Atlanta Braves Farewell Tour for Larry Wayne Jones
by Phil Gurnee on Apr 18, 2011 12:59 PM PDT
in Team Previews
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PrintChipper Jones is healthy for now, so Dodger fans get to see the future HOF at least one more time. One of the greatest switch hitters of all time, Chipper has been a class act since being the number one overall pick in 1990. One of the few times the number one overall pick has proved to be worth it.
Manager: Fredi Gonzalez (7-9)
Scored 53 runs, Allowed 51 runs. Pythagorean W-L: 8-8
Both teams are 7 - 9 and both will probably leave the Ravine 9 - 11. The Braves are pitching just fine, but just like the Dodgers, other then the key stars like Chipper, Heyward, and McCann the rest of the offense is struggling. The Braves pitching staff has only given up 48 earned runs to the Dodgers 74.
Key Additions: Dan Uggla, Freddie Freeman, Brandon Beachy, George Sherrill, Scott Linebrink
Key Subtractions: Troy Glaus, Omar Infante, Matt Diaz, Derrek Lee, Billy Wagner
Position Breakdown
1st Base- Troy Glaus and D Lee are gone so the Braves are rolling the dice, and giving the gig to twenty one year old Freddie Freeman. So far Freeman is struggling with a .680 OPS, expectations are around a .780 OPS in his first year. The baseballhq scouting report on the rookie:
Strengths: Strength. Bat speed/power/BA ability. Plate discipline. Arm strength.
Weaknesses: Contact ability. Speed/agility.
Comments: Strong-framed hitter with natural strength, bat speed, and uppercut swing that generates line-drive power. Improved plate discipline and shortened stroke keep BA strong. Lacks speed/agility, but defense remains solid with soft hands and arm strength. Monster 2nd half at Triple-A (.375/.432/.595) and September debut puts him on the doorstep of a FT job in 2011.
2011 MLB Role: Potential Starting 1B and 2011 ROY Candidate.
2nd Base- Martin Prado has been bounced to the outfield in an effort to make a valuable player as least valuable as possible. In his place is the slugging Dan Uggla who was acquired for Omar Infante. Uggla has hit 30 home runs or more four times in a row in a tough pitching park. Moving to Atlanta he should have no problem making it five. Eighteen NL 2nd baseman have hit 30 home runs in a year and four of those years belong to Uggla. No one in the history of baseball has done it four times as a second baseman.
SS - Braves dumped the immensely talented Yunel Escobar for Alex Gonzalez last year and it seemed to pay off in 2010. In 2011 Escobar is living up to his potential in Toronto while Alex Gonzalez is doing what he does best. Hit some home runs, play defense, and doing his best to keep his career OBP below .300.
3rd Base - Future HOF, Chipper Jones is coming off two sub par seasons for him but so far in 2011 he's showing the skills of possibly the greatest NL switch hitter in history.
Player OPS+ PA From To G HR RBI BA OBP SLG OPS Pos
Lance Berkman 146 6765 1999 2011 1605 332 1103 .297 .409 .551 .960 3798/D
Reggie Smith 145 3786 1974 1982 973 165 556 .294 .379 .510 .889 *93/85
Chipper Jones 142 9713 1993 2011 2276 438 1503 .306 .405 .536 .941 *57/6D9
Tim Raines 130 6370 1979 2002 1550 97 563 .300 .390 .435 .825 *78/4D9
Carlos Beltran 126 3670 2004 2011 845 159 552 .276 .365 .504 .870 *8/9D
Ripper Collins 126 4205 1931 1941 1084 135 659 .296 .360 .492 .852 *3/97
Bobby Bonilla 125 7029 1986 2001 1818 247 985 .276 .356 .471 .827 *597/3D81
Ted Simmons 125 6917 1968 1988 1791 182 995 .294 .363 .453 .815 *23/759
Augie Galan 122 6967 1934 1949 1730 100 830 .287 .390 .420 .810 *78/35496
Eddie Murray 120 3267 1989 1997 787 108 475 .277 .348 .442 .790 *3/5
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Play Index Tool Used
Generated 4/17/2011. p>
C - Brian McCann has been one of the offensive catchers in baseball ever since he showed up in 2006.
Rk Player OPS+ G From To Age PA BA OBP SLG OPS Tm
1 Joe Mauer 141 679 2006 2011 23-28 2940 .333 .414 .488 .902 MIN
2 Jorge Posada 128 581 2006 2011 34-39 2264 .286 .379 .498 .877 NYY
3 Brian McCann 124 709 2006 2011 22-27 2788 .291 .361 .495 .856 ATL
4 Victor Martinez 121 670 2006 2011 27-32 2865 .301 .369 .471 .840 CLE-TOT-BOS-DET
5 Mike Napoli 120 512 2006 2011 24-29 1827 .252 .347 .489 .837 LAA-TEX
6 Russell Martin 102 679 2006 2011 23-28 2757 .272 .364 .399 .762 LAD-NYY
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Play Index Tool Used
Generated 4/17/2011.
CF - Nate McLouth was terrible last year and is just as bad this year. I thought he would bounce back but he's giving Uribe and Loney a run for the title of worst hitter of April 2011 with a .550 OPS. A bit of hyperbole on my part, no one is close to being as bad as James Loney. As you can see we have two worst hitters in the league, but the Braves have the 11th/12th worst hitters in the league, and both teams expected significant contributions from the quartet. Using 50 plate appearances as the cut off.
Player OPS+ OPS PA Lg AB BA OBP SLG Pos
James Loney 7 .391 63 NL 60 .150 .175 .217 *3
Juan Uribe 21 .440 57 NL 52 .154 .228 .212 *5/46
Will Venable 24 .437 51 NL 44 .159 .255 .182 *9
Pedro Alvarez 32 .486 62 NL 57 .193 .258 .228 *5
Kelly Johnson 32 .501 64 NL 57 .158 .238 .263 *4
Ryan Ludwick 34 .471 57 NL 48 .125 .263 .208 *7
Yuniesky Betancourt 41 .521 52 NL 48 .208 .250 .271 *6
Carlos Gomez 42 .525 56 NL 51 .196 .250 .275 *8
Angel Pagan 44 .526 71 NL 59 .169 .271 .254 *8
Omar Infante 46 .554 65 NL 59 .220 .266 .288 *4
Nate McLouth 50 .550 59 NL 52 .212 .281 .269 *8
Dan Uggla 51 .574 64 NL 62 .177 .203 .371 *4
Bill Hall 53 .565 56 NL 54 .204 .232 .333 *4
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Play Index Tool Used
Generated 4/18/2011.
RF - Twenty one year old Jason Heyward is not surprisingly leading the Braves in OPS at .917. At twenty he had the best season of the decade, and 7th best since integration based on OPS+. You don't have to look to closely at the list below to realize you are looking at HOF talent other then Vada Pinson.
Player OPS+ PA Year Age BA OBP SLG OPS Pos
Al Kaline 162 681 1955 20 .340 .421 .546 .967 *9
Mickey Mantle 161 626 1952 20 .311 .394 .530 .924 *89/5
Alex Rodriguez 160 677 1996 20 .358 .414 .631 1.045 *6
Frank Robinson 142 668 1956 20 .290 .379 .558 .936 *78
Ken Griffey 135 666 1990 20 .300 .366 .481 .847 *8/D
Tony Conigliaro 133 586 1965 20 .269 .338 .512 .850 *9/8
Jason Heyward 131 623 2010 20 .277 .393 .456 .849 *9
Vada Pinson 128 706 1959 20 .316 .371 .509 .880 *8
Orlando Cepeda 125 644 1958 20 .312 .342 .512 .854 *3
Willie Mays 120 524 1951 20 .274 .356 .472 .828 *8
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Play Index Tool Used
Generated 4/18/2011.
LF - Martin Prado can play everywhere and do everything, but maybe LF is not the best place for a 2nd/3rd baseman. He's struggling so far but with a career TSL of .304/.351/.451, he should get going.
Bench - David Ross continues to back up McCann, Erik Hinske continues to provide pop against RHP, playoff goat Brooks Conrad fills in around the infield. Matt Young plays some outfield like Xavier Paul plays some outfield.
Starting Pitching for our Series:
Game 1 - Tim Hudson continues to provide solid work, his tERA of 2.63 leads the rotation and is good for 9th in the NL.
Game 2 - Brandon Beachy is the rookie who beat out the more heralded Mike Minor. Beachy is the weak spot in the rotation with a 5.13 tERA and here is the scouting report from baseballhq. Beachy just like the Royals Tim Collins was a non drafted free agent, and yet still made it to the major leagues in less then two years.
Strengths: 90-94 MPH fastball. 81-84 MPH Change-up. Slider. Curveball.
Weaknesses: Extreme Flyball Pitcher.
Comments: Strong, durable hurler from Indiana Wesleyan reached the majors in less than two years despite being a NDFA. Features a solid 90-94 MPH, change-up, slider, and a decent curve. Gets good movement on his FB and slider and can locate all four pitchers. Gave up just 28 walks, a 1.73 ERA, and a .211 BAA in 119.1 minor league innings, yet still didn't get much fanfare. Like Chris Medlen was primarily a reliever until 2010, but the conversion was a huge success and he could land a starting role in Atlanta in 2011.
Game 3 -Derek Lowe was one of the Dodgers best FA signings of all time. He's not a bust with the Braves but he certainly is not earning his 15,000,000 per year four year deal. He delivers his innings, and does solid work but he's average and the Braves were not paying for average.
Game 4- Jair Jurrjens came off the DL in time to pitch last Saturday, and threw a two hitter over seven innings against a weak Met lineup. Jurrjens was a bright young pitcher in 2008/2009 but struggled in 2010 and was only able to throw 116 innings.
Bullpen - Even with Billy Wagner gone the Braves have a dynamic back end with Venters and Kimbrel. When not facing your team they are fun to watch as the youngsters dominate like Kuo/Broxton did in their heyday. Kimbrel is as nasty as it gets these days, with his 15 K/9 dominance combined with a puny 1.50 BB/9 rate The whole bullpen loves the strike out as Linebrink and Moylan both have a K/9 rate of 12. Luckily Peter Moylan went on the DL last week, so he's out of the picture. The left handers are Venters who will pitch the 8th with a lead and old friend George Sherrill. We can count on George to walk Loney at some point this series.
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Dice K with a sweet seven inning one hitter. Maybe his best game in years.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Wow
been a while since Ive heard him be anything near effective
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
I never knew
Chipper was a Larry. Weird
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
Seriously?
They chant his name at eery stadium
Do the chair know we gonna look like some punk-ass bitches out there?
I guess I dont pay attention to the Braves
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
LARRRYYYY LAAAARRRRYY. He no likey.
Welcome to Thameswood / You'll be the first to go, unless you think
I think either Mets or Phils fans started that.
Welcome to Thameswood / You'll be the first to go, unless you think
I was thinking the daryl, darrrrrryl chants of the Straw years
by Hollywood Joe on Apr 18, 2011 1:27 PM PDT up reply actions
Things I know about Chipper Jones
1. HOF but when elected, people will go really.
2. Had affair with Hooters waitress, fathered son.
HOF but when elected, people will go really.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Have no idea what you are saying other then he is a HOF
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Putting aside PEDs, of all the sure fire no doubt HOFers, I would guess Chipper Jones has among the smallest level of support.
That there are tons of people who think “really, he was a Hall of Famer?”
Like my brothers for instance.
by Eric Stephen on Apr 18, 2011 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions
funny, without looking up a single stat he is a no-brainer for me
by Hollywood Joe on Apr 18, 2011 1:25 PM PDT up reply actions
Shocking
Assuming he doesn’t collapse this year Chipper Jones will dethrone Jeff Bagwell as the best Hall of Fame eligible player not in the Hall.
At least until Barry gets 7% of the vote.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Apr 18, 2011 1:25 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh, wasn’t aware that anyone did not consider Larry to be a sure fire HOF.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Think Griffy Junior will beat him to it
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Closely followed by ARod, then eventually Mauer, then it won’t be something to talk about.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
ARod won't go in
for quite a while. Unless the media’s rage against roiders heavily chills out before he becomes eligible then he’ll have to wait in line with the likes of Bonds, Sosa and McGwire.
Nah, the difference with guys like Arod is that they have still produced after the testing. He gets in with no problem. JMO
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
i'm with you
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Apr 18, 2011 2:22 PM PDT up reply actions
I don’t think A-Rod will get voted in by the writers.
by Eric Stephen on Apr 18, 2011 2:41 PM PDT up reply actions
but what about 25 years from now when it’s a new guard at the top?
by Josie Becker on Apr 18, 2011 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions
up to 15 years, provided you get the required 5% to stay on.
I think A-Rod is a different animal than Bonds, in that with Bonds the argument will be “if he retired in 1999, before PEDs, he was a shoo-in HOFer anyway” and even then I don’t think Barry gets voted in.
A-Rod’s PEDs were in the middle of his career, not as clear a line of demarcation. Plus people seem to find ways to shit on him whenever possible.
by Eric Stephen on Apr 18, 2011 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions
what about a movie about
A stat nerd blogging basement dweeling dweeb who goes on a rampage of terrorist style killings of sportswriters in the attempt to turn over the headcount of the BWAA and get the right people into the HOF
by Hollywood Joe on Apr 18, 2011 2:51 PM PDT up reply actions
Or. . . every time a sportswriter votes against Barry they have a mysterious accident (caused by our dweeb). An FBI agent who is down on his luck/ being repremanded/is a rookie is assigned to the case and has to unravel the mystery before Barry receives the required votes to be elected. It is a race against time!
0oo0oo0000oo0o00ooo0oo0o0ooo0o0o0. . .. . . . . .
by Ghost_of_K3vo on Apr 18, 2011 2:56 PM PDT up reply actions
"Why do we want me?"
“Because….you’re the best there is!”
by Eric Stephen on Apr 18, 2011 2:59 PM PDT up reply actions
You're right.
It needs more transformers. Someone call Michael Bay
0oo0oo0000oo0o00ooo0oo0o0ooo0o0o0. . .. . . . . .
by Ghost_of_K3vo on Apr 18, 2011 3:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Reminds me of Dale Murphy. I guess just too vanilla.
Baseball is a game, and games are supposed to be fun.
Yeah, the knock against him is that he “only” has four really great years and a bunch of good ones.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Apr 18, 2011 1:32 PM PDT up reply actions
maybe Bagwell, but I think he got lumped in with the PED crowd.
It’s probably impossible to separate PEDs from the baseball aspect though
by Eric Stephen on Apr 18, 2011 1:25 PM PDT up reply actions
I think Dick Allen is the most qualified player not in the HOF
The only knock on Dick Allen outside of his personality was that he had only 7300 PA but the man had 156 OPS+ (which puts him a select group of 5 post-integration players with at least 7000 PA and 150 or better OPS+, Bonds, McGwire, Frank Thomas and Manny Ramirez)
assuming Frank Thomas makes it in I’d probably agree
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I don't think theres been enough rumblings about Thomas being a roider
for him to not make it, but it wouldn’t surprise me if there were enough people who look at his name on the ballot, go, “Yea, but, maybe…” to keep him out for a few years.
Me, I really don’t think Thomas was a roider. Dude was a Tight End before he focused on baseball, he wasn’t just overly muscled, he was just huge.
wasn't he
pretty outspoken about steroids himself?
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Apr 18, 2011 2:20 PM PDT up reply actions
Protests a wee bit too much? Roider.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Apr 18, 2011 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions
someone check his little pandas
only real way to test
by Hollywood Joe on Apr 18, 2011 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions
fuck yeah!
0oo0oo0000oo0o00ooo0oo0o0ooo0o0o0. . .. . . . . .
by Ghost_of_K3vo on Apr 18, 2011 2:32 PM PDT up reply actions
ah yes
the old “He who smelt it, dealt it” logic. :)
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Apr 18, 2011 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions
Eery Stadium, that’s next to creepy lake and scary park right?
by Josie Becker on Apr 18, 2011 1:14 PM PDT up reply actions
small correction Phil
It’s Jason Heyward, not Justin. Otherwise, good stuff.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Apr 18, 2011 1:13 PM PDT reply actions
Braves have an odd lineup to fully figure out but overall they are clearly the better team than ours right now
and even though it’s at home I’ll happily take a split at this point.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
is O'Flaherty still in their pen?
I love hearing Vin say his name.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Apr 18, 2011 1:15 PM PDT reply actions
G.Scott
There was no audible reaction in the press box that I can remember on the diving stop by Descalso yesterday, but I remember thinking that it was an incredible play.
Man that really bummed me out. That was IDJ right? I really want him to succeed.
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
wait
I thought IDJ hit that line drive that Descalso dove to stop?
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
i think he meant
the line drive IDJ hit that was caught on a dive by Descalso
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Apr 18, 2011 1:22 PM PDT up reply actions
Nope, they are talking about the play the Cardinal 2nd baseman made to rob IDJ of his 2nd hit.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Yes
really was a great play. Miles’ grab was not so incredible because he only had to slide due to his nack for running full speed in the same spot for to long.
No Rafael Furcals were hurt in the making of this video.
But when full speed toward right you always have to worry about the right fielder, it was a still a great play and saved the game for Kemp to be a hero.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
He was in the press box
so the only reaction was people changing their game stories and running out to get downstairs
Yunel Escobar the guy the Braves traded for Alex Gonzalez has an OPS of .977
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Hey they also got Tim Collins!
…Who they turned into Rowdy Kyle Farnsworth.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Apr 18, 2011 1:21 PM PDT up reply actions
did Bobby Cox hate him or something?
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Apr 18, 2011 1:22 PM PDT up reply actions
head case, clubhouse cancer
supposedly
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
If Yunel Escobar was a clubhouse cancer, than Alex Gonzalez is just that mole on the side of your armpit.
by Tripon on Apr 18, 2011 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
At this point last year BH was reminding everyone that 20 year old Rookie Phenoms rarely do good work. He was historically correct just not this time.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I’m sure Vin will re-tell the story of him hitting homeruns in the first at bat of his two ML seasons.
I’m not picking on Vin either, I just think it’s cool that with all the HOF careers he’s seen, he can still get excited about a great young player.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Apr 18, 2011 1:27 PM PDT up reply actions
good think you clarified
I’m not picking on Vin either
It was about to be all kinds of Rodney King in here
by Hollywood Joe on Apr 18, 2011 1:28 PM PDT up reply actions
that's why I clarify Joe
that is why…..
(looks at scars of battles past)
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Apr 18, 2011 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions
right
didn’t he K him 4 times in one game? With Brox adding 5th?
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Apr 18, 2011 1:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Larry Jones HOF
Offensively Larry is about the 3rd best 3rd baseman in history
Player OPS+ From To HR BA OBP SLG OPS Pos
Mike Schmidt 147 1972 1989 548 .267 .380 .527 .908 *53/64
Eddie Mathews 143 1952 1968 512 .271 .376 .509 .885 *53/7
Chipper Jones 142 1993 2011 438 .306 .405 .536 .941 *57/6D9
Al Rosen 136 1947 1956 192 .285 .384 .495 .879 *5/3647
David Wright 135 2004 2011 171 .304 .382 .514 .897 *5/D
George Brett 135 1973 1993 317 .305 .369 .487 .857 *5D3/796
Home Run Baker 135 1908 1922 96 .307 .363 .442 .805 *5
Wade Boggs 130 1982 1999 118 .328 .415 .443 .858 *5D/317
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Play Index Tool Used
Generated 4/18/2011.
I really don’t get any one who does not think he’s not a HOF shoo in.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
438 is kinda low for a HoF. He’ll get in because he’s a strong talent and people like him, and the sabre crowd will be thrilled to elect him, but all the counting stats guys may not. The fact that he is a switch hitter gives him a boost.
No Rafael Furcals were hurt in the making of this video.
Positional context is important, it obviously is not low for a 3rd baseman since quite a few 3rd baseman are in the HOF well below him.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Which boggles my mind since we all also say things like “you need power from your corner infielders”. Just because 3B is on a corner like 1B doesn’t mean it’s not a defense-first position. How can we elect low HR total 3B and then demand high HR totals from our 3B every year?
No Rafael Furcals were hurt in the making of this video.
feel like getting a thumper for a 3rd baseman isnt as prevalent as it used to be.. wonder why that is.. hmmmmmm
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Apr 18, 2011 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions
it’s every position. The fact is there are only a handful of guys capable of hitting 40 homers, only a handful more capable of hitting 30, and they all cost a bundle because of the scarcity.
No Rafael Furcals were hurt in the making of this video.
Hitting home runs is one thing, being an extremely valuable offensive player is another. Chipper Jones did both, many do not.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I’m pretty certain I’ve been agreeing with you this whole time. He’s a hall of fame offensive player but people will look at his home run total and wonder why he didn’t get more. Sure, he was hurt, but if talent and ability are looked at without the context of injuries, then Bo Jackson should probably get elected too.*
*Making a point, don’t jump on me.
No Rafael Furcals were hurt in the making of this video.
This ain’t Dodger talk, and 3rd baseman are not 1st baseman.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
it’s a widespread thought that you need power from your 1B, 3B, LF, RF but I find that people think that without a) thinking of power in terms of anything but home runs, and b) knowing exactly how few players there are in the league capable of doing what they expect. It’s like saying you need a “true ace” when by the definition most give for a “True Ace” there is only one Roy Halladay.
No Rafael Furcals were hurt in the making of this video.
Third basemen had more home runs per at bat than left fielders last year.
Largely because a bunch of guys you think kinda suck like Kevin Kouzmanoff and Jhonny Peralta hit 15 a year.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Apr 18, 2011 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions
Well what did Casey Bke have? 17? If someone thinks getting 17 from your 3B isn’t power production they’re wrong. Outside of Jose Bautista and Beltre going nuts, and the usual superstars, 15-20 is the norm.
No Rafael Furcals were hurt in the making of this video.
Yeah, Blake was right in the middle of third basemen in home runs.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Apr 18, 2011 2:02 PM PDT up reply actions
I agree with that
Even with the PED stuff, Chipper Jones ranks among the best players of his era, only 6 players from 1993 with over 8500 PA have an OPS+ of 140 or more. Jones is sixth on that list with 142 but he is the only one that did it playing entirely in the NL (the other 5, Manny, Thome, A-Rod, Sheff and Vlad).
yes but
remember that time he wore the comically huge helmet
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Apr 18, 2011 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions
“I’m going to go hit now, dum-dums.”
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Apr 18, 2011 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions
Derp derp
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
any reference that isn't a Great Kazoo reference
is a weak reference
by Hollywood Joe on Apr 18, 2011 2:30 PM PDT up reply actions
“Hi! I’m David Wright!” works as a caption for every David Wright picture.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Apr 18, 2011 2:32 PM PDT up reply actions
No, He played during the dead ball area and had a 2 HR game. He also had a few years where he lead the league in home runs.
from Wiki
Baker, who led the American League in home runs in 1911, earned the nickname “Home Run” during the 1911 World Series in which he hit a go-ahead home run off Rube Marquard in Game 2, and a ninth-inning game-tying home run off Christy Mathewson in Game 3. His home run crown would be the first of four consecutive seasons leading the American League in home runs. He hit 11 home runs in 1911, 10 home runs in 1912, 12 home runs in 1913, and nine home runs in 1914. In two of those seasons he also led the American League in runs batted in.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Apr 18, 2011 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions
and then that Ruth kid came round……
:)
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Apr 18, 2011 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions
and outlawing the spitball, and smaller ballparks, and replacing the ball whenever it got dirty.
0oo0oo0000oo0o00ooo0oo0o0ooo0o0o0. . .. . . . . .
by Ghost_of_K3vo on Apr 18, 2011 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions
replacing the ball whenever it got dirty.
Luckily they played day baseball, can you imagine dirty balls at night?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
We play with 6 balls on Sunday. By end of the game you are swinging and some pretty dirty baseballs
by Hollywood Joe on Apr 18, 2011 1:55 PM PDT up reply actions
Bunts foul still counted as strikes
0oo0oo0000oo0o00ooo0oo0o0ooo0o0o0. . .. . . . . .
by Ghost_of_K3vo on Apr 18, 2011 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions
of course, because you could just sit there and foul off 50 pitches and kill the Pitching in one inning
Would be horribly boring and brilliantly effective until the pitcher hit you in the face with a fastball, and then no more bunting
by Hollywood Joe on Apr 18, 2011 2:25 PM PDT up reply actions
The one time I would approve of that.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Apr 18, 2011 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions
fuck a pitch count
We are in this to the death.
Welcome to Thameswood / You'll be the first to go, unless you think
In 1912
Baker was third in WAR at 10 behind Cobb and Speaker and ahead of Joe Jackson and Eddie Collins, in 1913 he was second behind Eddie Collins and ahead of Joe Jackson, Speaker and Cobb, finally in 1914, he was third again behind Eddie Collins and Speaker, ahead of Sam Crawford and Ty Cobb.
Since 1901, Baker is 76th in career WAR.
Should have named him WAR Baker.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Apr 18, 2011 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions
In a related story, do you have to watch SportsNation for class?
by Eric Stephen on Apr 18, 2011 1:42 PM PDT up reply actions
On in the common area while I am eating lunch in between class. They said something like “Franklin should go into witness protection the next time the Dodgers are in town” and then recited his OPS and Avg.
0oo0oo0000oo0o00ooo0oo0o0ooo0o0o0. . .. . . . . .
by Ghost_of_K3vo on Apr 18, 2011 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions
Was at Friday's game with a Cardinals fan friend
she said they have what’s called the “Franklin Zone” (up by 4+ runs) because it’s either a lead big enough that he’s unnlikely to blow it, or a lead large enough that Tony might not bring him in to blow it.
No Rafael Furcals were hurt in the making of this video.
by G.Scott on Apr 18, 2011 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Extreme Prediction Edition
James Loney will win Dodger Player of the Week
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Especially after getting mad at the 3pm article.
by Eric Stephen on Apr 18, 2011 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Heyman chimes in, but with nothing really new.
Dodgers owner Frank McCourt is trying to come up with what sources say is $200-million-plus to pay off ex-wife Jamie in his divorce case while still holding onto the team, and it appears to be an uphill battle at this point. The Los Angeles Times reported that McCourt, who was said by a source to be frantically looking for funds in the final days before the players’ April 15 payday, received a personal loan of $30 million from his TV partner, Fox, to meet that obligation. But he’s going to need MLB’s help eventually. Between his lack of money and lack of popularity, he would need to be Houdini to keep the team now.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Apr 18, 2011 2:00 PM PDT reply actions
yay?
Welcome to Thameswood / You'll be the first to go, unless you think
by NotJoeTorre on Apr 18, 2011 2:03 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I have to say that
I do think MLB is a hypocrite and to use their distaste of McCourt to basically force a sale instead of enforcing its own asset to debt ratio limits.
does everything hinge
on whether or not Selig approves the Fox deal?
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Apr 18, 2011 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions
Really have to wonder how they could fund the Mets and not Frank?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Hard to compare...apples and oranges so far
What we know is that MLB loaned the Mets something like $25-30m, a short term deal like McCourt just got from Fox. We don’t know if McCourt also asked MLB for such a loan.
What we know is that MLB denied the $200 million loan to McCourt from Fox. But that was tied to a potential below-market TV deal which would have devalued the franchise.
by Eric Stephen on Apr 18, 2011 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Thank God
they blocked that Fox deal
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
Sooo....
David Geffen, you’ve always wanted to own a baseball team, right?
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 recall being happy when the O'Malleys sold the team to someone who could afford it
And the LA Kings happen to have the richest pair of owners in the city (combined fortunes over 5 billion).
I will pat myself happily on the ass by saying I thought the sale from the O’Malleys was the beginning of the end of everything I loved
I was half wrong about that
I still love the baseball
by Hollywood Joe on Apr 18, 2011 2:45 PM PDT up reply actions
But...but... the music options would improve at Dodger Stadium!
Maybe!
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
This morning I realized the Mets’ full name could be written New York Metropolitan B.C. Just like Liverpool F.C. or Manchester United F.C. I’ve been waiting for an excuse to write this. This post was a flimsy excuse but it’ll do
by Josie Becker on Apr 18, 2011 2:36 PM PDT up reply actions
you live in a spaceship honey
0oo0oo0000oo0o00ooo0oo0o0ooo0o0o0. . .. . . . . .
by Ghost_of_K3vo on Apr 18, 2011 2:51 PM PDT up reply actions
Yes, she had congress with the beast
0oo0oo0000oo0o00ooo0oo0o0ooo0o0o0. . .. . . . . .
by Ghost_of_K3vo on Apr 18, 2011 2:57 PM PDT up reply actions
How did your brain even learn human speech?
I’m just so curious!
0oo0oo0000oo0o00ooo0oo0o0ooo0o0o0. . .. . . . . .
by Ghost_of_K3vo on Apr 18, 2011 2:59 PM PDT up reply actions
asset to debt ratio limits
How exactly did they determine that for Frank?
Welcome to Thameswood / You'll be the first to go, unless you think
and it looks like the fans are not interested in helping him by staying home. NotJoeTorre has been telling us season ticket sales were down, I went over to my old area and not one season ticket holder remained and they had not been replaced with different season ticket holders but with walk up sales. I was sitting in Loge 157 Row N Saturday Night, and the rows in front of me were not season ticket holders but Group Sales. In years past those would have been Season Ticket holders. Other season tickets holders I know gave up their whole season packages and purchased smaller packages.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I mentioned yesterday
that for the first time I can recall, there were concession stands closed in the Infield Reserve Section that previously I had never seen closed before.. I am talking the ones between the bases behind home plate.
as I posted on DT this AM
I heartily encourage all fan boycotts and wish them great success!
I hope that very few fans show up and really show McCourt that we are not going to take it anymore…that way when I am at the park I can spread out, be free from vulgarity and beach balls, have short lines at clean restrooms and even shorter lines at clean food stations
Personally, I am going to go to as many games as dollars and time allow. I love watching baseball more than I hate any man, even Frank McCourt. if the Fox ownership didn’t keep me away, then nothing is going to keep me out of the park.
Heck, if even fewer fans show up, the secondary ticket market will crash, prices on stubhub will plummet, and HJ will be moving into the high class seats
by Hollywood Joe on Apr 18, 2011 2:30 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
"I heartily encourage all fan boycotts and wish them great success!"
I want that more than anything but it really does suck at the same time.
Welcome to Thameswood / You'll be the first to go, unless you think
Personally, I am going to go to as many games as dollars and time allow
I wish you all the luck and success. I will enjoy the games more by the absence you create!
by Hollywood Joe on Apr 18, 2011 2:35 PM PDT up reply actions
Did you just quote yourself?
0oo0oo0000oo0o00ooo0oo0o0ooo0o0o0. . .. . . . . .
by Ghost_of_K3vo on Apr 18, 2011 2:36 PM PDT up reply actions
you better quote yourself before you goat yourself
by Josie Becker on Apr 18, 2011 2:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Just wanted to make clear than I wasn’t really supporting a boycott as much as benefitting from the sacrifices of others
Back in the day, I am sure I might have bought me some grapes when better people than me refused to eat them
by Hollywood Joe on Apr 18, 2011 2:38 PM PDT up reply actions
I have no problem with this, but around last year I realized that if I’m going to hate everything McCourt does, it’s hypocritical of me to keep giving him money.
I can’t hold out for the whole year, but I do my best to only go when I get hooked up with tickets and try not to actually buy anything.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Apr 18, 2011 2:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Voting with your dollar is a very strong shaper of the marketplace, it works! Capitalism is built on it. I support the notion, but in this case, in this emotional monopoly, my principles align with my pleasure
by Hollywood Joe on Apr 18, 2011 2:42 PM PDT up reply actions
There were probably as many people in Brooklyn
who did not like (probably worse than that) Walter O’Malley. Certainly over his time, George Steinbrenner had his many critics too.
So, I guess, I just don’t rise to that level of dislike.
Hah
I am inclined to agree. I rarely get to see the Dodgers play so when I do manage to get down south I will go to every game that time will allow. Frank McCourt is a douche no doubt, but I still love this team. Warts and all
"Champions last year," he said. "Not this year." - Rubby De La Rosa after shaming the Giants in ST
I don't get it
Why doesn’t Frank call Lenny?
by RoyaleWithCheeze on Apr 18, 2011 3:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Red’s pitcher Mike Leake arrested for trying to steal six crappy T-shirts (retail value $59.98) from Macy’s.
@andrewngrant
i read that too
what the hell dude?
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Apr 18, 2011 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions
Shoots to the front of the “dumbest player in baseball” list.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Apr 18, 2011 2:10 PM PDT up reply actions
AHAHA
100 cool points and a rec for you sir!
0oo0oo0000oo0o00ooo0oo0o0ooo0o0o0. . .. . . . . .
by Ghost_of_K3vo on Apr 18, 2011 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions
I love the strong wildcat presence in this blog. Bear Down fellow Cats! Fuck Tempe Normal
0oo0oo0000oo0o00ooo0oo0o0ooo0o0o0. . .. . . . . .
by Ghost_of_K3vo on Apr 18, 2011 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Hi
I have 3 million dollars in the bank, where can I steal some fly tees?
Welcome to Thameswood / You'll be the first to go, unless you think
His strange way of getting to meet Lohan?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I bet they were Affliction shirts
by Tim Crews' Dastardly Mustache on Apr 18, 2011 2:32 PM PDT up reply actions
You’d be lucky if you could get one Affliction shirt for 60 bucks.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Apr 18, 2011 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions
I haven't been thin since I was a teenager and don't do the fashion scene
what makes a Affliction so special?
Welcome to Thameswood / You'll be the first to go, unless you think
well you get to go to the doctor, and complain about it a lot. Something to talk abot
by Josie Becker on Apr 18, 2011 2:40 PM PDT up reply actions
can also become a go-to excuse for any performance failings in your life!
by Hollywood Joe on Apr 18, 2011 2:41 PM PDT up reply actions
It is made with special materials
specifically designed to melt female undergarments upon coming into close proximity of them.
0oo0oo0000oo0o00ooo0oo0o0ooo0o0o0. . .. . . . . .
by Ghost_of_K3vo on Apr 18, 2011 2:44 PM PDT up reply actions
Dudes who beat people up for a living wear them so obviously if you wear the same shirt you could also beat people up for a living.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Apr 18, 2011 2:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Also flaming skulls and sequined bible verses ain’t cheap bro.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Apr 18, 2011 2:42 PM PDT up reply actions
YOU CAN MAKE MONEY OFF THE BIBLE?!
when did this happen?
Welcome to Thameswood / You'll be the first to go, unless you think
When you started paring it with flaming skulls.
The company’s official line is the shirts aren’t mass produced and are slave labor free.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Apr 18, 2011 2:46 PM PDT up reply actions
I like my shirts to incorporate the sweat of 11 year old seemstresses thank you
by Hollywood Joe on Apr 18, 2011 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions
putting Google's
“Don’t be evil” to shame.
Welcome to Thameswood / You'll be the first to go, unless you think
1454
Sincerely,
Johann Gutenberg
by Tim Crews' Dastardly Mustache on Apr 18, 2011 2:46 PM PDT up reply actions
It’s Ed Hardy for meat heads
by Tim Crews' Dastardly Mustache on Apr 18, 2011 2:42 PM PDT up reply actions
this is a mobius strip of a comment
by Hollywood Joe on Apr 18, 2011 2:44 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
my knowledge of retail says
two 3-packs of fruit of the loom sound likely
by Hollywood Joe on Apr 18, 2011 2:36 PM PDT up reply actions
Poor Leake. If only Macy’s ever had a sale.
by Tim Crews' Dastardly Mustache on Apr 18, 2011 2:43 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Hey Mike and Phil (or other Clips fans)
Rick Adelman has been fired by the Rockets. Sign him up for the Clips, or no?
If Vinny has more than a one-year deal
I would say no only because the Clippers dislike paying for multiple coaches (though they have in the past).
As far as basketball goes, I’ll leave it for Phil and Mike.
Batman caugh up to him in 2004 on the set of Liar Liar.
No Rafael Furcals were hurt in the making of this video.
The Goddamn Batman
0oo0oo0000oo0o00ooo0oo0o0ooo0o0o0. . .. . . . . .
by Ghost_of_K3vo on Apr 18, 2011 2:58 PM PDT up reply actions
Went on to lead the band The Mysterians.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Apr 18, 2011 2:58 PM PDT up reply actions
Matthew Lesko!
No idea.
But I always thought it would have been great when Ryan Klesko was with the Padres for him to do a segment on the video board a few times per homestand called “Ask Klesko” with similar fanfare and apparel.
by Eric Stephen on Apr 18, 2011 2:58 PM PDT up reply actions
That is a great question!! Only 19.99 USD for the answer
Welcome to Thameswood / You'll be the first to go, unless you think
by NotJoeTorre on Apr 18, 2011 2:59 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
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