2012 NL West Offseason Review: Arizona Diamondbacks
by Eric Stephen on Feb 6, 2012 6:00 AM PST
in Opponents
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Now that we are getting close enough to spring training that we can almost smell the grass (Dodgers pitchers and catchers report to spring training in a mere 15 days), it is time for our annual look around the National League West, to see how each team spent their offseason. We begin the tour around the division with the defending division champions, the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Five Questions
| Arizona Diamondbacks | |
| 2011 Record: | 94-68 |
| Division Finish: |
First Place |
| Playoffs: |
Lost to MIL in Division Series 3-2 |
| 2012 at Dodger Stadium: |
May 14-15, Jul 30-Aug 1, Aug 30-Sep 2 |
| 2012 Dodgers at Chase Field: | May 21-23, Jul 5-8, Sep 11-12 |
| SB Nation coverage: | AZ Snakepit, SB Nation Arizona |
1) Is Miguel Montero the best catcher in the division?
This might depend on the health of Buster Posey, but Montero is not a bad choice for the top spot in the NL West. Montero hit .282/.351/.469 with a .351 wOBA, a 121 OPS+ and 116 wRC+ in 2011.
In addition to hitting 36 doubles and 18 home runs, Montero threw out 40% of would-be basestealers in 2011 and made his first All-Star team.
Montero, 28, avoided arbitration with a one-year deal for 2012, and could cash in next winter with a big year in his final year before free agency.
2) Will Stephen Drew be ready for opening day?
The Diamondbacks aren't sure. The shortstop broke his ankle last July 20 and has spent his offseason rehabilitating with a non-Diamondbacks trainer.
"I'm hopeful he'll play in some games in spring training. Will he play in our opening game? I don't know. I haven't laid eyes on him other than to see him on video doing some agility drills," general manager Kevin Towers told Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic last week. "We'll have a better idea probably at the end of February when the position players show up. I would imagine he may be in a little earlier than that."
Arizona re-signed both John McDonald and Willie Bloomquist during the winter, giving them depth should Drew not be ready to rejoin the team. One person hoping Drew takes his time during recovery is Chad Billingsley, as Drew has hit .364/.426/.545 off Billingsley in 61 plate appearances.
| Scary Thought About The Diamondbacks: | |
 |
|
| Justin Upton is not yet 25 years old |
3) Where did Josh Collmenter's control come from?
Collmenter was 25 years old last year when he made his major league debut, and after seven relief appearances he made his first start, on May 14 at Dodger Stadium. Billingsley allowed one hit to the Diamondbacks, but Arizona won 1-0 thanks to six scoreless innings from the right-hander with the tomahawk pitching motion.
Collmenter walked zero or one batter in 16 of his 24 starts, and walked 4.5% of the major league hitters he faced, after walking 8.2% of the hitters he faced in five minor league seasons.
4) Will Diamondbacks pitchers outhit Juan Uribe again?
Okay, maybe that is a stretch, but if you squint it is hard to tell them apart. Arizona hurlers hit a combined .186/.230/.250 in 2011, while the Dodgers' $21 million man hit .204/.264/.293. Uribe had 28 RBI, 17 walks, and 79 total bases in 295 plate appearances last year, while Diamondbacks pitchers had 34 RBI, 16 walks, and 78 total bases in 362 PA.
Lest you think this was all Micah Owings-driven, the new Padres pitcher had only four singles in 19 plate appearances in Arizona in 2011.
Through September 17 last year, game 151, Diamondbacks pitcher Daniel Hudson had more RBI (14) than Jamey Carroll (13), who qualified for the batting title. Carroll ended his season with 17 runs batted in.
5) Can the new owner of the Dodgers poach former team executive Derrick Hall, currently the President and CEO of the Diamondbacks?
Maybe, but for now Hall is saying all the right things, and sounds sincere. Steve Henson of Yahoo! wrote a wonderful profile of Hall, one of the most respected executives in baseball, who battled prostate cancer during the offseason. As part of the profile, Henson mentioned that a few potential Dodgers owners have reached out to Hall to join their group should they win the bid for the team.
"It's a big part of who I am. It's where I started my career and learned and cut my teeth. And I know the fans and have a good relationship with the media and former players," Hall told Piecoro of his time with the Dodgers. "It's a lot of familiarity and comfort there, but nothing beats where I'm at or what I'm doing now."
Offseason Moves
| Diamondbacks Trades, Etc. This Winter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Team | Traded | Acquired |
| Pirates | Brett Lorin rhp (Rule 5 pick from Pittsburgh) | |
| Athletics | Collin Cowgill of Jarrod Parker rhp Ryan Cook rhp |
Trevor Cahill rhp Craig Breslow lhp |
| Astros | Craig Tatum c (claimed off waivers from Houston) | |
The big move was acquiring Cahill, a soon-to-be 24-year old durable starting pitcher signed through 2015 with option years carrying him through his age 29 season in 2017. Parker was the big prize given up in the deal.
| Diamondbacks Contracts Signed This Winter | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pos | Player | Type | Total Contract | 2012 Salary |
| 1B | Lyle Overbay | FA | 1-year, $1m | $1,000,000 |
| SS | John McDonald | FA | 2 years, $3m | $1,500,000 |
| C | Henry Blanco | FA | 1-year, $1.2m + option | $1,200,000 |
| IF | Willie Bloomquist | FA | 2 years, $3.8m | $1,900,000* |
| 2B | Aaron Hill | FA | 2 years, $11m | $5,500,000* |
| RP | Takashi Saito | FA | 1 year, $1.75m | $1,750,000 |
| OF | Jason Kubel | FA | 2 years, $16m + option | $7,500,000 |
| SP | Joe Saunders | FA | 1-year, $6m | $6,000,000 |
| RP | Brad Ziegler | Arb | 1-year, $1.795m | $1,795,000 |
| C | Miguel Montero | Arb | 1-year, $5.9m | $5,900,000 |
| 3B | Ryan Roberts | Arb | 1-year, $2.0125m | $2,012,500 |
| RP | Craig Breslow | Arb | Filed for arbitration: $1.5m / $2.1m |
|
| *Estimated | ||||
Saunders was non-tendered in December, then re-signed in January. Arizona also signed infielders Cody Ransom and Rusty Ryal, and outfielder Jason Lane to minor league deals.
| Diamondbacks Players Lost | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pos | Player | New Team |
| SP | Jason Marquis | Twins |
| P | Micah Owings | Padres |
| SP | Zach Duke | Astros* |
| RP | Juan Gutierrez | Royals* |
| RP | Kam Mickolio | Hiroshima Carp |
| 1B | Xavier Nady | free agent |
| *Minor league deal | ||
Here's my guess as to the Diamondbacks' 25-man roster, with a few assumptions mixed in:
| 2012 Diamondbacks Under Contract | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Pos | Player | 2012 Age* | 2012 Salary |
| C | Miguel Montero | 28 | $5,900,000 |
| 1B |
Paul Goldschmidt |
24 |
team control |
| 2B | Aaron Hill |
30 |
$5,500,000# |
| 3B | Ryan Roberts |
31 |
$2,012,500 |
| SS | Stephen Drew | 29 | $7,750,000 |
| LF | Jason Kubel |
30 |
$7,500,000 |
| CF | Chris Young | 28 | $7,000,000 |
| RF | Justin Upton | 24 | $6,750,000 |
| IF | Geoff Blum | 39 | $1,350,000 |
| IF/OF | Willie Bloomquist | 34 | $1,900,000# |
| IF | John McDonald |
37 |
$1,500,000 |
| OF | Gerardo Parra | 25 | team control |
| 1B | Lyle Overbay | 35 | $1,000,000 |
| C | Henry Blanco | 40 |
$1,200,000 |
| SP | Ian Kennedy | 27 | team control |
| SP | Dan Hudson | 25 | team control |
| SP | Trevor Cahill |
24 |
$3,500,000 |
| SP | Joe Saunders | 31 | $6,000,000 |
| SP | Josh Collmenter |
26 |
team control |
| CL | J.J. Putz | 35 | $4,500,000 |
| RHP | Brad Ziegler |
32 | $1,795,000 |
| RHP | David Hernandez | 27 |
team control |
| RHP | Takashi Saito |
42 |
$1,750,000 |
| LHP | Craig Breslow |
31 |
$1,800,000^ |
| RHP | Sam Demel | 26 | team control |
| Totals (18 players) |
$68,707,500 | ||
| *Age as of June 30, 2012 #estimated ^midpoint of Breslow's arbitration filings |
|||
Thanks to Baseball-Reference.com and Cot's Baseball Contracts. Justin Upton photo courtesy of Getty Images.
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Comments
hope you don't already have the Rockies preview written
They just traded for Jeremy Guthrie. Sent Hammel and Lindstrom to BAL
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Feb 6, 2012 7:19 AM PST via iPhone app reply actions
Which is less than Lindstrom and Hammel so I guess the Orioles really thought having Jason Hammel in 2013 was the key.
Minor League Central @mlcentral @andrewngrant
Always someone with nice peripherals whose numbers seemed worse then his skill set.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Took a huge step backwards last year but he at least kept his BABIP under .330.
Minor League Central @mlcentral @andrewngrant
Minor upgrade for the Rockies, but a pitch to contact fly ball guy could get brutalized in Coors.
Minor League Central @mlcentral @andrewngrant
Their Tweets Above Replacement just shot way the hell up though.
Minor League Central @mlcentral @andrewngrant
Guthrie already changed his Twitter avatar to John Denver.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 6, 2012 10:52 AM PST up reply actions
Old post up top
There is a sponsored post just below this one for Yahoo Sports Fantasy Baseball. No need to move there for comments, but if you are interested in the product you can read that post.
Hope it works out for him
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Feb 6, 2012 8:22 AM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
Excellent job here.
Going to make my series previews so much easier the first time they meet.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Good read
Always interesting to see how others see AZ. Couple of notes on the roster:
a) there’ll be one less infielder and an extra bullpen arm (probably Bryan Shaw) – if Drew starts the year on the DL, that will take care of it, otherwise they may dump Geoff Blum.
b) It’ll be LOOGY Joe Paterson instead of Sam Demel in the ’pen.
"There's one rule by which I generally run my life:
What would Mothra do?"
by Jim McLennan on Feb 6, 2012 11:55 AM PST up reply actions
I usually always plan for a 12-man pitching staff, but adjusted it above just because AZ happened to have all of those bench guys signed.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 6, 2012 11:57 AM PST up reply actions
Clint Eastwood teared me up.
Hyundai fired me up
godaddy stirred me up
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
My favorites were the BMW ad where the car reads him the text about his mother-in-law and the Audi one with Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno.
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
Or was it Acura with Seinfeld?
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
Great commercial. I will stay off his lawn.
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Feb 6, 2012 8:44 AM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
Other than CF and the first Starter is there one position the Dodgers outgun the Diamondbacks at?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I’d take Jansen over Putz.
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
I also expect Loney to outperform Overbay and Uibe to be better than Roberts this year. Mark Ellis and Aaron Hill are probably a wash.
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
Overbay is the backup 1B
I’d certainly expect LA’s starter will outperform him.
"There's one rule by which I generally run my life:
What would Mothra do?"
by Jim McLennan on Feb 6, 2012 11:40 AM PST up reply actions
Hope so for the Dodgers' sake
But I really don’t see it.
"I'm telling you, y'all created a monster."
by Pure Azure on Feb 6, 2012 8:47 AM PST via Android app up reply actions
As the 2011 D-backs showed
How teams are “rated” heading in to the season, can easily bear absolutely no resemblance to their actual performance. I seem to recall someone “rating” Arizona at 69 wins, and finishing 12 games back of fourth-place in the NL West…
"There's one rule by which I generally run my life:
What would Mothra do?"
by Jim McLennan on Feb 6, 2012 11:48 AM PST up reply actions
Right. Nobody can accurately predict win totals for every single team. Way too much randomness involved. Vegas can’t. I can’t. And you can’t. My main point is that the 2012 Diamondbacks will likely get hyped based on their 2011 win total of 94 wins, which by most measurements was heavily luck based. They are a good, slightly above average team – just like a few other teams in the NL West are.
Biggest problem with Arizona is the not the current rotation which is solid but not great but the three kids percolating below the surface in Bauer, Skaggs, and last year’s other number one pick Archie Bradley.
Bauer and Skaggs should both be ready to help in 2012 but at least Archie is several years away.
What a draft last year for them.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Bauer will win 24 games, and Skaggs will win one (on the road).
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
Please tell me Skaggs'
nickname is Boz
It's gettin' so a businessman can't expect no return from a fixed fight. Now, if you can't trust a fix, what can you trust?
Future TBLA headline
“Dodgers Show Skaggs Who’s Boz”
by Eric Stephen on Feb 6, 2012 10:52 AM PST up reply actions
For one of Phil's previews
Lowdown on Skaggs
It's gettin' so a businessman can't expect no return from a fixed fight. Now, if you can't trust a fix, what can you trust?
Ian Kennedy perhiperhals
last two seasons.
K/9: 7.92
BB/9: 2.70
GB/FB: 0.91
His closest comparable over that same time span is “Mystery Pitcher”.
K/9: 7.88
BB/9: 2.61
GB/FB: 1.05
Guess who the mystery pitcher is.
Heading out for a few mintues.
This mystery pitcher also pitched 15 games in relief in 2010, the numbers for which Xeifrank didn’t include here.
Same exercise
for a few of their other starts, except I will give you the answers this time.
Top three comps (K/9, BB/9, GB/FB) last two years sample size.
Daniel Hudson (7.18, 2.18, 0.98)
1. Shaun Marcum (7.34, 2.27, 0.88)
2. Bartolo Colon (7.18, 2.18, 1.24)
3. Jordan Zimmerman (7.07, 1.92, 0.99)
Trevor Cahill (5.90, 3.23, 2.07)
1. Zach Britton (5.63, 3.62, 1.86)
2. Ivan Nova (5.45, 3.17, 1.82)
3. Jake Westbrook (5.41, 3.29, 2.35)
Josh Collmenter (5.83, 1.63, 0.71)
1. Dallas Braden (5.74, 2.05, 0.99)
2. Kevin Slowey (6.48, 1.51, 0.56)
3. Doug Fister (5.55, 1.62, 1.43)
I don’t have the numbers for Joe Saunders with me, but I believe they won’t too impressive. Here is the old Fanpost, where I pulled this from.
The real top comp
for Ian Kennedy in 2012:
by Eric Stephen on Feb 6, 2012 9:50 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Wow, I never noticed Kenny Lofton had 1500+ runs scored. With his 600+ SB you’d think he might get some consideration for the hall.
TBLA 2011 Postseason Prediction Champion
I was down with him on the 2006 dodgers. I was expecting disaster but he put up a perfectly cromulent 95 ops+
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Feb 6, 2012 9:29 AM PST up reply actions
nice empty roads on the way to work today
thank you super bowl
Watch me all in flames, on a butterfly I ride
Alberto (Flight of the) Contador was stripped of his 2010 Tour de France win for doping. Cycling is terrible.
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
wau
my friend who is an insane cyclist loved that dude something fierce.
by hee came hee seop'd he choi'd on Feb 6, 2012 9:40 AM PST up reply actions
Hey you try riding a bike up a mountain for three weeks straight without a little something extra.
Minor League Central @mlcentral @andrewngrant
Cycling is one of those sports that I followed only from the accounts of the Tour de France. I remember when Greg LeMond was competing in that event and would read about it. Same with Lance Armstrong, but never was my interested piqued enough to actually watch the event.
But one of my favorite LA Times headlines ever was one of the times when Miguel Indurain won the headline was “Singing Indurain”
I watched it once. It forced me to change my theory that I could watch any sporting event if I cared who won.
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
I had a similar thought
And wrote a parody to the tune of “Runaway”
My name’s Miguel Indurain
I am a cyclist, I come from Spain
I won lots of Tours de France
But then some guy named Lance
He won more
He wah-wah-wah-wah-won more…
That’s all I got.
Still chasing the dream of mediocrity
by Humma Kavula on Feb 6, 2012 2:16 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Houston Texans to be the trendy pick for super bowl winner next year?
Watch me all in flames, on a butterfly I ride
Every analyst will mention the “injury prone” QB
by Michael White on Feb 6, 2012 9:45 AM PST up reply actions
yeah
if schuab stays healthy they are probably the most balanced team in the league. even with schuab being injury prone in the past they where always the trendy break out team in the past.
Watch me all in flames, on a butterfly I ride
by nolander on Feb 6, 2012 9:47 AM PST via Android app up reply actions
Nothing but Eli Maning garb in the building I work
by Lex in Brooklyn on Feb 6, 2012 9:49 AM PST up reply actions
I have a strict “no talking about sports at work” policy, so I often pretend that I don’t care about sporting events.
by Michael White on Feb 6, 2012 9:54 AM PST up reply actions
No way… so you are the boss? Only reason I come to work most days is to talk sports… oh, and drink coffee.
I generally try to avoid talking about sports with most people
Watch me all in flames, on a butterfly I ride
I just don't care for the average persons opinions on sports
Watch me all in flames, on a butterfly I ride
Dont be a sports snob man haha…. My only beef with sports talk at work is those that dont even care about a certain sport, yet know what team you love, and then give you a hard time when they lose.
Or yeah, the casual fan, that asks you how the Dodgers are doing, did they win last night? Do they play today? Do they still have so and so on the team?
I remember a lot of people I worked with thinking Juan Pierre was good
by Lex in Brooklyn on Feb 6, 2012 10:13 AM PST up reply actions
That’s the weirdest thing I’ve ever heard. Is there a no weather policy too?
by Lex in Brooklyn on Feb 6, 2012 10:01 AM PST up reply actions
if it wasn't for talking sports
at work, most of the people where I work would never talk to each other. :)
I now think Kershaw will go to a hearing
He’s worth more than the midpoint, so it’s a worthwhile gamble for him. But if the Dodgers had come up with a better initial figure (7.25 range) they probably would have won.
2011 Diamondbacks
Wins: 94
Pythag Wins: 88
2nd order Pythag: 83.4 (less than Dodgers)
3rd order Pythag: 83.7 (also less than Dodgers)
And if you added up all the win expectancy for all 162 games last year (Diamondbacks) using the closing lines from Vegas for WE, the DIamondbacks were an 80.49 win team.
and from this Fanpost.
Now let’s take a look at how the Diamondbacks did when each individual starting pitcher was on the mound.
Ian Kennedy
Team Record: 25-8 (in games he started)
Vegas Expected Team Record: 16.26 – 16.74 (in games he started)
Note: Vegas got mauled here!!! Of all starting pitchers in the MLB, Ian Kennedy (team record) outperformed his Vegas team win expectancy the most. Clayton Kershaw was #2.
If 2012 was played exactly like 2011 then all this might mean something but last I looked the Diamondbacks have added a starting LF, a broken SS, a starting pitcher, a years worth of a 1st baseman, and another year older for a right fielder who has all the skills to put up a MVP season.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Amen, AJ
AJ Ellis @AJEllis17
Mariners Sign Kuo. Even through his trials I’ve never been around a more consistent and resilient teammate. I have a new favorite AL team.
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 Feb 6, 2012 9:58 AM PST reply actions 6 recs
It’s funny that you like that song for some reason to me, lol.
TBLA 2011 Postseason Prediction Champion
haha yeah I dont know man, I was 11 when it came out and always liked that song, might be my favorite Madonna song. I use to watch MTV and just wait for the video to come on lol
I think it was a great testament to the state of the men’s underwear industry
by Josie Becker on Feb 6, 2012 10:16 AM PST up reply actions
One of my favorite stanzas
Cinderella, she seems so easy
“It takes one to know one,” she smiles
And puts her hands in her back pocket
Bette Davis style
And in comes Romeo; he’s moaning
“You belong to me, I do believe”
And someone says, “You’re in the wrong place my friend”
“You’d better leave”
And the only sound that’s left
After the ambulances go
Is Cinderella, sweeping up on
Desolation Row
Being completely serious
would anyone be interested in a TBLA fantasy baseball league. I know some of y’all do the money leagues, but I was probably gonna play fantasy baseball anyhow. Might as well support a SBNation partner
Yahoo is my favorite of the free leagues. I’d be down with a TBLA league.
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
Same here. Both football and baseball.
by Michael White on Feb 6, 2012 10:21 AM PST up reply actions
Sorry, same here in I agree Yahoo is the best.
I can only focus on one fantasy team per sport and I’ve already got a fantasy baseball league.
by Michael White on Feb 6, 2012 10:22 AM PST up reply actions
I’ll set it up, post the fanpost when it’s ready
by Josie Becker on Feb 6, 2012 10:22 AM PST up reply actions
I could get myself psyched up for the draft, but I don’t think I would pay attention enough throughout the season to be anything other than an absentee owner.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 6, 2012 10:21 AM PST up reply actions
hey, I won reg’s football league as an absentee owner : )
by Josie Becker on Feb 6, 2012 10:22 AM PST up reply actions
Also if I do end up joining a league it will be an old league I ran for years, but have only played sparingly in the last decade. I employ Mike’s one-fantasy-team-per-sport rule as well, so if I do join it will be the Hideki Irabu Memorial League.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 6, 2012 10:24 AM PST up reply actions
FYP, it should be the Harry, Harry, Harry Aruba Memorial League
by The Stuntmen on Feb 6, 2012 12:14 PM PST up reply actions
I'd be down
Yahoo does good leagues, I’d like to do a Yahoo league or two.
TBLA 2011 Postseason Prediction Champion
Also down
Hope that doesn’t make me vdown
@TElciram
by Taylor Maricle on Feb 6, 2012 12:36 PM PST up reply actions
Ad on TBLA homepage, no lie
Millionaire Men Needed
For Los Angeles Trophy Women
SIIIIIIIIGH
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
Allen Webster
He wasn’t invited to major league camp, which is a minor upset in my view. I thought they’d might want to get a look at their 7th (?) starter in a few exhibitions. But he’ll get some garbage time innings anyway.
Not much of a surprise to me
how many pitchers without any real success in AA get a camp invite?
Watch me all in flames, on a butterfly I ride
Did Withrow get one?
If so I think he’s the 7th option right now.
TBLA 2011 Postseason Prediction Champion
They’ll probably still get a look at him as a minor leaguer who dresses for a game (like Withrow a few years ago.) My thoughts on NRIs is that you give them the invite only if they have a realistic shot of making the team. Webster doesn’t.
by Michael White on Feb 6, 2012 10:38 AM PST up reply actions
Unless Webster goes nutso he’s probably below Antonini, Withrow and Tucker right now.
Minor League Central @mlcentral @andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Feb 6, 2012 10:43 AM PST up reply actions
The human legs
with dog fur are creepy
It's gettin' so a businessman can't expect no return from a fixed fight. Now, if you can't trust a fix, what can you trust?
From LA Observed
The billionaire developer tells Daily News reporter Rick Orlov that for now he’s focusing on a bid for the Dodgers. "After that decision is made, Caruso said, “I will make a decision on mayor.”
Then, if I have time, I may try to take over Sacramento
It's gettin' so a businessman can't expect no return from a fixed fight. Now, if you can't trust a fix, what can you trust?
Kershaw crowdsourcing
I went back and tallied up the numbers. There were 22 guesses.
Kershaw is expected to make $8,584,091 in 2012, in a contract signed on February 12.
I believe I was the only person who had Kershaw going to arb and losing
by Michael White on Feb 6, 2012 11:23 AM PST up reply actions
Not really. I hadn’t looked over other guesses before I made that, but I could see the Dodgers winning this. Lincecum isn’t a true comp because he had 2 CYAs rather than Kershaw’s one. And IIRC, even if Kershaw loses, he still sets a record for normal people going to their first hearing.
by Michael White on Feb 6, 2012 11:31 AM PST up reply actions
beats the “normal” record by 49% in fact.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 6, 2012 11:32 AM PST up reply actions
I completely missed this last week
but the Mariners signed Carlos Guillen to a minor league contract.
I believe he is the only man to start on opening day at all four infield positions.
You know it is going to be a great news story when it includes the phrase, “The burrito’s rightful owner walked up to the men and said he wanted his burrito back.”
I like the term “burrito owner.” I hope to be one at lunch today.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 6, 2012 11:17 AM PST up reply actions
Man you pistol whipped a dude for a burrito what would you do for a Klondike Bar? Kill your wife?
Minor League Central @mlcentral @andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Feb 6, 2012 11:19 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
The weird part to me was the victim agreed to give these strangers a bite of his burrito, wtf??? Or maybe he knows these guys.
i find assigning $$$ amounts to WAR..
as bogus.
#1. It shouldnt be linear…
#2. It makes comparative valuations of players based on only a free agent sample…when baseball has rules in place to drive down those values…(since i think 65% of the league is arbitration level or younger anyway)
For instance: James Loney had 2.3 WAR last year….Fangraphs tells me that 1 WAR is worth $4.5 mils on the free agent market….There’s no way James Loney would ever make 10mils a year in free agency…simply because there are way more players available at that lower end of the WAR spectrum available, and also the cost controlled value of arbitration or pre arbitration level talent drives down the price of mediocre free agents.
Would you be adverse to an exponential WAR/$ scale? Something like X^(WAR)?
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
now that would be a weird band
by court168627 on Feb 6, 2012 11:39 AM PST via Android app up reply actions 3 recs
Exponent.
I pitched to Matt Kemp, and all I got was this stupid earned run.
@maddzgoesrawr @arenafitness @madeleine_arena
by Maddz on Feb 6, 2012 11:39 AM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
It’d have to be something like that because its definitely not linear.
As for establishing a base of what 1 WAR is equal to in dollars….why not just include all the players and take the total payroll divided by total WAR?
It just seems like fangraphs inflates the value of players when they start speaking in how much they are worth in real dollars on the free agent market…
true
but i think most baseball fans and writers are off on player values. there’s a lot that goes into contracts that we don’t see and as outsider’s we can’t really have a full understanding of how the market works
by court168627 on Feb 6, 2012 11:50 AM PST via Android app up reply actions
definitely
The supply of players under team control affects the equilbrium price of free agents.
I think the fallacy of WAR/$ is that it assumes free agency is the only supply of players available to teams when they want a player…but its not. There are other options such as cost controlled players (which the majority of MLB’ers are).
Cost controlled players are not exactly available. They belong to a team unless they want to get rid of them.
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- The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
It definitely seems like backwards logic when somone like Dave Cameron figures out that someone’s contract happens to align nicely with WAR/$ (or whatever it’s called). He’s always quick to jump in when a contract turns out to be “fair” value. It makes more sense to realize that market value drives contracts.
It’s possible you may be undervaluing just how much crappy players get paid.
by VegasBlues on Feb 6, 2012 11:51 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
The point of WAR-to-$
Is to show what they’re worth on the open market.
Which is why you only include who got paid on said open market.
Simple.
@TElciram
by Taylor Maricle on Feb 6, 2012 12:43 PM PST up reply actions
It’s based on a really inherently flawed assumption that everyone is evaluating players using WAR.
Minor League Central @mlcentral @andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Feb 6, 2012 11:43 AM PST up reply actions
The assumption is that GMs are totally rational about their signings and value players the same way. If everyone had similar opinions about a player this would mostly work, but it only take one GM giving a defensively incompetent RBI guy a big contract to gum up the system. That guy doesn’t think a 1.5 win player is worth 15 a year, that guy thinks a middle of the order bat that will anchor the lineup for years to come is worth that.
It’s also assuming that all players will degrade equally. If for whatever reason no one thinks a guy that was great has much left in the tank, his WAR/$ is going to be really suppressed.
Plus there’s other factors involved like elite players being undervalued because it’s not a fair market for those players. Or Edwin Jackson taking way less than he could have because fuck Pittsburgh.There’s too many things at work to be able to just plot dollars and WAR on a graph and put a best fit line on there.
Minor League Central @mlcentral @andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Feb 6, 2012 12:01 PM PST up reply actions
I probably agree (i’m not a sme here) that it is not a one size fits all formula, just the best we have to work with. Until I see the “math” showing something better, I will trust and use Tango’s system.
What’s sme because I think I’d enjoy that.
Minor League Central @mlcentral @andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Feb 6, 2012 12:50 PM PST up reply actions
Not nearly as fun as I was hopinh.
Minor League Central @mlcentral @andrewngrant
by regfairfield on Feb 6, 2012 12:51 PM PST up reply actions
I guess he doesn't like Pittsburgh
@Ken_Rosenthal: Sources: Pirates made 3-yr offer to Edwin Jackson. Also made him 1-yr offer in $10MM range.
the guy hasn’t had many opportunities to pick which team he wants to play for
by court168627 on Feb 6, 2012 12:00 PM PST via Android app up reply actions
/belated "goddammit Ned" for not signing him, instead signing Harang
oh well…
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Should have pulled a Xeifrank and bet $12 a bunch of times.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 6, 2012 12:07 PM PST up reply actions
my bosses friend
Put 1000 dollars down on the Giants when they were 100-1 odds earlier in the season…who the hell puts 1000 dollars on a team with those odds??? lol
TBLA 2011 Postseason Prediction Champion
who the hell puts 1000 dollars on a team with those odds???
Winners
by Eric Stephen on Feb 6, 2012 12:08 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
lol I guess
Him and that guy who bet on the Cards 10 games out
TBLA 2011 Postseason Prediction Champion
someone needs to find this person so we can utilize their time machine
by court168627 on Feb 6, 2012 12:08 PM PST via Android app up reply actions
“Man from future accidentally clones Hitler”
by court168627 on Feb 6, 2012 12:15 PM PST via Android app up reply actions
Ok, someone let Doctor Who go to Vegas...
"There's one rule by which I generally run my life:
What would Mothra do?"
by Jim McLennan on Feb 6, 2012 12:18 PM PST up reply actions
Refresh – I don’t normally take out full threads but I did in this case. Whatever the provocation if you feel the need to tell someone to f off and it is not done in a comical way, simply refrain, I don’t care who you are.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
what happened to your brain slug that makes you only read tbla?
TBLA 2011 Postseason Prediction Champion
Well I opened this thread too late apparently
Because whatever it was is already gone.
Follow @DavidYoungTBLA
- The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
It was epic
Everyone who was here will never forget how great it was. You just had to be here for this once in a lifetime thing. I’m sure you’ll only wonder about it for the rest of your days :)
TBLA 2011 Postseason Prediction Champion
GFY
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
by Nolij on Feb 6, 2012 1:16 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I’m more certain than ever that it totally sucked and people were being more stupid than usual.
Follow @DavidYoungTBLA
- The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
McCovey Chronicles writes about the Dodgers’ offseason moves.
But if I’m ever frustrated with Brian Sabean, there’s an easy way to feel better: Remember that he somehow ctrl-c/ctrl-v’d his brain into another human being, and he sent that fellow on his merry way to build the roster of a divisional rival.
This is always a little sobering:
Acquired
Mark Ellis
Adam Kennedy
Jerry Hairston, Jr.
Aaron Harang
Chris Capuano
Todd Coffey
They won't have Ned to make them feel better about things much longer...
Nor will their division rival have the McCourt saga to make them feel better…
So, enjoy it while it lasts, I guess? Especially since the Giants and Dodgers are probably roughly about equal this coming year.
But Grant is always good to read.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
I think the Giants—on paper—are clearly better. Their rotation beats ours, their bullpen is potentially great, and they should be better offensively with Posey returning & Melky/Pagan. That being said, anything can happen.
Posey makes their lineup better in a snap, but their lineup was horrible and I don't see it as better than
than the Dodgers. Both are mediocre. The Giants have a better rotation at the moment though Dodgers have some wild cards in their minor league system there and I would be surprised if the comeback pitcher had a regression for them this year. Frankly, their bullpen is also due to regress, though yes on paper would rank it ahead of LA’s. Anyway, I guess my point is: a) the Giants are arguably better but it’s pretty marginal from top to bottom (last man), and regardless, they won’t have Ned to kick around past this season.
Perhaps he’ll come back to work for Sabean while waiting for his next GM gig. ;)
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 better than they were last year but your points still stand.
And I’m not 100% sold on Posey. That was a brutal injury. Coming back all the way might take a bit. I think they need to get Belt in the lineup.
yeah that's another problem. Bochy and Sabean.
I mean, just start Belt already, then their lineup is good. instead they look for ways to force the vets into 1B and OF, which is to our benefit… hope Belt is dicked around again this year. ;)
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
(lineup is better, I mean, still not sure about "good")
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Was a bit shocked by this
The Clippers have won three straight road games and face the Magic in Orlando tonight. If they win tonight, they will be within one game of the franchise record road winning streak:
5 games:
1973 Buffalo Braves (November of 1973-1974 season)
4 games:
2007 Clippers (streak ran from 2006-2007 to 2007-2008 regular seasons)
2007 Clippers (in March)
2006 Clippers (February of 2005-2006 season)
1997 Clippers (April of 1996-1997 season)
1992 Clippers (March of 1991-1992 season)
1974 Buffalo Braves (January of 1973-1974 season)
Clippers
are one point favorites tonight (last I saw). I’m not really that surprised by this, but it just seems odd and out of place that this is the case. #NotYourMomsClippers
While that movie is not up my alley, I really enjoyed the trailer last night. Well done.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 6, 2012 12:59 PM PST up reply actions
I’m more interested in Minesweeper, the Movie.
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
The Godfather is being played at theatres for 1 night around the country on March 1st. Godfather II on April 5th, I think.
I’m pretty pumped about paying to watch a movie I’ve seen at least 50 times on the big screen.
But what about Part III?!?
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
shit, lightsabers in 3D, you must be crazy to miss that haha… im just assuming, I dont really know if thats the case.
Your argument is basically “high technology shiny objects!”
Not worth $30 to go with my girlfriend to that horrible movie.
nah, for me, the arguement is I never know when ill ever get a chance to see all 6 star wars movies on a big screen again, so Im just gonna do it lol…. I was kinda iffy on it, but whatever.
The three Star Wars movies won’t be out in 3D for a couple of years though.
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
There aren’t 6 Star Wars movies.
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
Saying “I liked A New Hope, so I need to go see Episode I in 3D” is like saying “Rocky was awesome, I’m going to go reenact Rocky V.”
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
I rode my bike
out to Pasadena to see it. I think I was 15 or 16 and didn’t have a driver’s license yet.
It's gettin' so a businessman can't expect no return from a fixed fight. Now, if you can't trust a fix, what can you trust?
Saw Godfather I & II back to back on the big screen back in college. Repertory houses schedule it all the time.
That said, the print was old/ugly. A bit red and faded black. This will look top-notch.
Still chasing the dream of mediocrity
I remember renting it on VHS
20 or so years ago and it was unwatchable it was so dark. A new digital print would be nice to watch
It's gettin' so a businessman can't expect no return from a fixed fight. Now, if you can't trust a fix, what can you trust?
There are several movies that if they came back to theaters i'd go see
Like Superbad, Anchorman and the Departed.
TBLA 2011 Postseason Prediction Champion
Time to make a uniform robe with “Rangers” across the front. Joe Beimel signed a minor league deal with Texas. So did Conor Jackson.
A couple of potentially nice pieces. Texas even does minor-league deal/NRIs better than every one else.
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
Conor Jackson has been really frickin bad since he got malaria or whatever.
Minor League Central @mlcentral @andrewngrant
Josie
You’re clearly a big Joss Whedon fan, right? Have you caught the preview for some horror movie in the woods with Chris Hemmsworth and like no one else I’ve ever seen? I don’t know what to make of it, because I like Chris, and Joss’ work is growing on me, but the movie still looks kinda bad, lol.
TBLA 2011 Postseason Prediction Champion
it was made like three years ago, but it’s been sitting in the can waiting for release. I can assure you, it’s probably going to be pretty good. Don’t judge it by the preview.
I dont know, if its been sitting in the can, doesnt that probably mean it isnt that good? But im down for horror movies so i’ll still be interested.
That long?
I really like Chris Hemmsworth after his role on Star Trek and never seeing him any time before or after that in anything (I need to see Thor…), so that and the director are what make me want to see it.
TBLA 2011 Postseason Prediction Champion
I’m late to the party on movie talk but I wanted to break off my 2 cents.
I watched The Grey the other night.
Most people say it’s alright and hate the ending.
I loved it.
That’s all
LA Galaxy news from The Onion:
At a press conference Monday, Everton and Los Angeles Galaxy forward Landon Donovan announced his signing of a $2-Per-Goal contract with his grandparents Frank and Dianne Donovan—a full 100 percent raise from his previous agreement.
Should be
Doritos Assflame amirite?
It's gettin' so a businessman can't expect no return from a fixed fight. Now, if you can't trust a fix, what can you trust?
I just showed a friend at work Wayne (Mariner fan) the Kuo bat flip for the first time, always love seeing people’s reaction to it, haha.
TBLA 2011 Postseason Prediction Champion
I can picture HJ
or Gary doing that at the softball tournament. I would do it, but it doesn’t have quite the same thunder on a line drive over second base. :)
I’m going to glad hand an infield hit to SS against Dodger Thoughts
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I still can’t believe we’ll be allowed to use USSSA bats. I’m deliberating if I should borrow a buddy’s for the weekend.
bring it
worst case is you can’t use it. It may help a few of us get the ball out of the infield. :)
I e-mailed the LFP guy suggesting that we should be going ASA for this.
Follow @DavidYoungTBLA
- The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
Thanks
I’m not sure the LFP truly understands the difference between the two bats and how dangerous it will be.
I don't understand the difference
how dangerous is it?
It's gettin' so a businessman can't expect no return from a fixed fight. Now, if you can't trust a fix, what can you trust?
The Amateur Softball Association of America, or ASA, requires that all bats be certified for use in championship play according to the ASA’s 2004 Standard. This certification standard states that the speed of the ball leaving any bat cannot exceed 98 miles per hour.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/126063-slow-pitch-softball-bat-regulations/#ixzz1le9JMXPN
I assume non ASA bats make the ball go all faster
Yeah, I hope they don’t allow the scary bats. I’ve taken a few direct hits even at SS even with ASA bats. Would hate to be pitcher or 3B with those bats. Problem is, we will likely have a mix of very experienced strong hitting players and people who play slow pitch once every 10 years. The two won’t mix well with the scary bats in use.
Too bad Ned hates him
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Feb 6, 2012 2:08 PM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
The government told me
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Feb 6, 2012 2:12 PM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
It doesn’t really matter since he’s signed for 1.1 million but it’s kinda weird they did this after settling his arb case.
Minor League Central @mlcentral @andrewngrant
I'd replace Mitchell with a Blake DW in a second!
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Dam, alleged child molesting janitor at my kids school in Chatsworth, wtf is going on in these schools?
Ok if you don’t want your kid to have social skills.
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
I had people get angry with me in high school
because I didn’t assume kids who where home schooled where slow.
Watch me all in flames, on a butterfly I ride
The home-schooled kids in little league get picked on because they’re weird and don’t have social skills.
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
c'mon dude
You were in the HGM. School is no guarantee for social skills
I pitched to Matt Kemp, and all I got was this stupid earned run.
@maddzgoesrawr @arenafitness @madeleine_arena
by Maddz on Feb 6, 2012 2:38 PM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
(raises hand)
Excuse me, I still don’t have any social skills. Also: women and children terrify me.
Still chasing the dream of mediocrity
I got all my social skills by talking to drunks at a pizzeria.
Watch me all in flames, on a butterfly I ride
Homeschooling for me
would’ve been Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
It's gettin' so a businessman can't expect no return from a fixed fight. Now, if you can't trust a fix, what can you trust?
So it was a complete success then?
Follow @DavidYoungTBLA
- The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
The six-year old’s response. Why? Why? Why? Why?
There are a myriad of activities available for children to interact with other children. The main problem is getting home-schooled children into opportunities to interact with other children without their parents around to run things and control all situations.
Follow @DavidYoungTBLA
- The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
women just aren't getting along and vice versa with Nolander today :P
TBLA 2011 Postseason Prediction Champion
They are hiring perverts
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Feb 6, 2012 2:17 PM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
What this country needs are more male elementary school teachers.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
what this country needs is for the hysteria to end
men shouldn’t have to be so afraid of people thinking they are pedos just because they spend any time around kids.
Watch me all in flames, on a butterfly I ride
My dad told me that he lived in constant fear of being accused of something when he was my soccer coach. Even though he obviously didn’t do anything untoward.
He made sure that there was always another parent on hand at soccer practices, etc.
OK children
today we are going to practice activities without the use of our hands.
It's gettin' so a businessman can't expect no return from a fixed fight. Now, if you can't trust a fix, what can you trust?
I coach a soccer team
of 6,7 and 8 year old kids (AYSO). We have to take what is called “Safe Haven” training. Basically, it tells you some of the appropriate and inappropriate behavious around kids. Of course not the obvious ones like molesting, but the ones like what is the appropriate way to touch a kid (ie – high fives, pats on the back), what to do if a kid hugs you, all the wierd things that you probably haven’t thought of. We are taught to never be alone with the kids. For a male coach like myself, to always have one of the female mothers at all practices etc… It doesn’t gaurantee filtering out the molestors, but it does help with the grey line stuff and covers your ass and AYSO’s ass for lawsuits a little bit.
Im leery of teachers in general… Do they not drug test? I know 2 teachers personally that smoke weed and drink, right now, and besides that, I always felt why would you want to be a teacher? They got shit on when I was a kid. Dealing with 1 kid is rough enough, let alone 30-50 of them. It must be the summer vacation, thats all I cant think of.
This should continue to be good. I, for one, am setting up a lawn chair and popping some popcorn.
In the meantime, Chris, please tell us: what exactly are you “just sayin?” That schoolteachers should neither drink nor smoke pot?
Oh, look, my popcorn’s done. I’ll take my answer off the air.
Still chasing the dream of mediocrity
I think Chris is saying that he himself doesn't feel qualified to be a teacher
and thinks its a really difficult and thankless job. Thank goodness there are people willing to do it, because I know I’m not.
Watch me all in flames, on a butterfly I ride
Im just saying, around Jr high, and into highschool, the lack of respect teachers got from some students, and the things those students said to teachers, made me personally never want to be a teacher, and I was a straight edge kid back then, until I got crupted by the dark side of the force (women, drugs, alcohol) haha
I was a teenage parent
so I was always on the look out for my son’s teachers whenever I’d be out at the bars or clubs, especially the young attractive ones.
I teach high school. Male elementary teachers on the whole are fantastic people and I hope that my sons will be blessed enough to have some as role models.
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
I thought this was great
from McCovey Chronicles:
It's gettin' so a businessman can't expect no return from a fixed fight. Now, if you can't trust a fix, what can you trust?
Velez
It's gettin' so a businessman can't expect no return from a fixed fight. Now, if you can't trust a fix, what can you trust?
You only recognize guys who get hits for the Dodgers
by Michael White on Feb 6, 2012 2:25 PM PST up reply actions
Didn't he get signed by the Cardinals as a minor league NRI?
Anyway, thankfully not our problem again this year.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
And here it is
Ken Rosenthal
#Dodgers have designated IF Russ Mitchell for assignment, presumably to clear a roster spot for Coffey. #MLB
I picked a plethora of previews of players who may be gone by time their preview will need to post
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
by Phil Gurnee on Feb 6, 2012 2:24 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
You don’t think DeWitt will just clear waivers anyway?
Or can he still be outrighted to the minors (in the Cubs system) if he does? Actually, this is probably true.
by Michael White on Feb 6, 2012 2:26 PM PST up reply actions
You know what, the Dodgers don’t have anybody who can play 2nd and 3rd but not short. Maybe the Dodgers should pick him up.
Still chasing the dream of mediocrity
more minor league IF depth would be good, at the least
as we learned from seeing guys like Eugenio Velez waste roster space.
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 he had one, but could be wrong. Where to look it up?
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 a man has no options but no one will claim him does he really not have options?
Minor League Central @mlcentral @andrewngrant
Reg spits hot fire
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Feb 6, 2012 2:52 PM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
I’m sad that there were no major league players with the name “tree” according to Baseball Reference.
If it's in a forest?
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 would have a hard time convincing me that Juan Uribe would post a higher OPS+ then Blake DeWitt this year.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
When I was told about OPS, I was told 800 or above is a good OPS for the most part, give or take depending on position… Now all I hear is OPS+, and I just want to know what is pretty much considered a good OPS+ in general??
I think you guys will be surprised this year...
Uribe won’t suck. I’d rather have BDW back also but don’t know if he’s really better than Uribe. Isn’t Uribe at least a better field, if nothing else?
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
I agree with you. At a minimum, Uribe is a better infielder at 2B and SS. At worst Uribe is a wash with BDW at third and is probably better.
by Michael White on Feb 6, 2012 2:56 PM PST up reply actions
Who really cares about his defense at 2nd/SS since for us going forward he’s a 3rd baseman?
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Then, is he better defensively at 3rd than BDW?
I think he still is. Though I suppose it’s closer. Again, I guess it’s moot since DeWitt won’t be on our team competing with Uribe, but since it was brought up…)
At any rate, it doesn’t seem like Cubs fans really miss BDW all that much and while I like the guy I can’t really imagine him outslugging Uribe this season, though the latter’s OBP will continue to leave much to be desired. /cue Emo Uribe pic
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 love Chris Paul
When Chris Paul first heard about the Clippers’ long losing streak in Utah, he went to Ralph Lawler to find out if it was true. Paul vowed to help end that streak (which he did) and then he asked Ralph to inform him whenever the Clippers were up against history in a game. Well, the Clippers nine game losing streak against Orlando is their longest active losing streak against any team.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
No, I don't think so
I haven’t been around a computer for a while and thats the first thing I saw on Fangraphs
There might be industry speculation about that kind of swap, but it’s not speculation that should be taken overly seriously.
Still gonna write 1200 words about it.
Minor League Central @mlcentral @andrewngrant
I can't stop giggling
It's gettin' so a businessman can't expect no return from a fixed fight. Now, if you can't trust a fix, what can you trust?
As goofy as that was (especially wardrobe), I still wish halftime show was more
(check out the .gifs at the bottom)
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’m getting fairly irked at the Kuo contract.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
don't fairly irk him
You wouldn’t like him when he’s fairly irked
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die."
by Tommy Blackjack on Feb 6, 2012 3:13 PM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
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