MLB 2012 Season Thread

[Scott Roberts]

Fuck yes! They are playing it!


*SCOTT ROBERTS EXCLUSIVE*

Dipping into blue cheese right now, bitch.

[Triple Naitch]

Ugh. Chris Berman is announcing the HRD again. Gonna just watch it on mute.

This would be so much better if it was on MLB Network with Sean Casey announcing.

[Triple Naitch]

The fucking guy can't even remember what to say. He's reading off of note cards.

[screech]

But he's so lovable.

[Keith]

This year Joey Bats lives up to the hype.

[ClockShot]

I know the Royals got along way to be relevant again, but Kaufman Stadium is one of the best baseball venues in America. Top notch job on the renovations a couple years ago.

Pretty ball park.

[Keith]

It's a beautiful ballpark.

And ESPN completely ignoring that Carlos Gonzalez is up.

[ClockShot]

Interview with Matt Cain going at the same time.

[Keith]

Hahaha and now they go to R.A. Dickey.

[ClockShot]

Geez Trumbo, pick your pitches.

[Keith]

This is the guy I wanna see, Andrew McCutchen.

[Triple Naitch]

Trumbo with some moon shots.

[Skippord]

would have been nice to hear someone say something about CarGo

[ClockShot]

Is this strangereal or something? Prince Fielder with 5 homers??

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>lol Kemp really had no business being in this</font>

[Keith]

If I was a Dodger fan, I'd be pissed.

I mean, my team's star player has missed a shitload of games, we have been going thorugh a rough stretch and he hasn't been able to help us 'cause he's hurt, but here he is in the Home Run Derby with his 12 Home Runs.

[ClockShot]

Thanks for coming, Kemp. If you hurry, you may be able to catch your flight home.

[ClockShot]

HERE WE GO, CAPTAIN CANO!

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>This Derby has sucked.</font> :(

[Triple Naitch]

That's for not putting Bryce Harper into it.

[Keith]

This Derby has sucked. :(

It's been disappointing, yes.

This Derby needed some Adam Dunn.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>AL's got it locked up already too. Bats, Trumbo, and either Cano or Fielder vs. Beltran in Round 2.

Unless Beltran morphs into 2006 mode.</font>

[ClockShot]

Wow. Fuck this crowd.

[Keith]

What'd Cano do to piss off KC fans?

[ClockShot]

He's a Yankee. Rest of the country outside of New York hates us.

[Scott Roberts]

He didn't pick Billy Butler.

[ClockShot]

Kinda sucks. Everyone else got the quiet treatment.

[Triple Naitch]

LOL, mound visit.

[Keith]

You stay classy, KC.

[Triple Naitch]

Oh shut up. It's all in good fun.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Cano :lol:

Awesome crowd.</font>

[ClockShot]

Well. Team AL should walk away with this. But If I wanna watch a crowd like that, I'll go watch WWE.

[Triple Naitch]

God forbid sports fans boo at a baseball game.

[ClockShot]

God forbid sports fans boo at a baseball game.


At a typical baseball game, yeah. But this is the Home Run Derby. Once a year thing where the game's best blast some baseballs out of the park for fun and charity, at a neutral park.

I'd figure Beltran would get ripped a little since he's from the cross state rival Cardinals. But I didn't see the Cano reception coming. It was like a whole new thing we just witnessed today.

[Keith]

Fans turned heel on Cano.

[screech]

Hilarious that Cano got booed.

I think that he didn't hit any made it funnier.

[Keith]

Prince making it tough for Beltran and Trumbo.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>If Cano's booing was bad tonight, I look forward to hearing it tomorrow as well with him and the rest of the Yankees.

Washington should pull the 3 Yankee starters out 1 batter into the first inning. Guaranteed face pop.</font>

[Keith]

Wow, Beltran.

[YOUR Hero]

Joey Bats, come on

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Prince is the man.</font>

[Evil Vito]

Mets are apparently trying to acquire Huston Street AND Carlos Quentin from the Padres. They been offering 5 prospects, but none of their top level untouchable ones.

Street would be a huge boost to the bullpen. And Quentin would help a team that has struggled terribly against lefties. It might also signal the end of Jason Bay in Queens.

[RP]

Mets are.gunna steal Quentin from the Pirates.

[Droford]

i wsh id have seen adam jones stealing kruks ribs ladt nght

http://i.imgur.com/bR6tg.jpg

[RoXer]

Why?

[Supreme Olajuwon]

because this is the sports forum and you're only allowed to talk about your favorite team

[RoXer]

Really wish I could have been there to see another man eat food

[RoXer]

Not some incredible athletic performance, just him eating

[Adder]

i wsh id have seen adam jones stealing kruks ribs ladt nght

http://i.imgur.com/bR6tg.jpg
The whole play by play was a Gong-Show

[Keith]

Last night's play-by-play was terrible. They went off-topic too much and were too busy interviewing people.

I mean, they completely ignored Carlos Gonzalez's turn. At one point he Homered and no one even acknowledged it.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

whaaaaaaat

didn't realize that the All Star game tie was 10 years ago and the home field stipulation has been used for nine

Feels like it was like 3 or 4 years ago

[Nark Order]

Man, so many Giants. Almost kind of embarrassed that our fans are so brutal when it comes to voting.

[Skippord]

I'd like for there to be an all star rib eating contest

[RoXer]

i wsh id have seen adam jones stealing kruks ribs ladt nght

http://i.imgur.com/bR6tg.jpg

I keep thinking about this post

[Triple Naitch]

How much for a rib?

[RoXer]

"I wish I'd have seen Matt Cain throw his perfect game."

"I wish I'd have seen Josh Hamilton hit 4 HRs in 1 game."

"I wish I'd have seen Adam Jones eat food."

[RoXer]

Gah! I can't believe I missed it!

[RoXer]

Errrrrrrr :mad:

[Keith]

They didn't interview Adam Jones, right? I mean, I was flipping channels between the Derby and RAW, but I think he just stood there by the desk eating ribs and was never interviewed or anything.

[RoXer]

God! I dunno! Did anyone record that?? Can they send me the VHS????? I NEED TO SEE THAT!!!!!

[RoXer]

I wish I was actually there to see it live and in person.

Him eating. Not doing anything athletic. Just eating.

[screech]

No they didn't interview him. He dined and dashed.

[screech]

Last night's play-by-play was terrible. They went off-topic too much and were too busy interviewing people.

I mean, they completely ignored Carlos Gonzalez's turn. At one point he Homered and no one even acknowledged it.

That's normal for a derby. It's good that there isn't a ton of dead air at least.

[Evil Vito]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_EEUBDjQdec" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Keith]

For some reason, unlike past years, I'm actually pumped up for this ASG.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I had no idea Jose Altuve was only 5'5". Rare to see a player actually be shorter than me.</font>

[RoXer]

Has a dog named "Maris"

[Nark Order]

The Melkman!!

[Nark Order]

PANDA!!!

[RoXer]

@ a few pages ago

Prince Fielder was booed mercissly for not picking Upton in the derby.

Including the playoffs

[Emperor Smeat]

Verlander got shelled badly in the All-Star game.

MLB considering tweaking the Derby rules again with now the home town crowd being guaranteed of at least 1 player while also implying captains can no longer start listing off names and then remove them close to the derby itself baring injury reasons. Only been an issue since the derby changed to captains since before it almost always contained at least 1 home town player.

MLB also partially blames ESPN for helping to keep "egging" on the booing once it started with how they did the telecast as a way to have something else besides the derby itself to talk about. Also was implied ESPN pulls too much power and might have played a role in not having Butler in the derby due to marketing reasons.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>So there'd be guaranteed to be a Met in the Derby? I could see Davis or Duda being good at it.</font>

[Innovator]

My dog was tweeked out when I started clapping for Melky.

[Innovator]

Speaking of Melky.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Not really sure why Price didn't go in for a 2nd inning after he only threw like 9 pitches. This is a rout so far.</font>

[Nark Order]

Giants murdering this thing.

[Sepholio]

Dude this is crazy. On paper the AL team should be handling the NL side. But jesus this is just a beatdown of epic proportions. NL pitching has been on fire for this.

[Droford]

does this mean texas gets to buffalo bill the world seres ?

[Emperor Smeat]

AL's problem is too much power so you put in a really great pitcher like Cain and suddenly that power is gone while Verlander isn't the same beast stats-wise he was last year.

Top that with Ron Washington blows through his top pitchers too quickly which he did last year as well which ends up him running out of top pitchers or puts the wrong one in at the worst time possible.

[Nark Order]

They wouldn't truly have the chance to Buffalo Bill until next year.

[Skippord]

Mike Trout is the most fun player in baseball to watch

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Dickey</font> :love:

[Keith]

Bryce Harper having a rough night.

Gets caught in between bases and then drops a fly ball.

It happens, I guess.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Why is there a lady dressed like Marilyn Monroe behind home plate

[screech]

Will be crappy if Dunn doesn't get in the game.

[Skippord]

there's dudes dressed like Joe DiMaggio all over the place?

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>NL > AL

Senior Circuit, motherfuckers.</font>

[Keith]

I guess Chipper's pre-game speech motivated the NL All Stars.

Tony LaRussa guides the NL to victory on the last game he manages. I'm loving it.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

woo Erin Andrews

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Exceedingly boring All Star Game really. But a win's a win.</font>

[Keith]

Yeah, the score ended up being 8-0 but if you take away the first inning, it was kinda "meh".

[RoXer]

<font color=goldenrod>Exceedingly boring All Star Game really. But a win's a win.</font>

look at this motherfucker

[RoXer]

<font color=goldenrod>A win's a win I guess. Thanks San Francisco Giants, I guess for possibly but probably not helping my team have home field advantage because they're so shitty. None of you should have been starting but I guess if you contribute and possibly assist my team in the World Series (but probably not) then I GUESS a win's a win.</font>

[OssMan]

More dominance from the AL. NL win never win one of these things.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Gotta give credit where it's due to Panda. I thought he had missed too much time to start over a candidate for MVP, but he came through in the first. Sandoval hitting a triple wasn't exactly something I'd have put money on.

Of course I wanted Dickey to start on the mound but at least we already knew that Matt Cain is very good. Ended up not even mattering as the entire team combined on a shutout anyway. Kinda shocking considering the amount of power in the AL lineup. I think Hamilton in the first was the closest they got to a HR.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>No baseball, or sports in general, until Friday.</font>

[ClockShot]

Didn't watch anything at all. But it was what I predicted earlier. AL got the bats, NL got the arms. The arms won.

Verlander getting lit up must have been something to see.

[ClockShot]

http://gif.mocksession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/BUTTHURT-CANO.gif

[RP]

They're replaying the Cubs vs.Astros game where Kerry Wood K'ed 20, on CSN tonight.

[Ermaximus]

http://gif.mocksession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/BUTTHURT-CANO.gif

Cano seems like a giant bitch.

[Innovator]

Cano said they talk pretty much every day, AND the Yankees pretty much shipped Melky out of town to stop Cano from partying every night.

[Triple Naitch]

Bros

http://api.ning.com/files/5AgbGF*dh7ziDgC0GinZQvwUXZJv0DYg-o9MW7GY1uG9nHP0dRy*LRD3FRpcYhsi-oUQayg5XjkmabPJoPGxGBVMGHzZJ0cW/MelkyCabreraKissyFace.jpg

[Triple Naitch]

WTF, why isn't it working?

[Triple Naitch]

Here's my first half award winners.

AL MVP: Josh Hamilton
AL Cy Young: Jered Weaver
AL ROTY: Mike Trout
AL Manager: Robin Ventura

NL MVP: Andrew McCutchen
NL Cy Young: Gio Gonzalez
NL ROTY: Bryce Harper or Wade Miley
NL Manager: Clint Hurdle or Davey Johnson

[Evil Vito]

AL MVP: Josh Hamilton
AL Cy Young: Jered Weaver
AL ROTY: Mike Trout
AL MOTY: Buck Showalter

NL MVP: Joey Votto
NL Cy Young: R.A. Dickey
NL ROTY: Bryce Harper
NL MOTY: Davey Johnson

Shitload of close calls at mid season. Trout is the only one that's probably 100% locked up already. I do think Harper will win in the NL but there's more potential for him to go on a prolonged slump than Trout.

[Triple Naitch]

Really don't know on NL MVP. A lot of guys have the numbers, but nobody has that MVP feel this year. Could easily be McCutchen, Votto, Beltran, Wright, Kemp, Melky, or Braun.

[Evil Vito]

Think the "did his team make the playoffs?" tiebreaker will almost certainly have to be used this year since the numbers are so close.

If Hamilton has an extended slump like he did to start June...I could see Trout make push to win MVP along with ROTY.

[Keith]

Here's my first-half awards:

AL MVP: Mark Trumbo
AL Cy Young: Chris Sale
AL ROTY: Mike Trout
AL Manager: Buck Showalter

NL MVP: Melky Cabrera
NL Cy Young: R.A. Dickey
NL ROTY: Bryce Harper is the midseason ROY, but I think Anthony Rizzo will be the 2012 ROY
NL Manager: Davey Johnson

[MVP]

NL MVP and AL Cy Young are real tossups right now. Here are my picks:

AL MVP: Josh Hamilton
AL Cy Young: Chris Sale
AL ROTY: Mike Trout
AL Manager: Robin Ventura

NL MVP: Joey Votto
NL Cy Young: R.A. Dickey
NL ROTY: Bryce Harper
NL Manager: Terry Collins

[Keith]

Cano seems like a giant bitch.

It was all in good fun!

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

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Do his sweatbands say Jeter

[Keith]

Haha they do, huh.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

AL MVP: Josh Hamilton
AL Cy Young: Chris Sale only because Weaver missed a couple starts
AL Rookie: Mike Trout
AL Manager: Robin Ventura

NL MVP: Andrew McCutchen
NL Cy Young: R.A. Dickey
NL Rookie: Todd Frazier :(
NL Manager: Clint Hurdle

[Keith]

About R.A. Dickey, he's definitely the first-half NL Cy Young Award Winner, but it'll be interesting if he can keep it up in the 2nd half, and if he can avoid having the same thing happen to that happened to Ubaldo Jimenez (that one season where he was awesome in the first half) happen to him.

[Skippord]

AL MVP: Mike Trout
AL Cy Young: Chris Sale
AL ROY: Mike Trout
AL Manager: Ventura

NL MVP: Carlos Beltran
NL Cy Young: Matt Cain
NL ROY: Wilin Rosario(:'()
NL Manager Of The Year: Clint Hurdle(:heart:)

[ClockShot]

A's release Brian Fuentes.

[Evil Vito]

About R.A. Dickey, he's definitely the first-half NL Cy Young Award Winner, but it'll be interesting if he can keep it up in the 2nd half, and if he can avoid having the same thing happen to that happened to Ubaldo Jimenez (that one season where he was awesome in the first half) happen to him.

<font color=goldenrod>The problem with Dickey is that his knuckleball is such a "feel" pitch. You can tell after the first inning whether or not he has a good one going. If he doesn't, it's pretty much a guaranteed bad game. The fact that he's been so consistent with it this year is astounding.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Dillon Gee probably lost for the season. They found a huge clot in his shoulder and he's having surgery to repair the artery.

I really want to see Matt Harvey called up. I doubt the Mets do it though.</font>

[RP]

Kerry Wood.struck out the side in the first. Might be on his way to 20. Don't want to jinx it.

[RP]

He just threw a legit 12 to 6 curveball that made Derrick Bell look like Patty LaBell

[Keith]

I love how Chip Caray called that game.

I love Chip Caray in general, but I still get goosebumps when Kerry strikes out his 20th batter and Chip goes "Twenty!"

[RP]

Shane Reynolds strikes out the side in the first. We could have a 20/20 game!

[RP]

First time I've ever seen this game in its entirety.

[Nicky Fives]

They're replaying the Cubs vs.Astros game where Kerry Wood K'ed 20, on CSN tonight.

They did that last week during a rain delay.....

[RP]

Wrigley was so empty.

[RP]

Steve Stone is wearing the worst sweater ever.

[Emperor Smeat]

<font color=goldenrod>The problem with Dickey is that his knuckleball is such a "feel" pitch. You can tell after the first inning whether or not he has a good one going. If he doesn't, it's pretty much a guaranteed bad game. The fact that he's been so consistent with it this year is astounding.</font>

Is Dickey an actual knuckleball pitcher or one of those who has it as a mix between 2 pitches like how Mariano Riveria has a knuckle fastball?

Only aware of 1 other guy besides Wakefield in the last few years to throw it as a pure pitch but I think even he dropped in from his routine.

[RP]

I cannot imagine what it would.feel like to be at this game.

[Evil Vito]

Is Dickey an actual knuckleball pitcher or one of those who has it as a mix between 2 pitches like how Mariano Riveria has a knuckle fastball?

Only aware of 1 other guy besides Wakefield in the last few years to throw it as a pure pitch but I think even he dropped in from his routine.

<font color=goldenrod>Dickey throws like 95% knuckleballs. He has a traditional slow one and an "angry" knuckleball that he throws at like 80 MPH with a ton of movement. He mixes in a low 80's fastball as well when he needs a get-me-over strike.</font>

[ClockShot]

Blue Jays lock up Edwin Encaracion for 3-years, $29 mil. with an option for '16.

[Gertner]

Blue Jays lock up Edwin Encaracion for 3-years, $29 mil. with an option for '16.

Great signing. Good to see AA didn't sign him to some retarded long term contracts. Fuck I wish our pitchers could stay healthy :(

[ClockShot]

Yankees sign Kosuke Fukudome to a minor league deal. He'll be with the Nomad Yankees for now.

Nice pick-up. If things don't pan out with Gardner, we can always go to him.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mets game just went to commercial completely out of the blue. Apparently the power went out at Turner Field.</font>

[ClockShot]

Come back on yet? Probably gonna be like that 49ers game.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Was only like 20 minutes.</font>

[SammyG]

Kemp and Dre return!

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Chipper Jones with his 49th career HR against the Mets.

Still not entirely sure why the Mets are actually going to HONOR him when he plays his last game in NY.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

Good game by Morales and win by the Red Sox against the Rays.

Since Blue Jays lost, Red Sox back out of the cellar and now just 1.5 games behind the Os and Indians for the 2nd Wild Card spot.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I like what I see out of this Josh Edgin kid. The Mets have needed a second lefty forth the longest time and he seems to have a serious arm. ERA sitting at 13.50 after his big league debut but it's misleading. Don't even really blame him.</font>

[RP]

Go Cubs Go!

[DaveWadding]

Nothing like a 3 hour rain delay to jumpstart your offense.

[ClockShot]

Atta boy, Tex.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Hey, Ben Sheets starts tomorrow for the Braves. Fun!

[screech]

That's pretty neat.

[DAMN iNATOR]

http://gif.mocksession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/BUTTHURT-CANO.gif

Cano seems like a giant bitch.

A member of the NY Yankees being a prick to someone who's not a teammate. What a surprise.

[Boomer]

Martin Prado is starting at Shortstop for the Braves at least for right now. Just this year, Prado has played innings at 1st, 2nd, SS, 3rd, and LF. 2nd is the only position of those five he hasn't started a game at at least once this year as well. Crazy.

[Nicky Fives]

Jays need bullpen AND starter help..... AAA & AA guys are not cutting the mustard......very close to blowing it to Cleveland after and 8-run inning in the third......

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>These umps are fucking atrocious. Feel like that sentiment has been felt across the league now more than ever.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>You're right umps, it was a trap. But Prado still got TAGGED just standing around. You can't just override that. Ugh.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Dickey with a shitty game for the 3rd time in his last 4 starts.

And the offense still gets him off the hook. THE STREAK LIVES</font>

[RP]

Cubs should consider keeping Dempster unless they get blown away with an offer. He's having a magical season right now and he's a legit CY Young candidate.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Bob Geren showed today why he's no longer a manager. Why he thought it would be a good idea to bring in Parnell for a 5 out save is beyond me.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

They risk the possibility of the longer they keep him, teams might start dropping out which would impact what the Cubs can demand in the long run. His value is at its highest right now so it makes sense to try to trade him as soon as possible for something really good in return.

People on ESPN's message boards already proclaiming he's going to the Yankees after seeing the teams revealed so far in the list even though other teams have better farm systems.

[Droford]

this os tigers game is ridiculous..os blew a 4-1 leadbinbthe 9th and the tigers have blown leads in the 11th and 13th..coming clise to positional player putching again too

[Droford]

taylor teagarden walk off homer in his os debut and then drops a s bomb on fox tv lol

[Triple Naitch]

Droford. I was @ that game.

[Boomer]

Martin Prado is starting at Shortstop for the Braves at least for right now. Just this year, Prado has played innings at 1st, 2nd, SS, 3rd, and LF. 2nd is the only position of those five he hasn't started a game at at least once this year as well. Crazy.

And Prado is starting at 2B today. Seriously, I will be upset if we lose him to FA next year. I'm guessing he is our long term 3B plan, but we will see.

[YOUR Hero]

Prado is versatile, but not all that great. He's good, yes, but he's not indispensible.

[Gertner]

Jays need bullpen AND starter help..... AAA & AA guys are not cutting the mustard......very close to blowing it to Cleveland after and 8-run inning in the third......

Andrew Carpenter and Jesse Chavez have no business pitching in the majors.

[Boomer]

Prado is versatile, but not all that great. He's good, yes, but he's not indispensible.

The Braves cannot afford to lose him. Besides playing through injuries last season, he has been one of the Braves' most consistent hitters (nearing a career .300 BA), and the Braves are weak at too many positions to let go a guy with such versatility. The Braves bench (with the exception of David Ross) is very subpar. Matt Diaz, Eric Hinske, Jack Wilson, Tyler Pastornicky, or Juan Francisco are all defensive downgrades at their position. Paul Janish is an ok stopgap until Simmons comes back, but I'm not super excited about him being a regular for six weeks.

In all honesty, I think Prado is one of the most underrated players I've ever watched regularly.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I want to see Prado play all 9 positions in a single game at some point. Should totally do that if their Game 162 ends up being meaningless.</font>

[RP]

Yanks are totally gunna ship there top pitchers to Cubs for Dempster. I can feel it.

[Boomer]

<font color=goldenrod>I want to see Prado play all 9 positions in a single game at some point. Should totally do that if their Game 162 ends up being meaningless.</font>

The TV regulars have mentioned Prado being somewhere in the backup catcher line, so besides getting through that pitching inning, it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility.

And I'll steal this from a Braves article today:

Prado is a .980 career fielder -- .994 at first base, .982 at second and .963 at third. He's a .983 outfielder, after one-plus year out there and while juggling the other spots.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Seriously I'd love to see it. Prado starts in left, then goes center, right, 1st, 2nd, short, catching, and then he pitches the 8th inning. 3rd base is saved for the 9th so that they can give Chipper a sendoff before Prado takes over or something.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Aaaaaand I no longer want the Mets to be buyers. It's just not worth it. The entire team has just melted down.

They really don't have anything to sell. But mortgaging any piece of the future just isn't worth it at this point.

Ah well, I've been waiting for this to come all year really. It was fun while it lasted. Looking forward to seeing Wheeler and Harvey soon.</font>

[RP]

I like Murphy, but we have two of him already in Johnson and Baker.


Go Cubs Go!

[Innovator]

Things interesting in the bottom of the 9th here.

[Innovator]

Nevermind, A-Rod pops up to 1st.

[Evil Vito]

I like Murphy, but we have two of him already in Johnson and Baker.


Go Cubs Go!

<font color=goldenrod>I really don't know what to make of Murph. Great guy to plug into the #2 spot - but he's just not a second baseman. His best position is probably 3rd base. Maybe he'd be better served as a roving infielder who gets 400 or so ABs subbing in for people. Valdespin is looking more and more like the 2nd baseman of the future. I don't know if AL teams would be interested in Murph because he doesn't have the requisite power to be a DH.

I'd like to see Duda go on a hot streak because he COULD be a good DH. He has legit power but he simply hasn't improved a lick in right field.</font>

[RP]

<font color=goldenrod>I really don't know what to make of Murph. Great guy to plug into the #2 spot - but he's just not a second baseman. His best position is probably 3rd base. Maybe he'd be better served as a roving infielder who gets 400 or so ABs subbing in for people. Valdespin is looking more and more like the 2nd baseman of the future. I don't know if AL teams would be interested in Murph because he doesn't have the requisite power to be a DH.

I'd like to see Duda go on a hot streak because he COULD be a good DH. He has legit power but he simply hasn't improved a lick in right field.</font>

Let me help you. He's a utility guy. That's basically what you described. He's Omar Infante basically

[RP]

Sean Camp might be the Cubs MVP. Just been outstanding in middle relief.

[RP]

Until that HR he gave up when I hit ” post reply ”.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Murphy is nowhere near as competent defensively as Infante is. Already proven he can't handle the outfield either.

That's pretty much the problem. They've shoehorned him at second base cause it's the only spot that was open, and he's cost them dearly with his glove. If he had regular power he'd have been shipped to an AL team by now.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>And thinking about it...if Murphy had actually proven he was capable of playing left field - the Mets may have never bothered signing Jason Bay.

God damn it, Murph.</font> :(

[RP]

<font color=goldenrod>Murphy is nowhere near as competent defensively as Infante is. Already proven he can't handle the outfield either.

That's pretty much the problem. They've shoehorned him at second base cause it's the only spot that was open, and he's cost them dearly with his glove. If he had regular power he'd have been shipped to an AL team by now.</font>

Haven't.watched enough mets to know what he does defensively, but yah utility.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>He puts together some nice at bats. So he'd be a valuable guy to use as a pinch hitter extraordinaire while he can also fill in for Davis, Wright, and Valdespin (assuming he IS in fact the long term 2B)...but the Mets feel it'd be a waste of his bat to only use him as a PH.

But the Mets just don't have enough offensive weapons to offset the negative that Murph provides with his glove. Probably just another reason why he'd thrive in the AL surrounded by a better lineup that could afford to give up a little defensively.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Another area they really need to upgrade long-term - catcher. Catching should always be a defense first position, but you can only go so far. Thole just doesn't seem like somebody that belongs in an everyday lineup.

Mets were trying to trade for Ramon Hernandez, who is having a terrible season but at least has been halfway decent with the bat throughout his career. He's signed for next year already so at least it would give them an option.

Hopefully the catcher they drafted with their supplemental 1st round pick this year pans out.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

:eek: Beckett didn't screw up today ... besides the first but Red Sox really need to get Bailey back as soon as possible or consider someone else as the closer with how streaky Aceves is.

The team is finally getting healthy again now that Carl Crawford is ready to play tomorrow and everyone else should be ready by the end of the month.

[ClockShot]

Man, Cano was right to get Trumbo into the Home Run Derby, guy's a monster. Wonder if the Yankees can get him a few years down the road.......

Just for once I'd like to see the Yankees sweep the Angels, came close today.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

my favorite team did good

[YOUR Hero]

sweep

[Skippord]

Another area they really need to upgrade long-term - catcher. Catching should always be a defense first position, but you can only go so far. Thole just doesn't seem like somebody that belongs in an everyday lineup.

Mets were trying to trade for Ramon Hernandez, who is having a terrible season but at least has been halfway decent with the bat throughout his career. He's signed for next year already so at least it would give them an option.

Hopefully the catcher they drafted with their supplemental 1st round pick this year pans out.
He's been alright when healthy, his hand was fucked for a good portion of the year, seems alright now.

[Nark Order]

I can't bring myself to gloat about sweeping the Astros.

[Nark Order]

Ozzie Guillen yelling at Bryce Harper for pine tar. Because pine tar is the reason that the Marlins are 10 games out of first.

[Ermaximus]

Ozzie Guillen yelling at Bryce Harper for pine tar. Because pine tar is the reason that the Marlins are 10 games out of first.

That and the fact that their entire team sucks. Not to mention their new logo makes them look like flaming homosexuals.

[RP]

Trade Garza. He deserves to be on a contender who can give him great run support. I mean, the Yanks would seal the title if they get Garza. They might not need him, but if they get him, its over. But I'm desperate for the Cubs to keep Dempster. He's too special right now.

[Keith]

The Cubs have been pretty good as of late, capping it of with a sweep of the D'Backs over the weekend.

Still way back in the division and well under .500, but it's a nice little streak, which will serve them well in August when the team goes to shit if they trade Garza and Dempster.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Man, Cano was right to get Trumbo into the Home Run Derby, guy's a monster. Wonder if the Yankees can get him a few years down the road.......

Just for once I'd like to see the Yankees sweep the Angels, came close today.

Exactly! If that ball that Granderson hit was a little bit straighter we would of won the game right there. We got 2 out of 3 so that's good I guess. But, yeah, had that ball not been foul game winner right there.

[RP]

The Cubs have been pretty good as of late, capping it of with a sweep of the D'Backs over the weekend.

Still way back in the division and well under .500, but it's a nice little streak, which will serve them well in August when the team goes to shit if they trade Garza and Dempster.

I think its 12 out of 16, but they haven't made a lot of ground. Still 12 back in the wildcard.

They are playing outstanding right now.

[Keith]

And Rizzo keeps showing that he will be the ROY, not "The Chosen One" Bryce Harper.

[RP]

I dunno about that yet, but he sure does look like the Mike Trout of the National League, minus the steals.

[RP]

When Trout came up raking, the Angels took a dramatic turn towards the winning side.

[RP]

But the underlying story with the Cubs, the last month, is that the bullpen has been amazing and Travis Wood has become a fantastic pitcher. He's one good outing from a sub 3.00 era. That's a big desk.

[RP]

This.Marlins series will be interesting. If they sweep the Marlins, things could change.

[Adder]

I think its 12 out of 16, but they haven't made a lot of ground. Still 12 back in the wildcard.

They are playing outstanding right now.
Thing is, if you can be a .500 team - and with the extra wildcard spot you can be in contention. If anything, I see less need for teams like the Cubs to trade off good players to 'rebuild' - all a team needs to do is over achieve a little bit and they could make the playoffs. Once you're in, who knows. The Cubs have some good pieces that they would regret giving up if next year they play closer to their talent level.

[RP]

There pitching in the last month, as.a whole, is probably top 3 in the league. Wood, Dempster, Garza, maholm and Samarjzida. That's so good right now and Camp and Russell are two of the.best relievers in the biz right now. But 12 games its a lot.,

[Innovator]

Sorry to burst your trade bubble RP, Cashman has pretty much said no one on the market is worth the price demanded and the Yanks probably won't make a move.

[RP]

Sorry to burst your trade bubble RP, Cashman has pretty much said no one on the market is worth the price demanded and the Yanks probably won't make a move.

Good. That's pretty much posturing, but still, I don't mind. Posturing isn't anything new.

[RP]

Honestly if you cant see that as posturing them ln your brain dead.

[ClockShot]

Youk returns to Fenway since being traded. May have to tune into for that to hear the cheers or boos.

[Nicky Fives]

Jays are apparently willing to deal Yunel Escobar as AAA SS Adieny Hechevarria is "big league ready"...... I'd rather see one of them make the shift to second and get rid of Kelly Johnson.....

[Skippord]

The Angels and Rangers are more likely to make trades than anyone

[ClockShot]

Brett Gardner played a sim. game yesterday and came out of it sore. Took today off and got another MRI scheduled. If this doesn't go well, we'll either go shopping or get someone off the farm.

[YOUR Hero]

Jays are apparently willing to deal Yunel Escobar as AAA SS Adieny Hechevarria is "big league ready"...... I'd rather see one of them make the shift to second and get rid of Kelly Johnson.....

Really? - I'd rather see Yunel move on.

[Innovator]

Bautista went down after crushing a foul ball down the line. Paul O'Neill was speculating it was a bone in his forearm/wrist.

[YOUR Hero]

he jammed it earlier when he slid home

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Joey Votto out for a month. :(




Luckily for me, I don't even like baseball. So this doesn't bother me at all.

[Keith]

I hate Jose Valverde.

With all the dancing and fist-pumping he does, he's lucky he never goes up to bat.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Dan Plesac suggested that the Rangers go after Hamels. Wonder if they'd actually consider it considering they mortgaged the future for Cliff Lee in 2010, didn't win the World Series, and then lost him as a free agent. They might vault past the Yankees as World Series favorites with that pitching, though.

On the other side of the equation, I shudder to imagine the great young prospects that the Phillies would rake in as a result.</font>

[Keith]

Rangers should go after Garza.

[Skippord]

The Rangers head scout was at the game Cole Hamels started here yesterday

[RP]

The Rangers head scout was at the game Cole Hamels started here yesterday

WHOOPIDYDOO!

[Skippord]

you shut your whore mouth

[RP]

I don't like your tone

[YOUR Hero]

I would love to see the Jays get Grienke, Hamels and Upton :D

[YOUR Hero]

Votto is exposed as a health risk, Reds shut him down for 4 weeks

supreme cries while cards rise

[RP]

I expect the Cubs will make it 13 out of 17 tonight. Travis Wood is on a major heater. Another reason why I think the Cubs need to take these trade talks to the deadline. They could fuck around and be 8 out of the WC with a red hot staff and Soriano chasing.MVP votes with his.bat. His numbers are great.right now. Then what do you do?

[Triple Naitch]

I hate Jose Valverde.

With all the dancing and fist-pumping he does, he's lucky he never goes up to bat.

Plenty of closers do shit like that. Rafael Soriano does his shirt thing, Chapman does his tumbles, Ugueth Urbina used to pour gasoline on people and then set them on fire, etc.

[ClockShot]

Yankees DFA Darnell McDonald.

Thanks for your help. :wave:

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Classless Yankees made him cut off his dreads knowing full well they were gonna cut him within a week. Terrible organization tbh.</font>

:shifty:

[ClockShot]

Royals DFA Jonathan Sanchez.

Boy, did Dayton Moore get suckered big time with that trade.

[RP]

Cubs are back!

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>LOL Mets</font>

[screech]

Axford removed from closer role. K-Rod could replace him.

End of the Ax-Man or will he sort himself out and bounce back?

[YOUR Hero]

Sort himself out

[Ermaximus]

Pirates and Rockies just beating the shit out of each other today.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Red Sox prospect Shaq Green-Thompson is quietly having the worst start in professional baseball history. 0 for 37, 36 K's.</font>

http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=623379

[ClockShot]

Raining cats and dogs in The Bronx and the game got cut short. I'm here on the shoreline in Connecticut and all I've gotten so far was a sprinkle and a few rumbles of thunder.

Figure that out.

[SammyG]

Well, Kemp is back

[Emperor Smeat]

Doubront has been great so far this season while the same can't be said of Lester who is in some sort of pitching funk since last year's debacle.

Red Sox still a game out of the 2nd Wild Card spot that now Detroit owns and 3 from the Angels other spot.

[RoXer]

First ever doubleheader at Chase Field next month

Might go

[RP]

Love the Cubs right now. Everyone is playing like they're invested into this year team. 13 of 18 now and they can take another series against a team ahead of them in the WC.

[RP]

Castro is starting to flash some power

[Keith]

Love the Cubs right now. Everyone is playing like they're invested into this year team. 13 of 18 now and they can take another series against a team ahead of them in the WC.

They're 13.5 games back in the WC, though.

Anything can happen, you never know, but if they trade Garza and/or Dempster, it'll be tough.

[RP]

I think the Dempster trade could happen tomorrow. They had Ferrell and Galafinakis basically toasting him before the game today. Seemed pretty planned. Almost like a farewell. Plus he's due to start friday. I hope we get one more start from him.

[RP]

The play Barney made on the tag out at second, basically sealed the 2nd base gold glove imo.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

They're 13.5 games back in the WC, though.

Anything can happen, you never know, but if they trade Garza and/or Dempster, it'll be tough.

I don't know about Garza being traded. I heard somewhere that they were trying to unload Soriano with Garza if they trade him. I don't know how many people would really want Alfonso Soriano right now if that was the case. If one of them do get traded I wonder which team it will be.

[Skippord]

Jeremy Guthrie apparently tore off his jersey after he got taken out of the game today. Starting to hope they trade him for his own good, he is dying here.

[RP]

I don't know about Garza being traded. I heard somewhere that they were trying to unload Soriano with Garza if they trade him. I don't know how many people would really want Alfonso Soriano right now if that was the case. If one of them do get traded I wonder which team it will be.

Why wouldn't you want Soriano in the AL? He would be a great DH. He's hitting the piss out of the ball and the Cubs are willing to eat most of the contract.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

The play Barney made on the tag out at second, basically sealed the 2nd base gold glove imo.
http://cdn.jockpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/brandon_phillips.jpg

He thought your post was funny.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

not that Barney isn't very good

but you know how Gold Glove voters are

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Why wouldn't you want Soriano in the AL? He would be a great DH. He's hitting the piss out of the ball and the Cubs are willing to eat most of the contract.

That is true. My Bad! I guess that was just my argument to why the Yankees wouldn't do it. They have way too many DH'S as it is. There are probably quite a few teams in the AL looking for a hitting DH. Can he still play a little Left Field or do you think he's gonna be a flat out DH?

[Keith]

Why wouldn't you want Soriano in the AL? He would be a great DH. He's hitting the piss out of the ball and the Cubs are willing to eat most of the contract.

Baltimore would benefit, for one.

Or the Tampa Bay Rays.

[RP]

http://cdn.jockpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/brandon_phillips.jpg

He thought your post was funny.

Barney is taking it this year. That play last night was...wow. That was one of the top base stealers. Barney was late and the ball should not of been thrown. He dives into the bag just to pick it from the dirt and keep it from going into the outfield. And lays his arm right in front of the base for the tag out.

[RP]

That is true. My Bad! I guess that was just my argument to why the Yankees wouldn't do it. They have way too many DH'S as it is. There are probably quite a few teams in the AL looking for a hitting DH. Can he still play a little Left Field or do you think he's gonna be a flat out DH?

He can stand up straight in LF. Does that count?

[RP]

YOUKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK LOL

http://m.deadspin.com/5927332/?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_twitter&utm_source=deadspin_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow

[RP]

Jorge Soler is making his debute in the minors today.

[Innovator]

So, Kris and Anna Benson are filing for divorce, citing his infidelity.

Could that be the best news for the Mets?

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I never understood her appeal. She's not that hot. And she's annoying as fuck.

[Keith]

How many times are they going to file for divorce? I've heard and read this story about 3 other times, I thought they already were divorced.

In other news, saw on MLB Network that there's a rumor that Miami offered Boston Hanley Ramirez and Heath Bell in exchange for Carl Crawford.