MLB 2009 Season Thread

[ClockShot]

Awesome payback inning.

[Testicle]

Boston is destroying the tigers right now. :(

[The Gold Standard]

Wang is back in the rotation now. I don't know how I feel about that. I will miss Hughes in the rotation, but I guess he is only 22 so he has more time.

[SammyG]

Pretty sweet 5 run comeback in the 8th last night.

[The Gold Standard]

Rand Johnson going for 300 tonight. Is tonight the night?

[DaveWadding]

Against the Nats, probably.

[RatedGSuperstar]

Not if they can't get the game in...the start of the game's been delayed for an hour.

[Boomer]

Nate McLouth is a Brave. Thank the gods.

[Jeritron]

BECKETT right now.

Not gonna say it out loud....knock on wood

[Jeritron]

boo

[ClockShot]

Holy shit. Braves release Tom Glavine. And he was gonna return any day.

[Boomer]

It honestly isn't that surprising. He was going to be owed a lot of money if he had stayed. The club has been planning on bringing up Tommy Hanson since his arbitration clock has an additional year now.

[Boomer]

I will fully admit that they have handled it with the press just like Smoltz...pretty terribly.

[The Gold Standard]

I think Glavine will find somewhere to play, but I wonder if they really needed to release him. I don't know, it seems like there is no loyalty anymore

[The Gold Standard]

JORGE!!

[RatedGSuperstar]

I think Glavine will find somewhere to play, but I wonder if they really needed to release him. I don't know, it seems like there is no loyalty anymore

You could probably argue Glavine hasn't shown loyalty to the club in the first place, when he left town for the big money deal with the Mets a few years ago. The Braves offering him a 1 year/$1 million deal was a good gesture to begin with, since they knew in the offseason it'd be unlikely he'd be able to pitch until June or July. I believe they had to release him soon because if he made the big league roster, he'd be guaranteed that $1 million.

From the perspective of cost effectiveness, $400k worth of Tommy Hanson is likely more valuable than $1 million worth of Tom Glavine.

Solid move picking up McLouth, even if he is horribly overrated as a player. I'm still trying to figure out how the hell he won a Gold Glove, but at least he'll help that horribly weak outfield. I'm a little surprised they gave up Gorkys Hernandez for him, though...I think it's a solid deal for both teams.

[Boomer]

The Braves have Jordan Schafer, Jason Heyward, and Brandon Jones as some of their top prospects...I don't think they will miss him too much.

[RatedGSuperstar]

They definitely were dealing from a strength...I was just surprised in the sense that they gave up a decent prospect (Baseball America had Hernandez as the 4th best prospect in their system IIRC) for Nate McLouth. That's a bit much to give up for a career .261/.339/.462 hitter, but the Braves have always been good about knowing when to dump prospects.

[ClockShot]

Sammy Sosa is gonna formally retire in the near future.

[YOUR Hero]

McClouth has been showing signs the last year + of taking his game to a new level. Not to say he'll skyrocket, but he's becoming quite a bit better than his career stats.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Burnett suspended 6 games, Padilla gets nothing. Wow.</font>

[ClockShot]

Definately a bullshit call. I'd be shocked if it wasn't overturned.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Tony LaRussa is suing Twitter over a fake page set up in his name. This is one of the posts on the account:

“Lost 2 out of 3, but we made it out of Chicago without one drunk driving incident or dead pitcher.”


I know that's horrible but still kinda funny

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Red Sox sweep the Tigers, if they can take care of business over the weekend it should set up nicely for the Yankees next week.

[ClockShot]

:lol:

Dave Robertson throws one pitch and gets the win today.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Jose Reyes has a torn hamstring and could be out until at least the All Star Break.

Hate to say it, but my expectations for this season just went way down. I'll be happy to just see them compete at this point. They would need to get both Reyes and Delgado back at the AS Break and go on a fucking TEAR to keep up with the Phillies and the now-improved Braves.

They've done a decent job making due with what they have right now until this Pirates series...but losing a guy like Reyes and continuing to stay competitive can only last so long.</font> :(

[ClockShot]

Congrats to Randy Johnson. Newest member of the 300 club.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Congrats. That's the last 300 winner we are gonna see for a long time. I was honestly wondering if Johnson would get there a couple years ago when he was constantly getting injured. As such, I kept the paper from Tom Glavine's 300th, thinking his might be the last for years to come.

Gotta say though, watching the highlights...looks like the Nats kinda got screwed. 2 outs, bases loaded, down 1 run, Dunn at the plate...they call strike 3 on a ball that looked to be below his knees, which therefore kept Johnson in line for the win.</font> :o

[ClockShot]

Mike Mussina would have been next. There was an outside shot he could have got it this year if he was flawless. Sadly, as we all know, he retired.

[Loose Cannon]

yea, Santana being on the Mets won't help him out much :lol:

[Triple Naitch]

There's been some rumblings about a Braves-Red Sox trade involving Brad Penny and Jeff Francoeur.

[Boomer]

You will probably not find a Braves fan at this point who gives two shits about Francouer staying with the Braves. I was the one with "I <3 Francouer" when he first came up, but I wouldn't mind us getting something...anything worthwhile for him.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Travis Hafner activated from the DL...to make room on the roster, the Indians sent down Fausto Carmona...

not to Triple A...

not to Double A...

hell, not even to Single A...

to the Arizona Rookie League. :o Christ. Obviously there is some sort of reasoning behind it, but it's still hilarious.</font>

[ClockShot]

He fell apart after the '07 season. Just caught the news on the ESPN ticker.

[ClockShot]

Meanwhile in Atlanta pitching saga, Braves are in talks to grab Brad Penny from the Red Sox.

[YOUR Hero]

Glavine is a joke at his press briefing.

[OssMan]

David Wright got thrown out 3 times at 3rd base

[Terra Ryzin]

<font color=goldenrod>Jose Reyes has a torn hamstring and could be out until at least the All Star Break.

Hate to say it, but my expectations for this season just went way down. I'll be happy to just see them compete at this point. They would need to get both Reyes and Delgado back at the AS Break and go on a fucking TEAR to keep up with the Phillies and the now-improved Braves.

They've done a decent job making due with what they have right now until this Pirates series...but losing a guy like Reyes and continuing to stay competitive can only last so long.</font> :(

yeah i feel the same..and its not even like you can say the mets just suck this year. the injurys are insane. where would the phils be without howard and rollins. our fucking backup backups are getting hurt.

im just hoping we dont fall to far back and by the break get the team healthy and play with some fire and urgency

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I was at the Reds game tonight and this guy a couple rows in front of me kept holding up these stupid signs the whole game. Then one time, he held up a sign to the crowd that says "Betcha can't hit me with a quarter." People just start pelting him with shit. Coins, bottles, whatever. It was pretty hilarious.

[OssMan]

One of these days I am gonna bring a sign that says "You Spoony Bard" to Nationals Park and hold it up every time Josh Bard does something

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Ortiz getting his "eyes checked" on Monday and everyone is making a big deal out of it. Pretty sure he got his eyes checked at the beginning of the year (just like every other play in MLB) and they were fine. Really forcing it for ways to get out of this slump. Don't know what's gonna happen - it's June and the Red Sox still have a DH hitting under .200

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Why don't they just make up an injury for him and put him on the DL so he can have time to fix his swing

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

No idea and I haven't heard anything about the DL either.

[Big Fat Mike]

Ortiz' career is over. Sometimes guys just lose "it"...it happens. Im pretty sure Cecil Fielder lost it at 34, 35 too. Overweight first baseman/DH, anyone?

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Mo Vaughn had a similar end too I think

[Testicle]

Even if he has lost it, the Red Sox will do fine, they just swept the Tigers and are leading the East.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

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[SammyG]

38-19.

JUST SAYIN'

[ClockShot]

Been a long time since I've seen Mo lose his 9th inning magic.

[DaveWadding]

38-19.

JUST SAYIN'

25-9 AGAINST A DIVISION WITH ONLY ONE OTHER TEAM ABOVE 500


JUST SAYIN'

[RatedGSuperstar]

Prince Fielder...en fuego. Two more homers tonight.

Atlanta hasn't scored a run in 22 consecutive innings. Luckily they get Manny Parra tomorrow night. Parra gave up 10 runs to the Marlins in his last start and has the worst walk rate in the league. Considering that and the fact that the second coming of Cy Young is debuting tomorrow, it's safe to say I'm happy the Crew got the series win tonight.

[McLegend]

Brad Lidge you are terrible.

Jesus Christ.

[Skippord]

I know the Rockies aren't gonna do anything this year but Ian Stewart is on fire right now

[Testicle]

Yay, the tigers actually won a games! Woooo!

[OssMan]

lol @ Nationals complete game last night. Don't think I've ever been to a game where their starter goes 6+. I think everyone really needs to understand just how bad their pitching is. They are like 13-39 and top 5 guys are batting over .320.

[YOUR Hero]

Nationals have some hitters, for sure.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Guess Smoltz tore it up in his minor league start yesterday - still don't know what the Red Sox are going to do when they bring him up though. They would have 6 starting pitchers and I can't see any of them going to the pen other than Wakefield maybe? Wakefield's been pitching pretty well though...

Clay Buchholz has been lighting it up in the minors too recently, got some pitching options here. Wonder if they will make a move for a slugger w/ one of the pitchers if Ortiz continues to struggle (hit a HR but it was the shortest one I've ever seen - like 300 feet) Could go shortstop rental too, like a Wilson from the Pirates depending on how long Lowrie is going to be out for. Nick Green & Julio Lugo are both awful on defense right now, so many errors.

[The Gold Standard]

Nationals have some hitters, for sure.

If they get Strausburg and possibly get the1st pick next year and get that kid Bryce Harper. They will be looking good for the future.

[The Gold Standard]

YANKEES!!!

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Livan Hernandez has been great...admittedly his turns through the rotation seemingly always come up against bad teams, but still...good stuff. Glad they salvaged the series against the Nationals but still, 2-4 road trip against the Bucs and Nats, eek.

For the most part, their schedule up until the AS break now is pretty brutal:

3 vs. PHI
3 @ NYY
3 @ BAL
3 vs. TB
4 vs. STL
3 vs. NYY
3 @ MIL
1 @ PIT
3 @ PHI
3 vs. LAD
3 vs. CIN

And they'll be without Reyes for the majority of that stretch. Going .500 through those games would be pretty good as long as they can win the games they SHOULD win down the stretch, unlike the last two years.</font>

[SammyG]

20 games over .500.

JUST SAYIN

[RatedGSuperstar]

Bryce Harper's only a sophomore, I thought, so the Nats will have to tank next season, too. Of course, it's entirely possible they'll suck that long.

Adam Dunn has more home runs than the Nationals have wins. Think he can do it for the entire season? 55 or so should do it, right?

[OssMan]

The Nationals are gonna draft this guy Strasburg who is supposed to be one of those incredible ready-in-two-years Tim Lincecum kind of guys. The thing is Scott Boras is gonna demand 50 million dollars for him and the Nationals won't be able their pick, again.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Bryce Harper is looking for a ways to become draft eligible though. SI did a pretty big story on him, I'm not totally sure how they are going to do it but it basically said he'd be wasting his time facing high school competition for the next 2 years - he's that much better than everyone else.

He hit the longest homerun in the history of Tropicana Field already, granted it was with a metal bat during an HR derby contest but still

[YOUR Hero]

but still?

come'on

[Adder]

Opinions on this trade offer I received. (I have very poor production from my 3B position)

ROYALS (Players to Trade)

<TABLE class=teamtable id=statTable0 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 10px; WIDTH: 784px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 10px" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><THEAD><TR class=headerRow0 vAlign=bottom><TH class="player first"> </TH><TH class="opp wide"> </TH><TH class=group title=Rankings colSpan=2>Rankings
</TH><TH class=group title=Trends>Trends
</TH><TH class="group last" title=Batting colSpan=9>Batting
</TH></TR><TR class=headerRow1 vAlign=bottom><TH class="player first">Batters
</TH><TH class="opp wide">Opp: 6/9
</TH><TH class="stat wide">O-Rank
</TH><TH class="stat wide">Rank
</TH><TH class="stat wide">% Owned
</TH><TH class="stat wide">H/AB
</TH><TH class=stat>R
</TH><TH class=stat>H
</TH><TH class=stat>HR
</TH><TH class=stat>RBI
</TH><TH class=stat>SB
</TH><TH class=stat>TB
</TH><TH class=stat>AVG
</TH><TH class="stat last">OBP
</TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class="odd first last"><TD class="player first">Russell Branyan (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6149)
(Sea - 1B,3B) http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/fn/default/full/p_note.gif (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6149/news)
</TD><TD class="opp wide"> @Bal</TD><TD class="stat wide">355</TD><TD class="stat wide">-</TD><TD class="stat wide">71%</TD><TD class="stat wide">-/-</TD><TD class=stat>-</TD><TD class=stat>-</TD><TD class=stat>-</TD><TD class=stat>-</TD><TD class=stat>-</TD><TD class=stat>-</TD><TD class=stat>-</TD><TD class="stat last">-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=teamtable id=statTable1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 10px; WIDTH: 784px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 10px" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><THEAD><TR class=headerRow0 vAlign=bottom><TH class="player first"> </TH><TH class="opp wide"> </TH><TH class=group title=Rankings colSpan=2>Rankings
</TH><TH class=group title=Trends>Trends
</TH><TH class="group last" title=Pitching colSpan=7>Pitching
</TH></TR><TR class=headerRow1 vAlign=bottom><TH class="player first">Pitchers
</TH><TH class="opp wide">Opp: 6/9
</TH><TH class="stat wide">O-Rank
</TH><TH class="stat wide">Rank
</TH><TH class="stat wide">% Owned
</TH><TH class="stat wide">IP
</TH><TH class=stat>W
</TH><TH class=stat>SV
</TH><TH class=stat>K
</TH><TH class=stat>HLD
</TH><TH class=stat>ERA
</TH><TH class="stat last">WHIP
</TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class="odd first last"><TD class="player first">Daisuke Matsuzaka (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7906)
(Bos - SP) http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/fn/default/full/p_note.gif (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7906/news)
</TD><TD class="opp wide"> NYY</TD><TD class="stat wide">114</TD><TD class="stat wide">-</TD><TD class="stat wide">88%</TD><TD class="stat wide">-</TD><TD class=stat>-</TD><TD class=stat>-</TD><TD class=stat>-</TD><TD class=stat>-</TD><TD class=stat>-</TD><TD class="stat last">-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Black SOX (Players to Trade)

<TABLE class=teamtable id=statTable2 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 10px; WIDTH: 784px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 10px" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><THEAD><TR class=headerRow0 vAlign=bottom><TH class="player first"> </TH><TH class="opp wide"> </TH><TH class=group title=Rankings colSpan=2>Rankings
</TH><TH class=group title=Trends>Trends
</TH><TH class="group last" title=Batting colSpan=9>Batting
</TH></TR><TR class=headerRow1 vAlign=bottom><TH class="player first">Batters
</TH><TH class="opp wide">Opp: 6/9
</TH><TH class="stat wide">O-Rank
</TH><TH class="stat wide">Rank
</TH><TH class="stat wide">% Owned
</TH><TH class="stat wide">H/AB
</TH><TH class=stat>R
</TH><TH class=stat>H
</TH><TH class=stat>HR
</TH><TH class=stat>RBI
</TH><TH class=stat>SB
</TH><TH class=stat>TB
</TH><TH class=stat>AVG
</TH><TH class="stat last">OBP
</TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class="odd first last"><TD class="player first">Carlos Lee (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6161)
(Hou - OF) http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/fn/default/full/p_note.gif (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6161/news)
</TD><TD class="opp wide"> ChC</TD><TD class="stat wide">22</TD><TD class="stat wide">-</TD><TD class="stat wide">98%</TD><TD class="stat wide">-/-</TD><TD class=stat>-</TD><TD class=stat>-</TD><TD class=stat>-</TD><TD class=stat>-</TD><TD class=stat>-</TD><TD class=stat>-</TD><TD class=stat>-</TD><TD class="stat last">-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=teamtable id=statTable3 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 10px; WIDTH: 784px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 10px" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><THEAD><TR class=headerRow0 vAlign=bottom><TH class="player first"> </TH><TH class="opp wide"> </TH><TH class=group title=Rankings colSpan=2>Rankings
</TH><TH class=group title=Trends>Trends
</TH><TH class="group last" title=Pitching colSpan=7>Pitching
</TH></TR><TR class=headerRow1 vAlign=bottom><TH class="player first">Pitchers
</TH><TH class="opp wide">Opp: 6/9
</TH><TH class="stat wide">O-Rank
</TH><TH class="stat wide">Rank
</TH><TH class="stat wide">% Owned
</TH><TH class="stat wide">IP
</TH><TH class=stat>W
</TH><TH class=stat>SV
</TH><TH class=stat>K
</TH><TH class=stat>HLD
</TH><TH class=stat>ERA
</TH><TH class="stat last">WHIP
</TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class="odd first last"><TD class="player first">Jose Arredondo (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/8231)
(LAA - RP) http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/fn/default/full/p_note_none.gif (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/8231/news)
</TD><TD class="opp wide"> @TB</TD><TD class="stat wide">603</TD><TD class="stat wide">-</TD><TD class="stat wide">14%</TD><TD class="stat wide">-</TD><TD class=stat>-</TD><TD class=stat>-</TD><TD class=stat>-</TD><TD class=stat>-</TD><TD class=stat>-</TD><TD class="stat last">-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[Adder]

Crap, it didn't show this year's stats to date.

[Adder]

TRY IT AGAIN...


ROYALS (Players to Trade)

<TABLE class=teamtable id=statTable0 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 10px; WIDTH: 784px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 10px" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><THEAD><TR class=headerRow0 vAlign=bottom><TH class="player first"> </TH><TH class="opp wide"> </TH><TH class=group title=Rankings colSpan=2>Rankings
</TH><TH class=group title=Trends>Trends
</TH><TH class="group last" title=Batting colSpan=9>Batting
</TH></TR><TR class=headerRow1 vAlign=bottom><TH class="player first">Batters
</TH><TH class="opp wide">Opp: 6/9
</TH><TH class="stat wide">O-Rank
</TH><TH class="stat wide">Rank
</TH><TH class="stat wide">% Owned
</TH><TH class="stat wide">H/AB
</TH><TH class=stat>R
</TH><TH class=stat>H
</TH><TH class=stat>HR
</TH><TH class=stat>RBI
</TH><TH class=stat>SB
</TH><TH class=stat>TB
</TH><TH class=stat>AVG
</TH><TH class="stat last">OBP
</TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class="odd first last"><TD class="player first">Russell Branyan (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6149)
(Sea - 1B,3B) http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/fn/default/full/p_note.gif (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6149/news)
</TD><TD class="opp wide"> @Bal</TD><TD class="stat wide">355</TD><TD class="stat wide">62</TD><TD class="stat wide">71%</TD><TD class="stat wide">57/177</TD><TD class=stat>33</TD><TD class=stat>57</TD><TD class=stat>13</TD><TD class=stat>26</TD><TD class=stat>2</TD><TD class=stat>110</TD><TD class=stat>.322</TD><TD class="stat last">.424</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=teamtable id=statTable1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 10px; WIDTH: 784px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 10px" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><THEAD><TR class=headerRow0 vAlign=bottom><TH class="player first"> </TH><TH class="opp wide"> </TH><TH class=group title=Rankings colSpan=2>Rankings
</TH><TH class=group title=Trends>Trends
</TH><TH class="group last" title=Pitching colSpan=7>Pitching
</TH></TR><TR class=headerRow1 vAlign=bottom><TH class="player first">Pitchers
</TH><TH class="opp wide">Opp: 6/9
</TH><TH class="stat wide">O-Rank
</TH><TH class="stat wide">Rank
</TH><TH class="stat wide">% Owned
</TH><TH class="stat wide">IP
</TH><TH class=stat>W
</TH><TH class=stat>SV
</TH><TH class=stat>K
</TH><TH class=stat>HLD
</TH><TH class=stat>ERA
</TH><TH class="stat last">WHIP
</TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class="odd first last"><TD class="player first">Daisuke Matsuzaka (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7906)
(Bos - SP) http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/fn/default/full/p_note.gif (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7906/news)
</TD><TD class="opp wide"> NYY</TD><TD class="stat wide">114</TD><TD class="stat wide">996</TD><TD class="stat wide">88%</TD><TD class="stat wide">27.0</TD><TD class=stat>1</TD><TD class=stat>0</TD><TD class=stat>29</TD><TD class=stat>0</TD><TD class=stat>7.33</TD><TD class="stat last">2.11</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Black SOX (Players to Trade)

<TABLE class=teamtable id=statTable2 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 10px; WIDTH: 784px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 10px" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><THEAD><TR class=headerRow0 vAlign=bottom><TH class="player first"> </TH><TH class="opp wide"> </TH><TH class=group title=Rankings colSpan=2>Rankings
</TH><TH class=group title=Trends>Trends
</TH><TH class="group last" title=Batting colSpan=9>Batting
</TH></TR><TR class=headerRow1 vAlign=bottom><TH class="player first">Batters
</TH><TH class="opp wide">Opp: 6/9
</TH><TH class="stat wide">O-Rank
</TH><TH class="stat wide">Rank
</TH><TH class="stat wide">% Owned
</TH><TH class="stat wide">H/AB
</TH><TH class=stat>R
</TH><TH class=stat>H
</TH><TH class=stat>HR
</TH><TH class=stat>RBI
</TH><TH class=stat>SB
</TH><TH class=stat>TB
</TH><TH class=stat>AVG
</TH><TH class="stat last">OBP
</TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class="odd first last"><TD class="player first">Carlos Lee (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6161)
(Hou - OF) http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/fn/default/full/p_note.gif (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6161/news)
</TD><TD class="opp wide"> ChC</TD><TD class="stat wide">22</TD><TD class="stat wide">66</TD><TD class="stat wide">98%</TD><TD class="stat wide">68/212</TD><TD class=stat>28</TD><TD class=stat>68</TD><TD class=stat>10</TD><TD class=stat>38</TD><TD class=stat>1</TD><TD class=stat>112</TD><TD class=stat>.321</TD><TD class="stat last">.374</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=teamtable id=statTable3 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 10px; WIDTH: 784px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 10px" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><THEAD><TR class=headerRow0 vAlign=bottom><TH class="player first"> </TH><TH class="opp wide"> </TH><TH class=group title=Rankings colSpan=2>Rankings
</TH><TH class=group title=Trends>Trends
</TH><TH class="group last" title=Pitching colSpan=7>Pitching
</TH></TR><TR class=headerRow1 vAlign=bottom><TH class="player first">Pitchers
</TH><TH class="opp wide">Opp: 6/9
</TH><TH class="stat wide">O-Rank
</TH><TH class="stat wide">Rank
</TH><TH class="stat wide">% Owned
</TH><TH class="stat wide">IP
</TH><TH class=stat>W
</TH><TH class=stat>SV
</TH><TH class=stat>K
</TH><TH class=stat>HLD
</TH><TH class=stat>ERA
</TH><TH class="stat last">WHIP
</TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class="odd first last"><TD class="player first">Jose Arredondo (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/8231)
(LAA - RP) http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/fn/default/full/p_note_none.gif (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/8231/news)
</TD><TD class="opp wide"> @TB</TD><TD class="stat wide">603</TD><TD class="stat wide">791</TD><TD class="stat wide">14%</TD><TD class="stat wide">24.1</TD><TD class=stat>1</TD><TD class=stat>0</TD><TD class=stat>27</TD><TD class=stat>12</TD><TD class=stat>5.55</TD><TD class="stat last">1.64</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Branyan isn't going to be this good all year.</font>

[Adder]

Yeah that's what I'm thinking too, but the guy came up with a ton of hype and then didn't deliever so I get caught wondering if he's finally fitting the bill... my 3B is hitting .189 or something awful like that.

[Splaya]

See if you can trade someone for Aramis Ramirez and Aubrey Huff. Ramirez is hurt but is due back in a month and Huff is a nice little option till he gets back

[The Gold Standard]

Michael Kay was just giving a lecture about chewing Tobacco. I mean I agree with him, but he was scolding BJ Upton for having it, a little weird

[Triple Naitch]

Bryce Harper is looking for a ways to become draft eligible though. SI did a pretty big story on him, I'm not totally sure how they are going to do it but it basically said he'd be wasting his time facing high school competition for the next 2 years - he's that much better than everyone else.

He hit the longest homerun in the history of Tropicana Field already, granted it was with a metal bat during an HR derby contest but still

LeBron tried the same thing, but he wound up staying through high school.

[Dragon]

Every game at Yankee Stadium has had at least one HR this year. I dunno, even some of the ones that are hit far and would probably be out at most stadiums distance wise look like they are just flicked out to right field. Although I'm not sure if any HR is gonna beat Teixeira's broken bat one the other week.

Looking forward to the Boston series. Definitely a different team than the last time they faced.

[ClockShot]

Burnett and Sabathia will hold their own.

Wang is the question mark. Last year he took the Red Sox out behind Fenway and made them dig graves. Damn good ball game, too.

[Loose Cannon]

lol Carmona. maybe I will get to face him in one of my leagues soon enough

[Dragon]

Yeah, remember that game. Hopefully he gets on track and pitches decent. Obviously a good chance he will get bombed though.

Who's pitching for the Sox in the series?

[ClockShot]

Beckett, Wake, Penny.

[road doggy dogg]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4240352

Guy who killed Adenhart and 2 others pleaded not guilty today. Fucking cunt.
crossrine

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

but still?

come'on

I don't follow

[Triple Naitch]

If MLB teams were able to trade draft picks, how much do you think the Nationals could get for the #1 pick this year?

[Evil Vito]

If MLB teams were able to trade draft picks, how much do you think the Nationals could get for the #1 pick this year?

<font color=goldenrod>The MLB draft is so fucking enormous...I'm sure a team with 2 or 3 first rounders would flip all those plus second, third, and a shitload of lower picks for a guy like Strasburg.</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I offered Crimson Brandon Phillips straight up for Josh Hamilton and he rejected it. THANK GOD

[Triple Naitch]

I'm talking players, though. Do you trade your top prospect and/or rising star for him?

[RatedGSuperstar]

Strasburg's good, but I stick with what I know I have in my prospects/young players. There's really no such thing as a pitching prospect -- so many little things can go wrong along the way that could ruin a career (injuries, off-field problems, bad results in the minors, loss of control, etc.). If you're trading multiple draft picks, then it might be worth the gamble because the MLB draft is the biggest crapshoot in sports and you at least know Strasburg should be a serviceable compared to others in his draft class.

For Strasburg's sake I just hope the Nationals don't go nuts trying to push him through the system and have him throw tons of pitches in what are essentially meaningless ball games. I've seen the argument that he could possibly pitch in the majors as soon as this year, but that'd just be ridiculously stupid on their part. For a franchise like Washington that has to keep an eye on how they spend their money, you can't start his arby clock months after getting him. You look at what Tampa did with David Price and you follow that to a fucking t.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Red Sox rushed Craig Hensen through the system a few years ago and that didn't work out very well. Pretty sure he pitched in the majors the same year he was drafted

[RatedGSuperstar]

It is more common with college pitchers, but usually if a guy is pitching in the majors less than a calendar year after he's drafted it's in a relief role. Andrew Miller was pitching for Detroit in September of the year he was drafted, but I believe that's because it was written into his contract that Detroit was forced to bring him up (not surprisingly Miller's a Boras guy).

The Nationals could take that route with Strasburg, waiting to call him up until September when they wouldn't have to worry about his arby clock starting, and then send him back down to the minors to start next year. It'd be a decent way to see how he fares against big league pitching, not to mention it might actually get people to the ballpark if they think there's a chance they could see the franchise's savior on any given day.

[The Gold Standard]

Does anyone think MLB should be able to trade draft picks for people like the NFL and NBA?

[DaveBrawl]

Keeping Scott Boras away from the rookies and placing a limit on their salaries would be probably a big benefit to teams. The poor Nats suck and this is only going to make them better one start out of four or five at the best of points unless they trade him for a lot down the road. Taking $50 million from them isn't going to make them better, nor is it going to make this dude happy while he is wasting a potential (judging by all the hype haven't personally seen any of the guys work) HOF career for one of, if not the, worst teams in the sport.

Although if he can come in to work the 8th and 9th most nights they might be a lot better off because I can't count the number of games they have lost this season in those 2 innings alone.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Yeah Craig Hansen was a Boras guy as well.

Ortiz hit another homer tonight, hopefully his bat will finally wake up - has a 7 game hitting streak going right now.

[SammyG]

What is that, like 3 for the year?

[Big Fat Mike]

Im still saying that Ortiz is pretty much done career wise. Unless he gets to hit in front of jesus, he's not going to get many pitches to hit. And that meatball Burnett served up last night was right down the pipe.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

What is that, like 3 for the year?
Yeah but the last 2 have been pretty close together (although one of them was only like 310 feet down the line lol)

He has a 7 game hitting streak though, so that's a positive. Especially considering he went on streaks this year where he didn't get a single hit for like 7 or 8 games in a row

[screech]

Wang is off his game tonight.

And I am loving every minute of it.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

So what are everyone's thoughts about the possibility of the Nationals losing 120+ games this year? They're currently on pace for 119 but they could get even worse once they start dumping players. Guzman and Dunn are both making $8 million this season so you figure one or both of them will be gone. Don't really know anything about their farm system

[The Gold Standard]

If Hughes can keep the Yankees in the game and bring them into the 6th or 7th, I think he should get Wangs rotation spot.

Why not try Wang in the pen for a while. For the short amount of time he was in the pen he was dominant. I know he has been a great starter for his career, but if he doesn't have it this year why not try a different role? Then get him back in the rotation next year.

[The Gold Standard]

So what are everyone's thoughts about the possibility of the Nationals losing 120+ games this year? They're currently on pace for 119 but they could get even worse once they start dumping players. Guzman and Dunn are both making $8 million this season so you figure one or both of them will be gone. Don't really know anything about their farm system

Possibly, I don't think they will trade Dunn or Zimmerman (I know you didn't say him, but I brought him up anyway). They have young pitching and they are decent. No #1's but decent. I think they would really have to try to lose 120+. I don't see it happening.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Wow this 1st base ump in the Phillies/Mets game is horrible. Terrible calls on both sides including one that ended a Mets rally and cost them a run. If they go on to lose by 1 or something I'll be pissed.</font>

[Dragon]

The thing I'm most curious about with the Nats is if Adam Dunn can hit more HRs than the team wins games.

Dunn - 17
Nats - 15

[The Gold Standard]

The thing I'm most curious about with the Nats is if Adam Dunn can hit more HRs than the team wins games.

Dunn - 17
Nats - 15

Haha That is awesome

[The Gold Standard]

PUT HUGHES BACK IN THE ROTATION!!

[Dragon]

Pretty puzzling move by Girardi. Swisher gets on so he brings in Gardner to pinch run. Instead of letting him try and steal he bunts him to second. At least let him steal and then bunt him over.

[The Gold Standard]

Pretty puzzling move by Girardi. Swisher gets on so he brings in Gardner to pinch run. Instead of letting him try and steal he bunts him to second. At least let him steal and then bunt him over.

I couldn't agree more. I was saying the same thing when it happened.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Wow this 1st base ump in the Phillies/Mets game is horrible. Terrible calls on both sides including one that ended a Mets rally and cost them a run. If they go on to lose by 1 or something I'll be pissed.

:o

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Teixeria is gonna hit 60 home runs

[Dragon]

Yeah, I hate to think where the Yankees would be right now if Teixeira had actually ended up going to Boston.

[Evil Vito]

:o

<font color=goldenrod>Yep, awful.</font> :nono:

[RatedGSuperstar]

I'm pretty sure the Rockies would win every division game if they played in the NL Central. Seven wins in a row now, with six of those coming against the Cardinals and Brewers.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

I'm sure there has been guys on the Red Sox who have taken steroids but I don't care, this is still awesome. Haven't heard a crowd flat out chant "You do steroids" before

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[Skippord]

I'm pretty sure the Rockies would win every division game if they played in the NL Central. Seven wins in a row now, with six of those coming against the Cardinals and Brewers.
stupid Colorado being too far West

[SammyG]

lol that sounds like some WWE Chant

[ClockShot]

*sigh*

0-7 against Boston. What are the odds we actually win one this year?

[ClockShot]

Oh, and don't say Raul Ibanez takes "performance enhancing drugs". Or he'll come after you.

[Innovator]

It's June 11th and it's an October game for the Yankees. CC better show up tonight

[ClockShot]

Rangers sign Orlando Hernandez to a minor league deal.

[RoXer]

Are you a male who'd like to make $100 the sleazy way? Then I have a deal for you, but you have to act by June 25, 2009.

Of course, you'll have to cash in your basic moral decency to do it and incur the wrath of every woman in your life -- including your mom -- and feel worse about yourself than Sanjaya's barber. But we're talking $100!

Here's how to do it, but I wouldn't let the wife read this:

It so happens that on May 8, 2004, the Oakland A's had a Mother's Day promotion. There was a fight-breast-cancer 5K run before the game, free mammograms and the first 7,500 women through the gate got floppy plaid sun hats from Macy's. Nice day for the ladies.

Except that last part really hacked off a man named Alfred G. Rava. He was incensed that men weren't getting a floppy plaid sun hat for Mother's Day. He was so mad about it that he sued.

It gets worse. He has nearly won. A judge has given preliminary approval to a $510,000 settlement -- roughly half to lawyers and the rest to the "victims" -- the poor, downtrodden gender-disadvantaged waifs like Rava who didn't get their floppy Mother's Day hats. This is where you come in.

If you can prove you were one of the first 7,500 people there that day, you get $50 in cash, two-for-one A's tickets and a $25 Macy's coupon. It won't be hard. All you have to do is (A) state under oath that you are a male, (B) show some kind of receipt for your ticket and (C) swear you were there early. That's good enough. There's no video, and nobody's going to spend $5,000 deposing you over $100.

So how many guys have lined up to get their rightful floppy-hat-equivalent payment that was stolen from them by those selfish Mother's Day-manipulating women? "Well, I haven't taken a single call so far," said the 1-888 operator at the firm handling claims. "And I'm here just about every day."

A's fans are not just ignoring Rava in droves; they're pissed. "The entire settlement should be donated to the Breast Care Center at UCSF," says A's fan Ben Huber. "No good deed goes unpunished."

Isn't it good to know that most American males still have a spine? Save for (cough, cough) one.

Turns out Rava is a lawyer. In fact, this is not his first men-inism lawsuit. He's been part of more than 40 male anti-discrimination lawsuits, sometimes as the plaintiff, like in Oakland, and sometimes as the plaintiff's lawyer. He has sued Club Med over a ladies-only promotion. He's sued the Angels for giving away a $1.45 tote bag to women in 2005. He has sued restaurants and nightclubs and theater companies. Mr. Rava gets incensed a lot.

Oh, and he doesn't even work in Oakland. He works in San Diego. Gee, I wonder what a sue-happy lawyer from San Diego would be doing at an A's-Twins game the very day that they were holding a women-only giveaway? I called and asked.

But Rava wouldn't say.

"Season-ticket holder?" I asked.

Rava wouldn't say.

"You went to a game on Mother's Day, to a game that was promoting breast cancer awareness, and you felt victimized by not getting a floppy plaid sun hat?"

Rava insisted it was a fishing hat.

And he thinks the fact he didn't get one is offensive. Not just to him, he says, but to the state of California, "which has a very strong policy against discriminating on the basis of sex."

"Dude!"

"Look," Rava says, "if ESPN were giving away free autographed Nolan Ryan baseballs to men only on Father's Day, would that be fair?"

"These weren't autographed baseballs. They were women's sun hats. Plaid, floppy sun hats."

Rava: "Fishing hats."

I'm surprised he didn't want his free mammogram, too.

Personally, I find Mr. Rava as odorous as a bag of dyspeptic hamsters. He's a greasy manipulator who has found a small leak in American law and stuck an open wallet under it. When they wrote California's Unruh Civil Rights Act in 1959 -- the act Rava sues with -- they never thought soulless creatures like him would someday slink about the earth.

We are not a collection of legal briefs, appellate rulings and city ordinances. We are people. We are grandfathers and sisters and uncles and girlfriends, all woven into the fabric of this wonderful thing called sports. And if once in a while we want to do something nice for each other -- and not want anything for ourselves -- is that so wrong?

What are you going to do, sue?

Yes, Al Rava is going to sue and keep suing. What's next, Mr. Rava? Kids' Helmet Night? (Age discrimination!) Wheelchairs along the rail with a view? (Health discrimination!) Mullets Get in Free Day? (Clean-hair statutes!) Lawyers like Rava suck the fun out of everything.

What's amazing is that Rava's own mother died of breast cancer at age 53. How would she feel about his crass-action lawsuit?

"I am sure my mom would be proud of my lawsuit against this major league baseball franchise that denied male and female consumers under 18 years of age free fishing hats based on sex and age," he says.

Sun hats, tool.

[The Gold Standard]

Swish is an idiot

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Raul Ibanez is on something. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind about it. Just hit his 21st home run of the year in extra innings. He had 23 all of last year.

CBP is fucking tiny, but his home and away splits are similar. Pretty sure MLB drug policy still only has one required random test and after you take that, you don't need to take anymore. So once you take your test, you can theoretically do whatever the fuck you want.

God dammit.</font>

[The Gold Standard]

I thought Ibanez was going to be good in that park, but not this good. This is just insane.

[Triple Naitch]

Anyone else fill out their all-star ballots yet?

American League

<dl><dt>First Base:</dt><dd><script type="text/javascript">writeValue('al_1b','al')</script>Youkilis, K., BOS</dd><dt>Second Base:</dt><dd><script type="text/javascript">writeValue('al_2b','al')</script>Pedroia, D., BOS</dd><dt>Third Base:</dt><dd><script type="text/javascript">writeValue('al_3b','al')</script>Longoria, E., TB</dd><dt>Shortstop:</dt><dd><script type="text/javascript">writeValue('al_ss','al')</script>Ramirez, A., CWS</dd><dt>Catcher:</dt><dd><script type="text/javascript">writeValue('al_ca','al')</script>Mauer, J., MIN</dd><dt>Outfielder:</dt><dd><script type="text/javascript">writeValue('al_o0','al')</script>Bay, J., BOS</dd><dt>Outfielder:</dt><dd><script type="text/javascript">writeValue('al_o1','al')</script>Cruz, N., TEX</dd><dt>Outfielder:</dt><dd><script type="text/javascript">writeValue('al_o2','al')</script>Jones, A., BAL</dd><dt>Write-in:</dt><dd><script type="text/javascript"> writeValue('al_w1f','al'); document.write(" "); writeValue('al_w1l','al')</script>
</dd></dl>
National League

<dl><dt>First Base:</dt><dd><script type="text/javascript">writeValue('nl_1b','nl')</script>Pujols, A., STL</dd><dt>Second Base:</dt><dd><script type="text/javascript">writeValue('nl_2b','nl')</script>Utley, C., PHI</dd><dt>Third Base:</dt><dd><script type="text/javascript">writeValue('nl_3b','nl')</script>Wright, D., NYM</dd><dt>Shortstop:</dt><dd><script type="text/javascript">writeValue('nl_ss','nl')</script>Ramirez, H., FLA</dd><dt>Catcher:</dt><dd><script type="text/javascript">writeValue('nl_ca','nl')</script>McCann, B., ATL</dd><dt>Outfielder:</dt><dd><script type="text/javascript">writeValue('nl_o0','nl')</script>Braun, R., MIL</dd><dt>Outfielder:</dt><dd><script type="text/javascript">writeValue('nl_o1','nl')</script>Ibañez, R., PHI</dd><dt>Outfielder:</dt><dd><script type="text/javascript">writeValue('nl_o2','nl')</script>Upton, J., ARI</dd></dl>

[Dragon]

Pretty brutal series but whatever. Much rather be 0-8 against the Sox and only 2 games back than be in the same position of years past and be digging ourselves out of a huge hole in the standings. Yanks have a winning record against every team besides Boston, so it really is only the Sox giving them fits.

Hopefully they beat up on some of these NL teams now.

[DaveWadding]

National League

Outfielder:</dt><dd><script type="text/javascript">writeValue('nl_o2','nl')</script>Upton, J., ARI</dd></dl>

:love:

[Big Fat Mike]

Fucking Yankees suck. So pissed off right now. Lost a bet because of Girardi leaving CC in for too long, and now I have to wear womens clothing. Awesome.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Jason Bay for MVP

[McLegend]

I love Raul Ibanez.

[SammyG]

I love the team with the best record in baseball.

[YOUR Hero]

Raul is awesome. I wish he got a deserving spotlight, not this nonsense.

[ClockShot]

0-8. Going to bed at the top of the 7th last night with a lead, I hope to wake up and see we went 1-7.

You think the master plan for the Yankees right now is kick ass across the country, but when it comes to Boston just roll over?

[ClockShot]

Fucking Joba.

Is he trying to be an instigator?

[Dragon]

LMAO. I love the Mets. Possibly the only team less clutch than the Yankees have been lately.

Men on 1st and 2nd with 2 outs, A-Rod up and he pops it up to second. Castillo then drops it and 2 runs score for the Yankees win.

[Innovator]

Thanks Castillo

[SammyG]

lollll wow

[Loose Cannon]

wow, just saw what happened. shit like that just happens. what can you do but just move on

big break there.

[RatedGSuperstar]

http://www.fangraphs.com/lgraphs/290612110_Mets_Yankees_130993451_lbig.png

Lawl.

[The Gold Standard]

I can't believe Castillo dropped that ball. He is going to be ripped apart by everyone the rest of the season. Orlando Hudson will be at 2nd base for the Mets next year.


THANK YOU CASTILLO!! GO YANKEES!!

[Loose Cannon]

I don't get that graph at all

[Big Fat Mike]

Maybe should have done a Mets-Yankees Flow/Pie chart instead.

[Nervous Ferret]

It is the chance of winning chart? Like after Matsui's home run the Yankees had a 70% chance or so of winning, and just before Castillo dropped the ball there was about a 90% chance the Mets would win :shifty:

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

lol saw the highlight with Michael Kay commentating, cannot stand that guy.

[RatedGSuperstar]

It is the chance of winning chart? Like after Matsui's home run the Yankees had a 70% chance or so of winning, and just before Castillo dropped the ball there was about a 90% chance the Mets would win :shifty:

Yep.

It's a win expectancy chart from FanGraphs.com. They keep track of every event in every game and calculate which team has the best chance of winning at any given point in the game.

Needless to say, a jump like that at the end of the game is pretty much unheard of. The Yankees went from a 20-25% chance of winning in that situation to winning the game.

[OssMan]

Yep.

It's a win expectancy chart from FanGraphs.com. They keep track of every event in every game and calculate which team has the best chance of winning at any given point in the game.

Needless to say, a jump like that at the end of the game is pretty much unheard of. The Yankees went from a 20-25% chance of winning in that situation to winning the game.
What? How would it be any different from someone hitting a 3 run homer in that situation

[ClockShot]

:rofl:

That's right. Take your sorry asses back to Queens. And don't forget to dig up Santana from behind the stadium.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Turns out Johan has been pitching with a blister on his middle finger...to which I say thank God there's a reason he's not been good lately, and simply dreadful yesterday. His ERA ballooned almost a full run yesterday.

Damn depressing series though. Friday's loss was one of the few instances where it is 100% the fault of one guy. Everything that happened before meant nothing when the ball is in your goddamn glove. Fucking Castillo. Fuck-ups like Castillo's drop and Church missing 3rd base will define the Mets' 2009 season.</font>

[RatedGSuperstar]

Indians nearly blow an 8-3 lead and then blow a 12-7 lead to the Brewers, losing 14-12. Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun combined for 11 of the 14 RBI. That Cleveland bullpen is beyond brutal, and Kerry Wood didn't even get a chance to blow a save. :)

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>and to the surprise of no one, Sammy Sosa did roids in 2003.

that's 2 out of 103 names now....just release the rest ffs</font>

[ClockShot]

Brian Bruney just got activated from the DL. And the winner of the contest of who gets sent down or DFA'd is.............................Jose Veras.

He got DFA'd. Anyone interested?

[Dragon]

Brian Bruney just got activated from the DL. And the winner of the contest of who gets sent down or DFA'd is.............................Jose Veras.

He got DFA'd. Anyone interested?

Kind of amazing that Angel Berroa survived the cut again. He gets into about one game a month.

Anyway, someone will probably pick Veras up off waivers. A hard thrower will always get interest from teams.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Good lord, I've said it before and I'll say it again: K-Rod will kill me by the end of the year. Always gets the job done (as long as certain people catch the ball), but man he always allow the tying runs to get on at minimum.</font>

[RatedGSuperstar]

That's the way K-Rod's always been, though. Even last year when he broke the saves record he didn't have as many 1-2-3 outings as you'd expect.

Brewers win again. I think they should move back to the AL at this rate.

[ClockShot]

Your 2009 MLB All-Star game managers and assistants.

It's old school vs. new school this year.

For the NL, Charlie Manuel is calling on skippers Joe Torre and Tony La Russa to back him up.

On the AL side, Joe Maddon brings on Trey Hillman and Don Wakamatsu.

[The Gold Standard]

What a bomb by Adam Dunn

[ClockShot]

Shhhh. Wang is in a groove right now.

[Evil Vito]

Your 2009 MLB All-Star game managers and assistants.

It's old school vs. new school this year.

For the NL, Charlie Manuel is calling on skippers Joe Torre and Tony La Russa to back him up.

On the AL side, Joe Maddon brings on Trey Hillman and Don Wakamatsu.

<font color=goldenrod>What exactly is the point of the assistant managers? Every year I notice that the two managers bring their whole coaching staffs along anyway. More than anything else, it seems like it's just an excuse to get the manager of the home city an ovation if he's not the one managing the game. :o

Anyway, Jimmy Rollins is still leading the NL Shortstop ballot. What a joke.</font>

[The Gold Standard]

HE WAS OUT. Terrible call by the umpire

[Loose Cannon]

wow, Wang with a 5 hitter. remarkable.


and yea Vito, they need to release all of those names.

[The Gold Standard]

Well i think it is a step in the right direction for Wang

[The Gold Standard]

ROBBY CANO!!

[Evil Vito]

wow, Wang with a 5 hitter. remarkable.


and yea Vito, they need to release all of those names.

<font color=goldenrod>Bill Plaschke had a good idea on Around the Horn today. The players union should come out and say "OK, we're releasing the list in a week, you have one week to come forward on your own"

Let's some people fess up to it on their own...gets the names out there ultimately, protects the innocent, etc.</font>

[Big Fat Mike]

Adam Dunn still has more home runs than the team has wins.

[The Gold Standard]

You don't notice this because of A-Rod, but Cano does not get many clutch hits.

I love Cano. I think he can be a top player it the league. He had one last night, but if you look back, they are rare. Most of his homeruns are solo

[Dragon]

<font color=goldenrod>Bill Plaschke had a good idea on Around the Horn today. The players union should come out and say "OK, we're releasing the list in a week, you have one week to come forward on your own"

Let's some people fess up to it on their own...gets the names out there ultimately, protects the innocent, etc.</font>

Yeah, they really should just do it. If not names will be brought out every couple months and it'll never end. At least if you get those names out you get some type of "closure" on the steroid era. Obviously the list doesn't tell even a part of the story of how many people were on them but it could help in putting some of that stuff behind the game.

[RatedGSuperstar]

Doing the math, the testing results average out to about 2-3 players testing positive per team, and like Dragon said that's only a part of the story. The players knew the tests were coming, so these 104 were the only ones dumb enough to still test positive.

After seeing the Brewers/Indians series, I'd hate to be a Tribe fan right now. They had the game tied at 3 in the middle innings, the bullpen coughed up 5 runs to put them down 8-4 heading into the 9th inning, they score 4 in the bottom of the 9th to send it into extras, and then the bullpen loses it for them again in the 11th. Ouch.

[Gertner]

good lord. Halladay, Downs and Janssen on the dl.

They join McGowen, Marcum and Litsch. Jays have no hitters on the dl and six pitchers. 5 of them starters, plus our closer.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Penny with another good game, Red Sox have a lot of starting pitching depth right now - almost too much. I dunno how the 6 man rotation is gonna work...

[ClockShot]

Wow Girardi. Not even a steal or bunt sign for when Robbie was at the plate.

In Manny news, he's gonna start A-ball next week. According to the numbers, he's elligible to start back with the Dodgers July 3rd.

[OssMan]

whoa. Just saw that Albert Pujols hit a 2 run sacrifice fly a few weeks ago. When was the last time that happened?

[McLegend]

Raul Ibanez on 15 day DL with a strained groan.

That's not good

[Supreme Olajuwon]

whoa. Just saw that Albert Pujols hit a 2 run sacrifice fly a few weeks ago. When was the last time that happened?
It actually happened twice in 2008.

I mean I guess it's really not that difficult to set up if you've got a speedy guy at second and the outfielder falls down making the catch.

[DaveWadding]

and the Cubs beat the Sox with a 2 out blooper by The Fonz.

http://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/2005/12/08/PH2005120800041.jpg

EYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

[Dragon]

Wow.

Pretty hard to explain killing Santana one day and then scoring 3 runs over a whole series over the Nationals starters.

Actually kind of amazing how non-existant the Yankees offense was this series.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>K-Rod blows his first save (well, first blown save that was his own fault) today as the Orioles take 2 out of 3. Ouch. The fact that they are only still 3 down from the Phillies is a miracle.

If they can stay relatively close when Reyes and Delgado (and then later on Wagner and Putz) come back...I still like their chances. But that seems like a tall order when they are sucking terribly like they are right now.</font>

[Gertner]

Jays just swept the Phillies on the road. I don't believe it.

[ClockShot]

So the game did go on. Wonder how many people showed up since it was originally supposed to be an afternoon game.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Went to the Sox game last night at the last minute, missed the 1st inning (when all 3 runs in the game were scored) then the game got called in the top of the 6th...damn

[ClockShot]

Tiggers must really like Jim Leyland. He's gonna hang around till 2011.

[The Gold Standard]

The Yankees look terrible against the worst team in baseball. How is that possible? The Nats suck.

They made the Yankees look terrible this week.

[ClockShot]

Yankees gotta get going again. Blue Jays are rebounding from that 9 game skid and are only a game behind us.

A-Rod is down for 2 games and Girardi had a chat with "The Boss". We'll see where it goes tonight.

[Innovator]

PETTITE

[ClockShot]

PETTITE

Yeah man. I popped for that too.

Let's hope he doesn't fuck it up like Wang last year.

[Innovator]

RBI double, scoring on a Damon single. good job Andy

[SammyG]

21 games over .500 what

[ClockShot]

Hey, you guys remember Shawn Chacon? You know the pitcher for the Astros last year and he went at it with the GM and got released and we haven't heard from him since?

He's back. Got himself a minor league deal with the A's.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Civil Rights Game today at Great American. Reds and White Sox have their 60's throwbacks on. Reds look SEXY

[The Gold Standard]

Josh Johnson is very good. When he is a free agent he will get a lot of money.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Dice-K put on the DL, I think his injury is he lacks the ability to get outs

[SammyG]

Watching the Dodgers beat the Angels is always odd. Just not used to it. Any AL team, really.

[ClockShot]

Get the fire extinguisher ready, Girardi is gonna burn through the bullpen.

[Innovator]

Fuck, keep Ace out there

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Jesus Christ. Phillies get swept by the Orioles. Mets are so lucky to still only be 2 games out of first.

I don't know what the hell has happened to Bobby Parnell. He had a 1.96 ERA when JJ Putz went down and he was to be relied on more...seven appearances later and he has yet to have an effective appearance and his ERA is now at an even 5.00 after today's debacle.</font>

[ClockShot]

Dammit.

Maybe we should have kept Veras.

[Innovator]

Wang pitching Tuesday with the healthy ERA of 12.65

[Droford]

Jesus Christ. Phillies get swept by the Orioles. Mets are so lucky to still only be 2 games out of first.

I don't know what the hell has happened to Bobby Parnell. He had a 1.96 ERA when JJ Putz went down and he was to be relied on more...seven appearances later and he has yet to have an effective appearance and his ERA is now at an even 5.00 after today's debacle.

The Os have been playing much better since dumping 1/4 of the team and bringing up rookies like Berken, Bergesen, Reimold, and Wieters. Reimold is on a pace for close to 30 HRs despite missing the first month or so and is in contention early for AL ROY. Bergesen has settled in as one of the Os best starters.

The scary thing is theres still about 4 pitchers down in AAA/AA that could be brought up that might be better than Bergesen and Berken. Things are looking up in Baltimore for once..

[Dragon]

Man, the Yankees offense has been terrible this past week. The past 5 games (before this one) they've given up 2, 1, 3, 3 and 3 runs in games and have gone 2-3.

[The Gold Standard]

The Yankees are stinking up the place

[SammyG]

lol @ the Angels having bases loaded no outs and not scoring a run

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Jesus Christ. This is just insane. Carlos Beltran has been placed on the disabled list. The Mets called up Fernando Martinez despite just sending him down Friday...and despite him clearly not looking ready for big league hitting.

Worse yet, just a few hours before Beltran went on the DL they released Javier Valentin, Wily Mo Pena, and Bobby Kielty from Triple A...the latter two could at least play the outfield and provide veteran experience, unlike Martinez.

Fuck.</font>

[The Gold Standard]

Did anyone see the lineup the Mets are putting out there today? I am not a Mets fan, but I am even frustrated with this team. They need to make a move. However, they won't.

[screech]

The Yankees are stinking up the place

It's great, isn't it?

[parkmania]

Man, I am really thinking it'll be better to go ahead and take the cap hit for my fantasy team next year and go ahead and drop Sabathia. The only reason I haven't already is that I know as soon as I do, he's gonna start tearing up the opposition again. <sigh>

[YOUR Hero]

Jays just swept the Phillies on the road. I don't believe it.

Thank God for the Nationals.

[YOUR Hero]

Jesus Christ. This is just insane. Carlos Beltran has been placed on the disabled list. The Mets called up Fernando Martinez despite just sending him down Friday...and despite him clearly not looking ready for big league hitting.

Worse yet, just a few hours before Beltran went on the DL they released Javier Valentin, Wily Mo Pena, and Bobby Kielty from Triple A...the latter two could at least play the outfield and provide veteran experience, unlike Martinez.

Fuck.

None of those guys would have filled the hole.

[Evil Vito]

None of those guys would have filled the hole.

<font color=goldenrod>Oh absolutely...not many can fill the hole. I just figured it would have been more sensible to call up a vet who could at least potentially produce for a couple of weeks before the league catches up to them again rather than a guy who looks overmatched.

But ah well...they won last night, they looked decent despite having a lineup out there with less total home runs combined than Pujols this year.

Going tonight, pretty pumped. Hopefully I can see my first Mets victory at Citi.</font>

[ClockShot]

Indians DFA Luis Vizcaino.

He was a decent workhorse for the Yankees. Wouldn't be a idea if we inquired.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Joey Votto is back. Thank the good lord.

Now bring on those Blue Jays and they're loser fan base full of stupid jerk losers.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Ryne Sandberg came out and said there is no way Sammy Sosa should be allowed in the Hall of Fame. Nice.

[Innovator]

The Wang is starting, I hope the bleachers in Atlanta brought their gloves

[Innovator]

Oh jesus, he has to hit also. If he hits a bag he's done

[Gertner]

Marco Scutaro needs to be an all star. He's been the best SS in the AL this year.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Wow Yankees lost again and Red Sox just won 11-3. Up 5 games in the AL East now

[YOUR Hero]

Nice game, Supreme. Thanks for coming.

[YOUR Hero]

Marco Scutaro needs to be an all star. He's been the best SS in the AL this year.

Best is a stretch, but he's been allstar worthy. I hope he can keep it up.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

No idea why Owings was still pitching as late as he was. Come on, Dusty. Trust the pen

[Gertner]

Best is a stretch, but he's been allstar worthy. I hope he can keep it up.

Who's been better in the AL?

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Are you serious?

Jason Bartlett's batting average is like .070 higher than Scutaro's. Jeter is having a similar year to Scutaro as well - if not better.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Bartlett's been great. Sucks he had to go on the DL.

[Skippord]

kind of bummed about losing to the Angels

mostly cause of Fuentes closing it out

[ClockShot]

Jesus. Both New York teams shut out on the same night.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah, if Jeremy Reed didn't single in the 9th this would have been the second one-hitter I've seen live (the first being Steve Trachsel against the Rockies in 2003).

Hard to believe though. 53 minute rain delay and it still was only about 2 hours of actual game. Eerily similar to the 3-0 shutout Pineiro pitched against the Mets in late 2007 down the stretch.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Also, holy shit Albert Pujols. He is perfect with the bases loaded this year. Anybody who doesn't think he is the best player in baseball should have their opinions forever null-and-voided. There are some damn good players in baseball and I must say it's rather scary how Pujols has completely jumped ahead of pretty much all of them.</font>

[YOUR Hero]

roids will do that.

[Gertner]

Are you serious?

Jason Bartlett's batting average is like .070 higher than Scutaro's. Jeter is having a similar year to Scutaro as well - if not better.

Scutaro has reached base more than anybody in the majors. Amoung shortstops he's first in hits, walks, doubles, is batting .299 with 6 hr and 31 rbi's, tied with Jeter in total bases, scored more runs than any shortstop in baseball and second in on base percentage and has commited only 1 error.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

The Blue Jays seem like this is the year they are poised to make a run to the postseason if they ever get healthy.

And they better do it this season because isn't this the last year before that stupid extension they gave to Vernon Wells makes their payroll spike? Something like $85 Million over the last 4 years right? Dumb.

[Gertner]

Yes, that was another brilliant j.p move.

Jays pitching needs to get healthy fast.

[Dragon]

Up until a week or so ago the Yankees were the last team in baseball to be undefeated when the other team scores 3 runs or less. Over the past week they've lost 3 games like that.

Pretty amazing how every single guy in the lineup is hittting so terribly right now. Bullpen has really stepped up and the starting pitching hasn't been bad though.

[SammyG]

Anyone ready to give Dodgers credit yet?

[Jeritron]

I will when they make the playoffs. And even then, a lot can happen. Remember when the Mariners had the best regular season record of all time? Funny thing is, you might not because they go bounced with ease.

[RatedGSuperstar]

I've thought the Dodgers were the best team in the NL since about early May, and Manny's suspension didn't really change that. With him, they're probably the best all-around team in the NL, if not the Majors.

But like Jeritron said, the MLB playoffs are a total crapshoot. The Cubs were probably the best overall team in baseball last year and got swept by your Dodgers. Anything can happen in the span of three series.

On another note, it'd be nice if the Brewers could beat the Twins once this year. Ridiculous that they hold Mauer hitless last night but Carlos Gomez gets on base three times and drives in a pair.

[Triple Naitch]

Bryce Harper is dropping out of high school and going to get his GED followed by going to South Nevada CC. He will be eligible for the 2010 Rule 4 Draft.

[ClockShot]

Yanks DFA Angel Berroa to make room for Cody Ransom.

Indians pick up Jose Veras.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Wow. Wish I could have gone to tonight's game instead. Mets assrape the Cards 11-0. Fernando Nieve has been fantastic.

Johan Santana vs. Chris Carpenter tomorrow - I must admit I have a bad feeling every time Santana has to go up against another team's ace, because the Mets can never score for him. Should be a fun game though.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Fuck...K-Rod coming in the bottom of the 9th with a 3-2 lead, Pujols bats 3rd in the inning. I have a terrible feeling he WILL fuck it up for Johan.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Well...he came close, but got the save. K-Rod is tied for the league lead with his 20th save. Santana gets his first win in forever. Mets finally win a series.

GOOOOOOD times. If they can win a series against the Yanks I'll be real pumped.</font>

[ClockShot]

So Frank Thomas says he's "close" to retiring. But he's still staying in shape in case someone sends a contract his way at the last minute.

So given that Sosa opened his mouth about "waiting for the call to the Hall of Fame" and later we discover he's one of the 104, think everybody is gonna go digging for dirt on The Big Hurt?

[Gertner]

lol poor bronson arroyo

[RatedGSuperstar]

Thank Christ interleague play is over for the Brewers. Looks like the rest of the NL Central will be happy to leave it behind them, too.

So Frank Thomas says he's "close" to retiring. But he's still staying in shape in case someone sends a contract his way at the last minute.

So given that Sosa opened his mouth about "waiting for the call to the Hall of Fame" and later we discover he's one of the 104, think everybody is gonna go digging for dirt on The Big Hurt?

Thomas is one of the few that I actually believe stayed clean. Yeah, he's huge, but he's been huge since the time he was 18 years old and playing at Auburn. He's one of a few players that would probably throw the media into a giant shitstorm if it ever came out that he used in the 90's, too (off the top of my head, others being Ken Griffey Jr, the Atlanta trio of Maddux/Smoltz/Glavine, and any "true" Yankees).

[Dragon]

I'm pretty sure Frank Thomas has been pretty vocal against steroids for a while now and suggested steroid testing a while before it was actually implemented. Doesn't mean he never did anything, but it would be more surprising considering how vocal he's been about it.

[Gertner]

Brandon League is god awful

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Anyone ready to give Dodgers credit yet?
Dodges are good and are obviously gonna make the playoffs where anything can happen but I'd be surprised if they won it all. Can't lie though I was surprised last year when the Phillies won.

[Terra Ryzin]

<font color=goldenrod>Well...he came close, but got the save. K-Rod is tied for the league lead with his 20th save. Santana gets his first win in forever. Mets finally win a series.

GOOOOOOD times. If they can win a series against the Yanks I'll be real pumped.</font>

great series for the mets!

as bad as the mets been at times..with all their injuries they arent packing it in. they are showing some real heart and playing good ball with a patched together line up.

no beltran, reyes, delgado, putz, maine, perez and scheider,church(back now)..back ups martinez and pagan annnd only a .5 game back from the slumping phils...cant complain

[ClockShot]

A few bits.

A quiet trade went down. Reds trade Norris Hopper to the White Sox for Corky Miller.

Former Yankee Andy Phillips went to Japan. Signed a 1-year, 400K deal with the Hiroshima Carp.

[DAMN iNATOR]

Tigers are actually 10 games over .500 (41-31):eek: and have a 5-game lead over Minnesota...awesome.

[ClockShot]

Sidney Ponson popped positive for a stimulant during the WBC.

Banned of international competition for 2 years, MLB is gonna give him a slap on the wrist.

[ClockShot]

Nady's done for the year. Re-injured his elbow during a rehab game.

Congrats, Swisher. The job is yours.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Cool, already the 2nd inning and the Mets once again look like laughingstocks.</font> :(

[Hanso Amore]

Nady's done for the year. Re-injured his elbow during a rehab game.

Congrats, Swisher. The job is yours.

Mark Teahan , here we come.

[Dragon]

Man the AL East is ridiculous this year. Just as crazy as everyone expected it to be.

The 4th place team in the AL East would be leading two divisions in the NL.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

AL East is crazy and the National League sucks, not surprised the 4th place team would be leading 2 divisions

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

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lol Josh Beckett shitting on the hot on field reporter for the Red Sox

[DAMN iNATOR]

Well so much for Detroit's 7-game winning streak...

[SammyG]

Yo Stima, Dodgers would be leading any division in the AL right now..