The Inland Empire Experience
by Brandon Lennox on Jul 26, 2010 8:03 AM PDT
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PrintLast night, I was lucky enough to get a press pass for the Inland Empire 66ers game against the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. It was my first time "covering" a game, and I will say it was a very cool experience. I went with my wife who had to work until 4 so I wasn’t able to the game early, but turned out to be OK since I wouldn’t have been able to talk to anyone before the game anyways. When I got to the stadium, I used my press pass to get into the press box area, and I noticed that most of the rooms were closed off for radio or broadcasting. There was one room for the media, however, so that is where I ended up. In the room was the reporter for the San Bernardino newspaper and the 66ers employee who writes the articles for the team. I hung around with them for a little bit, but because my wife was sitting by herself I didn’t want to stay up there the whole game. So they said if I came back in the bottom of the 8th, they would take to the locker room after the game where I could get some questions answered. So I went back to my seat with something to look forward to.
In terms of the game, I really picked the wrong one to go. None of the pitchers who threw were really prospects (Josh Walter who is 25 years old, Brandon Mann who is 26, and Eric Krebs who is 25), and Austin Gallagher sat this game out. I also wanted to see Ramon Jean play, but he was not in the lineup either. The one player I did get to see, however, was Mike Trout for the Quakes. He actually struck out 4 times in the game, but he has unbelievable speed and made an outstanding catch in center field.
After falling behind early, the 66ers ended up winning the game with a big 6 run 4th inning. Scott Van Slyke starting the inning by hitting a shot to center that would have been a homer in most parks, but the tall wall kept it in the park for a triple. After 6 more singles, a wild pitch, and an error, Inland Empire had taken the lead for good after batting around in the inning.
Nobody really stood out on offense, but Pedro Baez did have an RBI single and looked very solid in the field at 3rd base. Alfredo Silverio, however, did not look very good in center field as he took a bad route on a catchable fly ball. One other strange thing happened in this game that delayed play for about 20 minutes. Apparently reliever Brandon Mann, who pitched the 7th and 8th innings, had been listed on the DL in the roster that had been provided to the Quakes. So there was a lot of confusion and running around, but at the end of the day I guess everything was OK.
When the 8th inning rolled around I headed back up to the press box and waited until the end of the game. When the last batter struck out, I headed down to the locker room with the reporter from the San Bernardino Sun. I had never been to a locker room before so I didn’t really know what I was doing, but what ended up happening was that the reporter introduced me to Charlie Hough, so he was the one I asked my questions to. Based on our conversation, this is what I was able to find out from Mr. Hough:
- Nathan Eovaldi has a strained oblique injury, and Hough has no idea how long he’ll be out. Before the injury, Eovaldi was topping out at 96 and 97 mph. I asked Hough why he though Eovaldi’s strikeout rate was so low despite his strong fastball, and Hough said that it was due to his command. He thinks that if Nathan is able to learn better command, the strikeouts will come.
- Javier Solano has a low 90’s fastball, and also has a cutter, a curve, and a changeup. He will remain a reliever, and actually might be shorter than the 6’0" he is listed at.
- Ethan Martin consistently throws in the mid 90’s, but occasionally can go higher than that. Hough said that Martin has struggled a bit this year, but he is convinced that Martin will be a star in the big leagues. I think Hough’s exact words were "he’d better be a star".
- Kyle Smit has had a very successful conversion to a reliever, and the only problem that he might have as he moves up is that he throws too many strikes at times.
- Aaron Miller was very advanced as a pitcher when compared to the other players on the team, which impressed Hough. He said that Miller was very easy to coach and will continue to have success as he moves up. Hough said that Miller doesn’t throw all that hard (90 to 91 mph), and is more of a location guy.
- Geison Aguasviva had a rough start to the season because he had a tired arm, but has turned things around recently.
After mentioning these players, Hough said that I had hit on the big prospects, but that all of the other guys on the team still had a chance to make the majors. Lastly, I asked Hough about Jansen because I knew that they spent a lot of time together over the past 2 seasons. Hough said that Jansen is awfully talented, but that he never expected him to be closing games at the big league level this soon. Hough also said that he believes Jansen will have a lot of success at the big league level.
Overall, I had a great time at the game despite the lack of prospects for the Dodgers, and I’m glad the 66ers won. The atmosphere is very fun, and the mascot (named Bernie) really does keep you entertained throughout the game. I would recommend to everyone that they try and make it out to a game this year. I’m planning on attending one more game toward the end of the season, and maybe next time I’ll get to talk to the hitting coach or manager about some of the position players on the team
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I was hoping you'd get to see Solano or AguaMan
Not one real offensive prospect on that team, to bad. Hopefully Songco, Galvez, and Smith will simply move from the Loons to the 66ers.
Trout
struggling a little after his promotion. How many 18 year olds are in the California League?
He turns 19 on Aug 7th.
miller
ive been saying all along…. hes 90 to 91 guy…
not this velocity spiked 93-96 guy… those were just rumors..
You said he was 87-89.
I said he was 91-92 touching 94.
_
by Chad Moriyama on Jul 26, 2010 11:41 PM PDT up reply actions
thanks, although I wish I could figure out how to post a picture
It seems my picture options are kinda messed up, because when I click on a picture to crop, the picture moves down and covers up the options to select how to crop it and such. Not sure if that happens to you also, or if it is just me?
by Brandon Lennox on Jul 26, 2010 8:40 AM PDT up reply actions
Did you select one of the six options to crop the photo?
by Eric Stephen on Jul 26, 2010 8:46 AM PDT up reply actions
yeah that is when the problem starts
when i select a crop option, the picture moves down and covers the options that I’m assuming are appearing below the photo
by Brandon Lennox on Jul 26, 2010 9:02 AM PDT up reply actions
Or Miller's Velocity Went Down
I remember Kershaw’s first MLB game, two years ago. According to Gameday, his fastball velocity reached 97 MPH that game, and he was “sitting” at 94-95. Now Kershaw is 91-92, once in a while getting up to 93 and even more rarely reaching 94.
I was at that game :)
What that has to do with anything…I don’t know :)
It would be nice to see Kershaw hitting mid to high 90s a lot, but he does just fine with his low 90s stuff. His fastball is still one of the best in baseball according to fangraphs I believe.
"Stop exploding you cowards!!!"
I think he could still throw that hard
he’s just trying to locate it better.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 26, 2010 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions
not really
thats in dodger stadium….
its 1 or 2 mph slow
on the tv gun
the gun vin reads is always a 1 or 2 mph higher
Per Rosenfail
Can Dodgers afford to keep Martin? — 11:00 a.m.
The Dodgers face a major decision on catcher Russell Martin. Maybe not right away. But soon.
Martin’s OPS dropped from .843 to .781 to .680 from 2007 to ’09, and is at .680 again this season. But his salary, currently $5.05 million, will continue to rise in his final two years of arbitration.
Would the Dodgers pay $6 million or more for such limited production next season under the strict budgetary limitations of owner Frank McCourt?
The question probably answers itself.
The Dodgers are not actively shopping Martin, major-league sources say, but would at least consider moving him in the right deal.
An immediate trade seems unlikely — the Dodgers would be left with a catching tandem of A.J. Ellis, who is 29 and has only 62 career at-bats, and Brad Ausmus, who is 41 and coming off back surgery.
If Martin fails to revive, a more realistic scenario would involve the Dodgers entertaining deals for him before the deadline to offer him his next arbitration-inflated contract in December.
- Ken Rosenthal
I have another solution, how about they sign him to a reasonable extension, 2 years $10 Mil and make a real effort to actually rest the guy and see how he does.
The rest or the reduced salary in the second year that he would have absolutely no chance of getting if he doesn’t vastly improve his performance?
Either way, even if they get him on a 1 year, $5-6 Million contract again, they need to rest the guy. It’s pretty obvious why his numbers have dropped.
I can understand rest
being the culprit in 2008, but I’m not sure you can blame rest on 2009/2010 because he has not hit in pre-all star action in either year. Long before seasonal usage would be wearing him down he become a what he is now. He had a good April this year but are you saying he was already worn out by May? In 2009 he had a terrible April great May, good July and was pretty awful the rest of the year.
If he was already run into the ground in from 2006-2008 not sure what regular rest is going to do for him.
That said, I’d rest him twice a week just to see. He could really use a LH catcher to help him sit against tough RHP.
I agree…he’s just non-existent offensively. Resting is not a bad idea because he’s never been what I would call a good defensive catcher either.
Maybe the Dodgers can get Napoli from the Angels. We need another no-O catcher, but at least he plays decent D.
by KellyStephen on Jul 26, 2010 11:59 AM PDT up reply actions
Napoli is an “all O” catcher. wOBA of .351. He’s always been lacking defensively, or so I hear.
He’s basically the absolute best case scenario for Lucas May.
by Michael White on Jul 26, 2010 12:03 PM PDT up reply actions
AB per HR, career
Mike Napoli: 1 HR every 16.52 AB
Mike Piazza: 1 HR every 16.19 AB
Italian catchers named Mike FTW!
by Eric Stephen on Jul 26, 2010 12:05 PM PDT up reply actions
For those who think BJ Upton already peaked in 2007
I suggest they simply look at Delmon Young, another TB kid who was given up for dead at age 24. That trade with the Rays is not looking so lop sided these days. Still lop sided just not as much since Young is actually hitting.
http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=2140&position=OF
The dude has dropped his K rate almost 10% in one year while adding power back to his game.
Offseason: Broxton's trade value
Granted it’s July, but appease me if you will.
Assuming Broxton finishes strong, and that we think Jansen can handle the 9th, we would be doing ourselves a disservice by not looking into the trade value of the best NL closer. We could always just keep the Cerberus of Janse, Kuo and Broxton, but it is our duty and in our best interest to see if we can deal from a position of surplus to fill holes elsewhere.
Just some quick thoughts:
Tampa will be closerless again as I can’t imagine them giving Soriano a raise on his $7.25m salary even though he’s been fantastic. getting BJ Upton for Broxton would be selling low on our part and we should try to package Martin in with Broxton to try to get some sort of Upton/Wade Davis package. It is a deal that would deal from strength and surplus on our side (Broxton) and theirs (Davis) while filling holes for both teams (Martin/Upton).
White Sox: They’ve been in flux in the 9th since 2005, which Jenks holding onto the closer role more due to the lack of other options than his actual production. Jenks currently makes $7.5m heading into his last arbitration year and I see him as a non-tender candidate due to his ERA+ of 89. If the Sox plan on keeping AJ Pierzynski after this year, we could be able to pry Tyler Flowers and Gavin Floyd from them for Broxton.
Again, this is mostly me thinking aloud, but those seem to be two half decent scenarios for all clubs involved.
Your shower shoes have fungus on them. You'll never make it to the bigs with fungus on your shower shoes. Think classy, you'll be classy. If you win 20 in the show, you can let the fungus grow back and the press'll think you're colorful. Until you win 20 in the show, however, it means you are a slob.
I like your logic but you lose me with the Tamp connection
If they are not going to give Soriano his money why would they want Martin and then have to pay him 5-6 Million in addition to what Broxton would cost?
Plus they have Benoit who has been the best setup man in the Al this year. I don’t think Tampa is a possible destination for Broxton. Also Soriano was so afraid of the FA market last year he accepted arbitration. He might do it again.
I do like the idea of investigating what we could get for Broxton.
My thinking was that they are paying Dioner Navarro $2.1m and is a likely non-tender, plus Crawford is being replaced with a league minimum rookie so Martin would fit in. I was banking them not wanting to pay Soriano 8.5-10m in arbitration when they could trade for Broxton who is locked in at 7.
Your shower shoes have fungus on them. You'll never make it to the bigs with fungus on your shower shoes. Think classy, you'll be classy. If you win 20 in the show, you can let the fungus grow back and the press'll think you're colorful. Until you win 20 in the show, however, it means you are a slob.
Didn't Broxton sign a two year deal in the offseason?
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 26, 2010 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions
that was my point
he’s locked in at a salary lower than Soriano for next year and would actually provide a cost savings.
Your shower shoes have fungus on them. You'll never make it to the bigs with fungus on your shower shoes. Think classy, you'll be classy. If you win 20 in the show, you can let the fungus grow back and the press'll think you're colorful. Until you win 20 in the show, however, it means you are a slob.
>> “Kyle Smit has had a very successful conversion to a reliever, and the only problem that he might have as he moves up is that he throws too many strikes at times.”
I don’t understand this comment. What’s wrong with throwing “too many strikes”? It sounds like criticizing a hitter for hitting too many home runs.
If you throw too many strikes, hitters get comfortable.
Your shower shoes have fungus on them. You'll never make it to the bigs with fungus on your shower shoes. Think classy, you'll be classy. If you win 20 in the show, you can let the fungus grow back and the press'll think you're colorful. Until you win 20 in the show, however, it means you are a slob.
Stark
The Dodgers, for instance, are deep in prospects and young players. But one club that spoke with them believes Houston asked them for James Loney, plus big-time prospects. And that won’t fly.
Yeah it sounds like McLane is asking for the moon for Oswalt
and no one’s biting. Understandable that he tries to ask for the moon and the stars but he’s not going to get it. Can understand them wanting hometown boy Loney too. :-) But I don’t see that happening.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Silly stuff
unless they want to expand the deal to include Lance Berkman and pay for both of them the rest of the year.
McClane just needs a ‘name’ prospect so he can show his fanbase it was a move to rebuilding success. If the prospect pans out or not, who cares, but they need someone people will recognize and can root for.
Your shower shoes have fungus on them. You'll never make it to the bigs with fungus on your shower shoes. Think classy, you'll be classy. If you win 20 in the show, you can let the fungus grow back and the press'll think you're colorful. Until you win 20 in the show, however, it means you are a slob.
Well if Stark is right then McLane is asking for
“a young, front-line player off the big-league roster, [plus] two high-end prospects and one more prospect”
(Emphasis mine)
I’ve always loved Oswalt but for guy on a career downturn this is kind of, well, if not ludicrous, at least unrealistic.
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 would hate this, but I am also just excited that Loney is hitting in such a way that someone would want him in a deal.
by robotmadeofnails on Jul 26, 2010 10:03 AM PDT up reply actions
I was going to write about how I would give them Loney in the package if they gave us Bourn or Pence, but both of them are struggling this year and our guy is a shoe-in for a .300/10/90 season every year. As said above, if they gave us Berkman and paid for him, I’d give them Loney, but that would leave us with a hole for next year.
Of course, that would mean we’d be getting Oswalt and Berkman + cash covering their salaries for James Loney, which will not happen.
Your shower shoes have fungus on them. You'll never make it to the bigs with fungus on your shower shoes. Think classy, you'll be classy. If you win 20 in the show, you can let the fungus grow back and the press'll think you're colorful. Until you win 20 in the show, however, it means you are a slob.
The Astros should offer Oswalt for Fielder straight up.
Your shower shoes have fungus on them. You'll never make it to the bigs with fungus on your shower shoes. Think classy, you'll be classy. If you win 20 in the show, you can let the fungus grow back and the press'll think you're colorful. Until you win 20 in the show, however, it means you are a slob.
If they clear up the salary of Oswalt, with Berkman leaving, they would have enough money to at least be respectable next year, plus they could get more for Fielder than they will for Oswalt.
Your shower shoes have fungus on them. You'll never make it to the bigs with fungus on your shower shoes. Think classy, you'll be classy. If you win 20 in the show, you can let the fungus grow back and the press'll think you're colorful. Until you win 20 in the show, however, it means you are a slob.
That trade makes 0 sense
and Oswalt has a no trade clause.
No way I trade Loney. As much grief as he gets on this blog he’s a great defensive first baseman who’s having a pretty decent offensive season. I think he’s a keeper.
by KellyStephen on Jul 26, 2010 12:01 PM PDT up reply actions
2011 interleague schedule
over on ESPN it states the prelim schedule has us hosting the tigers again, going to white sox again for the second time in two years and back to minnesota again.
No twins here and no royals or indians.
On top of our usual schedule with the Angels…
So once again not balanced…
balanced no…
at least one series against a pansy per se
watch, padres, rockies and giants will have at least one series against one of those teams if not both
by El Penguinos on Jul 26, 2010 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions
they will each play houston 12 times
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Jul 26, 2010 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions
… and why dont we get the twins out here?
would love to watch mauer et al
plus if jones is still on the team would love to see what reaction he would get when the sox come here.
by El Penguinos on Jul 26, 2010 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions
Thanks for the "behind the scenes" look at your experience
It must of been a really great time!
"If your Mr. October, I'm Mr. Spring, Summer and Winter!" - Tommy Lasorda to Reggie Jackson
Watching Jansen closing yesterdays game was great and yes finally we got a young hard throwing pitcher that makes batters look terrible at the plate.
Oh I know Broxton, but who needs him know but a team looking for a closer in the stretch run.
So Fight On USC followers and Don’t worry WE Will Still Play on Saturdays and Bowls will come later, for WE ARE SC not That other Softball University. Oh and don’t say you now have a baseball team, it’s not Real Baseball unless you use Wooden Bats
Oh and when in Alabama just run over those Crosses
by so.cal.native1952 on Jul 26, 2010 11:00 AM PDT reply actions
Trading one of the three best closers in baseball after seeing two innings of Kenley Jansen doesn’t seem like a great idea.
by regfairfield on Jul 26, 2010 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions
Are your top 2 Mariano Rivera and Daniel Bard? Too soon Sox fans?
Your shower shoes have fungus on them. You'll never make it to the bigs with fungus on your shower shoes. Think classy, you'll be classy. If you win 20 in the show, you can let the fungus grow back and the press'll think you're colorful. Until you win 20 in the show, however, it means you are a slob.
I wanted to give myself a little breathing room.
by regfairfield on Jul 26, 2010 11:19 AM PDT up reply actions
Seems akin to saying
“Fuck Billz, this Ely kid has what it takes!” after two starts of Ely.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Except that we have three options for the ninth inning and only two of the five rotation spots filled for next year.
Closer is the single most overvalued position in sports, so when you have a surplus of potential candidates, you should deal them at their value’s peak.
Your shower shoes have fungus on them. You'll never make it to the bigs with fungus on your shower shoes. Think classy, you'll be classy. If you win 20 in the show, you can let the fungus grow back and the press'll think you're colorful. Until you win 20 in the show, however, it means you are a slob.
A guy you stick in the 9th inning and say “this man is our closer” (see Downs, Scott) is the most overvalued thing in sports. A year in year out dominant reliever is basically irreplaceable.
A reliable closer is the rarest thing in baseball since Nathan got hurt and Papelbon sucks now I’d say it’s down to Mariano, Soria, and Broxton. You hold on to them until they aren’t one.
by regfairfield on Jul 26, 2010 11:41 AM PDT up reply actions
Has anyone done an article on “everything you learned in Moneyball is wrong?”
by regfairfield on Jul 26, 2010 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions
I agree
which is why I would sign Broxton to a multi-year deal
by Eric Stephen on Jul 26, 2010 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions
But the difference in WPA between an average closer and a dominant closer is not that much. Managers wait to use closers for “save” situations, meaning the best reliever comes in with anywhere from 1 to 3 run leads. Most bullpen guys can “save” those games.
by Michael White on Jul 26, 2010 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, but that list of best closers apart from three or four guys changes every year. If you have a guy that you know isn’t going to randomly crap the bed, it’s really valuable.
by regfairfield on Jul 26, 2010 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions
Why wouldn't Broxton
randomly crap out like Papelbon did? What makes him different then all the other closers who have crapped out?
by meercatjohn on Jul 26, 2010 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions
He’s got a track record for being good year in year out. Yeah, he’ll flame out one day, but at least you can expect Broxton to be good instead of saying “he’s a reliever, who knows?”
by regfairfield on Jul 26, 2010 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions
Right but it’s better to go with “he’ll probably be good but he might suck” which could apply to anyone instead of “we got some live arms and we’re having Kim Ng go to church twice a week”
by regfairfield on Jul 26, 2010 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions
The point is
Even the most dominant closer will never be worth as much as a really good starter or position player. Being “irreplaceable” is not as important as actual value. So If Brox wants like 15 million a year or if another team values him as if he were a dominant starter, then yes we should trade him. Though I wouldn’t trade him just because we have Jansen, it is too soon and Broxton is not overpaid yet.
of the three options for the 9th
one is Kuo, who has an injury history that Darren Dreifort could empathize with
one is Jansen, who has been pitching for one year and has two major league innings
I am thinking of a Harvey Keitel line right now
by Eric Stephen on Jul 26, 2010 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions
Not that I don’t love them all. I just think at this point it is difficult to include Kuo and Jansen in any long-term planning without factoring in a ton of risk.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 26, 2010 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions
Instead of Jansen replacing Brox
can’t he just take Belisario’s old role in the pen?
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Sure
The only thing I am cautious about — maybe even worried — is that I have no idea how his arm will respond after jumping from 0 innings to 11 to 70 or so.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 26, 2010 11:51 AM PDT up reply actions
My point was more
SSS than disagreeing that Broxton’s potential return as a trade chip would be high now as opposed to when he is declining.
I want Jansen to succeed and I want him to be awesome — but putting him in an extremely high pressure situation all the time as opposed to once in a while might be rushing things a bit.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Oh, I totally agree that there is major risk involved
But I find the bigger risk is waiting two years until Broxton is a free agent instead of filling other, more impactful holes now.
Your shower shoes have fungus on them. You'll never make it to the bigs with fungus on your shower shoes. Think classy, you'll be classy. If you win 20 in the show, you can let the fungus grow back and the press'll think you're colorful. Until you win 20 in the show, however, it means you are a slob.
If people think Broxton sucks, what do you think will happen when we send a guy out there who’s probably gonna walk five per nine?
by regfairfield on Jul 26, 2010 12:02 PM PDT up reply actions
They’ll think he sucks too.
But most of us don’t give a shit what those people think anyway.
by Michael White on Jul 26, 2010 12:03 PM PDT up reply actions
I guess it comes down to don’t trade one of our best players because someone did something that hasn’t been done since Yhency Brazoban.
by regfairfield on Jul 26, 2010 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions
No one is untradeable . If Broxton brings in an amazing haul, we do it.
by robotmadeofnails on Jul 26, 2010 12:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Listen this team doesn't look together (no leader out there) so why not get a starter for Broxton and go from there.
I know a lot of you like Broxton as I do to, but I do feel he is getting complacent at times. Maybe I am to harsh, but his value will be the greatest in 1 month and if the Dodgers are still 6+ behind SD in 30 days they aren’t going anywhere. Plus in that stance moving Kemp also could happen, I have been patient with the team pitching rotation but it is getting ridiculous at this point. Yes I know we put together a great stand against the Mets, but thats the Mets.
So Fight On USC followers and Don’t worry WE Will Still Play on Saturdays and Bowls will come later, for WE ARE SC not That other Softball University. Oh and don’t say you now have a baseball team, it’s not Real Baseball unless you use Wooden Bats
Oh and when in Alabama just run over those Crosses
by so.cal.native1952 on Jul 26, 2010 6:47 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't know what he is getting complacent is supposed to mean
In any case who would you trade someone like Brox or Kemp for? There are not really any deals out there that make sense. Also, teams do not win because they have “leaders out there” people used to think that of Lo Duca for some reason and then a few years later we learned he was the team’s designated steroid dealer. If Ethier kept on hitting like he did in the begining of the year, I suppose people would consider him the “leader”, it’s just not relevant.
Don't agree but to each there own.
So Fight On USC followers and Don’t worry WE Will Still Play on Saturdays and Bowls will come later, for WE ARE SC not That other Softball University. Oh and don’t say you now have a baseball team, it’s not Real Baseball unless you use Wooden Bats
by so.cal.native1952 on Jul 26, 2010 7:26 PM PDT up reply actions
So I guess the Lakers are good because of Kobe and Fisher's leadership
Oh wait, nope it’s because Kobe and Gasol etc are really really good. Same with the Yankees, same with Brazil soccer, same with any sport. Talent wins.
No offense Table but I have my opinions from experience in playing sports at all levels/
Actually the 2 leaders on the Lakers are KB and Fish, bad cop good cop.
So Fight On USC followers and Don’t worry WE Will Still Play on Saturdays and Bowls will come later, for WE ARE SC not That other Softball University. Oh and don’t say you now have a baseball team, it’s not Real Baseball unless you use Wooden Bats
by so.cal.native1952 on Jul 26, 2010 8:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah I know
I am not saying that leadership does not matter, obviously throughout all aspects of life leadership can be essential. Also yes I know Kobe and Fisher are the Laker’s leaders, I already said as much. However once you get to the PROFESSIONAL level, I don’t think superior or inferior leadership is what separates the good teams from the bad. If you look around the majors right now or at any other point in history it is skill that has been the deciding factor.
Who were the Dodger’s leaders in 08 or 09? Because the team succeeded then and has not lost many players. Also, how can you tell the team is lacking leadership? How can you tell when a team has great leadership?
I am not trying to be disrespectful of your opinion, I just want to know what is it that makes you think this.
Ok cool I feel that way because like the other night SF were up1-0 and then 6-1 and the players just gave up.
So Fight On USC followers and Don’t worry WE Will Still Play on Saturdays and Bowls will come later, for WE ARE SC not That other Softball University. Oh and don’t say you now have a baseball team, it’s not Real Baseball unless you use Wooden Bats
by so.cal.native1952 on Jul 26, 2010 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Well I think they still wanted to win
It’s just not so easy to win when you are down 6-1. I don’t think it is possible to seek out players that are better at coming back down 6-1 specifically. It is possible to seek out players that are better overall. That should solve the problem though, because better players would get the runs earlier in the game preventing it from ever being 6-1.
I just feel like better talent is more important in the big leagues than determination or whatever, because if a player makes it to the bigs they are already proven winners to make it that far.
Article on CNBC
http://m.cnbc.com/us_news/38279783
SB Nation
It’s not easy to make a name for yourself in a field dominated by global brands, but sports blog network SB Nation has done just that by taking a community approach.
What began as AthleticsNation.com, a blog created by Tyler Bleszinski to compensate for what he perceived as a lack of coverage of the Oakland A’s, SB Nation has grown to more than 250 team-oriented blogs. In April, the network drew 3.6 million unique visitors to its 21 most popular sites, according to comScore.
"Sports is a content type that’s inherently social and discussion driven," Braccia says. "We look at this sports category from a bottom-up, grass roots perspective than top-down."
The big boys have taken notice. SB Nation has entered into partnerships with Yahoo Sports and USAToday.com, and posts from its 29 hockey blogs now appear as linked headlines on the homepage of NHL.com.
Last summer, Comcast’s venture capital arm, Comcast Interactive Capital, led the second-round financing that delivered $7.95 million to SB Nation.
Similar company to watch: High Gear Media.
"If your Mr. October, I'm Mr. Spring, Summer and Winter!" - Tommy Lasorda to Reggie Jackson
In the NBA, I don’t think there is a Nets blog yet. At least there wasn’t last season.
For hockey, they used to have 1 blog which covered all 3 california hockey teams that most people really liked.
by Michael White on Jul 26, 2010 11:44 AM PDT up reply actions
There are 35 hockey blogs; one for all 30 teams, plus 5 others
by Eric Stephen on Jul 26, 2010 11:45 AM PDT up reply actions
They are more general blogs, rather than to a specific team.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 26, 2010 12:27 PM PDT up reply actions
OT...just one county over
I was surprised by Mike DiGiovanni’s article today in the LAT today on the Haren trade. I thought it was a steal; he felt they should have gone for O. While I agree they need O, that trade was great work by the Angels, IMHO.
I agree
and they are done this season anyway, seven games out of a playoff spot. This deal was made as much for the next two seasons as it was for this year.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 26, 2010 12:06 PM PDT up reply actions
Well, i don’t think they’re done. Texas is pitching way over their pay grade, so I look for a fun September in Anaheim. Not sure they’ll win, but they’re not yet dead.
by KellyStephen on Jul 26, 2010 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions
And Anaheim is playing way over theirs. Their pythag is actually good for 3rd in the AL West (behind both Texas and Oakland.)
by Michael White on Jul 26, 2010 12:21 PM PDT up reply actions
Just like the Rockies were done last year? :)
I will hold off on judgment until the four game series in the O.C.
Right. Anaheim is 7 games out of a playoff spot (the AL West lead.) They are 8 games out of the Wild Card.
The Dodgers are 6 back in the division, but only 3 back in the Wild Card.
by Michael White on Jul 26, 2010 1:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Actually, Anaheim is 9 back in the wild card.
by Michael White on Jul 26, 2010 1:13 PM PDT up reply actions
And hopefully
we’ll be 3 back after this series!
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Wait.
Even? Math is hard.
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
Agreed. I love how they pulled this off out of nowhere.
by robotmadeofnails on Jul 26, 2010 12:25 PM PDT up reply actions
There's that phrase "throws too many strikes" again. I hadn't really seen that said before today, and now I've seen it twice just today.
So, Haren gets lumped into a group of pitchers that includes James Shields, Cole Hamels, Javier Vazquez, and Ricky Nolasco – guys who some teams believe throw too many strikes. Several of these teams believe that these guys are too willing to throw one down the middle in order to keep their walk rates down, and it leads to too many home runs and a package that is viewed as more of a good pitcher than a great one.
There may be some truth to those feelings. Perhaps Haren would be better off walking a guy here and there rather than pounding the zone no matter the situation. Since he doesn’t throw 95, maybe putting a 3-1 fastball in the strike zone isn’t always such a great idea. I think they make an interesting argument.
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/why-mlb-teams-arent-big-dan-haren-fans/
I wonder if it really is better to allow a bit more walks in the scheme of things. I mean, I’ve realized for 2 years Kershaw’s walks won’t hurt him as bad as people think, because he’s busy letting less batters get hits off him, which leads to less runs. Some of my friends tell me he’s not as great as he seems because he has to nibble the strike zone and other stuff like that, but he may walk more, but he allows way less hits than most other pitchers, and still gets a ton of strikeouts.
"Stop exploding you cowards!!!"
Generally speaking, a walk is better than a home run :)
by Michael White on Jul 26, 2010 12:44 PM PDT up reply actions
ESPN Insider piece on KJ
I can’t read all of this as it’s an Insider piece, but
"Ex-catcher Jansen turns heads as reliever"
http://insider.espn.go.com/sports/fantasy/blog?name=grey_jason&id=5410983
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Prince Fielder
The author of this piece comes up with the shocking pronouncement that there are three options for the Brewers w/r/t Fielder:
1. Keep him
2. Trade him
3. Keep him, and then trade him
If we’re going to empty out the farm for anyone, shouldn’t it be him?
Not really
I’m just a little worried about unloading the farm for Oswalt. Just getting a little trade deadline fever on the off day.
Why not?
The Dodger’s have bad D, few ways to truly improve their pitching and an offense that will need be without Manny next year. A guy like Fielder would be the best way to make the Dodgers title contenders while this core of young guys is still together and in their prime. Even if for only two years, Fielder would be worth it, with draft pick compensation too.
HAHAHAHAHA
The cost seemed steep. Saunders is one of the game’s better young lefties, a 29-year-old who was 54-32 with a 4.29 earned-run average in five seasons in Anaheim.
Sorry, this is from the Digiovanna article…wow, I feel like LOLing so hard.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-0726-angels-analysis-20100726,0,3848356,full.story
"Stop exploding you cowards!!!"
Hey Mike
It ain’t 2002 anymore, 4+ ERAs aren’t good anymore, they’re mediocre at best. Just like Saunders.
Mike Digiovanna: better analyst than Jerry Dipoto.
by regfairfield on Jul 26, 2010 12:51 PM PDT up reply actions
I saw the interviews of Haren and Saunders today
while getting ready for work.
A tale of two emotions in play there.
Haren was pretty friggin pumped to be heading to SC. He and his family are from there and he gets to leave AZ in the dust.
Saunders was emotional to the point of tears. He was obviously blindsided by the trade.
players love playing in anaheim I guess
Kotchman was depressed about leaving too..
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Jul 26, 2010 1:03 PM PDT up reply actions
I heard his interview :(
I felt SO bad for Joe…not only is he leaving his team of 8 years with I’d imagine some of his best friends that are his teammates, he’s going to a shitty team with no real future right now. Lose lose situation for Joe :(
"Stop exploding you cowards!!!"
It's not personal
it’s business. The guy is getting paid and certainly has seen a number of his teammates come and go.
It’s not personal for the management, but for the player, how can in not be? Man, I see nothing wrong with what lvdown wrote. I feel bad for Saunders too.
by robotmadeofnails on Jul 26, 2010 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions
Up to a certain point I’m sure, I think those millions of dollars will dry those tears. He’s somewhat lucky though, his family lives in Arizona already too.
"Stop exploding you cowards!!!"
Agreed…the money is great and all, but this is the same kind of stuff I don’t believe when people say clubhouse morale doesn’t matter. I know there is no way to quantify how it helps, and teams full of assholes win a ton of games, but from a personal/happiness level, it would be heartbreaking to leave a place that developed you as a player and has been your home for the past 8 years…how could it not be?
by robotmadeofnails on Jul 26, 2010 2:06 PM PDT up reply actions
You are my greatest troll because you found my greatest weakness, damn you.
"Stop exploding you cowards!!!"
Exactly.
Seth Smith hits two run homer, now 5-4.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Yep. 5-4 Phils after 2 run homer.
2 outs though.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
I sentence any Dodger fan who whines about Broxton
to watch this game. Or many others of Lidge’s in recent times. Or Papelbon this year. Or just about any other guy not Rivera.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
by underdog on Jul 26, 2010 12:56 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Broxton is tired, Lidge is garbage and is hurt most likely.
by NotJoeTorre on Jul 26, 2010 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions
I loved that home run. Pujols freaking jacked that thing like a US slow pitch softball player.
by robotmadeofnails on Jul 26, 2010 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions
I read an article about Ausmus
(think it was the one in SI about him fixing one of our pitchers) and it mentioned he made fun Lidge after Pujols hit that home run. Something about looking out the window when the were flying home and going “Hey! That’s where Pujols’ homerun went!”
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
LOL
I hear that’s how Ausmus is. He’ll really get on someone’s case if they F-up in order to get them right. I remember on Sat he kind of yanked Monk’s jersey after he gave up a double like “What are you doing man? Get your head in the game.”
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 26, 2010 2:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Apparently at the beginning of last season
when Manny wasn’t doing much, he was like “Hey Manny! We have the same number of home runs!”
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
lol
awesome. Future Manager right there.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 26, 2010 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions
Lidge walks the tying run
Lidge must have a lot of confidence to allow all these runners and yet still close out games. What a great pitcher. :)
They hold on to win
Lidge has grit and knows how to win!
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Lidge pitching on back to back days too
like Broxton he may be overused/tired. But unlike Broxton he isn’t all that good these days either.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Here's a good one (via www.mets.blog)
According to Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com, the Mets and Royals have discussed possible trades that include Royals players Gil Meche, Kyle Farnsworth and Jose Guillen, as well as Oliver Perez, Jeff Francoeur and Luis Castillo on the Mets.
Except for maybe Guillen, all those players suck.
Which makes it comical.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Farnsworth has a better x-FIP than half the Dodgers relievers.
by Michael White on Jul 26, 2010 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Half the Dodger relievers suck.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
(But I wouldn't mind having Farnsworth in our pen for sure. Just wouldn't give up much for him.)
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Rowdy Kyle Farnsworth has only allowed two dingers.
by regfairfield on Jul 26, 2010 1:04 PM PDT up reply actions
His ERA is even better than his x-FIP if that pleases you.
by Michael White on Jul 26, 2010 1:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Red Sox, Dodgers losing viewers in 2010
Regional Network Ratings updated in the Sports Business Journal today.
As a comparison, The Lakers led the league in RSN viewers in 2009-2010 (but it dropped over 25% in total viewers but still averaged nearly 200,000 viewers a night.
In New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Denver, Houston, Dallas and Chicago, their baseball teams out perform their basketball teams, Cleveland (at least year) was another team, like the Lakers, who had a lot more viewers for basketball then their baseball teams.
Miami’s viewership for the Marlins and Heat was comparable but you have to think the Heat’s rating will soon dominate the Marlins.
But there is no doubt that as a major market, the Lakers clearly out perform the Dodgers and Angels combined on a night to night basis.
by bhsportsguy on Jul 26, 2010 1:00 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Not suprising that Lakers outperform regional baseball teams. For one thing, fans of Clippers and Lakers aren’t nearly evenly split (unlike Angels and Dodgers.) And there is no basketball team in San Diego, so basically if you live south of Modesto, you are in the Lakers footprint.
Also, the Lakers are the Yankees of the NBA who just won their second title in a row. Not exactly shocking that more people watch that team than the Dodgers and Angels.
by Michael White on Jul 26, 2010 1:06 PM PDT up reply actions
wow
I knew the Dodgers total HH numbers were poor, but this puts it in stark relief. More people in Tampa watch the Rays then do Angelenos the Dodgers. This is the reason that I am skeptical that the Dodgers owning a high-revenue generating cable channel is likely after the current Fox deal runs out, at least as long as credit is expensive and McCourt is cash-poor. With only 92k people watching in a DMA of 6mm+.
The same 7 commercials being shoved down our throat are also a sign of terrible ratings. If they were high, you would see a lot more advertisers.
@soyboquense
Sure, but if you ever need a bailbondsmen, wouldn’t you call Alladin? I know I would.
by Michael White on Jul 26, 2010 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions
Ha!
I am skeptical of that lady in that commercial BTW
by Eric Stephen on Jul 26, 2010 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions
If you think they run that commercial a lot during Dodger broadcasts, you should see Clipper games. That commercial airs 10 times.
by Michael White on Jul 26, 2010 2:02 PM PDT up reply actions
It’s better than the MLB.TV commercials “Hey Ump!”
by robotmadeofnails on Jul 26, 2010 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions
Remember that for cable networks
you get two revenue streams, the money from ads plus the monthly distribution fees that the cable/satellite distributor pays each station to carry them.
yes but both
depend on how many people watch them. The Dodgers aren’t going to be in a position of power with their ratings, and the even lower ratings they’ll get for the 70% of the time they’re not showing live games.
I have some time on my hands
So I’m gonna go through some of the “aces” in the league and see how they stack up to The Minotaur.
"Stop exploding you cowards!!!"
Halp
where does “minotaur” come from?
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
When Kershaw was in the minors
we tried to not get too excited because of TINSTAPP and just said he wasn’t real until he reached the majors…and minotaurs aren’t real.
lol
it might have been andrew shimmin
that came up with the name…i don’t remember exactly. anyone remember?
Quick recap
Minotaur was the ID that was used for Kershaw on DT right after he was drafted and started pitching in Gulf Coast League (Rookie). It was because Kershaw was believed to be a mythical creature that no one would believe existed until he actually pitched for the Dodgers.
Yes it did
But it’s been over two years since he came up to the majors and lost the name, so it has faded away, like all good mythical creatures.
I’ve done 3 others so far, with Lincecum, Jimenez, and J Johnson. It’s really handy having Excel and just creating the formula for FIP so I can just input the numbers and watch it all just unfold :)
I’m doing this all from the 7th start of the season on, because Kershaw’s worst start of the season (and possibly career) was on his 6th start of the season. It’s biased, sure, but let’s just see.
FIPs 7th start of season on:
Kershaw – 2.64
Lincecum – 3.51
Jimenez – 3.83
Josh Johnson – 2.03
Something else that people might find interesting:
Innings:
Kershaw – 100
Lincecum – 96
Jimenez – 93
Josh Johnson – 97.1
That Kershaw sure can’t go deep into games ;)
"Stop exploding you cowards!!!"
does his FIP cover that? would assume his numbers would be better ERA wise as SDs defense is probably exponentially better than ours..
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Jul 26, 2010 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Kershaw’s FIP is a little better, but Latos’ XFIP is better. It is a ton easier to pitch in SD with that defense and Latos has gotten a bit BABIP lucky, but hes pretty much been a stud.
by UCLADodger32 on Jul 26, 2010 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions
True that. and he has tattoos. Lots of tattoos.
by UCLADodger32 on Jul 26, 2010 1:55 PM PDT up reply actions
Kershaw doesn't need ink
he’s already intimidating.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 26, 2010 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions
but he also grows that idiot looking beard. that is minus points for sure.
by UCLADodger32 on Jul 26, 2010 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions
his hat is pointing one way
and his eyes are going in the other…
They say to never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious.
man
if he can come back and be effective, we have our awesome Pen back.
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 26, 2010 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions
More from Dylan Hernandez:
When asked to confirm or deny a report in The Times that Belisario was in a substance-abuse program, Kinzer said, “I don’t have any comment at all. Ronald’s had some personal issues he’s dealing with.”
Does this stop us from trading for relief help?
Our starters have pitched deep into games for most of the season(right?) and with Bellisario we would have a pretty solid back of the rotation.
It is interesting though to think how such highly
touted relief pitchers in the system are being passed up like Beliasrio,Elbert and Lindblom by guys like Jansen and to some degree even de la Rosa
Belisario and Elbert aren't being passed up.
They’re both dealing with personal issues, not performance issues.
yeah being pissed off bout a demotion
gives u points in the system. MLB is not concerned with personal issues just guys who get it done on the field. If that were the case Josh Gibson would have been the first black player to break the color barriers. Elbert mentally and physically has been the biggest disappointment of the year. Belisario has had to much turmoil to just give him a pass. Lindblom may deserve a pass because he was never suited to be a starter. As my friend realized with the cardinal organization personal issues or not if your not getting the job done u r expandable or will get the pink slip especially if there is a international player on your heels
????
MLB is not concerned with personal issues just guys who get it done on the field. If that were the case Josh Gibson would have been the first black player to break the color barriers.
I totally do not understand what you are trying to say here. Josh Gibson didn’t play in the majors because baseball prevented blacks from playing in the majors until after Gibson died.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Jul 27, 2010 11:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Need another Lefty don't we?
Taschner ain’t going to cut it. Can Sherill defy the odds?
Sherrill has be great against lefties
It’s Torre who keeps throwing him against big righties that is getting him killed. Go check out his vs L / vs. R splits.
Your shower shoes have fungus on them. You'll never make it to the bigs with fungus on your shower shoes. Think classy, you'll be classy. If you win 20 in the show, you can let the fungus grow back and the press'll think you're colorful. Until you win 20 in the show, however, it means you are a slob.
two things I just read
Oswalt does not want to go to the Phillies(“source with knowledge of thinking”, but, yay!!)
Cubs would eat much of Fukudome’s contract to be rid of him (i had to post this, as it seems something Ned might jump on, but I’m not so sure about this guy.)
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 26, 2010 1:48 PM PDT reply actions
yeah, we already have enough potential lefty 4th outfielders.
man you really don’t like Gibbons do you?
by Tommy Blackjack on Jul 26, 2010 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions
We already have better options.
Paul, Hoffman, Oeltjen, Restovich, Gibbons, and Lindsey.
Plus if are going to shop for an outfielder to add depth bench and to help fill in for Manny, what about Jim Edmonds? Guy has been really good this year and has a dirt cheap contract, also can’t imagine he would be hard to pry away from Milwaukee, and one would think Edmonds would want to play for a contender.
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