Baserunning Fallout: The Morning After
by Eric Stephen on Jun 24, 2010 9:04 AM PDT
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PrintTen hours (you know, the length of your garden variety Wimbledon match) later, I am still stunned by the ending to last night's game. The game ended on a play so bizarre, so jaw-dropping that the play-by-play description
Single to LF (Fly Ball to Short LF); Johnson to 3B; Martin out at 3B/LF-2B
doesn't do it justice (especially since Russell Martin was called out at second base, not third). The ninth inning has garnered quite a reaction around the interwebs. Mike Petriello of Mike Scioscias Tragic Illness recalls the play:
[Jamey] Carroll – who I hate to admit, has grown on me like a weed – gets the job done by blooping a single to left, scoring Johnson to tie the game. …except, no. Now bear with me because there’s so much stupid going on in this one play that it burns the soul (and I hope you still have "Yakety Sax" running). Johnson, instead of running home like his house was on fire, jogs home. Jogs. With the tying run with two outs in the 9th, on a ball that was in no way a home run.
"Burns the soul" is an apt description of that play, to be sure.
Jack Moore of Fangraphs artfully breaks down the play, complete with screen captures and diagrams. After breaking down the final play, Moore concludes last night's game might follow the Isner vs. Mahut path:
It is pretty simple to me – Reed Johnson just didn’t run it out, and if he had, the Dodgers might still be playing in Anaheim.
Chad Moriyama of Memories of Kevin Malone retains his GIFmaster title, providing both an animated look at both the final play and Matt Kemp getting picked off second base.
David Brown of Yahoo! Sports Big League Stew breaks down the ninth inning, in game show fashion.
Video of the Kemp pickoff can be seen here and here. It was certainly a controversial move by Brian Fuentes, one that could have been called a balk, but to me the mistake was Kemp veering too far off the base. Joe Torre said after the game that the Dodgers specifically discussed Fuentes' pickoff move in their scouting reports, so Kemp should have been more aware. The reward of the extra step or two wasn't worth the risk.
WiHaloFan of Halos Heaven gives the Angels' perspective on last night's ninth inning:
Weird game, that's for sure, but I get the feeling the Angels got (and I hate to use the word...) lucky last night. I'm not too sure Fuentes didn't balk on his pick off of Kemp, Martin might have been safe on the play that ended the game, and the club is fortunate Reed Johnson didn't run full-speed. I'm not saying the Angels didn't deserve to win the game, they did just based on Pineiro's performance...and in spite of another Brian "I got the save so I must be pitching good" Fuentes lob-toss inning.
The beneficiary of the Dodger ninth inning blunders just may have been Manny Ramirez, who really should have scored from first base on Matt Kemp's booming double in with two outs in the third inning. With sufficient scorn being spread around among Johnson, Martin, and Kemp, Manny's blunder flies under the radar.
When you think about, all these mistakes were bad, but they prevented the Dodgers from scoring an elusive second run. To me, what is more worrisome is that the offense has scored a total of four runs in three games, 15 runs in their last six games, and are averaging 3.8 runs per game this month. Since the first two and a half weeks of the season, the Dodgers have scored just 4.05 runs per game. Score more runs, and we can worry that the Dodgers won 4-2 instead of 5-2, instead of wading in the shallow end of the offensive pool.
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OT
if anyone plans on doing the Ab Ripper X from the P90X workouts…prepare for your hip flexors to explode. holy fucking shit, are you kidding me?
Fortunately it’s just standard pain after you do it three or four times instead of being paralyzed the next day.
by regfairfield on Jun 24, 2010 9:25 AM PDT up reply actions
P90X believes in the long insane workout.
by regfairfield on Jun 24, 2010 9:31 AM PDT up reply actions
Or make you stronger
No risk no reward amiright?
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
The first workout involves 24 exercises, the second one is pullups.
“Scotty, how many you doin’”
“I’m thinkin 30”
“Good call, gotta pace yourself”
It’s insane, but you just do the best you can, then you come back the next week and do better. You can do a ton before it’s over training. But I really wouldn’t recommend it if you call getting up and grabbing a beer from the fridge a rep.
by regfairfield on Jun 24, 2010 9:36 AM PDT up reply actions
Did you start with the Power 90? I have heard it is best to work up to the p90x
by robotmadeofnails on Jun 24, 2010 9:31 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm only doing the ab ripper portion.
I do other stuff but right now the whole P90X workout is not going to work for me lol.
If I had that much time to spend working out already, I would not need the P90x in the first place :)
by robotmadeofnails on Jun 24, 2010 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions
Another suggestion to help rid the team of this “smart hustle malaise” …
Give Torre the week off.
Make Bowa the interim manager.
Have Colletti be the bench coach.
The terms “Bowa” and “manager” should never be in the same sentence
by Eric Stephen on Jun 24, 2010 9:15 AM PDT up reply actions
Designated ass chewer?
That didn’t come out how I expected
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
Using Reed as the culprit in this seems disingenuous
Most runners when they realize a play is not being made on them tend to pull up. Unless a play is being at the plate how many times have you ever seen a runner hit the plate going full bore?
I was even more shocked on the comments regarding Manny not scoring. I’m not sure everyone releases that every time Manny runs full speed around bases he is putting his legs at risk. Running around bases is not the same thing as running full speed down first or running in the outfield. We already know how fragile is legs are, the fact Manny did not score on the Kemp double should be attributed to the fact he is a 38 year old DH running the bases with very bad legs, not to him being lazy. He knows what his legs can and cannot do.
by meercatjohn on Jun 24, 2010 9:15 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
With two outs and you are the tying run and the catcher is covering the bag like a play is coming…you run full speed.
by robotmadeofnails on Jun 24, 2010 9:16 AM PDT up reply actions
Agree on Ramirez
Not so much on Reed, he was put into the game as a pinch runner for his speed in favor of Belliard.
by 68elcamino427 on Jun 24, 2010 9:19 AM PDT up reply actions
There is no excuse for Johnson not running full speed on that play. Martin’s play was incredibly stupid, and without it we wouldn’t even be talking about the play of course, but Johnson really should have scored.
I hear you about Manny, but with two outs and the trajectory of that ball, he should have scored from first on that play.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 24, 2010 9:19 AM PDT up reply actions
I think Phil's right in that Manny has to pick his spots
We know he can do it. He scored from first on Russell’s double in the NLCS in 2008. Granted that was 2 years ago, but still. Manny should be given the benefit of the doubt, because if he pulls his hammy doing that its a much bigger issue.
by Michael White on Jun 24, 2010 9:21 AM PDT up reply actions
It’s a calf muscle he’s had trouble with, no?
by 68elcamino427 on Jun 24, 2010 9:22 AM PDT up reply actions
That's fair
I just watched the replay, and while I can’t see Manny, Hunter did get the ball back in very quickly, playing the ball perfectly off the wall. I wonder if Manny would/could have scored if Bowa didn’t hold him at 3B.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 24, 2010 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions
Hunter made a good play on the ball
But I still think Manny likely should have scored anyway.
But then again, Reed should have scored, Kemp should have gone to 3rd on a balk call, and Martin should have been called safe.
Hooray for things that should have happened!
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
Don’t forget that Fuentes wouldn’t have picked off Johnson, who would have been at 2B after the umpire called the fourth pitch to Martin (just before the “pickoff”) a ball since it was out of the strike zone. :)
by Eric Stephen on Jun 24, 2010 10:31 AM PDT up reply actions
I completely forgot about that one!
What kind of Voodoo magic does Fuentes have going for him? ughhh.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
Fuentes
I would like to see the pickoff from the side. It sure looks like his foot went forward.
by robotmadeofnails on Jun 24, 2010 9:17 AM PDT reply actions
It should because before this the problem was Kemp gets a bad secondary lead, at least according to Rick Monday. Once Fuentes commits it’s Kemp’s job to start moving forward.
by regfairfield on Jun 24, 2010 9:28 AM PDT up reply actions
Good point. If he did move forward, than Kemp is doing his job.
by robotmadeofnails on Jun 24, 2010 9:32 AM PDT up reply actions
it’s not a strike unless it’s called :)
by Eric Stephen on Jun 24, 2010 9:19 AM PDT up reply actions
The more I watch that video, the more I think you’re right. Last night I thought it was closer to a non-balk, but it’s tough.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 24, 2010 9:23 AM PDT up reply actions
It’s tough to see from the front angle. It is a great move, but it sure seems like his foot comes a little forward, which would be a balk. Does he ever get called on a balk with that move? You would think the Umpires would be looking for it.
by robotmadeofnails on Jun 24, 2010 9:25 AM PDT up reply actions
From "How to Understand the Balk Rule in Baseball" www.ehow.com
Generally speaking, any effort by the pitcher to deceive a base runner by feigning a move toward home plate is subject to being called a balk by an umpire.
And …
If there is a runner on first base, the pitcher is allowed , if he makes, in one continuous motion, to step toward first but throw to second base. This is not considered a balk.
by 68elcamino427 on Jun 24, 2010 10:16 AM PDT up reply actions
Honorable Mention
goes to Joe Torre for falling asleep as well and forgetting how to play for a run. First and Second with nobody out, bunt the damn ball. Playing for a tie with 1 out and begging for a single to tie the game with two outs is the difference in the game. I think when Torre plays in AL ballparks he regresses to “I has DH I can take the night off” mode. In New York he was a hall of fame manager because 4 out of 5 nights he could say “Hey you, $100 million pitcher, go throw 7 innings so Mo can get a save. Hey, $100million offense, go put up a 10 spot while I go get Rudy Giuliani’s autograph. Go team”.
At this point, I feel like we need a baby leash for Matt Kemp. Don’t let him wander more than 10 feet away from the bag so he doesn’t hurt himself.
BLAKE
BLAKE. You could argue either way but its not a slam dunk that you should have CASEY BLAKE bunt there.
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
Playing for a tie with 1 out and begging for a single to tie the game with two outs is the difference in the game
The old adage is that you play for a tie and home and a win on the road. Giving away outs is not a multi-run strategy.
Per Baseball Prospectus, here are the expected runs:
1st & 2nd, 0 outs: 1.45095
2nd & 3rd, 1 out: 1.40132
The expected runs go down with the bunt, not up.
It becomes a question of whom would you rather have up, Casey Blake or Russell Martin. I choose Blake.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 24, 2010 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions
Thanks to Chad/Kensai
We can look this up using The Hardball Times.
In a 4.5 runs-per-game environment, down by a run…
Bunting with first & second, no outs — if successful — increases the win probability from 44.10% to 44.76%. That’s hardly a difference at all, especially not one worth wanting to have Russell Martin bat instead of Casey Blake.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 24, 2010 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions
Expected runs, et al.
seems to me we expected 1.45 and got 0. Isn’t it better to play for 1 and expect major league hitters to be able to 1) bunt and then 2) hit a ground ball to the right side? Instead, we follow old adages that I’m not sure have any backing beyond the fact that someone said it awhile back and people kept repeating it.
Personally, I always play to keep playing. Especially when your bullpen is so much better than your opponents.
In hindsight, everything is 20/20.
If you bunt in that situation, on average, the average number of runs scored goes down (very slightly). But in reality both situations involve almost exactly the same odds of scoring and winning, on average.
In my situation, Casey Blake is the batter; in yours, Russell Martin is the batter. I will take Blake over Martin any day of the week.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 25, 2010 9:10 AM PDT up reply actions
In other words, once you are in the lower part of the batting order, and given that both batters are the same handedness, you are bunting the hitter you thought was better (you batted him higher presumably for that reason), in order to count on the batter you thought was lesser (you batted him lower).
Additionally, Blake is more likely to get an XBH, which would help immensely in that situation, so you don’t want to lose that opportunity either.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
... need a baby leash ...
In the MLB – 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Being paid $4,000,000
Better get your shit together
by 68elcamino427 on Jun 24, 2010 9:40 AM PDT up reply actions
my beef with Torre
Is that the team plays tight as a goddamn drum and makes stupid fundamental mistakes. If we pay Torre millions of dollars I dont want to see these types of issues.
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Jun 24, 2010 9:41 AM PDT up reply actions
I can’t rationalize blaming the coach for players committing fundemental mistakes. They are adults and pro athletes; those mental failings are on them.
Besides, Torre basically said that they did their best to coach up the team about Fuentes and his move. What more can the coaching staff do?
by Michael White on Jun 24, 2010 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions
Lindblom
I think there’s a decent chance he’s being showcased as a reliever. We couldn’t get shit for him a month or two ago, now he might be a key.
In a trade?
I think you’ll need a larger sample size for possible suitors. Besides, is there that much of a market for non-closer bullpen guys in AAA?
by Michael White on Jun 24, 2010 9:46 AM PDT up reply actions
Bench players mostly. Maybe other relievers. Lindblom can be part of a larger trade, but I doubt he’s a main piece.
Lindblom does have closer potential, but its not as if you can be sure to say that’s what he’s going to end up as.
My point is he’s no longer a back end starter with hittable stuff that wouldn’t net anything in a trade.
Since they’re using him correctly now, Lindblom could be paired with a better prospect to get something useful.
It’s not like front offices are completely blind to these things. If we knew Lindblom would be better off as a reliever, so did they.
by regfairfield on Jun 24, 2010 10:03 AM PDT up reply actions
I tend to agree with reg here
I don’t think what Lindblom does here makes him anymore valuable, if they were to take him in a trade earlier in the year (and thought he was better as a reliever) they would just make the switch after.
by bhsportsguy on Jun 24, 2010 10:18 AM PDT up reply actions
Interview with Blake Griffin
http://www.bloggersodear.com/2010/6/24/1534200/griffin-back-and-ready-to-go
By a Wake Forest blogger, no less. I love that Griffin was training with Jared from Subway.
oh look
San Diego is leading Tampa Bay 3-1
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Jun 24, 2010 9:55 AM PDT reply actions
Apparently they hired Shpunt's brother
The one that actually has power.
Don’t think that can be disputed anymore.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 24, 2010 10:01 AM PDT up reply actions
I said this yesterday
But it will take the sting out of whatever happens with LA if SD goes on to win 95 games.
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Jun 24, 2010 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions
thing is though
Dodgers are 4-1 against them so far. Hopefully the ol West division magic will hold up.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 24, 2010 10:58 AM PDT up reply actions
This is Groundhog Day, right?
We are doomed to lose game after game until the end of time?
People don't think it be like this, but it do.
At least with aren’t stuck with Andy Mcdowell as the lead actress. Then again we are stuck with Jamie McCourt…so I’m not sure which is worse.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
How dare you
she was at her apex, which was quite high, in that movie
by Eric Stephen on Jun 24, 2010 10:38 AM PDT up reply actions
Ok, I’m just being shallow and superficial right now, because her acting was quite good in Groundhog day, I just think she leaves a lot to be desired looks wise. Then again, she was opposite Bill Murray, so I guess it fit.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
Annoying article from ESPNLA
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Joe Torre is running out of patience and the Dodgers’ so-called “kids” are running out of chances.
Torre has always been one of the most patient managers in baseball, but on this night, there was no sugarcoating his postgame message.
The Dodgers basically gave away a game they should’ve won Wednesday night — a 2-1 loss to the Angels — with two inexcusable baserunning errors by Matt Kemp and Russell Martin in the top of the ninth inning.
Can we stop calling them kids? They’re grown men with years of baseball experience at the major league level. They’re not rookies or 2nd year players anymore
http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/mlb/columns/story?id=5322016
When I was an RA in college, we had a rule against calling our students “kids” since they were now adults and needed to be treated as such. If someone on staff referred to their students as “kids”, he/she had to buy everyone ice cream.
by robotmadeofnails on Jun 24, 2010 10:02 AM PDT up reply actions
Running out of chances?
Is that a Plaschke-like message that they should start trading them? Cause we all know how constructive that would be.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 24, 2010 10:03 AM PDT up reply actions
Remember when we were the clutchiest team ever and couldn’t lose one run games. Man two weeks ago was awesome.
by regfairfield on Jun 24, 2010 10:04 AM PDT up reply actions
I know it’s a different situation, but Juan Rivera got picked off 3rd with less than 2 outs. It may not have been the 9th inning, but that was idiotic, where is the talk about that one?
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
by Ivdown on Jun 24, 2010 10:38 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
swept under the rug
because the Angels won
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 24, 2010 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions
They won, so it was the right thing to do.
-Literally how 95% of baseball analysis works
by regfairfield on Jun 24, 2010 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions
Nice
I had completely forgotten about that play. Thanks for reminding me.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 24, 2010 10:40 AM PDT up reply actions
My friend went on and on about how Rivera was the worst base runner in baseball for 15 minutes after that play happened. I talked to him about the 9th inning last night, and he didn’t say anything because he knew how bad that inning was and how lucky the Angels were to come out with a win there.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
Actually
that play came to mind, the minute Kemp was picked off.
by bhsportsguy on Jun 24, 2010 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions
Bill Shakin says Dodgers should sign Pedro Martinez
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 24, 2010 10:01 AM PDT reply actions
He is kicking Mahut while he is down, cramping
by robotmadeofnails on Jun 24, 2010 10:10 AM PDT up reply actions
I think we can pronounce the T of MAHUT...
Louise Bourgoin: The hottest French actress I've ever seen <3
I'm just giving him a hard time
Just completing that match is one of the great athletic feats we will ever see. Just a crazy competition. Kudos to both men.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 24, 2010 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions
Soooo, last night TBLA went out for me from like 9 until this morning. At both my house and my girlfriends apartment. Because of this, i had no place to vent. anyways, here are my belated thoughts.
On the Kemp play, I’m pretty sure Fuentes balked (the fangraphs article does a nice job explaining it). BUT, Kemp cannot be caught leaning there. They know Fuentes has that move, and a secondary lead can be accomplished further along in Fuentes’ delivery. Taking a hop step and leaning during the middle of his delivery is just asking to get picked, and the Angels had a play on at the right time. Wait until the guy has completely committed to home and is ready to throw the ball, and then take your secondary lead. Kemp is going to score on most any hit to the outfield, so it was just an unnecessary risk.
I’m more pissed off on the Russell play. At first base, Russ had a perfect view of the entire play. With two outs and that type of bloop hit, Reed is going to score fairly easily. Should Reed have gone harder? Sure. But, Russell needs to know that the odds of Rivera throwing home in that situation are pretty slim. I’m guessing he was getting ready to take the extra base on the throw home, but that was just a poor decision in that situation. The second blunder was also mentioned earlier in that one rivera throws the ball back to second base, he has to keep running to third. You cannot risk being thrown out without the run scoring, so just keep running and give yourself up for the tie.
All in all, just an awful way to lose in just an awful week of baseball. Yes there are 90 games left, but with the way the Padres and gints are playing, they need to turn their shit around quickly. The unfair interleague schedule hasnt helped, but you still have to win games.
Also that TCU comeback was somewhat annoying
I think there is a good chance UCLA has to play on Saturday.
by bhsportsguy on Jun 24, 2010 10:11 AM PDT up reply actions
That was the last thing I wanted. Purke is just a beast, so they need to work counts and get him out early. I’m confident in Ras, but he has to be on his super A game with how high TCU must be riding. Florida State is nowhere near as good, and watching that 8th inning sucked because we had a definite advantage against them.
by UCLADodger32 on Jun 24, 2010 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions
It was out for me too
Looks like Time Warner screwed us.
by Michael White on Jun 24, 2010 10:12 AM PDT up reply actions
Reed Johnson was supposed to run to Time Warner to plug in the “internet plug,” but he was jogging and didn’t make it in time. :)
by Eric Stephen on Jun 24, 2010 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions
Pretty good summary
I have heard a number of reports about people not being able to access TBLA last night, but the site itself wasn’t down.
I haven’t heard anything from our tech team (I did put in a support request), but some were speculating on Twitter that Time Warner was the culprit of some massive internet fail last night.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 24, 2010 10:12 AM PDT up reply actions
I have noticed that when using google chrome
It sometimes freezes the comment section
by bhsportsguy on Jun 24, 2010 10:16 AM PDT up reply actions
I use chrome
and I’ve never noticed that happening.
I don’t like Chrome. It always says “Resolving Proxy” when I load my homepage (Google). I don’t feel like wasting an extra second or three for that.
by silverwidow on Jun 24, 2010 10:44 AM PDT up reply actions
had a problem as well
Right around the end of the game. Probably for the best.. I took out my frustrations on my xbox.
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Jun 24, 2010 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions
Red Dead Redemption
I massacred a ton for a good hour last night. I imaged them all wearing Angel hats, lol.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
love that game
I got to 98.6% completion and kiiinda want to get 100% out of principle but Im too lazy to do it.
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Jun 24, 2010 11:09 AM PDT up reply actions
I just finished the story mode last night, and I didn’t really see the end coming, though it was kinda cool.
What stuff do you have left to do? I’m at 82.5% right now but I’m stuck on a stupid challenge for hunting and collecting armadillo remains. I CAN’T FIND ANY ARMADILLO!
lol
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
I think Time-Warner had a DNS server issue of some sort; some sites would come up, but not others, like TBLA. My wife noticed it, too.
by TopDeckTrueBlue on Jun 24, 2010 12:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Balks are funny
They are so subjective. A good case can be made that what Fuentes did was far more balky than anything Esmerling Vazuqez did on May 31 in the balk-off game.
Yes. The enforcement of the rule is stupid. The goal of the rule is to disallow pitchers from deceiving runners. When Kershaw balked the other night, in no way was he trying to deceive the runner. Same thing with Vazquez. Same thing if you do something like drop the ball when on the rubber, trip, etc. Fuentes obviously was trying to deceive the runner, and came close if not passing the line of what a balk is, and got away with it. Its a poorly written rule thats been apart of the game for so long that nobody would ever think of tweaking it.
by UCLADodger32 on Jun 24, 2010 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions
I completely agree
The umpires had a bad game yesterday, and unfortunately many of the bad calls were against the Dodgers. It just really freakin sucks.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
This is great
from Lost co-creator Damen Lindelof:
I found the ending of Isner/Mahut satisfying, but wish they had answered more questions
at least tennis has a consistent internal logic
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
I'm surprised no one is talking about the biggest gaffe of the night
The umpire throwing Russell Martin out of the game when it was already over. Does he have no Umpiring IQ? He should clearly know the situation. How long has he been umpiring now? It takes more than skill to be an umpire, you have to think. DFA him, or put him on the DL with Tennis Elbow
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 24, 2010 10:26 AM PDT reply actions
I think he was just trying to be dramatic
I hate to say it but sometimes I feel like umpires make calls just to be dramatic.
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
Well
Did the umpire know the game was over?
He was looking at 2nd base, not watching the timing of when Johnson scored.
by Michael White on Jun 24, 2010 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions
Goodness gracious sakes alive
I’ve been coaching my kids all wrong their whole lives. The spin-move or “spaghetti-move” that Fuentes pulled on Kemp would have been called a balk in every league I’ve coached. I’ve been teaching kids a spaghetti-move that requires their leg to come up and around in one full motion to avoid balking. Fuentes clearly picks his leg up and as his leg comes down he swivels the hips 180 degrees to make the throw to 2B. How his leg going up and down in front of the rubber isn’t deceiving a runner on 2B is beyond me. I need to sign up for more coaching clinics.
I don’t blame Kemp too much for wandering too far off the reservation. I’ve never seen that pick-off move to 2B in all my years involved in the game, but if MLB umps say it’s kosher, then I’m going to start teaching it.
Heh
I’ve never seen that pick-off move to 2B in all my years involved in the game, but if MLB umps say it’s kosher, then I’m going to start teaching it.
Awesome
by Eric Stephen on Jun 24, 2010 10:37 AM PDT up reply actions
Its a Fuentes specialty. The problem with Kemp’s play is that he knows fuentes has that move. He just had to watch out for it and made sure that Fuentes was going home before taking his secondary.
by UCLADodger32 on Jun 24, 2010 10:38 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm completely with you
He balked, and it’s very obvious. I think the only way it could have been any more of a balk is if he actually completed his pitching motion and then turned around and threw it to 2b.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
Another thing that pisses me off
Is that Fuentes is seriously awful, and we can’t get to him. Ridiculous.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
yeah, even the Angels blog was saying they got lucky.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 24, 2010 10:43 AM PDT up reply actions
I guess with the luck the Dodgers have been having it had to turn around and even out at one point
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
I would have preferred if karma didnt bitch slap us two weeks later, rather than spread it out over the rest of the season
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Jun 24, 2010 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions
Maybe now we are good till next year, haha
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
Can we start a no whining allowed post? There was no balk, and that is that. Shitty baserunning and shitty batting with RISP is to blame. Lay off the umps.
On a day in which Charlie Haeger will take the ball, I believe we have a long way to go before we see the light at the end of the long and whinding tunnel.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 24, 2010 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions
Why would anyone have a problem tonight?
Haeger will strike out 15 :D
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
espn guys
Were jocking the Mets kunckleballer so hard last night. Wish our knuckleballer could at least win a goddamn game let alone 6 in a row.
Guess hes not old and grizzled enough yet.
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Jun 24, 2010 11:10 AM PDT up reply actions
true
I guess Wakefield didn’t start getting good with his knuckler until he was older
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 24, 2010 11:11 AM PDT up reply actions
It will be epic. Not one to be missed.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 24, 2010 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions
Charley, Rick, the boy and the Chicco car.
There was no balk called
But there was a balk.
It doesn’t do any good, but I think we have reason to bitch about how things have been going.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
Any PS3 owners care to comment whether they leave their system plugged or unplugged when not in use?
I leave it plugged in
I never thought there was any reason not to. Is there?
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
Not sure. My 360 got the Red Ring of Death earlier this year, so I’m taking extra precaution with this one.
by silverwidow on Jun 24, 2010 10:58 AM PDT up reply actions
Being plugged in should not matter. Being on should
by robotmadeofnails on Jun 24, 2010 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions
Power supplies only draw what’s necessary, it doesn’t matter if it’s plugged in.
by regfairfield on Jun 24, 2010 11:06 AM PDT up reply actions
That happened to my Xbox too
So i sent it back and they gave me a new/refurbished one
by SeanMillerSavior on Jun 24, 2010 11:08 AM PDT up reply actions
Last year my PS3 harddrive got fried
I’m not sure if I played it too much or it wasn’t ventilated enough, but I would recommend putting it somewhere with nothing really around it, like not in a box-type shelf.
I would consider getting a fan for it, but I don’t think it’s necessary.
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
ps3 v xbox
PS3s are wayyyyyy more dependable than xbox. I’ve sent my xbox back at least twice after it gave up the ghost. Newer xbox’s seem to have no issues. I wouldnt worry much about leaving your ps3 on for hardware purposes, BUT it does use alot of power even when its idle.
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Jun 24, 2010 11:59 AM PDT up reply actions
Plugged in
Though the comments above about having a well-ventilated space for it is important as well.
Alternate red Angel jerseys FTW!!
Cliff Lee stuff
Mets are rumored to be offering Jennry Mejia and Angel Pagan. The Twins are considered the other favorite, possibly offering their top catcher prospect, Wilson Ramos.
omar will not rest
until his farm system is completely barren
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Jun 24, 2010 11:11 AM PDT up reply actions
In my opinion, there is no dumber name in sports than the Utah Jazz. Isn’t jazz music illegal there? Or you have to go to a special state-run store that’s only open during certain hours if you want to buy it?
That said, “Los Angeles Lakers” is a real humdinger, too. Yep, Los Angeles, land of a thousand lakes.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on Jun 24, 2010 11:11 AM PDT up reply actions
my man Humma
you have clearly never seen BASEketball
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 24, 2010 11:17 AM PDT up reply actions
That is true. Enlighten me.
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on Jun 24, 2010 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions
Comedy movie,
but it speaks about the commericialization of sports in the pursuit of bigger revenues. Here’s a line from the opening.
“The Minneapolis Lakers movied to Los Angeles where there are no Lakes. The Oilers moved to Edmonton where there is no Oil. The Jazz moved to Salt Lake City where they don’t allow music. The Oakland Raiders moved to LA and then back to Oakland…no one in Los Angeles seemed to notice.”
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 24, 2010 11:24 AM PDT up reply actions
Edmonton Oilers have always been in Edmonton.
Maybe it was the Houston to Tennessee Oilers.
by silverwidow on Jun 24, 2010 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions
Houston Oilers became Tennesse Titans yes
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
Not at first. They went from Houston Oilers, to Tennessee Oilers, until finally changing to Titans.
by silverwidow on Jun 24, 2010 11:55 AM PDT up reply actions
You sure about that? I don’t recall a game being played by the Tennessee Oilers?
by Michael White on Jun 24, 2010 11:57 AM PDT up reply actions
You're right
During the 1997–98 period when they were known as the “Tennessee Oilers”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennessee_Oilers
Silverwidow wins the thread.
by Michael White on Jun 24, 2010 12:01 PM PDT up reply actions
The illegal forward pass by the Bills, however, was against the Tennessee Titans. :)
by Eric Stephen on Jun 24, 2010 12:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Yep
They played in TN as the Oilers in 1997-1998
http://www.titansonline.com/team/history/oilers-logo-history.html
by Eric Stephen on Jun 24, 2010 12:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Well there you go, it works
There are no Titans in Tennessee!
or cries on the sidelines
Sometimes both
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
No oil in Edmonton?
Edmonton is considered the oil capital of Canada.
Edmonton traditionally has been a hub for Albertan petrochemical industries, earning it the nickname “Oil Capital of Canada” in the 1940s.72 Supply and service industries drive the energy extraction engine, while research develops new technologies and supports expanded value-added processing of Alberta’s massive oil, gas, and oil sands reserves. These are reported to be the second-largest in the world, after Saudi Arabia.73
by Michael White on Jun 24, 2010 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions
I haven't seen that movie in awhile
cut me a break Mike. I think Silverwidow might be right though. I got the other parts right though.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 24, 2010 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions
just looked it up
Silverwidow is right. And my apologies for using “though” twice to end a sentence.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 24, 2010 11:50 AM PDT up reply actions
Also, with all the talk of College Football conferences I had to include this
“Dan Patrick: Hi there. I’m Dan Patrick.
Kenny Mayne: And I’m Kenny Mayne.
Dan Patrick: With the first seven months of the BASEketball postseason out of the way, the playoff picture is now starting to emerge.
Kenny Mayne: So, with last night’s victory over Boston, next week the Beers must beat Indianapolis in order to advance to Charlotte. That’s in an effort to reduce their magic number to three.
Dan Patrick: Right, and then the Beers can advance to the National Eastern Division North to play Tampa.
Kenny Mayne: So, if the Beers beat Detroit and Denver beats Atlanta in the American Southwestern Division East Northern, then Milwaukee goes to the Denslow Cup, unless Baltimore can upset Buffalo and Charlotte ties Toronto, then Oakland would play LA and Pittsburgh in a blind choice round robin. And if no clear winner emerges from all of this, the two-man sack race will be held on consecutive Sundays until a champion can be crowned.
Dan Patrick: Right. "
That’s what all that conference talk sounded like to me.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 24, 2010 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions
I love that movie so much :)
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
The first time I saw it
I laughed hysterically.
The second time, I don’t think I cracked a smile. For whatever that’s worth.
by Michael White on Jun 24, 2010 11:58 AM PDT up reply actions
The Dane Cook of movies!
lol
"You're the only woman to ever love me." "I never loved you." "I meant physically!"
by Ivdown on Jun 24, 2010 12:04 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
true
but I like the alliteration of Los Angeles Lakers… it rolls off the tongue quite nicely. Besides, there aren’t any trolleys in LA to dodge either.
Hard to believe someone on a "Dodger" blog is making fun of the "Lakers"
talk about calling the kettle black.
by meercatjohn on Jun 24, 2010 12:45 PM PDT up reply actions
For the record
there are no “Angels” in Orange County
by meercatjohn on Jun 24, 2010 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions
Interleague play stufff
Not that the Dodgers are doing their part but currently the NL is holding its own with the AL only being +7 over the first 199 games (103-96). Now with 53 games left, it will be interesting if the AL rolls out some big numbers or will it remain fairly close.
From 1997 – 2005, the AL was only +2 in the overall interleague win/loss record.
From 2006 – 2009 , the AL was +148, now I don’t know if that was a byproduct of PED testing, scheduling or just a lot of luck but perhaps things will begin evening out again.
Unintentionally funny...from Rotoworld
White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said he is thinking about using Gordon Beckham and Ozzie Guillen at second base.
Beckham is batting just .115 (3-for-26) over his past seven games and entered play on Thursday with a modest .199/.270/.251 batting line. Pushing Vizquel to second base, even in part-time duty, would allow the White Sox to get an extended look at rookie third baseman Dayan Viciedo
he’s probably said he could play better than some the guys on the team. Dizzy Dean anyone?
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 24, 2010 12:10 PM PDT up reply actions
I would quite literally pay money to see Ozzie Guillen activate himself and player-manage
by Eric Stephen on Jun 24, 2010 12:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Don't know if anyone's said it already
But that was the worst Dodger baserunning since:
Top of the 2nd
Hit: Kent hits a single to CF. 0 out.
Hit: Drew hits a single to 3B. J Kent to second. 0 out.
Hit: Martin hits a single to RF. J Drew to second. J Kent to third. 0 out.
Advanced base: R Martin holds on first. J Drew to third. J Kent out. 1 out.
Advanced base: R Martin holds on first. J Drew out. 2 outs.
Advanced base: R Martin to second. 2 outs.
Run scored: 1 run, double by Marlon Anderson. Russell Martin scores from 2nd.
Play: Betemit walks. M Anderson holds on second. 2 outs.
Out: Lowe strikes out. 3 outs.
I was thinking more since this
http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/LAN/LAN200708140.shtml
J.Pierre: Double Play: Foul Popfly: C (Behind Home); Sweeney out at 1B/C-1B
by Eric Stephen on Jun 24, 2010 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions
was that against the mets in the playoffs?
cause I remember that, oy
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 24, 2010 12:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Yes, 2006 NLDS Game 1
Otherwise known as the time I had Gameday on during a teacher collaboration meeting [there was another rabid Dodger fan in the room] and I wandered over to the screen and said, “That’s weird, we got a hit and it’s showing two outs on the play . . .”
I took a “long lunch” that day, and was at a bar watching that game. I had an extra beer before heading back to work.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 24, 2010 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Seriously
Only the Dodgers do that shit, right? [Maybe it just seems that way because we root for them]
If I were watching live, I would’ve broken something.
At least the Dodgers have never lost by the fact that they didn’t record the 4th out of the inning, a balk off, failing to touch 3rd base, et al.
Weird stuff has definitely gone in our favor too.
by Michael White on Jun 24, 2010 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions
how true
My dad always says, when you’re playing bad, it just seems like nothing goes your way.
When you are, the breaks always go against the other guys.
That’s Baseball
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 24, 2010 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions
I just remember my dad after the game
since we both listened to it at work. My dad is a guy who can take things in stride, I think that was one of the few times I really saw him pissed at a Dodger game. He still hasn’t forgiven Drew for that…and the whole screwing the Dodgers over on a contract thing.
Needless to say, he was “sooo sorrrryyy” when Drew came up lame in the Red Sox series we just had.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 24, 2010 12:30 PM PDT up reply actions
I've always blamed Kent
Drew was sent by the coach, he had to go, Kent is what made him slow down in the first place. JD has no blame whatsoever on that play.
by meercatjohn on Jun 24, 2010 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions
And I've always blamed Donnelly
Screw blaming the players. What kind of a name is Donnelly, anyway?!
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on Jun 24, 2010 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions
There’s a reason he was called The Windmill®
by Eric Stephen on Jun 24, 2010 1:42 PM PDT up reply actions
Donnelly’s take on the play, for what it’s worth, is that it’s the players’ fault.
Kent was too slow and Drew was right behind him, way to close, as both were approaching third base. Kent needed to get his ass in gear and Drew should have seen what was unfolding in front of him.
With that in mind, goes Donnelly’s explanation…. if it were up to him, he would have sent Kent and held Drew. But there was no way to give the players separate signs. His choices were send ‘em both through or hold ’em both. If he holds ’em both, he’s got two guys on third base — Drew is probably out. If he sends ’em both, Drew is very likely a dead duck at home. So he sent ’em both and hoped for the best.
Of course the huge problem with Donnelly’s explanation is that Kent was also a dead duck. Booooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Ultimate Ned's Kind of Guy
by Humma Kavula on Jun 24, 2010 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions
I know. It took like 15 minutes for gameday to spell out what happened, and I sat there for like 45 seconds trying to figure out what the hell was going on.
by Michael White on Jun 24, 2010 12:30 PM PDT up reply actions
even Gameday was like “what the fuck?”
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 24, 2010 12:33 PM PDT up reply actions
No confirmation yet, either from the Dodgers or Lookouts
by Eric Stephen on Jun 24, 2010 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions
or Sands, he has yet to accept my friend request
by Eric Stephen on Jun 24, 2010 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions
Monster deal there
Chad Ford just called it a game-changer for Bulls in lining up cap-space.
by Michael White on Jun 24, 2010 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Part of the plan
Bulls were trying to trade for Deng, too. Maybe they still are..
by Julio Nievas on Jun 24, 2010 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm sure they are
No point in having Deng as a VERY expensive backup to Lebron.
by Michael White on Jun 24, 2010 12:50 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm talking about the studs in the free agent market
by Julio Nievas on Jun 24, 2010 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Gotcha
now I understand. Does anyone want to play in Jordans shadow? We shall soon find out. I expect the Clippers and Bulls to both come up empty when it comes to Wade or LBJ and who cares about the rest.
by meercatjohn on Jun 24, 2010 12:50 PM PDT up reply actions
This should read
Hinrich and the #17 pick to Wizards .. Now it makes sense
by SeanMillerSavior on Jun 24, 2010 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions
Not yet room for 2 draft studs
johnhollinger: Which is why James Johnson might be next. RT @KDonhoops Hinrich to Washington doesn’t clear two full max slots for Chicago
by Michael White on Jun 24, 2010 1:05 PM PDT up reply actions
That should say for 2 free agency studs
by Michael White on Jun 24, 2010 1:08 PM PDT up reply actions
Who are your top 3 guys the Clippers will take with pick 8
I say
1. Greg Monroe
2. Paul George
3. Aminu
What do you think?
by SeanMillerSavior on Jun 24, 2010 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions
My top 3
1) Monroe
2) Aminu
3) Babbitt
Clippers top 3
1) Aminu
2) Monroe (I think its real close between 1 and 2 but I see LAC drafting for need)
3) Hayward
As I mentioned (a bit after fact) in the previous thread, I don’t see where the Paul George love is coming from. He didn’t dominate in a crappy WAC conference, Babbit did. Babbit had a better combine, is stronger, etc. Babbit was the blue chip recruit who had interest from UCLA coming out of high school and wanted to stay home at Nevada. He’s simply the better prospect. I don’t see one would view George over Aminu, Babbitt, Henry even Hayward. I also think there is about a 0% chance the Clips draft George.
by Michael White on Jun 24, 2010 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions
When Kaman and the Franchise get hurt again
Monroe will fill the need.
Isn’t is easier to fill our need via FA then to find a good big in the draft?
Completely agree
And the conventional wisdom is that the hardest positions to fill in the NBA are C and PG. It’s not like Kaman will be around forever, only 2 more years under contract. Playing behind Kaman for 2 years (Monroe’s only 20) will hopefully show that he is able to take over the starting job. It will be incredibly expensive to either re-sign Kaman at that point when his best days are behind him or somebody else on the market. Wings on the other hand, are the easiest positions to fill in free agency.
Of course, I’m so incredibly bearish on DJ that I complete discount the idea that he could be a starting C in the league thus I completely ignore him from my analysis. If the Clippers disagree, it changes things.
by Michael White on Jun 24, 2010 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions
My thoughts on Aminu
He is a long athletic freak, but he doesn’t have much of a game outside of the paint. He played PF in college, and will now have to play SF in the pros.
George reminds me a ton of Danny Granger. His O game is not as refined, but give him a couple years and I think he will be there. Both came from small schools, Both are great scorers with the ability to rebound the ball, and both can really stroke it from 3
by SeanMillerSavior on Jun 24, 2010 1:22 PM PDT up reply actions
George certainly has the PR thing done cold
I’ve now heard people compare him to Kobe, TMac and Granger. I don’t see any of that because he didn’t show it in college. It might happen, but a guy who doesn’t dominate in the WAC may well end up playing in Turkey in 2 years. Kind of a gamble pick.
by Michael White on Jun 24, 2010 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions
George didnt dominate but he did put up
16.8 PPG, 7.2 boards, 3 assists, 2.2 steals . . I agree he is the biggest risk, but I also think he can yield the biggest reward as well
by SeanMillerSavior on Jun 24, 2010 1:31 PM PDT up reply actions
That assumed Monroe was off the board though. No longer a certainty. Detroit might like Ed Davis or Udoh (ha!) instead. Monroe is viewed as a better prospect than Aminu by most, but Aminu plays SF and the Clips techincally have 2 centers under contract assuming you consider DeAndre Jordan a basketball player.
by Michael White on Jun 24, 2010 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Aminu is only a SF because of his size
He played PF all throughout college. . . He is really going to have to work on his outside game to be a SF in the NBA
by SeanMillerSavior on Jun 24, 2010 1:35 PM PDT up reply actions
He's only 20
Getting better at outside shooting is not exactly insurmountable. He’s already got good size, is a good defender, can run the floor and play in the paint. That’s already good enough to be a rotation wing year 1. Develop the outside shot and he’s a starter.
Contrary to what is all of a sudden popular opinion, it is okay to have athletic slashers who can run the floor play SF. Its not as though the ability to hit the corner 3 is the only thing required of a SF.
by Michael White on Jun 24, 2010 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions
I would do that in a heartbeat
I would actually give MN their #1 pick back for Rubio. But you have to be in touch with Rubio’s camp and make sure he’s actually planning to come to the States at some point soon.
by Michael White on Jun 24, 2010 1:24 PM PDT up reply actions
I think what is so galling about baserunning mistakes, is that the hard part is actually over. A ball has been hit and it found a hole, now the runner just needs to run to where he is going. I know baserunning is much more complicated but it seems so simple, run 90 ft from one station to another.
indeed
I’m sure no one feels worse about last night then Kemp and Martin. Especially with the struggles they’ve been having.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 24, 2010 12:49 PM PDT up reply actions
That should help them get ready for the winter when
we fall one game back of the Rockies
by meercatjohn on Jun 24, 2010 12:53 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm not saying it's excusable because they're sorry.
I’m just saying I’m sure they know they fucked up and feel awful.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 24, 2010 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions
new story up
some hard core analysis
http://www.truebluela.com/2010/6/24/1534641/an-in-depth-preview-of-dodgers-vs
Angels' unearned run on a blown call
How come nobody is mentioning that the Angels’ second run came after the umpire missed a call at first base? The ump ruled that Furcal’s throw pulled Loney off the bag, but replays show it clearly didn’t. That error lead to the unearned run. If it is called correctly and all else stays the same in that inning, the Angels don’t get run #2. Yeah, the 9th inning was a bummer. But the game is 9 innings long and we can’t overlook what happened in other innings just because the ninth was so odd. A blown call earlier in the game is what put the Dodgers in a hole in the first place.
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