Christian Petersen - Getty Images
Alberto Castillo is one of five left-handed pitchers signed to minor league deals who will be in big league camp with the Dodgers next week.
Alberto Castillo is a testament to perseverance. The left-handed reliever is one of five southpaw non-roster invitees to spring training vying for a spot in the Dodgers bullpen, but Castillo's story is by far the most remarkable. Born in La Habana, Cuba in 1975, Castillo was on the Cuban junior national team at the Junior World Championships in Windsor, Ontario, Canada as an 18-year old in 1993.
With the specter of a mandatory two-year term in the Cuban military looming, Castillo had other ideas, per the Hampton Road (Virginia) Daily Press:
The plan was for Castillo to slip through the lobby of the university dormitory in which his team was staying and be picked up outside at 3 a.m. The Cubans had won the world title the day before, as Castillo had thought would happen, and he was counting on the team's 3-man security detail to be in a celebratory and less-watchful state.
The meeting time arrived and Castillo crept undetected through the lobby. But there was no car outside.
``And then it was the longest five minutes of my life,'' Castillo said with a laugh. But his friend soon arrived, whisking him to a nearby Canadian town where they spent the night. The Cuban team departed later that day and Castillo had pulled off his plan, except that now he was illegally adrift in a foreign country and had to tell his parents what he had done.
``I called them and told them I was not coming back,'' Castillo said, pausing and staring out across the Harbor Park field. ``Everyone cried.''
One year later, Castillo found his way to Miami, and was drafted by the San Francisco Giants, as a first baseman. After hitting a combined .207/.291/.314 in 161 games in Class A, Castillo was transitioned to the mound, where he had marginally better success.
After three years on the mound in the Giants and New York Yankees farm systems (he was traded from San Francisco to New York with Chris SIngleton for Charlie Hayes), never advancing past Class A, Castillo began a nine-year odyssey mostly in the Independent Leagues that saw him play in cities like Schamburg, Newark, Atlantic City, and Camden, and played for a year and a half with a barnstorming team in the Atlantic League in Philadelphia called the Road Warriors.
From 1999 to 2007, the only two years Castillo didn't spend in independent ball were 2005 because of an elbow injury, and 2001 when he was a first baseman for Class A Bakersfield in the Tampa Bay Rays' system. Castillo, then 25, hit .274/.329/.415 with 11 home runs while no doubt discussing the Los Angeles freeway system with teammate Matt Diaz.
In 2008, Castillo got an invitation to spring training to pitch for the Baltimore Orioles, and he finally made his major league debut later that year. In the last four seasons he has been back and forth between Triple A and the majors with both the Baltimore Orioles and Arizona Diamondbacks.
In the last four years in Triple A, Castillo had a 2.86 ERA with 51 walks and 161 strikeouts in 160 innings.
In the last four years in MLB, Castillo had a 4.33 ERA with 27 walks and 48 strikeouts in 60 innings.
Castillo made his major league debut three days after his 33rd birthday, on July 8, 2008, but it was 71 days after picking up his first major league win.
Castillo entered his 19th major league game on August 25, 2008, facing just one batter, Jim Thome, with two outs in the bottom of 13th inning. Castillo got Thome to fly out to deep center field, then Ramon Hernandez hit a home run in the next half inning, which held up to give Baltimore, and Castillo, the win. That game was the resumption of a suspended game from April 28, 2008, which was stopped after 11 innings because of rain. To make things even weirder, the game began in Chicago and was resumed in Baltimore, with the Orioles as the road team at home.
Castillo signed a minor-league contract with an invitation to big league camp in spring training.
| Year | Age | IP | BB/9 | K/9 | ERA | FIP | x-FIP | tERA | ERA+ |
| 2009 | 33 | 12.0 | 3.00 | 6.00 | 2.25 | 3.01 | 4.44 | 2.82 | 208 |
| 2010 | 34 | 10.2 | 5.06 | 9.28 | 10.13 | 8.80 | 4.53 | 7.49 | 43 |
| 2011 | 35 | 11.2 | 5.40 | 4.63 | 2.31 | 4.05 | 5.24 | 5.51 | 176 |
| 2012 Projections - Age 36 Season | |||||||||
| Source | IP | BB/9 | K/9 | ERA | FIP | ||||
| PECOTA | 24.1 | 3.33 | 7.03 | 4.14 | 3.77 | ||||
In 123 MLB plate appearances against Castillo, left-handed batters have hit .296/.377/.519, and his 2011 Triple A splits (thanks, Minor League Central) don't show any appreciable difference between righties and lefties. Among the left-handed NRIs in camp, Castillo is behind John Grabow at least, and I think right-hander Jamey Wright has as good a chance as any at the one bullpen spot currently open. I don't think Castillo makes the team, and I don't think he pitches for the Dodgers this season.
What's your prediction for Castillo? Give us your prediction for ERA, WHIP, and innings pitched in the comments, and feel free to add strikeouts or any other predictions you have as well.
0 recs | 320 comments
6.00 ERA in six Jack Taschner memorial innings. Someone will ask why we didn’t call up Garrett Gould instead.
regfairfield - February 16, 2012
I'd forgotten Taschner
Oy
Tommy Blackjack - February 16, 2012 via iPhone app
He gets lost in all the 35s from 2010
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012 via mobile
reg, you catch the UFC last night?
Great main event
Tommy Blackjack - February 16, 2012 via iPhone app
I heard, wanted to see it but sadly I’m not one of the eight people that get Fuel.
regfairfield - February 16, 2012
Herman/Struve was appropriately hilarious I hope.
regfairfield - February 16, 2012
more so
For Herman’s impression of George “The Animal” Steele
Tommy Blackjack - February 16, 2012 via iPhone app
MMA Fighters relationship with chest hair is so strange.
regfairfield - February 16, 2012
once Arlovski ditched his
It was all downhill
Tommy Blackjack - February 16, 2012 via iPhone app
Getting the wrestling thoughts out of the way early today?
Xeifrank - February 16, 2012
MMA
Tommy Blackjack - February 16, 2012 via iPhone app
it’s all wrestling to me. :)
Xeifrank - February 16, 2012
lol
Tommy Blackjack - February 16, 2012 via iPhone app
Pretty good card all around. Some good finishes.
Michael White - February 16, 2012
Agreed
Tommy Blackjack - February 16, 2012 via iPhone app
Never seen Ellenberger before. Super impressed (aside from his one slip).
kinbote - February 16, 2012
2.35 era across 7.2 innings. 1.55 whip. and after reading his bio, I’m rooting for him.
court168627 - February 16, 2012 via Android app
“Who?”
G.Scott - February 16, 2012
Alberto Castillo?
Scraping the bottom of the barrel here. I predict that I have no idea how he will do.
Xeifrank - February 16, 2012
My Prediction
I’ll miss Kuo
OB12 - February 16, 2012
Assuming this guy doesn't have an opt-out
And will accept a minor league assignment, this is the kind of guy who can stick around for a while and get a few day call-up when the club is in a pinch.
3.0 Innings Pitched, 9.00 ERA, 2.00 WHIP
Michael White - February 16, 2012
All MLB veterans on minor league deals have automatic opt outs of June 1 per the new CBA, though it is certainly possible for Castillo, like Jamey Wright for instance, to have an earlier one built in.
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012 via mobile
Nice effort to tug at my heart.
Prediction – fail
delias man - February 16, 2012
Over on SBN LA
I took a stab at predicting how many wins the Dodgers, as currently constructed, could achieve in 2012.
The verdict: not so good.
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012 via mobile
did you not hear Jerry Hairston Jr yesterday?
WGT
Tommy Blackjack - February 16, 2012 via iPhone app
im a believer.
funkyjam - February 16, 2012
Excellent analysis. My worry is the Rockie 2011 scenario without significant changes from new ownership this summer.
meercatjohn - February 16, 2012
Or if it’s the Rockies idea of significant changes. Acquire all the junkballers.
regfairfield - February 16, 2012
After trading your best pitcher.
regfairfield - February 16, 2012
That means we’ll be a lock for the division.
/Dave Cameron
Pure Azure - February 16, 2012 via Android app
80 Wins
seems reasonable. Here is what I’ve seen recently.
DodgerSims: 77.7 Wins
RLYW (Cairo): 75 Wins
RLYW (Marcel): 76 Wins
Atlantis Casino (Reno): 81.5 Wins
Average: 77.54 Wins
Stdev: 2.86
Xeifrank - February 16, 2012
Here are my mlb win totals for all teams
including 2012 win projections from a few other sources. Still somewhat preliminary.
Xeifrank - February 16, 2012
That is some odyssey
to bad he is not very good.
meercatjohn - February 16, 2012
Clippers Thoughts
Clippers are actually 2.5 point favorites on the road in Portland tonight. I was pretty impressed with this line so I had to look up to see if the Blazers were on the 2nd game of a back to back, they were. Then I noticed that they are actually on the 3rd game of a back to back to back. And Portland did lose badly at home against the Wizards on the first of these three games. Clippers are back to back also.
Xeifrank - February 16, 2012
LaMarcus Aldridge out for Portland too…
Michael White - February 16, 2012
And Portland had a very tough game last night, while our 4th was fairly easy peasy. If we can’t win tonight in Portland we will never win in Portland while VDN is coach.
meercatjohn - February 16, 2012
That definitely helps!
Xeifrank - February 16, 2012
I didn’t know Portland was so bad on the road
Tommy Blackjack - February 16, 2012 via iPhone app
my wagering strategy
is a shambles when both teams are on a back to back
delias man - February 16, 2012
back to back to back against a back to back
Love the NBA in 2012
meercatjohn - February 16, 2012
With the Clippers getting Ex – Denver star Kenyon Martin, it would provide symmetry if the Lakers pulled in the other Denver outcast JR Smith. Martin was just what the Doctor ordered for the Clips depthchart.
meercatjohn - February 16, 2012
sounding like Smith is out for the Lakers
Tommy Blackjack - February 16, 2012 via iPhone app
Latest and greatest is that Smith is down to the Knicks or Clippers
Michael White - February 16, 2012
If you were Smith who would you choose?
meercatjohn - February 16, 2012
Meaning if you were a complete dirtbag with extreme basketball skills, an unrestricted FA this summer, and want to prove your worth to get the best possible contract this summer.
meercatjohn - February 16, 2012
Tough call. The Knicks are arguably the higher profile team but the Clippers are better positioned to make a deep playoff run. I’d pick….the Clippers.
Michael White - February 16, 2012
Also, wouldn’t Smith get more playing time with the Clippers? Though I guess Bill Walker isn’t exactly locking down the starting SG spot in New York.
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
Isn’t Fields the starting 2 in NYK with Melo (once he is back) starting at the 3?
Michael White - February 16, 2012
Lin / Baron
Fields / Smith
Melo
Amare
Chandler
On paper that looks like a team.
meercatjohn - February 16, 2012
Yeah I suppose so (forgot to factor in the Melo absence). Which leads me back to my original question: wouldn’t Smith get more playing time with the Clips?
I think Paul is close enough with J.R. Smith to close the deal, just the latest assist for the should-be Laker. :)
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
It looks like you’re right. Smith (or Fields, which would be stupid) goes to the bench when Melo returns. Smith is the no-doubt starter at the 2 for LAC.
Michael White - February 16, 2012
and screw up our chemistry:)
meercatjohn - February 16, 2012
what can NYK offer and what can LAC offer?? Im getting conflicting reports lol… One of those Kemensky Bros said Clippers could offer the mid level, but I thought they gave that to Kmart… Then I read NYK can offer their mini mid level, and Clippers could only offer a veteran minimum. But what did the Knicks give to B Davis?? But since Clippers were/are under the cap, did they get a full mid level and a mini mid level?? Seems these media people are conflicted on who can offer what, so just looking to get it straight.
uschris0304 - February 16, 2012
Is there any web site that lists these things? an up to date on what teams have their mid level deals they can offer, what draft picks they have coming, what TPE they have, etc?
uschris0304 - February 16, 2012
You're on it
mleadman - February 16, 2012
Try Hoopsrumors.com
Tommy Blackjack - February 16, 2012 via iPhone app
It’s something like ~$2.5 million from NY, ~$1 million from the Clips
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
So that is what it is, so Brian Kemensky was wrong, he said on his Lakers chat yesterday Clippers had their mid level to offer but I guess he forgot they gave that to Kmart.
uschris0304 - February 16, 2012
The Clippers never had the full MLE. They had the mini-MLE which they gave to KMart.
So Kamensky was wrong twice.
Michael White - February 16, 2012
I shall call him… Mini-MLE
Nolij - February 16, 2012
Oh, so the Clippers werent under the cap then when the new CBA was signed?? Because I was thinking all teams under cap were getting a mid level, and mini mid level to use…. or maybe teams under cap were getting the full mid level, and teams over cap were getting the mini mid levels lol
uschris0304 - February 16, 2012
No, they didn’t go over the cap until the Chris Paul and Chauncey Billups trades
Michael White - February 16, 2012
ok, so bare with me so I make sure I understand, once you go over the cap, you lose the full mid level exception, even if you didnt use when you were under the cap, once you are over its gone?
uschris0304 - February 16, 2012
It’s not that you lose it, it’s that you never had it. The mid-level exception allows teams that are over the cap to offer a contract at a specified price. If you’re not over the cap, you don’t need the exception. They recently changed the rules that if you trade your way over the cap in the off-season, you get the mini-MLE for that season. The next year if you are still over the cap you get the full MLE.
Michael White - February 16, 2012
ok got you, thanks… true teams under cap dont need a an exception, not sure what I was thinking haha.
uschris0304 - February 16, 2012
yup
Latest Laker news I heard is the Timberwolves are interested in Pau. Derrick Williams and draft picks is the offer. Reportedly :)
Tommy Blackjack - February 16, 2012 via iPhone app
Don’t they have a shitload of point guards, you couldn’t get one of those?
Why would they want to go older with Pau?
meercatjohn - February 16, 2012
you'd think right?
Tommy Blackjack - February 16, 2012 via iPhone app
Because Pau is better than everyone on their team not named Love. And his game will hold up as he keeps aging. Minnesota should be looking to bring in talent to support a fairly solid core of Rubio and Love with a good contributor (assuming he doesn’t go the other way) in Ridnour.
Michael White - February 16, 2012
Okay, I wouldn’t want to be paying his contract, adding Pau is not going to turn the Timberwolves into anything more then the 8th seed at this point.
meercatjohn - February 16, 2012
Keep in mind, Darko is their starting center at this point.
Michael White - February 16, 2012
Rubio / Pau would be a fun matchup. Who is the next best Spaniard that plays a position no one has?
meercatjohn - February 16, 2012
Plays a position no one has? What do you mean?
Michael White - February 16, 2012
Pau – PF/ C
Rubio – PG
What other Spaniard can play the other positions that is decent in the NBA. I could be off but I think Calderon is a point guard Spaniard so he would not help.
meercatjohn - February 16, 2012
I’m trying to turn the TImberwolves into the Spanish Armada
meercatjohn - February 16, 2012
Rudy Fernandez at SG.
Love for Marc Gasol.
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
Now we are talking
meercatjohn - February 16, 2012
Thought about that trade. The problem with that is you have to play one of Z-Bo or Love out of position. That being said, you have to do that trade if you’re Memphis.
Keep in mind, Memphis drafted Love and traded him on draft day for OJ Mayo. Oof.
Michael White - February 16, 2012
…but they probably wouldn’t have traded for Z-Bo if they had and were sold on Love.
Michael White - February 16, 2012
Double Oof, forgot about that. On the other hand did they do that deal after they acquired ZBo or before? If before they probably don’t deal for Zbo do they?
meercatjohn - February 16, 2012
A year before. Love/Mayo were in the draft class with Eric Gordon. Gordon’s rookie year was in LAC with Randolph.
Michael White - February 16, 2012
Rudy at the 2
Michael White - February 16, 2012
Looks like with Calderon we only have 5 Spanish players currently in the NBA.
Would be quite the small-big lineup with essentially three point guards and two 7-footers.
Though maybe Minnesota could lure former T-Wolf Wally Szczerbiak (born in Spain!) back into the league. :)
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
Minnesota is also only 2 games back of Porltand and Memphis (tied) for the 7/8 spot
Michael White - February 16, 2012
so how can the deal outlined above possibly be a salary match?
meercatjohn - February 16, 2012
it wouldn't be
I’m sure the T-Wolves would be giving more
Tommy Blackjack - February 16, 2012 via iPhone app
Beasley, Anthony Randolph, Ellington could all be added to make it work
Michael White - February 16, 2012
All these players suck mind you, but they have salaries and would provide some depth of sorts for the Lakers
Michael White - February 16, 2012
Beasley seems like he's actually pretty good
This season he seems hurt because he’s only played 19 games and only started 7 (not sure what’s up with that), but he scored 19 points last year with 5 rebounds, not too shabby right?
Ivdown - February 16, 2012
19 points a game on 17 shots is bad. That actually hurts your team. Also, 5 rebounds per game is awful for a PF, though it’s not too bad for a SF (he plays both.)
Michael White - February 16, 2012
Don't want Beasley
The Cali-greens are too good for him to be productive in LA.
ishXdavid - February 16, 2012
When is ZBo due back?
meercatjohn - February 16, 2012
Just got cleared for workouts. Barring setbacks, early March
Michael White - February 16, 2012
Hopefully in time to ensure a Thunder / Memphis first round matchup
meercatjohn - February 16, 2012
That would please me
Michael White - February 16, 2012
Man
Hopefully Williams gets shipped somewhere else if the Lakers get him. I haven’t watched the Wolves play yet but he looks like a bust going by stats, and I remember hearing draft reports that he wasn’t exactly a great athlete coming into the league.
Pure Azure - February 16, 2012
Deron Williams?
Ivdown - February 16, 2012
Derrick, the wookie
Pure Azure - February 16, 2012
Oh I read the name wrong from the start, haha
Ivdown - February 16, 2012
no
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
I think I remember hearing Lakers were trying to make a trade to get that pick to draft D Williams themselves, so I know Lakers like the guy. But yeah, rookie stats arent looking so good. But thats doesnt mean he wont be good.
uschris0304 - February 16, 2012
Actually I think the rumor was the Lakers were offering Gasol for the #2 pick, so this might be something the Lakers will do. We’ll see
uschris0304 - February 16, 2012
how much has he been playing?
Does he get significant minutes?
Tommy Blackjack - February 16, 2012 via iPhone app
nevermind, according to old LAT article, it was Odom they offered for #2 pick, but Wolves rejected and asked for Bynum or Gasol instead, which Lakers rejected. If we can get Williams and PG though, maybe.
uschris0304 - February 16, 2012
His stats don’t look that bad to me
That’s pretty serviceable for a rookie.
Michael White - February 16, 2012
cool site
I like how they show what the average player at the position should be doing
Tommy Blackjack - February 16, 2012 via iPhone app
not god-awful
But he looks like a future role player/fringe starter, not good enough for a #2 pick. That FG% is bad, but I thought he was 6-11. Clearly he needs to stop shooting 3’s.
Not enough of a return for Pau in my mind. If they want Howard I’d think they can trade Bynum straight-up for him. I don’t think the Nets or Mavs or Clips can match that, unless maybe the Nets throw in a few # 1’s.
Pure Azure - February 16, 2012
Ya, the FG% is bad but he’s been a surprisingly decent rebounder which helps his value.
Perhaps without thinking about it I was comparing him to teammate draft busts Darko and Beasley. In comparison, Williams looks like a world-beater. I’d project him as a future starter on most teams but I see where your comp is coming from.
Michael White - February 16, 2012
hahahaha
Derrick Williams? If that’s so I would get K3vo some Laker tickets next time he’s in LA
Maddz - February 16, 2012
haven't seen him lately
Where’s he been ghosting?
Tommy Blackjack - February 16, 2012 via iPhone app
grad school :)
and SWTOR I believe. G and I will be seeing him when we go to Phoenix!
Maddz - February 16, 2012
Cool
Tommy Blackjack - February 16, 2012 via iPhone app
at Four Peaks Brewery, keeping my seat warm.
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
OMG you’re going to be in AZ too! WE CAN ALL DRINK!
Maddz - February 16, 2012
I’ll be doing my annual trip too.
Nolij - February 16, 2012
March 10 – 18?
Maddz - February 16, 2012
I think it’s the 14th-17th. Thursday to Sunday.
Nolij - February 16, 2012
we shall be there
Maddz - February 16, 2012
Unless...
The Lakers plan on flipping the draft picks for an established player this season, then it’s not a good deal. The Lakers need draft picks like I need another nipple.
ishXdavid - February 16, 2012
do you only have one nipple?
Maddz - February 16, 2012
Getting down to brass tax.
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
I have two
A third one would be cool to have on my knee, but that’s a different story for a different time.
ishXdavid - February 16, 2012
I would figure that is the plan
Tommy Blackjack - February 16, 2012 via iPhone app
Pop quiz
what is the name for the button on top of a baseball cap?
Josie Becker - February 16, 2012
They have names?
Tommy Blackjack - February 16, 2012 via iPhone app
grommet
meercatjohn - February 16, 2012
that’s like the physical opposite of a button : )
Josie Becker - February 16, 2012
Sigh
it’s called a Squatchee. This has been Josie with the world of facts.
Oh and from the other day, the NBA teams that were in the BAA:
Celtics, Knicks, Lakers, Warriors, Pistons, and Royals/Kings
Josie Becker - February 16, 2012
grommet
meercatjohn - February 16, 2012
Wallace
mleadman - February 16, 2012
Squatchee sounds dirty.
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
sounds like an Indian gaming casino to me
Josie Becker - February 16, 2012
Or a variation of Tai Chi…done lower to the ground!
latenite - February 16, 2012
it was coined by Bob Brenly, caught on
Josie Becker - February 16, 2012
Fuck that then.
The term “squatchee” is officially unrecognized by True Blue LA, unless it refers to genitalia.
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
so let it be written
So let it be done
Tommy Blackjack - February 16, 2012 via iPhone app
Can you get a cap sans-squatchee?
OB12 - February 16, 2012
I don’t see why not. Some MLB players cut there’s off
Josie Becker - February 16, 2012
there's?
i like there’s
apparently the longest word in German refers to the button on the top of train conductor’s hat.
it probably isn’t, some kid who spoke german told me this, but whatever he said to demonstrated sounded damn impressive.
Maddz - February 16, 2012
Lame. My answers were better.
Nolij - February 16, 2012
2012 NBA slam dunk contest
Paul George
Derrick Williams
Iman Shumpert
Chase Budinger
One round, three dunks. Fan vote only.
Sean Miller Savior should be happy with the contestants though.
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
Glad Blake is skipping but now no one will watch
meercatjohn - February 16, 2012
Sounds like DeAndre declined
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
Shumpert
Needs to promise Lin will help on his dunk, that’ll draw the ratings
Tommy Blackjack - February 16, 2012 via iPhone app
I don’t believe Paul George is a real person. I’m going with Iman, since he’s a shapeshifter.
Nolij - February 16, 2012
Paul George narrowly beat out John Ringo in the fan vote.
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
He’s my huckleberry.
Nolij - February 16, 2012
I liked it
mleadman - February 16, 2012
this is the Wolves Derrick Williams? Well shit, if he can dunk that well, I say trade Gasol for him… Sucks having a team of players that can barely fuckin dunk, if at all… I want some dunks!!!
uschris0304 - February 16, 2012
Williams was the #2(?) pick overall in the draft this year. If the Lakers trade Gasol, they really should get Ridnour and a big (Brad Miller?) back. Not sure what they’d have to do to match up salarywise.
Nolij - February 16, 2012
Not sure if Miller is hurt or just done, but he’s only played 35 minutes this year. Otherwise, I think you’ve identified the right (realistic) targets.
Michael White - February 16, 2012
It has been so long since I played fantasy basketball that Brad Miller was on at least two of my back-to-back-to-back title winning teams (I went out like Kareem, winning titles in my last three years*).
.
.
.
.
.
.
*Shut up
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
Mike, why do the Clippers owe Boston a 1st round pick via Thunder in 2012? Is that right? So Clippers will give 1 pick to NOH and the other to Boston??
uschris0304 - February 16, 2012
Clippers traded a pick to OKC in a draft deal to get Eric Bledsoe.
Michael White - February 16, 2012
(Who then traded that pick in the Kendrick Perkins deal)
Nolij - February 16, 2012
right, I figured its owed to Boston from the Perkins deal but couldnt remember what trade Clips made with OKC… but now I know.
uschris0304 - February 16, 2012
IIRC, Eric Bledsoe
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
Good news on HOF Gywnn
http://my.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ah01zRfzxO3VuFVgoG2cM1qvulI6
meercatjohn - February 16, 2012
Hm that link didn't work for me but here's another piece on same story, and it is good news for Tony!
(and Tony Jr)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/doctors-hall-of-famer-tony-gwynns-cancer-appears-not-have-spread-facial-nerve-is-lost/2012/02/15/gIQATfjeGR_story.html
underdog - February 16, 2012
Castillo will not make the team, but will find his way on to some other team that loses the World Series.
Nolij - February 16, 2012
Damn, if this isn't reason to be optimistic about the Dodgers season I don't know what is
http://losangeles.sbnation.com/los-angeles-dodgers/2012/2/16/2801126/2012-dodgers-projections-matt-kemp-clayton-kershaw-james-loney
Ivdown - February 16, 2012
so, when they go 7-9
the season is over
mleadman - February 16, 2012
We had a good run
Michael White - February 16, 2012
hopefully whatever they did at the end of the season last year
can be repeated except at the BEGINNING of the year
I’m looking at you, Gim
Maddz - February 16, 2012
Holy shit if number seven started spelling his name like that the world would explode.
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
hahaha
Maddz - February 16, 2012
Yeah, hopefully we can start well, just be inside 5 games out by July 1…. hopefully better.
uschris0304 - February 16, 2012
Big question of the day
What’s up with the Colbert Report. They suspended production yesterday and are not talking about why
mleadman - February 16, 2012
his mother is allegedly rumored to be ill
nolander - February 16, 2012
so not actually rumored
Maddz - February 16, 2012
It might be, but we can’t just go around accusing people of rumor.
regfairfield - February 16, 2012
Murray: When you’re in a band, you don’t get with your bandmate’s girlfriend – past or present.
Jemaine: Yes, well thanks for that.
Murray: You get a love triangle – you know? Fleetwood Mac situation.
Murray: Well there there was four of them, so more of a love square. But you know, no one gets on.
Jemaine: Okay, I see.
Murray: Mind you, they did make some of their best music back then.
Bret: Rumours.
Murray: No, that’s all true.
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
I miss them
meercatjohn - February 16, 2012
If you did orders for something, and on the order form you saw the name:
Lordborndevine as the first name, then the last name as 2 common last names put together, is there any way you could believe that is a real name?
Ivdown - February 16, 2012
yes
nolander - February 16, 2012
He lived at 12 Hooker Ave floor 2
Which normally would be a red flag, especially with that name, yet it’s a REAL ADDRESS, lol.
Ivdown - February 16, 2012
are they actually paying you enough to care this much?
:-p
nolander - February 16, 2012
most certainly not :)
But the boss is gone for 3 or 4 days, we’ve been having fun with this name all morning in the office, lol
Ivdown - February 16, 2012
Did you try googling the name to see what comes up?
latenite - February 16, 2012
I actually didn't, i should
Ivdown - February 16, 2012
Was the last name
World Peace?
mleadman - February 16, 2012
Or HomeAlone?
berkowit28 - February 16, 2012
He’s Lordwyndemere’s brother. Sweets!
Nolij - February 16, 2012
I would hang up
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
I hate to tell you this
but there was a kid who applied to Vanderbilt whose name was Prince Wonderful. No shit.
Maddz - February 16, 2012
LOL
I love the way some people name their kids.
Ivdown - February 16, 2012
we got the financial aid application and were laughing in disbelief for 10 minutes
Maddz - February 16, 2012
then, grabbed the “DECLINED” stamp
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
It wouldn't be the first time we've had someone just fucking with our sales team
We had a customer named “Mike Cunt” before, so it’s hard not to be skeptical sometimes.
Ivdown - February 16, 2012
We had some sort of presentation in Spanish class in high school (I don’t remember what it was regarding) but we all had to fill out a form, and my friend filled his out as Phil Mike Hunt.
We had a good laugh at that one.
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
Not Felipe Miguel Cazar?
Nolij - February 16, 2012
He did it wrong
It’s supposed to be Mike Hunt
mleadman - February 16, 2012
Mr. Monds was royalty?
Nolij - February 16, 2012
When I was a TA at UCSB, there was an undergrad student named Titiporn Suculongee (sp?). My fellow gradstudent TAs had a hard saying her name for roll call on the first day of class! She also had an Americanized first name…………Joy!
This is really a true story
75Dodger - February 16, 2012
I had a student named Chutiporn a few years back. “Porn” must mean something more appropriate in Thai.
Nolij - February 16, 2012
Yeah, I’m pretty sure she was Thai and she’d also would wear blue contact lenses which looked really odd.
75Dodger - February 16, 2012
Porn = Woman
in Thai
The Dude Abides - February 16, 2012
wemt to junior high w/ a girl named Porntip
she later became Miss Universe & is now married to the owner of the Indiana Pacers. Still trips me out that she went from Irving Junior high to do all that.
arbfuldodger - February 16, 2012
Would you give $30 million to Jorge Soler?
Pure Azure - February 16, 2012
I would
But I’m crazy
Tommy Blackjack - February 16, 2012 via iPhone app
Seems like a lot, but he is benefiting from being the last international FA before the new CBA kicks in.
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
It’s not exactly the same thing since it’s an open bidding process but the most money someone Soler’s age has gotten is 12 million. You’re paying Soler like he’s by far the greatest prospect of all time which I can’t get behind.
regfairfield - February 16, 2012
Wonder where he’d be on Brandon’s rankings
Tommy Blackjack - February 16, 2012 via iPhone app
Can’t be too high. I can’t imagine a guy that’s basically faced no competition rocketing his way up the charts. If we’re talking a Bryce Harper type talent, maybe I go for it but at that kind of cost of the guy doesn’t have super star upside you’re better off giving the money to a decent pitcher or something.
regfairfield - February 16, 2012
Like a soft tossing lefty? :)
Tommy Blackjack - February 16, 2012 via iPhone app
That’s just one example!
regfairfield - February 16, 2012
Kim Lin Kardashian??
http://www.buzzfeed.com/jpmoore/kim-kardashian-is-going-on-a-date-with-jeremy-lin
uschris0304 - February 16, 2012
im gonna leave this one alone
dont want to whitlock myself
delias man - February 16, 2012
Impossible
You occasionally have interesting things to say.
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
yeah i do
i should have thought of something better there /ashamed
delias man - February 16, 2012
Looks like JR Smith is signing with the Knicks… Dam you Kobe, you cant recruit for shit, nobody wants to come play with your ass.
uschris0304 - February 16, 2012
MWP
meercatjohn - February 16, 2012
He wasn’t going to come to the Lakers anyway. It was either the Knicks or the Clippers.
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
well, he atleast had a good convo with Mike Brown, but I didnt hear about Kobe talking to him. I heard about Chris Paul talking to him though. But couldnt get Raja Bell, couldnt get B Davis (who is from LA and we need a PG bad, even though looks like he may not even play this year) couldnt get Kmart, not JR Smith. Shaq would of gotten all of them, just sayin haha
uschris0304 - February 16, 2012
No he wouldn’t have
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
It's all about the money
the Lakers don’t have it available. Once again Chris it is never about Kobe or Shaq, it is about the green.
bhsportsguy - February 16, 2012
Sucks for UNM baseball
Per Evan (New Mexico Fan), a donor pulled his $1 million donation (of the $3.3 million total needed to renovate the baseball stadium) because the University of New Mexico decided not to name the baseball stadium after the guy (after getting pressure from the state, who committed $2 million).
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
The state couldn’t cope with the dope
meercatjohn - February 16, 2012
Because the donor’s name was Miguel Cazar?
David Young - February 16, 2012
Eric Gordon out for year?
Chris Kaman is doing some damage now that he’s playing again.
meercatjohn - February 16, 2012
out 6 weeks, but they are saying with NOH doing so bad, they may just decided to shut him down even if he can return in time to play some games at end of season. I think as of now, Eric looks silly for turning down that offer from the Hornets.
uschris0304 - February 16, 2012
Linsanity, now in t-shirt form
here:
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
I think they could’ve done much better imho.
Xeifrank - February 16, 2012
Why is he holding a book?
mleadman - February 16, 2012
Because he’s Asian.
regfairfield - February 16, 2012
the plays on words I like, the plays on ethnicity are kind of lame.
Xeifrank - February 16, 2012
Trust me
you would have to be pretty careful to do any ethnic references regarding Lim, any false move would be tagged immediately. It is best to leave his ethnicity aside and focus on his basketball skills and story.
bhsportsguy - February 16, 2012
.
Yeah there’s no possible way hugely racist things wouldn’t gain acceptance in sports.
regfairfield - February 16, 2012
Because he
is Asianwent to Harvard, presumably.Nolij - February 16, 2012
bet you it’s the Bible.
Maddz - February 16, 2012
It works on so many levels.
regfairfield - February 16, 2012
Many of them super terrible.
regfairfield - February 16, 2012
/shrugs
if someone wants to attribute their athletic success to their religious beliefs, I am not going to hate on them for that
I will however continue to find Focus on the Family commercials creepy.
Maddz - February 16, 2012
Not hating for that. Mostly for the NERRRRRRRRDDDDDDDD reasons.
regfairfield - February 16, 2012
There has to be a separate one for that
which says, “Just BibLin”
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
Yahoo! is reporting that there are 11 groups still in the bidding for the Dodgers and that they are being asked to resubmit bids and stuff.
Nolij - February 16, 2012
Hopefully
they all remember their eBay passwords.
Xeifrank - February 16, 2012
Good luck, Macciello*, whom I'm sure is reading this right now, and Twitter!
(and who is probably not a finalist, despite his PR grandstanding)
underdog - February 16, 2012
Two things to note
1) Dee Gordon and Matt Kemp are already at Camelback Ranch
2) Dodgers clubhouse lord Mitch Poole is on the bandwagon :)
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
is that the Clippers #1 fan?
Xeifrank - February 16, 2012
It sure isn’t Dee Gordon.
berkowit28 - February 16, 2012
Is Mitch Poole wearing a bulletproof vest under that shirt?
Michael White - February 16, 2012
His 1988 World Series Champions® kevlar vest
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
no
I can see nipple
nolander - February 16, 2012
at least I think thats what that is
nolander - February 16, 2012
He borrowed one of ishXdavid's extra ones.
underdog - February 16, 2012
Maybe he is wearing a batsuit.
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
touché
nolander - February 16, 2012
As Adam West (Simpsons style) said on that snow plow episode
That is pure Poole under that shirt
bhsportsguy - February 16, 2012
That said, as gray t-shirts go, that is a pretty badass shirt
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
The Real Matt Kemp tweets
bhsportsguy - February 16, 2012
Awesome article
http://www.cracked.com/blog/5-idiotic-misconceptions-about-calling-customer-service/
Ivdown - February 16, 2012
number 4 is spot on
Ivdown - February 16, 2012
I try to be nice to customer service
the incident with the remote and power cord that were missing from the box, Paul’s TV folks were helpful and while I did have to drive down to store, we resolved it that day over a few calls.
bhsportsguy - February 16, 2012
are you nice/friendly when you get a cold call (for the 10th time this month) asking if you have any general contract type projects you’d like a bid on, or solar power installed at your house? You gotta at least toy with them, don’t you?
Xeifrank - February 16, 2012
Last time I told the solar power guy that I don’t know how much I pay to Socal Edison because we don’t pay our bills.
Xeifrank - February 16, 2012
Cold calls are different IMO than calling into somewhere
I don’t envy people who do that for a living at all, cold calling is probably one of the 2 hardest types of selling (that and door to door).
Ivdown - February 16, 2012
Right. And you can definitely be more creative with those type of calls. So where are you calling from? Billings Montana? How’s the weather there today? Now, you guys are in the mountain time zone, right? What’s that like?
Xeifrank - February 16, 2012
Some times, well, most times it's a bitch to call customer service for problems
It’s just really nice when people realize most people will do what they can for customers, and dont have as much power to change things as you think. I’m glad to hear your tvs problems got fixed, it’s so crazy you got no remote and no power cord.
Ivdown - February 16, 2012
im gonna try that with the next foreign call center
“hey buddy, fuck america huh? yeah i hate these people here. gimme some free shit.”
delias man - February 16, 2012
Hmm. The water is off in our building. We didn’t get a notice about this.
Maddz - February 16, 2012
there will be blood?
nolander - February 16, 2012
It’s best to notice this while trying to wash a dish rather than trying to rinse the shampoo out of your hair (though who would apply shampoo before turning the shower on)
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
yeah I noticed it trying to rinse a dish, which is good. We got a notice a week ago that the water was being turned off but I took G’s word for it that the date was last week and not today. So I don’t want to contact the apt and come off looking like a huge douche.
Maddz - February 16, 2012
E-Maddz on this one.
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
Yeah. I assume he can read, though.
Maddz - February 16, 2012
apparently not
water is scheduled to be off today. i wish i had know that, i wanted to shower
Maddz - February 16, 2012
Off to the gym
or sneak in to the folks house
bhsportsguy - February 16, 2012
I am surprised you weren’t inundated with offers to “shower at my place” here.
David Young - February 16, 2012
almost all 50 states map with movies, can you spot the baseball movies?!
nolander - February 16, 2012
yes
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
I enjoyed O Brother Where Art Thou
Maddz - February 16, 2012
I would have went with Major League for Ohio, but I loved Tommy Boy, so that’s cool.
Oklahoma clearly needs to be represented by UHF, which was filmed in Tulsa.
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
I'm puzzled as to why Florida isn't Bad Boys 2
nolander - February 16, 2012
or True Lies
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
at least half of true lies took place in DC though doesn't it?
the Mall Scene does for sure
nolander - February 16, 2012
There is also a factual error here
can you spot it?!
nolander - February 16, 2012
other then that some states simply don't exist
nolander - February 16, 2012
They assigned Good Will Hunting to like 5 different states
Michael White - February 16, 2012
Fargo was actually set in Minnesota
Michael White - February 16, 2012
ok so there are a lot of them
nolander - February 16, 2012
Don’t they get artistic license since the movie shares a name with a North Dakota city?
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
I thought Misery
was set in Colorado
bhsportsguy - February 16, 2012
Silver Creek Colorado, wtf???
uschris0304 - February 16, 2012
Is there a superfluous “The” on The Evil Dead?
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
nah thats supposed to be there
One of the titles actually doesn’t “exist” and is actually called something else
nolander - February 16, 2012
Rocket Boys?
regfairfield - February 16, 2012
aka October Sky in movie form!
nailed it
nolander - February 16, 2012
My money is on SLC Punk or Rocket Boys since I have no idea what those are.
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
SLC Punk is a movie.
Maddz - February 16, 2012
Have heard the name, thought it was a band. I knew not to investigate
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
Only posers die you fucking idiot!
NotJoeTorre - February 16, 2012
I think SLC Punk is with that Matthew Lillard guy, I like him, wonder why he isnt in more films.
uschris0304 - February 16, 2012
he's busy doing Shaggy's voice in Scooby cartoons these days ;)
Though he was also in The Descendants this past year.
underdog - February 16, 2012
yep
Rocket Boys is the name of the biography that october sky’s was based on. I thikn one is an anagram of the other or something
nolander - February 16, 2012
If it is any consolation, I had not heard of either Rocket Boys nor October Sky.
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
it was jake gyllenhaal's break out role!
nolander - February 16, 2012
He apparently didn’t break out enough
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
It was good. It was about how school is not really the worst thing ever.
Nolij - February 16, 2012
Marty will probably hate this
too much Costner
nolander - February 16, 2012
so will Cal Ripken
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
Besides that
It’s kinda dumb
mleadman - February 16, 2012
I guess I never paid much attention to what state Roadhouse was set in.
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
What’s my opinion of Castillo’s performance!? What the BLEEP do you think is my opinion of it? I think it was BLEEPING BLEEP. Put that in, I don’t BLEEP. Opinion of his performance!!? BLEEP, he beat us with three BLEEPING home runs! What the BLEEP do you mean, “What is my opinion of his performance?” How could you ask me a question like that, “What is my opinion of his performance?” BLEEP, he hit three home runs! BLEEP. I’m BLEEPING pissed off to lose that BLEEPING game. And you ask me my opinion of his performance! BLEEP. That’s a tough question to ask me, isn’t it? “What is my opinion of his performance?”
kinbote - February 16, 2012
BANNED
nolander - February 16, 2012
I got a glance from a chick on the street this morning. My day is made. Carry on. :)
silverwidow - February 16, 2012
Are you sure it wasn’t due to your now inferior haircut? :)
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
Probably thinking
is that a breakfast burrito or do you find me a attractive.
bhsportsguy - February 16, 2012
Invite her to BWW this weekend.
kinbote - February 16, 2012
“is that the guy who picked up my old broken tv?”
delias man - February 16, 2012
Haha
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
Is there a family of racoons living in Ethier's knee? Grant Brisbee asks this question and more
click me
nolander - February 16, 2012
Nicely done, Grant.
Dig the music references, too. I honestly think the Dodgers need to wait and see with Ethier; they may not want to lose him for sure after this season but also don’t want to way overpay for a guy who is risky at the moment.
Anyhoo…
underdog - February 16, 2012
A story ripped from (yesterdays comments)
regfairfield - February 16, 2012
eric
http://www.lajollalight.com/2012/02/15/the-big-vote-students-to-decide-athletic-fate-at-ucsd/
delias man - February 16, 2012
Students will always vote down something that costs an extra $165 per quarter.
Hope it passes though.
Eric Stephen - February 16, 2012
Michigan paper that covers Loons think 4 former Loons are key to Dodgers
http://www.mlive.com/loons/index.ssf/2012/02/los_angeles_dodgers_biggest_qu.html
actually it’s all inspired by the CNN NL West preview piece…
underdog - February 16, 2012
the issue of Sand's playing time will be interesting
I’d like it if he was the starting LF on opening day. If he struggles, you have Rivera to fall back on. Though it would be much harder for a younger player to earn his spot back than a veteran.
Tommy Blackjack - February 16, 2012 via iPhone app
Attn Nolander
Would you find this useful?
http://rosettacode.org/wiki/Rosetta_Code
mleadman - February 16, 2012
New post up top
http://www.truebluela.com/2012/2/16/2798521/dodgers-2012-minor-league-countdown-30-21
David Young - February 16, 2012
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