MLB 2010 Season Thread

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Most Vottoest Player

[ClockShot]

Damn you, Chan Ho Park.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Alright, so here's my roster predictions. I left off anybody who has been DL'ed and in the case of starting lineups I just put in whoever was next up in the voting. People who are injured now but not DL'ed have been allowed on.

National League
Starting Lineup
SS – Hanley Ramirez, Florida Marlins
2B – Martin Prado, Atlanta Braves
1B – Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals
DH – Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds
3B – David Wright, New York Mets
RF – Andre Ethier, Los Angeles Dodgers
LF – Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers
CF – Jayson Werth, Philadelphia Phillies
C – Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals

Reserves
OF – Corey Hart, Milwaukee Brewers
1B – Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies
1B – Adrian Gonzalez, San Diego Padres
OF – Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates
C – Miguel Olivo, Colorado Rockies
2B – Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati Reds
OF – Manny Ramirez, Los Angeles Dodgers
SS – Jose Reyes, New York Mets
3B – Scott Rolen, Cincinnati Reds
OF – Alfonso Soriano, Chicago Cubs
OF – Justin Upton, Arizona Diamondbacks
2B – Rickie Weeks, Milwaukee Brewers
3B – Ryan Zimmerman, Washington Nationals

Pitchers
RHP – Heath Bell, San Diego Padres
RHP – Jonathan Broxton, Los Angeles Dodgers
RHP – Roy Halladay, Philadelphia Phillies
RHP – Ubaldo Jimenez, Colorado Rockies
RHP – Josh Johnson, Florida Marlins
RHP – Tim Lincecum, San Francisco Giants
RHP - Roy Oswalt, Houston Astros
LHP – Arthur Rhodes, Cincinnati Reds
RHP – Francisco Rodriguez, New York Mets
RHP – Adam Wainwright, St. Louis Cardinals
LHP – Billy Wagner, Atlanta Braves

34th Man Final Vote
RHP – Chris Carpenter, St. Louis Cardinals
RHP – Yovani Gallardo, Milwaukee Brewers
RHP – Tim Hudson, Atlanta Braves
RHP – Mike Pelfrey, New York Mets
RHP – Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals

---

Thoughts

-McCann could very well make it instead of Olivo. I kinda hope McCann beat out Yadier in the voting at the last second, cause Yadier should be nowhere near an All Star Team with a .230 BA.
-With Tulo injured, the NL SS situation is a mess. I'm pretty sure the rules stipulate that each team MUST have a backup, so Reyes kinda gets in by default.
-I was trying to decide on my last roster spot between guys like Manny, Glaus, and Dunn. In the end I went with Manny cause there are enough 1B and you figure it'd make sense to have an extra LA guy.
-I think Manuel will DH Howard in the starting lineup instead of Votto, but whatevs.
-I read an article on MLB.com about how players from the Cardinals were voting for Rhodes. I hope he makes it, the NL needs another lefty on the staff. Set-up guys get no respect.
-The NL pitching has been ridiculous this year. Much harder to decide on than AL.
-Poor Pelf would have no chance in hell in that Final Vote.
-Ubaldo should get the start. Shame all the NL starters are right-handed against a lefty-dominant AL lineup.

---

American League
Starting Lineup
RF – Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle Mariners
SS – Derek Jeter, New York Yankees
1B – Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins
3B – Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays
2B – Robinson Cano, New York Yankees
CF – Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers
DH – Vladimir Guerrero, Texas Rangers
C – Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins
LF – Carl Crawford, Tampa Bay Rays

Reserves
SS – Elvis Andrus, Texas Rangers
3B – Adrian Beltre, Boston Red Sox
1B – Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers
OF – Shin-Soo Choo, Cleveland Indians
OF – Torii Hunter, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
OF – Magglio Ordonez, Detroit Tigers
DH – David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox
C – Jorge Posada, New York Yankees
OF – Alex Rios, Chicago White Sox
OF – Vernon Wells, Toronto Blue Jays
2B – Ty Wigginton, Baltimore Orioles
1B – Kevin Youkilis, Boston Red Sox
3B – Michael Young, Texas Rangers

Pitchers
RHP – Andrew Bailey, Oakland Athletics
RHP – Clay Buchholz, Boston Red Sox
LHP – Cliff Lee, Seattle Mariners
LHP – Jon Lester, Boston Red Sox
LHP – Andy Pettitte, New York Yankees
LHP – David Price, Tampa Bay Rays
RHP – Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees
RHP – Joakim Soria, Kansas City Royals
RHP – Rafael Soriano, Tampa Bay Rays
RHP – Jose Valverde, Detroit Tigers
RHP – Jered Weaver, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

34th Man Final Vote
RHP – Neftali Feliz, Texas Rangers
RHP – Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners
LHP – Francisco Liriano, Minnesota Twins
LHP – Ricky Romero, Toronto Blue Jays
LHP – CC Sabathia, New York Yankees

---

Thoughts

-That lineup is mad ridiculous.
-It may make more sense to bat Crawford 2nd, but there's no way Girardi is pushing Jeter to 9th.
-I nearly threw Kurt Suzuki in as the A's rep instead of Jorge as backup C so I could put Feliz on the team instead of Bailey.
-Torii Hunter has had a good year, but I mainly put him in because the game is in Anaheim. Gotta have somebody you know for sure will play for the hometown team (no idea if Weaver pitches the Sunday before or not).
-Cliff Lee should start assuming he's still in the AL by the time the game rolls around.</font>

[Triple Naitch]

-McCann could very well make it instead of Olivo. I kinda hope McCann beat out Yadier in the voting at the last second, cause Yadier should be nowhere near an All Star Team with a .230 BA.

I really hope Pudge gets the nod. This has been an awful year for NL Catchers and he deserves one last All-Star spot for the job he's done this year. He's hitting .300 and has done a terrific job with the young Washington pitchers.

[Evil Vito]

I really hope Pudge gets the nod. This has been an awful year for NL Catchers and he deserves one last All-Star spot for the job he's done this year. He's hitting .300 and has done a terrific job with the young Washington pitchers.

<font color=goldenrod>True, I wouldn't be opposed to Pudge getting a shot.

Had to make a slight change. I forgot about getting a Houston rep cause they suck, so I just went with Roy Oswalt. Took Carpenter off the team as Wainwright has been better. Bumped Brian Wilson off the Final Vote as there are 5 closers already and gave Carpenter his spot.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

Damn you, Chan Ho Park.

I guess he had another case of a lot of diarrhea.

[ClockShot]

Hey Vito, just read that the Mets signed Brian Bruney to a minor league gig.

Your thoughts?

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I'm fine with it. He sucked in Washington but if he goes back to his old form he'd be a quality arm to call up from the minors if the need came up.

Even funnier, the Nats signed 87 year old El Duque.</font>

[Skippord]

just realized Kirk Gibson is making his managing debut against the Dodgers

interesting

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Damn you, Chan Ho Park.

Wasn't D-rob the one who gave up 4 runs? He was the one who really cost us the game. But, I hate Park so agreed.

[DaveWadding]

D'Backs came out and curb stomped the Dodgers tonight in Gibby's debut. 12-5.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

If the season ended today, your NL playoff teams would be the Braves, Reds, Padres, and Mets. If you called that at the beginning of the season then congratulations, you're a big fat liar.

[Skippord]

I don't understand how the Padres are doing so well

[Supreme Olajuwon]

3.10 team ERA. Four starting pitchers with an ERA of 3.25 or lower. 3rd best team defense in the majors. That'll do it.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Their bullpen is ridiculous. Set-up guys rarely get their due, but if Arthur Rhodes doesn't make the ASG, one of the Pads' set-up guys should.</font>

[DaveWadding]

Gregerson.

[DaveWadding]

Heisey breaks up Randy Wells' no-hitter after 6.

[Innovator]

GARDNER

[Skippord]

3.10 team ERA. Four starting pitchers with an ERA of 3.25 or lower. 3rd best team defense in the majors. That'll do it.
I know what their stats are, I just also think that those pitchers aren't good enough to be doing that

[Dragon]

Solid 11 run inning.

[ClockShot]

Brett Gardner hits a grand slam. That should shut the people up who think he shouldn't be out on the field.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Angels vs. Royals on Sunday Night Baseball this week.

Royals playing on Sunday night? Holy shit.

I seem to remember the Orioles playing on Sunday Night Baseball a couple years ago just because they happened to be in the last game at Yankee Stadium. So I think that leaves the Pirates as the only team left where I can't remember seeing them play on Sunday night.</font>

[DaveWadding]

THEY'RE SINGING

GO CUBS GO

GO CUBS GO

HEY CHICAGO WHADDAYA SAY?

THE CUBS ARE GONNA WIN TOOOODAYYYYYY

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>God I hate K-Rod

If the Mets were to make the playoffs, I honestly think I'd need to get hooked up to a morphine drip when K-Rod pitches

*walk*
*clickclickclick*
*base hit*
*clickclickclick*</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

Red Sox end 1st half of the season (81 games) with the same record of 49-32 for last 3 years in a row.

This year would be the toughest since 11 guys on the DL list and the worst month of April since 1996/1997.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Arthur Rhodes makes it

Evan Meek gets the Pirates rep

No Strasburg, but Matt Capps gets in

Oswalt wasn't picked, which makes me wonder who the fuck will get in from the Astros</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Michael Bourn gets the Astros spot

WOOOO Reyes gets in

No Votto :|</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

oh my fucking god

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Charlie Manuel you big stupid retard

[Supreme Olajuwon]

ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS

JOEY VOTTO WILL EAT YOUR BABIES BITCH

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah wtf. Manuel's making it sound like he wanted utility players on the team.

My guess at Final Vote candidates: Strasburg (sigh), Pelfrey, Bell, VOTTO, someone else</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Seriously dunno wtf he was thinking. Zimmerman should have gone as the Nats rep, Bell should be on the team instead of Capps, Votto DEFINITELY needed to be there.

Surprised he didn't put Jayson Werth on the team. If Heyward can't play they'll need to add another OF tho</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

1st in OPS
2nd in HR, OBP, SLG
4th in AVG, R
5th in RBI, BB

currently at 41 straight games reaching base

not an All Star

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>lol Fausto Carmona made the team. Hope that doesn't mean Shin-Soo Choo got snubbed. Having 2 Indians on the team would be a bit of a joke.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>No Jered Weaver? WTF. He should get in ahead of Carmona based on where the game is played.

Elvis Andrus and Ian Kinsler make it but Michael Young gets snubbed while A-Rod makes it

3 Blue Jays make it

No Choo, no Alex Rios?</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I know there are snubs every year, but goddamn. This year was BAD.</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

People say fan voting is a joke. Manager voting is even worse.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The funny thing is the manager only gets to fill like 9 spots on their own. The fans pick the 8 starters, and players choose 5 SP, 3 RP, and 8 backups (one for each position). Plus the final vote.

So with your reserves all set, you would think it's not that hard to look at the leftovers and pick the 9 best guys.</font>

[Skippord]

Miguel Olivo leads the NL catchers in both Average and Base runners thrown out, and is second in Home Runs

Not an all star

[Skippord]

Charlie Manuel probably won't start Ubaldo either, just to spite me

[SammyG]

D'Backs came out and curb stomped the Dodgers tonight in Gibby's debut. 12-5.
What happened after that game?

[Boomer]

LOL

I love me some Omar Infante, but that came out of left field. Pun intended.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>FINAL VOTE Candidates

AL: Paul Konerko, Nick Swisher, Kevin Youkilis, Delmon Young, Michael Young

NL: Heath Bell, Carlos Gonzalez, Joey Votto, Billy Wagner, Ryan Zimmerman

Poor Pelf :( Kinda hope a ton of NL starters pitch next Sunday so they need to make a load of replacements.

Anyway, vote Votto or you're a retard</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>lol apparently there's no vote limit for the Final Vote.

Get to it, Supreme.</font> :shifty:

[Supreme Olajuwon]

http://www.red-hot-mama.com/images/voteVottoButton.png

[YOUR Hero]

Choo is DL'd

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Wow. Using the stats MLB uses most in determining awards and such for pitchers (W-L record and ERA), you can definitely make the case that Pelfrey should be there ahead of Carpenter and Lincecum.

Unfortunately, the Commish's Office also help Manuel fill out the remaining roster spots. You know damn well they'd rather have Lincecum and Carpenter pitching (as would, admittedly, most of the viewing audience).</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

aaaaaaaaaaand Votto gets tossed in the top of the 1st

[Evil Vito]

Choo is DL'd

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah, didn't realize that.

Still should have been a named all star (like V-Mart, Pedroia, and Tulowitzki were)</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Omar Infante doesn't even have enough plate appearances to qualify for the batting title.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Apparently Girardi has already said that Sabathia won't be on the final game-day 34-man roster, because he pitches the Sunday before.

Halladay and Hudson pitch the Saturday before and so they are at risk of missing the game if a rain out pushes them back.</font>

[DaveWadding]

Jesus Lilly.

[Triple Naitch]

Snubbing Votto is a fucking crime.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

You know it's just one of those days when Corky Miller is hitting balls onto Waveland Ave.

[DaveWadding]

Fucking wind blowing out and the Cubs still cant do a damn thing.

[DaveWadding]

Almost not looking forward to tomorrow given the performances last night and this morning by the D'Backs and Cubs.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Charlie Manuel, on picking Howard over Votto for All-Stars: "He’s my guy. He’s my player. My guy."

What a piece of shit.</font>

[McLegend]

LOL

[Loose Cannon]

I would prob do the same thing to be honest

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Michael Young vs. Alex Rodriguez
Joey Votto vs. Ryan Howard
Mike Pelfrey/Mat Latos/Jaime Garcia vs. Tim Lincecum/Chris Carpenter

Kinda serves as proof right there that the huge superstars get a built-in advantage when it comes to picking guys for the game. Baseball wants the players that will get the highest ratings. There probably ARE people who would watch solely for the chance to see an A-Rod vs. Lincecum matchup, not so much Young vs. Latos or something</font>

[Skippord]

and Miguel Olivo vs Brian McCann/Yadier Molina

[Skippord]

also, Vote For CarGo

[ClockShot]

Marcus Thames returns from the DL and gets another walk off hit.

What's the world coming to?

[MVP]

Voted Youk and Votto.

[Evil Vito]

http://www.metsblog.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Screen-shot-2010-07-05-at-7.47.58-AM.png

<font color=goldenrod>Man the NL East sucks on the road.

Huge week heading into the break. 3 against the Reds and 3 against the Braves. I'd be happy with 3-3 overall as long as 2 of the wins are against the Braves.

Don't really see why they still are carrying 6 bench players. Manuel burns out the guys in his bullpen. 6 relievers out there and yet Bobby Parnell pitches every day while Fernando Nieve hasn't been seen in over a week.</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

BTW the Reds and the Phillies have a 4 game series to end the 1st half of the season. That should be pretty uninteresting.

[Innovator]

Dallas Braden on the DL just in time for the Yankees to come back to Oakland.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

In case you were wondering (I was), the last two people to win the MVP without making the All Star team were Jimmy Rollins in 2007 and Justin Morneau in 2006.

Of course Rollins never should've beaten Matt Holliday who was the clear MVP that season. But hey at least Morneau can comfort his fellow Canadian.

[McLegend]

Supreme is being a monster hater of the Phillies right now.

Damn

[Supreme Olajuwon]

just stating the facts, my main man

not even mad at Howard cause he actually deserved it, but Charlie Manuel is a clown

Totally going into homer mode here, but Votto's been arguably the best hitter in the NL this season. Can you imagine what wouldve happened if Manuel left Ubaldo or Josh Johnson off the team?

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Huff/Burrell/Sandoval might be the slowest 3-4-5 hitter group in the history of baseball.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I'm pretty certain David Wright would have won the '07 MVP had the Mets just held on</font> :(

[McLegend]

just stating the facts, my main man

not even mad at Howard cause he actually deserved it, but Charlie Manuel is a clown

Totally going into homer mode here, but Votto's been arguably the best hitter in the NL this season. Can you imagine what wouldve happened if Manuel left Ubaldo or Josh Johnson off the team?
Votto will get in with the fan vote. This will be the best thing that happens to Votto. Now everybody knows his name. He deserves to get in, and I'm sure he will.

Everybody should know Charlie was a clown after he started Pedro in game 6 of the World series. Then his sanity should have been questioned after letting Pedro pitch to Matsui the 2nd time up

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mets finally get a 7th reliever, calling up Raul Valdes and putting Fernando Tatis on the DL with a sudden phantom injury.

Better hope for no injuries tonight, with Reyes unavailable there are no backups at 2B, SS, or 3B if something happens. Henry Blanco was taking grounders at third.</font> :o

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Colin Cowherd, you know, the sports talk radio host who thinks he's too cool to care about sports, said today that nobody should care about Votto because he's not a star.

I dunno why anyone badmouths Jim Rome when his time slot is up against Cowherd's. At least Rome watches sports. Cowherd just follows LA, New York, and Boston teams and then talks shit about every other city and team for not being mainstream enough.

[McLegend]

The thing I like about Colin Cowherd is he thinks a different way then most radio people.

He doesn't hate the Phillies or the Eagles, but any chance he gets he will bash Philadelphia, and do it somewhat hard.

He hates small market so much. His love for New York and the Lakers is sickening. His show most of the time is a pro Big-people, and Anti little guy. He hates the hard working people, and only likes people who make the big money.

However it was weird how he said Cliff Lee going to the Yankees would be a move that's bad for baseball. It was something I did not expect coming from him.

[McLegend]

A great place for Cliff Lee is on the Phillies, but I guess that made too much sense.

Stupid bastards.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I guess Charlie Manuel just wanted Votto mad for the Mets series. It worked.

VOTTOMATIC

[ClockShot]

Dallas Braden on the DL just in time for the Yankees to come back to Oakland.

Awwwwwwww.

He'll get his when he visits the Bronx.

[Triple Naitch]

Girardi deserves to be ripped just as much for picking A-Rod over Youk, Young, and Konerko.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Votto is ridiculous.

Speaking of which, he and Swisher (ugh) have the early Final Vote lead.</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Reds and Red Sox are doing a joint campaign for Votto and Youk to get in.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Wow, that was bullshit. No way can that reasonably be overturned from where the base umpires were standing.

Furthermore, I'm not even sure they can overturn that at all. Fuck.</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Yeah tough break for the Mets there. But it was the right call so what do you do?

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I know it was the right call, but I'm pretty sure the umps just made shit up there.

Yet another example of terrible umpiring this year. It probably will cost the Mets the game now.

Blah. Kinda want Barajas to duck and let the ump get smashed in the face.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>God dammit Pelf. The wheels fell off when he didn't get that call. Looked like the headcase Pelf I remember from '09.

Pretty much guarantees Latos gets Gallardo's ASG spot, too (even though Latos deserved it more anyway).</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Yeah game changing call for sure. I mean you never know what happens with Rolen still hitting with the bases loaded, but yeah Pelfrey just fell apart.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Really loving Pagan. No idea what they're going to do once Beltran gets up to speed and doesn't have to sit every 3rd game. Next time Francoeur finds himself in an ultra cold slump he could be riding the pine.</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

VOTTOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH MY GOD

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Holy shit Votto</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>lol that scrub Votto couldn't even hit 3 HR in a game. No wonder he didn't make the All-Star Team!</font> :shifty:

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Omar Infante with a respectable 0 for 4, 2 K performance tonight.

What's the word on Infante in the derby this year? I'd love to see it.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Infante's still bringing a monstrous .700 OPS to the dish though.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Infante's selection kinda set off a chain reaction of shitty selections when you look at it.

His spot could have gone to Ryan Zimmerman, Adam Dunn, or Josh Willingham. This would allow them to not put Matt Capps on the team, and instead bring Roy Oswalt. Having Oswalt would then mean shitty Michael Bourn doesn't get in, and his spot could go to any number of qualified guys *cough*VOTTO*cough*</font>

:shifty:

[Skippord]

Miguel Olivo's 2010 statistics: <table class="tablehead statCont" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="colhead playerStatSub"><td>BA</td><td>HR</td><td>RBI</td><td>OBP</td><td>SLG</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow playerStats"><td>.307</td><td>11</td><td>39</td><td>.363</td><td>.538</td></tr></tbody></table>Brian McCann 2010 statistics:
<table class="tablehead statCont" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="colhead playerStatSub"><td>BA</td><td>HR</td><td>RBI</td><td>OBP</td><td>SLG</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow playerStats"><td>.269</td><td>10</td><td>34</td><td>.382</td><td>.454</td></tr></tbody></table>

[Skippord]

and Olivo has thrown out a higher percentage of runners

[RP]

If Omar Infante is an allstar, i'm an allstar

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Pettitte replaces Buccholz. Apparently Girardi named Sabathia to the team knowing he'd pitch Sunday and therefore would have to be replaced, so he was going to add Andy one way or another to get all of his guys there.

So somebody still has to replace Sabathia. It has to be Weaver, right? How he's not there to begin with is baffling. He's leading the league in K's and his ERA is a full run lower than Phil Hughes, who DID make the team.</font>

[Triple Naitch]

Infante's only an all-star because Manuel was pressured by MLB to add a utility guy. Same in the AL for Wigginton.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I dunno about that. The O's had to have a rep, and I'm really not sure who else they'd have taken. Markakis seems to be the only other choice, and the AL OF was quite crowded as is.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>So happy for Santana right now. He's been waiting to hit a HR for awhile now, looked like a kid running around the bases.</font>

[ClockShot]

Most of the Home Run Derby contestants were announced today.

AL: David Ortiz, Vernon Wells, Robinson Cano, Miguel Cabrera.

NL: Corey Hart, Matt Holliday, ?, ?.

Don't know how big the field is. But I think 4 from each side is enough. Make this short and sweet.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I have to think Howard will be in, he usually is.

They usually don't double up on teams so probably no Pujols. I think they may be waiting to see if Votto makes the team so he can be in it.</font>

[McLegend]

Howard declined to be in it.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Votto and A-Gon then I suppose.</font>

[DaveWadding]

I think they should pick the 8 best HR hitters from each league regardless of All-Star status...

I mean, who wouldn't want to see Mark Reynolds, Adam Dunn et al. in the Derby?

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Seriously. They had fucking Hee Seop Choi in the derby one year. Who really gives a shit

[McLegend]

I don't even know who that is.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>lol Hee Seop Choi</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

http://mlb.mlb.com/images/2005/07/11/6buRkZIl.jpg


It was a WBC preview with a rep from each country in the derby. And he was the Korean player. Yeah, mad gay. That was the Derby that fucked up Bobby Abreu's swing.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I remember poor Jason Bay represented Canada and didn't get a single homer. And it was at his home park.

THINK that was the same derby, I may be off by a year though.</font>

[DaveWadding]

FUCK Hee Seop Choi. Definitely ended the Mark Grace era in Chicago.

[McLegend]

http://mlb.mlb.com/images/2005/07/11/6buRkZIl.jpg


It was a WBC preview with a rep from each country in the derby. And he was the Korean player. Yeah, mad gay. That was the Derby that fucked up Bobby Abreu's swing.

I remember that Derby that was pretty sweet. Then it ended up being not so sweet.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Hmm, it was 2005. Bay DID represent Canada, but yeah I was off by a year. It was in Detroit.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Rivera withdrew from the ASG apparently.

Guessing he'll be replaced with Soriano.</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

The one in Pittsburgh was the one where David Wright kept cursing on live tv.

[McLegend]

And that's also the one where Ryan Howard just took shit over.

Because that's what he does.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I'll always remember Wright wrecking shit in that first round. Got hella gassed though. Messed up his swing the rest of the season.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Johan :love:

Marked out when Jerry left him in</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Santana's been ridiculous this year, but it's gone under the radar due to his W-L record and a couple of bad innings.

Was reading that if you take out the disaster inning he had in Philly, and a couple 4 run innings where he surrendered grand slams, his ERA would be like under 2, or close to it.</font>

[Splaya]

So fucking sick to my stomach. Did not want Miguel Cabrera to do the Home Run derby

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Weaver gets Sabathia's spot, but it's only ceremonial as he too is pitching Sunday. So they'll have to find yet another replacement.</font>

[Skippord]

Rockies win with a reasonable 9 run 9th

[Supreme Olajuwon]

That's pretty cool. And it was against St. Louis which is even neater. Way to go, Rox.

[Boomer]

Miguel Olivo's 2010 statistics: <table class="tablehead statCont" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="colhead playerStatSub"><td>BA</td><td>HR</td><td>RBI</td><td>OBP</td><td>SLG</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow playerStats"><td>.307</td><td>11</td><td>39</td><td>.363</td><td>.538</td></tr></tbody></table>Brian McCann 2010 statistics:
<table class="tablehead statCont" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="colhead playerStatSub"><td>BA</td><td>HR</td><td>RBI</td><td>OBP</td><td>SLG</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow playerStats"><td>.269</td><td>10</td><td>34</td><td>.382</td><td>.454</td></tr></tbody></table>

Brian should be going though. Yadier should not. I agree it isn't fair, but McCann will probably be a All-Star lifer. As a catcher, he certainly doesn't have to try that hard.

And McCann has been terrible with throwing out baserunners this year. He's basically the catcher from Major League 2.

[Skippord]

I agree with that

just comparing the manager/player decision instead of the fan one

[Skippord]

Damn @ that guy in Texas who fell off the second deck

[ClockShot]

Crazy night in baseball. Rockies with the big comeback in the 9th, fan takes a swan dive in Texas going after a foul ball, another Red Sock goes down, and A-Rod finally showed up this season.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Youkilis took over the AL lead in the final vote after two days. Votto still leads the NL.

Seeing the success of the Vote Red campaign that Boston and Cincinnati have accomplished in teaming up their players, the Rangers and Nationals are trying the same thing for Michael Young and Ryan Zimmerman. The Third Base Ticket.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

posers

[Supreme Olajuwon]

"You look at the guys that are going to the All-Star Game and the years that they've had, they did that from opening day. I haven't been here since opening day. They deserve it. Hopefully someday I'll deserve it, too."

- Stephen Strasburg on not making the All Star team

Good answer, kid. This makes me like him a lot more.

[YOUR Hero]

Lost 12 of their last 15. WTF

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>So, it seems like the 2010 Red Sox are the new 2009 Mets. Only difference is they can still remain competitive despite the insane amount of injuries.

Their injured team could probably compete in any division:

C Varitek
1B Youkilis
2B Pedroia
3B Lowell
SS Lowrie
OF Hermida, Cameron, Ellsbury
DH Martinez

SP Buccholz, Beckett</font>

[MVP]

Without Martinez, Hermida, and Cameron that's a major part of the 2007 World Championship team right there.

[Droford]

Scherzer has 6 ks in 3.2 innings, 0 H 0 BB vs the Os 42 pitches

I think we might be seeing at least a no hitter.

or not...yay I guess

[ClockShot]

Robinson Cano pulls out of the Home Run Derby due to (Joe Girardi holding a gun to his head) a bad back.

[MVP]

The fair weather Rays fans are hitting cowbells all game. And I thought vuvuzelas were annoying to listen to during a game.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

ahaha the Rockies with another great comeback

[Jeritron]

<font color=goldenrod>So, it seems like the 2010 Red Sox are the new 2009 Mets. Only difference is they can still remain competitive despite the insane amount of injuries.

Their injured team could probably compete in any division:

C Varitek
1B Youkilis
2B Pedroia
3B Lowell
SS Lowrie
OF Hermida, Cameron, Ellsbury
DH Martinez

SP Buccholz, Beckett</font>


Seriously

[Skippord]

The Rockies might give me a heart attack or 3 by the end of the year

incredible

[ClockShot]

Yankees sweep the A's on the road and Burnett goes 7 strong innings.

Love it.

[Innovator]

Only thing that would've been better would have been if Braden pitched when A-Rod hit the grand slam and solo shot.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Heath Bell and Rafael Soriano named All Star replacements. Good.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>lol La Russa. Why would you ever let a guy make his ML debut in a tie game in the 9th? Now he has an ERA of infinity and his confidence is probably wrecked.</font> :y:

[Supreme Olajuwon]

http://ramsey.mlblogs.com/Group%20Stretch%202.JPG

[Evil Vito]

http://www.phightinphils.com/2010/07/jayson-werth-and-jennifer-utley-having-an-affair.html

<font color=goldenrod>Potential lolphillies right there</font>

[McLegend]

http://www.phightinphils.com/2010/07/jayson-werth-and-jennifer-utley-having-an-affair.html

<font color=goldenrod>Potential lolphillies right there</font>

Dude I called something like this. I fuckin did

I don't know if this true, but still. It's probably not true though.

[McLegend]

See

http://www.crossingbroad.com/2010/07/jayson-werth-is-not-sleeping-with-chase-utleys-wife.html

[Innovator]

It's true, he called it last year I think.

[McLegend]

1 month ago I called it.

[Innovator]

Seems like last year.

Fuck off a lot has happened in a month.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Werth has to be related to Edge. Way too many similarities for them not to be at least cousins.

[Skippord]

can't blame Chase Utley's wife

Werth is gorgeous

[Triple Naitch]

Shocked, but not surprised. Werth is studly.

[Skippord]

UbaldOH!

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Votto and Swisher win the Final Vote

Fucking 8 Yankees on the team now (although 2 won't play)</font>

[Skippord]

damn, now I have to go further injure Heyward's thumb to get CarGo into the all star game

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Hooray for Joey!

Still hope he takes his anger out on Charlie Manuel during this series.

[MVP]

Good for Votto. Should have been Konerko or Youk in the AL though.

[Schlomey]

Watching Reds vs Phillies tonight. Pretty good so far as these are 2 of my favorite teams around. (sans Pirates)

[McLegend]

I will never understand Brad Lidge. I also might have trouble understanding the 2010 Phillies in general.

[Skippord]

Good for Votto. Should have been Konerko or Youk in the AL though.
or Michael Young

most underrated player in baseball

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>oh christ. Yanks/M's talk are intensifying for Cliff Lee.

They certainly have the prospects to pull it off, they are willing to give up Montero because they have other catching prospects on the rise. Plus, there's every chance that they can re-sign him as a free agent.

Kinda wonder if they're doing this to play keep-away from every other team. I mean yeah, any team could use a Cliff Lee...but they were already World Series contenders (and favorites) without him. Lee and Sabathia back to back in the postseason? If they don't win it all with that it'd be viewed as an epic failure.</font>

[RP]

might happen today

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>It doesn't make a lot of sense to me. Why trade 3 top prospects when you're already the favorites to win it all this year and you could just as easily go and sign Lee in November?

Whatever. Hope the Mets can get a consolation prize. The Stros are apparently willing to take a bad contract back for Oswalt, but you also have to include your top pitching prospect and a young bat. Guaranteeing Oswalt for beyond this year and getting rid of Oliver Perez might be too much to pass up, even if it meant giving up Mejia.

Lilly might also be a good fit and shouldn't cost THAT much. Plus he's going to be Type A, so the Mets could still get draft picks if he walked.

Not really thinking about Haren - D-Backs asking for way more than I think the Mets would be willing to give.</font>

[RP]

Rays, Red Sox, Yankees covet Werth
According to several sources, the Phillies have been informed by the Yankees, Red Sox and Rays that they will be interested in outfielder Jayson Werth if the defending NL champions put him on the market later this month. The right-handed hitting Werth is a free agent following the season and should the Phillies fall out of the NL East race before the July 31 trade deadline they will shop him. (New York Post) Comment



Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/morning-jolt/07/09/lee/index.html?eref=sihp#ixzz0tByXd1Mr

[Loose Cannon]

Give us your best players

[Innovator]

I dunno about getting Werth, but I'll take Lee, starting rotation is getting heavy.

[Innovator]

If they keep Hughes on that inning limit, it'd at least clear a spot.

[YOUR Hero]

I believe Lee will end up a Ranger

[RP]

The Yankees are the champs this year if they pull the Lee deal off.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>According to Buster Olney of ESPN, the deal between the Mariners and Yankees for Cliff Lee “is just about done."

Unreal. The season is over. I'm usually not one to say titles can be won on paper, but with this team...it can be.</font>

[RP]

Hughes, Sabathia, Lee, Pettite, Burnett.

Over. I mean, you can get to Burnett, but other then that, over.

[RP]

and if that deal goes down, heres two more deals i could see happening.

Oswalt to the Red Sox

Ted Lilly to the Rays

[Innovator]

Vasquez would probably go to relief, which would tighten up the only bad spot in the team right now...minus the streaky hitting.

I'd love for this to get done in an hour or so, then Lee just switches clubhouses today and pitches today.

[Innovator]

Actually fuck it, trade Javyjuice.

[Loose Cannon]

Lee no hits the M's.

[Dragon]

Too bad we couldn't trade Burnett.

Keep hearing Hughes might go to the pen after this move. Terrible idea and probably likely to happen.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>If the Yanks don't win the WS this year, it may very well be the biggest postseason embarassment in the history of sports. This Lee trade puts them head and shoulders above the rest of the league, even the other really good teams.</font>

[Loose Cannon]

you said that last year.

[RP]

Too bad we couldn't trade Burnett.

Keep hearing Hughes might go to the pen after this move. Terrible idea and probably likely to happen.

no fucking way that happens. He's there best pitcher.

[Innovator]

If the Yanks don't win the WS this year, it may very well be the biggest postseason embarassment in the history of sports. This Lee trade puts them head and shoulders above the rest of the league, even the other really good teams.
Red Sox were supposed to have the starting rotation of God this year

[Dragon]

no fucking way that happens. He's there best pitcher.

You've obviously never seen the Yankees handle young pitching then. If they don't trade Vasquez then they'll stick Hughes in the pen. They'll mask it as limiting his innings.

[ClockShot]

I come home on my lunch break and I read about this?

Holy shit, I know we were interested. But I didn't think Cashman would go after Lee for real.

More later.

[Innovator]

From Simmons's Yankee friend Jacko: So the Yankees are close to getting Cliff Lee and would then likely try to trade Vazquez??? Is today Christmas??

[Gertner]

Swisher getting in is retarded. On a happier notes, the Jays hit another 5 home runs last night.

[Dragon]

Looks like the Lee deal with the Yankees might be off. Questions about the second prospect in the trade (Adams).

[ClockShot]

Great. I get home from work and now the Mariners have backed off.

So who swooped in with the big offer?

[ClockShot]

Just read the Rangers are the team that jumped in.

[MVP]

Jayson Werth would be a great fit on the Red Sox, especially since the Paw Sox are basically starting in all 3 positions.

[Innovator]

gay.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Thank god. Anybody but the Phillies or Yanks (well, the Braves too but they have no interest).

I mean, we all pretty much know Lee will be headed to the Bronx in November anyway cause the Yanks will probably be the only team willing to give $100M+ to a 32 year old pitcher. But it keeps my slim hopes of the Mets getting him alive.</font>

[MVP]

Justin Smoak isn't in the lineup tonight for the Rangers and he's the prime prospect in a potential deal for Cliff "Rent-An-Ace" Lee.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I've already pegged the Reds and Rangers as the two teams I'd pull for in the playoffs if they made it and the Mets didn't. I always like having a rooting interest and it's hard not to pull for a team that's in their first playoffs after a lengthy absence.</font>

[Innovator]

It was too good to be true, getting Lee then possibly trading Vazquez

[ClockShot]

Done deal.

Mariners get: Justin Smoak and 3 other guys.

Rangers get: Cliff Lee & Mark Lowe.

Yikes. Rangers paid a little extra. But get one guy in return.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Still don't think the Rangers will have enough pitching to go deep in the playoffs. But you gotta applaud them for going all out here.</font>

[Dragon]

Apparently the Rangers gave up a little more because Seattle is paying some of the money he is still owed.

Not too heartbroken over this. He wasn't a necessity to the Yankees and they get to keep Montero. Never a fan of giving up big prospects for half year rentals. Also good that the Rangers are obviously not able to sign him to an extension and Lee has said he wants to go to free agency.

[Loose Cannon]

lol Rent an Ace. good way to put it

[Jeritron]

The Smoak Monster


Cliff Lee to the Rangers is great stuff. I love Lee. I'm glad the Yanks didn't get him

[Emperor Smeat]

Sort of surprised on him going to the Rangers since it is a division rival but at the same time Seattle knew they need to rebuild and didn't want to waste rest of the season or let him go for nothing as a free agent.

Rangers basically pulled a Milwaukee and favored the guarantee of being in the playoffs knowing the Angels are having a down year and might rebound the next season.

[Skippord]

the other team I have a rooting interest in got Cliff Lee

woooooooooooooooooo

[McLegend]

Ryan Howard laying it down.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Jason Bay's probably going to be batting 6th once Beltran comes back after the ASB. Everybody said his defense would kill the Mets, but his D has been fine, it's his bat that has killed the Mets. I don't trust him at all in a big spot, and it's reminding me of Beltran's first year in NY in 2005. The guy is getting booed every time he folds in the clutch.

Really, really hope that Jerry plans on benching Francoeur. Pagan deserves the playing time more than him, and Beltran/Bay pretty much have to play.</font>

[Skippord]

I love Ian Stewart

2 home runs and 6 RBI nigga

[Hardkore Kidd J]

I think the Yankees are gonna get Lee in the offseason. Let Javy walk and take the picks and let Pettitte retire if he wants.

1. CC

2. AJ

3. Lee

4. Hughes

5. Pettite/(Enter Joba or some rookie still in the minors here. Z-Mac etc.etc.)

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Paul Konerko replaces Justin Morneau on the AL All Star Roster, Cabrera to start at 1B.

Heyward and Reyes are also both out. Furcal seems like the likely replacement for Reyes. Manuel will probably end up taking Jayson Werth even though it should be CarGo or Josh Willingham. Adam Dunn also should definitely be going but there are already 4 1B and Manuel probably won't want to play Dunn in the OF :o

Also pretty sure the AL will need to name 2 more pitchers. Weaver replaced Sabathia, but Weaver starts tomorrow. Liriano? Romero? Cahill is also starting tomorrow, which would eliminate the only A's rep...so I guess Andrew Bailey would have to go.</font>

[ClockShot]

Little something going down in Philly right now.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Wow, going to feel horrible for this kid if they don't score</font>

[Innovator]

Through 8

[ClockShot]

Wow, going to feel horrible for this kid if they don't score

Outsmating Roy Halladay is no easy task.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Is this his first match? When's the last time someone threw a no hitter his first day in the majors?

[ClockShot]

Is this his first match? When's the last time someone threw a no hitter his first day in the majors?

I'm watching ESPN now. It's the kid's 3rd start.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Wood has 92 pitches. If Wood throws another perfect inning, does he come out for the 10th?

Probably not. But I'd still consider it a PG, fuck what the rulebook says.</font>

[Hardkore Kidd J]

That's still amazing. What the Reds need to do is get one on the board. If they want Travis to get the no hitter they can't go into Extras IMO.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Probably gonna cry if Wood loses the game here. Fucking Phillies.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Well, so much for that.</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

hate baseball

fuck

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Nothing to be ashamed about . An awesome performance from Wood. He'd better at least win the game.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>VOTTO

So glad Wood isn't going to lose at least.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Well, Reds are probably going to lose on another dinky walkoff HR</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

Have to feel a bit sorry for the Reds pitcher since even if he managed to get through the 9th with a no hitter, he would need to pitch (or at least the Reds) to pitch extra innings since MLB won't count it if its broken in extra innings.

Great pitching duel between the starters though since neither wanted to lose while their teammates couldn't score at all in normal innings.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Looks like the real Mets and real Phillies are finally back</font> :-\

[Skippord]

If Manuel doesn't take CarGo to the All Star Game now I will personally fly to Anaheim and murder him

[Droford]

lol @ Cliff Lee

I wish the Yankees had gotten him, if the O's could beat him that easily..

[Innovator]

Atta boy Joba

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Fuck You Joba:rant::rant::foc:

[ClockShot]

King Felix goes the distance again.

I hate Seattle giving him an extension before the season began.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Bob Sheppard has passed away. :(

Amazing voice. 99 years old, hell of a life.</font>

[ClockShot]

The Empire is in mourning.

R.I.P. to The Voice of God. Gone. But never, ever, forgotten. :'(

[Innovator]

Ugh. RIP Bob. Sad day.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Roy Halladay - 2.19 ERA
Ubaldo Jimenez - 2.20 ERA
Adam Wainwright - 2.10 ERA
Josh Johnson - 1.70 ERA

Charlie's got himself a hard decision for the NL starter. It will probably be Ubaldo because of his wins, and if he picks Halladay everyone will call shenanigans...but it's really a no lose. If I were Manuel, I'd let those guys all throw 2 innings. If the NL has the lead in the 9th, any of the closers sans Capps can shut the door.</font>

[YOUR Hero]

Should be Jimenez

[RP]

Omar Infante probably

[McLegend]

Lol Roy Halladay is so good. He should easily have 15 wins.

I would start Ubaldo btw.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Scott Kazmir gave up 13 runs, all earned, in 5 innings yesterday. Why he was allowed to stay in that long is beyond me. Dude's ERA is now a 6.92

Mets fans breathing a sigh of relief the past 2 years. Kazmir-for-Zambrano was still a bad trade and they missed out on his good years...but they may have not missed out on a decade of great pitching.</font> :o

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Don't even feel like watching baseball today. Still depressed. Gonna go die.

[Innovator]

<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pvTStABPHFQ&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pvTStABPHFQ&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>

[Schlomey]

HAHAHA a true LOL

[Skippord]

looks like I've gotta go murder Charlie Manuel

[Droford]

CJ wilson needs to be wearing a mask

Just walked Tejada for the 3rd time, which is Tejada's 15th walk of the year.

[ClockShot]

Astros house cleaning continues.

Hitting coach Sean Berry was fired. Jeff Bagwell takes over.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Don't really see why Heyward's spot was taken by another pitcher when the NL pitching roster is already stacked. But Kuo is murder on lefties, and Rhodes is the only lefty in the pen right now. Pretty crazy to have 3 set-up men on the All-Star team.

Also, willing to bet Manuel has a vendetta against the Rockies for that whole sign-stealing incident earlier in the year.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Huge win today, Santana came up huge and I was shocked to see K-Rod get a 1-2-3 inning. Disappointing homestand, but 4 back at the break isn't too bad.

Think the huge West Coast road trip after the break will make-or-break their season. 11 games - 4 in SF, 3 in Arizona, and 4 in LA. Not playing another home game until July 27th.</font>

[Skippord]

so the Rox will be two back at the break

good spot, but it sucks that they could have easily beaten the Padres today

[Skippord]

also I guarantee Manuel has a vendetta against the Rockies after the sign stealing thing and what he said after it

[Skippord]

60 RBI's at the break and Carlos Gonzalez isn't an all star

[Triple Naitch]

It is kinda fucked up that Gonzalez didn't get Heyward's spot. Usually they replace an injured guy with somebody at the same position.

Hard to believe that a guy who almost lost his starting job to Jim Edmonds is going to be starting in right field for the NL.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

All Star break couldn't have come at a better time for Cincy's bats. Looked awful for the past week.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Andrew Bailey and Justin Verlander to the ASG as well since Cahill and Weaver pitched today.

So between guys named despite injuries, people who had to pull out later due to injury, pitchers who can't play due to the new Sunday rule, and all the replacements...there are now 82 named All Stars in total. Holy shit.

There might be an 83rd, saw Beltre got taken out of today's game. Youk or Young could replace him if necessary.</font>