Battle to stay out of last place: Houston Astro Preview
by Phil Gurnee on Jun 16, 2011 11:00 AM PDT
in Team Previews
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Manager: Brad Mills (25-44)
Current: The Astro's are bad but they do have some bright spots. They are getting decent work from LF, above average work out of CF and 1st base, with great work coming from RF. We will be seeing two of their best pitchers, and these would be good pitchers on any team.
Outlook: Dead Last
Disabled List: Brandon Lyon , Humberto Quintero , Jason Castro, Alberto Arias
Old Friends: Not a one
Positions:
1st Base: Brett Wallace is still performing at a 141 OPS+. He may have an inflated BABIP of .400 but with a walk rate of 11% even when that hit rate normalizes he's still going to get on base enough to be functional. The one time top prospect of the Blue Jays has emerged as a solid offensive 1st baseman in his first full year.
2nd Base: Bill Hall is gone, as the Astro's jettisoned him as quickly as a team could when you consider they just signed him this offseason to a 3.25 Million dollar deal. In his place is the sabre friendly Jeff Keppinger. Shockingly I said this back on May 23rd
If Houston is smart as soon as Jeff Keppinger comes off the DL they hand him the job and don't look back
and damn if they just didn't do exactly that.
Shortstop: Angel Sanchez and Clint Barmes handle SS, neither can hit very much so they are just following in a long line of Astro shortstops who could not hit.
Rk Player OPS+ G From To Age PA BA OBP SLG OPS 1 Denis Menke 109 634 1968 1974 27-33 2524 .266 .355 .373 .728 2 Dickie Thon 106 566 1981 1987 23-29 2013 .270 .329 .395 .725 3 Miguel Tejada 101 316 2008 2009 34-35 1339 .298 .327 .435 .762 4 Orlando Miller 93 247 1994 1996 25-27 895 .262 .307 .406 .713 5 Andujar Cedeno 92 395 1990 1996 20-26 1458 .250 .309 .389 .698 6 Julio Lugo 81 366 2000 2003 24-27 1483 .268 .332 .391 .723 7 Ricky Gutierrez 81 469 1995 1999 25-29 1617 .266 .337 .340 .677 8 Rafael Ramirez 80 612 1988 1992 30-34 2086 .257 .290 .335 .625 9 Sonny Jackson 80 299 1963 1967 18-22 1288 .264 .313 .307 .620 10 Craig Reynolds 79 1170 1979 1989 26-36 3721 .252 .286 .345 .631 11 Eddie Kasko 72 201 1964 1965 32-33 727 .244 .300 .290 .589 12 Adam Everett 69 649 2001 2007 24-30 2374 .248 .299 .357 .656 13 Roger Metzger 67 1021 1971 1978 23-30 4100 .229 .291 .291 .582 14 Tim Bogar 60 392 1997 2000 30-33 1149 .219 .297 .327 .624 15 Bob Lillis 56 613 1962 1967 32-37 2043 .232 .267 .272 .539
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Play Index Tool Used
Generated 5/22/2011.
3rd Base: Chris Johnson handles most of the work. He had a dreadful May but is bouncing back in June. When it is not Chris Johnson it is Matt Downs. In limited plate appearances (86), Downs is leading the team in OPS+ (164).
Catcher: Humberto Quintero is on the DL so the full time job now belongs to J.R. Towles. Carlos Corporan is his backup. Towles is a terrible offensive catcher.
Right Fielder: Hunter Pence is no superstar but ever since 2007 he's been a very solid offensive hitter, and 2011 is no exception. Pence is doing his best to become the Astro all - star representative. He had a recent 23 game hitting streak snapped this week. During the streak he had a TSL of .406 /.436 /.625 /1.061. Overall only Lance Berkman is having a better offensive season in right field.
Center Fielder: Michael Bourn gets on base just enough (.351 OB%) to use his superior speed to wreck havoc on the base paths. Bourn has stolen 29 bases while only being caught three times, he's the new Carlos Beltran of the basespaths. He might steal five bases off of Lilly if he can get on base.
Left Fielder: Carlos Lee (El Caballo) was once a feared offensive hitter, now he's just one of the many players in baseball who have bloated contracts with little production to match. At $19,000,000 in 2011, if he's not the worst deal in baseball it is only because baseball is littered with GMs who did not grasp the significance of aging baseball players in the post PED era. That said he's still outhitting our left fielders.
Starting Pitching:
| Game | Pitcher | Triple Stat Line ERA/FIP/xFIP |
| Game One | Brett Myers |
5.03 / 5.25 / 4.15 |
| Game Two | Wandy Rodriguez | 3.13/ 3.93 / 3.60 |
| Game Three | Bud Norris | 3.48 / 3.58 / 3.37 |
Brett Myers has been tough at the Ravine with a career OPS against of only .634 in six starts. That is his 2nd best mark for any park he has made more then two starts.
Wandy Rodriguez has only made one start since May 22nd and it was a gem, throwing six two hit shutout inning on June 13th. He's a tough left hander, expect the Dodgers to have trouble.
Bud Norris has seen his K/9 rate drop from a high of 10.29 in April to 7.29 in June but has seen his ERA drop from 3.86 to 2.57 due to a .222 BABIP in June.
Bullpen:
Setup: Fernando Rodrigez has been doing the bulk of the work in June with 10 innings. He is sporting a 16 K/9 rate so far this month. Jeff Fulchino, Enerio Del Rosario, and Wilton Lopez do the right hand work for the Astros. Sergio Escalona is the main left hander.
Closer: With Brandon Lyon on the DL, Mark Melencon is the new closer and so far he's been up to the task converting six saves so far.
Matchup Notes:I'd expect Wandy to dazzle the Dodgers to death with his left handedness unless they foolishly decide to give Matt Kemp some strikes. The Dodgers need to sweep this series, but how can this team sweep anyone? If Andre goes not come out of his shell this team will have a hard time scoring runs. So far in June, Andre has an OPS of .686 including four games in Coors against mostly RHP. Matt Kemp has done his share of carrying this team, it is time for Andre to step up and help shoulder the load.
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TIME TO KICK SOME ASTRO ASS
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
it appeals to me as someone curious as to how they would adapt the book
and to those who know nothing of the source and couldn’t care less. Well played Moneyball.
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
The slow motion walk goes way too close to parody.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions
They had to do something to make it interesting
but yeah thats the thing that sticks out the most
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
They could of had a man hit a dinger. The A’s were pretty good at that.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 11:30 AM PDT up reply actions
So you want them to completely ignore/gloss over walks and OBP?
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
Of course not, but they didn’t have to put a walk in the trailer.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions
They could’ve had dudes in the bathroom stall shooting roids too. The A’s were really good at that.
by EMDarrow on Jun 16, 2011 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
I’m going to go ahead and state that the movie may have embellished Beane’s attitudes toward scouts. And nice casting, finding 90-year olds for those parts.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions
a) You mean “Peter Brand?”
b) I was being sarcastic
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions
He isn't playing Paul Depodesta
just stop thinking of that character as Depo. You had to know with Sorkin that this kind of treatment of the facts was coming.
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
Why do you (continue) to think this is unique to Aaron Sorkin?
All movies that are based on actual events bend, twist, fold, spin, spindle, and sometimes mutilate the facts in order to make a movie that people will actually want to watch. If you want history with unaltered facts, go watch a documentary, the fiction/facts ratio will be much lower, but non-zero.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
exactly
my guess is also the peter brand character will prolly have some elements of other people that the movie didnt want to have to introduce and explain. i forgot the word for this.
and. maybe depo didnt want his name used as he is still working in the MLB. and his name isnt Billy Beane.
DePo for sure didn’t want to be represented by anyone. I think this movie needs more Russell Brand
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
this article implies differently
Believing the script’s image of him was inaccurate and unable to convince the filmmakers to alter the depiction, DePodesta requested his name be removed from the character. "There were a handful of things," he said. "Some were factual, others were more ephemeral.
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
Exactly, what living person wants to see someone protraying him and having actions/words come from him that he never did or said.
Unless he’s being played by Brad Pitt and and not Jonah blowfish
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Did I say it was unique to him?
No, no I did not. I did however say that based on his previous offerings you could expect him to be willing to mutilate the facts as you put it.
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
What NoLander said.
I don’t think anywhere in his comment did he say Aaron Sorkin was unique to this treatment of history.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I will say though
that if you are going to fictionalize it so much then it shouldn’t be “based on” it should be “inspired by” and you shouldn’t bother using real names. Just because everyone does it doesn’t make it right, and its particularly more of an issue to me when the events are fairly recent. I’m sure it will still be a good movie and might even do a good job of communicating the overall message of the book though.
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
I don’t see a big semantic difference in “based on” or “inspired by”. You two do. I read both as “fictionalized from some actual events”.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
No,
but he has harped on it before, but only – as I recall anyway – with regard to Aaron Sorkin movies.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
the line
about the player with an ugly girlfriend having no confidence was a nice one, didn’t read the book and I don’t know if some scouts actually think that way, but that’s pretty illustrative of traditional “gut” thinking.
Overqualified in an underqualified world since 2008.
it reminds me of when NCAA Football by EA Sports introduced Campus Legend mode, and part of it was you’d get a hotter girlfriend as you moved up the depth chart.
by Josie Becker on Jun 16, 2011 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions
I presented information, you implied my stance on it : )
by Josie Becker on Jun 16, 2011 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions
i forgot my :)
I figured EA Sports made their video games out of soy-based products.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
I need to watch it again. I thought the dude in the meeting with Hatteberg was Louis Gossett Jr.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions
Dumb and Dumber
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
Thanks. I love the quote, both as it relates to baseball and really anything worth doing. I repeat it to my top students all the time.
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
Skip: You guys. You lollygag the ball around the infield. You lollygag your way down to first. You lollygag in and out of the dugout. You know what that makes you? Larry!
Larry: Lollygaggers!
Skip: Lollygaggers.
I would love to see Phillip Seymour Hoffman do this scene
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
Sometimes, the Universe listens
Joe Torre recovering from rotator cuff surgery.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
Well, technically Proctor is having someone else lift the glass close enough to his mouth so he can grasp the straw
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 11:30 AM PDT up reply actions 10 recs
I signed on just to rec that.
Let the Bison roam.
by Little Blue Bicycle on Jun 16, 2011 12:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Can only point at Ramon Troncoso so often.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions
Al Leiter on the MLBN Yankee telecast mentioned that he saw Joe Torre at the park in a sling recovering from rotator cuff surgery.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
in print!
http://www.guelphmercury.com/print/article/547236
Torre, who works out of MLB’s New York office, had hoped to be able to pop by Yankee Stadium this week if Jeter was a hit or two away from 3,000. But Torre had rotator-cuff surgery last week and spent the week recuperating at his Los Angeles home.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
Checking in with Larry Ward (announcer)
Withrow hit 97 mph and was hit hard early because he was mainly throwing his four-seamer. But he cooled off throwing way more off-speed pitches and was more effective. Left the game at 78 pitches.
by Julio Nievas on Jun 16, 2011 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions
cool
shit there isn’t even going to be room in the bullpen for all the overflow from our rotation. Where gonna have to trade for some big bats.
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
Any team with a good player a couple years from free agency and a dream.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 11:40 AM PDT up reply actions
If Withrow could get us a big bat...
…Ned better be on the phone right now.
by eitherethier on Jun 16, 2011 11:47 AM PDT up reply actions
it doens't have to be like, this year
but sometime next year we could have a surplus of mlb “ready” arms in withrow eovaldi webster vying for 1 spot in the rotation, not to mention arms like ethan martin elbert lindblom guerra that are going to be in the bullpen.
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
Trivia that absolutely no one should know the answer to:
Who has the highest K/BB in the NL that’s not on the Phillies.
@andrewngrant
Lilly 7th, Kershaw 11th
Halladay/Hamels/Lee are 1-2-3
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions
I know it's stupid
but I’ve never thought of Hamels as an “ace”: I was always under the impression that true elite pitchers have a wide variety of pitches that they can throw for strikes at any time, and since Cole is essentially just FB/CU, I never lumped him together with Hallady, Lee or others like them. And yet, he consistently performs well…shows you what I know. :-)
"Scissors cuts paper, paper covers rock, rock crushes lizard, lizard poisons Spock, Spock smashes scissors, scissors decapitates lizard, lizard eats paper, paper disproves Spock, Spock vaporizes rock, and as it always has, rock crushes scissors." -- Dr. Sheldon Cooper
Halladay and Lee
never led them to a title, Hamels did
Overqualified in an underqualified world since 2008.
Yep. We like to lump him in with Bills, but at least over the last two years he’s way closer to Kershaw.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 12:25 PM PDT up reply actions
Good guess, but no. The answer is way more out there than that.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Since No One Is Gonna Get This
It’s Jeff Karstens. If you want to know how the Pirates are .500, it’s because of guys like Jeff Karstens.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 12:18 PM PDT up reply actions
I was gonna guess Bartolo "Clown" Colon
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
NL. No clue what the AL list looks like.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions
I need to read the conditions of these things much closer
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
Colon beating Karstens, but Price and Haren are way ahead of everyone.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 12:20 PM PDT up reply actions
He's like one of the Darryl brothers from "Newhart"
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
last place
what are the odds we get a top 10 pick this next year? top 5? lookin pretty good to me so far.. then again if we stick to slot at one of those spots maybe it doesnt matter.. either way it looks like our pick will be protected no matter what..
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Jun 16, 2011 12:20 PM PDT reply actions
as pessimistic as I am
even I’m not thinking about 2012 draft stuff…but yeah if we have an owner that actually has liquidity we won’t have to worry about signability as much.
Overqualified in an underqualified world since 2008.
I'm still in shock (and disgusted)
that they made a Molten Hot Wings flavor for Ruffles.
"Scissors cuts paper, paper covers rock, rock crushes lizard, lizard poisons Spock, Spock smashes scissors, scissors decapitates lizard, lizard eats paper, paper disproves Spock, Spock vaporizes rock, and as it always has, rock crushes scissors." -- Dr. Sheldon Cooper
Kettle Brand potato chips are great right?
Do not do their tortilla chips. awful
Still on Frank's team! For Life! June 22 2011 is going to be our day!
They are not my favorite.
Sun Chips are good tho.
by silverwidow on Jun 16, 2011 12:33 PM PDT up reply actions
nom nom nom
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
Arian Foster
Foster told us, "No man on Earth can outwork me. My goal is to never have an ‘MA’ (missed assignment) when I am at practice. I feel like I haven’t reached my peak as an athlete yet. I don’t want to duplicate last year. I want it to be better. And it will be. I want to be in the playoffs and get a ring. It isn’t about fantasy football or stats. I think I’m one of the best pass blockers in the league. I take pride in that. It’s not about my numbers. It’s about our mentality of finishing in Houston."
That's the kind of running back (and man)
I want on my football team.
"Scissors cuts paper, paper covers rock, rock crushes lizard, lizard poisons Spock, Spock smashes scissors, scissors decapitates lizard, lizard eats paper, paper disproves Spock, Spock vaporizes rock, and as it always has, rock crushes scissors." -- Dr. Sheldon Cooper
That’s the kind of RB I want on my fantasy team. :)
by silverwidow on Jun 16, 2011 12:42 PM PDT up reply actions
Practice had just ended last week. The Tennessee starting tailback, a senior on the verge of becoming UT’s all-time leading rusher, was requested for media interviews.
He had a demand: whoever interviewed him had to speak Pterodactyl, some made-up dinosaur language. No interview was conducted.
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
vreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
can he play left field
the lockout is still on, and we could use a ring…
by eitherethier on Jun 16, 2011 12:44 PM PDT up reply actions
He’s as likely to get a NLF Superbowl ring playing for the Dodgers as he is the Texans.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
We got Wade Phillips now
its a whole new world in front of us.
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
the texans
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
by nolander on Jun 16, 2011 12:59 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I dont know if I want a player talking about it, but actually doing it. Words are cheap. Does Kobe ever talk about how hard he works? Didnt think so.
by uschris0304 on Jun 16, 2011 12:51 PM PDT up reply actions
Well, Kobe is a household name. Foster is just getting started.
by silverwidow on Jun 16, 2011 12:53 PM PDT up reply actions
he did do it
He was the best back in the nfl last year
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
by nolander on Jun 16, 2011 1:01 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Are you kidding?
Of course Kobe does. Sometimes even without words. Remember the loss in Miami? Ooh, cameras and national media members are still there after the game? Time to go shoot.
Not that Kobe doesn’t work hard. He does. But he’s not a monk about it.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 1:01 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I was just about to bring up the same thing.
by Michael White on Jun 16, 2011 1:02 PM PDT up reply actions
My point was I dont think I have ever read Kobe himself talking about how hard he works, ever. Not when he 1st started in the league, not now. The fans and media talk about it. Whether he stages it for the media or whatever is to be debated and just an opinion really because you could never prove such a thing. All I am saying is this guy Foster is talking about how hard he works. Kobe never talked about it, he just did it. Unless I am wrong and didnt read him say it.
and personally for me, as a fan, I rather hear about how hard someone works from the media, or other players. Not from the player himself. Thats just me though, and just my opinion.
Actually now that ive had time to think about it, maybe he has talked about how many jumpers he shoots a day, like 1000 or something. Could be, so I may be wrong on this. Anyways, not a big deal. I’m sure Foster does work hard, just not sure why he needs to talk about it. How does he know he is the hardest working man on earth, thats a pretty bold statement haha
Things I see wrong with that Foster quote
1. It was not said in pterodactyl
2. A sentence began with a conjunction
End of list
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
Maybe he’s multilingual and speaks fluent English and Pterodactyl. He chose not to respond in Pteroverse so his interviewer wouldn’t feel embarrassed.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
I didn’t say it was Foster’s fault. I blame the journalist.
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
I’m not saying it was his fault either. I applaud Foster for his consideration of the interviewers feelings.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
yeah I dont have a problem with what Foster said. its not a big deal, just convo. Maybe he does work really hard I dont know. But all my point was him saying it doesnt mean shit to me just like any other athlete. When I read the media or other legit players talking about it, thats when its real. If I read that far.
Kobe
has talked about it for as long as he has been playing in the NBA. Now the ways to put it out there are different now. There was nothing like Twitter or Facebook back then. And really there is nothing wrong with this guy (whomever he is) from doing what he did.
No one doubts your fandom for Kobe and certainly his work ethic goes without saying (I seem to recall Rick Reilly spending a day with Kobe which started with an early morning workout before shoot around, etc.)
If I’m Kobe, and I’m spending the day with an ESPN personality, I’m going to a) be on my best behavior, and b) do whatever I can to tweak my national reputation however I want. I don’t know that early morning workouts aren’t his norm (I seem to recall him not practicing at all because of his knees) but if I’m hosting Rick Reilly for the day I’m going to practice for 14 hours that day then get him drunk that night.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
Also, refrain from engaging in non-consensual sex for that day.
by Michael White on Jun 16, 2011 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions
haha why you gotta go there?? You know dam well that chick wanted it. Dont nobody say no to Kobe haha
Yeah this is really scummy.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 1:19 PM PDT up reply actions
I didnt mean it that she wanted to be raped by the way, I dont think she was raped at all is what I meant. Sorry
Seriously, stop backpedaling it’s just gonna make it worse.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions
“Bitch was probably lying” is pretty abhorrent too. Seriously, shut up about this.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions
Ha I remember that story. I think it ended with him flying his helicopter home.
by Julio Nievas on Jun 16, 2011 1:17 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
For instance
“At the end of the day, you still have a job to do,” says Bryant. "All I ever wanted was to win. We went three years here when that wasn’t going on and no moves whatsoever were being made. That’s where my frustration came from.
“When our young players heard what was going on in the summertime [including the now infamous parking-lot video in which Bryant trashed young center Andrew Bynum], they took it as a personal challenge. They saw how hard I work, how much I want to win, and gradually the focus shifted. It got away from us maybe being a playoff team to, We gotta aim for a championship.”
I’ve seen a number of similar quotes from him. I’m not sure how you never have, if you read a lot about basketball.
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
NORCAL - GAME!
Just wanted to see if anyone up in the bay area still wants to catch one of the Dodger games in July.
"They say The Jet's lost a step or two... but I wouldn't be surprised to see some fireworks here."
Having lived in Sonoma and going to a Dodgers game at AT&T Park in FULL dodgers garb, it’s like Dodgers Stadium: root for your team, don’t be a dick and they’ll leave you alone. Get drunk, talk shit about the home team, scream at other fans, and you’ll get fucked with. Wear your shirt, tell him to wear his, take BART (screw paying $35 to park by the stadium) and enjoy the game.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
Thanks!
That’s what we’re planning to do :) We are both planning to be respectful but I demand to have the right to wear my shirt, ya know? :)
Definitely
I wore the blue/white Dodgers hair, foam finger, and dodgers shirt and sat around some pretty rowdy Giants fans who cheered when the Giants did well (they cheered once) and laughed with me as we watched Greg Maddux steal second base.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
i wore Dodger gear
to a Giants game when the Dodgers weren’t even playing. Just don’t sit in the bleachers.
"They say The Jet's lost a step or two... but I wouldn't be surprised to see some fireworks here."
Hell I showed up in full dodger garb to a game at att park where the giants where hosting the cubs
and no one cared.
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
I'm mostly just dreading hearing an uptick in cocky smacktalk
but I can take it.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Make a t-shirt ahead of time listing the names, dates and lengths of the DL stints this season so whenever someone starts jawing you just point to your shirt.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
“Oh yeah, we’d be winning if we had Vicente Padilla”
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions
If you’re going to overexaggerate, you might as well use Vector. No doubt Padilla would have helped out our bullpen woes.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
Of course, but it’s hard to whine about injuries when they lost Buster Posey.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions
I was told by Giants fan teammate that it’s even because they lost Posey and Panda.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
It’s not even, but Posey + Panda is pretty big, especially when Carroll has been better than Uribe could ever hope to be.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions
and sandavol
and de rosa, and zito(lol!)
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
glib observation
When you are trying to get from Oakland to San Francisco and end up in Fresno, something went wrong
by Josie Becker on Jun 16, 2011 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions
you can’t even call it the scenic route. It’s friggin Fresno
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
it’s like trying to go from Long Beach to Los Angeles and ending up in Rancho Cucamonga : )
by Josie Becker on Jun 16, 2011 2:04 PM PDT up reply actions
they've definitely had their share of injuries at this point
but Dodgers were devastated by them this year and from the very start of the season. Most Giants fans couldn’t name more than one Dodger on the DL though of course.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
(and yes, Posey was a pretty devastating injury all by itself, no doubt)
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
If your plan relied on Jon Garland being healthy…
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions
I wouldn't rank that at the top of the "devastating" list ;-)
though he’s a pretty solid #5 guy…
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 thought that was a selling point for him?
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 16, 2011 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Hah hah yeah.
Though I guess they could have their own shirt with names (far fewer than Dodgers, still.)
I will mostly have the “yes, I agree, my team sucks right now (but will be better soon so don’t get too cocky)” attitude.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Also
I expect a lot more police and security presence there now. At least in July it could be a little warmer but it is San Francisco.
Great!
Any ideas on how to best coordinate this adventure? I’ll post another one of these during a game… when more people are on. but just re-floating the idea out there
"They say The Jet's lost a step or two... but I wouldn't be surprised to see some fireworks here."
I'm going to one of those games with my 72 year old dad already ;-)
have to doublecheck which one. We got really good seats but I will let you know which day and where I’m sitting, in case y’all want to sit nearby.
Not sure whether I want to go to a 2nd game in the series, could be fun but saving money right now while I’m job hunting. But let me know when you decide (and I’ll confirm which day I’m already going.)
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
you should just go to game 2. :P
"They say The Jet's lost a step or two... but I wouldn't be surprised to see some fireworks here."
That may be the one I'm going to! :-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.
i meant
you should just go to 2 games. :P
"They say The Jet's lost a step or two... but I wouldn't be surprised to see some fireworks here."
Well I just may! See if I care! ;)
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Yep
Film web sites and editing/copy editing are alas not in the stable field category these days. :-/
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
who wants to join me
and hit up all three of these places this summer?
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/consumer&id=8193785
Nice
page not found.
Next we will wonder why those of us who have met you before have never met your wife and yet someone who just starts commenting is meeting her today?
ha
http://t.co/bD3MkiW heres a better link
hahaha yeah i found that funny too. well if anyone ELSE is planning a wedding and needs a photographer, she’ll be happy to meet with you ;D and i swear im gonna get her out to a TBLA event soon, whens the next one? :D
They’re trucks. Let’s make them come to us.
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
well one is a truck
the others are mobile too thou. i’m all for a TBLA/LA TACO FOOD FEST. LA Taco does post here….
my g/f rarely comes to sporting events
whether baseball games or my own soccer games, so i understand, but at least enough friends know she exists now that shes not like “my girlfriend in Canada” ;-)
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 moneyball trailer looks greAT
I cant wait to drag my fiance to it, who though that Juan Pierre was “a pretty good player”
The Fangraphs piece that Jon Weisman linked to re Billingsley
had one thing of note for me, Billingsley not using his curve ball. Funny, I know just last week, Mattingly was saying how the fact that batters appear to lay off and umpires not calling consistently for strikes could cause it to be used less, it does appear that at times when Chad does go through rough periods, it is non-usage of his curve ball that seems to be present.
they meant specifically Kershaw’s curveball, not all curveballs.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
I think its both
Kershaw has had trouble throwing his for strikes, and league wide umps simply don’t call curveballs for strikes.
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
they’ve never called big loopy curveballs for strikes. Bills’ used to be big and loopy but has been tighter in the last two years and has been an effective strikeout/groundball pitch for him. If he’s going to abandon it, he needs to have something besides a changeup to replace it with.
Why does this sound a lot like James Loney changing his swing for no good reason.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
sounds to me
like he’s just falling in love with his change-up more than abandoning his curve.
He did the same thing with his cutter, which got him into a lot of trouble.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 16, 2011 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Billingsley fell in love with a cutter and had to abandon it because teams were hitting it too much. Might be time to bring it back.
I don’t think he has the mental willpower to use his best pitches.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
by G.Scott on Jun 16, 2011 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
he didn't fully abandon it
he just realized he needed to mix it up more. Sounds like he got into a bad habit again.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Jun 16, 2011 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions
he’s like a drunk driver. He swerves too far to the left, feels the bumps then swerves too far to the right and feels the bumps again instead of just staying in the middle with what works.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
Like me when I go bowling!
Strike! Gutter Ball. Strike! Gutter Ball. Strike! Gutter ball.
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
“There are rich teams, there are poor teams, then there’s 50 feet crap. And then there’s us.” – Billy Beane
Where do the 2011 Dodgers fall? :)
Another reason
why Jeffrey Loria is an asshole. But nooooo, we can’t have someone like Mark Cuban make this den of thieves look bad!
Overqualified in an underqualified world since 2008.
its not even graded. who would pay that much for it like that?
Still on Frank's team! For Life! June 22 2011 is going to be our day!
I don't know... Who the heck would pay that much money for that card?
Baseball cards aren’t as valuable these days, and as good as Strasburg may still end up being, he’s recovering from TJ surgery and barely had any time in the majors. It may end up being very valuable at some point but yeesh, good luck.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
rich people are trying to figure out
why we keep applying logic to their actions
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
This is why I hate baseball cards sometimes.
The gold crap on the left ruins the card, and I don’t need “1st card” up in the corner. Give me a regular card, and if you want to put something else on the card besides player name, team name/logo, and company, the only things acceptable are:
1) a trophy (Topps) or “rated rookie” (Donruss)
2) “__.L. All-Star” on the top or bottom
/old man rant
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions
how do you feel about this one?
Still on Frank's team! For Life! June 22 2011 is going to be our day!
More malignant than the virus that killed Deuce.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 2:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Like this one
complete with Popeye forearms.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 2:12 PM PDT up reply actions
3) Star Rookie (Upper Deck)
Those 89 cards were beautiful.
Score did a thing too, but it was stupid, because Score was stupid. They only gave us one good thing. Who remembers what it was?
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
Once things get that high isn’t it mostly joke bids?
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 2:05 PM PDT up reply actions
but what if you win? walking out on a half a mil bid probably gets you sued by ebay, no?
by Josie Becker on Jun 16, 2011 2:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Good look suing My Butthole who lives at 123 Fake Street in My Ass, CA
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions
Ah, of the My Ass Buttholes.
magnae clunes mihi placent, nec possum de hac re mentiri.
quis enim, consortes mei, non fateatur
by Humma Kavula on Jun 16, 2011 2:10 PM PDT up reply actions
You’d think so, by My Ass happens to be a little brown spot on the map in the Central Valley.
magnae clunes mihi placent, nec possum de hac re mentiri.
quis enim, consortes mei, non fateatur
by Humma Kavula on Jun 16, 2011 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Harry Nilsson would have been 70 years old today.
magnae clunes mihi placent, nec possum de hac re mentiri.
quis enim, consortes mei, non fateatur
I don’t hear a word they’re sayin’.
magnae clunes mihi placent, nec possum de hac re mentiri.
quis enim, consortes mei, non fateatur
by Humma Kavula on Jun 16, 2011 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions
I’ll put the lime in the coconut. Then I’ll feel better.
magnae clunes mihi placent, nec possum de hac re mentiri.
quis enim, consortes mei, non fateatur
by Humma Kavula on Jun 16, 2011 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions
Guess we’ll continue the thread Without You.
magnae clunes mihi placent, nec possum de hac re mentiri.
quis enim, consortes mei, non fateatur
by Humma Kavula on Jun 16, 2011 2:16 PM PDT up reply actions
ah, I fucked that up.
magnae clunes mihi placent, nec possum de hac re mentiri.
quis enim, consortes mei, non fateatur
by Humma Kavula on Jun 16, 2011 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions
No one since that would be the best player in baseball by a lot.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 2:33 PM PDT up reply actions
Are you looking for an actual answer that you have in mind? Because Victor Martinez is the closest thing, but he’s not the same.
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
I don’t think Silverwidow should be allowed to ask anymore questions.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 2:48 PM PDT up reply actions
pick up that can
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
[sound of car rapidly speeding in opposite direction]
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 2:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Bryce Harper
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
/blows kiss to TBLA
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Padres to retire Hoffman’s number 51. Knew it would happen, but that’s pretty cool that they would do it so soon.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
I’m surprised they didn’t do it while he was still playing
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions
I was joking, but the only guy I can think of is Harold Baines.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 2:54 PM PDT up reply actions
oh I knew you were joking, but that’d be pretty awesome if it happened. Like, I think the Yankees should retire #2 this year or next.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
Mid game
after he gets his 3,000th hit.
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
I remembered that the Sox retired Baines’ number 3, but they did in 1989, the same year he was traded to Texas. Baines was in Chicago for 9.5 pretty good / not great years to that point. Meh.
One of the worst number retirements ever IMO.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 2:58 PM PDT up reply actions
Baines should have died, then we can talk
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 2:59 PM PDT up reply actions
Same type of story though
Both Baines and Gilliam were beloved by the men who owned the respective teams.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 3:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Garvey’s in San Diego is terrible, but at least he had one of the greatest single moments in their franchise history. Still, putrid.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 3:00 PM PDT up reply actions
Ha, get this: Worst retired numbers in sports
Seattle Supersonics #10- Nate McMillan
I know what you’re thinking. What the hell is the Supersonics? But hear me out. Back in the day there was this basketball franchise in Seattle that had a run of excellence throughout the 90s, featuring such stars as Gary Payton and Sean Kemp. But instead of retiring the number of either one of those players, they chose to raise to the rafters the jersey of McMillan, a gritty, unselfish player and good defender who nevertheless averaged less than six points a game and sat on the bench for the majority of his career. Some might argue that McMillan was the meat that held the Payton-Kemp sandwich together, but they would be wrong. You know what actually holds a sandwich together? Bread.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
Nothing all that impressive, I just found it funny
http://slumz.boxden.com/f16/nbas-worst-retired-numbers-1412069/
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
The absolute worst ever is Dan Marino’s 13 retired by the MIAMI HEAT
Still on Frank's team! For Life! June 22 2011 is going to be our day!
Didn’t the Heat also retire Jordan’s number?
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 3:04 PM PDT up reply actions
I dunno, the Clippers don’t have any retired numbers. Maybe they should consider Magic Johnson and Marcus Allen
by Josie Becker on Jun 16, 2011 3:08 PM PDT up reply actions
Baines' number retirement is OK though
because of this photo.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 3:02 PM PDT up reply actions
That might be Danny Darwin on the mound BTW. Per Wikipedia this photo was taken in 1986.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 3:04 PM PDT up reply actions
I think the White Sox should wear those uniforms all the time BTW
and the Blue Jays should always wear these:
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 3:19 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Eric, I love you, but you’re dead wrong
by Josie Becker on Jun 16, 2011 3:55 PM PDT up reply actions
Angels should also always wear their 80s throwbacks
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
Remember when the Dodgers and Yankees wore 1981 throwbacks last year in honor of the World Series?
by Josie Becker on Jun 16, 2011 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions
I always forget this, but when Baines went to Texas in mid-1989, the return for the White Sox was Wilson Alvarez, Scott Fletcher and Sammy Sosa.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 3:06 PM PDT up reply actions
I’m scared to think of how many homers Sammy would’ve hit for the Sox instead of the Cubs.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
He’d be a Hall of Famer if he did that.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 3:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Dude!
think of all the chicken nuggets you could have had!
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
She didn’t, but the Dalai Lama would.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 2:56 PM PDT up reply actions
No, but she did tell us how hot she was
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Did you make ask her who Mauer with power was?
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions
Music Rec
For Phil and others: `Steady as She Goes’, the first Hot Tuna album in 20 years, is flat out awesome.
by jim hitchcock (railway) on Jun 16, 2011 2:53 PM PDT reply actions
Only 20?
So since 1991? I would have guessed 35 years.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
For Phil and others
= For the old fuckers
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
I cruised thousands of miles listening to Burgers on 8-track. Wait, does that date me?
by jim hitchcock (railway) on Jun 16, 2011 5:06 PM PDT up reply actions
I was with David, I would have thought 30 years at least. Even I never had an 8-Track in the car. Just a portable one:)
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
When I installed a stereo myself in the ’66 Rambler, it was a Pioneer under-dash cassette! My buddy put an 8-track in his ’64 Falcon though, and we burned through a few early 70s classic rock 8-tracks in there, several of which had the annoying “song broken across two tracks” feature.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
Jorma Kaukonen’s guitar is both searing and raw!
by jim hitchcock (railway) on Jun 16, 2011 2:57 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Man, I wish there was one close by
The place in San Gabriel closed years ago; ate there a TON when I was in college.
Even if Ned can’t bring himself to sell, would it be that difficult to simply do nothing?
by Michael White on Jun 16, 2011 3:21 PM PDT up reply actions
I believe in 2007
they didn’t do much and Derek Lowe was pissed off about it. Though they were in the race at that time.
What were they supposed to do?
Martin
Loney/Garciapara
Kent
(who was at 3rd after Betemit was traded?)
Furcal
Gonzalez
Pierre
Ethier/Kemp
Lowe
Penney
Billingsley
Hendrickson
Tomko
Loaiza
Wells
etc
They acquired Wells and Loaiza within a week of each other in late August.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 3:32 PM PDT up reply actions
right, I guess I’m not sure what Ned should have done differently. I would have to review who was available at the 07 deadline. Also It seems like the Dodgers simply had too much to overcome that year, what with the Padres, Dbacks, and magic fueled Rockies all heavily competing for the playoffs. The team with lots of second year players and old vets just wasn’t going to make it, neither was the 08 team without Manny, or the 09 team….
I don’t think BH or anyone was saying he should have done anything differently, just pointing out the Dodgers weren’t necessarily buyers then.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 3:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Derek Lowe did
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
Actually
as I just looked back, I believe now it was because they were in strong contention and didn’t add something to show “confidence” to the team.
Whether or not the Dodgers should be selling in 2011 or not, it’s frustrating knowing your GM doesn’t seem to want to do it at all. It’s a necessary part of the game at times.
If there's one thing I've learned hanging around and playing with fans of every other team
it’s that not one person like their owner and front office all the time. You may think he’s a hack, fine, but remember there is context around everything they do that we simply don’t know about. Between dealing with the ownership situation, having top draft picks fail over and over again, etc etc, he’s done an admirable job.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
I’ve reviewed his tenure in full many times, he consistently overpays free agents, overvalues relievers with closing experience, poorly assembles benches, and in general does a poor job of maximizing financial resources. I’m not saying he is a terrible GM or stupid, just that he is below the major league average and that the Dodgers can do better.
Yes
we got Jason schmidt on a three year deal when Zito got 6, we got andruw Jones for two when he probably could have gotten more years at a lower annual value, I’ll grant you Juan Pierre but we needed a centerfielder and he went out and signed the best one available so I’m appreciative, he got manny to sign in February for the same deal he offered in November when the manw as asking for 6 years.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
he overpaid all those guys
because he shouldn’t have paid them a cent. He panicked and he lost, and the team is still paying for it, just like thinking Manny was going to be the same player after 2008. He doesn’t know when to walk away. This comes from not trusting players with lack of experience. Experience might be the most overrated thing in sports.
Overqualified in an underqualified world since 2008.
Manny was the same player after 2008, he was just hurt a lot
Personally, I’d be more upset if my GM said “You know, we need a CF, and that Andruw Jones guy is within our budget, but I think I’m going to play Nyjer Morgan instead because he’s cheaper”. I remember Otis Nixon and Tom Goodwin and Devon White and Rickey Fucking Henderson in centerfield. I was pumped when we signed Pierre, I was pumped again when we signed Andruw Jones, and I’m not going to let events after the signing change what they meant at the time.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
I was pumped when we signed Pierre
That’s on you.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 3:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Bringing back the corpse of Jose Cruz Jr. would have been a better idea.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 3:51 PM PDT up reply actions
really? he crushed 27 HR at Vero that year
Still on Frank's team! For Life! June 22 2011 is going to be our day!
actually, that was 05. He was on the Dodgers in 06 before they even signed pierre
Still on Frank's team! For Life! June 22 2011 is going to be our day!
I remembered the June thing, but other than that, pre-2008 Matt Kemp is white noise to me.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
If Andruw Jones could of gotten a better deal some where, he would of signed a better deal somewhere. Ned got hosed on that one, Jones was cooked the season before.
If you’re andruw jones and you think you can get 80/5 or take 36/2 and try to get more than 44/3 for the next three years, you take it.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
He’s still a productive player today, he just chose to get fat with the Dodgers.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 3:50 PM PDT up reply actions
there are a lot of people who thought the Andruw signing was a good gamble
no way to know he would be that bad.
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
I was on board with the Andruw signing. I liked that it was a short term deal.
I was also totally on board with 3/$47m for Schmidt, but of course none of us knew about the shoulder problems on the medical report. In retrospect, that they knew about Schmidt’s shoulder injury before OK’ing the deal, I think Schmidt is Colletti’s worst deal.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 3:53 PM PDT up reply actions
yeah
and my gut feeling (pun intended) on Druw was not good either, even tho it was only two years. Not as bad years-wise as Rowand, but he was clearly on the decline and Kemp was sitting there. I don’t even remember who else was available, but I didn’t like either of those guys. Schmidt and Pierre were disasters, though I’ll give Pierre credit for filling in for Manny when he got suspended.
Overqualified in an underqualified world since 2008.
you didnt like Tori Hunter? He got alot of cash though. I would have liked him. But was cool with AJ
Angels are already regretting that contract
and he has another 30+ mil to go I think
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
w/e is left this year and then 18 million more
according to cots
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
you need to become a stat geek
like most of the rest of us.
Some of those thoughts will have you going “what the hell was I thinking”…
Mine was at one time thinking Eric Karros was a good player.
Yours could be thinking Juan Pierre was good.
You know those old timey scouts in the Moneyball trailer? Yeah, that was essentially me. I know this game like the back of my hand, know more about this game than I ever thought I could or should, but if you asked me if I thought someone was good, I was definitely quoting batting average, runs, home runs and rbis. Mostly, the fantasy baseball stats.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
Manny was awesome in 2009 and the team won like 95 games.
by Michael White on Jun 16, 2011 3:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Gary Mathews got more then Juan Pierre that year
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
But Pierre was better. Bargain!
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 3:49 PM PDT up reply actions
hah
but seriously people always try to evaluate these signings in a vacuum. You wan tthe GM to go out and get players, and sometimes that means contracts that look stupid. If he doesn’t go out and gets guys, he looks bad for doing nothing.
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
Usually true, but there was absolutely no way that Pierre contract could have worked out.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 3:53 PM PDT up reply actions
As far as catchers he overpaid Barajas 3.25 mill, and Ausmus 1 mill
First base he over payed Nomar the second time I don’t know the deferred money value, but I think he got about 20 mill for two years. A bit of an overpay by any standards.
2nd base he over payed Kent 19 mill two years, and Uribe 21 mill 3 years
SS Furcal was injured allot so it’s hard to say, but some would argue being healthy is a skill. his second deal of 3 years 30 mill might be an overpay.
OF Pierre of course, Jones, Ramirez, Gonzalez not all his fault but not great anyhow
SP I was not a big fan of the Lilly signing other than that I was glad to see the team spend money. Ned’s greatest strength has been his management of the starting rotation which has always been good, and figures to be good for years to come. He didn’t sign Lowe or Penney, he also traded McDonald and Jackson but overall he has done well. The second Wolf signing was particularly noteworthy, 1 year of Wolf over 8 years of Sabathia anyday.
Not signing Lowe and Penny has to go in the ‘Pro’ column, right?
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
Lowe is really good right now isn't he?
down year last year though.
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
oops
lowe back to being not great. He didn’t want to come back anyways. Fuk em.
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
We didn’t pursue him after the whole Carolyn hughes thing. Something about Frank’s morals and the sanctity of marriage or something.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
we where happy to let him go
and he was happy to go.
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
Ramirez was as much a business decision as it was a baseball decision
I will hold to that till the day I die.
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
this is where Ned
has gotten undermined by Frank’s parasitic ways. I think someone who is paid to be a GM, who knows more about running a baseball team than all of us put together, has to make tough decisions and realize that 2008 Manny was never gonna happen again. The 2009 team overachieved in my opinion so it obscured the misguided decision to bring back Manny with that big of a deal for a cash-strapped organization.
The goal is to contend every year, and that deal on top of the other entitlements has hindered the Dodgers at a time when the core players are either in their prime or entering those years.
Overqualified in an underqualified world since 2008.
Who did Manny block? That 2009 might end up being the best chance for a Championship for the next 10 years.
by Michael White on Jun 16, 2011 4:21 PM PDT up reply actions
blocked nobody
I never thought someone with his character issues was going to come close to living up to that deal at the end of his career. I’d have used that money somewhere else…but I’m emphasizing that this move was not one that underpins my assessment of Ned as a mediocre hack. Those would be the Pierre, Druw, Schmidt signings as the prime examples.
Overqualified in an underqualified world since 2008.
Or
Manny sells a lot of seats so it makes sense to give him more money then if you where just signing him for his on field abilities.
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
not the best
paradigm for running a good organization
Overqualified in an underqualified world since 2008.
it is for running a good business, of which we are customers first, fans second.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
ruthless profit maximization
leads to companies being hollowed out and sold off into pieces, and countries being run for business interests. It’s kind of the same for a baseball team…you’re not investing in what makes a team sustainably good and prosperous over time. It’s a Ponzi scheme.
Overqualified in an underqualified world since 2008.
but it wasn’t ruthless profit maximization. It was “sure, we should probably only pay him 18-20, but we’ll make more than the difference up in sales, and he’s still really, really, really good”.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
I was more speaking to
How Frank has run the Dodgers as an enterprise, but I do think that was reflected in the Manny deal as well. I’m not saying there wasn’t an argument for signing Manny, but it was too risky in my eyes at that stage in his career when the DH is not an option. If he’s hurt then he’s not helping the bottom line. Obviously they didn’t know he was seriously juicing either.
Overqualified in an underqualified world since 2008.
by Pure Azure on Jun 16, 2011 5:18 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
he was the best player available
and was worth a lot of money as a baseball player. It was the right move to resign him. Did they throw in extra money in the deal because he would sell more seats then a person with comparable baseball ability? Probably. I don’t see the problem.
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
How could they have not brought Manny back? Was there 1 single Dodger fan out there in LA that didnt want Manny back? They had no choice. Plus from what I read most fans were upset they only signed Manny to what appeared to be a 1 year deal at the time since everyone expected he would opt out after 2009.
Was there 1 single Dodger fan out there in LA that didnt want Manny back?
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 4:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Phil huh? Well maybe Phil can explain why he didnt want Manny back after 2008. Can I say 99% of Dodger fans wanted Manny back after 2008? Or is that still too much. Anyways, I have no problems with the Dodgers bringing Manny back unless they were suppose to know he was on roids (or care even) That 2008 run was the greatest time ive ever had in my life as a Dodger fan considering I was 10 in 1988 and didnt care as much as I do now. I thank Manny for that time. I’m just glad we didnt sign him to a longer deal. I think it could of been worse.
Well maybe Phil can explain why he didnt want Manny back after 2008
The linked article didn’t have any comments from Kobe touting his work ethic; it’s OK for you to read.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 4:35 PM PDT up reply actions
That was our first Pro/Con argument. You must have just joined a few days before that. Two comments, can you imagine what that would get now?
I was looking pretty stupid on blogger day May 6th, 2009
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Classic Phil, always playing the long con. :)
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 5:03 PM PDT up reply actions
You are going a bit overboard here. I know you say that Raffy might have been an overpay, but he was the best SS on the market (even the second time) and you had just won the division. Can’t try to repeat that (after re-signing Manny) with IDJ at short.
by Michael White on Jun 16, 2011 3:53 PM PDT up reply actions
And we had to pry him away from atlanta
who has done a pretty darn good of putting together a team lately
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
I think he overpays some on players because McCourt prefers to pay more money annually with less years. So Ned would overpay for a season or 3 in exchange for a shorter term deal.
I take that back
I don’t feel like being pissed off right now.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
I don’t blame player performance on the GM. I applaud Ned for the contract Andruw Jones signed despite it not working out.
I think signing Juan uribe for 3 years when you think Furcal will be hurt, Blake needs rest and not being sure if Carroll can repeat/stay healthy or if Dee/IDJ will be ready shows great foresight. That being said, $7mil a year is a little steep, but I don’t think he’d have signed for less.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
Uribe’s a guy you don’t have to have. You set a price for all the benefits (as you point out) that you’re willing to pay for. If somebody outbids you then you walk.
by Michael White on Jun 16, 2011 3:51 PM PDT up reply actions
I always be upset with the Uribe deal because for the price of Uribe, Barajas, Guerrier, and Navarro Dodgers could have had Beltre. I know the bullpen has been bad, but cheaper options than Guerrier were around.
Beltre would have solidified 3rd base for the Dodgers for years with one of the very best. Dodgers have nobody at 3rd in their system. I figure the only reason Ned did not sign Beltre was because he feared making another mistake with giving a big long term contract to one player.
I don’t think a plan of signing someone who helps your infield flexibility because you have no infield plan is much of a plan.
It is better to do the best to focus on making each position the best it can be individually.
I don't think Ned was allowed to go more then 3 yearsw
how much of that his him setting a line in a sand, and how much is McCourt I don’t know, but I firmly believe he was limited to no more then 3 year deals.
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
If Beltre would have signed for one year sure
I don’t think there was any way the Dodgers were paying out the kind of contract he ended up with Texas
My point is they where not even in a position to enter the bidding
if it was a 4-5 year deal, which is what he SHOULD have gotten. Texas was willing to go 6 to pry him from the Angels, and the Angel’s where probably smart to walk away. What they did next… well lets not go there.
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
Overpays
Furcal
Lilly
Guerrier
Garland
Padilla
Nomar
Blake
Uribe
Tendering Loney
Claiming Loaiza
Kuroda (this is iffy…he’s been paid a ton of money and he’s not a #1 or #2)
Pierre (should never have been signed regardless)
Ned’s spent a lot of money on just average ball players…when the opportunity is there to forego paying for average-ness…and spend on superstar quality.
Basically any non great or not recently great veteran that is inconsequential to winning…..yet very consequential to being inefficient..Ned has paid for.
Thats how you get left with an overpaid, below average team.
Paying premium for average vets.
LOL at Kuroda being overpaid
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
i said it was 'iffy'..
He’s been paid a premium to be a #3 starter.
Thats fine if you’re the Yankees.
And i forgot to add Barajas.
Kuroda (this is iffy…he’s been paid a ton of money and he’s not a #1 or #2)
The market has been fucked..
How much was his first deal? 3/40? Plus another 12
4/52 is about right I think? Kuroda was been worth that and its not close. I could be off on the numbers tho.
4/52 just isnt something i'd do with a guy the caliber of Kuroda..
I’d rather go with weaker pitching from the farm or a prospect, rather than spend that much on a guy like Kuroda.
We could of thrown 180 million combined for Lackey/Burnett.
the market dictates what should be paid. I really think the Dodgers won hands down.
i understand that
Ideally, the minor league system should be able to produce and sustain your team’s #3 thru #5 starters.
You cant really say that the minor league system has to produce the 1/2 guys …bc those guys dont grow on trees. Luckily for the Dodgers…they’ve developed Kershaw/Billingsley/ and Rubby.
I got no problem paying for the #1/#2 type starters if they arent found in your minor league system.
But the 3-5 guys should come from the minors if the Dodgers want to be efficient.
How on earth could the Dodgers have got a better starter for 4/52.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 5:55 PM PDT up reply actions
Not sure…but seems like you could get slightly less production for alot less cost…and use the saving somewhere else.
Maybe i’m undervaluing Kuroda’s performance though.
and overvaluing just how hard it is to develop a consistent #5 starter, let alone three prospects at once and letting you compete.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
i don think finding a #5 should be that hard ...
An example I’d use…
Lets pay James McDonald the league minimum to be in the starting rotation.
And use Kuroda’s 4/52 to go get Adam Dunn/Lance Berkman (both of them)…or other position players of like impact.
This argument could have been done back in 2006 as a reason to not trade away Edwin Jackson…even though he wasnt doing very good…having him available still freed up money to be spend on position players.
sure, #5 shouldn’t be that hard, but then if your plan is to have minor leaguers as your #5 starter, sometimes you end up with Ely/Monk all year.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
the difference is made up in having
an awesome offense…with an upgrade of position players playing everyday.
If I can trade a #3 starter, for 2 position players…I do it.
Sure the overall rotation is weaker, but hopefully the upgrade in offense makes up for it.
Why not have a really awesome #5 instead of complete shit like McDonald because a #5 guys starts count just as much as a #1.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 6:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Until people get hurt and he becomes the #4 or #3.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 6:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Yep. From 2008 to today Kuroda is
28th in WAR
17th in xFIP
18th in FIP
The only guy that the Dodgers could have reasonably substituted him with is Derek Lowe, who has more coming to him.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 6:02 PM PDT up reply actions
I didn't say he was bad
and I’m aware of the context. I don’t suffer mediocrity and lack of vision very well. Of course he’s hamstrung by Frank being an owner, but when Frank gives him the green light and he has money to burn, he usually burns it in a flaming pile of shit. He’s a mediocre GM for a mediocre organization, and I as a fan am entitled to demand and expect better of him.
Overqualified in an underqualified world since 2008.
Right, I’d say a very slim chance he’s even here in 2012 unless this team dramatically improves this season. New owners aren’t going to look at a GM who has had two seasons like this and say, lets bring him back.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I have been told that new owners usually retain the current GM!
Still on Frank's team! For Life! June 22 2011 is going to be our day!
Yep
He just happened to fall under the “you never know” with new ownership. McCourt wanted to make a splash, so he hired a (Peter) Brand name.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 3:34 PM PDT up reply actions
I believe the conversation went something like…“new owners always bring in a new GM”…“Not always.”
/cliff notes
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 3:29 PM PDT up reply actions
I can almost understand trying to save your job, etc
but when your job is toast anyway.. does that make him more dangerous/reckless? He could be trying instead to pump up his resume for a future job, and thinks making crazy trades that pan out 20% of the time is the way to do it. Rather than just, success the sane way.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Yup
When I read in Jackson’s piece that ned is looking for veteran relief help, I shudder a bit. Not that the pen couldn’t stand the help, clearly it could but I would rather they do what they are doing now, which is keep trying different guys already in the system and see who is ready (even if it means clearing more 40 man space), rather than making another stupid Dotel trade. I just don’t trust Colletti in that regard. He has shown he can learn from past mistakes in some areas, but that one area makes nervous. If you’re going to trade prospects try to get maximum value, but he often does not do that.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
by underdog on Jun 16, 2011 4:24 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Whether or not you agree with this, he has not really been in a position to with the Dodgers in his tenure
I picked 7/25 as a good date to look at the standings since it is a week to go before the trade deadline, I don’t know if you can really sell after the waiver period begins.
2010 – Dodgers were in third place 6 games back of the Padres but 3 games back in the Wild Card
2009 – 9 game lead
2008 – 1 game back of Arizona for division
2007 – 1 game lead
2006 – This is the one year where he could have sold, they were not only in last place 6.5 games back (and that would grow), there were 12 teams in the NL with better records. So beginning with that series against the Nationals at the end of July, the Dodgers moved past 8 teams to end up with the Wild Card.
So, does this mean he shouldn’t sell if the team finds itself way behind towards the end of July, no. But it is not as if the Dodgers have found themselves in that position a great deal during the time Ned has been GM.
Exactly
2012 will be different story if we still suck, if Matt and Andre did not sign extensions.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I was thinking about the 2006 team
and thinking just how much better offensively that team was to this team. Really, outside of Kemp over Lofton (who still did a great job and if this was 2010 Kemp, I probably would think differently), the other positions would go to the 2006 team. It’s funny that 2006 Ethier would go in because 2011 LF is non-existent but 2011 Ethier would not because Drew had such a good year.
I just had a flashback to a full season of (mostly) healthy Rafael Furcal. Good times.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 4:06 PM PDT up reply actions
I was thinking back to that year
and kept going, let’s see Carroll plays second and Uribe does too, was Izzy playing 2B, then I remembered oh yeah, Jeff Kent, case closed.
I would be curious to know the run differentials of those teams, but that seems like it would be hard to figure out. Also the 06 team was so unique because it lost what 16 of 18 up to the deadline, then won 19 of 21 after that, something nuts like that. I wonder looking back what were the run differentials during those stretches and what role did luck play, something to research in the future.
I still can’t excuse the way Ned went about the trade deadline last year. Sure he traded for Lilly, but it doesn’t matter how many games back, did he really think that offense had a shot at the playoffs?
It isn't that hard
at the time I chose:
2010 – Dodgers were 7 games over with 13 RD so they were certainly above their Pyth. record (Dodgers were 6th in the league in Runs Scored)
2009 – Dodgers had a run differential better than games played (112+, 97 games played)
2008 – 2 games under .500, +7 runs differential
2007 – 10 games over .500, +39 runs
2006 – 10 games under .500, +10 runs
This is pretty cool
"They say The Jet's lost a step or two... but I wouldn't be surprised to see some fireworks here."
by DodgerSF on Jun 16, 2011 3:34 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
I finally clicked on this
Very cool. Thanks for that link
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions
Maybe Mike Trout can come up in 2013
From the above article
The Angels could save a lot of money if they move Bobby Abreu, 37, whose $9 million option for next season vests if he has another 147 plate appearances this year. The Angels also might consider offers for Howie Kendrick, who is making $3.3 million and would be in line for a hefty raise in arbitration. Torii Hunter, 35, is a free agent after the 2012 season, but he has a blanket no-trade clause, so moving him would be tricky, if not impossible.
They already have Hunter and Wells for 2012, they are playing Bourjous, Hunter and Wells are untradeable (well we thought Wells was untradeable before). Maybe the Angels should try to find a team to take Bobby now.
Kendrick is one of the last players they will be willing to trade
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
Just doing the math
Abreu for August, September = 59 days.
$9 million / 183 × 59 = ~$2.9 million
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions
I just hope that Ned trades for guys who can help in 2012 if he makes trades. That or he gives up change for minimal upgrades. Ima go look at MLBtraderumors for a sec to see if there are any matches…
Same reason we have Barajas this year is the same reasonw e’ll have him next year. Who else is there?
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
people not the highest paid catcher in the division.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 4:16 PM PDT up reply actions
Pissing and moaning about the current state of things is a waste of breath and a frustration for all. instead, you could make a fanpost about what you think should be done moving forward.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
Yes?
collectively as a board we’re just pissing and moaning. Would like to see constructive solutions by some of the more vocal posters.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
I was really just making a suggestion. If he’s going to put this much effort into it, he might as well put it somewhere where it won’t get lost in an hour.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
not annoyed at all
really just didn’t want you to post something that is obviously worth discussing where it would get lost and not able to be contributed to by those who are not currently on the board
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
I wouldn’t be upset by this and would hope we sign DeJesus for a couple years.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
If that’s the worst of it, I could cope. I do like Magil, but at least Dejesus would be a great fit for this Dodger team, plus he might be a type A free agent.
Dodgers don’t offer arb to players unless they have an intention to re-sign him, the last player we offered arb to and wasn’t re-signed was Derek Lowe, I believed.
Aww
I thought that was the Adkins picks, I was trying to troll Phil. I phailed.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
Adkins
and Withrow were for Julio Lugo (who was signed by the Theo-less Red Sox before the arbitration offer deadline expired)
The 2009 draft, I believe it was Aaron Miller (comp round)and Blake Smith. (comp 2nd round pick)
However, those picks did allow us to help draft Garret Gould with our original 2nd round pick.
The Braves were a bad enough team in 2008 to keep their 1st round pick. They had the 7th pick and picked Mike Minor. This is the same draft that had Mike Trout picked 27th by the Angels who were able to acquire the pick for the Yankees signing Mark Texieria.
I’m moving to Mexico so I can take naps at work. Holy crap today is draaaaaaaaaagggggggggiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnggg
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
you should slay the dragging with a sword!
by Josie Becker on Jun 16, 2011 4:28 PM PDT up reply actions
I will kill Ned if he makes any trades this year.
This team is bad and trading for anybody will not help the team.
I think tripon means business this time
by Michael White on Jun 16, 2011 4:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Well it could be just
manslaughter, it is done in the heat of the moment. The prior threat though is troubling.
You'll like this
member of my department just got off jury duty and was excused. The trial was for a man who killed someone but has manic depression and was using that as a defense. When asked by the judge what he thought of the case after hearing the details, my co-worker said “I think he should go to prison”. The judge, flabergasted, said “you want to convict him before hearing the trial?” the co-worker says “they have really good psychological treatment in prison”.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
I am surprised that got him/her off
usually the judge tries to get them to agree to listen to all evidence.
the one and only time i’ve actually made it into the courtroom, a high school buddy of mine happened to be there as well, and he said he would rule in favor of the defendent right away because his people (black defendent, white friend) had suffered enough.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
Whoops, that was to G.Scott at 4:26.
by jim hitchcock (railway) on Jun 16, 2011 4:32 PM PDT up reply actions
What if he trades for BJ Upton
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
or that other Upton
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
I wonder how many death threat emails Ned gets these days
by Josie Becker on Jun 16, 2011 4:29 PM PDT up reply actions
email killed the crazy death threat letter?
by Josie Becker on Jun 16, 2011 4:31 PM PDT up reply actions
TheRealMattKemp says
Next fan I see with #Dodger gear on gets free tickets to our next game!! #BEASTMODE at #MagicMountain
Trading for Betemit would definitely accomplish allot of what Ned wants.
Betemit is very cheap. He would move Uribe to 2nd which moves Carroll and Miles to the bench. Casey Blake also moves to the bench.
Dejesus would be a good OF target.
Lineup of
Gordon
Dejesus
Betemit
Kemp
Ethier
Uribe
Loney/Blake
Barajas/Ellis
I put Betemit 3rd because it’s better to have high OBP 5th, also to avoid having three straight lefties to lead off the game. Of course Kerry Wood because of his low contract would be the best reliever around.
Kerry wood got a full NTC as condition of taking sucha low deal
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
#moviesthatdescribeyourpenis
this twitter thing…. so hilarious but so awkward.
tempted to tweet “Don’t Tell Mom The Babysitters Dead”.
Some of the ones I came up with... I decided not to post.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Did anyone do "8 1/2"?
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
I was gonna do that one earlier I swear, but think I saw a couple of people already did it...
feel free to, though ;-)
8 Mile would be too cocky I guess.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
go go gadget penis!
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
The Thing
The Dark Knight
Thor
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
Ronin
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
A History Of Violence
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.
Oh wait…
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 5:00 PM PDT up reply actions
I wa thinking “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly”
by KellyStephen on Jun 16, 2011 5:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Comin' At Ya! 3-D
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Shut the front door
you farging icehole
by Greg Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions
This is much funnier then it should be
can’t stop cracking up at these
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
I have been laughing for the last 20 minutes or so.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 5:06 PM PDT up reply actions
When on vaction in Hawaii, I go with…
Tropic Thunder
by KellyStephen on Jun 16, 2011 5:08 PM PDT up reply actions
What is Kelly's ability to have sex and not have a child?
Oh, by the way, he’s the father of 4
by Greg Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 5:11 PM PDT up reply actions
That’s definitely from your own personal experience
by KellyStephen on Jun 16, 2011 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Deep Impact
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
Kelly's Hero(-es)
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
We really needed for there to be a game tonight
by KellyStephen on Jun 16, 2011 5:20 PM PDT up reply actions
I was thinking “The Little Princess” for him
by KellyStephen on Jun 16, 2011 5:21 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm sorry, perhaps you 2 didn't hear me before
GFY. I’ve got your little princess, you mother tuckers
by Greg Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions
I’m guessing the basement fridge is near empty at this point
by KellyStephen on Jun 16, 2011 5:24 PM PDT up reply actions
Kindergarten Cop
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.
The Contrabulous Fabtraption of Professor Horatio Hufnagel
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 5:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Alright, now you're just making shit up
by Greg Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 5:24 PM PDT up reply actions
Movies starring Troy McClure count.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 5:26 PM PDT up reply actions
Awesome
That sounds like either a Jerry Lewis movie or one of those Vincent Price movies from the 1960s
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 5:24 PM PDT up reply actions
My contributions
There Will be Blood
Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead
Pale Rider
litle Miss Marker
The Red Pony
Do the chair know we gonna look like some punk-ass bitches out there?
i did it!
http://www.truebluela.com/2011/6/16/2227288/battle-to-stay-out-of-last-place-houston-astro-preview# (does this link work? haha)
In A Lonely Place
Overqualified in an underqualified world since 2008.
by Pure Azure on Jun 16, 2011 5:56 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Dressed To Kill
No Way Out
Waterworld
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
Yellow Submarine
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Ok, totally off topic
but should I feel bad that I have a little glimmer in my eye about getting one of the teachers in my daughter’s before school care fired about something she said this morning in front of my daughter?
As I read through that sentence, I thought it was going to end differently.
by Michael White on Jun 16, 2011 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions
Glimmer In My Eye also works for #moviesthatdescribeyourpenis
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions
Was she reading the comments section of TBLA aloud again?
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions
Tomorow is the last day of school and they are closed
I knew nothing about this, as their communication sucks balls. The teacher said I was screaming and yelling when I dropped Amber of and I would be at the front door screaming and yelling tomorrow morning. It will become my summer mission to see her on the side of the road in a few months begging for money.
by Greg Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions
The teacher said I was screaming and yelling
NO!!!
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions
Even Amber has my back on this, so you 2 can go to hell
by Greg Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 4:59 PM PDT up reply actions
When I first read your comment, I thought you meant that you got her fired today.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 4:59 PM PDT up reply actions
No today, but it will happen
She will rue (spelling?)the day
by Greg Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 5:00 PM PDT up reply actions
FYI
Elementary school Teachers have a different point of year of what screaming and yelling is after dealing with kids. In her mind I’m sure you were doing exactly that. Have some empathy or go spend a day with them and then deal with the parents at the end of the day.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
The problem is that she wasn't even there when we saw the note
My 10 year old will back me up. The only thing I said is “we’re going to have to figure something out tomorrow”. That bitch will be selling her worn out vagina by mid July
by Greg Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Not sure you’re catching Phil’s idea of empathy
by KellyStephen on Jun 16, 2011 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions
Empathy takes a backseat, when someone pisses me off
and talks shit about me in front of my kids. She is dead to me
by Greg Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 5:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Crap, that means Kelly and I are fucked.
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 5:11 PM PDT up reply actions
If the comment was “your dad’s an asshole” I don’t think you have a leg to stand on.
by KellyStephen on Jun 16, 2011 4:55 PM PDT up reply actions
You guys are fun at holiday family gatherings, right ? :)
by jim hitchcock (railway) on Jun 16, 2011 5:04 PM PDT reply actions
In Phoenix over ST
I met and had dinner with Eric, David and Kelly’s daughter and friend. Kelly did a fine job of raising a wonderful daughter. Of course if I confused Kelly and Greg again, sorry. But I am pretty sure I am right about this one.
Kelly's daughter
was the rare combination of attractive, gracious and charming. Good thing she takes after her mother, eh?
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
Which one?
I’m pretty sure I had “some” influence on her
by Greg Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 6:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Didn't want to post her name
The one with a military boyfriend who was also a nice guy.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
Yep, she and I have spent more time together than the other two because of where he was.
I still see them as “little” girls as I’ve been out of California for quite some time.
by Greg Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 6:21 PM PDT up reply actions
Kelly gets all the credit on the Stephen girls
His boy, though is another story. That one is E’s fault. :)
by Greg Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 6:26 PM PDT up reply actions
At one of the last family gatherings
I told a joke that ended with “oh that’s right, your brother is using the car tonight.”
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 5:05 PM PDT up reply actions
FYI:
yesterday i told a story about how shitty the pizza from Dial-a-Pizza was. It was actually Pizza Ring. Not DAP. Pizza Ring sucks. http://www.pizzaring.com/main.php
Who the hell thought “anti caking agents added” was a selling point.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 5:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Our dough is made fresh daily and never frozen
by Eric Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 5:29 PM PDT up reply actions
Loney for BJ Upton really would be an interesting challenge trade
Similar OPS
Similar defensive reputations
Identical arbitration schedules
Similar 2011 salaries
Rays use Kotchman at 1B, Dodgers need another OF
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
Yep. Upton for Ethier is pretty fair. Upton for Loney would be robbery.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions
You know how pissed off we all are about Loney's Offense?
.213/.299/.365 for Upton this year
.253/.301/.331 for Loney
I mean, sure, Upton is better defensively at a defense-first position, but they aren’t taking Ethier because he’s priced out of their range. Loney would essentially be the same as moving Upton to 1B.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
If Loney played way better defense.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 6:03 PM PDT up reply actions
But it’s close enough that it would be a good challenge trade. Both guys get 1 year with a new team to prove they deserve to be in a major league lineup everyday.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
Not really. Even if you assume they’re equal offensively an elite defender in CF is way more valuable than an average defender at 1B.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 6:05 PM PDT up reply actions
If you’re comparing someone to James Loney, yep.
Keep in mind that Ethier has been one of the worst defenders in baseball for the last three years. Over that stretch Upton and Ethier have been pretty equal.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 6:10 PM PDT up reply actions
At some point, the devil is going to come collecting on that deal.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
z
I think spending money in baseball is simple, focus on the starting lineup and rotation then fill all other holes with internal guys or minimal salary guys. Extra cash can be used to shore up the bullpen and bench.
and yes the 4th and 5th spots in the rotation are lesser priorities. Usually the 5th spot should be reserved for prospects in AAA who are about ready to test the majors, and or vets signed to cheap deals.
So you must want to burn out your bullpen
by having your 4th and 5th guy give you only 5 innings a start if that.
Here’s the thing about a baseball team budget, you don’t get to start new every year, so you have to factor in that you are probably always going to be paying someone more than they are probably worth because you needed to pay them that to sign them/keep them. You hope to have enough players under control where their salaries are manageable to balance that because what you don’t want is a situation where nearly everyone is either arbitration eligible or +6 year player.
And the pool of talent and budget to sign them each off-season could vary to the point where one year you might be able to sign a veteran to make good deal but if he does, he’ll want a guaranteed multi-year deal and unless you have options, you might have to do something you will regret.
I just think you can usually put a solid bullpen together with one or two high paid guys, and the rest a mix of young guys and left over free agents with little market.
In my model my team would usually have highly rated starting prospects in AAA so I wouldn’t want to block them with a big contract pitcher. Maybe a guy like Garland, or Livan Hernandez, but not Kuroda.
That is what the Dodgers do/did
until they all got hurt. That is pretty much what they did for the last 5 years. Broxton is making good money but then when he signed before 2010, it was certainly reasonbale.
And I am fairly sure given the fragility of young pitchers, you cannot plan your team with the idea that you are giving a starting spot to a rookie/AAAA pitcher.
Investing in Kuroda was great. He got to pair up with Lowe and Penney his first year, then replace them in the following years once his salary was higher. That’s a good model for adding free agents.
Wouldn’t go that high. I’d say 4/50-60. 19 a year just seems insane.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 6:22 PM PDT up reply actions
You, my friend, underestimate the stupitity of MLB owners
by Greg Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 6:23 PM PDT up reply actions
I just can’t see him getting more than Bay.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 6:25 PM PDT up reply actions
Jayson Werth, Holliday, Cargo, and Crawford netted a combined 450 million dollars or so.. I think Dre gets a little more than Jason Bay’s contract
Andre Ethier is a much worse player than all those guys though. Bay is a really, really good comparable here.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 6:26 PM PDT up reply actions
Hell, Ethier probably isn’t gonna have a five win season right before he hits FA.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 6:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Once the Cards overpaid for Holliday, I think the market was blown to hell and its not coming back soon.
Don’t think you’re appreciating how much better Holliday is than Ethier.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 6:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Jayson Werth was thought to get a deal around 90 million, he got much more than that. CC was gonna get a deal around 100 million, he got 40 million more than that.
It has nothing to do with Dre and everything to do with the market.
As a hitter, not a fielder
($ to Chad)
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
He’s gonna hit free agency with almost the exact same numbers as Jason Bay.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 6:21 PM PDT up reply actions
Just picked up the boy from the girlfriend's house
He drove hom , listened to Tom Petty’s “Long After Dark” CD from 1982 and he sang every note on every song on the way home. I think I did alright.
by Greg Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 6:19 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
The first rock and roll song my daughter caught on to and started singing along with in the car
“Refugee”.
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
Just heard an old one and thought of you on the way home tonight, Dave. Brewer & Shipley.
Baseball is a game, and games are supposed to be fun.
SITTIN’ DOWNTOWN IN A RAILWAY STATION, ONE TOKE OVER THE LINE
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
While you're not watching a Dodger game, unfortunately
I know they’re not playing tonight, but I hope you can see them soon
by Greg Stephen on Jun 16, 2011 6:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Easy
just think of this one instead:
LITTLE WILLY, WILLY WON’T, GO HOME!
BUT YOU CAN’T PUSH WILLY ‘ROUND, WILLY WON’T GO!
TRY TELLIN’ EVERYBODY BUT, WHOA NO!
@davidyoungtbla - The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
So what about Kemp’s contract? Does Ned try to lock him up this offseason or does he need to repeat this level of play first? If he were to keep up this level of play through 2012, he might get a 7 year 150-160 deal
If he keeps this level of play going, you’ve got a 26 year old who was an MVP candidate two years running. We’re talking Mauer money there.
@andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Jun 16, 2011 6:29 PM PDT up reply actions
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