True Blue LA Welcomes Chad Moriyama To The Team
by Eric Stephen on Jan 18, 2011 6:00 AM PST
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We here at True Blue LA are proud to announce the addition of a new member to our growing squad. We now have a correspondent in Hawaii (future site of a True Blue LA convention, no doubt), as none other than Chad Moriyama has decided to join True Blue LA. Many of you have read Moriyama's work at his fine blog, Memories of Kevin Malone, for years, but if you haven't you will be in for a treat, as he has provided some of the finest mechanical analysis of Dodger players and prospects, in addition to his in-depth prospect profiles.
Just last year, Moriyama (who has previously commented here as kensai) wrote detailed breakdowns of both Chad Billingsley's delivery, and Matt Kemp's swing. In addition to his analysis of major leaguers, Moriyama has provided detailed prospect profiles (Jerry Sands, for instance) and a unique look at prospect rankings.
Given the fine work being already being done by Brandon Lennox and Phil Gurnee, True Blue LA will be able to now give you more detailed Dodgers minor league analysis than ever before.
Please take the time to welcome Chad to the site, so he will be in a good mood when he realizes the SB Nation software won't let him end every post with :o.
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awesome
welcome kensai, I love your blog.
Also, the a hearty LOL at the photo caption.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Jan 18, 2011 6:06 AM PST up reply actions
Hellz Yes
Further insight into our farm? Perfect!
Plus I remember always reading Kensai’s quotes…..a total regular if I’m not mistaken. This is great news to start the day off. I already had memories of Kevin Malone book marked into my phone prior to hearing this news.
"They will never ketchup to all of the energy that I've mustard"
Kensai was not so much a regular but a friendly whore
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
Oh wow
Abuse of power already, thats gotta be some sort of record :D
We almost have enough to field a softball team.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 18, 2011 6:09 AM PST via mobile reply actions
In what way?
http://www.memoriesofkevinmalone.com/2011/01/im-going-to-take-my-talents-to-true.html
That basically explains my situation.
It will remain up and I might post stuff there, but day-to-day stuff? Nah.
by Chad Moriyama on Jan 18, 2011 6:16 AM PST up reply actions
Nice work
Consolidating the blogs I have to visit on a daily basis counter balances the amount of time I spend commenting on such blogs
All these guys are happy now...
…they won’t be once they remember what a dick I can be.
AMIRITE
:o
by Chad Moriyama on Jan 18, 2011 6:19 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
I expect ivdown will have something to say. :)
by Eric Stephen on Jan 18, 2011 6:25 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
Who will be assimilated next?
"Baseball is the heart of America, I would never do anything to besmirch our National Pastime."
by Little Blue Bicycle on Jan 18, 2011 6:23 AM PST reply actions
Couple Things
First, welcome to Chad! The content and the community here just keeps getting better and better.
Second, I didn’t get to comment yesterday on the Thames signing but it looks like a pretty decent move. I was kinda hoping for someone that could be more of a semi-regular player, but I feel pretty confident that we can get some good production out of a combination of Thames/Gibbons/Gwynn.
The roster is pretty much set, so it is going to be a pretty long month until pitchers and catchers report.
2 things.
Welcome Mr. Kensai.
And two… No Podsednik!
I think this applies to both…
Proud member of the "We love Chad" society.
I thought Jon Weisman nailed it yesterday—the best thing about signing Thames is that he’s not Pods.
"Baseball is the heart of America, I would never do anything to besmirch our National Pastime."
by Little Blue Bicycle on Jan 18, 2011 6:59 AM PST up reply actions
And I did a little math...
IF Thames were to get about 500 ABs, then he would be on pace for about 32 home runs.
Holy $#!t.
Proud member of the "We love Chad" society.
500 ABs would come with a lot of ABs against righties. Probably not gonna happen.
by Chad Moriyama on Jan 18, 2011 7:01 AM PST up reply actions
How many runs would he give up playing that much in left field?
"Baseball is the heart of America, I would never do anything to besmirch our National Pastime."
by Little Blue Bicycle on Jan 18, 2011 7:03 AM PST up reply actions
Is Thames that much better than Podsednik even with a strict platoon. He has a normal year (not last one) he’s an out machine with incredibly bad defense and a ton of power. Did we really need yet another guy who can’t get on base?
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jan 18, 2011 7:47 AM PST up reply actions
Podsednik has poor defense (though not as bad as Thames) and a poor OBP with no power. Plus he gets caught stealing a fair amount now, right? I don’t see this as being worse.
Once they signed
Gywnn and Gibbons, they were not going to sign another left handed outfielder. They already lean to much to he left in the outfield, don’t think Thames being better then Pod’s is part of the question.
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
Scotty Pods projects to a .327 on base which Thames cleared twice in his career, and he’s graded out as average defensively since he’s been on the White Sox. Stolen base wise he’s at 67% the last two years which is bad, but hopefully it leads to less running.
I don’t think Scotty Pods is substantially better, but they’re pretty close.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jan 18, 2011 7:55 AM PST up reply actions
Where Thames is better is in OPS
no? Not OBP, which both are fairly poor in and Thames has been very up and down, as you say, but in OPS. Thames .802, Pods 721 (648 last year).
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Right, but it’s a really slugging heavy OPS. Scotty Pods had a .321 wOBA last year, in 2009 (which is much more of a typical year for Thames than 2010) he had a .329. Adjust that for park, and there’s not a huge difference, plus Scotty Pods doesn’t need to be platooned.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jan 18, 2011 8:20 AM PST up reply actions
So basically Thames is gonna slug more
and is otherwise fairly shitty. Pods is just generally shitty. :-)
In a platoon a Gibbons-Thames duo will give us some needed pop. But the team’s OBP is destined to be pretty poor in 2011. As Phil says, a lot of solo homers on the horizon. Anyway, I’ll still take Thames, but it’s not really a very exciting choice.
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 think Thames will be a solid bat off the bench once Ned makes his big trading-deadline deal for a left fielder.
"Baseball is the heart of America, I would never do anything to besmirch our National Pastime."
by Little Blue Bicycle on Jan 18, 2011 8:25 AM PST up reply actions
Wooo, so we’re only going to suck until July then!
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Jan 18, 2011 2:34 PM PST up reply actions
If each hit 12 HR and their SLG% is solid, then I can see some runs being scored that we didn’t expect out of that position. Durable pitching, positional flexibility, and a whole lot of Grit makes for a competitive team (at least in the NL).
"They will never ketchup to all of the energy that I've mustard"
Thames has an obvious value
in that in a strict platoon, you can pretty much count on a solid SLG% from him, even if it does come with a poor OBP. Pods only real strength was basestealing, and if he really can’t do that anymore, then his only strength is that he might be marginally better on defense and OBP (though neither one really being a strength).
Admittedly we’re dealing with some very small upsides here, but I’d prefer the guy that is gonna pop me a few homers.
I think with regular rest
his power potential and the mix and matches of our other options that he has now made the black hole we had in left field not so scary. I feel like we can run with the squad we have now. We have plenty of depth on both sides of the ball in case the inevitable injury hits, and our pitching show eat more innings and keep us closer in games than any of the other teams in the NL West.
I was scared shitless about our LF situation, now I think we should be alright. Obviously none of them are going to be all stars but with the right managing moves we can maximize their production, keep them healthy and certainly compete for the division. The way we are built I think we stack up fine in our division, not to mention if Kemp or Ethier have good years, how we’ll be.
This is the best I’ve felt all off season about our Dodgers.
"They will never ketchup to all of the energy that I've mustard"
You were scared shitless by our LF situation and the signing of Marcus Thames makes you feel good? Did Ned hypnotize SB Nation?
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
Marcus Thames: he might not be the best solution, but he’s the funnest one.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jan 18, 2011 8:06 AM PST up reply actions
It was better than anything I was expecting put it that way Phil. I’m trying to have realistic expectations, but thought we were fucked with what we were planning to run out in LF. I think Gibbons is solid enough as a LHB, but needed someone who could hit LHP….xman, and Gwynn Jr. are not those players. Picking up Thames evens out the overall offensive production we could expect from LF, and as set as our pitching is I think it was the best thing we could have done given the situation.
Do not get me wrong I would have loved a FT stud in LF, but that wasn’t going to happen. Thames was the best play considering the options available, not to mention added flexibility in case an unexpected injury hits.
"They will never ketchup to all of the energy that I've mustard"
If you think you're frightened and confused now
just wait
by Greg Stephen on Jan 18, 2011 7:18 AM PST up reply actions
somewhere
Maddz and Josie cackle in glee.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Jan 18, 2011 7:19 AM PST up reply actions
despite my best efforts?
Just kidding Ornake, you’re all right.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Jan 18, 2011 7:22 AM PST up reply actions
They are currently chilling in the gutter conversing, I'm sure they'll join us soon
"They will never ketchup to all of the energy that I've mustard"
I was cooking breakfast and washes dishes
this just in: I hate washing dishes
I’m sure I’ll manage to attempt to shotput Kensai here into the moon with my brain at least twice a week. :)
TBLAck Widow: im in ur blogz, stealin ur menz
Standard Bearer of the "We Love Chad" Society
Making a bagel and coffee
I wonder how many people say shmear v. cream cheese spread
FA Cup replay match on in an hour…oh and yeah welcome Kensai!
/Baseball
by Josie Becker on Jan 18, 2011 10:39 AM PST up reply actions
We here in the south put grits on R bagels
"They will never ketchup to all of the energy that I've mustard"
eww, really? I barely put grits on my grits
by Josie Becker on Jan 18, 2011 10:45 AM PST up reply actions
Full blood Jew from a family of full blood New York Jews — and none of us say “shmear.”
We do, however, say “lox.”
Now with 33% more Kavula
by Humma Kavula on Jan 18, 2011 10:41 AM PST up reply actions
I first had lox at Canter’s Deli, which either means I’m an honorary Jew, or I live in Los Angeles.
by Josie Becker on Jan 18, 2011 10:46 AM PST up reply actions
though I usually have their ruben, which I’m pretty sure ain’t kosher
by Josie Becker on Jan 18, 2011 10:47 AM PST up reply actions
The cheese violates the mixing meat and milk rule?
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Jan 18, 2011 10:53 AM PST up reply actions
Don’t get me started on kashrut. I personally think it’s a lot of rules that made a lot of sense a few thousand years ago… for example, eat pork, get trichinosis? Hm, don’t eat pork seems a good rule.
Tradition counts for a lot so I don’t want to bag on it too much. My main objection is that bacon tastes good.
Now with 33% more Kavula
by Humma Kavula on Jan 18, 2011 10:57 AM PST up reply actions
Felix: Remember Oscar, you are what your eat.
Oscar: Yes, Felix, I suppose you’re right. [pauses for a moment] So, what’s for dinner tonight?
Felix: Smoked pork butt.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Jan 18, 2011 10:57 AM PST up reply actions
pork is still fairly volatile, nes’t ci pas? Like usually it’s fine, but I learned from the [H]ouse pilot that undercooked pork can give you tapeworms, and if they go untreated they can flow to your brain.
by Josie Becker on Jan 18, 2011 11:01 AM PST up reply actions
oh man
you just reminded me of when he pulled that big ass tapeworm out of the girl who couldn’t feel pain.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Jan 18, 2011 11:02 AM PST up reply actions
my second biggest fear growing up was that I was going to get a tapeworm, after I saw one in my science book
by Josie Becker on Jan 18, 2011 11:06 AM PST up reply actions
What was the first biggest fear? :)
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Jan 18, 2011 2:58 PM PST up reply actions
The thing is, almost all meat presents microbiological dangers when raw. I guess beef somewhat less so since you can eat it quite rare, or even tartar, but there are risks. And there’s a reason you never have to specify how you want your chicken cooked.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Jan 18, 2011 11:03 AM PST up reply actions
But — if I’m right — there is big difference between the dangers posed by chicken and by pork… at least, for animals grown/slaughtered in the US.
Ground beef… it’s a big deal when e. coli-tainted product hits the shelf. There are big recalls and it makes the news. But all undercooked chicken represents a salmonella danger, right?
Now with 33% more Kavula
by Humma Kavula on Jan 18, 2011 11:07 AM PST up reply actions
my brain says Salmonella is a chicken shit disease, and thus is only a problem with eggs
by Josie Becker on Jan 18, 2011 11:10 AM PST up reply actions
My understanding, which could be misinformed, goes like this:
Can undercooked pork give you tapeworms? Yes.
Is pork that was purchased in the US and then not cooked enough likely to give you tapeworms? A really big no.
Humma’s advice is to cook your food, but US-grown pork is very safe.
Now with 33% more Kavula
by Humma Kavula on Jan 18, 2011 11:03 AM PST up reply actions
gotcha. I’ve been trying to cook my meat to french standards, just enough cooking to brown the meat and lots of butter. So far so good.
by Josie Becker on Jan 18, 2011 11:08 AM PST up reply actions
Oh, man, you’re totally gonna sue me when you get a tapeworm.
Now with 33% more Kavula
by Humma Kavula on Jan 18, 2011 11:09 AM PST up reply actions
dude, you’re totes sued. You’re sued, Julia Child is sued, David’s sued, I’m gonna sue Eric for hosting the blog, America, cause that’s where the servers are based, you’re all sued
by Josie Becker on Jan 18, 2011 11:12 AM PST up reply actions
A Reuben is, by definition, not kosher: one may not mix milk (or cheese) and meat.
However, it is delicious.
Now with 33% more Kavula
by Humma Kavula on Jan 18, 2011 10:54 AM PST up reply actions
see, I even know the rules. Total honorary member of the community : )
by Josie Becker on Jan 18, 2011 10:56 AM PST up reply actions
But cheese and meat go so well together!
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Jan 18, 2011 3:03 PM PST up reply actions
lol
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Jan 18, 2011 11:01 AM PST up reply actions
At home
I use a thin layer of (American) Neufchâtel cheese. About 1/3 less fat than cream cheese!
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Jan 18, 2011 10:55 AM PST up reply actions
ha, btw
this comment reminded me of “Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer” from SNL. “I’m just a caveman, your world frightens and confuses me. But even I can see this man is innocent.”
RIP Phil Hartman.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Jan 18, 2011 7:22 AM PST up reply actions
saw this tidbit at Fanhouse
Thames hit .300 against lefties and .268 against righties last season for New York, but his OPS was actually better against right-handers (.896 to .806). Though he had 47 fewer plate appearances against righties, he hit seven of his 12 home runs against them.
Not that I think it’ll effect how he’s used, but just found it interesting that last year he wasn’t too bad against RHP
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Jan 18, 2011 7:30 AM PST reply actions
I am viewing Thames as the starter right now, just because I can’t really seeing this being a straight platoon with Gibbons, meaning Gibbons gets a majority of the playing time. I imagine it will be Thames with Gwynn spelling him pretty regularly in late innings and Gibbons getting starts 1-2 times per week and serving as the power lefty on the bench.
I’d say the guy who figures to play the most against right-handed pitching should be considered the nominal starter, because teams face right-handed pitching so much more often.
If that ends up being the case
Then this goes from being a decent move to an absolutely horrible one. Even assuming Jay Gibbons goes back to being Jay Gibbons, I’d rather see a platoon of Thames and Gwynn (Gwynn in CF)
re: Kemp in RF
I think some of the others were right. I think you might have been able to sell it if it was a permanent move (like if Gwynn or a capable CF was named the starter outright) but I don’t think it would happen in spot starts or platoons. Since Ethier and Kemp are the constants they probably aren’t going to be moved around depending on Gwynn/Gibbons/Thames.
by Michael White on Jan 18, 2011 8:33 AM PST up reply actions
If this was Torre I'd completely agree
but Donnie is not Torre so maybe he is a more flexible manager. I’m looking forward to watching his managerial tendencies.
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
He'll be busy.....we need to make the most out of what we have
Young players are usually more flexible in regards to moving around, more so than established veterans right?
"They will never ketchup to all of the energy that I've mustard"
Its not like Kemp is a stranger to RF
and Ethier is no stranger to LF.
wouldn't both of them be more apt to move around
if the need arose? As opposed to a long time Vet like T. Hunter in CF being asked to man right on a regular basis?
"They will never ketchup to all of the energy that I've mustard"
Considering how often these guys are moved around in the batting order (which I realize is not the same thing), I don’t think it’s out of the question to tell Ethier and Kemp that they may be required to play two outfield positions at different times this year. And if that’s too difficult for them to swallow, we’ve got bigger problems than I imagined in 2011.
Donnie 2X
I’m gonna go get the pitcher get the pitcher.
by kinbote on Jan 18, 2011 10:20 AM PST up reply actions 2 recs
Donnie 2x: I’m gonna talk to Brox, I’m gonna talk to Brox. Throw strikes Brox, throw strikes [leaves mound]
Jim Loney: SQUIRREL!
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Jan 18, 2011 10:22 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
it seems the rumors
were greaty exagerrated
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Jan 18, 2011 7:47 AM PST up reply actions
and here
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Jan 18, 2011 7:48 AM PST up reply actions
Now with Sporting News instead of AOL
by Eric Stephen on Jan 18, 2011 7:50 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
Not to be confused with
TBLA introduces Chad Moriyama. Now with more grittiness
by Greg Stephen on Jan 18, 2011 7:53 AM PST up reply actions
They canned all the bloggers and are going back to writers.
Too bad, Fanhouse used to be my first stop in the morning for sports. Then they completely changed the format and it wasn’t user friendly at all.
Oh well, my two favorite writers from Fanhouse (Brian Cook and Tom Ziller) are at SBNation now anyway.
by Michael White on Jan 18, 2011 7:55 AM PST up reply actions
SSS?
I must not fear .Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain
INTENSE
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Jan 18, 2011 7:54 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I feel sorry for his commentators
who now have nowhere to go to discuss the Dodgers. If they do come by here, they should identify themselves so we can pretend to be a Dodger blog until it is to late for them.
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
Maybe a good place to start would be a 400 comment thread about Dana Scully, local food that includes the color blue, or Randy Newman karaoke.
"Baseball is the heart of America, I would never do anything to besmirch our National Pastime."
by Little Blue Bicycle on Jan 18, 2011 8:24 AM PST up reply actions
“They weren’t cows inside. They forgot how. Now they see sky and they remember who they are.”
or
We’ll be a baseball blog against once there is actual baseball being played. You can only squeeze so much water out of that cheese, giant killer.
by Josie Becker on Jan 18, 2011 10:40 AM PST up reply actions
I comment on both websites.
Though somewhat less known here.
by Taylor Maricle on Jan 18, 2011 6:32 PM PST up reply actions
Cool, welcome Kensai!
Doubly good news because now I can read your stuff without having to be reminded about Kevin Malone. ;-)
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Welcome Chad / kensai
Man, I thought the curse word / non-curse word ratio was already high in the comments here, but with Chad a regular now….
Any connection to Chad coming and comments disappearing? Hmmmm???
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
HA.....I'm hoping that 1 out of 5 of my comments stick
"They will never ketchup to all of the energy that I've mustard"
nice to have you here
keep it real aiight?
"She's probably Ronnie's backpack anywhere he goes in the club. She's a female backpack." - Deena
What is the record for most solo home runs in a season for a Dodger team because this team looks like a contender
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
I’d imagine that the number of solo home runs correlates strongly not just with on-base percentage, but with number of total home runs. Do you honestly see us hitting that many total home runs, even with Thames?
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Jan 18, 2011 4:35 PM PST up reply actions
New Poll
http://www.truebluela.com/polls/show/92958
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
The correct answer is not made available
o All of the Above
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Jan 18, 2011 9:45 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
that is why I’m not in the poll business, though I did enjoy creating the choices.
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
by meercatjohn on Jan 18, 2011 10:20 AM PST up reply actions
It is hilarious. Really should add it to the article.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Jan 18, 2011 10:23 AM PST up reply actions
Then they would be calling Eric a Dick
which doesn’t seem fair.
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
by meercatjohn on Jan 18, 2011 10:30 AM PST up reply actions
There are plenty of other reasons to do that.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 18, 2011 10:30 AM PST up reply actions
easy enough to edit the entry isn’t it? “No, and Phil, you are a dick…”
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Jan 18, 2011 10:31 AM PST up reply actions
At least we will have the guts for a great TBLA contest this year:
Who will hit the solo home run today?
Who will ht the most solo home runs for the season?
Who will have the lowest OBP among those who manage to gather 200 plate appearances
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
I propose grading fielding gaffes on the international gymnastics scale.
"Baseball is the heart of America, I would never do anything to besmirch our National Pastime."
by Little Blue Bicycle on Jan 18, 2011 8:32 AM PST up reply actions
In general, yes. You start with a standard score, with degree of difficulty worked in (usually 9.5) and then lose points for errors. Of course with Thames, what isn’t difficult?
"Baseball is the heart of America, I would never do anything to besmirch our National Pastime."
by Little Blue Bicycle on Jan 18, 2011 9:24 AM PST up reply actions
there will be a plethora of candidates for each question
"They will never ketchup to all of the energy that I've mustard"
We have totally become the Giants
pre 2010 that we made fun of. Great pitching, some power, no on base skills. Man if that is the recipe for success in this decade color me shocked.
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
recipe for success
you mean like, 4 playoff appearances and 2 world series appearances and 1 WS win in the last 11 seasons? Sign me up.
Also
had to change the screen name because I ditched my facebook.
How
about one playoff appearance, one World Series appearance and 1 WS win since Barry stopped playing?
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
A ring?
Shit, that works. I’ve never seen the Dodgers win one of those.
by Michael White on Jan 18, 2011 8:53 AM PST up reply actions
Ha....I was in 1st grade....screaming my head off when Gibson hit his HR!
"They will never ketchup to all of the energy that I've mustard"
I seem to have been miscontrued
The general feeling entering the 2010 season is that the Giants would have a season similar to the previous failures in that they had great pitching but a low OB lineup with some pop. Instead Huff, Torres, and Posey broke out to give the offense enough juice to overcome the Pablo descent into Jaba the Hut territory.
The Dodgers right now look to me very much like the pre 2010 Giant team and no one expected them to be very good so I’m curious where the Dodger 2011 optimism is coming from? We have no Posey on the horizon. We have no Torres ready to break out. We have no free agent signing who was once good and had the capacity to be good again.
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
Juan Uribe has been a good player in each of the last two years.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 18, 2011 9:01 AM PST up reply actions
Yes
he was part of the 2010 Giant team whose expectations were good power, low OB and he delivered his side of the equation.
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
We have no Jon Sanchez or Bumgartner looking to breakout. Instead we have Lilly and Kuroda looking to reverse the flow of time. The bullpens may be similar, but even Brian Wilson shed the flake reputation. Their pitching dominated pure and simple. I just don’t see our staff inflicting that kind of pain. We have depth and veteran moxie; we just don’t have the upside I’d like.
Why do the Giants have Bumgardner
but Dodgers pitching and hitting prospects are forgotten here? Couldn’t De La Rosa in a sense be our Bumgardner? Or Webster, or a bit further down the road, Lee, etc. The bullpen also looks more solid than last year (and that’s not even counting on someone like Elbert coming through, which would further help). The lineup’s lack of OBP is a legit concern we all have and it just may not be enough. But I feel like there’s a slight double standard here, or looking at the 2010 Giants with hindsight vs looking at the 2011 Dodgers with hindsight, which doesn’t quite mesh… if that makes sense?
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Fair points
But I don’t see any Dodger pitching prospect making an impact this year. Which is probably why we’re so deep in veterans. Let’s be honest: it’s the offense that has us worried here.
For sure
If the second half of 2010 was their true talent level, then we are fucked. I’m guessing the core is slightly better than that.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 18, 2011 9:13 AM PST up reply actions
It really and truly cannot be that far of a stretch to think that Ethier’s injury fucked him up.
TBLAck Widow: im in ur blogz, stealin ur menz
Standard Bearer of the "We Love Chad" Society
I’m sure it did, but the man did end the season with the kind of numbers we’ve come to expect from him.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jan 18, 2011 9:16 AM PST up reply actions
yup as i said, offense worries are a fair concern
and of course we don’t have a posey per se. but my point is giants got help from unexpected sources on offense last year, and the dodgers could get unexpected help, too. and who knows, sands or robinson or someone like that could step in earlier than expected and give a boost this summer.
if we were betting on things, we’d bet that their offense won’t be enough to make playoffs and their pitching will keep them competing. but we don’t know for sure, and there are some wild cards down there in the minors, so we’ll keep watching. ;)
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 agree with you. And it’s not like the Dodger hitters are completely inept. Ethier and Furcal are good and assuming you don’t believe that Kemp is completely done he can be a good hitter as well.
After that the Dodgers have some low OB guys but I’m sick of watching walks anyway. I’m ready to watch Barajas and Uribe go down swinging.
by Michael White on Jan 18, 2011 9:12 AM PST up reply actions
I’m ready to watch Barajas and Uribe go down swinging.
Famous last words that will be raised during game threads time after time.
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
I could live with
1-4, 3 K nights as long as the one is at least a two-run homer.
"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
This
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Jan 18, 2011 4:41 PM PST up reply actions
Yeah I mean part of what needs to happen is the guys who are good
need to be better than they were last year. Kemp and Ethier especially. And counting on Furcal to stay healthy seems too much to ask but when he is around he certainly makes a big difference, too. So it’s not like some bare cupboard there.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Because
Bumgarner was just slightly below Kershaw on the prospect scale. He was expected to be the next great Giant pitching prospect, and he delivered enough in his debut. None of those names you mentioned have even a remote chance of helping in 2011.
I indeed think there is a double standard, in that those who have optimism for the Dodgers in 2011 and did not have optimism for the 2010 Giants.
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
Yeah I admit I thought Bumgarner was a little overrated
and he proved me very wrong for the most part. (I definitely didn’t, and still don’t, think he is close to Kershaw, but they don’t need him to be, with Cain and Lincecum) And of course the Dodgers problem is unlikely to be pitching anyway so it’s kind of moot, it’s more the offense we’re worried about. At least LA has time to not rush De La Rosa, Lee, Webster, Withrow, whoever it will be who will step forward.
The issue is more that we don’t have a Posey. But again Tray Robinson or Sands could certainly be a key cog if not this year then in 2012.
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 think my grandpa was the most excited for MadBum and Lincecum…man, I hate to say this, but I think I might have to sit down with him and watch the DVD series he got just so I can learn more about the Gnats so I can converse intelligently about them with him.
Aging grandparents will make you challenge your values, huh?
TBLAck Widow: im in ur blogz, stealin ur menz
Standard Bearer of the "We Love Chad" Society
Yeah
though maybe for sanity’s sake you could instead just spend time with him watching home movies, or a classic movie, or anything. He can watch the Giants with someone else. ;-)
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Doesn’t Bumgarner’s fastball top out at 88? I’m with Underdog in that I thought he was a bit overrated.
His FIP and xFIP were solid though. I’m hoping the league figures him out.
by Michael White on Jan 18, 2011 9:21 AM PST up reply actions
I don't mean to be rude
but do you really understand how great Posey was last year and how neither of those players will be able to wipe the ass of Posey with whatever success they might have in 2011?
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
Maybe Trent Oetjen can get inspired by Andres Torres.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jan 18, 2011 9:22 AM PST up reply actions
Yes I understand that Phil
you’re not being rude but you’re also not really reading what I wrote there.
I said the difference is we do not have a Posey. I then suggested that those other two guys could really help the Dodgers (given the current teams needs in the outfield). I thought it was clear I was not saying “They are just like Posey!”
Anyway, I gotta get to work. :-P
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
The Giants scored 30 more runs than the Dodgers last season, with a higher park factor (101-95, per Baseball-Reference), and the team OPS+ were similar (95 for SF, 93 for LA).
No matter how many ways we spin this round and round, the 2011 Dodger offense will always go as far as Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier (and to a lesser extent, James Loney) will take them.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 18, 2011 9:25 AM PST up reply actions
Things change when shitty teams win titles.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 18, 2011 9:15 AM PST up reply actions
Agreed.
It looks to me like the Dodgers are in the “Keep your head above water” mode. Not losing ground, but not gaining either. I still have hope, and am keeping my enthusiam, but yeah, no superstars on the horizon.
I'm sayin' "What's in it for me?"
The optimism is stemming from the deepest pitching staff the Dodgers have had in two decades.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 18, 2011 9:04 AM PST up reply actions
What I don't get
is why does it have to be a prospect that comes up and takes the team by storm? Why can’t 2010 Posey = 2011 Kemp or Ethier? Both of them, when right, are better hitters than anyone on the Giants roster. Why can’t 2010 Sanchez = 2011 Garland or 2010 Bumgarner = 2011 Lilly? We don’t have the next great pitching prospect ready to tear the league up, but why should that preclude us from having breakout performances from elsewhere?
I'm expecting Kemp to take the world by storm
both him and Ethier get AS nods in 2011 (IMO)
"They will never ketchup to all of the energy that I've mustard"
Not happening
no way both make the team with the Giant manager deciding who gets on it.
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
Loney is the only one who can have a break out. Kemp already had his in 2009, and Andre has been quite good every year he just does it in incredible streaks.
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
You have a weird way of defining things.
Kemp hitting like 2009 would be equivalent to a breakout compared to 2010.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 18, 2011 9:49 AM PST up reply actions
Don't worry I told my parade to pack it in due to rain
"They will never ketchup to all of the energy that I've mustard"
okay then, why does it have to be a breakout year? Why can’t we just have our two dominant hitters be dominant hitters? It’s a lot to hope for, but Furcal playing 120 games and Kemp and Ethier playing at their potential doesn’t seem like that big of a stretch. If that happens, our lineup is better than the Giants post-Barry and our rotation is equally stacked.
The point here is not that the Dodgers can’t compete or have no hope. Has anyone actually said that? I haven’t — I’ve gone out of my way not to say that.
The point here has always been that everything has to go right for the Dodgers, just like everything went right for the Giants in 2010, including the Padres imploding down the stretch.
Contrast that with, say, the Phillies. Seems to me that they can have a lot go wrong and they’d still go to the playoffs — and if everything goes right, they are a juggernaut.
Look, not every team has to be the Phillies. But I stand by my assessment: the Dodgers have been built to be a team on the fringes of contention. If things go their way, great… but I can’t get too optimistic about it, because the most likely scenario some things will go their way, others won’t, and they’ll end up winning just a bit more than they lose. Nothing is written, nothing is definite — but we are talking a probability game, and the Dodgers margin for error is very, very thin.
Now with 33% more Kavula
by Humma Kavula on Jan 18, 2011 9:58 AM PST up reply actions
with the rotation being what it is and coupled with being in the NL West
can we change that to just a single very in the very very thin assestment?
"They will never ketchup to all of the energy that I've mustard"
Agreed. Two “verys” was hyperbole.
Now with 33% more Kavula
by Humma Kavula on Jan 18, 2011 10:04 AM PST up reply actions
Hello? Hello, Dimitri? Listen, I can’t hear too well, do you suppose you could turn the music down just a little? Oh, that’s much better. Yes. Fine, I can hear you now, Dimitri. Clear and plain and coming through fine. I’m coming through fine too, eh? Good, then. Well then as you say we’re both coming through fine. Good. Well it’s good that you’re fine and I’m fine. I agree with you. It’s great to be fine.
by kinbote on Jan 18, 2011 10:14 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Not the first time I have been compared to President Merkin Muffley.
Now with 33% more Kavula
by Humma Kavula on Jan 18, 2011 10:16 AM PST up reply actions
that is not what I'm saying
but since I’ve doing a terrible job in communicating what my point is I’m going to give up.
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
by meercatjohn on Jan 18, 2011 10:21 AM PST up reply actions
Except really
look at our competition in the division. We just need more to go right then them, because they are all in similar positions.
I must not fear .Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain
Well, Martin sucked and DeWitt was a non-factor. I wasn’t upset to see Martin go and replacing DeWitt with Uribe seems like an upgrade to me.
It’s not like an high OB high slugging LF (like Manny) was really an option.
by Michael White on Jan 18, 2011 8:36 AM PST up reply actions
Actually it looks sorta like
they’re becoming the mid-late 90s Dodgers, with Piazza/Karros/Mondesi anchoring the middle, and a bunch of chaff around them. Just in this case, the chaff is likely to pop the ball out occasionally.
And well, theres nobody to fill the role of Piazza, short of Ethier revering to his early ’10 numbers.
I rarely go off topic here
but does anyone have any recommendations for a travel agency that provides services to a Company? our company, which has about 350 people, is looking to out-sources some our travel to an agency that would get us better deals and provide us with additional services (like helping with cancelations or changes in plans). The agency could either be completely off-site, but ideally would be the type of thing where the agency would have a representative full time on property. Anyone know of anything?
I know someone who does this
for one of the larger companies in the area. She however would not have a presence on site. As a bonus her husband is a member of Little Feat.
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
Unlike Bloggers
musicians get paid for the work they do, so no.
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
having someone on site isn't required
as long as they can be easily reached…email me the information if you can…i just need options to present to my boss
by Brandon Lennox on Jan 18, 2011 9:00 AM PST up reply actions
There are multiple companies like that, that I deal with
Have Eric send my your email address and I’ll get you a list
by Greg Stephen on Jan 18, 2011 9:07 AM PST up reply actions
Uribe HQ projection is out
as a Dodger.
.238/.287/.430
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
Not liking that projection
this one makes me feel better
.254/.312/.448 WITH 20 SOLO HOMERUNS BABY
"They will never ketchup to all of the energy that I've mustard"
When Uribe signed
There were several posters, me included, who withheld judgment until we saw what Ned did with left field. If left now belongs to a platoon of Thames and Gibbons, I officially think Uribe was a poor way to spend that kind of money.
"Baseball is the heart of America, I would never do anything to besmirch our National Pastime."
by Little Blue Bicycle on Jan 18, 2011 8:43 AM PST up reply actions
Not to defend Ned here but again options were limited
What Ned did with left field this time had less to do with him and more to do with options. You had two legit upgrades who were also way, way overpriced (though I’d have been stoked to have either), in Werth and Crawford. We knew the team couldn’t go as high as needed to nab either one of them, and I’m not sure that’s a terrible thing given the number of years they got plus the money compared to what they might bring back. After that, the options seriously declined. Yes, Adam Dunn, if that was even a possibility (also terrible defensively in the outfield, so not sure that was an option either but at least we know he can mash). After that, what? So I guess I’m saying I’m not surprised that we have some unexciting filler options in LF right now, and at least they upgraded the pitching staff and yes 2nd base, too.
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 do like what he did with the starting pitching, I agree with MSTI that Thames was the best of a bad lot of who was left, and I certainly hope that we’re just talking 2011 filler for Trayvon or Sands. Uribe upgrades 2B somewhat and eventually 3B as Blake slouches toward the old folks home. But I just can’t get excited about Juan Uribe as the big-bat acquisition of the winter, not for the contract he got, anyway.
"Baseball is the heart of America, I would never do anything to besmirch our National Pastime."
by Little Blue Bicycle on Jan 18, 2011 9:30 AM PST up reply actions
If the FO had made a big-bat acquisition and maybe one pitching acquisition (Padilla/Lilly/Garland) would you have been more satisfied?
TBLAck Widow: im in ur blogz, stealin ur menz
Standard Bearer of the "We Love Chad" Society
Yes, it’s hard for me to see Padilla/Garland as more than filler anyway.
"Baseball is the heart of America, I would never do anything to besmirch our National Pastime."
by Little Blue Bicycle on Jan 18, 2011 11:18 AM PST up reply actions
context is for suckers
rabble rabble rabble
I must not fear .Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain
Bill James: .253/.307/.434
ZiPS: .260/.311/.436
by Eric Stephen on Jan 18, 2011 8:44 AM PST up reply actions
everyone seems to agree on the slug%
but the OB is where the game will be won.
www.baseballhq.com analysis
An extreme FB hitter, Uribe parlayed career-high ABs into career-high HR (24) and RBI (85) totals last year, though his BA dropped back to normal sub-par levels after his h% and LD% regressed from ’09. Dodger Stadium is slightly more hitter-friendly than AT&T Park suggesting that Uribe will retain this upside, though he’s only hit three HR in 131 AB there to date.
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
Fantastic News
Love the ever improving on the best Dodger Blog.
Welcome Chad, I look forward to your insight and mechanical analysis.
Hating the Giants for going on a half century and counting!
What did you think he’d sign for?
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
Didn’t put any thought into it. I hoped it was $87 million so the Padres would be fucked.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 18, 2011 8:51 AM PST up reply actions
Once again, why the hell didn’t they just keep Adrian Gonzalez?
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jan 18, 2011 8:58 AM PST up reply actions
Come
On there’s a good chance that one of those prospects they got in the deal will be better than Edgar Gonzalez. Oh you said Adrian.
by bhsportsguy on Jan 18, 2011 9:23 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
After 2009: Jonathan Broxton > Heath Bell; Broxton signs 2-year deal for $11m (4m/7m), Bell signs for 1/$4m
After 2010: Bell > Broxton; year-to-year get Bell more $$$, signs one-year, $7.5m with Padres.
I hope you have a hat made of carne asada.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 18, 2011 9:09 AM PST up reply actions
We aren't
going to trade the all-star closer:)
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
I was always under the impression a deal was finalized once it was signed and the physical was taken. But, from Alyson Footer of the Astros:
Sitting on caravan bus next to Barmes, showed him @brianmctaggart ‘s tweet. Clint hadn’t heard it was official.He’s very pleased that it is.
Welcome, Chad/Kensai
Although I’m fairly new here to TBLA (and the blogging world in general), anyone with a blog titled “Memories of Kevin Malone” is alright in my book. I look forward to your analysis and other wacky antics that I’m slowly discovering are a necessary part of this insane community. :-)
"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
I AM SO EXCITED
my baseball class starts tonight!!!!!
Watch me be really frustrated all semester long in this class, that’ll show me for being academically happy.
TBLAck Widow: im in ur blogz, stealin ur menz
Standard Bearer of the "We Love Chad" Society
have
Did you get your reading assignments yet, I would be interested to see what you are reading.
by bhsportsguy on Jan 18, 2011 9:24 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
I’ll type up the syllabus when I get it, it’s not online yet. :(
TBLAck Widow: im in ur blogz, stealin ur menz
Standard Bearer of the "We Love Chad" Society
negative
she’s just a friend.
TBLAck Widow: im in ur blogz, stealin ur menz
Standard Bearer of the "We Love Chad" Society
And we all know what Biz Markie has to say about that.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jan 18, 2011 9:38 AM PST up reply actions
BizMarkie plays in the background ;)
"They will never ketchup to all of the energy that I've mustard"
"Welcome to Baseball class!"
“Lesson one: Why Joe Morgan is a genius.”
“Nooooooo!”
I’d walk out right there. Get my money back. Start picketing the class.
I'm sayin' "What's in it for me?"
“….at playing second base. Not so much in the booth.”
Now with 33% more Kavula
by Humma Kavula on Jan 18, 2011 10:02 AM PST up reply actions
Was shocked by this
per Sam Miller of the Orange County Register:
Only 6 players have played 150 games in more seasons than Bobby Abreu. Only he and Mays did 13 seasons in a row w/ 150+
Matt Kemp sneers, gets his lucky boxers on.
TBLAck Widow: im in ur blogz, stealin ur menz
Standard Bearer of the "We Love Chad" Society
I've got lucky boxers
They are SUPERMAN!!!! I won’t lie I walk with a copious amount of swagger when I wear them
"They will never ketchup to all of the energy that I've mustard"
I'm tellin ya
Bobby Abreu, Hall of Famer.
Now with 33% more Kavula
by Humma Kavula on Jan 18, 2011 9:44 AM PST up reply actions
No way, unless the vets committee does it.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 18, 2011 9:45 AM PST up reply actions
Closer than people think, but his case is way too similar to John Oleruds.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jan 18, 2011 9:46 AM PST up reply actions
2011-12 arbitration eligibles
Ronald Belisario (1st)
Chad Billingsley (3rd)
Clayton Kershaw (1st)
Hong Chih-Kuo (3rd)
James Loney (3rd)
Andre Ethier (4th)
Tony Gwynn Jr. (2nd)
Matt Kemp (3rd)
Belisario likely won’t make it, or at least will be close. He’s at one year, 133 days of service time now.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 18, 2011 9:44 AM PST up reply actions
you should join my society before it’s too late
TBLAck Widow: im in ur blogz, stealin ur menz
Standard Bearer of the "We Love Chad" Society
Yeah, farm animals are defenseless creatures
and seriously Maddz Peanut Butter??? I really question your moral fiber sometimes
"They will never ketchup to all of the energy that I've mustard"
peanut butter is better than melted chocolate IMO
TBLAck Widow: im in ur blogz, stealin ur menz
Standard Bearer of the "We Love Chad" Society
speaking of animals
Bodhi just decided to be friendly and say hello. I am now covered in cat hair. THANKS BODHI
TBLAck Widow: im in ur blogz, stealin ur menz
Standard Bearer of the "We Love Chad" Society
I don't read BA much anymore
But the latest print issue mentioned Beli could challenge for big league saves this year after a dominating winter.
Great movie
Goodman’s out of balls! He’s ball-less!
He doesn’t have any balls, Cotton!
"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
nm
almost 33? I guess that’s not totally out of the norm
by Dodgerblue8188 on Jan 18, 2011 9:54 AM PST up reply actions
weird
I looked him up on Wikipedia to see how old he was, these are the lines that begin his baseball career article
I am retired, I am Gil Meche.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Jan 18, 2011 9:57 AM PST up reply actions
Fun Quiz
Blake Griffin scored 47 points yesterday, giving him the 11 most points scored ever anyone 21 and younger.
LeBron did it three times with the high of 56 at age 20.
Can you guess the other seven players who have scored more then 47 age 21 or younger?
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
It is seven different people?
Hmmm…
Kobe, Moses, KG…
by Eric Stephen on Jan 18, 2011 9:47 AM PST up reply actions
Young NBA scorers...hmmm...
I’ll guess Kevin Durant is on there…maybe a young Elgin Baylor? Pistol Pete?
"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
Huh
This is a good quiz…what about Iverson?
"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
sorry, stepped away for a second
Yes on Iverson
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
by meercatjohn on Jan 18, 2011 10:10 AM PST up reply actions
Completely forgot about that
I fancy myself a basketball fan, but I’m stumped on this…
"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
I cheated
Brandon Jennings is number one on the list
by bhsportsguy on Jan 18, 2011 10:04 AM PST up reply actions
Shockingly
Kobe is NOT on the list
Nor is Moses or KG
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
Kobe was a stretch, but I’m surprised the other two weren’t on there. Back to the drawing board.
Iverson?
by Eric Stephen on Jan 18, 2011 9:50 AM PST up reply actions
Iverson Yes
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
by meercatjohn on Jan 18, 2011 10:10 AM PST up reply actions
Shawn Kemp?
I heard he scored a lot. On and off the court.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
Screw him, he never gave my Mom child support
"They will never ketchup to all of the energy that I've mustard"
Turned 21 in Feb 1984.
First NBA season 1984-85
by Eric Stephen on Jan 18, 2011 9:58 AM PST up reply actions
Hmmm, thought he was younger – only played 2 years at NC, ¿verdad?
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
The
only thing I remember about Jordan was his freshman year. Something about making a big shot.
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
by meercatjohn on Jan 18, 2011 10:47 AM PST up reply actions
3 seasons
hit the game-winner in 1982, was on Olympic team in 1984
by Eric Stephen on Jan 18, 2011 10:03 AM PST up reply actions
Looking back at meercat's original criteria
Can you guess the other seven players who have scored more then 47 age 21 or younger?
It appears 21is OK, 22 is not OK.
"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
I finally gave up and checked Basketball-Reference
Three of those names genuinely surprised me…the other four, not so much. I’ll wait til after meercat responds before giving my two cents. Oh, and Durant is one of the seven…
"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
I didn't count
Durant because he scored 47 and was listed below Blake Griffin, my bad
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
by meercatjohn on Jan 18, 2011 10:12 AM PST up reply actions
http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/tiny.cgi?id=xlr4L
Surprised no one guessed McGrady, and Jennings explosion was just last year.
WTF on two of those guys.
Shaq
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
by meercatjohn on Jan 18, 2011 10:15 AM PST up reply actions
Seriously
Charlie Villanueva? Jamal Mashburn? Antoine Walker? WTF????
Although Mash could ball…just couldn’t ever shake the injury bug.
"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
I was bummed
Blake was not higher on the list but I do think he is the highest power forward on the list. As good as that game was yesterday I think that was only his 2nd best game.
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
by meercatjohn on Jan 18, 2011 10:24 AM PST up reply actions
Shaq almost too obvious a guess.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Jan 18, 2011 10:18 AM PST up reply actions
he's been crappy
for a while now, so we forget when he was the Young Big Diesel
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
by meercatjohn on Jan 18, 2011 10:25 AM PST up reply actions
congrats
and good luck
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Jan 18, 2011 10:00 AM PST up reply actions
So
you will be free for lunch at 1 P.M. at The Habit after all!
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Jan 18, 2011 10:01 AM PST up reply actions
yes
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Jan 18, 2011 10:02 AM PST up reply actions
I think at least you, me and Humma are.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Jan 18, 2011 10:28 AM PST up reply actions
If I was within an hour, I would be there.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 18, 2011 10:29 AM PST up reply actions
Humma is going to drink you guys under the table!
"They will never ketchup to all of the energy that I've mustard"
Oh hell.
Have been in emergency mode the last two days at work, might not be able to get out by then.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jan 18, 2011 10:04 AM PST up reply actions
You gotta eat.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Jan 18, 2011 10:14 AM PST up reply actions
Yeah just things are piled up right now and they really need to get done ASAP. Was working on this till 3 last night.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jan 18, 2011 10:30 AM PST up reply actions
Congratulations
just don’t burn the bridge
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
by meercatjohn on Jan 18, 2011 10:16 AM PST up reply actions
gscott1?
I must not fear .Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain
G.Scott is linked to my facebook
which I deactivated last night. De-dramatizing my life.
Dodgers arbitration players
With no news yet on Dodger arbitration players does this mean that there is more or less of a chance that they sign Bills to a multi-year deal? Saw the comment from Ng last night.
Just going by past history
I’d say theres virtually zero chance Bills is locked up for longer than two years, at most.
Is he a FA after ’12?
Now with 33% more Kavula
by Humma Kavula on Jan 18, 2011 10:15 AM PST up reply actions
I'd say there is
zero chance that any of them gets more than a one-year deal.
by bhsportsguy on Jan 18, 2011 10:15 AM PST up reply actions
I'd lean that direction too
But given the couple 2-year deals signed last season, I figured there is some (very slim) chance of a two-year.
Prince got $15.5m for his final arb year, per Heyman.
That puts his 3 arb years at $33.5m, compared to the $38m for Votto.
Who has the better career of the two?
"They will never ketchup to all of the energy that I've mustard"
Going forward, more likely Votto, the thinner guy with the MVP in tow.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 18, 2011 10:12 AM PST up reply actions
Outside of Ryan Howard
I can’t think of any player who is making that much money during his arbitration years, (okay, with the extra year, Tim Lincecum will do that).
by bhsportsguy on Jan 18, 2011 10:17 AM PST up reply actions
I understand the concept of
“small market” teams but the deals that the Rockies and Reds made this year, especially concerning arbitration years was quite strange.
by bhsportsguy on Jan 18, 2011 10:13 AM PST up reply actions
On the other hand,
That figure just makes Pujols and his reps get ready to laugh all the way to the bank.
by bhsportsguy on Jan 18, 2011 10:14 AM PST up reply actions
More or less strange
than the Fathers trading their best player and then handing out mega dollars to O-Dog, Bell, and Ludwick?
"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
I'm trying to guess who the Dodgers feel
comfortable trading at the deadline for a left fielder that can help, and coming up empty. Guys like Withrow and Martin needs to rebound, and the team needs guys like Robinson, Sands, and Ruby to actually play for the Dodgers to help keep payroll as low as possible so Colletti can spend on free agents.
Not happening
Ned does not trade those guys.
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
by meercatjohn on Jan 18, 2011 10:18 AM PST up reply actions
I was trying to get silverwidow to lash out at me.
by Michael White on Jan 18, 2011 10:19 AM PST up reply actions
Easier
to say how badly the Jets will win Sunday, just to get a rise out of Greg.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 18, 2011 10:20 AM PST up reply actions
I was deleted for baiting yesterday
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
by meercatjohn on Jan 18, 2011 10:23 AM PST up reply actions
“But O-Dog is an elite defensive second basemen and a great clubhouse guy! Bell is a total icewater-in-his-veins closer! Ludwick is a professional hitter that has totally learned from Pujols!”
/ESPN
I hope that Billingsley goes on a rant like this after the 2011 WS
“ESPECIALLY YOU MOLLY KNIGHT!” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJshw2Axsqc SFW
If the Dodgers won a the 2011
and Chad Billingsley was the MVP, no one would be happier than Molly Knight, I could bet a year’s salary on that.
by bhsportsguy on Jan 18, 2011 10:20 AM PST up reply actions
I bet I'd be happier
Chad’s mother would probably be pretty damn happy herself.
by Michael White on Jan 18, 2011 10:23 AM PST up reply actions
Same here.
I have never doubted Chad nor said anything of that nature about him, ever.
by silverwidow on Jan 18, 2011 10:24 AM PST up reply actions
This is awesome
The last time the Indians went to an arbitration hearing was in 1991, with Greg Swindell and Jerry Browne.
“And then he became the governor of California. And now you know… the rest of the story.”
Now with 33% more Kavula
by Humma Kavula on Jan 18, 2011 10:21 AM PST up reply actions
cool
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Jan 18, 2011 10:26 AM PST up reply actions
Eric Stephen – the Nostradamus of Negotiations.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Jan 18, 2011 10:27 AM PST up reply actions
*nods head in approval
"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
Oh fuck
the z is broken
I must not fear .Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain
I get to the bottom
and it won’t go back up shit shit shit
I must not fear .Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain
Are you sure you aren’t just listening to Helter Skelter?
by Eric Stephen on Jan 18, 2011 10:30 AM PST up reply actions 2 recs
You may be a lover but you ain’t no DANCER!
by silverwidow on Jan 18, 2011 10:30 AM PST up reply actions
I'm scrambling my brain
to come up with a snarky comment, but I’m coming up with “zilch.”
"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
Yikes
Dodger Blue calls you
"Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat. "
by meercatjohn on Jan 18, 2011 10:34 AM PST up reply actions
SB Nation is aware of the mysterious disappearing comments. They are working on it, we have been told.
Funny how the commenting problems started
just after the little exchange about one of DT’s issues after it left Toaster was the commenting software.
by bhsportsguy on Jan 18, 2011 10:57 AM PST up reply actions
Great pick up!
I wish the Dodgers had a lineup comparable to TBLA’s line up of contributors. This is an amazing site and community.
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