MLB 2011 Season Thread

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Carlos Zambrano apparently cleaned out his locker and is considering retirement after being ejected tonight.

-edit-

Fuck you Inno. :(</font>

[Innovator]

OH YEAH

[Skippord]

http://a3.twimg.com/profile_images/1190214777/trippingolney_normal.jpg (http://twitter.com/#%21/TrippingOlney) @TrippingOlney (http://twitter.com/#%21/TrippingOlney) Not Buster Olney


CARLOS ZAMBRANO JUST SHOWED UP AT MY DOOR CARRYING THE CONTENTS OF HIS LOCKER. HELP ME.

[SammyG]

lol Zambrano retiring

[RP]

Zambrano is nuts

[Boomer]

When he got tossed, he was smiling in the dugout and talking with one of the cameramen. After he went down the tunnel, the cameraman shook his head.

[DaveWadding]

BEAT THE METS

[RP]

Cubs can't go a season without Mount Zambrano blowing atleast once.

[Damian Rey]

Come on, it makes for great drama.

No way. The Yankees would be good without him. Their lineup is stacked enough that losing Granderson would barely be a dent in the armor, much like losing ARod has been a non issue.

Padres lost a toughie to the Reds. 5 and 3 on their road trip thus far. I have to admit, the last week or so of games have arguably been the best baseball the Padres have played, especially in the offense category.

And once again, Cameron Maybin is by far my favorite Padres player. Kid can do everything.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

lol Zambrano

what a chubby homosexual

[RP]

Clearly Vernon Wells still gets his pitches tipped in Toronto.

[Damian Rey]

Clearly.

[ClockShot]

Zambrano retiring? I'll believe it when I see it.

Then again, we haven't heard a peep from Manny Ramirez since popped positive again and retired on the spot.

[Gertner]

Clearly Vernon Wells still gets his pitches tipped in Toronto.

Clearly Toronto needs to be a better job of tipping pitches cause they just lost 2 out of 3 to the A's and now the Angels.

[Aguakate]

Jose Bautista has stopped hitting HRs...

[Loose Cannon]

guess it's time for a re-up then

[Gertner]

Jays must be tipping pitches again, because Jared Weaver just got destroyed.

[Emperor Smeat]

Cubs ban Zambrano for 30 days with no pay or access to the club after putting him on the DQ list.

http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/6859394/chicago-cubs-place-carlos-zambrano-disqualified-list

[Innovator]

Jorge back in lineup today, first at bat drives in 2 runs.

[ClockShot]

Cubs ban Zambrano for 30 days with no pay or access to the club after putting him on the DQ list.

http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/6859394/chicago-cubs-place-carlos-zambrano-disqualified-list

:eek:

Wow. Ricketts brought out the hammer and then some.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Damn, Zambrano with nothing to do but eat fast food for 30 days.

Super Size Me 2

[Loose Cannon]

Posada Grand Slambino!!!!!!

[Aguakate]

Posada Grand Slambino!!!!!!

LOL 6 RBI's as off right now. I wonder what excuse Joe Girardi will have to not have him in the line-up regulary.

I've always thought that Girardi doesn't particularly like Posada too much, seeing as how Posada was the one who took over the Yankees' Catching position back in the day, and sent Girardi packing.

[Droford]

Whoa. What's wrong with Kris Benson?

Os traded Bautista for Benson..

that went really well.

[Droford]

Dan Uggla has his hitting streak up to 33 games now. Tied for 20th longest all time. Hes only hitting .231 though, so I imagine he has the lowest average for that long of a streak..

Pretty crazy...only 12 games off the NL Record of 45 by Willie Keeler thats stood for 114 years.

[Damian Rey]

Posada shouldn't have his entire season worth of lowly production dimissed based off of one day. The guy has struggled all year, and, while it's always nice to see an old timer have a great game, it doesn't justify giving him an everday spot in the lineup all of a sudden.

Posada got benched because he sucked. Girardi's not an idiot. If Posada wasn't hitting a paltry .230 and could actually throw the trash out at 2nd base behind the plate, he'd be in there.

[Evil Vito]

Os traded Bautista for Benson..

that went really well.

<font color=goldenrod>Benson went to the Orioles from the Mets a year and a half after the Orioles traded Bautista to the Mets.

The real LOL there is the Pirates. Had the guy for 4 years and had zero idea he had that kind of power.</font>

[ClockShot]

Freddy Garcia is going to miss his start tomorrow. Burnett gets the ball tomorrow instead.

Interesting, I wonder if we'll get a verdict during the post game presser.

[ClockShot]

USA Today is reporting the Cubs are gonna keep Jim Hendry around.

[Aguakate]

USA Today is reporting the Cubs are gonna keep Jim Hendry around.

...Geez...

:nono:

[Boomer]

Dan Uggla has his hitting streak up to 33 games now. Tied for 20th longest all time. Hes only hitting .231 though, so I imagine he has the lowest average for that long of a streak..

Pretty crazy...only 12 games off the NL Record of 45 by Willie Keeler thats stood for 114 years.

Yeah, Elias Sports Bureau definitely confirmed he's the lowest. He's come a long way from the .180 average he had near the All-Star Break.

McCann back tomorrow. Thank god. Now if Fredi might put the runner-up for ROTY last year back in the lineup...

[Damian Rey]

Fredi Gonzo's lineup creations are astounding sometimes. But they are front runners for the Wild Card, so it has somehow worked out.

And yea, the Pirates look like fools for getting nothing out of Bautista. Granted he probably would have been dealt, it would have been a boost in that lineup.

On my Padres not, the Reds beat the piss out of them.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

woo 7 homers

in your face whale's vagina

[RP]

USA Today is reporting the Cubs are gonna keep Jim Hendry around.

GO CUBS GOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

[Boomer]

Hanson on the DL. Surprise surprise!

[Triple Naitch]

Logan Morrison gets demoted despite being the second best hitter on the Marlins this year. Bullshit.

[Aguakate]

Barney and Castro are tearing it up.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Morrison speculating that he was sent down and Helms released for the same incident...but he won't say what it is. He's said it has nothing to do with Twitter, but many reporters feel otherwise.

lol if the Marlins sent down one of their best hitters because of his popular Twitter account.</font>

[Aguakate]

<font color=goldenrod>Morrison speculating that he was sent down and Helms released for the same incident...but he won't say what it is. He's said it has nothing to do with Twitter, but many reporters feel otherwise.

lol if the Marlins sent down one of their best hitters because of his popular Twitter account.</font>

Jack McKeon thinks Twitter is evil.

Get it? Because he's old and stuff...

[Boomer]

Can Jason Heyward have his own hitting streak for grounding out to second base?

[Aguakate]

COME ON, UGGLA!

0-2 so far...don't drive in a run or anything, just get a hit...

[Emperor Smeat]

NESN is reporting that the Red Sox are very interested in getting Heath Bell from the Padres but also admitted the Cardinals are more likely to get him if any deal is done.

They also speculated the team would go after Reyes in the offseason or at least make him very expensive to get in a bidding war if the Yankees try to sign him.

[Aguakate]

The thing about getting Bell is that he's indicated he'd re-sign with the Padres in the offseason even if he is traded...so perhaps teams don't go full-blown after him based on the possibility of that happening.

[Damian Rey]

If the Padres move Bell, they probably will not resign him. He's put them in a corner by saying he'd accept arbitration, which could max out at $12mil. The Padres have a gaping hole for RF next year. I'd ask for Ryan Kalish. Unlikely it gets done, but you never know.

And the Marlins are idiots if Twitter is the reason Morrison got demoted.

[Aguakate]

I got a question...why is it that both times the Marlins won the WS, they broke up the teams afterward?

[Triple Naitch]

Wayne Huyzenga broke up the team after '97 because he was selling the team and wanted as little payroll possible for a potential buyer.

[Emperor Smeat]

I liked how the 2nd time the Marlins won the title in 2003, the new owner promised he wouldn't pull a 1997 and keep the team together.

He ended up gutting the team to keep payroll as low as possible.

[Aguakate]

I liked how the 2nd time the Marlins won the title in 2003, the new owner promised he wouldn't pull a 1997 and keep the team together.

He ended up gutting the team to keep payroll as low as possible.

...that's what I don't understand. They build winning teams, and then break them up...then build winning teams, and break them up...

...it's like they WANT to lose.

[Triple Naitch]

It's called winning on a budget. The A's did it too, but with less success. You let your homegrown talents develop to the point where you can compete, max out their potential, trade them at their peak, and repeat.

[Aguakate]

It's called winning on a budget. The A's did it too, but with less success. You let your homegrown talents develop to the point where you can compete, max out their potential, trade them at their peak, and repeat.

Yeah but in '97 they had Bobby Bonilla (love that name), Moises Alou, and a couple other guys who weren't homegrown...

...IDK...that's why they're the Marlins, I guess. Maybe once they get their own stadium things will change.

[Boomer]

Uggla's streak is probably done. Barney definitely stole the lucky one that has been falling for Uggla the past few weeks.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Huge credit for the streak obviously, but in general I find them to be overrated. Seems like every year there's at least one lengthy hitting streak and once it reaches 25 games or so, the media starts questioning if it will hit 56 and it gets extensive coverage.

56 games is nearly impossible as it is, the insane media pressure only adds to it.</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

That's like saying no hitters are overrated because there's one every year. Still really impressive.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Been like 55 hitting streaks of more than 30 games in major league history. Been like 280 no hitters. Which is overrated?

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Didn't say it wasn't impressive. Just saying the last few years there have been long hitting streaks and the media always blows its wad as though they expect the record to be broken.

DiMaggio. Ripken. Vander Meer. 3 baseball records that are pretty much impossible to break at this point.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Jason Marquis fractured his leg on a ball hit back to him by Angel Pagan. He still pitched to 5 batters and took a turn at bat before his leg caught up to him.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Jack McKeon pretty much confirmed today that Morrison was sent down for "running his mouth". Obviously in reference to his Twitter account.

Not surprisingly, he recent criticized Hanley on there. Loria has been known to be retardedly protective of Hanley despite the fact that he's been exposed as a lazy piece of shit time and time again.</font>

[Triple Naitch]

After a shocking demotion to Triple-A New Orleans last night, Marlins outfielder Logan Morrison (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/morrilo01.shtml?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker&utm_campaign=Linker) will speak with the Players Union to see if there are grounds for filing a grievance, according to Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post (http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/marlins/2011/08/14/after-offering-advise-to-logan-morrison-wes-helms-gets-released-by-florida-marlins/).
Shortly after a game in which he batted third for the Fish, Morrison was given the news of his demotion, along with the notice that clubhouse leader Wes Helms (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/helmswe01.shtml?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker&utm_campaign=Linker) had been released (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/08/marlins-release-wes-helms.html). The Marlins cited Morrison's .249 batting average as their reason for the demotion, but Morrison told reporters he thought the move was related to an off-the-field issue.
Capozzi's article shines some light on the situation, as he informs readers that Helms had advised Morrison that he didn't have to attend a meet-and-greet that day with Marlins season ticket holders. Morrison had recently finished an autograph session and was upset with the Marlins' handling of a charity bowling event that had to be canceled due to lack of interest. He spoke about the issues to Helms, the team's union representative. While Helms did attend the event, Morrison ultimately did not, and hours later neither were with the big league club.
Juan C. Rodriguez of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/florida-marlins/fl-marlins-logan-morrison-sent-down-020110813-17,0,5246880.story) and Capozzi (http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/marlins/2011/08/13/are-florida-marlins-sending-a-message-by-demoting-outspoken-left-fielder-logan-morrison/) had some reactions from Morrison, who told reporters he was "heartbroken," and said that manager Jack McKeon, President of Baseball Operations Larry Beinfest, and GM Mike Hill neglected to discuss his 17 home runs or 60 RBI on the season, but focused solely on the batting average. For what it's worth, Morrison's .791 OPS also ranks third on the team behind Mike Stanton (http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=stantmi03,stantmi02&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker&utm_campaign=Linker) and Gaby Sanchez (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sanchga01.shtml?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker&utm_campaign=Linker).
In this special piece for MLB.com (http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110814&content_id=23205170&vkey=news_fla&c_id=fla&partnerId=rss_fla), Danny Villavicencio has quotes from Beinfest on the club's decision:
"I never thought we'd see Logan hitting in the .240s, ever," Beinfest said. "Obviously, he's a much better hitter than he's shown. I'm not going to pin that on it as a specific, but he needs to work on all aspects of being a Major Leaguer, and then he'll come back here."
Beinfest pointed to Jose Lopez (http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=lopezjo01,lopez-034jos,lopez-022jos,lopez-020jos,lopez-029jos,lopez-028jos,lopez-013jos&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker&utm_campaign=Linker)'s big Triple-A numbers and a desire to improve the bench as a reason for the release of Helms, who was batting just .191 after last night's game.
In addition to being second on the team in home runs and third in OPS, Morrison and agent Fred Wray can also point out that this move could hamper his service time, potentially costing him money in the long run and prolonging his journey to free agency. This isn't the first time this year that Morrison has clashed with the Marlins organization, either. He was asked to tone down his Twitter account earlier this season, and has been said to be too candid with the media.
Based on Beinfest's repetition that Morrison "needs to focus on all aspects of being a Major Leaguer," it certainly seems like there could be more to the situation than just his on-field performance. That will be up to the Players Union to decide, however.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Dunno what to think. You definitely shouldn't be talking shit publicly about your team. But at the same time it seems like he's got a pretty good reason to. Oh well.

[Aguakate]

...Don't know how to feel about this Beinfest fella throwing all that talk out there about how he never thought he'd EVER see Logan hitting in the .240s (he probably doesn't know who Dan Uggla is) and how he (Logan) needs to work on all aspects of being a Major Leaguer, which basically means he needs to work on his professionalism...

...I don't really like him saying all that stuff publicly. But, if you're going to go public with this, be SPECIFIC. Say WHAT happened...don't throw all these indirect messages.

[ClockShot]

Twins trade Delmon Young to the Tigers for Cole Nelson and a PTBNL.

[ClockShot]

Congrats to Jim Thome. 8th man to join the 600 Home Run Club.

[Aguakate]

Can't believe some people say Thome is not a HOFer...

[Boomer]

Sick end to the Braves game. Braves-Giants has been such a good match-up recently.

[RP]

Wtf with the Cubs. Why weren't they winning like this all season?

[RP]

WHERE THE FUCK HAS THIS RANDY WELLS BEEN THE LAST TWO YEARS??????

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>R.A. Dickey = More proof that the wins stat is completely worthless. Dude has been way better than a 5-11 pitcher. Either he gets no run support or the bullpen will blow it.</font>

[Hanso Amore]

Thome is the poster boy of the NON PED crowd. Good for him. Solid Pro for 15 years. Definite HOF IMHO.

[Gertner]

Ugh, Jays pen blows another game. They did awesome in signing their draft picks today aside from Beede who wanted ridiculous $.

[The Fraze]

<script type='text/javascript' src='http://video.sacramento.cbslocal.com/global/video/videoplayer.js?rnd=422034;hostDomain=video.sacramento.cbslocal.com;playerWidth=400;playerHeight=340; isShowIcon=true;clipId=6150972;flvUri=;partnerclipid=;adTag=Entertainment;advertisingZone=;enableAds =true;landingPage=;islandingPageoverride=false;playerType=POPUP_EMBEDDEDscript;controlsType=fixed'></script>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Almost September. Guess that means it's finally time for Giants "fans" to start showing up in here.

[Innovator]

A-Rod on Thome:

"Jim is one of the easiest players of our generation to root for. It's hard to overshadow 600 home runs, because it is a tremendous accomplishment and an exclamation point on a career bound for the Hall of Fame. But to me, the way he has treated the game -- and the people in and around it -- will always be the first thing that I think of when I think of Jim Thome. In so many ways, he is a legend of our game."

[Triple Naitch]

Thome has to be the least hateable person in baseball.

[Aguakate]

Thome is the poster boy of the NON PED crowd. Good for him. Solid Pro for 15 years. Definite HOF IMHO.

Definitely. Dude has always played the game right, has never been known for scandals, just for his feats...

...not only should he be a Hall of Famer, he should be a FIRST BALLOT HOFer.

[SammyG]

lol we got triple played.

[RP]

You gotta be kidding me Carlos Marmol.

[RP]

YOU HAVE TO BE FUCKING KIDDING ME RIGHT THE FUCK NOW!

OMFG. THE MOST SERIOUS WTF EVER.

[Gertner]

And Brad Mills continues to be horrific.

[ClockShot]

Looks like the Rays are gearing up for a last minute push. Shields and Niemann went the distance in both doubleheader games yesterday, Price goes 8 strong today.

[ClockShot]

Rockes prospect Mike Jacobs makes history. He's the first North American to test positive for HGH under the new steriod testing policy.

He's been suspended 50 games, the Rockies immediately released him.

[Innovator]

Game on the line. Runners on 2nd and 3rd 2 outs. Yanks down by 1. Closer is REELING. Given up two already.

POSADA GOES DOWN LOOKING.

[Emperor Smeat]

:-\ Youkilis now joins Ortiz on the DL with at least 2 weeks for Youk and 1 week for Ortiz but either way it kills the lineup especially with the team struggling to score post-Yankees series. The pitching has been assuming the team would be able to score at will so it lead to some weak pitching performances recently.


Rockes prospect Mike Jacobs makes history. He's the first North American to test positive for HGH under the new steriod testing policy.

He's been suspended 50 games, the Rockies immediately released him.

What were the previous players suspended for because a lot of minor league players have been suspended in recent years and some would have been from North America?

[ClockShot]

:-\ Youkilis now joins Ortiz on the DL with at least 2 weeks for Youk and 1 week for Ortiz but either way it kills the lineup especially with the team struggling to score post-Yankees series. The pitching has been assuming the team would be able to score at will so it lead to some weak pitching performances recently.




What were the previous players suspended for because a lot of minor league players have been suspended in recent years and some would have been from North America?

Volquez played the birth control pill excuse, Manny got something over the counter at a drug store. Legal, yes. But to MLB illegal. Jacobs actually used HGH.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Jacobs isn't really a prospect. He's a 30 year old veteran. He's always had pop but he became too much of a homer-or-nothing hitter.

I was there live to see him pinch-hit against the Nationals for his first ever MLB at-bat and he cracked a 3-run bomb, so I'll always have a soft spot for him. Plus his awesome play upon being called up in 2005 helped the Mets land Delgado so that worked out nicely.</font>

[Innovator]

Cubs GM is out

[RP]

JIM HENDRY GTFO!!!!!


Thank you Jesus!

[Aguakate]

Cubs GM is out

This may be the beginning of a turn-around for the Cubbies.

Go Cubs, Go!

[Evil Vito]

4 days after signing mere minutes before the deadline, Mets first round pick Brandon Nimmo is playing in his first rookie league game. That might be some kind of record.

[RP]

I imagine the last straw was the reports leaking that the Braves were offering 2-3 good prospects for Marlon Byrd and Hendry refused, despite the Cubs having Brett Jackson in Aaa hitting the leather off the ball and clearly ready to come up and play center field.

Hendry is a moron

[Aguakate]

I didn't know Hendry was both Cubs GM AND Vice-President...

...this fool had too much power, and not enough brains.

[ClockShot]

Pirates and Jose Tabata agree to what could be a 9-year extension.

6 years guarenteed that could get him $14.75 mil. and 3 option years that can get him $22.5 mil. which all rounds out to $37.25 mil.

I know we got a Pirates fan on here, I would like to know his take. Sounds like the Pirates won in this deal. But who knows, maybe Tabata isn't a greedy bastard.

[Damian Rey]

Not a Pirates fan, but...

Feel like Hunnington and co. are jumping the gun a bit. Tabata's not arbitration eligible until the 2013 season. And while I think he's a solid young player, and nice top of the order type bat, I don't think he's worth a 6-9 year deal.

I do like the initial dollar value, though. The average of the initial deal, sans the options, is less than $3mil. That's a steal no matter how you look at it.

[parkmania]

I'm SO not sold on Tabata:

Dude idolizes Clemente (name me ONE Dominican-born player that doesn't) and since he plays for Pittsburgh he thinks that should be enough of a reason to allow him to wear the retired #21 for even one game. I'm sure that if he actually contacted Roberto's family that between his wifely issues and the "is he 23 or is he 40?" questions they'd laugh him out of the building.

Before I can listen to people say that "He's got so much up side because he's still young" I need a solid answer to that.

[Corndad]

I actually think the Tabata and Neil Walker signings are a way to show McCutcheon how serious they actually are about being a competitive team for the long term and will spend money, like they haven't in the past. Same reason I loved all the deadline signings last week. At least there is an effort now to be competitive and that's all we can ask as Pirates fans.

[parkmania]

Sorry, CD, but buying an over the hill, not productive in 4 years and gets injured in a stiff breeze Derrek Lee, and a career .475 SLG for a "power hitter" in Ryan Ludwick seems to me to be basically paying lip service to fans who are over-the-moon delirious about a team that's adequate in a bad division experiencing a down year.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mets come all the way back from 7-1 down, score 3 off of K-Rod in the 8th to take a 9-7 lead...and then Isringhausen of course blows it.

I love that these Mets never quit...too bad that's not enough to keep them from sucking. Ah well. At least I have some faith that the Brewers can knock the Phillies off in the playoffs.</font>

[ClockShot]

If this performance doesn't send Blownett to the bullpen, I don't know what does.

[Emperor Smeat]

5th game in a row Wakefield can't get his 200th career win and around 3-4 times it was due to the bullpen killing his chance.

He leaves with a 4-1 lead and Albers gives away 8 runs for the Royals (4 for Wakefield, 5 for Albers)

[Damian Rey]

Sorry, CD, but buying an over the hill, not productive in 4 years and gets injured in a stiff breeze Derrek Lee, and a career .475 SLG for a "power hitter" in Ryan Ludwick seems to me to be basically paying lip service to fans who are over-the-moon delirious about a team that's adequate in a bad division experiencing a down year.

Pretty sure he's talking about the draft deadline signings, not the trade deadline.

And your reasons for not liking Tabata as a player are pretty dumb. Sure, his reasons for wanting #21 are dumb, but he's a nice player and signing him for that money was a good deal for the Pirates.

[ClockShot]

Jack Curry. Asking the hard questions to who he wants, when he wants.

[Corndad]

Pretty sure he's talking about the draft deadline signings, not the trade deadline.

And your reasons for not liking Tabata as a player are pretty dumb. Sure, his reasons for wanting #21 are dumb, but he's a nice player and signing him for that money was a good deal for the Pirates.

Yea sorry for not clarifying that, yea I meant the Draft Deadline signings. Putting talent back into the minors is the first step getting back to being a stable organization.

[Damian Rey]

Padres put an ass whooping on the Marlins this evening. Kyle Blanks touched down another rocket HR. Thank you, Pirate pitchers for waking him up. He's been on fire since the Padres went to PNC.

[RP]

Cubs last 20 games, 14-6. And they've lost a game back in the standings. Unreal.

[Aguakate]

Cubs last 20 games, 14-6. And they've lost a game back in the standings. Unreal.

They've played the role of spoiler very well...beat up on the Pirates and Cards...

[Innovator]

GRANDYMAN INSIDE THE PARK! don't worry about it.

[Gertner]

Jays trade Aaron Hill and John McDonald to Arizona for Kelly Johnson.

Sorry to see Johnny Mac go.

[Triple Naitch]

Both of those guys needed a change of scenery.

[Aguakate]

That's a trade that can be a win-win for both teams. Kelly Johnson has had a pretty good season in terms of power.

[ClockShot]

Rockies claim Wandy Rodriguez off waivers and there are talks between both teams. They do aquire Kevin Kouzmanoff and cash from the A's for cash or a PTBNL.

[ClockShot]

SON OF A BITCH!

[RP]

Anyone claim Zambrano or Soriano? Anyone???? Hello?

[Aguakate]

...The MLB Season has kind of died-down for some reason...not much interest in what's going on...it's not even about the NFL starting up or anything...even among baseball fans, there's not as much excitement about this season.

[Tb1]

Almost September. Guess that means it's finally time for Giants "fans" to start showing up in here.

Damn u still mad

[Supreme Olajuwon]

oh look there's another one

[Boomer]

...The MLB Season has kind of died-down for some reason...not much interest in what's going on...it's not even about the NFL starting up or anything...even among baseball fans, there's not as much excitement about this season.

Well there aren't many battles going on in divisions right. The teams that have been hot have been the teams leading the divisions. Both wild card spots are basically locked up too, and its not even September.

[Tb1]

oh look there's another one

:'(

[SammyG]

lol @ us scoring runs

[ClockShot]

Waiver news:

No talks going down between the Rockies and Astros about Wandy Rodriguez. Looks like he's staying put.

Giants claim Heath Bell from the Padres. With Brian Wilson on the DL again, something may happen.

Jim Thome and Jason Kubel were claimed off waivers. No word on who put in the claim.

Carlos Pena also was claimed, also no idea who got him.

[Emperor Smeat]

A bit surprised on the Cardinals not getting Bell because ESPN had them as front-runners to get him but makes a lot of sense if The Beard is hurt for the Giants.

ESPN is reporting the Yankees claimed Pena and White Sox have claimed Thome.

Rangers are rumored to be the ones to claim Jason Kubel.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Highly doubt the Padres deal Bell, they want the draft picks. Think it was just the Giants blocking him from the Diamondbacks.</font>

[Droford]

Former Os GM and pitcher Mike Flanagan was found dead on his property earlier today but they aren't releasing any more details outside of that...

[Droford]

Police did not immediately identify the cause of death, but sources confirmed that Flanagan took his own life "despondent over what he considered a false perception from a community he loved of his role in the team's prolonged failure," Sandusky said.The soft-spoken and well-liked left-hander grew over the years into a fixture in the Orioles organization. From 2002-08 Flanagan shared or held the top baseball executive position in the organization. During that time Flanagan, according to those closest to him, struggled with not being able to the job the way he wanted to do it, Sandusky said.A relative confirmed that Flanagan has wrestled for some time now with the perception of fans and colleagues alike of his role in the team's failures.

awful..

[RP]

Bye Carlos. Been fun. Seem like a nice guy and hits the shit out of the ball. Gotta make room for Prince.

[RP]

Pena thinks the Cubs will keep him. I hope the yanks trade a shit load for him for some inexplicable reason.

[Gertner]

I love you Brett Lawrie

[ClockShot]

Operation: Grand(y) Slam is in full effect!

TAKE THAT, OAKLAND!

[Triple Naitch]

What did Oakland ever do to you?

[ClockShot]

Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhh? Signed Hideki Matsui?

Nah. I got home from work and the score was 7-2. Hughes was lousy and I thought the game was a lost cause. Ate dinner, played video games, came back up, checked the store, and they got destroyed.

Surprised we dropped the first 2 games to them.

[Aguakate]

Daddy's coming home!


http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/6896481/minnesota-twins-trade-jim-thome-cleveland-indians


CLEVELAND -- Jim Thome has swung back to the Cleveland Indians.

The slugger accepted a trade from Minnesota on Thursday night to return to the Indians, the team he started with and one hoping its career home run leader can help it run down the first-place Detroit Tigers in the AL Central.

An Indians season full of surprises and comeback wins has the most improbable return of all.

As he's done on more than 600 career homers, Thome has rounded the bags and is coming home.

Thome spent 12 seasons with Cleveland from 1991-2002, hitting a team-record 334 homers and helping the Indians get to two World Series. He hit 52 in his final season before signing as a free agent with Philadelphia, a decision that angered many Indians fans who will have to welcome him back.

"He's excited," Indians general manager Chris Antonetti said. "He's fired up to come back and join the team. I am hopeful and confident that fans will embrace him wearing an Indians uniform again. He's not only an exceptional player but a person as well. Even if he wasn't a person that hit 600 home runs, he's just a great person."

Earlier this month, the five-time All-Star became the eighth player in history to hit 600 homers.

The 40-year-old Thome waived a no-trade clause in his contract to clear his return to the Indians, who have been in contention all season but have lost six of their last seven games amid a rash of injuries. Thome's arrival will soften the loss of designated hitter Travis Hafner, who is on the disabled list and may need season-ending foot surgery.

The Indians put a claim in for Thome on Wednesday, two days after the Twins waived him. Once the Indians were awarded Thome, the clubs had 48 hours to work out a trade. The Twins will receive a player to be named later by Oct. 15.

Antonetti hopes Thome will arrive in time to be in the Indians' lineup Friday night. Antonetti doesn't expect Thome to play every game.

"We will have to manage his playing time," Antonetti said. "He's certainly not an everyday player at this point. We'll work with Jim on this. We'd like to have him out there to impact the team as often as we can. Every game for the team is meaningful. We are trying to win as many games as possible and we'll see where that takes us."

Thome's bat once helped Cleveland twice get close to its first Series title since 1948, and now the Indians hope it still has a little magic.

"What If?" team president Mark Shapiro tweeted, using the team's 2011 motto. "Jim Thome came home."

After finishing 25 games out in 2010, the Indians weren't expected to contend this season, but have been at or near the top of their division since April. However, as August drains to its final days, the Indians have slipped back in the standings and trail the Tigers by 6½ as they enter a three-game series against Kansas City.

The Twins are 16 games behind, which is why they decided to part with Thome, who has also played for the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers.

On his most recent visit to Cleveland, the Peoria, Ill., native said he would relish a chance to finish his career where it began. Thome's return will probably give the Indians an immediate attendance boost, and may help some of the fans who couldn't forgive him for leaving despite saying his Indians jersey would have to be torn off for him to go anywhere else.

A skinny third baseman when he came up, Thome, along with fellow All-Stars Sandy Alomar Jr., Albert Belle, Kenny Lofton, Manny Ramirez and Carlos Baerga formed the core of the Indians' teams that dominated their division in the '90s and went to the World Series in 1995 and 1997 -- losing both times.

Thome's big swing, a blend of quickness, power and follow-through, and his aw-shucks attitude, made him one of Cleveland's most popular players. That changed, though, following the '02 season.

As a free agent, Thome turned down a generous, long-term contract from the Indians -- who even offered to build a statue in his honor -- for a chance to win in Philadelphia. At the time, he felt the Phillies were closer to a title than the Indians, who were in the early stages of a massive rebuilding project.

Thome had a memorable first season in Minnesota, leading the team with 25 homers in just 276 at-bats with the Twins in 2010. His aching back felt better than it had in years, and he was energized by the youthful energy surrounding him as he helped the Twins run away with the division crown.

Thome had several suitors as a free agent in the offseason. He ultimately decided to return to the Twins, thinking a nucleus of Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau and Michael Cuddyer would help him capture the World Series championship that has eluded him all these years. But his second season in Minnesota hasn't gone nearly as well. He has struggled with injuries to his back, toe and quadriceps that have slowed that mighty left-handed swing of his, and Mauer and Morneau have also been out for long stretches.

Thome surpassed the 600-homer mark with two blasts at Detroit earlier this month, one of his only highlights this season.

Now he has another.

[Emperor Smeat]

:D Adrian Gonzalez became a monster against the Rangers in the 4 game series.

7 HRs, 11 RBIs, 9 for 16 in hits (.565 average)

Hate to be the Rangers right now since about a week ago they lead the Angels by 7 games and now lost 5 games from their lead with the Angels coming up this weekend.

[Aguakate]

The AL MVP race is a toss-up right now (Gonzalez, Ellsbury, Bautista and Granderson all have a chance), so a strong finish by A-Gone may tip the balance in his favor.

Wait, wait...Adrian Gonzalez had 7 Home Runs in the 4-game series against the Rangers?!

...BEASTLY.

[Evil Vito]

Prince Fielder is gonna be looking for $200 million this offseason. Who can afford to dole out that much and still have position flexibility? Cubs?

I'm sure the Yankees will be rumored, but with Tex locked up at 1B for 5 years and A-Rod, who surely has to DH at some point, for 6...I dunno about that.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

The Angels might if they don't trust Morales' ankle.

[RP]

Who knows with the Cubs. Apparently they don't even want to trade Pena and even though he was only signed for this year, they owe him 5 mill next year. Makes no sense. I would give him away for old Arabu jerseys and bats.

[Aguakate]

The Cubs should forget about Fielder and see if they can land Sabathia, should he opt out.

[Innovator]

In more important news, Jeter and Minka Kelly have split.

[ClockShot]

So, the wedding is off?

[Innovator]

If you made a poll for all New Yorkers, with who would you rather?, it would be a tough call for some of them.

[Droford]

Os have jumped all over Burnett in the 2nd..crazy stuff.

[Innovator]

Os have jumped all over Burnett in the 2nd..crazy stuff.
You don't know AJ Burnett, crazy is him going 7 innings 1 run 4 hits.

[Droford]

Just realized JJ hardy had been 0-29 vs the Yankees this year before he hit the 2 Run Homer.

[Droford]

Os and Yankees couldnt come to an agreement on what happens when the 2 games tomorrow are canceled. Os wanted a doubleheader on Sunday and Monday or 1 game sunday 2 games Monday plus the Yankees coming to Baltimore on the Yankees lone off day in September which the Os are also off. Yankees wanted a doubleheader today but that didnt happen.

[ClockShot]

You hear that ringing, Girardi? That's the clue phone, maybe you should pick it up.

[RP]

In more important news, Jeter and Minka Kelly have split.

She goes in the trophy case. Time for a new flavor. Jeeets!

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Chris Capuano with a 2-hit, 13-strikeout shutout. Can't say I saw that one coming.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

Another game which ends in nope hope for Wakefield getting to his 200th win. 6th game in a row he hasn't gotten a win (3 losses, 3 no-decisions).

Albers has been absolutely horrible lately and it seems he gets the worst when its a Wakefield game. He sucked soo bad that Francona used Darnell McDonald (OF on the bench) to pitch the 9th because Albers wasn't effective and he needs to rest the bullpen for the emergency doubleheader tomorrow.

[Emperor Smeat]

Not sure why MLB doesn't just call off Game 1 of the double-header between As vs Red Sox (9-2 Red Sox in 8th) because it is very unlikely Game 2 would even get finished and Game 1 already had 2 rain delays.

The teams and not MLB made today a double-header as a safety issue due to the hurricane occurring on Sunday and as a way to save the remaining off-days left for rest.

[ClockShot]

Verlander is the fastest to 20 wins since Schilling did it back in 2002.

He's pretty much a lock to win Cy Young this season.

[Aguakate]

So beautiful seeing Jim Thome Homer as a Cleveland Indian again...

[The Fraze]

Have a date with the SF Giants this afternoon.

[Triple Naitch]

So beautiful seeing Jim Thome Homer as a Cleveland Indian again...

Can't believe it's been 10 years since he last played with the Tribe.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Ridiculously retarded throw by Rick Ankiel:

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=18557059&topic_id=11493214&c_id=mlb&tcid=vpp_copy_18557059&v=3

[The Fraze]

Fuck

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah, Ankiel's got one of the best OF arms in baseball. Incredible.</font>

[Gertner]

Jays strike out 18 times yesterday. Well done boys, well done.

[RP]

That Ankiel throw was great, but Mike Stantons throw out of Jose Reyes was the best. I mean, he threw it across his body with momentum going the other way. Reyes wasn't even close. One of the best I've ever seen.

[RP]

Randy motherfucking Wells

[McLegend]

$100 Million

[Supreme Olajuwon]

baseball thread

[McLegend]

Ah fuck

[RP]

Dandy Randy with an absolute gem

[The Pope]

http://blog.prorumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/arizona_diamondbacks.gif

[Skippord]

god now there's fair weather D'Backs fans too

[Aguakate]

...Cubs playing the role of Spoilers LOL

Go, Cubs, GO!

[Innovator]

YANKEES! RED SOX! 5 hour games! BASEBALL!

[Innovator]

CC vs. Lackey

[Innovator]

AHAHAHAHAHAHA

Thursday's game is Jon Lester vs. AJ Burnett

[Emperor Smeat]

YANKEES! RED SOX! 5 hour games! BASEBALL!

I bet Joe West must be happy with this news.

[RP]

Josh Beckett being this slow, is unacceptable.

[RP]

This game is going five hours easily

[RP]

There's going to be a brawl in this game. I can feel it. Beckett has already started shit with Gardner for stealing signs.

[Emperor Smeat]

Wouldn't be surprised considering every year both sides have at least one bench clearing incident and ESPN does have this as the main image right now.

http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2011/0831/ny_a_cervelli_saltalamacchia_b1_576.jpg

[ClockShot]

Could someone explain to me why the Mariners gave Jack Z a new deal?

[Skippord]

good drafts

[Innovator]

Jon Lester vs. AJ Burnett. Hopefully he chokes in the 1st instead of the 5th so I can watch the Giants.

[Aguakate]

Can't the Yankees and Red Sox have a normal game?

All the games are either high scoring...or long...or controversial.

[ClockShot]

Turns out Dave Einhorn isn't going to buy a stake in the Mets after all.

[ClockShot]

Also, Frank McCourt has recieved an $1.2 BILLON dollar offer to sell the Dodgers. L.A. Marathon founder Bill Burke leads the group with backing from Chinese and American investors.

Forbes valued the club at $800 mil. back in march.

Guy should just take the money and run.

[Aguakate]

...Chinese investors, huh?

[weather vane]

come on San Fran

[Innovator]

Welcome to the show, Jesus Montero.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

When did they call up Montero? I didn't think it'd happen until tomorrow at the earliest. You know the time they aren't playing the Red Sox. I think bringing him up when there's less on the line is a better idea.

[ClockShot]

Welcome to the show, Jesus Montero.

:eek:

I feel as if the Calvary just came over the hill.

[Emperor Smeat]

When did they call up Montero? I didn't think it'd happen until tomorrow at the earliest. You know the time they aren't playing the Red Sox. I think bringing him up when there's less on the line is a better idea.

Today is when the rosters can expand to 40 and I think also when certain rules on players eligible for the playoffs also begin (100 at-bats, etc).


Meanwhile Theo Epstein dismissed any rumors of him leaving to go to the Cubs after some reports were saying the Cubs were interested in getting him after firing their GM and the new owners wanting to shake things a bit in management this offseason.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>On August 31st your playoff roster eligibility is set. That day's 25 man roster plus anybody on the DL is eligible. I THINK the other rule is that anybody on the 40-man roster who is on the 60-day DL can be replaced by anybody in the organization that plays the same position (pitcher for pitcher, infielder for infielder, etc.). Also any replacement player must be in the organization by August 31st. I remember a few years ago the Red Sox bizarrely traded for Mike Stanton on the 2nd to last day of the year even though they had clinched a playoff spot and he couldn't be on the playoff roster.

They may have changed the rules though. Either way I'm sure Montero would have been added to the roster yesterday if it was the only way to guarantee he could be on the postseason roster.</font>

[ClockShot]

HERE HE COMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Dragon]

Yankees have a couple guys on the 40-man roster they could move to the 60 day DL if they wanted Montero on the postseason roster.

Quick 40 minute first inning for the Yankees/Sox.

[Droford]

...Chinese investors, huh?

if they take over, maybe the famous Dodger Dog will really be a Dodger Dog..

*rimshot*

[Aguakate]

Justin Verlander is THE DUDE.

He's about to get his 21st win of the season on September 3...

...crazy to think about what numbers he'd put up if he was on a team like the Yankees or Red Sox.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Strasburg is starting in DC on Tuesday. He'll be on track to make 4 starts...although it's expected that the Nats are going to give him extra rest in certain spots in order to ensure that he only pitches at home to maximize attendance.</font>

[SammyG]

Hey Dodgers, where the fuck were these wins earlier in the year!?

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

how 'bout dem cubbies? :D

[ClockShot]

Texas mounted a comeback late, but it wasn't enough. May watch a bit of the Red Sox game to see what we gotta deal with come post season.

Cleveland and Detroit got 6 more games against each other. REALLY hoping the Indians give the Tigers a last minute run and overtake them and win the AL central.

[Aguakate]

<font color=goldenrod>Strasburg is starting in DC on Tuesday. He'll be on track to make 4 starts...although it's expected that the Nats are going to give him extra rest in certain spots in order to ensure that he only pitches at home to maximize attendance.</font>

The Nationals know more about Strasburg then I will EVER know, and I'm no doctor, Manager or Scout, BUT...I wouldn't have him start this season...

...I'd have him pitch in Winter Ball or whatever...It just seems rushed, even though it probably isn't. They aren't playing for anything, so there's no reason he HAS to pitch this season.

[RP]

Nationals know dick. He shouldn't be pitching at all this year
So dumb.

[Aguakate]

Has it even been a year since his surgery?

[Droford]

It feels wierd to see an Indy Car pit road behind the Warehouse at Camden Yards..

<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xbDXDT7Ykzg" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" width="640"></iframe>

funny the course looks like a gun.

Theres even a guy named Oriol driving the #2 car.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Everybody heals from TJS at a different pace, and once rehab reaches a certain point they have to pitch in live games. He was going to get his rehab innings in one way or another, so may as well call him up and reap the gates from it. Just as much of a chance he'd get injured pitching in Double A than he would in the majors. I'm sure he'll be on a strict pitch count anyway.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Hell, the Mets might be doing the same thing with Johan. He's rehabbing and the odds are that he won't be ready to pitch a full game by the end of the season. But I could definitely see the Mets letting him throw a rehab game at Citi Field for 3-4 innings, simply to get him re-acclimated to a big league mound. It would probably draw a big to a meaningless late September game as well.</font>

[RP]

I don't know how many beers it will take me to get through a Rodrigo Lopez pitcHing performance.

[Dragon]

Jesus with homers #1 and #2

[ClockShot]

Ouch. Freddy Garcia got smacked around today. Guess he was due for a bad game.

BUT MONTERO GETS HIS 2 HOMERS!!!!!!!!

[Aguakate]

The Orioles and the Yankees decide "Hey, it's Labor Day...let's NOT pitch today".

[ClockShot]

Red Sox and Blue Jays are playing chicken right now.

[ClockShot]

Wow, Lind.

Don't you know how to take pitches?

[Innovator]

JESUS IS LOOSE

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Lucas Duda has a legit bat. Definitely see him being the Opening Day right fielder next year. Hoping they straighten out the right field wall at Citi Field to make it a bit easier to play/give a very slight boost to batters. He hasn't been terrible out there, but I could see him being lifted for a defensive replacement when ahead after 7 innings. Also definitely think Ruben Tejada should be a regular in the lineup, at second if Reyes re-signs, at short if he isn't. His defense is awesome and his offense finally seems to have come around.

If Reyes comes back, I could see the Mets returning the same lineup they have now except with Ike Davis at first base. It might not set the world on fire, but it's a group of players that have been consistently fun to watch all season. R.A. Dickey is a blast to watch, Niese has shown flashes of brilliance, Johan can hopefully be Johan again, and the bullpen should be re-tooled. Terry Collins has provided energy and has proven most Mets fans (myself included) wrong when we didn't think he'd be a good leader for the current roster. Sandy Alderson has done a great job of stocking the farm with more promising, young talent. I could definitely see Matt Harvey up next August/September and a member of the rotation by 2013.

2012 will likely be another rebuilding year, but it should be very fun. I feel like the franchise is finally on the right track after many Omar disasters.</font>

[Skippord]

Drew Pomeranz and Willin Rosario promoted to the Rockies

:love:

[Aguakate]

The Phillies may never lose again.

[Droford]

Watching sportscenter and the guy talking about the Os/Yanks game goes:

"Rivera gets Double J..HA HA..JJ Hardy to end it"

Hmm, I think the Coach is wearing off on the people at Bristol.

[Aguakate]

Watching sportscenter and the guy talking about the Os/Yanks game goes:

"Rivera gets Double J..HA HA..JJ Hardy to end it"

Hmm, I think the Coach is wearing off on the people at Bristol.

There's another Sportscenter guy who either worked for the WWE or is a big fan, can't remember...I read about it when news broke that Grisham was leaving WWE to go to Bristol.

[RP]

I'm trying to figure out if I'll get booted from Wrigley if I throw back a Reds Home Run ball.

[RP]

If not, will I get booted if I throw it at alfonso soriano.

[Aguakate]

I'm trying to figure out if I'll get booted from Wrigley if I throw back a Reds Home Run ball.

Rodrigo Lopez is pitching tomorrow, so, there'll be no Reds Home Runs!

...unless Carlos Marmol comes in the 9th...then there's a possibility.

[RP]

He's giving up 7 home runs his last 3 starts.

There Will Be Home Runs

[ClockShot]

Yankees call up George Knotos to the bigs. DFA'd Lance Pendleton to make room. It ain't one of the Killer B's, but I'm excited.

They call off the game in D.C. tonight? Strasburg makes his return.

[OssMan]

Why would you get thrown out of wrigley field for throwing back an opponent's home run ball

That's what they do every single time

[OssMan]

Rodrigo Lopez is pitching tomorrow, so, there'll be no Reds Home Runs!

...unless Carlos Marmol comes in the 9th...then there's a possibility.
are you really that deluded

[OssMan]

and the nationals faithful have showed up despite the rain to witness the most important 5 inning outing of all time

[OssMan]

in steps gordon dee of the dodgers

[OssMan]

things are not looking good for strasburg

[OssMan]

strasburg hits 96 on the gun

[OssMan]

it's a scoreless top of the first for stephen after giving up a leadoff double

[OssMan]

now the whole country changes the channel

[Droford]

why the fuck is it that the Yankees have to be bitches about this game..no way they should have played in this storm yet they delayed the game 4 hours and they've got a 1-0 lead, they should call it now that its official instead of pouring tons of drying agent all over the infield.

I hope a Yankees player trips and breaks a leg or something. Its ridiculous that they cant deal with the prospect of maybe having to play a make up game after the season is over if the standings are close enough between them and the red sox to deem it necessary.

Just doing this cause they were pissed they had to give up their last off day thursday for the makeup game from the Hurricane.

[Droford]

Posada tosses his helmet after getting called out on a wierd play and doesnt get tossed..

now the fans interfere in a ball up by the of wall..its all like 1996 again at least theres replay now

[Droford]

god damn mutherfucking BULLSHIT

how the fuck did they get robbed again even with replay

the fucking dumbass fans had their hands OVER THE GODDAMNED WALL trying to catch the ball and dropped it

[Droford]

GOD DAMN GO TO HELL JEFFREY MEIER JR you bastard

MLB should shove their "replay" up their asses

[Aguakate]

Phillies are 90-48.

Geez.

[Innovator]

why the fuck is it that the Yankees have to be bitches about this game..no way they should have played in this storm yet they delayed the game 4 hours and they've got a 1-0 lead, they should call it now that its official instead of pouring tons of drying agent all over the infield.

I hope a Yankees player trips and breaks a leg or something. Its ridiculous that they cant deal with the prospect of maybe having to play a make up game after the season is over if the standings are close enough between them and the red sox to deem it necessary.

Just doing this cause they were pissed they had to give up their last off day thursday for the makeup game from the Hurricane.

Yankees wanted to call it, MLB told them no.

[Aguakate]

Verlander goes to 22-5.

Indians are out of it, I think.

[Emperor Smeat]

:foc: Bard continuing the trend of the bullpen killing the chance for Wakefield reaching 200th win. 7 games with about 4 being the bullpen's fault.

Wakefield also going to break the record for most games between the 199th and 200th win (tied the record with 7, 8th would be his next start).

[Innovator]

Verlander goes to 22-5.

Indians are out of it, I think.

I don't know who I'm more afraid of in the ALDS, Tigers or Rangers.

[Gertner]

:foc: Bard continuing the trend of the bullpen killing the chance for Wakefield reaching 200th win. 7 games with about 4 being the bullpen's fault.

Wakefield also going to break the record for most games between the 199th and 200th win (tied the record with 7, 8th would be his next start).

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE EE5555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555!

[McLegend]

Phillies are 90-48.

Geez.

BOOM

[Aguakate]

I think it's safe to say the Phillies will be in the World Series...

...the only thing left to find out is who will join them.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Probably the safest World Series pick since the Mariners' 116 win team.

Absolutely no chance they'll lose.

[Aguakate]

...you must be being sarcastic, 'cause the 2001 Mariners didn't make it to the World Series...

[RoXer]

hmmmmm

[McLegend]

Probably the safest World Series pick since the Mariners' 116 win team.

Absolutely no chance they'll lose.

Yeah.

After last year I'm not even going to make a World Series prediction.

[Innovator]

...you must be being sarcastic, 'cause the 2001 Mariners didn't make it to the World Series...

Really?

[Aguakate]

The Phillies WILL be in the World Series, dudes...

...and I'd love it to be against the Rangers.

[Gertner]

hahaha Nyjer Morgan is amazing.

[ClockShot]

C'MON! WE LOST IN EXTRA INNINGS AGAIN?!

[Gertner]

E5 and Arencibia bitches! The Sox pitching is pathetic.

[ClockShot]

Jim Crane, the man who bought the Astros, wants to have his team. He bought them back in May. Usually MLB would have given the green light already.

The conspiracy theory flying around is that Selig will O.K. the sale IF the Astros move to the American League.

So I guess this realignment chatter holds some weight after all?

[Gertner]

Christ, Jeremi Guthrie kills the Jays every time he pitches.

[RP]

I love that Randy Wells flips the switch when the Cubs are out of it.

[RP]

Starlin Castro needs 15 hits for 200 hits this season. He would be the first Cub to get 200 hits in a season since Ryne Sandberg in 1984, I believe.

[RP]

Juan Pierre had 200 hits in 2006. Wow.

However, Castro would be the seventh youngest to reach the milestone.