MLB 2011 Season Thread

[Emperor Smeat]

:-\ 3rd horrible slump for the Red Sox and its not even the half-way point in the season.

Inter-league record is horrible this year and the offense suddenly stopped producing just like in the other 2 slumps.

[RP]

Aramis Ramirez again!!!!

If A-Ram stay s hot, the cubbies aren't dead. Come on lets sweep the Sox!

[Boomer]

<iframe width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZP-oaX5x3q0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

So glad we don't have Yunel anymore. Alex G certainly isn't as good, but that shit is just ridiculous, to a former teammate no less.

[RP]

I have a sixer. I'm ready for Cubs/Sox. Lets get the first 3 game winning streak of the season. Stay hot Aramis.

[RP]

The Randy Wells experience

[RP]

Castro just made an incredible diving stop, hops up and throws a fucking dart to get the out. This kid is great.

[ClockShot]

Brewers DFA Sergio Mitre. And they're in town.

Hmmmmmm?


Awwwwwwwwwwwww fuck! We got him back. Sent cash to the Brewers in exchange. DFA'd Buddy Carlyle.

Should have kept my mouth shut.

[RP]

Randy Wells is actually making this a nice start. He's sat eleven straight batters down

[RP]

Aramis Ramirez just hit a bomb into the Chicago wind. Dude is red hot.

[DaveWadding]

Should be starting at 3rd for the NL in the All Star Game.

[Triple Naitch]

Placido Polanco has been more consistent for the entire year.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

There is no way a guy with a sub .700 OPS should be starting an All Star game. I'll pass on that consistency.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Really, Chase Headley has been the best 3B in the NL this year, which is pretty sad. The whole infield minus 1B has been abysmal so far.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

There are gonna be a lot of All Star worthy outfielders left off the NL roster for a bunch of mediocre infielders.

[RP]

I'm sure old man Chipper will get the start

[Boomer]

If he does he's probably not going to play. Needs surgery on his knee badly, but he just wants to play through.

[ClockShot]

Rangers sign Dominican prospect Nomar Mazara. Contract details haven't been let out yet, but the point of this is that the signing bonus is $5 mil. A new record for international prospects.

The kid's 16 years old, 6'-5", and plays outfield.

Don't spend it all in one place, kid.

[YOUR Hero]

Halladay with the CG over the Jays today.

Phillies and Halladay got a lot of calls there way today.

[RP]

The cubs need pitching badly

[ClockShot]

Your 2011 MLB All-Star Game Rosters. Let the nitpicking begin.

American League:

<TABLE><TBODY><TR class=last><TD>C</TD><TD>Alex Avila (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/30115/alex-avila)</TD><TD>Detroit</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD class=alt-bg>1B</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Adrian Gonzalez (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5405/adrian-gonzalez)</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Boston</TD><TD class=alt-bg></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>2B</TD><TD>Robinson Cano (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=6204)</TD><TD>NY Yankees</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD class=alt-bg>3B</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Alex Rodriguez (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=3115)</TD><TD class=alt-bg>NY Yankees</TD><TD class=alt-bg></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>SS</TD><TD>Derek Jeter (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=3246)</TD><TD>NY Yankees</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD class=alt-bg>OF</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Jose Bautista (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5890)</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Toronto</TD><TD class=alt-bg></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>OF</TD><TD>Curtis Granderson (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6125/curtis-granderson)</TD><TD>NY Yankees</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD class=alt-bg>OF</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Josh Hamilton (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=4652)</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Texas</TD><TD class=alt-bg></TD></TR>
<TR class=last><TD>DH</TD><TD>David Ortiz (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=3748)</TD><TD>Boston</TD><TD></TD></TR>


</TBODY></TABLE>


PITCHERS

<TABLE><THEAD><TR><TH>POS</TH><TH>PLAYER</TH><TH>TEAM</TH><TH></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD>RHP</TD><TD>Josh Beckett (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4242/josh-beckett)</TD><TD>Boston</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD class=alt-bg>RHP</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Aaron Crow (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/30495/aaron-crow)</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Kansas City</TD><TD class=alt-bg></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>LHP</TD><TD>Gio Gonzalez (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28962/gio-gonzalez)</TD><TD>Oakland</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD class=alt-bg>RHP</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Felix Hernandez (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6194/felix-hernandez)</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Seattle</TD><TD class=alt-bg></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>RHP</TD><TD>Brandon League (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6135/brandon-league)</TD><TD>Seattle</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD class=alt-bg>RHP</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Chris Perez (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/29134/chris-perez)</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Cleveland</TD><TD class=alt-bg></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>LHP</TD><TD>David Price (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28958/david-price)</TD><TD>Tampa Bay</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD class=alt-bg>RHP</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Mariano Rivera (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3240/mariano-rivera)</TD><TD class=alt-bg>NY Yankees</TD><TD class=alt-bg></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>RHP</TD><TD>James Shields (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28474/james-shields)</TD><TD>Tampa Bay</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD class=alt-bg>RHP</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Jose Valverde (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5504/jose-valverde)</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Detroit</TD><TD class=alt-bg></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>RHP</TD><TD>Justin Verlander (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6341/justin-verlander)</TD><TD>Detroit</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD class=alt-bg>RHP</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Jered Weaver (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6479/jered-weaver)</TD><TD class=alt-bg>LA Angels</TD><TD class=alt-bg></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>LHP</TD><TD>C.J. Wilson (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6311/cj-wilson)</TD><TD>Texas</TD><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>



RESERVES

<TABLE><THEAD><TR><TH>POS</TH><TH>PLAYER</TH><TH>TEAM</TH><TH></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD>3B</TD><TD>Adrian Beltre (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3878/adrian-beltre)</TD><TD>Texas</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD class=alt-bg>SS</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Asdrubal Cabrera (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28671/asdrubal-cabrera)</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Cleveland</TD><TD class=alt-bg></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>1B</TD><TD>Miguel Cabrera (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5544/miguel-cabrera)</TD><TD>Detroit</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD class=alt-bg>OF</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Michael Cuddyer (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4604/michael-cuddyer)</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Minnesota</TD><TD class=alt-bg></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>OF</TD><TD>Jacoby Ellsbury (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28637/jacoby-ellsbury)</TD><TD>Boston</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD class=alt-bg>OF</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Matt Joyce (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/29124/matt-joyce)</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Tampa Bay</TD><TD class=alt-bg></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>2B</TD><TD>Howie Kendrick (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6524/howard-kendrick)</TD><TD>LA Angels</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD class=alt-bg>C</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Russell Martin (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6390/russell-martin)</TD><TD class=alt-bg>NY Yankees</TD><TD class=alt-bg></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>OF</TD><TD>Carlos Quentin (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6192/carlos-quentin)</TD><TD>Chi. White Sox</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD class=alt-bg>C</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Matt Wieters (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/29287/matt-wieters)</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Baltimore</TD><TD class=alt-bg></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>INF</TD><TD>Michael Young (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4566/michael-young)</TD><TD>Texas</TD><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


National League:

<TABLE style="WIDTH: 294px; HEIGHT: 172px"><TBODY><TR class=last><TD>C</TD><TD>Brian McCann (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6309/brian-mccann)</TD><TD>Atlanta</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD class=alt-bg>1B</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Prince Fielder (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5915/prince-fielder)</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Milwaukee</TD><TD class=alt-bg></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>2B</TD><TD>Rickie Weeks (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5652/rickie-weeks)</TD><TD>Milwaukee</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD class=alt-bg>3B</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Placido Polanco (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3888/placido-polanco)</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Philadelphia</TD><TD class=alt-bg></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>SS</TD><TD>Jose Reyes (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5411/jose-reyes)</TD><TD>NY Mets</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD class=alt-bg>OF</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Ryan Braun (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=28721)</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Milwaukee</TD><TD class=alt-bg></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>OF</TD><TD>Lance Berkman (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4118/lance-berkman)</TD><TD>St. Louis</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD class=alt-bg>OF</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Matt Kemp (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28476/matt-kemp)</TD><TD class=alt-bg>LA Dodgers</TD><TD class=alt-bg></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


PITCHERS

<TABLE><THEAD><TR><TH>POS</TH><TH>PLAYER</TH><TH>TEAM</TH><TH></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD>RHP</TD><TD>Heath Bell (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6084/heath-bell)</TD><TD>San Diego</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD class=alt-bg>RHP</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Matt Cain (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6202/matt-cain)</TD><TD class=alt-bg>San Francisco</TD><TD class=alt-bg></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>RHP</TD><TD>Tyler Clippard (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28694/tyler-clippard)</TD><TD>Washington</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD class=alt-bg>LHP</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Cole Hamels (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6216/cole-hamels)</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Philadelphia</TD><TD class=alt-bg></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>RHP</TD><TD>Roy Halladay (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3973/roy-halladay)</TD><TD>Philadelphia</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD class=alt-bg>RHP</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Joel Hanrahan (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28715/joel-hanrahan)</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Pittsburgh</TD><TD class=alt-bg></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>RHP</TD><TD>Jair Jurrjens (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28854/jair-jurrjens)</TD><TD>Atlanta</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD class=alt-bg>LHP</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Clayton Kershaw (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28963/clayton-kershaw)</TD><TD class=alt-bg>LA Dodgers</TD><TD class=alt-bg></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>LHP</TD><TD>Cliff Lee (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5353/cliff-lee)</TD><TD>Philadelphia</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD class=alt-bg>RHP</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Tim Lincecum (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28705/tim-lincecum)</TD><TD class=alt-bg>San Francisco</TD><TD class=alt-bg></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>LHP</TD><TD>Jonny Venters (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/30509/jonny-venters)</TD><TD>Atlanta</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD class=alt-bg>RHP</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Ryan Vogelsong (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4514/ryan-vogelsong)</TD><TD class=alt-bg>San Francisco</TD><TD class=alt-bg></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>RHP</TD><TD>Brian Wilson (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6521/brian-wilson)</TD><TD>San Francisco</TD><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>



RESERVES

<TABLE><THEAD><TR><TH>POS</TH><TH>PLAYER</TH><TH>TEAM</TH><TH></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD>OF</TD><TD>Jay Bruce (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28954/jay-bruce)</TD><TD>Cincinnati</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD class=alt-bg>OF</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Carlos Beltran (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3971/carlos-beltran)</TD><TD class=alt-bg>NY Mets</TD><TD class=alt-bg></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>SS</TD><TD>Starlin Castro (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/30450/starlin-castro)</TD><TD>Chi. Cubs</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD class=alt-bg>OF</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Matt Holliday (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5940/matt-holliday)</TD><TD class=alt-bg>St. Louis</TD><TD class=alt-bg></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>3B</TD><TD>Chipper Jones (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3006/chipper-jones)</TD><TD>Atlanta</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD class=alt-bg>C</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Yadier Molina (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5986/yadier-molina)</TD><TD class=alt-bg>St. Louis</TD><TD class=alt-bg></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>OF</TD><TD>Hunter Pence (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28687/hunter-pence)</TD><TD>Houston</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD class=alt-bg>2B</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Brandon Phillips (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5031/brandon-phillips)</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Cincinnati</TD><TD class=alt-bg></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>1B</TD><TD>Gaby Sanchez (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/29270/gaby-sanchez)</TD><TD>Florida</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD class=alt-bg>SS</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Troy Tulowitzki (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28567/troy-tulowitzki)</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Colorado</TD><TD class=alt-bg></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>1B</TD><TD>Joey Votto (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28670/joey-votto)</TD><TD>Cincinnati</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD class=alt-bg>OF</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Justin Upton (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28841/justin-upton)</TD><TD class=alt-bg>Arizona</TD><TD class=alt-bg></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

I'll chime in later on how pissed off I am that Sabathia got snubbed.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>A lot of deserving pitchers got snubbed. Frankly it almost feels like some "name" choices were made rather than those who were the most deserving.

Ron Washington said that he left off Sabathia because he was on track to pitch the Sunday before the break, making him ineligible to play anyway. Pretty much the exact opposite of what Girardi did last year when he purposely named a shitload of Sunday starters to get as many guys to the ASG as possible.</font>

[Triple Naitch]

Ryan Vogelsong making it is awesome.

[RP]

Dempster scratched today. Cubs have injured pitchers like America has national debt.

[RP]

Casey Coleman and his glorious 7.00 era, gets the start

[RP]

Choosing who to start between Casey Coleman and James Russell, is like choosing which gun you want to be shot in the face with.

[ClockShot]

Dave Ortiz tabbed Adrian Gonzalez and Jose Bautista to be a part of the AL Home Run Derby team. 4th guy hasn't been announced yet. Teixeira said no, calls have been placed to Robbie Cano and John Hamilton.

Prince Fielder is captain of the NL team. No names have been revealed for that side yet.

[Emperor Smeat]

<font color=goldenrod>A lot of deserving pitchers got snubbed. Frankly it almost feels like some "name" choices were made rather than those who were the most deserving.

Ron Washington said that he left off Sabathia because he was on track to pitch the Sunday before the break, making him ineligible to play anyway. Pretty much the exact opposite of what Girardi did last year when he purposely named a shitload of Sunday starters to get as many guys to the ASG as possible.</font>

ESPN had a really horrible article on the whole snubbing and lack of doing what most managers do every year. They "attacked" Washington for trying to make it easier to create the roster than normally every year a manager naming a ton of players who end up an "All-Star" in name only.

The worst was trying to defend Jeter's spot as being well deserved based on his reputation instead of stats but gave Sabathia a reserve spot by taking it away from someone else who actually earned or deserved it this year.

[DaveWadding]

Choosing who to start between Casey Coleman and James Russell, is like choosing which gun you want to be shot in the face with.

I'd rather watch either of those guys than ever have to watch Doug Davis pitch ever again.

[Triple Naitch]

Mike Cameron gets traded to the Marlins. Do any two teams trade together more often than the Marlins and Red Sox?

[DaveWadding]

Dunno about the HR Derby this year.

AL

David Ortiz (Captain)
Adrian Gonzalez
Robbie Cano
Jose Bautista

NL:

Prince Fielder (Captain)
Rickie Weeks
Matt Kemp
Matt Holliday

looks like the AL will be taking home the extra money for charity.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

yeah the captains idea is super gay

it's just a Hee Seop Choi away from being as bad as the WBC Derby

[DaveWadding]

Can't believe anyone thought Hee Seop Choi was a good idea for anything.

[Aguakate]

Dunno about the HR Derby this year.

AL

David Ortiz (Captain)
Adrian Gonzalez
Robbie Cano
Jose Bautista

NL:

Prince Fielder (Captain)
Rickie Weeks
Matt Kemp
Matt Holliday

looks like the AL will be taking home the extra money for charity.


...No Ryan Howard? Come on, Prince...

Also, something tells me this will be Jose Bautista's "coming out party"...as in, he'll win.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>More often than not, the HRD participants are only people selected to the ASG. That being said, I know Papi asked Texeira and he turned it down. Maybe Prince didn't want to pick a non-All Star.

Def woulda picked Jay Bruce though.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

Mike Cameron gets traded to the Marlins. Do any two teams trade together more often than the Marlins and Red Sox?

Both teams might even own the only time actual owners were traded around in a deal which also involved the Expos at the time.

I remember how for a few years in a row the Red Sox and Expos would always do deals with each other and could haven even ended with a potential year of Fenway Park hosting Expos home games had the Yankees not killed the emergency moving plans.

[RP]

Aramis Ramirez's 8 hr's in 12 games would be a lot cooler if the Cubs could win baseball games.

[ClockShot]

Roger Clemens' perjury trials begins today with jury selection. Judge also said that current and former players will be allowed to testify.

The trial should last about 4-6 weeks.

I'm kinda hoping this on CourtTV. :shifty:

[Aguakate]

<font color=goldenrod>More often than not, the HRD participants are only people selected to the ASG. That being said, I know Papi asked Texeira and he turned it down. Maybe Prince didn't want to pick a non-All Star.

Def woulda picked Jay Bruce though.</font>

Matt Kemp is having an awesome season, but he just doesn't seem like a guy who will do well in an event like this...he's not a slugger, he's just a complete player that hits Home Runs...

...Ryan Howard is a former Home Run Derby Champion! Maybe Prince is jealous 'cause Ryan is also a National League First Baseman, is a lefty...IDK.

...and Rickie Weeks?! Are you kidding me?!

[Innovator]

Normal stubhub tickets start at $5 for a bleacher seat at a Yankee game.

Prices for Thursday and Friday are starting at $65. Dammit.

[ClockShot]

Normal stubhub tickets start at $5 for a bleacher seat at a Yankee game.

Prices for Thursday and Friday are starting at $65. Dammit.

I wonder if they're going put out some sro tickets for this event.

[Evil Vito]

Matt Kemp is having an awesome season, but he just doesn't seem like a guy who will do well in an event like this...he's not a slugger, he's just a complete player that hits Home Runs...

...Ryan Howard is a former Home Run Derby Champion! Maybe Prince is jealous 'cause Ryan is also a National League First Baseman, is a lefty...IDK.

...and Rickie Weeks?! Are you kidding me?!

<font color=goldenrod>Word has it that Weeks and Fielder actually have impromptu HR Derby contests in batting practice, and that Weeks usually wins.</font>

[Aguakate]

...They also say Ichiro puts on a show during batting practice, but still...

[RP]

Aramis Ramirez is raping everybody up in herr

[Aguakate]

...Dude, Carlos Pena has 18 Homers...

...remember his slow start?

...yeah.

[RP]

Aramis Ramirez trade value will never be higher then right now. The Cubs need to trade him. They are going no where fast.

[RP]

If he waives his NTC, I think the Cubs could get Bumgarner from the Giants, for A Ram, right now.

[MVP]

The Red Sox starting pitching woes continue with Lester hitting the DL. Now Lester, Buchholz, Dice-K, and Rich Hill are all on the shelf, plus Lackey has spent time on the DL and Beckett missed 2 starts with an illness. So the Red Sox rotation now looks like this for the time being.

Beckett
Lackey
Wakefield
Miller
Aceves

Beckett has been putting up his best career numbers. Lackey's been a complete bust this whole season. When Wakefield has quality starts he's effective, but his starts are completely unpredictable. Miller has been a nice addition, but his development in Detroit and Florida has been poor, so hopefully Curt Young helps him reach his full potential. I think Aceves is better suited as a long reliever since he's been pretty good at bailing out bad starters this year, but he's all they have right now unless they want to work Michael Bowden into the rotation.

[Innovator]

Ace is good for a 6 inning start...I miss him.

[Emperor Smeat]

There was talk of recalling Felix Doubront from Pawtucket for Sunday's game against the O's and give Ace the start off but I guess Francona decided to use Aceves for the final game before the break.

Miller has been a bit surprising with his good starts considering he was originally meant to fill in an emergency role when Buccholz went down with an injury.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Reyes to miss 3 weeks with his hamstring strain. Despite being an iron man from 2005-08, it's pretty clear now that he's injury prone. He's got a high impact style of play so leg/hamstring injuries are always possible. Yet many scouts are saying it shouldn't effect his upcoming contract one bit.

A shame that his injuries always seem to happen around the middle of the year, too. He's been an All Star 4 times yet this is now the 3rd time he's needed to miss the game with an injury.</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac46/littj/victorinofailfast.gif

[McLegend]

:lol:

[McLegend]

:(

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Josh Hamilton threw a ball into the stands. A fan reached for it, fell 20 feet over the railing, and died.

Relapse coming.</font> :(

[Damian Rey]

God damnit, Bud Black.

Padres down a run in the 9th. Brian Wilson comes in, gives up a leadoff single to Chris Denorfia, and instead of having a .240 hitting shortstop bunt him over and give your 3 and 4 hitters, the 3 hitter hitting over .300 with RISP, and the 4 hitter leading the team in HR and RBI, he lets him swing away, and Bartlett grounds into a fielder's choice, only for Headley to come up and ground into a double play to end the game.

Fucking brilliant, Black. Fucking. Brilliant.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I'll tell you who feels like shit: these announcers.

<iframe width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OzJeErdN-H4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[RP]

It's not like they were overly critical or anything. I didn't see anything wrong with the commentary.

[McLegend]

That is horrible, and his son saw the whole thing.

[Aguakate]

My gosh, I hope that's not his kid in the red tshirt and hat...I have a feeling it is, though...

...so heart-breaking...I'm sure he wanted that ball so he could give it to his kid, and he ends up losing his life...

...just horrible.

[RP]

drug test Josh Hamilton imo.

[Innovator]

I wish I didn't watch that.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah don't really blame the announcers. I doubt they realized how serious it was/how big of a drop it was.

Awful.</font> :(

[Innovator]

There was no way for them to know if they're behind home plate

[Skippord]

way to be a dick Ray Fosse

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I'm not saying they did anything wrong, but I bet they feel pretty crappy about giggling about it.

[MVP]

Yeah, at least toward the end they showed concern for him.

[Emperor Smeat]

How many stadiums have that little gap in between the padding/wall and the bullpen?

I was surprised at first on how it was possible until ESPN had one of the bullpen players from Oakland describe what the gap was for.

[ClockShot]

Yankees/Rays game already got postponed tonight. Must be pouring in NYC right now.

[Aguakate]

Aramis Ramirez, MAN...another Homer...

...also, it's almost like Jose Bautista is hitting a Homer Run every game lately.

[RP]

Aramis Ramirez is on God Mode right now.

[Aguakate]

...the bad thing is that you KNOW soon he will go on a weeks-long slump...

[ClockShot]

RUMBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Corndad]

Holy Crap the Buccos might be tied for first place after tonight. Wow.

[RP]

It's so painful being a Cubs fan. Words can't even describe.

[Aguakate]

It's so painful being a Cubs fan. Words can't even describe.

...especially when the Brewers and Pirates are winning, and the Cubs are not...

:-\

[James Steele]

Going to Denver with the family for 2 weeks and am going to try and catch Rockies/Brewers or Rockies/Braves. Def trying to go to Rockies/Braves. Will be my 1st pro sports event, outta be fun even though I know jack shit about MLB outside of the Rangers & Astros.

[Damian Rey]

If the Rockies have Tulo and Gonzalez in the lineup, James, you're in for a treat. Tulo is arguably the best shortstop in the game, and Gonzalez, when on, is a very dynamic player. Good luck to you, man.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Lots of All Star roster changes. Mariano Rivera, Alex Rodriguez, and Derek Jeter have all decided not to play. They have been replaced with Jordan Walden, Kevin Youkilis, and Jhonny Peralta.

On the NL front, Shane Victorino won the Final Vote - but since he's on the DL he won't play. Bochy tabbed Andre Ethier as his replacement, citing that he was the runner up in the Final Vote. Meanwhile Andrew McCutchen stays at home as a huge snub.

Then there's the whole issue of the starting pitchers - 5 are slated to start Sunday (Cain, Hamels, Verlander, Shields, Hernandez) so by rule they need to be replaced. Hamels was a player vote selection, so by rule his spot would go to the next highest vote getter, Kevin Correia. Verlander was also a players choice, so his spot would go to CC Sabathia who would then also need to be replaced.

For the other NL pitcher spot, I'd say Ian Kennedy gets the nod as a hometown hero selection. 3 AL pitchers are also needed and I honestly dunno who the fuck they'll take.

Also, Jose Reyes and Chipper Jones aren't playing but their replacements have yet to be named.</font>

[mhirn3]

Finally got to go to a game this year the other night and saw CC Sabathia just baffle the indians hitters. I hope Cabrera replaces Jeter in the ASG as the starter, he deserves it.

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267924_10150251163797871_515612870_7303198_7675800_n.jpg

[RP]

Aramis Ramirez should be Chippers replacement.

[Evil Vito]

Aramis Ramirez should be Chippers replacement.

<font color=goldenrod>Chipper was voted in by the players, so by rule the replacement has to be the next guy on the list.

It probably is Ramirez though. There really isn't anybody else anyway.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>So the fan that caught Jeter's 3,000th hit is about to either make some serious bank or get some ridiculously cool perks. Lucky bastard.</font>

[ClockShot]

YANKEES WIN! DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA YANKEES WINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!

[Cooler Tom Schuler]

It's that kind of shit...

[Hanso Amore]

Everyone says Jeter is over-rated. He going to finish his Career with 3000 hits and 2000 thousand runs scored. Only other people to do that are Pete Rose, Ty Cobb, Hank Aaron and Rickey Henderson. Add in 250 Home runs, 5 World Series Rings, 5 Gold Gloves, 4 Silver Sluggers and 12 All Star Appearances and you have your self the Greatest Short Stop of all time, and arguably one of the 10 best to ever play the game.

[Hanso Amore]

Side Note. Rickey Henderson has much more amazing Career Numbers than I ever thought. He is amazing. Wow.

[ClockShot]

So the fan that caught Jeter's 3,000th hit is about to either make some serious bank or get some ridiculously cool perks. Lucky bastard.

Kid gave the ball back. As for the perks......

3 autographed baseballs.
3 autographed bats.
2 signed Jeter jerseys.
4 champions suite tickets to each of the remaining home games and playoffs.

Not a bad haul if I do say so myself.

[Boomer]

Braves v Phillies have been awesome awesome games. Playoff atmosphere caliber.

[McLegend]

O Captain my Captain.

Was Dr.Galea in the house today?

[RP]

Scott Rolen replacing Jones instead of Aramis Ramirez is a big fat fucking joke.

[Aguakate]

...Ok, Joey Bats is going after 60 this year...just unreal.

[RP]

Rolen: .245 average, 5 home runs, 35 rbi, .680 ops
Palonco: .274 average, 4 home runs, 39 rbi, .676 ops

Ramirez: .302 average, 15 home runs, 50 rbi, .853 ops


What the fuck is going on here?

[Aguakate]

The replacements are picked by each Manager? Or how is it?

[Aguakate]

...I don't care what anyone says, this is impressive:

<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8gTRzk0cvEY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Evil Vito]

The replacements are picked by each Manager? Or how is it?

<font color=goldenrod>Chipper Jones was selected by the players, so his replacement needs to be the guy with the next highest number of votes.

Sadly, the players don't really look at stats - so Rolen likely got a ton of reputation votes.</font>

[Damian Rey]

The All Star selection process has, and always will be a joke. Period.

And Jeter, offensively, is not overrated. He is one helluva fucking hitter. I always dreamed as a kid of being a Derek Jeter type. Line drive machine with 15-20 HR pop. Runs scored is a bit of a misleading stat because once someone is one base, they are no longer in control of whether or not they score.

Jeter is just ridiculously overpaid, his defense is suspect, and he plays for the Yankees. Nobody seemed to have a problem with ARod till he donned the stripes. Comes with the territory. I think he's a bit overrated overall at this point in his career, but a lot of that has to do with him being so good for so long that analysts will automatically praise him even though he's no longer as deserving as others (see Jhonny Peralta and Asdrubal Cabrera).

[Evil Vito]

Kid gave the ball back. As for the perks......

3 autographed baseballs.
3 autographed bats.
2 signed Jeter jerseys.
4 champions suite tickets to each of the remaining home games and playoffs.

Not a bad haul if I do say so myself.

<font color=goldenrod>I prolly woulda pushed for permanent season tickets...maybe not in the suites but permanent season tickets in general. Otherwise, nice haul.</font>

[Aguakate]

The All Star selection process has, and always will be a joke. Period.

And Jeter, offensively, is not overrated. He is one helluva fucking hitter. I always dreamed as a kid of being a Derek Jeter type. Line drive machine with 15-20 HR pop. Runs scored is a bit of a misleading stat because once someone is one base, they are no longer in control of whether or not they score.

Jeter is just ridiculously overpaid, his defense is suspect, and he plays for the Yankees. Nobody seemed to have a problem with ARod till he donned the stripes. Comes with the territory. I think he's a bit overrated overall at this point in his career, but a lot of that has to do with him being so good for so long that analysts will automatically praise him even though he's no longer as deserving as others (see Jhonny Peralta and Asdrubal Cabrera).


...Dude just got his 3,000th hit on a home run, had the winning hit and went 5-5...

...you kinda picked the wrong day to go off on him.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Andrew McCutchen finally gets on the All Star team, replacing Ryan Braun.</font>

[Damian Rey]

...I don't care what anyone says, this is impressive:

<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8gTRzk0cvEY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I will attest that steroids do not help you hit the ball or improve any other physical skill or talent attained through God given ability and top teir coaching and teaching. Steroids just make you stronger, not better.

Canseco was going to hammer the baseball no matter what he took. Steroids just made him look more impressive in doing so, and maybe helped a few HR hit off the hands or end of the bat go out.

[Aguakate]

I will attest that steroids do not help you hit the ball or improve any other physical skill or talent attained through God given ability and top teir coaching and teaching. Steroids just make you stronger, not better.

Canseco was going to hammer the baseball no matter what he took. Steroids just made him look more impressive in doing so, and maybe helped a few HR hit off the hands or end of the bat go out.

...Yeah, you either have it or you don't...

Also, McGwire's swing was awesome:

<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/o9P1Y44IwOw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IH57UuyOLbY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Aguakate]

The more I see this guy's swing, the more I like it:

<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yFX_8cZvXaQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Hanso Amore]

There are sports forums muties now?

[Hanso Amore]

The All Star selection process has, and always will be a joke. Period.

And Jeter, offensively, is not overrated. He is one helluva fucking hitter. I always dreamed as a kid of being a Derek Jeter type. Line drive machine with 15-20 HR pop. Runs scored is a bit of a misleading stat because once someone is one base, they are no longer in control of whether or not they score.

Jeter is just ridiculously overpaid, his defense is suspect, and he plays for the Yankees. Nobody seemed to have a problem with ARod till he donned the stripes. Comes with the territory. I think he's a bit overrated overall at this point in his career, but a lot of that has to do with him being so good for so long that analysts will automatically praise him even though he's no longer as deserving as others (see Jhonny Peralta and Asdrubal Cabrera).


Jeters offense counts for 75 runs a year more than his defense.


No one but Pujols is close in that stat.


Go suck a fat dick you limp stat faggot.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Hanso, you are the sports forum mutie. Calm down.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Jeter could probably murder an infant and most of the Yankees fanbase would turn a blind's eye.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Derek Jeter.....that guy's got an edge.</font>

[Aguakate]

...I personally think some people dislike Derek Jeter just because he became successful so early on in his career...you know, won Championships, had good personal numbers, and WORST OF ALL, plays on the "evil" Yankees...

[Triple Naitch]

I don't dislike Jeter. I respect the hell out of him. What I hate is how the media drools over him constantly. Any play he makes is regarded as the greatest ever on ESPN because he did it. Jon Heyman writes last night that after going 5-5, 4 years at $61 million is a steal. He doesn't mention the season-long slump he was going through beforehand.

[Aguakate]

...Derek Jeter is the Kobe Bryant of the MLB...some people are going to dislike him no matter what he does...

[ClockShot]

K-Rod signs with Superagent to the MLB stars Scott Boras.

What are the odds Jose Reyes jumps ship with him?

[mhirn3]

Everyone says Jeter is over-rated. you have your self the Greatest Short Stop of all time, and arguably one of the 10 best to ever play the game.

I would still take Cal Ripken over Jeter.

Cal Ripken (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/ripkeca01.shtml)

His career was similar to Jeter's, but with a little more power and not as good an average. Ripken hit .276 with 3,184 career hits and 431 homers, and moved to third base for the final five games of his 21-year career for the Baltimore Orioles. He won two AL MVPs and a World Series in 1983. And for playing in 2,632 consecutive games, the most in history, his place in baseball history is secure. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2007.

Hell and maybe this guy too....his numbers are fucking insane

Honus Wagner (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wagneho01.shtml?redir)

He's probably better known for his baseball card, which is more valuable than anybody else's because of its rarity. But his career was better than any other shortstop in big-league history, too. In 21 seasons, he hit .329 and stole 722 bases, and in a career entirely in the dead-ball era, he hit 101 home runs. He was in the original five-man class in the Hall of Fame in 1936. He hit better than .300 in 17 consecutive seasons and won eight NL batting titles. Wagner broke in with the Louisville Colonels and played his final 18 seasons for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Wasn't the greatest fielder (.940 career precentage), but that was among the best of his era, which was before there was such as thing as Gold Gloves or smoothed-out infields.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>All Star Replacements:

Out: Jose Reyes, Placido Polanco, Justin Verlander, David Price, James Shields, CC Sabathia (Shields' replacement)

In: Pablo Sandoval, Miguel Montero, Alexi Ogando, David Robertson, Michael Pineda

Also, as soon as Matt Cain throws a pitch tonight - he's officially out, widely assumed to be replaced by Tommy Hanson or Craig Kimbrel.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Ricky Romero has also been added to replace Felix Hernandez. Dear god.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>And before RP rips Sandoval's selection - apparently Aramis was asked to be Polanco's replacement and he said no. He's sticking to his plans of spending the break with his family.</font>

[Skippord]

how many people have been asked to play 3rd for the NL?

[ClockShot]

I got a feeling this All-Star game is going to take a dive in the ratings this year with all the (more than usual) replacements happening this year.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Kimbrel gets the nod as Cain's replacement. I also just realized that Jon Lester was also added as a player-elected replacement ala CC, but he's DL'ed so he can't pitch.

So that brings the grand total to 84 All Stars. Yikes.</font>

[Damian Rey]

And Jeter, offensively, is not overrated. He is one helluva fucking hitter. I always dreamed as a kid of being a Derek Jeter type. Line drive machine with 15-20 HR pop. Runs scored is a bit of a misleading stat because once someone is one base, they are no longer in control of whether or not they score.

Jeter is just ridiculously overpaid, his defense is suspect, and he plays for the Yankees. Nobody seemed to have a problem with ARod till he donned the stripes. Comes with the territory. I think he's a bit overrated overall at this point in his career, but a lot of that has to do with him being so good for so long that analysts will automatically praise him even though he's no longer as deserving as others (see Jhonny Peralta and Asdrubal Cabrera).

Pretty sure everything I stated above were all kind, objective words for Mr. Jeter. He is overpaid, and his defense is suspect.

Most people hate him because he's a Yankee. Like I said, comes with the territory. I do agree that ESPN goes gaga over him to the point of becoming ridiculous. While he's still a league average, maybe a tick better, shortstop, they treat him as if he's a flipping God, which he no longer is. And unless he hits .350 with 20 HR and plays spectacular, rangey defense, that contract is never going to be matched with performance. He made it due to the Yankees being able to afford to overpay him.

[Boomer]

I feel really awful for Hanson if he doesn't make it. But with all the crap replacements making their way onto the roster, I'm not sure being an All-Star means that much this year. Congrats to Kimbrel though; certainly deserving.

[ClockShot]

Any of you guys catch the Futures Game this evening?

Anyone stand out on either the U.S. or World side?

[Evil Vito]

All Star Game lineups announced:

AL
CF Curtis Granderson
SS Asdrubal Cabrera
1B Adrian Gonzalez
RF Jose Bautista
LF Josh Hamilton
3B Adrian Beltre
DH David Ortiz
2B Robinson Cano
C Alex Avila
P Jered Weaver

NL
2B Rickie Weeks
DH Carlos Beltran
CF Matt Kemp
1B Prince Fielder
C Brian McCann
RF Lance Berkman
LF Matt Holliday
SS Troy Tulowitzki
3B Scott Rolen
P Roy Halladay

[DaveWadding]

that NL lineup has so many things wrong with it.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

So whatever happened to that All Star Game boycott they were supposed to do this year? Is that still going on or what

[Evil Vito]

Frankly I'm shocked Beltran is in the starting lineup. Def figured Votto would DH. Bet the NY papers speculate that Bochy is trying to appease Beltran to get him to waive his no trade clause.

[DaveWadding]

So whatever happened to that All Star Game boycott they were supposed to do this year? Is that still going on or what

SB1070 fell out of the news cycle (and is stuck in judicial hell as is) so no one cares.

[Gertner]

lol Jose Bautista is a freak of nature. Jesus Chris.

[Aguakate]

...Robinson Cano wins the Home Run Derby...

...the crowd was dead most of the night, which took away from the awesomeness...

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Frankly I'm shocked Beltran is in the starting lineup. Def figured Votto would DH. Bet the NY papers speculate that Bochy is trying to appease Beltran to get him to waive his no trade clause.

Votto and Gaby Sanchez are the only 1B's on the bench so it makes sense that they didn't put Joey as the DH.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah I figure one of them comes in as the DH later with the other manning first.

As was the case last year, each team will have a player that can re-enter the game in a utility role. Really have no idea who that will be for the NL. For the AL it's gotta be Michael Cuddyer since he can play anywhere.</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Alright so Midseason Awards:

AL MVP: Adrian Gonzalez
NL MVP: Prince Fielder

AL Cy Young: Justin Verlander
NL Cy Young: Cole Hamels

AL ROTY: Michael Pineda
NL ROTY: Craig Kimbrel

AL MOTY: Manny Acta
NL MOTY: Clint Hurdle

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Despite K-Rod saying a few weeks ago that he'd be open to being a set-up guy for a contender...Boras on his first day of the job says there is "no chance" he would go for that. And no team would trade for the guy with that huge vesting option sitting there.

Soooooo basically the Mets are stuck paying him $17.5 million next year since any attempts to not pitch him/release him/etc. will result in a massive grievance that forces them to pay up the money anyway.

I'd try to see if they can get him to spread out the money over 2 years or something...since that's a retarded amount of money for a closer to make (thanks Omar) and would single-handedly eliminate what little chance they had of re-signing Reyes.</font>

[Evil Vito]

Alright so Midseason Awards:

AL MVP: Adrian Gonzalez
NL MVP: Prince Fielder

AL Cy Young: Justin Verlander
NL Cy Young: Cole Hamels

AL ROTY: Michael Pineda
NL ROTY: Craig Kimbrel

AL MOTY: Manny Acta
NL MOTY: Clint Hurdle

<font color=goldenrod>Spot on. The only one even remotely debatable at this point is NL CY just cause Jurrgens and Halladay have both ruled.</font>

[Innovator]

I would throw Terry's name in there for NL MOTY for keeping the Mets competitive with all of the injuries.

[Evil Vito]

*Terry's

but yeah he should be in consideration. Hurdle's gotta get it if the Pirates finish over .500 though. Just as long as they don't do something stupid and give it to Charlie Manuel even though any of us could probably manage that team to the playoffs.

[Gertner]

<font color=goldenrod>Spot on. The only one even remotely debatable at this point is NL CY just cause Jurrgens and Halladay have both ruled.</font>

Jose Bautista says hello.

[Innovator]

I go with Bautista rather than Gonzalez. Gonzalez is great but he's already on a great team. Bautista is putting the Jays on his back.

[Evil Vito]

If Gonzo keeps up this level of production and the Sox make the playoffs, he'll probably win it. For whatever reason, whether or not your team makes the postseason seems to be the tiebreaker whenever the voting is close.

[Triple Naitch]

The Red Sox started horrible, but once Adrian got hot they did as well. Right now, it's his.

[Evil Vito]

Ron Washington has tabbed Jose Valverde as the official AL closer. Well that's certainly a better choice than Brandon League.

Predictably, Bruce Bochy is going with Brian Wilson despite him having the worst year of the four closers on the team. I just hope Joel Hanrahan gets into the game at some point, for my money he's having the best year of any closer in baseball.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Yeah Joey Bats is easily the player of the year, but I'm a firm believer that team success factors into the MVP. Otherwise the value is for naught.

[Damian Rey]

I think you can make a case for Gonzalez or Bautista. Gonzalez has become the heart and soul of that BoSox lineup, and is hands down their best player. Bautista is the best power hitter and baseball. I think Gonzalez will win based on his team's place in the standings.

[MVP]

Gonzalez being in the lineup has re-shaped Ortiz into as close as the player he was in 2006 as he's ever going to be. Ortiz is hitting the ball to opposite field now, which hasn't been seen since then.

[Damian Rey]

Yea, I read somewhere that Ortiz was quoted as to saying watching Gonzalez hit the ball the other way and have so much more success overall by doing so has inspired Ortiz to do the same, and it seems to have reinvigorated his career quite a bit.

[Gertner]

Without Bautista the Jays are 20 games under .500. The team was lost without him when he was injured, including getting no hit.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Dunno how you could be a lefty at Fenway and not try to go to the opposite field.

[SammyG]

Wow Kemp was terrible last night. We suck so much.

[Aguakate]

These are my Mid-Season Awards:


AL MVP: Curtis Granderson (Career year, has kept the Yanks afloat with Rodriguez not being himself this year, so far and Derek Jeter injured)

NL MVP: Lance Berkman (Comeback year. Matt Holliday was out for some time, so was Pujols, and he carried the load)


AL Cy Young: Justin Verlander (The most dominating pitcher in the AL so far)

NL Cy Young: Jair Jurrjens


AL ROTY: Michael Pineda
NL ROTY: Craig Kimbrel

AL MOTY: Manny Acta
NL MOTY: Clint Hurdle

[Gertner]

Yes, where would the Yanks be without Granderson. I mean, he only has Cano, Teixeria, A Rod (.295 avg, 13 hr and 52 rbi isn't bad), Swisher etc... plus one of the best bullpens and starting rotations in the league. I mean the Yanks would be LOST without Granderson.

[Gertner]

Jays deal Juan Rivera to the Dodgers. Lol good to see a team who can't afford to take on wasted money taking on a stud like Juan Rivera.

[Aguakate]

Yes, where would the Yanks be without Granderson. I mean, he only has Cano, Teixeria, A Rod (.295 avg, 13 hr and 52 rbi isn't bad), Swisher etc... plus one of the best bullpens and starting rotations in the league. I mean the Yanks would be LOST without Granderson.

...I know, right?

And where would the Red Sox be without Gonzalez? They only have David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, Jacoby Ellsbury, Josh Beckett...

[Damian Rey]

...I know, right?

And where would the Red Sox be without Gonzalez? They only have David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, Jacoby Ellsbury, Josh Beckett...

They were in 3rd place last year, and when he wasn't hitting, they were floundering this season. Adding him into that lineup has completely changed the dynamic of their offense. They haven't had a complete hitter like him since Manny Ramirez, who they failed to replace prior to this year.

[Emperor Smeat]

I think you can make a case for Gonzalez or Bautista. Gonzalez has become the heart and soul of that BoSox lineup, and is hands down their best player. Bautista is the best power hitter and baseball. I think Gonzalez will win based on his team's place in the standings.

I wouldn't automatically discount Bautista due to not being on a first place or playoff caliber team since A-Rod once won the award on a horrible Rangers team. Although the biggest difference was while A-Rod seemed to be more stat padding, Bautista really is the soul of the Jays offense.

Gonzalez has been amazing and the soul of the Red Sox offense with the added benefit of him improving everyone else on the team like Ortiz. His swings during the HR Derby were amazing in how smooth they looked.

Granderson's issue is most of his numbers are similar to Tex so the Yankees can afford to have him go into a slump as long as Tex stays on track and doesn't slump as well.

[Gertner]

Which is why Jose Bautista is hands down the MVP thus far. He's doing it with basically nothing.

[Gertner]

He's gonna have to keep up the pace due to the Jays being in rebuild mode, but if he hits 60 jacks this year with a 320-330 average and 120 plus rbi's which is pretty realistic, there's no way he should lose out on the MVP. He's singlehandedly winning games. Heck, look at the Saturday game vs Cleveland.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Joe Buck can barely even read the lineups. The guy is so damn bored already.</font>

[RoXer]

Don't get excited about anything, Joe Buck.

[DaveWadding]

Why isnt Thom Brennaman calling this game? Jesus.

[Emperor Smeat]

Nice play and catch by Bautista.

Fox's main camera missed it until the crowd started to cheer and they showed it on replay.

Meanwhile the announcers still sound bored even with that play. Buck sounds like he has a cold with how plain it sounds.

[RoXer]

...and it lands foul no its caught what an unbelievable play wow...

[Droford]

lol at the Grandyman getting WWE mentioned

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

He's a wrestling fan and he's the reason I'm in first in my pay league. That almost makes up for the fact that he's a Yankee.

Woooo Gonzo!

[Droford]

I just realized the reason he went to 23 probably was because he was a Tiger at the time and it was in Detroit and they probably comped him the ticket...

[DaveWadding]

I'm going to puke if I hear any more commentators crying about how hot it is.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

From dehydration?

[RoXer]

trying to figure out if Justin Timberlake was being sarcastic or not. I think he was

[RoXer]

Good to know he's pro-beer in these times of political correctness

[DaveWadding]

Mark Grace is also pro-beer.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Yoda backpack hahaha.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

What happened to Joe Buck's voice? Does he have a disease or something? This year he constantly sounds like he has to clear his throat.

[DaveWadding]

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/mccarthy/2011-07-10-joe-buck-vocal-cord-injury_n.htm


Fox announcer Joe Buck can better appreciate what athletes mean when they say injuries turned out to be a blessing that made them appreciate what they already had.
Sports Television

By Michael McCarthy

Fox announcer Joe Buck, here prepping for the 2009 All-Star Game in St. Louis, is working his way back after suffering an injury to one of his vocal cords.
Fox announcer Joe Buck, here prepping for the 2009 All-Star Game in St. Louis, is working his way back after suffering an injury to one of his vocal cords.

Buck nearly lost his voice and career over the last four months as he fought off a nerve ailment in his left vocal cord.

He has been doing vocal exercises and taking singing lessons as part of his rehab. Although he can't go off on a call like new Fox colleague Gus Johnson, Buck will call Fox's telecast of Major League Baseball's 82nd All-Star Game on Tuesday (8 p.m. ET).

The telecast will mark 42-year-old Buck's first big, national event since his illness. The son of legendary St. Louis Cardinals announcer Jack Buck will be in the booth with partner Tim McCarver for a record 13th All-Star Game.

"When you get into it as somebody's kid, and you're around it your whole life, it just kind of seems like second nature," Buck said Sunday. "But when the idea of it is hanging in the balance or you feel like it may be taken away from you, you start thinking, 'My God, I really do love what I do.' I'd rather work than not work. I'd rather do a game than not do a game."

Until a few months ago, Buck led a seemingly charmed life. He started calling Fox's MLB and NFL games in his mid-20s. He serves as lead play-by-play announcer for Fox's baseball and football coverage. However, he has had his career disasters. In June 2009, Joe Buck Live premiered on HBO, and comedian Artie Lange proceeded to embarrass Buck, telling him he should not have left the play-by-play arena. Buck couldn't rein in Lange. HBO dropped the show after three episodes.

But nothing has been like the last few months. The trouble started for Buck after calling Super Bowl XLV. He caught a virus that weakened his left vocal cord. With therapy, Buck's pipes are back to about 85% to 90%, he told columnist Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Despite a sometimes hoarse voice, he has called eight regional baseball telecasts on Fox this season.

The illness has "made me stronger. And reminded me how much I love what I do," Buck said.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Looks like the Royals are the only team to not get a player into the game.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Woooooooo National League!</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

Can't remember who on ESPN's Around the Horn show today said it but he ended up being correct on saying that the AL would struggle with pitching due to having too many quality pitchers unavailable today because most had pitched on Saturday and Sunday.

AL had the more powerful lineup but the NL was able to use Halladay and Lee for almost half the game while the AL had nothing similar.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Holy shit. Mets trade K-Rod to the Brewers for 2 PTBNL</font>

[Skippord]

wonder if he'll close

[Emperor Smeat]

As long as he doesn't play in around 21 more games, Brewers can use him as either a setup or closer depending on the situation. Brewers don't want that $17+ million option clause to kick in or else K-Rod becomes another 1-and-done player for the Brewers.

Brewers didn't want to wait for Heath Bell and the only other player the Brewers had considered would have required the team to pay most of his salary.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Holy shit. Mets trade K-Rod to the Brewers for 2 PTBNL

+ Cash from what I read. K-rod is probably gcnna be the 8th inning guy even though both him and Oxford are pretty good closers.

As for this guy Cristian Rodriguez(Said fan who caught Jeter's ball and then gave it back) I think it was kind of a dumb ass move especially after finding out this poor guy is 200,000 dollars in debt from College Loans.

[ClockShot]

Holy shit. Mets trade K-Rod to the Brewers for 2 PTBNL

Shocker. But then again, Melvin got a flare for the unexpected.

Of course we're all wondering if they're gonna let his game option kick in or this is just going to be a rental.

[Innovator]

Great job by the Mets. K-Rod getting his bonus would've crippled them.

[RP]

I'm going to try to predict the Cubs firesale.

Matt Garza- Red Sox. I think the Red Sox will make a big play for Garza. Elsbury in play? Probably not, but it will have to be a deal, sweet with great prospects.

Aramis Ramirez- Angels or Giants. His trade value is as high as its ever been in a long time. Both these teams need a big bat to make a final playoff push. The Giants make so much sense and if I was Jim Hendy, I would demand Bumgarner. The Angels have prospects.

Carlos Marmol- I'll be outraged if Hendry can't trade Marmol for something decent. Marshall would be better off as closer and Marmol is still a fairly attractive trade chip. I'm going to say he goes to the Twins.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Yeah great move for the Mets. Plus I can't say I'm not happy about a division rival adding a clubhouse cancer to their roster.

[Innovator]

Deadspin posted Jose Canseco's cell phone number:

818-903-6598.

I'm leaving it up for RP to say hi.

http://deadspin.com/5820662/if-you-want-to-call-jose-canseco-his-number-is-818+903+6598

[ClockShot]

The kid who caught Jeter's 3,000 ball keeps getting luckier by the minute.

If the IRS hits him with taxes, Miller Brewing Co. will foot the bill.

Modell's will donate 5% of all Yankees merchandise sold from July 13-19 to the guy to cover his $100,000 college debts.

[Innovator]

http://thechive.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/epic-fail-photos-catcher-fail.gif?w=286&h=175

[OssMan]

YEs fuck k-rod

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Yeah great move for the Mets. Plus I can't say I'm not happy about a division rival adding a clubhouse cancer to their roster.

Why every time you post do I think you're a Red Sox fan? I'm gonna take a guess are you a Reds fan? I don't think the Red Sox are gonna get Garza. Truth be told I can see the Red Sox trading for Beltran.

[Droford]

http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2011/0707/bos_a_ortiz_b1_600.jpg

people on the Orioles Forums are having a field day with this picture.

this is my current favorite:

http://i.imgur.com/yrHMQ.jpg

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Why every time you post do I think you're a Red Sox fan? I'm gonna take a guess are you a Reds fan? I don't think the Red Sox are gonna get Garza. Truth be told I can see the Red Sox trading for Beltran.

Ya, Reds fans. I don't talk about them that much in here though because 1) they've been rather Curtis Blanderson this season, and 2) this thread is a lot more interesting when it's not just everyone posting a comment about their favorite team and nobody engages anyone.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Brewers' GM says K Rod and Axford will both close games. When has closer by committee ever worked? This could be interesting.

[Innovator]

Sounds like the GM saying they are gonna make sure K-Rod doesn't get that bonus.

[Nervous Ferret]

I'd imagine once Axford blows just 1 game (let's be real he will and probably sooner rather than later) they'll just go to K-Rod every time unless he really blows (he might)

[Nervous Ferret]

Sounds like the GM saying they are gonna make sure K-Rod doesn't get that bonus.

I'd imagine once Axford blows just 1 game (let's be real he will and probably sooner rather than later) they'll just go to K-Rod every time unless he really blows (he might)

Oh ya, forgot about that. More likely I guess

[RP]

I just wish the Cubs would win like six in a row starting tonight and give me something to believe in.

[Aguakate]

The Texas Rangers should trade for Carlos Pena.

That swing...in that ballpark...he'd be awesome for that team.

[MVP]

I could see Pena having success in Baltimore too.

[Aguakate]

Yeah, but since they probably aren't going to be buyers...I was thinking of a place where he could go, have an impact, and contribute for the remainder of this season and into the Playoffs.

[DAMN iNATOR]

So, evidently, no sooner are they underway with this Roger Clemens trail, than a mistrial is declared (http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/6768625/roger-clemens-trial-judge-declares-mistrial).

One can only hope for a new trial.

[ClockShot]

So, evidently, no sooner are they underway with this Roger Clemens trail, than a mistrial is declared (http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/6768625/roger-clemens-trial-judge-declares-mistrial).

One can only hope for a new trial.

Hope those prosecutors got fired. Totally mind blowing that they could screw this up so fast.

[Innovator]

Ruling: you can't use statements from Andy Pettite's wife

Hey guys play that tape of Pettite's wife.

[Emperor Smeat]

Hope those prosecutors got fired. Totally mind blowing that they could screw this up so fast.

Dumb mistake by the prosecution side but considering ESPN or some other place had details about some of the jurors, I wouldn't have been surprised if the jury decided on a mistrial as well if it had gone on that long.

A few of them sounded like legit dumbasses in terms of sports or knowledge of what the case is about. I think one of them didn't understand how perjury is a crime or what steroids was.

[ClockShot]

Dumb mistake by the prosecution side but considering ESPN or some other place had details about some of the jurors, I wouldn't have been surprised if the jury decided on a mistrial as well if it had gone on that long.

A few of them sounded like legit dumbasses in terms of sports or knowledge of what the case is about. I think one of them didn't understand how perjury is a crime or what steroids was.

The jury was made up of 10 females, 2 males, and 4 alternates. Unless the women were sports savvy, he probably would have walked anyway.

[Droford]

I could see Pena having success in Baltimore too.

He used to have a lot of success versus Baltimore, so why not lol

[ClockShot]

Colon got lit up like a god damn christmas tree.

[Damian Rey]

Time to evaluate the Padres' best trading chips, and what club, in my opinion, they match up best to.

RYAN LUDWICK-LF
245/310/390 11HR 55RBI 14DBL

Though not having a banner year offensively, Ludwick has put up a respectable line despite hitting in one of, if not arguably the worst hitter's park in all of baseball. He is the Padres' number one offensive trading piece, and the Padres will likely move him come the trading deadline, if not earlier. A few teams could use the help, but the CINCINNATI REDS seem to be the best fit. Jonny Gomes' 218/345/417 line has left much to be desired this season in Cincy, and Ludwick getting inserted into the middle of that lineup looks like the best fit for him and the team.

MIKE ADAMS-RHP
3-1 1.32 ERA 41K 6BB 1SV 23H

Adams might be the most attractive bullpen piece up for grabs for the Padres, not only due to his numbers this season, but also due to the fact that an acquiring team would have him for the final two months or so of the season, as well as next season. He has yet to have a bad season since coming to San Diego, and has appeared in at least 50 games in 3 of the last 4 seasons. Padres are rumored to be looking for a team's best prospect in return, and have a good amount of leverage with Adams due to his team controlled status through the end of 2012. The New York Yankees, with all the injuries their bullpen has suffered, seems like the best fit for Adams, and they have a few young players who could be moved to appease the Padres.

HEATH BELL-RHP
2-3 2.43ERA 27K 13BB 26SV

Bell has converted all but one save opportunity this year, where a lead was blown due to a throwing error. He's been one of the best closers in the game since he took over for the departing Trevor Hoffman in 2009. Bell is a free agent at the end of the season, so his trade value may not be as high as Adams'. He has stated, however, that he's more than willing to accept a set up role if it means having a chance at a championship. The St. Louis Cardinals have been the team mentioned most for Bell, who could easily slot into their closer role.

CHAD QUALLS
4-3 2.70ERA 24K 12BB 0SV 40H

Qualls is having a good bounce back season after struggling mightily all season in 2010. He likely does not have much value, but is still a strong candidate to be moved to any team looking to pad the bullpen.

SLEEPER PICKS

CHASE HEADLEY-3B
.299/.391/.401 2HR 31RBI 25DBL

Headley is finally having the season that resembles what he was scouted as having the potential to do. His power is sapped from batting primarily left handed at PETCO park, but every other offensive stat across the board has shown great improvement over 2010's production. Headley has more power than he's show, and could be a 15HR type hitter in a more neutral ballpark. He's also controllable for the next few years, and is one of the better defensive 3rd baseman in the league. Jed Hoyer has said Headley's a guy he'd like to build around, but with 3rd baseman James Darnell getting closer, and top prospect Jedd Gyorko seemingly fast tracking himself to the bigs, Headley could be moved for a package of prospects. The team seemingly in most need is the Reds. Rolen's production has fallen off a cliff this season, and Headley is a nice, controllable upgrade there. The only issue is Rolen is due $6mil for next season, and I have a hard time seeing any team taking on that salary without the Reds picking up the tab.

[RP]

I don't want to see Carlos Marmol in a Cubs uniform ever again.

[DaveWadding]

Somebody shoot Marmol and Quade.

[DaveWadding]

and probably Kerry Wood.

[RP]

Carlos Marmol just put a nail in the Cubs season, Quade, Jim Henry and his own job. All in one inning. I hope they deport him back to the Dominican.

[RP]

I wish this was Zambranos start. If this was Zambranos start, Marmol wouldn't make it out of the clubhouse tonight.

[Damian Rey]

How many blown saves does Marmol have? his numbers make it seem like he's having a pretty good season on a team that is going nowhere. I don't get all the hostility.

[Skippord]

I would imagine it's more the way he blows saves than the amount, since he is a giant walk monster.

[Damian Rey]

Yeesh you weren't lying. Oh well. I'm sure some team will take a chance on him. He's not owed a ridiculous amount over the next few years.

[Skippord]

these Ubaldo Jimenez trade rumors are getting out of control, yet I stupidly continue to read them.

[Evil Vito]

Mets are said to be going with a 3-way closer by committee.

I gotta figure Isringhausen gets first dibs. The Mets have basically 2 weeks to go on a tear/get back into any realistic contention...so they go with the proven guy and if nothing else, a good couple of weeks for Izzy could see him get moved for a mid-level prospect. Then Parnell and Beato share the duties to figure out who will close in 2012.

[Gertner]

lol the Yankees lost to Jo Jo Reyes, despite his best attempts to give the Yanks the game.

[Innovator]

Gertie what's the word on Bautista? That slide was nasty.

[RP]

I would imagine it's more the way he blows saves than the amount, since he is a giant walk monster.

Marmol has blown 7 of 26 save attempts. Please give us Ubaldo for him.

[Skippord]

damn that's a lot more than I thought

[MVP]

So who's worse for the Cubs, Carlos Marmol or Mike Quade?

[Skippord]

Carlos Marmol in to close this bitch out!!!

[Skippord]

1 Walk

[RP]

Mike Quade is unbelievable right now. I can't believe he has Marmol out there again.

[RP]

is this seriously happening right now?

[DaveWadding]

I don't believe this. Is Quade really that stupid?

[RP]

If Marmol doesn't close this, Quade will be fired. You can see it on his face .

[DaveWadding]

BOOM Marlon Byrd.

[Skippord]

and Hanley Ramirez makes an awful mistake

[RP]

Marlon Byrd might have just saved Quades job for another game.

[DaveWadding]

holy fuck Marmol. Throw a goddamn fastball.

[Skippord]

god the marlins have an irritating television broadcast

[DaveWadding]

HIS NAME IS DAAAAAAN UUUUGGGGGGLAAAAAAAAA

[RP]

I really feel like Quade just bet his job on this ninth inning.

[DaveWadding]

Praise Jesus for Sean Marshall.

[RP]

Sean Marshall is money

[Skippord]

I love the broadcasters, they just play a super annoying song everytime they go to the bullpen and it makes me want to kill myself

[Skippord]

damn, was hoping for a home run

[Damian Rey]

I personally cannot stand the Marlins announcers.

[ClockShot]

Doug Melvin is a genius.

He renegotiated K-Rod's contract. He kicked the buyout up from $3.5 mil. to $4 mil. and K-Rod can be used anytime during the game in exchange for turning that games finished vesting option into a mutual option.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>It's a concession that makes sense from K-Rod's perspective, since there was no way in hell he was gonna finish 21 games otherwise. Now if Axford blows, K-Rod can get more saves with no consequence.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Some Mets fans are gonna wonder why Alderson didn't ask K-Rod to drop his option...but there is no chance it would have happened. Getting traded caused K-Rod to lose negotiating flexibility. On the Mets, there was zero reason to willingly drop the option since he'd be guaranteed to either finish enough games for it to vest or he'd get moved to set-up and file a grievance to get the money either way.</font>

[Damian Rey]

Great move by Melvin. Love how aggressive he can be. I have very little doubt that Melvin and Boras didn't have, at the very least, the parameters of this recent contract restructuring worked out prior to the deal.

Good deal for both sides. KRod gets the chance to finish more games, and the Brewers don't have to foot that atrocious bill. Someone should have sent Minaya to the school Melvin went to.

[Emperor Smeat]

Braves become the 3rd team in baseball history to reach 10,000 wins after beating the Nationals 11-1 today.

Only the Giants and Cubs have more wins while I think the Phillies are still the only team with 10,000 losses.

I think the next team closet to 10,000 is the Yankees but they are around 5-10 years away from reaching it while the next closet for 10,000 losses (Orioles or Cubs) needs almost a decade to reach that one.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Unless you're a fan of one of the other NL Central teams - if you aren't rooting for the Pirates, you have no soul.</font>

[RP]

Great start Carlos. Pick up right where Marmol left off. Lets just get rid of all Carlos's please.

[Boomer]

Braves become the 3rd team in baseball history to reach 10,000 wins after beating the Nationals 11-1 today.

Only the Giants and Cubs have more wins while I think the Phillies are still the only team with 10,000 losses.

I think the next team closet to 10,000 is the Yankees but they are around 5-10 years away from reaching it while the next closet for 10,000 losses (Orioles or Cubs) needs almost a decade to reach that one.

The Braves will get to 10,000 losses this year too. They aren't far off.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Beltran out today with flu-like symptoms. So the Mets are trotting out this lineup against Cole Hamels:

1. Angel Pagan, CF
2. Justin Turner, 2B
3. Scott Hairston, RF
4. Daniel Murphy, 3B
5. Jason Bay, LF
6. Ronny Paulino, C
7. Nick Evans, 1B
8. Ruben Tejada, SS
9. Jon Niese, P

And of course it's the FOX game, so I won't even have the SNY team to keep me entertained.</font>

[RP]

What a pathetic peice of shit team. Seriously. What a joke.

[Gertner]

Gertie what's the word on Bautista? That slide was nasty.

From what I've heard, he'll be held out of the Yankees series and return for the Seattle series on Tuesday. Small chance of his return Sunday.

[RP]

Mike Stanton is destroying lives in Chicago right now.