Team Preview - Atlanta Braves - Mirror Edition
by Phil Gurnee on Jun 2, 2010 8:44 PM PDT
in Team Previews
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PrintThe hottest two teams in baseball square off in a four game series starting tomorrow, and as Eric said they will probably split. Eric spotted this nugget.
April: 9-14
May: 20-8
June: 2-0
Uncanny you say? Both teams were expected to compete for their respective teams division crown, and both were huge disappointments in April, both turned things around in May. Braves are already in 1st place and the Dodgers are barking at the door.
The Braves are very close to matching their pythag. Scored 255 runs, Allowed 206 runs. Pythagorean W-L: 31-21. Actual record is 30 - 22.
The Braves are riding an eight game winning streak into Dodger Stadium after having stomped all over the previous 1st place Phillies.
Have to say before I do this preview I'm unsure how the Braves are doing it. I'm going in assuming it is pitching because the only hitter doing good work besides Prado is phenom Jason Heyward. So what is driving that 22 - 8 record since May 1st?
Any numbers you see are based on games through June 1st unless otherwise noted.
Position Breakdown
1st Base-Troy Glaus looked like a hitter under water when I watched him swing a bat in April. Reminded me of Jim Edmunds when Edmunds did time with the Padres. Unlike the Padres, the Braves stuck with Glaus, and he's paid off handsomely. On April 30th, Glaus had an OPS of .601, on June 2nd it stands at .827. Glaus will be coming into this game as one of the hottest Brave hitters, carrying an eight game hitting streak, that included home runs in three of his last four games. The ex 3rd baseman has stayed healthy so far this year and his .942 OPS in May is exactly what the Braves were hoping for when they signed the oft injured 3rd baseman to be their 1st baseman.
2nd Base-Martin Prado was a huge find for the Braves last year when Kelly Johnson had early season injuries. This year he started out on fire, hitting .356 in April fueled by a .400 BABIP. He slowed down in late April / early May but has since gotten hot again. In his last seven games he's hitting .414. Prado is not some singles machine, he has 20 XBH. At home he's Chase Utley with a .946 OPS but on the road he's only sporting a .696 OPS. He's a strange cat in that his 2009 slug% of .446 was higher then any slug% he accumulated in the minor leagues. His career minor league slug% was .393.
SS - 27 year old Yunel Escobar was struggling coming into this week. In 2009 the young SS posted an .812 OPS and looked to be one of the good young shortstops in the NL. In 2010 he has a Juan Castro like line of .221/.314/.264, and that is after collecting seven hits in his last four games.
3rd Base - Future HOF, Chipper Jones is finding that being 38 sucks. Based on the numbers he's a shell of the once great hitter, and as usual he's hurting somewhere. Not sure if he is going to play in this series as he was taken out of today's game with finger injury (day to day). His OPS of .767 is okay for some third baseman, but this is Chipper Jones not Casey Blake. He's still walking but like Todd Helton the power is nothing like it used to be. If Chipper cannot go, then Omar Infante or Brooks Conrad will take his place.
C - Brian McCann started out slow for his standards but got it going in May moving his OPS upto .812. However most of that OPS is from his gaudy OBP not from his normal plus .500 slug%. Right now he's only hit five home runs, and is sporting a slug% of .420. That is a big drop from the .523 and .486 slug% he had in 2008 / 2009. Still I can't think of one NL catcher who I'd rather have. Hard for Dodger fans to believe that headed into the winter of 2008 the question was Martin or McCann, and for the most part Martin won the debate.
CF - Nate McLouth was acquired from the Pirates in 2009 and was supposed to be the Braves answer at CF for quite a while. That quite a while did not last long. He was so bad early in the year he was benched, and while he's again playing CF, he's been terrible. You think I'm exaggerating? How about an OPS of .589, for a center fielder. How about a road OPS of .387. That is not a misprint. This is June 2nd so i wouldn't think his job is very secure.
RF - Anybody who was a fan of the Moody Blues remembers Justin Hayward but this Justin Jason Heyward wasn't even born by the time the Moody Blues lost relevance. We hear about about once in a generation players more then once a generation to the point where it gets irksome. You can't be "once in a generation" if you show up every year. That said, Jason Heyward is a once in a generation baseball player. BHSportsguy pointed out this spring how unlikely it would be for Heyward to be an impact player at the age of 20. Well, I'd say he's made an impact. For qualifying at bats his wOBA of .421 is the high mark for every single outfielder. His OPS of .977 is also number one. A 20 year old with a 15% walk rate and a slug% of .567! Better get out some kryptonite because this guy is the closest thing we have seen to Superman since Junior. Even as I write this I'm drooling. When you wonder why the Braves are in first place, you look to right field and you stop there.
LF - Melky Cabrera is the starting left fielder but Eric Hinske is getting plenty of at bats. Melky is not much of a hitter for a left fielder. In 2009 he showed some signs of life with the bat but those signs of life have not shown up in Atlanta. Like McLouth he has struggled all year and currently sports a TSL of .235/.305/.295. With struggles like these it is no surprise that Eric Hinske is getting playing time, and when Hinkse plays he hits. Actually hits is an understatement, Hinske is pounding the shit out of the ball to the tune of .337/.398/.614. The vagabond former ROY seems to end up on the right team. In 2009 he was on three teams but ultimately ended up with the Yankees and won a ring. In 2008 he was with Tampa Bay when they went to the World Series. In 2007 he won a ring with the Red Sox.
Bench - Infante plays everywhere and we might see him at 3rd this series. Or we might see Brooks Conrad who has some power and has hit a walk off grand slam this year. The 30 year old Conrad has driven in 9 runs in only 38 at bats. Lindsey, don't lose hope. David Ross is still around as a back up catcher. Brent Cleveland just went on the DL and was replaced by Gregor Blanco.
Starting Pitching for our Series:
Game 1 - Kris Medlen - replaced the injured Jair Jurrjens, and as expected has handled his spot in the rotation. Medlan got a sport start on 5/8 but joined the rotation for good on 5/18 and has made three starts. In each successive start he's given up more hits going from 4 to 7 to 9 so we have to like that trend. Fangraphs says he's a three pitch pitcher with 90MPH fastball, a curve he uses about 10% of the time, and finally his change up, which he likes enough to use 25% of the time. This guy is a good pitcher, and when Jurrjens comes back expect the guy who is pitching game two to get bounced.
Game 2 - Kenshin Kawakami is 0 - 7 but with a ERA/FIP/xFIP that falls within 4.69 - 4.56, so it is not like he's been the Ortiz twins. He doesn't strike out very many but he doesn't walk very many either. FB(89), Cutter, CurveBall, and Split finger he has an interesting arsenal but no change up.
Game 3 - Tommy Hanson is one of the better young RHP in the game. He's what Allen Webster is going to become. Right now Hanson is striking out hitters close to a hitter per nine innings (8.95) while walking 3.22. The 23 year old Redland boy does most of his work with hard stuff. A 91 93.5 MPH which is a full one MPH less then 2009, along with a 81.7 84.5 Slider. Hanson was as lucky last year as Clayton Kershaw, and this year his ERA is in the expected range of 3.78.
Game 4 - According to his ERA of 2.30 Tim Hudson is back, but is he really? His FIP says he's been lucky as hell with a full two runs getting added in at 4.38. xFIP agrees at 4.39. Hopefully he will normalize this weekend. According to Fangraphs he throws seven different pitches with his fastball topping out around 89.9. He's always been a good GB pitcher but he's taken that to a new level this year, getting 66.7 of batted balls on the ground. That is his career high.
Bullpen - Billy Wagner just like Mr. Broxton had to wait until May to get some save opportunities but he's made up for lost time. Wagner has not lost anything and has a 14.16 K Rate to back up his glittering 1.70 ERA. They lost a good setup man when Medlen moved from the bullpen to the rotation. Old friend Takashi Saito has struck out eight in his last four outings, and while his ERA says 3.00, his FIP says team best 1.82. So Smiling Sammy has plenty left in his tank. Rounding the bullpen will be Peter Moylan, LHP Eric O'Flaherty, Jesse Chavez, and LHP Jonny Venters.
So the Braves are winning with an incredible performance from Heyward, surprising comeback from Glaus, shocking hitting from Hinske, and the steady hand of Prado/McCann. That group has been enough to offset the weak contributions from the rest of the team. The rotation has been solid, not fantastic. The bullpen is good at the end game. This is a good team, is it the best team we have faced this year? Not sure about that? I'll let you know in four days.
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Comments
Course it is
but that kills my flimsy Moody Blues reference
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
It was a tough call
especially since his health was such a question mark after he underwent experimental treatment.
I'm with Tripon
and wrote about how Smiling Sammy should have been signed even with the question mark. He used that money to sign Mota.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I would have offered Saito arbitration myself, but there was enough of a question over his health to give me pause.
Saito
1) pitched 5 2/3 innings after July 12, 2008
2) was 39 in 2009
3) underwent an experimental stem cell procedure to avoid Tommy John surgery, and his return date was up in the air
4) was offered $2.5 million plus incentives by the Dodgers
If we are good we will survive
have to say I’m not quite understanding all the gnashing of teeth.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
They'll be fine. If they just hold their own they'll stay high in the rankings--
and have a shot at the BCS.
Oh wait, this isn’t college football. Never mind,
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
To keep our high ranking, we will need the other NL West teams to do well since most of our wins are against the West.
by Xeifrank on Jun 2, 2010 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Facebook tells me I need
to reconnect with my friend Matt Kemp.
I’m sure he’s been wondering where I’ve been.
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 never did Facebook
I stopped that stuff after MySpace went to shit. That comment made it sound like “The Sims” though. Ha
Travis Schlichting
1) Got the win today
2) in his 3rd MLB game
3) by pitching four innings
Only three other LA Dodgers have achieved all three
Mike Strahler
He was drafted from the Phillies in the 1967 minor league draft (precursor to the Rule 5 draft). On September 19, 1970, in his third MLB game, Strahler relieved Claude Osteen with nobody out in the second inning, down 3-0. Strahler pitched 7 1/3 innings, giving up only an unearned run. He was among the players traded with Frank Robinson to the Angels for Andy Messersmith and Ken McMullen
Rick Rhoden
On September 22, 1974, Rhoden was also in his third MLB game. Al Downing pitched the first two innings, but was down 3-0, and Walt Alston pinch hit for Downing in the bottom of the second. The Dodgers scored four in the inning, then Rhoden gave up one run over six innings to earn his first MLB win
Steve Howe
In his second MLB game, on April 12, 1980, the Dodgers were down 5-4 in the ninth inning, but Dusty Baker hit a two-out double off Joe Sambito to tie it and send the game into extra innings. Don Stanhouse pitched the ninth through 11th innings, then Howe came on and pitched five scoreless innings, through the 16th, allowing one hit and two walks. In the top of the 17th, Baker led off with a single, then Howe was pinch hit for, by Burt Hooton. Hooton bunted Baker to second, and was eventually driven in by a single from Mickey Hatcher. Hooton, who started two days earlier (though he only pitched two innings) stayed in to pitch the 17th, for his third major league save.
Fullpack pitched three shutout innings in one game
Marty does not believe you.
That game marked the beginning of the legend of Steve Howe may he rest in peace.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
MIke Strahler
man you scrambling my memory cells later. First Purdin now Strahler.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I had never heard of him before he came up in my search
by Eric Stephen on Jun 2, 2010 10:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Conflictions with the NBA Finals
Thankfully just Game 1 and 3 are truly head to head with the Dodgers.
Game 2 is a day game in L.A.
Game 4 is an off day.
Game 6* End of game in Cincinnati will conflict
Game 7* is a day game on the East coast
We're going to be some high strung sports fans up in this piece.
And if Rally Bodhi helps, I have about 5000 more pictures of my cat. I’m a grandma. :(
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Ethier is 1-14 since his return
taking a bit of a beating on the NL leaderboard (sidebar updated). He’s still 10 PA short of qualifying.
maybe he's afraid to hurt himself again
but I could see being a bit out of it. Or he’s just super streaky…as per usual.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
At least three balls hit hard that could easily have been hits
4-14 or 5-14 without the lack of luck.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
Very nice preview. Well done.
As you pointed out, the Braves were awful in April and early May. Bobby Cox then made these 3 moves and the Braves are 18-4 since: Moved Prado from 2nd to leadoff, Heyward from 5th/6th/7th to 2nd and started Eric Hinske against every righty the Braves face. Since that day, the Braves have scored more runs than anyone in the NL.
Escobar is starting to hit better and Nate McLouth is f’ing awful. Like…seriously awful. He does see some pitches at the plate, but that uppercut swing is ugly.
Jason Heyward gives a meaning to life.
Thank you for doing your research on Kawkami. Most rival blogs just see the 0-7 mark and figure he’s the worst pitcher in the league. Props for that.
As you said, the ’pen has been solid. Saito has been a huge surprise for us.
We’ve won 8 in a row and this is the best I’ve seen a Braves team play since the 2005 season when Francoeur (barf.) and McCann came up and jolted the “Baby Braves.” I’m really looking forward to seeing the Dodgers. It should be a great series.
And feel free to join in on the conversation over on TalkingChop. I like to think of it as one of the best baseball blogs on the net and we’re always friendly if you are.
Good luck to the Dodgers this weekend.
"(Jason Heyward) is like the Grim Reaper -- You know he's gonna get you, you just never know when or where."
Thanks for the extra insight
looking forward to a great series
by Eric Stephen on Jun 2, 2010 10:43 PM PDT up reply actions
How are you guys feeling about the Dodgers?
I mean, I suppose I could mosey on over to your blog and check it out, but. :)
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
All I saw was some guy clamoring for a Mitch Jones call up to get revenge on the Dodgers
which made me chuckle. Many of us here have fond memories of similar Mitch Jones dreams and wishes when he was mashing in AAA. He got a brief call up but didn’t really stick around.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
The preview should be up by mid-day tomorrow if you wanna check it out
I’ve been swamped with my internship and won’t be able to do a ton of research, but from what I’ve seen so far the offense looks real good. I still think i’d take the Dodgers trio of current outfielders over any other in the NL. I miss having a good CF on the Braves. The days of Andruw Jones seem like forever ago.
I love Casey Blake and the way he plays the game. I don’t like Manny at all, but he’s fun to watch.
CK, Billingsley and Kuroda (I saw him get hit in the head last year, btw. That was horrific.) make a solid 1-2-3 at the top. Can Ely keep this up all year? I hadn’t heard about him until just a week ago.
Broxton is filthy. Besides him though, the ‘pen looks kinda iffy. (based on stats, that is. I haven’t seen them pitch live besides an inning here or there.)
And I know they’ve been basically as hot as the Braves have been the past few weeks. There was just no way those 2 teams would continue to struggle the way they did in April.
"(Jason Heyward) is like the Grim Reaper -- You know he's gonna get you, you just never know when or where."
by Scott Coleman on Jun 2, 2010 10:58 PM PDT up reply actions
Thanks! :)
Blake (or the Beard, as we like to call him) is awesome. However, anytime anyone mentions him, it brings up huffiness and muttering about trading some really good catching prospect? I dunno. VIVA EL BEARD! (I’m just being facetious, I know who Santana is)
Ely is a huge surprise to us, too, and we’re hoping he can keep it up this year. :)
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Thanks, look forward to it. Re: the pen
it’s less iffy than it was to start the season. Keep in mind that Belisario was out til May after missing spring training and then was rusty to start but looks back to his old self now. Troncoso also had a bad stretch (giving up homers which is unusual for him) but looks better now that Torre isn’t Scott Proctor-ing him as much ;-) And the dodgers also didn’t have Kuo for awhile, who is his usual unhittable self. The pen had guys like Ramon and Russ Ortiz in it for awhile and thankfully that experiment is over.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Re: Series preview
Here is a quick and dirty sim of all four games vs the Braves. Hopefully, I got the pitching matchups correct. If not, oh well.
G1: Kris Medlen vs Hiroki Kuroda
Favorite: Dodgers 58.010%
Over/Under: 7.89049
G2: Kenshin Kawakami vs Clayton Kershaw
Favorite: Dodgers 68.7%
Over/Under: 7.77805
G3: Tommy Hanson vs Chad Billingsley
Favorite: Dodgers 56.688%
Over/Under: 7.83579
G4: Tim Hudson vs John Ely
Favorite: Dodgers 63.803%
Over/Under: 7.81871
Baseball is played by men, not computers.
"(Jason Heyward) is like the Grim Reaper -- You know he's gonna get you, you just never know when or where."
by Scott Coleman on Jun 2, 2010 11:03 PM PDT up reply actions
haha
just messing with you. thanks for the numbers.
"(Jason Heyward) is like the Grim Reaper -- You know he's gonna get you, you just never know when or where."
by Scott Coleman on Jun 2, 2010 11:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Game 4's odds seem a bit high
OK, too high
by Julio Nievas on Jun 2, 2010 11:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Game 4 seems about 36.2% too low :)
by Eric Stephen on Jun 3, 2010 8:33 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah. It is Ely.
It should be like Favorite: Dodgers 150%
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
by Maddz on Jun 3, 2010 8:35 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Yeah, perhaps
Kawakami
FIP: 4.67
xFIP: 4.55
vs Kershaw
FIP: 3.38
xFIP: 4.20
Hudson
FIP: 4.37
xFIP: 4.37
vs Ely
FIP: 2.08
xFIP: 3.47
Of course Ely’s numbers need to be regressed the most out of these four pitchers. The simulator weights the FIP component more than the xFIP, thus the high numbers. Backtesting 2005 to 2009 the weighting I use had the highest predictability. I also had Chipper on the bench for all four games.
I’m not really sure. I’m actually still working on this and is something I will spend time on during the offseason when I have more time to work on improvements. I like the critical comments (as long as they aren’t personal) as it helps me make improvements. The FIP vs xFIP is something I need to revisit during the offseason.
vr, Xei
It is ballpark neutral in real life
Because tomorrow both Kershaw and Kawakami pitch at the same park. What they did in the past no longer matters. That’s why x-FIP is the better predictor of an individual matchup (IMO.)
by Michael White on Jun 3, 2010 9:49 AM PDT up reply actions
I hated the Braves in the 90’s. Even though I was even less than a casual fan (I think it was because I always watched them on TBS and they ALWAYS won, and they weren’t the Dodgers). I’m rooting hard for them right now though except against L.A. Some how I’ve disliked Philly almost since birth, I didn’t even know they were from Philly. And when I found out they were. I didn’t know where Philly was. (I spent my first 6 years in Germany by the way, military family) It was just instinctual. Then my first game at DS was against Philly. I don’t even remember who one, Ha. Go Braves except 6/3-6 and 8/13-15. I’m looking forward to this series though. And I am going to be at DS on Friday, sweet. I only get to about 3-4 games a year.
Hi everyone from an old and I do mean old Dodger fan (1st game 1965) and a fairly new Braves fan.
1st game attended in Atlanta was in 2001 they faced the Mets. I live in NC now and have since 2000. I’ll be rooting for the Braves as they are my home team now. Mvhsbball forgot to mention that Melky has been on something of a tear in the last few weeks, something of a surprise to all of us you can be sure. It’s looking like this will be a good series and here’s to wishing the best of luck to everyone.
Senator, we have another old saying,"Don't piss down my back and tell me it's raining." Fletcher
Welcome. I’m also a NC dodger fan. I hate the Braves though from back when we were both in West. I do agree with the guy above though… Phillies are now my least favorite NL east team.
by CarolinaDodger on Jun 3, 2010 7:29 AM PDT up reply actions
Braves
I began to hate the Braves when they were our rivals in the West, but living in the south for a number of years sealed the deal. They are the team of Redneck Nation (along with the Alabama Crimson Tide and Dale Earnhardt- hard to like the idols of the ignorant and toothless). On the Braves call in shows you would routinely hear calls like, “Hey y’all can we trade Mark Lemke for A-Rod and Griffey. What do y’all think Chip?”
You know referring to people of a region as all being the same is a bit much don't you think?
Go to Turner field wearing your Dodger uniform and nobody will bother you. According to my brother who still lives in Ca. you would be unwise to do that at a Dodger game. Who is being redneck?
Senator, we have another old saying,"Don't piss down my back and tell me it's raining." Fletcher
It wouldn't really be the "redneck" contingent
at DS that would be giving you a hard time. Completely different demographic. :)
Which isn’t to say I don’t understand or agree with your point.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Right, you understand what I mean though, shouldn't have to worry about being threatened at a game because you root for the opposition, it isn't Philly after all
Senator, we have another old saying,"Don't piss down my back and tell me it's raining." Fletcher
At DS your probability of being harassed wearing an out of town jersey (like the Braves) differs depending on which part of the stadium you are sitting in. So I’ve been told. I am currently in a boycot, so I have no way of knowing if this is currently still the case. :)
I know someone in security and basically the further you are from home plate, the harsher it gets (any level)
by robotmadeofnails on Jun 3, 2010 9:56 AM PDT up reply actions
I agree with you. I’ve never lived in the Southeast but comments like that sort of irk me.
I think it was meant to be humorous though (if that changes things for you.)
by Michael White on Jun 3, 2010 9:50 AM PDT up reply actions
I live in Southern California but if I even rub my neck for a second I become a redneck, so if I don’t take offense I don’t think anyone should :P
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
It was the "hard to like the ingnorant and toothless" that bugged me.
I was born and raised in Norwalk and Bellflower, 1 st mlb game I ever went too was the Angels versus the Indians in 1964 in Dodger stadium, they hadn’t built the Big A then.
Senator, we have another old saying,"Don't piss down my back and tell me it's raining." Fletcher
apologies (sort of)
Didn’t mean to offend you bro, but there is a large contingent of folks in Alabama and Georgia particularly that fit the demographic I described. They are dumb as a rock and many are dentally challenged. I lived in Alabama for nearly 20 years and know of what I speak.
I can finally use apps on my iPhone again!
I just bought MLB At Bat. This should be good…now my only internet usage will be from hitting Z as fast as I can.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Speaking of that stuff
Does anybody have a Droid Incredible?
Does it have cool apps like the IPhone? And can you get the MLB Apps on it?
by Michael White on Jun 3, 2010 8:24 AM PDT up reply actions
It runs Android
So it has about 50,000+ apps available, along with MLB At Bat
yes and yes
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
Is it worth it if I already have the mlb gameday through mlb.com?
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
Yes
I find myself following Gameday all the time on my phone at odd times, and having the audio works well too.
hmmm
I guess that would be useful when I go to the gym and I can’t watch the game cause some broad is watching Dateline NBC.
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
Again with UHF?
I will admit the full quote made me giggle.
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
my minor beef with the mlb app is that the audio feed is always slightly behind the gameday on mlb.com. kinda makes for a spoileriffic gamewatching experience at the office.
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Jun 3, 2010 10:10 AM PDT up reply actions
Totally OT
but I’m looking for ways to entertain myself during the work day. If you have a twitter, you should hit me up. I’m “maddzGoesRAWR”.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
I'm already following TBLA.
:D
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Oh are you gracing us with your tweets again? ;-)
(Welcome back!)
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Haha
Yeah, I’m back. Basically, I didn’t have a debit card for a long time (cos I’m lazy) and I accidentally deleted the application off my phone because it got smooshed against my thigh. I finally rectified the problem and now I am back bugging people.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Just joined twitter, and added you ha!
by robotmadeofnails on Jun 3, 2010 9:08 AM PDT up reply actions
Then you can enjoy how absolutely ridiculous my user picture is.
LASER TAG!!! YEAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
It's almost as hilarious
as the two pictures that were used in actual advertisements. The first is up at Ultrazone and the second is on a mailer, which still gets used from time to time. I know this because one was sent to my current place of employ…and I was teased for about a week. :)
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
The photo reminds me of Barney from How I Met your Mother
by robotmadeofnails on Jun 3, 2010 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions
Hahahahahaha
That might be the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me!
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
MLB considering overturning the bad call last night
Interesting precedent that they’d set…
Carson Daly was ranting about it this morning.
He’s on Amp Radio, and he was talking about how people need to campaign to overturn this, because the ump admitted he messed up (that sound clip of Joyce, by the way…dude is on the verge of tears. Joe West could learn a thing or two from him). He jokingly threatened to not play any more music on a super poppy radio station until the call was overturned.
He seems to have a good sense of humor about his job, too. He’s like, “This is history, and it is outrageous that they won’t overturn it, and what am I going to do? Make a pot of coffee and play Lady Gaga.” It made me laugh, anyway.
Then I totally found 5 bucks.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
I avoided this convesation yesterday
But is overturning this call really necessary?
Isn’t the charm in what would have happened that it would have been the first time 3 perfect games happened in baseball history? But no call has ever gotten overturned in baseball history (using replay mind you) so we are already comparing apples and oranges. Certainly, bad calls have been made in the past that affected perfect games, no hitters, unasissted triple plays, balk offs, et al.
by Michael White on Jun 3, 2010 8:58 AM PDT up reply actions
Completely unnecessary.
At first look, I thought he was safe anyways. But replays were to the contrary. This is forgivable.
Agreed. And there have been worse calls over time to, especially in World Series play. I think if they overturn the call, it will open up the door for everything, and baseball loves tradition, so I don’t see it happening. I mean, Halliday got a ton of strike three calls off the plate in his perfect game, but no one was screaming over that.
by robotmadeofnails on Jun 3, 2010 9:02 AM PDT up reply actions
Hilariously enough
I don’t know if I have an opinion on this. Surely, I would have a stronger reaction if it happened to the Dodgers. Or against the Dodgers. Whatever.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Why can’t Galarraga just throw a perfect game next time out instead? They seem like the big fad this year.
by Xeifrank on Jun 3, 2010 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
His interview was great. Saying he just expects to do it a few more times.
by robotmadeofnails on Jun 3, 2010 9:59 AM PDT up reply actions
My first thought
Carson Daly still has a platform?
by Eric Stephen on Jun 3, 2010 9:16 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
He is one of the few that I recognize on there. I’m holding out for Tiffany Brissette and/or Jamie Supiran telling me this is their town.
Is it wrong that I get really mad
when I see Bret Michaels in DiamondVision? Ugh. He just…disgusts me.
That and like, Nickleback. Aren’t they Canadian?
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Jack Bauer (fictionally) got his undergraduate degree from UCLA, and I like him.
TV cred trumps collegiate affiliations.
Jack Bauer also took badass lessons from John Ely.
So I think it would be a crime against humanity to dislike Jack Bauer.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
I was a bit surprised, too
But I don’t mind him. He seems to be really intelligent and self-deprecating. Which is good.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
There’s indirect precedent for this. A few years ago, the Commissioner ruled that a bunch of old “no-hitters” would no longer be recognized as no-hitters. And, for a little while, Babe Ruth was given credit for a 715th home run but the Commissioner overruled it.
The can of worms is that those changes only affected ancient history. A change here sets up the expectation that MLB will review every game the next day. Umps are human and they make mistakes all the time — no matter where the line is drawn, somebody will be unfairly left on the wrong side.
People don't think it be like this, but it do.
Yea, I think Joyce admitting he was wrong may make this a one time change.
by robotmadeofnails on Jun 3, 2010 9:59 AM PDT up reply actions
Great Lakes Loons
are giving away a Cecil Fielder Tigers bobblehead tonight (they are in Michigan, after all). However, it looks nothing like Cecil:
Um, well no
I hope the Dodgers draft him, but I’m just being a homer. Wanted to see if you anyone knew who he was or would call me out on that pick.
by Michael White on Jun 3, 2010 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions
If they get him he will just be traded for
Delino Desheilds Jr.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
by Ivdown on Jun 3, 2010 10:07 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
How about that catcher from Indiana
O’Conner? HS kid. System needs more catchers… Seems to fit as a late first round kinda guy. Just a thought.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
White probably doesn't either but
just looking at who will still be around by their pick and there’s certainly a HS pitcher drop off. Still, odds are that’s where they’ll go once again. But the guys I like better will be gone before.
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 like him a lot
He’s got great stuff and he’s got a great frame as a pitcher. His velocity will naturally rise and he has displayed a great slurve.
by Julio Nievas on Jun 3, 2010 11:40 AM PDT up reply actions
he was mr. wild thing until recently
He would regularly hit the backstop on pitches. Lately his command has been really good though.
I’m kind weary, he is already HUGE…i can’t imagine what he would look like when he’s 25/26….might make broxton look like an ant!
Galarraga got a corvette from the Tigers today, and brought the lineup card to home plate umpire Jim Joyce before today’s game, to a standing ovation. Joyce was in tears, according to reports. I can’t wait to see this highlight.
Just heard Joyce’s interview afterwards. I think the way he and Galarraga have handled it has made it all worth it…I know that sounds strange.
by robotmadeofnails on Jun 3, 2010 10:24 AM PDT up reply actions
The biggest atrocity now is that he got a Corvette
by robotmadeofnails on Jun 3, 2010 10:30 AM PDT up reply actions
Dallas Braden is gonna be pissed that there was crying in baseball.
by regfairfield on Jun 3, 2010 10:37 AM PDT up reply actions 4 recs
Bryce Harper got kicked out of his JC World Series game last night, which ends up being a 2 game suspension because hes been kicked out twice (the other time for bowing after making a throw from right field). This likely ends his collegiate career.
Here’s the play. The ball is probably a foot outside, but Mr. Umpire probably had to toss him.
http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/06/03/bryce-harper-ejected-from-game-amateur-career-likely-over/
He’s still in this year’s draft, not next year. :)
by Eric Stephen on Jun 3, 2010 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions
He knew what he was getting into
You don’t eschew your senior year of high school to enter the draft early, only to sit another year.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 3, 2010 10:30 AM PDT up reply actions
Does Harper have a giant head, too?
Don’t get me wrong, I love Giada, but her head…good God.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
But the rest of her
totally makes up for it.
Plus, since she had her kid, oddly her head isn’t so massive. Or more likely, she just filled out so its properly proportioned.
There would be absolutely nothing fun about a Giada bobblehead
by regfairfield on Jun 3, 2010 10:40 AM PDT up reply actions
Women I know generally like Giada
except she is too thin, she wears clothes (tops) that one wouldn’t wear when one cooks and that her head is too big for her petite body.
I'm not sure why
but I’m inclined to believe that’s just how her body is. That’s assuming that she’s 100% natural and doesn’t have any plastic…renovations in her body.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
If someone could help me understand who this Giada is I’d be greatly appreciative, lol.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
I'm sure someone will post a picture
BUT DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND WATCH THE FOOD NETWORK.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Shes a host on Food Network
But the rest of the world would probably know her better as the granddaughter of Dino de Laurentiis.
Me neither.
Which is why she just must have a really impressive body.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Although
If Selig sets a precedent of overturning a call in Galarraga’s perfecto, maybe he can also retroactively add 37 losses to the 2009 Dodgers, and we can get the #1 pick.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 3, 2010 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions
I think most major league players would have gotten themselves ejected on that call.
by robotmadeofnails on Jun 3, 2010 10:26 AM PDT up reply actions
Agreed.
That was a terrible call, and Harper was only ejected so quickly because he is Bryce Harper. The umpire knew exactly what he was doing.
I was not aware Joe West and Angel Hernandez spawned a hybrid umpire; what a short fuse.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 3, 2010 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions
They are only relevant on Tuesday afternoons…
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 Jun 3, 2010 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions
Lakers also won Game 2 in each of those series
by Eric Stephen on Jun 3, 2010 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions
By the way, with the 14 scoreless innings yesterday
The Dodgers lowered their team ERA down to 3.99 for the year.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
Angry Bodhi is cheered by this news.
And is slightly less angry.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
What will make Angry Bodhi
Happy Bodhi?
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
Food.
And birdies. And probably if one of the cats he lives with plays with him.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
haha. How many cats does he live with?
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
Two.
Deuce and Ruben (girl cats, we named them thus because we thought they were boys, lol?). Ruben cannot stand him at ALL, whereas Deuce will ignore him and allow him to hang out depending on her mood.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
hahaha, that's really funny
I’ve got 4 cats, all my sisters, who is now living out of state. One is a boy named Sox, and he’s old and cranky. There’s Jonas, who’s basically like a dog, and is the coolest cat ever. Then we have two young cats, both boys. They all like to annoy the crap out of Sox and it looks like he can’t stand a single one of them, lol.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
Oh thank God, I'm not the only one here living with 4 cats ;-)
My gf had 2 and I had 2 and now that we’re in the same house it’s a feline Brady Bunch. Mostly it’s okay. Hopefully we won’t end up getting a cousin Oliver cat at some point and jumping the shark into crazy cat people ;-)
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 was sure someone would ridicule me at one point for saying it, but I love cats, so it’s ok :)
Hahaha, cousin Oliver. I think I’ve got that cat. It was my mom’s cat, but she moved out of state so my dad agreed to take it in, but it hates other cats so now it lives outside, but it’s still ours so technically it’s 5 cats. We use to have another one from next door that would always come over and hang out.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
Lakers vs. Celtics in the Finals
Celtics 9 series wins
Lakers 2 series wins
Lakers are 17-15 at home, and 10-25 in Boston
Lakers Record by Game
Game 1: 4-7
Game 2: 5-6
Game 3: 6-5
Game 4: 2-9
Game 5: 6-4
Game 6: 4-5
Game 7: 0-4
Totals: 27-40
This is why I have Lakers in 6. Weird stuff happens in Game 7’s.
by Alex41592 on Jun 3, 2010 11:09 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Last I saw Lakers were -160/+140 to win the NBA title. Taking out the juice, the oddsmakers are giving the Lakers a 150/250 = 60% chance of winning the title. Assuming the Lakers and Celtics chances of winning an individual game at home is the same, in order to get the numbers to work out correctly, this means the Lakers and Celtics have a 76% chance of winning each home game.
G1, G2, G6, G7: 0.76 for the Lakers in each game
G3, G4, G5: 0.24 for the Lakers in each game.
With these individual game weightings, the Lakers have a 60% chance of winning the series.
vr, Xei
Don't put too much faith in the oddsmakers
They had the Lakers as huge favorites in 2008. I believe the odds were -200 before that series started.
You have to invoke the LA money rule
Begas’ proximity to LA brings in too much money for LA-based teams.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
Yeah, but not much. Atleast not enough for the simple exercise I am doing. If they move the line too much for the LA “homers” they will get hammered by the bigger/smarter bettors. Plus Los Angels is no closer to BoDogsville or Matchookopolis than Boston is.
True
The rule is an old one, predating internet betting.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
USC haters?
What is this a rap video? Why do you assume that everyone who roots against USC does so out of jealousy and not because we happen to support other teams?
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
by Josie Becker on Jun 3, 2010 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions
Do you take any college football fans seriously?
by Julio Nievas on Jun 3, 2010 11:44 AM PDT up reply actions
Hey, everyone!
Let’s talk about those USC sanctions.
by Dr. Geek on Jun 3, 2010 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I for one
am looking forward to Cal being declared outright champions for 2006. You can just mail the trophy to my house, I’ll get it up to Berkeley
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
by Josie Becker on Jun 3, 2010 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions
Can we just send it to “Academic Community”?
by Eric Stephen on Jun 3, 2010 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions
So it can go into a warehouse full of poison muffins? No way.
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
by Josie Becker on Jun 3, 2010 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions
You can send it to Cypress College
sister school
by Michael White on Jun 3, 2010 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions
grumble
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
by Josie Becker on Jun 3, 2010 11:50 AM PDT up reply actions
My prediction
Bush ruled ineligible for Heisman year. Vacate wins (who cares).
Loss of scholarships for next 2 years.
Loss of one coach being able to recruit during one season.
Basketball probably loses another scholarship for a year.
That's pretty soft to what everyone else says.
I’m thinking years of probations, loss of scholarships for three years, vacated wins
by Julio Nievas on Jun 3, 2010 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions
I doubt probation
unless there is more that has not come out like a coach knew about it and did nothing
I wonder if they can also declare Aaron Rodgers completed that pass in the USC endzone back in ‘04. I’m really looking forward to this whole rewriting history thing.
Cal Rose Bowl champs in ’04 and ’06!
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
by Josie Becker on Jun 3, 2010 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions
Paying them
wouldn’t solve the problem. There are just more resources at certain schools than others.
No really
One, where does this money come from to pay these athletes, not from the college or university. So then you are left with boosters who donate to the athletic program. Who decides the amount, do pay more in LA vs. Omaha?
It is simple to say just pay them but it would make things even more complex.
First of all it is not fair to not pay them, as they are basically being badly exploited under the current system. NCAA football/basketball are multi-million dollar enterprises. The atheletes are getting at most some marketing and in some cases a free or partially paid college education (that many could care less about).
Who should pay them? I will let smarter people than me figure that one out, but my guess would be a combination of the following, colleges and NFL. But they wouldn’t be the ones paying the players, just that the money would come from them.
To me, it is kind of ridiculous to have this college basketball or football player who is making 100s of thousands (millions?) of dollars for these Universities, yet they are expected to live dirt poor? They should be paid for their work, just like as if you worked at the school library.
Added to the fact
that I don’t believe they get paid for their likenesses being used for games like NCAA football…
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
There are no names in the orginal games
It’s supposed to be the player but they don’t use the name.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
I'm sure there's a weird grey moral area here
but I can say, for a fact, that if someone is not in the MLB Players Association, they are not allowed to have their name NOR their likeness in the game.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Yeah, I think it’s the same type of thing. I know that for college players or prospects they can’t be used in an MLB game (or a college game) until they actually debut in the MLB. I wonder if it’s the same for other sports.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
Why are they expected to live dirt poor?
They get free tuition, free room and board, meal plans, etc.
Check out how football players at the University of Oregon live. Won’t exactly be confused with skid row.
I get your point to a degree, and compensation should come into play, moreso now, since these athletes are being forced to attend college instead of going straight to the NFL or NBA. If that wasn’t the case, I’d have no beef, since only student athletes would choose to be a part of the system and the rules that come with it.
by Michael White on Jun 3, 2010 12:04 PM PDT up reply actions
The whole idea of them getting paid seems slimy though
Most players are completely replaceable and have no future in football/basketball. But the star recruits? I can’t imagine how insanse the compensation packages would get. Joe Booster paying the guy six figures, then pulling it when he gets hurt. Recruiting would go completely haywire.
by Michael White on Jun 3, 2010 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions
If they get scholarships
then yeah, I could see that being good compensation. Of course, that depends on where you go. :)
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Why would the NFL pay for something they get for free
And that they only end up using a small pct of all the football players in college. And what about all other athletes who in the eyes of the NCAA and more importantly laws like Title IX would need to be treated equally.
NCAA is development league for football and basketball (moreso than baseball and other sports). NFL/NBA are HUGE stakeholders in college football/basketball. Why do you think the NBA does not allow kids to go to the NBA out of high school now? And are thinking about upping the age from 19 to 20? More free development.
Meal plans and free tuition is nice for O.J. Mayo, but the guy lost millions by having to go to USC for one year. And probably had to take out a rather large insurance policy against catastrophic injury.
Just doesn’t seem fair to be making millions off of these atheletes and giving them very little in return.
There will be slimy boosters in any system.
I honestly have no idea what you're talking about.
I cannot wait to figure it out.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
For those who have At Bat app
the clip showing Galaraga and Joyce at home plate is in the video section for that game.
Oh, and one thing to edit in the story
Hanson throws much harder than 91mph. He sits around 93-95 during the game and can touch 97 on occasion.
"(Jason Heyward) is like the Grim Reaper -- You know he's gonna get you, you just never know when or where."
Now I'm wondering what the hell I clicked on
http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=9129&position=P
Shows you are clearly right. Wonder what pitcher I thought I was looking at instead in of Hanson.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Brett Anderson hurt again!
Kershaw’s friend and natural rival had to come out early today. Sucks for the A’s and baseball in general.
that does suck :(
I REALLY liked anderson in that draft. whats the injury this time? pulled flab? :)
I kid because the knock on him was hus pudgy stature.
The day after I took him off my fantasy dl
So I think it’s my fault.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
Lakers all-time in the Finals
30 appearances (15 wins, 15 losses)
Game 1: 15-15 (10-5 at home)
Game 2: 15-15 (11-4 at home; including 6 straight wins)
Game 3: 17-13 (9-6 on the road)
Game 4: 11-19 (7-8 on the road)
Game 5: 13-13 (7-11 on the road)
Game 6: 11-7 (9-4 at home; including 6 straight wins)
Game 7: 3-5 (3-1 at home; last was 1988)
Totals: 85-87 (52-32 at home; 33-55 on road)
Lakers haven’t won a series at home since Game 7 against Houston last year. Denver, Orlando, Oklahoma City, Utah and Phoenix. All clinched on the road.
by Alex41592 on Jun 3, 2010 11:48 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
I wouldn’t mind seeing that streak continue.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 3, 2010 11:49 AM PDT up reply actions
Off the top of my head
Last Game 7s at home for the Lakers.
Houston – 2009
Portland, Sacramento (was a Game 5) – 2000
Detroit, Utah, Dallas – 1988
On Baseball America today, draft preview (attn Nate!)
from Baseball America’s draft preview just posted today:
“28. DODGERS (Conor). The Dodgers have taken a high school pitcher with their last three first-round picks (Clayton Kershaw, Chris Withrow, Ethan Martin) and plenty of choices in their backyard this year. I’m going with one of those California prep righthanders, Peter Tago. He has a lean, athletic frame, a 91-93 mph fastball with room for more velocity, a good curveball and smooth mechanics.”
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Keith Law Mock Draft 2.0
- LAD
Brett Eibner, CF/RHP, Arkansas
The Dodgers could be another landing spot for Ranaudo if he slides past the Red Sox, and they’re also on Bedrosian.
So the consensus is theres no concensus
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Jun 3, 2010 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Nope, and it's hard to have consensus on this draft after the first few picks
and especially for teams picking near bottom of the round. But with Logan White and co., when in doubt, go for “high school pitcher” at least ;-)
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
extra points if theyre from texas
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Jun 3, 2010 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions
Eibner said in the paper today
that he wants to play the outfield 1st. That he feels like he is a complete player and ready to play pro ball.
OT: Because Reg is truly more interesting than a sandwich
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Just for you bro
Cheer up :)
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Thanks! I love that poster.
Whats the guy on the left’s story. Dennis Farina’s stunt double?
by regfairfield on Jun 3, 2010 12:40 PM PDT up reply actions
I have no idea.
They were originally in some other ads we used to use, but for some reason, the owner decided that dropping a super angry picture of me in front of them would be a good way to sell adult parties.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Yup. It looks like you think those guys are douchebags for lazertagging. Which, you know, would be the exact reason I wouldn’t go lazertagging as a grown man.
by regfairfield on Jun 3, 2010 12:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Well
I am totally too big for fun. :)
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Hey, you throw a Chan Ho over the plate, I’m gonna swing for the fences.
by regfairfield on Jun 3, 2010 12:53 PM PDT up reply actions
The title of the poster made me think this was dirty
by robotmadeofnails on Jun 3, 2010 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Agreed
“Adult parties” brings alot of things to mind, but lasertag is way down the list :)
It says Adult Groups, first of all.
Secondly, the wording is slightly different on the real ad. The most hilarious part is that I picked up a shift there last Friday, and if you stand at the cash register, you stand directly below the place where the ad appears. So I was standing there, and some 13 year old boys did like, a triple take. It was cute.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
But it says Adult Parties on the bottom
Hah, did he ask for an autograph? :D
Hahaha
well, they didn’t, but I think they were impressed nonetheless.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Suppose 13
is a little young to be flirting with models :)
Fast-forward a couple years and he’ll be kicking himself.
hahah "model" is pushing it
former employee of laser tag facility, sure. :)
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Hey, you're on a poster looking hot
Maybe confused/annoyed hot, but hot nonetheless.
Sounds like model to me! :D
i met some models
in vegas this weekend….
well they said they were models…probably just coke whores.
by npurcell on Jun 3, 2010 2:50 PM PDT up reply actions 4 recs
Hahahah
or highly debaucherous. Either way.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Please do
I need an excuse to take a trip. I’ve already told my wife I’m going to the next TBLA night.
Provided there is one before August
I want to go to the next TBLA as well. :)
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Mayhap I can make the 5th.
Depending, of course, if I can find a place to live in Nashville before i move.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
or highly debaucherous.
= highly successful. Or at least that’s the scale I use for my Vegas trips. Already been 4 times in 2010!!
Hmmm.
I went in April and got groped by a poor man’s Jeremy Piven. Kind of funny.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
is that what you're into?
jeremy piven look-alikes?
april has been the only month I didn’t make it out :(
Not that I'm aware of, no.
I don’t really dress like a skank, and apparently guys in Vegas don’t go for chicks who choose that look. Couldn’t imagine why…
;)
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
DONE.
You’re getting owned. Just FYI.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
This needs filming
and its own spot on the TBLA front page when it happens. Make it so!
Hmm then to make it fair
we can have Whisky Maddz handle it. I was in a dance company. :)
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Whisky is the great equalizer!
That, and heels!
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
hahaha
is that you? You look like you’re about to kick some lazer ass.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
That is 19 year old Maddz.
Before she discovered her feelings are delicious and taste like beer and velveeta and shells.
I was on a budget.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
What kind of budget?
Or what picture? In which case, I refer you to the ridiculous picture up above.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
hahaha
My situation is a little reversed, 16 year old Bobby use to be a fatty, but after football for 2 years and eating less junk 20 year old Bobby has turned into the beast he is today. Oh yeah :) lol
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
This is insane
slmandel And how, hell shall break loose. Rivals’ Texas site reporting that Pac-10 “is prepared to invite Texas, T Tech, A&M, OK, OK St and Colo.”
What does that mean?
More football stuff?
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
I assume its not limited to football
But who knows these days.
by Michael White on Jun 3, 2010 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions
I guess I'm too much of a traditionalist
I don’t like this stuff at all.
I’m like one of the only people who would scrap the idea of a national championship game every year and go back to Big Ten/ Pac 10 Rose Bowls.
by Michael White on Jun 3, 2010 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions
This would house
7 of the top 20 tv markets in the Pac-10
by Julio Nievas on Jun 3, 2010 12:45 PM PDT up reply actions
It’s gonna be hell on the guy who makes the PAC-10 logo.
by regfairfield on Jun 3, 2010 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
What do I get out of this? The fan?
Am I going to have to wait every 3 or 4 years to see Oregon State play USC?
by Michael White on Jun 3, 2010 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Maybe after 10 years or something. As of now, I don’t care about Texas any more than I care about Clemson.
I’ve rather liked watching USC get owned every time they come up to Oregon, and how USC fans have some respect for Oregon State these days.
by Michael White on Jun 3, 2010 12:50 PM PDT up reply actions
Idk the details
But I think it would be east vs west, and I think OSU will be on USC’s side
by Julio Nievas on Jun 3, 2010 12:53 PM PDT up reply actions
Who knew the Pacific Coast
had an East and that it went all the way to OK and Austin.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
To watch USC blow it every other year?
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
Under the current model, USC and Oregon State would still play every year since they are in the same division.
Only Ariz and Ariz State would join the new Big-Pac 16 division with Texas, etc.
Got it. That’s a good enough compromise I guess.
by Michael White on Jun 3, 2010 12:53 PM PDT up reply actions
The Big-Pac 16...
Awful, but this thing isn’t a done deal yet. The blurb said the Pac-10 was going to invite those schools, not that they’d accepted.
If one goes
they basically all have to go. Nobody wants to get stuck behind when a power team like OK or Texas leaves.
by Michael White on Jun 3, 2010 1:02 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, it's all up to Texas
Wherever the Horns go, the rest will follow.
What's surprising
Notice that they didn’t offer Nebraska or Kansas… I wonder if it’s because of the Big-10 thing.
Scared of Missouri.
"(Jason Heyward) is like the Grim Reaper -- You know he's gonna get you, you just never know when or where."
by Scott Coleman on Jun 3, 2010 12:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Texas is still a newby to that conference anyway. They don’t go back 100 years like Oklahoma does.
by Michael White on Jun 3, 2010 12:51 PM PDT up reply actions
Speaking of which
Nebraska has to leave for the Big Ten now. They got screwed the first go around when they lost their rival Oklahoma since they stopped playing them every year. Now Oklahoma is leaving the conference altogether.
by Michael White on Jun 3, 2010 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions
You definitely did
I didn’t think it would come to this.
3 conferences of around 16 teams.
by Michael White on Jun 3, 2010 1:14 PM PDT up reply actions
I am perhaps the only one who cares about such geography issues
But the new conference would still be continuous. Via the 4 corners, Arizona borders Colorado. Colorado borders the Oklahoma panhandle and Oklahoma borders Texas.
by Michael White on Jun 3, 2010 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions
It's just a superconference for the sake of having a superconference.
No tradition, no natural rivalries, no geographic similarities. Bleh.
Grats on calling the walk off
That’s so yesterday, but, I don’t care. :)
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Someone remembered!
I wish I could use my predictive powers on the Finals tonight.
Actually
It’s a superconference made up of two traditional conferences, so less like Wal-Mart and more like when there are KFC’s and Pizza Huts in the same building. I keep trying to get them to make a fried chicken pizza, to no avail.
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
by Josie Becker on Jun 3, 2010 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
It works really well too
since when there are two fast food restaurants in the same building they often don’t always serve all of the menu items you would get if it was just the one.
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
The Big 12
is not really a traditional conference. Especially since the Texas schools which are coming over are all from the defunct Southwest Conference.
by Michael White on Jun 3, 2010 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Right,
Which is why I consider it a merging of the Pac10 and Southwest conferences….Southwest circa 1925…..plus Colorado….it’s the Southwest conference exacting revenge on the Big 8 by breaking it up…
I don’t know what it is, but the Texas schools have a long history, Tex and Okla have been doing their thing since forever
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
Texas almost joined the Pac 10, A&M the SEC in the mid 90's
Baylor higher ups in the Texas Legislature prevented it. There’s no tradition in the Big 12, Mizzou has 1 foot in the Big 10, and Nebraska is desperate to get away from UT due to Osborne’s disdain for Texas and what he perceives is the old Big 8 coddling to UT’s every whim.
I perceive that too, BTW. I side heavily with Nebraska will all the garbage that has gone on in the Big 12.
by Michael White on Jun 3, 2010 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions
Milt Pappas, still a whiner after all these years
He should take a lesson on how to handle adversity with grace from Galarraga. Get over it already, Milt.
“I don’t think instant replay belongs in baseball with balls and strikes, unless it’s a perfect game,” Pappas said. “In that instance it should be utilized. Maybe if he reverses this one, he’ll reverse mine.”
For those who don't know
Milt Pappas, while with the Cubs, had a perfect game with two outs in the 9th on September 2, 1972 against the Padres. On a 3-2 pitch to the 27th batter (Larry Stahl), home plate umpire Bruce Froemming fucked up history called a close pitch a ball, and Pappas threw a fit on the mound. He ended up retiring the next batter to complete the no-hitter, but apparently Pappas still hasn’t let go.
Every once in a while, MLB Network shows video of this on one of those Bob Costas “MLB Remembers” commercials.
Must be something about 1972...
That made athletes with big accomplishments that year turn into insufferable jerks. Pappas, the Dolphins, even the US Olympic basketball team (although they have a slightly more legitimate beef than Milt Pappas).
I just watched the Galarraga/Joyce interaction
Classy from both sides… Downright childish taking out the anger on Jim Joyce’s family…
Everyone needs to believe in something. I believe I'll have another beer.
My take on the Pac 16 super conference
Using Phil’s tongue is cheek comment as a springboard, the Pac-10 has rarely actually been just about the Pacific Coast. In the early days of the Pacific Coast conference it included Idaho and Montana. After they left for a good deal of time it was just a pacific conference, but adding Arizona and ASU in the 70s changed that. So I for one am all for a Big West type conference, where you’ve got the Coast schools vs the West of the Mississippi Schools. The Big 12 has no long tradition, so there’s really no hard in breaking up that conference, letting the rest of the North go point the Big 10. That way the Big T(16)en, SEC, ACC, and Pac West conference are all playing Championship games, before the bowl season, which would create an impromptu playoff.
Look at that, he hit the f*cking bull! Guy gets a free steak!
I'm against conference expansion
but since it’s happening with or without the Pac 10, I’m glad we’re getting on board.
david rawnsley at perfect game mock
28. LOS ANGELES DODGERS
A.J. Cole, rhp, Oviedo (Fla.) HS
The Dodgers have been consistently focused on young power arms for the last decade, and few have the power or ceiling that Cole would offer. Signability for high school pitchers, especially those who have been consistently mentioned higher than this slot as Cole has all spring, can become problematic, and the suddenly financially conscious Dodgers may have a concern with that.
http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?Article=4812
He’s pretty knowledgable
Andy Seiler at mlbbonusbaby
28. Los Angeles Dodgers – Aaron Sanchez, RHP, Barstow HS (CA) – All indications still point to the Dodgers sticking very closely to slot for all their picks this year, and while that shouldn’t completely hamstring them, it’s likely to mean that they call a name a little earlier than expected. They like projectable arms, and Sanchez is the definition of projectable, so this makes some sense.
http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/6/2/1498078/mock-draft-8-first-round
another very knowledgable person.
That’s the second California prep pitcher I’ve seen us linked to today. When was the last time we picked someone that high from out there? Chuck Tiffany was a 2nd round pick. But generally we stick to Texas or the Midwest.
After taking pitchers with our first pick in the last seven years
Isn’t it about time we took a position player?
Everyone needs to believe in something. I believe I'll have another beer.
Are there even any position players
available around that spot worth that pick? Power prospects are usually long gone by the mid/late 20s, and the ones that are left are huge question mark guys.
Matt Lindstrom fails
to hold 9th inning lead for the Astros afteter getting the first two batters out. Ugh!
Thank god for having a good bullpen.
- M. Lindstrom relieved B. Lyon
- I. Desmond struck out swinging
- A. Kennedy lined out to first
- M. Morse hit for C. Maldonado
- M. Morse singled to center
- W. Harris tripled to left, M. Morse scored
- C. Guzman singled to shallow left center, W. Harris scored
- C. Guzman stole second
- N. Morgan grounded out to first
- End of Inning (2 Runs, 3 Hits, 0 Errors)
Two out unearned run
ties it up in the bottom half of the 9th. Oh the joys of the Astros and Nationals.
Lindstrom is killing my ERA this week
by robotmadeofnails on Jun 3, 2010 2:41 PM PDT up reply actions
ERA and WHIP took a hit. But his K/BB was INF :)
by robotmadeofnails on Jun 3, 2010 2:46 PM PDT up reply actions
Braves lineup
Prado 2B
Infante 3B
Heyward RF
McCann C
Glaus 1B
Hinske LF
Escobar SS
McLouth CF
Medlen P
To our Braves blogger guest if you're reading...
nice preview on this series, btw. Seems pretty fair.
One correction though:
“He’s joined by LOOGY Hong-Chih Kuo”…
Kuo is not a LOOGY. He’s a lefty and sure, he’ll be called in to face lefties but he’s often left in to face righties, too, and is pretty nasty against them. Duckbill Sherrill is more a LOOGY, but then again he’s been awful this year and is on the DL. Anyway…
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
On that note, if Kuo happens to strikeout Heyward and he proceeds to do a leg kick, don’t take offense cause that’s his trademark move.
and if he's called on to hit
and goes yard against Saito and does a bat flip. Don’t take it personally. He’s had multiple elbow surgeries and that is just the way his arm drops the bat when he hits a HR.
by Xeifrank on Jun 3, 2010 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions 3 recs
Thought this was interesting
Jason Heyward has 10 HR and 38 RBI right now, among the league leaders in the NL.
In the 126+ year history of the Dodgers, only two people 20 or younger have driven in as many as Heyward has in two months:
Adrian Beltre (1999): 67 RBI
Jimmy Sheckard (1898; age 19): 63 RBI
Only Beltre, with 15 homers, had double-digit home runs at age 20 or younger as a Dodger.
Every era has its issues
1920s had a lively ball
until 1947 – no blacks allowed
1960s – Mounds and strike zones gave advantage to pitchers
Whats wrong with you?
Getting these 100 year old stats wrong! I demand a new statistician!
Unfortunately I also hear he’s a good kid with a good attitude. Let’s hope that stays the same going forward.
Bryce Harper, are you listening?
It’s what he gets for letting that ERA go up to 3.8 :)
by robotmadeofnails on Jun 3, 2010 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions
OT
But Jim Joyce is a cool dude. I just watched the video of the lineup card exchange. I have faith in humanity sometimes.
Made by someone who submitted it to thelfp.com
PA Dodger…?
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
day? How bout like forever?
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
oh my God—it's full of stars!
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
Tony Jackson's chat is up
http://espn.go.com/losangeles/chat/_/id/32719
and we have a new winner for best question ever:
Hey Tony, Are you surprised with the stuggle of Garrett Atkins
haha i think Garret Atkins
is white for Garret Anderson
by SeanMillerSavior on Jun 3, 2010 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions
If this got through
Someone needs to ask him when the Dodgers are trading for Granick.
Another question:
Talking trades do you see the dodgers making deals.Fausto Carmona, great pitcher
Scott is too dumb.
by SeanMillerSavior on Jun 3, 2010 3:13 PM PDT reply actions
Only the best in the ESPN chat
Do you think the Dodgers will give up manny Rameriez for a Grenkie trade to increase bullpen and pitching rotation
by SeanMillerSavior on Jun 3, 2010 3:17 PM PDT reply actions
Questions are culled from those who couldn’t get through to Dodger Talk
by Eric Stephen on Jun 3, 2010 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I never wondered that.
I’d say more, but I see Eric stole my punchline already.
A somber note and please whatever your beliefs put a good thought in for Coach.
RT @laurenm BruinReportOnline says Coach Wooden is close to passing away. God I hope that rumor isn’t true.
Man thats sad
I hope Wooden can hold on to his 100th birthday atleast because that would be someting special
by SeanMillerSavior on Jun 3, 2010 3:32 PM PDT up reply actions
OT
Men are so lucky that good haircuts can be relatively cheap.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Use Vanessa’s barber college idea. Apparently if you go and ask for something hard the teacher does it for you. She looks good and spends a third of what I do.
I just want a trim.
That’s all.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Easy ..
pull out some scissors and get the job done
by SeanMillerSavior on Jun 3, 2010 3:38 PM PDT up reply actions
I apologize if I missed this but
any word on who is going down and coming up? or everyone stays put?
http://www.truebluela.com/2010/6/3/1500243/elymania-in-high-def
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
lol Tripon
Anyway, the Dodgers trade Billingsley and Kershaw for some real pitching help like Wolf and Suppan?
by SeanMillerSavior on Jun 3, 2010 3:37 PM PDT reply actions
HAHA
Took me a second when I first read the question. I thought “what idiot would ask this?” and realized it wasnt serious.
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