MLB 2013 Thread

[The Fraze]

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/375029_10151369197971254_949744722_n.jpg

[OssMan]

you took that during batting practice because those werent your seats

[ClockShot]

"Crazy" Carlos Zambrano is back in baseball. Signed a minor league deal with the Long Island Ducks.

He'll be playing alongside with famous has-beens Ian Snell and Dontrelle Willis.

(credit to mlbtraderumors.com)

[DaveWadding]

Ian Snell is famous?

[Emperor Smeat]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>BREAKING: Phillies P Roy Halladay will have arthroscopic surgery to repair bone spur in right shoulder. No timetable for his return.</p>&mdash; SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/332198338592112640">May 8, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Droford]

Orioles close to being back in first place.

[RoXer]

A's "got screwed" on a replay call. All anouncers on both teams unanimously agree

[The Condor]

NYY-COL series suspiciously low scoring thus far

[DaveWadding]

Michael Bowden still sucks at baseball.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Orioles close to being back in first place.

Tied for first.

[Droford]

Which is still first place

Plus, the Os are 2-1 head to head vs Boston, so tiebreaker

Plus Baltimore comes before Boston alphabetically, as does Orioles over Red Sox

so in conclusion

FIRST PLACE!

[Droford]

Someone has to explain to me how the Angels are 11-22, barely better than the Astros

[screech]

A's "got screwed" on a replay call. All anouncers on both teams unanimously agree

Just watched that. Ridiculous.

[The Condor]

Just watched that. Ridiculous.

Same here. That shouldn't happen on a replay call, not sure how they botched that

[screech]

This could hamper the "we need replay for HR" argument since here they had good evidence to overturn/get the call right and they still blew it lol

[Innovator]

Which is still first place

Plus, the Os are 2-1 head to head vs Boston, so tiebreaker

Plus Baltimore comes before Boston alphabetically, as does Orioles over Red Sox

so in conclusion

FIRST PLACE!

It's May 9.

[DaveBrawl]

Hey with some teams you have to take the small victories when you can get them. I was happy the Rockies were in 1st on May 1. Probably won't see it much more this season.

[DaveWadding]

REd Sox have Mexican Joe Torre pitching in middle relief.

[ClockShot]

Someone in my fantasy league offered me Allen Craig for Mark Trumbo. I rejected it.

Good move?

[The Condor]

Yes. Trumbo is better for this season and eventually the other guys in that lineup will hit around him, give him more RBI opportunities.

[The Condor]

On a side note, the MLB Networks onslaught of Barbasol adds has led me to ditch Gillette and give it a shot

[Damian Rey]

Edgar, you should try Aveeno. I've been using it for years.

My Padres take on the Rays tonight. Pretty excited. Love Tampa and Longo. How my Pads continue to play ridiculously well.

[ClockShot]

Now remember, Mo. NO SHAGGING FLY BALLS!

You know what happened the last time we were in Kansas City, right?

[OssMan]

still seems weird to me that Jeff Samardzija was a wide receiver for notre dame

[ClockShot]

MLB suspends umpire Fieldin Culbreth 2 games and fined an unspecified amount of money for that pitching snafu in the Astros/Angels game a last night.
http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/9262019/fieldin-culbreth-suspended-2-games-pitching-change-rule-misapplied-los-angeles-angels-houston-astros-game

[Droford]

Alex Cobb had 13 ks in 4.2 innings (14 outs total) but left losing the game because he threw 117 pitches

[Skippord]

so the Cardinals just breed amazing pitchers I guess

[Droford]

Orioles scored 9 unanswered runs from the 6th on to lead the twins 9-6 in the 10th.

[Droford]

I finished 7th in a 20 team fantasy league game tonight on Fanduel and won $45..woo

well on my way to winning #millionsofdollars

[The Condor]

Overbay has me wanting Tex to take off until August. Pinstripes rejuvenation

[Droford]

Speaking of Overbay, hes 12 for 41 with 3 hrs and 7 rbi off Shields which is why Im taking him tomorrow on fan duel since I blew $10,000 of $35,000 on Yu Darvish and needed a cheap 1B option and he's only $2,200.

[Damian Rey]

Alex Cobb has an absolutely dirty change up.

[Emperor Smeat]

Joel Hanrahan out for the season after having surgery for a torn tendon in his throwing arm. Only had a 1 year deal with the Red Sox and they already hinted he'd be playing for someone else next year.

[The Fraze]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/431941_10151374977316254_1888631644_n.jpg

[Droford]

http://i.imgur.com/ECP0pSU.png

[Skippord]

Hate baseball so much

[The Condor]

Thinking about just talking baseball in casual. Droford ruins it for me here sometimes

[OssMan]

ok guys

went to see the nationals vs the cubs today

that brings my total games watched this year to 3
i think

this fucking annoying bitch came and set next to me in the 4th inning after waiting the whole game in the "liquor line"

just comes in and turns around talking to her friends behind her, was insanely loud, talking about the worst things possible, like the embodiment of "white people problems"

just went on and on about managers, head managers, reps, cashouts, then started talking about her atkins diet, and crossed the line by listing the ingredients she gets when she goes to chipotle

wasn't even watching the game, one time the ump made a close call against the nats but it was the right one, she turns around after the call is made and just starts yelling at the ump for making a call against the nats, that is all people do it seems, don't realize that every single call isn't going to go your way, i don't understand

there was a drop of rain in the 6th inning so they all got up and left

jesus

[RoXer]

Did you go alone?

[RoXer]

I hate hearing about white girl things. Listening to their college lives is the worst.

[OssMan]

went with my brother 4nd my dad

[OssMan]

There was a sick throw by Roger Bernadina to the cut off man Danny Espinosa to get this guy out at 3rd who was trying to do a triple and they didn't show a single replay, not even during the heineken light highlights

[ClockShot]

I hope Cashman is taking notes. This Yankees team Girardi is sending out everytime they play right now is getting job done. Even without the heavy hitters. AND, they're cheap.

Tonight's starting 9 + the 1 or 2 guys they got on the bench right now comes out to about $57 mil. if my math is right.

Also not to jinx it, but I think Cashman caught lightning in a bottle with this Vernon Wells trade. I wish this font size was smaller.

[screech]

He'll go 0 for his next 90 now

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I think the Rockies would do better if they got a couple more hits during their games. What do you guys think?

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Maybe they're saving their hits so they can cash them in at the same time for a bigger prize.

I think the skateboard costs 4,500 hits.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

This week they've barely had enough hits to buy one of those pencil erasers.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I wonder if arcade prizes are universal.

Like we all had the dilemma of using our last 20 tickets on the super ball or the keychain.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Super ball everytime btw.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

That shit bounced high as fuck.

[Skippord]

HEY HOW ABOUT YOU SHUT YOUR FAT DICKHEAD MOUTH

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Looks like we got a keychain fan over here.

[Skippord]

I wish they could hit enough for a keychain

[The Condor]

I hope Cashman is taking notes. This Yankees team Girardi is sending out everytime they play right now is getting job done. Even without the heavy hitters. AND, they're cheap.

Tonight's starting 9 + the 1 or 2 guys they got on the bench right now comes out to about $57 mil. if my math is right.

Also not to jinx it, but I think Cashman caught lightning in a bottle with this Vernon Wells trade. I wish this font size was smaller.

The chemistry of this group is through the roof and I love them. Reminiscent of the '96 Champs teams. However, it has only been slightly more than a month. We'll stay tuned and see how it continues...

[ClockShot]

"Don't ever 'shush' me!"

-Joba Chamberlain to Mariano Rivera.

[OssMan]

I got the water gun... I was 16 and my friend and I pooled all our tickets together, was shitty, wasn't even a super soaker, barely used it. This was at Chuck E Cheese's

at the arcade I went for the superball

[Bad News Gertner]

Chad Jenkins is starting for the Jays. Ugh. He'll allow more home runs than batters he strikes out.

[Bad News Gertner]

Joey Bats killing the Sox today.

[Frank Drebin]

Rizzo gets an extension.

[The Condor]

Rizzo is going to be real good. I know that's not going out on a branch, but good deal for the Cubs to lock him up.

[Droford]

The chemistry of this group is through the roof and I love them. Reminiscent of the '96 Champs teams. However, it has only been slightly more than a month. We'll stay tuned and see how it continues...
I'll have a really good laugh when all the injured veterans come back and get full playing time and the team starts to fall apart..

[Frank Drebin]

Still trying to figure out if Rizzo will be "real good" or "great". Leaning toward the Fred Mcgriff real good. Solid numbers all around, maybe a career year with 32-35 bombs, occasional all-star, but never a serious MVP contender. Think the Cubs rebuilding project's issue right now is they don't have that true superstar. Unless Castro or Rizzo outperforms my expectations, or a Baez or Almora down on the farm is it, they are going to run into problems if the only way to get that type is to throw $200 million at someone down the road.

[Droford]

I cant take anyone who's named after a rat seriously.

Also can't take Trevor Plouffe seriously either cause he sounds like something used to take a shower.

[The Condor]

I'm sure the Cubs will find that guy to throw money at when he is one of the final pieces of the puzzle. Need the foundation first. You don't want another Soriano deal

[Damian Rey]

Fred McGriff should be a Hall of Famer. Rizzos a stud. It's a good sign.

[The Condor]

Could be worse than McGriff. Could be JT Snowe

[Frank Drebin]

Seems like he is a better overall hitter than Snow, but if he dosent live up to potential that is probably a pretty good comp for what he would be.

As far as the superstar goes, I like signing guys as pieces of the puzzle via free agency. Those are contacts you can usually get out from under (see Dejesus' 3 year deal). You basically get one (maaaybe two) chances to spend a giant wad of cash on one player. Not to mention the draft pick you would likely lose as well. So another Soriano is a very real possibility in that case. Your MVP type should really be someone who you developed yourself (Castro) or who you aquired early in his career with lots of years of control left (Rizzo). If not, and you have to spend top dollar, you take a huge risk.

[Frank Drebin]

Skippord, rox coming to Wrigley this week. Anything I should know about em?

[Damian Rey]

They have some guy named Tulo. Heard he can hit, kinda.

[Frank Drebin]

Rox are throwing Nicasio, Francis and Garland. Would have liked to have seen De La Rosa. At least I get to se Matt Harvey on Friday.

[Skippord]

Nicasio throws incredibly hard but can't get past the fifth inning because whatever team he's facing fouls off nine hundred pitches per at bat. Jeff Francis will give up two runs at minimum. Garland is my favorite and I hope he gets all of the ground balls.

And outside of Cargo and Tulo I would watch every at bat Wilin Rosario takes because he is one of the strongest people in baseball and hits monstrous home runs. Also Nolan Arenado plays terrific defense and will hit at least 5 line drives that he will be robbed of hits on. Josh Rutledge looks like Captain America.

That seems like a fair breakdown of them.

[RoXer]

I know, I know. Video games. But here is my anecdote about Wilin Rosario.

I got his card in Diamond Dynasty and was very shocked to learn that he has 99 power vs. both lefties and righties. So I used him. And he hit lots of home runs. I will try to get his card again when my current catcher expires.

The end.

[Skippord]

That is pretty impressive.

He has a picture of himself dressed like Mr. T in his locker.

[ClockShot]

Was gonna make a post yesterday on how the last 2 or 3 Mother's Days, the baseball gods give all the starting pitchers superpowers and 1 or 2 come close or get a no-hitter or perfect game.

Chris Sale came close last night.

[The Condor]

I think I have a romantic link to West Coast baseball due to their great pitching/pitchers parks. As a Yankees fan I could only hope to have games over in about 2 hours and 40 minutes.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Gonna assume someone from the Rockies saw my posts making fun of them and put them on the bulletin board for last night's game.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Sox two games back now, fuck you baseball.

[ClockShot]

Astros president and CEO George Postolos has stepped down.

Hmmm. Any well known GMs or front office guy sitting around that we know of? If someone's looking for the ultimate rebuilding project, this is it.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>It makes my heart hurt how bad the Mets are. Their offense is the worst its been in years.</font>

[Frank Drebin]

Don't worry, they play the cubs soon enough.

Wonder if RP saw Travis Wood pitching tonight.

[Skippord]

I forgot to mention that Juan Nicasio is putting me in possibly the worst situation

pitching soooooooooooo bad but I can't hold it against him because he broke his neck and hasn't gotten command back. And they refuse to send him to Triple A to work it out.

[Ermaximus]

Hope Chris Johnson hits a triple on his next at bat.

[Evil Vito]

Don't worry, they play the cubs soon enough.

Wonder if RP saw Travis Wood pitching tonight.

<font color=goldenrod>I was going to go to the series in Chicago but had to call the plans off a couple months ago. Had a great time seeing the Mets in Pittsburgh a couple of years ago, so I wanted to do another baseball road trip.

Wrigley's still on the bucket list.</font>

[ClockShot]

The Grandyman returns to the line-up tonight!

[Innovator]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO FIRST WAVE OF REINFORCEMENTS!

[Frank Drebin]

Hope Rizzo breaks a leg tonight. Hes set either way. Blow cubs blow

[Damian Rey]

I'd just like to say, suck it, Droford.

[Emperor Smeat]

:n: Red Sox

1st month looking more like a fluke than them being any good with how bad they've been this month.

[ClockShot]

Yankees stole one from King Felix last night.

[Innovator]

About time they did.

[Damian Rey]

Wonder who sits once Granderson comes back. My choice would be Ichiro. And obp hovering around .300 should not be in your everyday lineup.

[The Condor]

What they ought to do is what they did last night with Granderson, Ichiro and Gardner. So much speed. Add in Wells platooning with Pronk at DH and using Youk and Nunez/Nix off the bench won't hurt either.

[ClockShot]

Phillies sign Carlos Zambrano to a minor league deal.

He had a deal with the L.I. Ducks but wanted to exhaust all his MLB options before he signed. He's off to Florida for extended spring training.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

[screech]

Ugh

[Damian Rey]

The problem with Itchiro is he's not getting on base and it's been that way for at least two years. Speed don't mean squat if you're not getting on base at an at least league average clip.

[Frank Drebin]

Hope he gets called up just as Philly fans are getting pissed that the season isn't going as planned. One more meltdown. C'mon!

[DaveWadding]

I would love to see Carlos Zambrano crack some skulls like a Gatorade machine in Philly.

[ClockShot]

Phil Hughes just lost some money on his upcoming contract this evening.

[Emperor Smeat]

:D Lester. Ties Buchholz for most wins on the team.

[Triple Naitch]

http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/18nsjtd3l2jlnjpg/k-bigpic.jpg

Lol

[Droford]

Depressing two days. More yesterday than today..oh well

[The Condor]

Didn't have to spend too much time watching the Yanks tonight. The Mariners emptied their clip fairly quickly

[Bad News Gertner]

http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/18nsjtd3l2jlnjpg/k-bigpic.jpg

Lol

lol Kawasaki is amazing

[Bad News Gertner]

Jays are finally starting to heat up. Ramon Ortiz of all people goes 7 innings for the first time in an MLB game since 2007

[The Condor]

Billy Butler is like a trucker with great hand eye coordination.

[Innovator]

I'm over Phil Hughes

[RP]

You know. I've thought about this for a little bit.

If at the beginning of the season you told me after 40 games that the following would be true...

. The Cubs would be 17-23

. The Cubs have one of the best starting rotations in the MLB even without Garza

. The Cubs are 6 games back from a wild card spot

. The Cubs are about to draft a really nice starting pitcher

. The Cubs extended Anthony Rizzo ( quietly outstanding this year ) for a discount to the tune of 7 years, 41 million.


I would be excited.

[ClockShot]

Reid Ryan, son of His Majesty Nolan Ryan, is your new President of the Houston Astros.


It's time to play Family Feud!


<iframe height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/x9b2KPZU-wo" frameBorder="0" width="420" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>

[Frank Drebin]

You know. I've thought about this for a little bit.

If at the beginning of the season you told me after 40 games that the following would be true...

. The Cubs would be 17-23

. The Cubs have one of the best starting rotations in the MLB even without Garza

. The Cubs are 6 games back from a wild card spot

. The Cubs are about to draft a really nice starting pitcher

. The Cubs extended Anthony Rizzo ( quietly outstanding this year ) for a discount to the tune of 7 years, 41 million.


I would be excited.

The Pitching and the Rizzo deal are nice, but keep in mind Wood, Feldman and Villanueva are going come back down to earth at some point. As much as I like Travis Wood, he's due a bad start or two soon.

As far as 6 games out of a wildcard, thats because its only May 16th. Only the Mets (7) and Marlins (12) are further back.

FYI: I give you shit, RP, because I had a bad experience with people in the organization, but I speak the truth.

[Damian Rey]

Frank, you big meanie!

[Skippord]

I hate the Giants so very much

[OssMan]

watched about 85% of the first 3 innings of the nats game in the PIP while also watching gay hockey

baseball is probably the easiest sport to watch in the PIP

watching it on the full screen now

[Bad News Gertner]

Ricky Romero is about as sad as it gets. 86 pitches in AAA and didn't get out of the 4th inning. Walked three straight at one point. Might be another case of the yips. I don't think he's coming back.

[Skippord]

I hate baseball, the Rockies, the Giants, and myself for loving all of those things

going to hang myself

[OssMan]

watched about 85% of the first 3 innings of the nats game in the PIP while also watching gay hockey

baseball is probably the easiest sport to watch in the PIP

watching it on the full screen now
ended up watching the rest of this game

talked/argued with my girlfriend through most of it and didn't pay too much attention, but i'm giving myself the benefit of the doubt here.

this raises my total of full games watched this year to 4

[The Condor]

Happy David Wells Perfect Game Day. 15 years ago

[Innovator]

The embodiment of baseball wellness

[ClockShot]

What's this? The 3rd or 4th meething between the Jays and Yankees in like a 3 week time period?

[Innovator]

http://i.imgur.com/9yAkYRE.gif

[Droford]

Orioles in the process of a comeback down 12-4 in the 8th its now 12-10

[RoXer]

http://www.footballfanatics.com/MLB_Pillow_Pets

ahhhhhhhh


:):):):):):):):):):)

[RoXer]

http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=%2fproductImages%2f_626000%2fff_626432_xl.jpg&w=400http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=%2fproductImages%2f_626000%2fff_626446_xl.jpg&w=400http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=%2fproductImages%2f_626000%2fff_626435_xl.jpg&w=400http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=%2fproductImages%2f_626000%2fff_626460_xl.jpg&w=400


Come on guys. We couldn't think of anything better than a bear?

[RoXer]

http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=%2fproductImages%2f_626000%2fff_626434_xl.jpg&w=400http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=%2fproductImages%2f_626000%2fff_626440_xl.jpg&w=400


Where's my snuggly, cuddly, plush miniature native american? This is bullshit.

[Droford]

Why is the dbacks one a cat?

[RoXer]

This guy I know. This guy is something I would buy.:

http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=%2fproductImages%2f_790000%2fff_790197_xl.jpg&w=400


But I don't think I've ever seen this. Who is "gapper"?:

http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=%2fproductImages%2f_626000%2fff_626450_xl.jpg&w=400

[RoXer]

Why is the dbacks one a cat?

The Dbacks have D-Baxter the Bobcat for a mascot.

The stadium they play in was once called Bank One Ballpark. The locals would call it "The BOB" for short.

Jay Bell's son put 2 and 2 together, told his dad they should have a bobcat for a mascot.

And so that's what it is.

More friendlier than some fucking snake I would imagine.

[RoXer]

Interesting that the Giants went with the panda and not lou seal.

I guess that bodes well for Pablo's chances of staying there forever.

Also I would suppose a panda is more cuddlyier than a seal.

[RoXer]

Gappers been around since 2002

Never seen him

I mean I don't watch THAT many Reds games

But still

I thought I would have known him

[RoXer]

That Mr. Met one is just ridiculous though:


http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=%2fproductImages%2f_626000%2fff_626443_xl.jpg&w=400

[Skippord]

http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_626000/ff_626452_xl.jpg&w=180
adorable

[DaveWadding]

http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=%2fproductImages%2f_790000%2fff_790182_xl.jpg&w=400

[Skippord]

Nightmarish

[Evil Vito]

http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?c_id=pit&gid=2013_05_17_houmlb_pitmlb_1&lang=en&content_id=27207249&mode=video

<font color=goldenrod>The Houston Astros, ladies and gentlemen.</font>

[The Condor]

Yankees team is fun. Not going to go too far constructed as they are, but its fun while it lasts

[ClockShot]

Yankees aquire Reid Brignac from the Rockies for cash or a PTBNL.

Second trade we worked out with the Rockies so far this season. Brignac got some skills.

I like it.

[CSL]

Don Kelly. That's a proper baseball name

[Frank Drebin]

Yankees aquire Reid Brignac from the Rockies for cash or a PTBNL.

Second trade we worked out with the Rockies so far this season. Brignac got some skills.

I like it.

Used to think Brignac would make the Rays choose between him and Zobrist at some point. Yanks seem to have had luck with castoffs this year so ill be interested to see what happens to him.

[DaveWadding]

TINSTAAPE

There Is No Such Thing As Any Prospect, Ever.

[OssMan]

SUYIA Shut Up You Ignorant Ass

[Frank Drebin]

Wonder if RP saw Travis Wood's bomb just now.

Also for those who didn't see it, check out the replay of the wife pouring her beer on her husbands head. I'm on his side because he's got a "no wave" tshirt on.

[DaveWadding]

"Whut year is it?"

[Frank Drebin]

Davewadding, come to Chicago sometime. Attend a baseball game with Drebin. Want you and Crazy Edgar there. Together we will take over the baseball world.

[DaveWadding]

I'm planning on next year for the 100th Anniversary

[Frank Drebin]

I'll bring the hookers and blow. Maybe the superintendent of your school district too if that's ok.

[Keith]

Swwwwwwwwwwweep.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Wow where was John Lackey found this? A one hitter through 6 with the game delayed with no earned runs.

[Skippord]

Rockies beat Barry Zito for the first time since 2008

#BOOSH

[ClockShot]

A few scattered showers during the day and the Yankees somehow get rained out.

My theory is that John Gibbons paid off the umps so the Jays could avoid getting swept, again.

[DaveWadding]

Miguel Cabrera. Jesus Christ.

[Keith]

I love David Schoenfield.

Read up, kiddos.

Rays still the favorite in the AL East

http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/36107/rays-still-the-favorite-in-the-al-east

[The Condor]

Rays are the third or fourth team in that division at best over the long haul

[Keith]

You're smoking crack, my friend.

[Droford]

The Os have suddenly got almost no pitching..don't know what the flying hell happened but its pissing me off

[ClockShot]

Scott "Doctor" Proctor retires.

Mets grab David Aardsma on a minor league deal.

Rangers DFA Derek Lowe.

[ClockShot]

Baby Bombers, yo.

[The Condor]

Pronk and Overbay playing like they're 25 truly is something to behold

[The Condor]

Should include Vernon Wells also. Anyway, good win for the Friars tonite.

[Bad News Gertner]

You're smoking crack, my friend.

My Dickey just exploded all over your Rays last night.

[Bad News Gertner]

The Os have suddenly got almost no pitching..don't know what the flying hell happened but its pissing me off

It's called over-achieving

[Damian Rey]

The Os have suddenly got almost no pitching..don't know what the flying hell happened but its pissing me off

What do you mean "don't know what the hell is happening"? The Os had zero pitching coming into the season and were relying on a lot that didn't featur eon starter make a season worth of starts last year. What did you expect?

Meanwhile, the Padres are on a fucking tear. Their starting pitching was shit the first 20 games, and they've "improved" their starters ERA down a run lower than the it was a month ago. Not much on the farm for reinforcements thanks to Tommy John surgery, so what they're running out there is virtually it, but man, it's been a great run.

[Droford]

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2650671/tulo.gif

Celebratory cup checks

[Damian Rey]

So implementing that on my adult team next Sunday.

[screech]

My Dickey just exploded all over your Rays last night.

I hate fans using my/we/us, but I admit i chuckled at this.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mets down 3-0 after the first? Game over.</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Nah they played the rest of the game still.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

They lost tho

[Ermaximus]

Cerrano wants at bat.

[Droford]

Os win on a walk off..woo

[Frank Drebin]

If Rizzo goes yard here I will lol

[Frank Drebin]

mmmmm nope. L

[Evil Vito]

Nah they played the rest of the game still.

<font color=goldenrod>With these Mets, any kind of lead is virtually game over. Their offense is an embarrassment, just no other way around it.

I'm not sure how much a hitting coach really matters, but Dave Hudgens has to be preparing to get the axe. The team looks like it has zero approach at the plate and they're just flat out guessing at everything. They’re flinching at curve balls, flailing at change-ups, taking strikes down the plate, and swinging at balls in the dirt.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>In truth, I'm finding it difficult to sit through any Mets games where Harvey isn't pitching. The Islanders are out. The Knicks are out. The Giants don't start for several months.

And yet, I still have a hard time watching the Mets even when there are no other sports on. I've never felt this way before. I've slogged through so many summers watching awful Mets teams. But this team is just so absurdly boring I can't bring myself to waste 3 hours a night watching them.</font>

[Boomer]

Evan Gattis is fucking ridiculous. Good lord.

[The Condor]

NL West may not be the best division but For me it's the most entertaining to watch a lot of nights

[Droford]

http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/k7bb69vGAo1vduupN4Iliw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NQ--/http://media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/sptusmlbexperts/Donuts.jpg

It pays to be superstitious.

Or at least it pays for Baltimore Orioles pitching prospect Kevin Gausman, a first-round pick (fourth overall) in last June's draft, to be superstitious.

Gausman actually has a couple pre-game and in-game rituals that are unique. No, they're not as complex or detailed as those made famous by Turk Wendell during his 11-year major league career, but I think his main superstition would actually fall in line with Wade Boggs, who would eat the same meal (chicken) before every game. Only Gausman's eating habits aren't quite as healthy.

Here's what he does: Before each of his starts, Gausman will eat one powdered mini-donut just prior to his first pitch. That's fine and perhaps even normal. For each additional inning he lasts, though, he'll eat FOUR powdered donuts in between innings. So let's say Gausman throws a nine-inning shutout. That would be 33 powdered donuts consumed (I assume that's the goal).


Time to buy some more doughnuts! Gausman starts up in Toronto tomorrow night.

[RoXer]

I was just wondering what happened to that guy a few days ago and if a team actually picked him up. I remember reading about him maybe last year. Hope he does well.

[Keith]

NL West may not be the best division but For me it's the most entertaining to watch a lot of nights

I like the "flavor" that the NL West provides. Late night, blue-collar baseball.

Hell yeah.

[Damian Rey]

The NL West is fun because every year it seems a different team is either in the race, or there's so much parity that any team can get on a hot streak and challenge for first place. This year seems to be that way. Rockies were booked to be last, but have played well enough to be in and out of first place, DBacks have been there as well despite moving several guys who figured into the mix, Giants have survived a very rough drop off from their starting pitching, Padres are hot, and even with all the team playing well below expectations, the Dodgers are one two to three week stretch away from inserting themselves back into the conversation.

Exciting times.

[Droford]

Dodgers are 1-2 weeks away from firing mattingly and spending another 100 million in trades

[ClockShot]

http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/k7bb69vGAo1vduupN4Iliw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NQ--/http://media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/sptusmlbexperts/Donuts.jpg


Time to buy some more doughnuts! Gausman starts up in Toronto tomorrow night.


The world is devoid of Twinkies at the moment and this guy got the balls to show off his unnecessary stash of Hostess donettes?

He should be shot.

[Droford]

I think those are more tastycake and drakes mini donuts than hostess

[Keith]

Dodgers are 1-2 weeks away from firing mattingly and spending another 100 million in trades

I wonder how long it'll be before Magic Johnson goes like "Fuck this shit, I'm outta here".

[Droford]

More like "fuck this shit"
*puts on a uniform and plays 3rd base*

[Innovator]

I hope the Dodgers fire Donnie Baseball, I want him back in the family.

[ClockShot]

I'm down with that Inno. But here's the kicker, Girardi's deal is up after this season. You put Mattingly in the manager's spot, or replace Tony Pena as bench coach?

[The Condor]

Manager

[Boomer]

Evan Gattis is fucking ridiculous. Good lord.

Uh, the Braves' current 3rd catcher is tied for 4th in the league in HRs and is second on the team with 26 RBIs. Oppo-Grand Slam today after two ridiculous late game home runs in the past week. No biggie.

[RoXer]

http://cespedesfamilybarbecue.com/2013/03/05/the-third-world-baseball-classic-a-previewintroduction/


The Third World Baseball Classic: A Preview/Introduction

<time datetime="2013-03-05T22:06:59+00:00" pubdate="">Mar5</time> (http://cespedesfamilybarbecue.com/2013/03/05/the-third-world-baseball-classic-a-previewintroduction/) by jakemintz (http://cespedesfamilybarbecue.com/author/jakemintz/)
http://cespedesfamilybarbecue.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/screen-shot-2013-03-05-at-5-27-26-pm.png?w=420&h=300 (http://cespedesfamilybarbecue.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/screen-shot-2013-03-05-at-5-27-26-pm.png)
The World Baseball Classic is under way. Players from all around the world have come together in empty stadiums to engage in the pleasures of sport. But while the fun and games are going on, there is a more important issue to address. You see, this WBC has created some confusion in regards to the title. It has been confused with another, more competitive, international baseball tournament; the Third World Baseball Classic.

Every year, the TWBC invites underdeveloped countries to compete for the title of “Best Underprivileged Baseball Squadron”. While the quality of baseball is significantly lower than that of the WBC, the TWBC has story lines that would make Putin cry. Players born without the ability to see, hear, or even play baseball thrive on an international stage in front of millions.

What makes the TWBC really unique is the resourcefulness present among the organizers. Instead of bats; teams use pipes and other assorted metal scraps lying around their respective dilapidated cities. Instead of real rubber bases, lines are drawn in the dirt to symbolize where bases would be. This causes an understandable number of delays after slides. Another charming quality of the TWBC is that the 7th inning stretch is actually the entire game because none of the stadiums have comfortable seats.

Spread the word about this tournament. While the World Baseball Classic is full of awesome talent and national pride, this month’s real gem is the Third World Baseball Classic which shines as a beacon for the underdeveloped across the world.
***
Pool A: Games played in Mogadishu Stadium – Mogadishu, Somalia


Iraq
Trinidad
Somalia
Yemen

http://somalilandpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/mogadishu20june.jpeg
Somalia’s militia/middle infielders


Favorites: As a perennial poverty powerhouse playing on its home turf, Somalia has to be the head honcho in this pool. Whether or not the Trinidadian team can find a ride to Mogadishu will dictate whether or not they get out of this group.


Stadium Preview: Mogadishu Stadium
http://static.flickr.com/74/192381978_47998de2c7.jpghttp://ciyaaro.com/portal/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/SFF2.jpg

It’s not exactly in the best condition, and it’s a bit unclear where the bullpens, dugouts, bases, field, fences and pretty much everything will be. The photo on the right seems to indicate a pitcher’s park, with straightaway center field roughly about 500 feet away from home plate. As if that wasn’t enough, the half demolished press box is clearly in the hitter’s sight lines. And we know what effect that kind of thing (http://www.baseballnation.com/2012/3/21/2889028/jered-weaver-angels-stats) has.The photo on the left indicates a wildlife presence, which most park factors (http://espn.go.com/mlb/stats/parkfactor) don’t account for. Assuming the teams bring their automatic weapons, this shouldn’t be much of an issue. I’m curious to see how the slick Iraqi infielders handle grounders on this rugged surface. The outfielders should be in a fairly normal alignment, except of course when facing the strangely 100% left-handed Yemen squad. Very excited to see some baseball here.
***
Pool B: Games played in National Sports Stadium (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Sports_Stadium_%28Mongolia%29) – Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia


Mongolia
Afghanistan
Tanzania
Papa New Guinea

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/49/Ogadai_Khan.jpg/220px-Ogadai_Khan.jpg

Genghis Khan: Mongolia’s Only Hall of Famer


Favorites: Afghanistan has dominated international competition since 2001, but have a weaker team this go round. That being said, they should get out of a relatively weak group. Tourney dark horse Mongolia should also be competitive. Not many people know about this team, who haven’t won anything significant since the 14th century.

Stadium Preview: National Sports Stadium
http://cespedesfamilybarbecue.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/monglolia.png?w=446&h=297http://cityandout.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/mongolia_-_festival_naadam_0.jpg?w=297&h=198 (http://cespedesfamilybarbecue.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/monglolia.png)

The picture on the left is a pretty clear shot of this beautiful facility. The picture on the right is a larger scale version of the majority of the results when you Google Image “National Sports Stadium Mongolia”. No, seriously (https://www.google.com/search?q=national+sports+stadium+mongolia&rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS396US396&aq=f&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&authuser=0&ei=Io02UaT9Oci80QGchYFI&biw=1366&bih=643&sei=I402UZrhN-Xp0QGJv4GYDw). Anyway, this looks to be a more neutral park, with fairly deep gaps but short down the lines. These teams are much more fortunate to be playing on a field with actual grass and even in front of a few fans. Much like Oakland, there is plenty of foul territory. This should give the defensive wizard playing catcher for Team Tanzania a considerable advantage. I expect some low scoring affairs.
***
Pool C: Games played in the fields surrounding Osama Bin Laden’s Compound – Abbottabad, Pakistan


Pakistan
Congo
Sierra Leone
Haiti

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/86/Osama_bin_Laden_compound2.jpg

Home-field Advantage Might Not Be Enough for Pakistan

Favorites: The Haitian team has true star potential. They left home on a raft two years ago to save travel costs and should arrive in Pakistan this week. Despite a strong home-field advantage, the Pakistanis won’t get out of this tough group whose last spot will go to whichever poor African country is in the news at that particular time.

Stadium Preview: Garden Outside Bin Laden’s Crib

http://media.nola.com/tpphotos/photo/2011/05/9539298-standard.jpghttp://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/52451000/jpg/_52451924_011885770-1.jpg

This is the Coors Field of the TWBC; the offenses could really get going here. If the Haitian team’s pull hitters can start roping some line drives into the cracks of the wall and into the compound, we will most likely be seeing some inside-the-park home run records, as the compound is obviously completely off limits. It’s unclear if the men sitting against the wall in the distance are where the bullpen will be, but if it is, this might be a factor. The sheer distance that a reliever will have to run to get to the mound could have a huge effect, especially when we have no idea where the mound even is. It’s certainly a short fence, which should play well for Team Sierra Leone, who is notorious for their fly ball rate. This will be a very interesting pool to follow. I’m sticking with Haiti.
***
Pool D: Games played in Tropicana Field – Tampa, Florida


Madagascar
Ethiopia
Antarctica Scientific Research Base
Bangladesh

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSMvzyrUuOAKoXJ4Dr3--7UQ_11PW-0DF1effgJPHg4HTfY6awA

Bangladesh: A Home For Color Blind Japanese People

Favorites: Stocked with Americans, the Antarctic research team should be a good bet to make it out of this group. Madagascar, another island team with travel problems, might have too much to overcome in this pool. The Ethiopian team has historically been weak because they approach baseball like food so they just sit down and play with the dirt the whole time. Also, Bangladesh.

Stadium Preview: Tropicana Field
http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/30532.jpghttp://www.dailyfantasysports.net/baseball/park-factors/75.jpg

Simply the worst of the worst. On the totem pole of disastrous baseball fields, this is clearly at the bottom. These teams will struggle to maintain their enthusiasm for the event, but hopefully they can get through it. The abysmal lighting, the horrendous roof…the artificial turf…these four unlucky teams just wish they were in Pool A, playing in the friendly confines (http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/2861/homeofthebrave6pq5.jpg) of Mogadishu Stadium.

[Bad News Gertner]

Oh Fernando Rodney, how I love how much you suck this season.

[Droford]

I haven't been this excited for a baseball game in may since I got to go see Matt Wieters debut 5/29/09 v Detroit with the tigers pitching dontrelle willis

Merry gausmas!

[DaveWadding]

The Dodgers have the highest payroll in the majors and are in last place. Amazing.

[Skippord]

I cannot believe building a team based on castoffs from a 69 and 93 team hasn't worked out so far

[The Condor]

I haven't been this excited for a baseball game in may since I got to go see Matt Wieters debut 5/29/09 v Detroit with the tigers pitching dontrelle willis

Merry gausmas!

Did you also cream when Heyward hit his first home run on opening day of his rookie season? C'mon Dro

[Keith]

The Dodgers have the highest payroll in the majors and are in last place. Amazing.

I wonder how much Don Mattingly's "stock" has dropped after his tenure as Dodgers skipper, and if that will affect him in the future in terms of getting another managerial job.

His time in LA hasn't been pretty, and it looks like it's going to end even worse. He called out his team yesterday, benched Andre "5 years $75 million" Ethier.

Not good.

[Innovator]

I'm down with that Inno. But here's the kicker, Girardi's deal is up after this season. You put Mattingly in the manager's spot, or replace Tony Pena as bench coach?
Depends on how this season goes, so far I think Girardi has earned his job.

[OssMan]

Most of the countries that would actually be represented in the Third World Baseball Classic would probably be favorites to win the actual one

[Droford]

http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/BGIvfoAP2o__wMY6YE4LRg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/sptusmlbexperts/canadiantuxedos052213.jpg

Adam Jones gets the O's to wear Canadian tuxedos for the trip


Manny Machado, Adam Jones, Darren O’Day

Bullpen Coach, pedro Strop, Troy Patton, chris Snyder, alexi Casilla, jim Johnson, TJ McFarland, Brian Matusz, Tommy Hunter

[Droford]

In addition to Gausmas its also Buck's birthday.

[Emperor Smeat]

The Dodgers are denying rumors of Don Mattingly's recent outburst was targeting more than just the players.

The team did confirm there is a huge rift between Mattingly and Andre Ethier to the point they've already told other teams Ethier is already on the trading block.

[Keith]

Miggy Cabrera is the best pure hitter in baseball, yo.

[Bad News Gertner]

Orioles are money in the bank lol

[Shisen Kopf]

Miggy Cabrera is the best pure hitter in baseball, yo.

yep. Are you going to the Trop the weekend of June 28th? Tigers are in town.

[DaveWadding]

Going to back to back games this weekend. (D'Backs/Padres Sunday for Pat Corbin, then D'Backs Rangers to see YU)

[RoXer]

So am I but you don't see me being all snoody about it

[RoXer]

oh i thought you meant the doubleheader on monday

which i am going to both games on

nvm

[RoXer]

snood away

[DaveWadding]

YUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Soulja Boy tell em

[Keith]

yep. Are you going to the Trop the weekend of June 28th? Tigers are in town.

I'm going the 29th and 30th (Saturday and Sunday).

[Shisen Kopf]

me too. Look for me there. I'll be wearing a tigers hat.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

That doesn't narrow it down much. Over half the people at the game will have Tigers hats on.

[Frank Drebin]

Miggy Cabrera is the best pure hitter in baseball, yo.


http://cdn.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/miggy_composite.gif

http://cdn.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/miggy_grid.gif

[Skippord]

That doesn't narrow it down much. Over half the people at the game will have Tigers hats on.
Half of 14 people isn't that many

[The Condor]

Miggy, best overall (clean/natural) hitter since probably Yaz

[ClockShot]

A-Rod sold his house in Miami for a cool $30 mil. He'll get $15 mil. out of it.

Guess there's no point in living down there since Biogenesis got shut down.

[Frank Drebin]

Miggy, best overall (clean/natural) hitter since probably Yaz

Hawk Harrelson sayz: ".....AND I PLAYED WITH YAZ."


http://ts3.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4957582961541258&pid=15.1

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Miggy, best overall (clean/natural) hitter since probably Yaz

You hear that Pujols? Yer a BUM

[DaveWadding]

http://cdn.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/miggy_composite.gif

http://cdn.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/miggy_grid.gif

None of those are in the zone. Holy Jesus.

[RoXer]

http://cdn.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/RomoCabrera2.gif.opt_.gif (http://cdn.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/RomoCabrera2.gif.opt_.gif)

[ClockShot]

SON OF A BITCH!

[Shisen Kopf]

http://cdn.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/RomoCabrera2.gif.opt_.gif (http://cdn.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/RomoCabrera2.gif.opt_.gif)


Fuck you!

Anibal Sanchez has a no hitter thru 7 right now. WOOOOOO!!

[Skippord]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Yankees announce Curtis Granderson has a broken hand -- lefty pinky knuckle. Unbelievable.</p>&mdash; Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/Buster_ESPN/status/338107891003305984">May 25, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[ClockShot]

Meh. It's not like he wasn't around these last 8 games.

[Boomer]

Evan Gattis currently leads the Braves in RBIs. I keep expecting his folk hero status to drop, but the guy has basically saved the Braves in late game situations over and over. Wish we had an everyday spot for him.

[Innovator]

Baseball can bite my shiny metal ass

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Innovator Innovating Rodriguez

[Supreme Olajuwon]

You know who I care for? This Joey Votto fella.

Anybody else care for Joey Votto?

[The Condor]

Might be top 3 in baseball with Miggy and McCutcheon

[Evil Vito]

http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?c_id=cws&gid=2013_05_24_miamlb_chamlb_1&lang=en&content_id=27405123&mode=video

<font color=goldenrod>Although they wound up winning anyway, a Hawk Harrelson rant on a bad call always makes me smile.

I actually can't help but agree with him this time, as Angel Hernandez is easily the worst ump in the Major Leagues.</font>

[DaveWadding]

I keep waiting for Hawk to break out into tears after a bad call.

[Damian Rey]

Fucking love Joey Votto.

[DaveWadding]

Walk off inside the park home run by Angel Pagan. Holy shit.

[ClockShot]

I really, REALLY want Lyle Overbay to hang around when Teixeira gets back.

I wonder if he can play outfield with Granderson back on the DL?

[Skippord]

Hat baseball

[Evil Vito]

http://i.imgur.com/KT6PSTx.jpg

<font color=goldenrod>I really can't understand what's happened to Ike Davis. He was really bad to start last year, but nothing like this. This is his 3rd Golden Sombrero on the year, tying a Mets single-season record and it's only May. The one saving grace he had is his defense and even that has gone to hell this week.

Normally I don't advocate sending somebody down without a viable replacement in his position, but the man's confidence is absolutely shot. The fans have been relentless and the media has been questioning him nightly about a demotion every game for the past month. Let him spend a month in Vegas to clear his head.</font>

[Keith]

Miggy, best overall (clean/natural) hitter since probably Yaz

Ever heard of Barry Bonds? The real "Greatest Hitter Who Ever Lived"?

Also, fuck Fernando Rodney. Looks like his implosion has begun.

[Droford]

I'm gonna go on a limb and say that Chris Davis can challenge for the triple crown. Reasons

1 - in Homers, he leads so that..
2 - in rbi he trails Cabrera by 11 57-46..but in a standard buck showwalter lineup he has 3 guys hitting over .300 in front of him (machado,Jones,markakis). Throw in mcclouth when he bats lead off..only team with 4 guys 30+ runs scored.
3 - in avg he trails Cabrera by a lot but no way Cabrera hits .385 or even .350. Davis is hitting .335 and has been pretty good at taking walks. Obviously you could say no way he hits over .300 but I say pft to that Gran

[Skippord]

and I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Yorvit Torrealba will win the National League MVP

[The Condor]

Ever heard of Barry Bonds? The the guy that was really good and then juiced himself up into a silverback gorilla "Greatest Hitter Who Ever Lived"?

[Innovator]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that another Yankee is going to get injured.

[Keith]

It's only a matter of time before Travis Hafner goes on the DL.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Hey a Matt Garza sighting!

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Matt Garza will win the AL Triple Crown

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Garza 0-1 so far. Not feeling too good about this prediction so far.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Oh no wait this is still in the National League so we're still good.

[screech]

Watching Hamels vs Strasburg right now. Can't decide if it's a pitchers' duel or a pair of crappy offenses. Either way, I'm enjoying it.

[Bad News Gertner]

Jays win!!! Take that you fucking mongoloid!!

[ClockShot]

I don't know if it's the innings or the years that are catching up to Sabathia. Loss today, last 3 starts were no decisions, last win came about a month ago.

A little concerned right now.

[Keith]

Or maybe it's time he lost some weight and took better care of his body.

[Bad News Gertner]

Lol Munenori Kawasaki is fucking great

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3-VqBI1D980" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>