jun 11, 2010 8:54 AM PDT up reply actions
I think the issue is more about respect than anything. From what I heard, the Dodger vets thought the younger players had no respect for the game and were arrogant. The younger players thought the Vets had no respect for them because they hadn’t contributed at the big league level yet.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 8:57 AM PDT up reply actions
I didn't say they needed to be besties
You don’t even really need to LIKE the guy. I’m not claiming that they’re all friends or friendly or talk to each other. This is real life — there are cliques, people you talk to in passing, people you talk to on a more-than-professional level. But it’s all about respect. If you can’t respect the guy you’re playing with, or if there’s infighting, it can absolutely have detrimental effects on playing.
Let’s even say that they didn’t like each other. Let’s say Kershaw has a horrible outing and the Dodgers get shelled 12-2 because they can’t recover. What if he got no support from his teammates? He’s supposed to be such a PROFESSIONAL TWENTY TWO YEAR OLD that he should brush that off? Someone like John Ely, to me, is an extreme outlier for his DGAF attitude. I don’t know many people who are that secure in life, let alone at 24.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
I take it you’ve played baseball before, yes?
At what point in your baseball career is it important that you respect or like the guy playing second base? If it doesn’t affect work ethic, it generally has little effect because so little actual teamwork is involved.
This is not football or basketball where it is imperative that everybody works as a unit. Sorry, baseball people hate to admit this but it’s an individual sport wrapped in a team concept, much like the Ryder Cup or Team Tennis.
by Chad Moriyama on Jun 11, 2010 9:12 AM PDT up reply actions
Well, I played softball
but I’m sure we can agree that those are similar enough that my experience playing softball would allow me to understand the individualistic nature of the sport.
I’m sure you’ve also played the sport.
You don’t have to like or respect the person playing. But if there’s no leadership, if there’s a shitty group dynamic, it CAN (not necessarily will, but CAN) be detrimental to performance.
Now, whether or not such a difference would be noticible or even that big of a deal is something we can’t debate, given that none of us is standing next to Blake singing Miley Cyrus. I think it does, and I think with players as young in their careers as the Dodgers are, having a “veteran” presence is a good thing.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Who has been the Dodgers leader recently?
I can’t find one.
Here’s what I would bet: take Casey Blake off the team, and put some young stud like Evan Longoria in his place, and I bet the Dodgers don’t only NOT miss his veteran presence but they get significantly better overnight.
by Chad Moriyama on Jun 11, 2010 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions
Well shit its Evan Longoria
He is one of the best hitters on the team.
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
That's my point
Superior talent>Superior attitude
If it’s marginal, sure, i’ll take the happier guy to be safe. of course.
When you’re talking about taking Garret Anderson over Xavier Paul, it’s not close.
Evan Longoria’s .875 2008 OPS and elite defese>Casey Blake’s .808 OPS and average defense
by Chad Moriyama on Jun 11, 2010 9:34 AM PDT up reply actions
Haha
I get it. I’m not advocating for having someone like GA get playing time over someone like Paul. I was speaking to the importance of having a calming influence in the clubhouse, thinking specifically of Casey Blake. If that wasn’t clear, I apologize.
However, if you are totally discounting the role of comfort and the relationships between players, then I have to respectfully disagree and leave it at that.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
It's not saying it doesn't make it easier
I’m saying that I don’t believe you can say it will have an effect between a 95 win team and a 80 win team or anything close to that.
by Chad Moriyama on Jun 11, 2010 9:39 AM PDT up reply actions
But in baseball
if it simply has a one game effect that could be the difference between going home and playing. I don’t think anyone thinks it makes a huge difference, but does it make a difference?
On a team with bad chemistry, when they win the players on the team say that they don’t need to get along to win.
On a team with good chemistry that wins, the players will say it is easier to win when everyone is on the same page.
On a team with bad chemistry that loses, the players will blame the clubhouse.
On a team with good chemistry that loses – well the team does not exist.
That's fair enough.
I believe that something like that, though, could effect a team’s ability to perform well in the postseason or push through and make a bid for the WC, say.
I say this from personal experience, though. Frustration has a way of getting in the way of physical output.
Of course, that’s just my opinion. I don’t get paid millions of dollars to be an athlete. :)
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Was longoria available that i didn't know about?
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
If your second baseman doesn’t like your starting pitcher, subconsciously maybe he doesn’t go all out for a grounder up the middle. Maybe if they were good friends he would do whatever he could for the pitcher and go all out to get that ball.
Idk, that just seems like something, say Jeff Kent would do.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
Ironically, veterans would do that, right?
Because everybody loves money, and young players have a lot more to play for. :o
by Chad Moriyama on Jun 11, 2010 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions
That is a good point
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
Jeff Kents thought on that, paraphrased.
“Who cares if I hate Barry, if I did, I’d go out there and be the best player I could be to show the world how much he sucks”
by regfairfield on Jun 11, 2010 9:42 AM PDT up reply actions
There might be a lot of those stories
But I’ve heard a lot about the Dodgers where clubhouse animosity led to very poor performance.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 9:00 AM PDT up reply actions
Cite specific example please
Of how clubhouse animosity led to very poor performance.
by Michael White on Jun 11, 2010 9:01 AM PDT up reply actions
Alrighty:
http://www.pe.com/sports/baseball/dodgers/stories/PE_Sports_Local_D_ja_col_30.3c05d64.html
and this is from Wikipedia, so you can take this with a grain of salt: “Both times that the Dodgers acquired Greg Maddux midseason, Lowe performed visibly better afterwards. He indicated that Maddux helps him considerably, and Maddux was often seen sitting next to him in the dugout.”
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Then there’s nothing I can say that will make you believe me. That’s ok. :)
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Right, it's impossible to prove
Like accusations of Chad Billingsley being weak minded.
The Dodgers win=Clubhouse hapiness is the reason!
The Dodgers lose=Clubhouse anger is the reason!
Funny how that always works out, right?
by Chad Moriyama on Jun 11, 2010 9:20 AM PDT up reply actions
I know you are not taking it personal…
these are all nice stories that newspaper guys write to get you to read them. one of these days you will be like me and just quit reading them and just believe in what you see on the field.
Not really
I’m not even sure how I got wrapped into this argument as I’m very much in the DFA GA camp. I think he’s had every opportunity to show he has something to offer on the field and he’s failed. he needs to retire with a bit of dignity now like Junior.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 9:23 AM PDT up reply actions
Then you just sound like a skeptic
So why even be in the argument if nothing can sway you?
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
I agree that superior talent will always win over great “chemistry”. But I think it is impossible to say it doesn’t matter in any work environment. Plus, you keep calling these guys “professional” athletes, which is true in terms of vocation, but so many of these guys came up early into a machismo world, and their maturity level is probably lacking. I’m just saying it can only help.
by robotmadeofnails on Jun 11, 2010 10:33 AM PDT up reply actions
Nothing can sway you from your position that GA sucks...
Doesn’t mean we expect you to stay out of the argument.
by Michael White on Jun 11, 2010 10:33 AM PDT up reply actions
I have conclusive evidence, there is no real evidence that delias man has about chemistry.
GA’s stats = horse shit
That’s all I need to stand my ground in the GA argument.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
If the Dodgers had a real LF
I would no problem with GA as our pinch hitter.
by meercatjohn on Jun 11, 2010 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions
he’s very good against lefties though. I think that is the basis for the Paul>GA argument.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 11:06 AM PDT up reply actions
When only one OF has started, Torre has gone exclusively by hand every time but once
by Eric Stephen on Jun 11, 2010 10:59 AM PDT up reply actions
When it comes to chemistry
everyone should be a skeptic on both sides. We all “think” none of us know.
by meercatjohn on Jun 11, 2010 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions
You're exactly right
There’s no real way to tell one way or the other.
I think we should field a team with all of baseball’s “nice guys” and see just how good they are, lol.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
I believe the Dodger clubhouse of the mid 90's
Was in a lot dissarray. Eric Karros got into some skirmishes with two different players. Those clubs weren’t doing much. Secondly, here’s this from Wikipedia,
The last few weeks of the 2007 season were disrupted further by public complaints in the media by some of the veteran ballplayers about the lack of respect afforded them by some of the younger players on the team. This led to a divided clubhouse, as younger players consistently got more playing time at the expense of the veterans. After the season and weeks of media speculation, Grady Little resigned as manager, citing personal reasons
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 9:20 AM PDT up reply actions
I wonder if he's a guy
you would be scared to see in the other dugout….
by Michael White on Jun 11, 2010 9:27 AM PDT up reply actions
He was the one who said
to trade Matt Kemp while they can beacuse he’s a basketball player playing baseball and would always suck
by Chad Moriyama on Jun 11, 2010 9:30 AM PDT up reply actions
Gonzo
I’m 99% sure he was the one who gave that quote.
by Chad Moriyama on Jun 11, 2010 9:32 AM PDT up reply actions
Tommy
I don’t disagree with you or agree with you because I simply don’t know. But the question for most of was never Casey Blake, I always respected him, the question was trading your best position prospect for a 1/3 rental of an average 3rd baseman when the same team just traded the best pitcher in the AL for about the same level of prospect.
BH is the only person who thinks we could not have gotten Casey Blake without 1
1. Including Carlos Santana
2. Having the Indians throw in 2 Mill to cover Blake’s salary.
Option B – was dont include Carlos Santana
Option C – was don’t include Carlos Santana and don’t ask the Indians to kick in two million.
We had options, the Dodger management in a group huddle decided that Santana was tradeable. It was a mistake I can live with. If however we only had to give up Santana because the Indians kicked in 2 Million, that is something that will eat at me because that is how a under capitalized owner will destroy a franchise from within.
I blame Selig for letting Mccourt buy the team
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
In understand why people are upset
I just think they take it out on Casey Blake and act like he’s contributed nothing when I don’t think that’s true. And only time will tell if it was worth it.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 9:25 AM PDT up reply actions
I dont' think anyone takes anything out on Casey Blake
he’s one of the TBLA favorite’s and hardly a disparaging word is ever said about. He’s an old third baseman, that is his only problem going forward.
Well, I can see why, maybe
Does Blake sign with the Dodgers — and do the Dodgers consider Blake — if that trade doesn’t happen first? Impossible to know, of course, but I would think that having the relationship in place at the time that he was looking for a new contract had to help make that deal possible.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on Jun 11, 2010 9:42 AM PDT up reply actions
but
without that 1/3 season with the dodgers, would the dodgers have even pursued blake in the offseason?
Probably, we needed a third baseman, and the only available third baseman during his contract that would be better was Beltre.
by regfairfield on Jun 11, 2010 9:48 AM PDT up reply actions
OK, I’ll buy that. Thanks.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on Jun 11, 2010 9:49 AM PDT up reply actions
would the Dodgers have traded Bell?
if they didn’t already have Blake or knew how he would fit on the team?
It seems everyone has a dominos effect.
Probably
We’d just see Blake DeWitt or Ronnie Belliard at 3rd.
by Michael White on Jun 11, 2010 9:50 AM PDT up reply actions
And couldn’t Belliard be replaced by Russell Mitchell. They sound like similar players.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 9:53 AM PDT up reply actions
just curious
has Mitchell ever got a cup of coffee in the bigs?
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 10:03 AM PDT up reply actions
Who knows. When we signed Blake Bell was coming off a season where he missed the last three months.
by regfairfield on Jun 11, 2010 9:55 AM PDT up reply actions
Of course.
Look, Dodgers made Blake the best offer he got. That’s why he signed with LA.
What I’m saying is that maybe one of the reasons the Dodgers made that offer is that Blake was already on the team. Maybe.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on Jun 11, 2010 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions
Casey Blake was a free agent to be
the trade of Santana only netted the Dodgers 1/3 season of Casey. Then we signed him as a free agent. Thousands of words have been written on this, you can search for Carlos Santana using the search engine.
Carlos Santana is not a DH, he was a 3rd Baseman/Outfielder who had a cannon for an arm, and quick feet. They decided to use those skills to make him a catcher. Even if he does not become a full time major league catcher he will be a position player in the major leagues not a DH. That is my belief.
ahhh
then I can see how people would think that was silly.
I don’t want to rehash this, as people get all firey about it, so I decided to jump in and ask some questions. Now I am going to hide.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
it wasn't silly
but the Indians do have an extra option of getting his bat in the lineup through the DH. Santana coming up with the Dodgers was a 3b prospect. Dodger put him int he outfield as well before the full time conversion to catcher. What does this mean? It tells me Santana has plus athleticism and apititude to be able to learn and play those multiple positions.
So most likely if for some reason he can’t get the catching thing down, Indians can put him at 3b or LF or he’ll be okay. DH would the last option because they probably have a fat, slow footed slugger in the minors who’s only position is DH.
Carlos Santana could be a bust of epic proportions and that trade was still dumb.
Same people who complain about not getting Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee are generally the ones who also laud the trade for Casey Blake.
Ironic, considering we were missing an elite level position player prospect to trade for both of them.
by Chad Moriyama on Jun 11, 2010 9:18 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
That said
Even I have to admit Ned has been better recently.
by Chad Moriyama on Jun 11, 2010 9:31 AM PDT up reply actions
Pierre for Ely and Link helps.
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
almost feels like an idiot savante move
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions
Well GM rightly takes the blame and credit for everything
but in reality it’s a team effort, too
Scouting department suggested Ethier and Kuroda and his good moves, they also okayed Carlos Santana
by Chad Moriyama on Jun 11, 2010 9:37 AM PDT up reply actions
Bingo
Which is why I’ve never gotten behind your FNC movement even though he traded my favorite prospect since I started writing.
Might as well
Considering the team runs off white and ng as it is. :o
by Chad Moriyama on Jun 11, 2010 9:40 AM PDT up reply actions
The guy in charge doesn't necessarily have to be the smartest one in the room
He just needs to know that the other people in the room very likely know more then him.
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
If Phil is right and his bat plays in the field (and considerign the way he has crushed the minors since high A he’s probably right) it wouldn’t matter. Obviously, if that’s the case, Blake would have been uneccesary as Santana could have played third.
The concern with Dodger scouts is likely like the dilemma they face with Lucas May right now. By all accounts, May can hit at the major league level as a catcher, but people are not convinced he’ll be able to field it. May is not as good of a hitter as Santana for one thing, but he’s not a good enough hitter at all to warrant a spot in the field (third base or first base.) So, either he can field his positon to a major league level, or he’s relegated to the AAAA forever.
by Michael White on Jun 11, 2010 8:26 AM PDT up reply actions
Trading Lucas May wouldn't matter
Because his bat plays nowhere else but catcher, most likely.
by Chad Moriyama on Jun 11, 2010 9:08 AM PDT up reply actions
I’m really curious just to see the mythical beast, and to finally determine if he worth all the bandwith and all the gnashing of teeth. If he turns out to the next Pedro Martinez, well, I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.
"May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one."
by Little Blue Bicycle on Jun 11, 2010 8:01 AM PDT up reply actions
I prefer to think
Milton Bradley for Andre Ethier sticks in the collective craw for Athletics fans.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Ely and Link for Pierre makes me smile. Looting the Monster Monk from Philly as well. We’ll see about Santana; I wonder if he ends up at third.
"Where'd you hear about that?"
by Little Blue Bicycle on Jun 11, 2010 8:17 AM PDT up reply actions
When we first got those guys
There was much knashing of teeth then as we’d just sent away our “savior” and then there were the obligatory “Ely and Link? Oh now we’re going to the World Series!!! Nyuk Nyuk Nyuk” statements.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 8:22 AM PDT up reply actions
I was fairly high on them, actually, but then I would have traded JP for the salary savings alone.
"Where'd you hear about that?"
by Little Blue Bicycle on Jun 11, 2010 8:25 AM PDT up reply actions
Who was our savior?
JP?
Wasn’t much of that savior talk going on here.
by Michael White on Jun 11, 2010 8:27 AM PDT up reply actions
TBLA
is a rare island of sanity in the sea of baseball blogging. Actually a lot of Dodger blogs I’ve read are pretty good that way.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 8:31 AM PDT up reply actions
Yes
Its the money issue that really pisses people off I thinks.
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
Would expect plenty of trial and tribulations
in the beginning. Matt Weiter was supposed to be the next Mauer and he’s just an average catcher at this point. Anyone expecting all-star performance and then making decisions about his future based on those first 500 at bats is jumping the gun.
How true
I think Ethier really started to take off when Torre told him, “You’re my guy.” He said the same thing to Dewitt not to long ago and now he’s starting to play much better.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 8:13 AM PDT up reply actions
Boom Boom Betemit
Boom Boom Betemit
Boom Boom had not hit a home run since 9/13/2008. Welcome back Wilson.
saw that
wasn’t he pretty good last year?
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 7:32 AM PDT up reply actions
Does he really have the stuff to do that?
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 8:01 AM PDT up reply actions
I suppose. His stuff is similar to Ely’s but from the left side. He throws a little harder, but his change is not quite as good.
Well if Jamie Moyer is any indication
that kind of stuff probably plays better from the left side.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 8:10 AM PDT up reply actions
As of now
The major league team has no depth on the farm for left handed relievers. I guess it didn’t matter since they didn’t call up Leach when sherrill went down, but with Sherrill being so ineffective on the year and Kuo being an injury risk, left handed relief seems like the bigger need.
Unless they are converting Elbert to the bullpen full time.
by Michael White on Jun 11, 2010 8:08 AM PDT up reply actions
Ok, this is weird.
Charlie Manuel has apparently named Bruce Bochy and Bud Black to his coaching staff for the All Star Game. Is this just like a bit FU to Dodger fans? Or does he just have to many BB monogram towels he needs to get rid of?
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 7:51 AM PDT reply actions
Torre was one of his coaches last year
in NY. Since the game is in Anaheim this year, makes sense to bring back Bud Black (who is managing one of the surprise teams this year). Now he could have asked Dusty to do it but Bochy is fine.
Torre would probably rather take the days off anyway.
Rumor this morning is that Texas wants to really go to Big Ten all along and that B10 adds ND and stops at 14.
Texas without A&M seems unlikely to me. I know nothing, but I’ve spent an hour on the VT board saying that I think this round of expansion is about over, so I hope I’m right..
"May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one."
by Little Blue Bicycle on Jun 11, 2010 8:03 AM PDT up reply actions
Looks like the White Sox are imploding
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/whitesox/2380948,CST-SPT-sox11.article
"Where'd you hear about that?"
by Little Blue Bicycle on Jun 11, 2010 8:15 AM PDT reply actions
saw that
Peavy’s probably thinking he should have stayed with the Padres. Though I guess he’s got his mechanics fixed so if he starts pitching well some team might take him. Sox will probably have to kick in some dough though.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 8:24 AM PDT up reply actions
They're not?
Potter lied to me again.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 8:35 AM PDT up reply actions
real suggestion
in a perfect Dodger world.
1.Russell adjusts well to AA, gets him fasttracked to LA by next year.
2. Lambo gets his shit together, stops toking up, starts raking and is fasttracked to LA as a 1b sometime next year.
3. Dodgers package Loney and Martin together to some team who still believes Martin is an AS catcher and some team who still thinks Loney has potential. We either get back some prospects or its for a SP.
4. AJ Ellis becomes starting catcher, hits 8th and puts up an OBP of .350.
5. Get a strong right handed hitting 4th outfielder who cruses lefties next year to rotated between OF and 1b to support the left handed hitting russell and lambo.
6. win world series
7. profit!
Speaking of 4th outfielders
Hoffmann coming up anytime soon?
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
where do we put him?
seems like GA and Johnson have that covered. I guess if Johnson gets hurt they can bring up Hoffmann.
by "soon" I mean
In the next year or two, and Michael also just answered my question. Almost losing him in the Rule V draft (LOL YANKEES) made me wonder about him.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Nope
He’s behind Paul on the depth chart
by Michael White on Jun 11, 2010 8:48 AM PDT up reply actions
depends
they might want a right handed hitting outfielder if Johnson gets hurt. In that instance, I could see him getting the call before the X man.
That's true
And he’s got his wOBA up to .350 now despite having the lowest BB% of his career.
Plus, Hoffmann is the better defender (that play he made last year was the defensive play of the year.)
by Michael White on Jun 11, 2010 8:56 AM PDT up reply actions
in actuality, optimistic, but not unrealistic.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 8:48 AM PDT up reply actions
I think it is pointless to discuss how we can/should improve the team
for 2011 when we are in the middle of 2010. Does everyone have ADD when it comes to rosters, this is our team now, we are in 1st place, who gives a shit today about 2011. Why does so many have a problem with enjoying the moment when the moment is good.
How is today an off day
I always find these little conversations started by those who want to get rid of Loney.
Simply tired
of the same old same old. Why don’t we talk about how Kemp is piece of shit CF at the moment.
Well, generally early morning conversation deals with the game the night before.
by Michael White on Jun 11, 2010 9:09 AM PDT up reply actions
What Mike said
It was a day off and I wanted to talk abotu the Dodgers and not some sci fi star wars crap.
If it's preferable
I can start talking about something that is neither nerdy nor crappy.
Thoughts/feelings on Anthony Bourdain?
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Or maybe we can simply talk about the 2010 first place team
and not conjecture about what we should be doing for 2011.
How about we discuss Hanley for Kemp
Kemp for Hanley Ramirez since Maybin has been a bust they need a CF.
Kemp/Furcal – Hanley/Ross
Manny – BJ Upton – they have Desmond Jenning, and while they wait for him they can move Sean Rodriquez to CF. They need a big bat at DH and BJ Upton is just not providing the offense they need at CF. I think Manny would jump at the chance to be back in the AL East as a DH. Would Tampa give up Upton for him, not sure. Tampa has such a small window they may need to jump at this one. They are going to lose Pena and Crawford this winter. They are loaded in pitching unlike any other team.
With Hanley at SS I think we can get by with Upton’s offense in CF and there is still a chance that Upton can figure things out.
Which one is the better team
Loney, DeWitt, Furcal, Blake, Andre, Kemp, Manny, Martin
or
Loney, Dewitt, Hanley, Blake, Ross, Upton, Andre, Martin
Don’t know, but if you want to conjecture here it is. Hanley has progressed from a -20 UZR in 2007 to -.02 in 2009.
http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=8001&position=SS
WHOA!
Am I reading this correctly? Does this propose trading Manny Ramirez, Matt Kemp, and Rafael Furcal for Hanley Ramirez, Cody Ross,and BJ Upton?
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on Jun 11, 2010 9:36 AM PDT up reply actions
I cannot decide
it Phil is serious about that or not. Is he tongue in cheek — “they just might do it!”? Or is he honestly looking for a way to get Hanley on the team??
Waiter, more coffee, please.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on Jun 11, 2010 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions
Serious
I gave it more thought once before but forgot all the pieces that had to tumble to make it happen but these guys are gist of it.
I’ve said since last October that Manny needed to be in the AL in 2010 and I have not changed my mind. His play this year has only reinforced that opinion. I think he still has a great bat, I also think nagging leg injuries will continue to keep him from being at his best for us in LF. He needs to be a DH. He knows he needs to be a DH. Joe Torre knows he needs to be a DH. Ned knows he needs to be a DH. Somehow it has to happen.
Would Manny be preferable to GA? Would that even work? Or do we like GA because he’s more…ambulatory?
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
I like him
circa not this year
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
I'm pretty sure
every comment here is related to the current 2010 roster. Other then Nate when he’s trying to build the 2011 roster, but I’m sure none of his has jack to do with pre 2010
Hahaha
Alright, poor word choice. GA performs a certain role on the team, right? Would it be preferable to relegate Manny to that role instead? Or would it be better just to kick ’em both out and go with the farm system.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
I say no
Assuming we could get something back for manny that would be more useful then just a 4th of who would be a really pissed off malcontent.
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
Oh
yes, Manny would be preferable to GA, but Manny is still to good to be a pinch hitter and we don’t really have a LF unless you think Paul is that guy.
If he's too good to be a PH
it seems like there is a very narrow range that is acceptable for PH to be within. That’s fascinating.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Meaning
he would never accept being a pinch hitter and he’s paid way to much money to be a pinch hitter. The only reason he would become a pinch hitter is if his legs got so bad he simply couldn’t take the field ala Jim Thome (Back) last year.
by meercatjohn on Jun 11, 2010 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions
And just like Thome
historically he’s never been very good as a PH. Bobbleslam and home run off of the Giants notwithstanding.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 10:24 AM PDT up reply actions
I think it is the rare
ex everyday player who is a good pinch hitter. Most of the great ones were the ones who were part time players from the get go. Mota, Harris, Hansen, Sweeney, Birdie, Lacy, Betemit:)
by meercatjohn on Jun 11, 2010 10:26 AM PDT up reply actions
ahah
thanks for clearing that up.
so basically, barring a miracle, a PH is someone we’re just not going to like, period? ;)
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Reed Johnson, Jamey Carroll and Ronnie Belliard are all awesome.
by regfairfield on Jun 11, 2010 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions
Pinc hitting just sucks to do in general
Even the famous PH weren’t all that great at it, at least relative to their normal numbers:
Harris: .269/.318/.349 career; .264/.317/.337 as PH
Hansen: .260/.360/.369 career; .234/.348/.358 as PH
Mota: .304/.355/.389 career; .300/.373/.366 as PH
Sweeney: .254/.347/.387 career; .258/.353/.380 as PH
by Eric Stephen on Jun 11, 2010 10:32 AM PDT up reply actions
Right
which is why when Betemit was traded I went off the deep end for a day or two. Having power on the bench was nice the 1st half of that year.
by meercatjohn on Jun 11, 2010 10:33 AM PDT up reply actions
Finally, your primary pinch hitter is typically not one of your
higher paid players, and that’s what Manny is this year and what he’ll be next year if we resign him.
He'll be one of our highest paid players next year
even if we don’t sign him.
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
Well
Manny gets turned into something. Another player.
Relegating Manny to the bench and then starting XP is not a good strategy.
by Michael White on Jun 11, 2010 9:55 AM PDT up reply actions
Do the Marlins need to save money? Kemp/Furcal for Hanley/Ross helps them save money. But after ‘11, they’d need a shortstop, and after ‘12, they’d need an all-star outfielder (or re-sign Kemp). Hanley is signed through ’14 — for too much money (or maybe not if he continues to be one of the three best players in the NL).
Me, I’d rather have Hanley than Kemp. And Matt Kemp is my favorite player.
As far as the Rays deal goes… maybe, maybe, if the Rays decide that Manny at DH > Upton at CF, maybe they do that. He’s still young — just a month older than Kemp. But Manny is highly valuable, especially at DH, and could be the difference maker on a WS team. Maybe.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on Jun 11, 2010 10:03 AM PDT up reply actions
I think Uggla is more likely to be traded then Hanley
as they could just slide Coghlan to second.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 10:09 AM PDT up reply actions
Surely
but the only person I’d trade Kemp for his Hanley.
by meercatjohn on Jun 11, 2010 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions
Not that I wouldn't want to do this
But is this a real post or kinda a STFU to people conjecturing trades?
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
Question about the 2010 First Place Team...
How many packs of sunflower seeds does Andre eat a game?
Trick question
he eats pumpkin seeds
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions
Really?
I could have sworn he spits out shells…
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
He looks like he’s chomping on pumpkin seeds every time I see him in the dugout.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 9:32 AM PDT up reply actions
Sci fi stuff isn't crap :(
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
I suppose he wants the conversations to stick a bit more strictly to baseball?
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
We could talk sci-fi baseball!
Super Baseball 2020, that was a pretty cool game.
Oh now its video games with you kids?
This place is going straight to nerd hell!
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
You're on a blog site, on the internet
and you’re surprised you’re surrounded by nerds? Silly rabbit!
Since I don't think anybody's actually commented about it
Ely!!! First Pitch Strikes!!!! Maddz, your thoughts? (holds microphone)
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 9:43 AM PDT reply actions
V power.
Obvi coach.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Hahaha
Nah, I think it’s great and I believe that’s probably why he’s been so successful. Not because he’s an awesome pitcher but, the more often the batter is behind in the count, the more successful you will be.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
When the Dodgers
have Ely bobble-head night, will Matthew McConaughey throw out the first pitch?
Make it happen
His publicist is Alan Nierob.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on Jun 11, 2010 9:47 AM PDT up reply actions
R Ortiz sucks
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
and I never liked him even when he sucked less for the Angels.
I remember going to an Angels game where the angels scored something like 8 runs in the 2nd inning, and I said to my pals something like “don’t get too comfortable Ortiz will find a way to make this close”. I was right.
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
What irritates me about Russ Ortiz
is that Ned called out Elbert for not having fast ball command but then signed Russ Oritz who historically had the least amount of fastball command over the last 10 years.
BUT HE IS A PROVEN VETERAN
I just keep hoping ned is figuring out that means squat. I mean hell he let Dewitt play!
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
I was busy this morning
and when I first saw the number of comments in such a relatively short time, I figured I might have been better off linking to a story about the abortion of a cloned baby seal thanks to an oil spill, but having read through these comments I really enjoyed the discussion.
on whether or not to abort a cloned baby seal?
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
Nathan Eovaldi is an All-Star
Nate Eovaldi is an All-Star
The 66ers Right Hander will Represent the California League in Myrtle Beach
San Bernardino, CA – Inland Empire Right-Hander Nathan Eovaldi will represent the 66ers, Class ‘A’ Partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, at the California-Carolina League All-Star Game Wednesday, June 22nd in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. California League President Charlie Blaney announced the rosters Thursday afternoon.
This will be the 20-year old Alvin, Texas residents first All-Star appearance in his three year pro career. The Dodgers drafted Eovaldi in the 11th round of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft. He currently has a 1-3 record with a 3.40 ERA in nine starts. In 50 1/3 innings of work he has allowed 19 earned runs, while striking out 30 with 22 walks.
Eovaldi’s best outing of the season, and perhaps his career, came on May 31st at Lancaster. Eovaldi threw a complete game shutout, striking out five with no walks. It was the first complete game shutout of his career.
The 23-man All-Star roster was selected by California League President Charlie Blaney, based on votes from the league’s managers, coaches, radio broadcasters and newspaper beat writers. The remainder of the rosters can be viewed on the California League’s official website via www.milb.com. For tickets to the All-Star game visit the Myrtle Beach Pelicans’ website, www.MyrtleBeachPelicans.com.
The Inland Empire 66ers return home on Friday, June 11th to open up a six-game homestand, beginning with three contests versus the 66ers I-10 rivals, the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. The series starts on a Toyota of Redlands 50cent Friday, followed by a Saturday Fireworks Spectacular and on June 13th the 66ers will be giving away a Manny Ramirez 66ers Bobblehead to the first 1,000 fans.
Suck that Ethan Martin
What is 50 cent Friday and why does it sound like something I’d want to go to?
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Per IE
Enjoy 50 cent hot dogs & quesadillas as well as $2.50 beer and soda and $2 lawn admission!
by Eric Stephen on Jun 11, 2010 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions
Eric
How big is that beer?
With Kyle and Jansen gone I’ve lost any interest in going. I think I’ll wait until next year when the Loons show up in mass. They are a bad team right now and unless you hit a game where Miller/Martin/Eovaldi is on, you are in for along night.
by meercatjohn on Jun 11, 2010 10:38 AM PDT up reply actions
i would go to scout those pitchers and
immediately leave right after they’re done.
I remember going to see Mcdonald a couple years ago. Was fun, he stroke out like 12 giants farmhands!
I think I could justify driving to the IE to do this. My god.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Who is going to drive you home
or are you hoping to hook with with young Nathan?
by meercatjohn on Jun 11, 2010 10:40 AM PDT up reply actions
That's right
You had the terrible (and giant) quesadilla last year
by Eric Stephen on Jun 11, 2010 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions
It was cool to go once but I really can’t justify going all the way out there just to watch a game unless something really special was going on out there. It just wasn’t that fun.
Even the opportunity to hang out with you again couldn’t really get me to come back.
I felt your pain way over here
We dont’ need delias man, we can bring our own curmudgeon
by meercatjohn on Jun 11, 2010 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions
I would go more often (since I’m roughly 30-35 minutes away), but their games tend to coincide with Dodger games, and I would rather watch Dodger games.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 11, 2010 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions
Dodgers are off Monday
66ers host Lancaster at 7:05pm. Who is in?
by Eric Stephen on Jun 11, 2010 10:55 AM PDT up reply actions
I measure speed in relation to how fast I can run
by Eric Stephen on Jun 11, 2010 10:58 AM PDT up reply actions
Like when EK stole 12 bases that one year.
by regfairfield on Jun 11, 2010 11:00 AM PDT up reply actions
1. How much would tickets be?
2. Where exactly is the game?
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Lawn is $4 (so no), seats range from $6 – $10
Aarowhead Credit Union Park
280 South “E” Street
San Bernardino, CA 92401
by Eric Stephen on Jun 11, 2010 10:58 AM PDT up reply actions
I was a big shocked that my wife said she wanted to see it
looks like a big goofball movie so maybe it will be fun. Just seems weird to have the Karate Kid and A Team on the big screen.
by meercatjohn on Jun 11, 2010 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions
We could make it an "A Team Monday"
Class A 66ers at 7:05pm.
A-Team playing 8 miles away at 10:10pm
by Eric Stephen on Jun 11, 2010 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions
Gotta love the minors
66ers also have this:
FRITOS Family Friday
Receive a 10% discount in our Bernie’s Dugout Team Store by bringing a Fritos Corn Chips Bag on this day!
by Eric Stephen on Jun 11, 2010 10:37 AM PDT up reply actions
For some reason this reminds me of the Man vs Food ep at the minor league
Making a burger with a Krispy Kreme donut instead of a bun.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 10:42 AM PDT up reply actions
The best deal they have
is $2 Tuesdays.
Fans receive $2 parking, beer, and tickets
by Eric Stephen on Jun 11, 2010 10:38 AM PDT up reply actions
I've been impressed with how hard
Sam Farber works on getting the message out. Maybe we should do a TBLA pilgrimage just to help him out.
by meercatjohn on Jun 11, 2010 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions
False
Thirsty Thursday: Enjoy $1 Beers & $1 Sodas
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Won't they own that league?
In football anyway?
by meercatjohn on Jun 11, 2010 10:40 AM PDT up reply actions
As in Texas Christian
so geographic boundries are now moot?
by meercatjohn on Jun 11, 2010 10:42 AM PDT up reply actions
No, I don’t see that happening. Too much crap in MWC, and adding Kansas and Boise State isn’t going to change that (IMO.)
by Michael White on Jun 11, 2010 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions
Kicking teams out is hard
Baylor would have been out of the Big 12 for TCU years ago if it was easy.
It’s easier to form a new organization where you only invite the teams you want in it.
by Michael White on Jun 11, 2010 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions
Gonzaga and Portland used to be in the Pac 10 North for baseball
I’m at the point where I would welcome Gonzaga leaving. I used to think having them around was a good thing, I no longer feel this way.
by Michael White on Jun 11, 2010 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions
Didnt' even know it was possible
just having fun because that is the only college program I follow anymore and I’m sure I’ll be done with them very soon.
by meercatjohn on Jun 11, 2010 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions
Will the only acceptable
way for the Lakers to lose the Finals be if they put Morrison in and he falls to midcourt and cries at the end of the game?
When you put every second into your life
into becoming the best you can be and have dreams of a small Northwest College beating one of the greatest basketball programs in history and have it taken from you at the last second, then maybe you can stand in his shoes.
by meercatjohn on Jun 11, 2010 10:49 AM PDT up reply actions
Is it our fault that he has that horrible stache and all the hair everywhere?
I don’t think people mock him for crying, it just wasn’t a good look for him.
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
he had the crewcut look his freshman year
it was interesting to see him go the other way a year later.
Scoresheet
I take immense satisfaction in changing my lineup and booting Martin to the bench. My Dodger Root team rejoices.
Batting Order vs. RHP Position(s) Steal Bunt PH
444 *Loney,Ja
615 *Ethier,An
517 Zimmerman,Ry
619 Kemp,Ma
629 Upton,Ju
1385 #Santana,Ca
559 #Furcal,Ra
506 *DeWitt,Bl
Bench vs. RHP Position(s) Steal Bunt PH
381 Martin,Ru
699 *Paul,Xa
668 *Gerut,Jo
770 *Tracy,Ch
4065 Gomes,Jo
394 #Zaun,Gr
578 Lugo,Ju
567 #Bonifacio,Em
Batting Order vs. LHP Position(s) Bunt PH
559 #Furcal,Ra
619 Kemp,Ma
517 Zimmerman,Ry
629 Upton,Ju
4065 Gomes,Jo
615 *Ethier,An
444 *Loney,Ja
1385 #Santana,Ca
Just read this about Yu Darvish
Dude throws a lot of pitches. Wonder if that’s why a lot of Japanese players have a hard time in the US, but the time they get here they’re a bit burnt out.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 11:02 AM PDT reply actions
He has two variations of it
Lamb and Chicken.
by TurnItDown on Jun 11, 2010 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
according to his wiki page
Darvish is a right-handed pitcher who throws from a three-quarters arm slot in a drop-and-drive motion36 with a lanky frame, listed at 196 cm (6 ft 5 in) and 90 kg (198 lb). In NPB he throws a four-seam fastball that usually sits around 146 to 152 km/h (91 to 94 mph) and tops out at 156 km/h (97 mph){Only 1 pitch measured 161 km/h (100 mph) in World Baseball Classic final in 2009} as well as a hard slider with a vicious break.3738 He complements these two with a wide repertoire of secondary pitches, including a two-seam fastball (sometimes described as a shuuto), a curveball, splitter, cutter and changeup.
Prior to the 2006 season, Darvish’s go-to pitch was a screwball, tending to rely more on his off-speed pitches than his fastball. After injuring his shoulder in a exhibition game start against the 2006 World Baseball Classic Japanese national team in February 2006 because of the strain the screwball had gradually been putting on his shoulder, he took the pitch out of his in-game repertoire and worked to develop his splitter until it became an equally effective pitch that would effectively replace the screwball. He has also succeeded in increasing his fastball velocity from year to year.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 11:09 AM PDT up reply actions
sorry, just realized
that’s kind of a roundabout way of saying no. ha ha.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 11, 2010 11:09 AM PDT up reply actions
2010 Dodgers
What do you guys think of the lineup? It seems to be fairly static this year.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
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