Stephen Dunn - Getty Images
Like in 1988 with the Dodgers, Kirk Gibson won the highest honor bestowed to his position by the Baseball Writers Association of America in his first full season with Arizona in 2011. Will Gibson's next two years at the helm of the Diamondbacks resemble his 1989-1990 seasons in Los Angeles?
Now that we are getting close enough to spring training that we can almost smell the grass (Dodgers pitchers and catchers report to spring training in a mere 15 days), it is time for our annual look around the National League West, to see how each team spent their offseason. We begin the tour around the division with the defending division champions, the Arizona Diamondbacks.
| Arizona Diamondbacks | |
| 2011 Record: | 94-68 |
| Division Finish: |
First Place |
| Playoffs: |
Lost to MIL in Division Series 3-2 |
| 2012 at Dodger Stadium: |
May 14-15, Jul 30-Aug 1, Aug 30-Sep 2 |
| 2012 Dodgers at Chase Field: | May 21-23, Jul 5-8, Sep 11-12 |
| SB Nation coverage: | AZ Snakepit, SB Nation Arizona |
1) Is Miguel Montero the best catcher in the division?
This might depend on the health of Buster Posey, but Montero is not a bad choice for the top spot in the NL West. Montero hit .282/.351/.469 with a .351 wOBA, a 121 OPS+ and 116 wRC+ in 2011.
In addition to hitting 36 doubles and 18 home runs, Montero threw out 40% of would-be basestealers in 2011 and made his first All-Star team.
Montero, 28, avoided arbitration with a one-year deal for 2012, and could cash in next winter with a big year in his final year before free agency.
2) Will Stephen Drew be ready for opening day?
The Diamondbacks aren't sure. The shortstop broke his ankle last July 20 and has spent his offseason rehabilitating with a non-Diamondbacks trainer.
"I'm hopeful he'll play in some games in spring training. Will he play in our opening game? I don't know. I haven't laid eyes on him other than to see him on video doing some agility drills," general manager Kevin Towers told Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic last week. "We'll have a better idea probably at the end of February when the position players show up. I would imagine he may be in a little earlier than that."
Arizona re-signed both John McDonald and Willie Bloomquist during the winter, giving them depth should Drew not be ready to rejoin the team. One person hoping Drew takes his time during recovery is Chad Billingsley, as Drew has hit .364/.426/.545 off Billingsley in 61 plate appearances.
| Scary Thought About The Diamondbacks: | |
 |
|
| Justin Upton is not yet 25 years old |
3) Where did Josh Collmenter's control come from?
Collmenter was 25 years old last year when he made his major league debut, and after seven relief appearances he made his first start, on May 14 at Dodger Stadium. Billingsley allowed one hit to the Diamondbacks, but Arizona won 1-0 thanks to six scoreless innings from the right-hander with the tomahawk pitching motion.
Collmenter walked zero or one batter in 16 of his 24 starts, and walked 4.5% of the major league hitters he faced, after walking 8.2% of the hitters he faced in five minor league seasons.
4) Will Diamondbacks pitchers outhit Juan Uribe again?
Okay, maybe that is a stretch, but if you squint it is hard to tell them apart. Arizona hurlers hit a combined .186/.230/.250 in 2011, while the Dodgers' $21 million man hit .204/.264/.293. Uribe had 28 RBI, 17 walks, and 79 total bases in 295 plate appearances last year, while Diamondbacks pitchers had 34 RBI, 16 walks, and 78 total bases in 362 PA.
Lest you think this was all Micah Owings-driven, the new Padres pitcher had only four singles in 19 plate appearances in Arizona in 2011.
Through September 17 last year, game 151, Diamondbacks pitcher Daniel Hudson had more RBI (14) than Jamey Carroll (13), who qualified for the batting title. Carroll ended his season with 17 runs batted in.
5) Can the new owner of the Dodgers poach former team executive Derrick Hall, currently the President and CEO of the Diamondbacks?
Maybe, but for now Hall is saying all the right things, and sounds sincere. Steve Henson of Yahoo! wrote a wonderful profile of Hall, one of the most respected executives in baseball, who battled prostate cancer during the offseason. As part of the profile, Henson mentioned that a few potential Dodgers owners have reached out to Hall to join their group should they win the bid for the team.
"It's a big part of who I am. It's where I started my career and learned and cut my teeth. And I know the fans and have a good relationship with the media and former players," Hall told Piecoro of his time with the Dodgers. "It's a lot of familiarity and comfort there, but nothing beats where I'm at or what I'm doing now."
| Diamondbacks Trades, Etc. This Winter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Team | Traded | Acquired |
| Pirates | Brett Lorin rhp (Rule 5 pick from Pittsburgh) | |
| Athletics | Collin Cowgill of Jarrod Parker rhp Ryan Cook rhp |
Trevor Cahill rhp Craig Breslow lhp |
| Astros | Craig Tatum c (claimed off waivers from Houston) | |
The big move was acquiring Cahill, a soon-to-be 24-year old durable starting pitcher signed through 2015 with option years carrying him through his age 29 season in 2017. Parker was the big prize given up in the deal.
| Diamondbacks Contracts Signed This Winter | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pos | Player | Type | Total Contract | 2012 Salary |
| 1B | Lyle Overbay | FA | 1-year, $1m | $1,000,000 |
| SS | John McDonald | FA | 2 years, $3m | $1,500,000 |
| C | Henry Blanco | FA | 1-year, $1.2m + option | $1,200,000 |
| IF | Willie Bloomquist | FA | 2 years, $3.8m | $1,900,000* |
| 2B | Aaron Hill | FA | 2 years, $11m | $5,500,000* |
| RP | Takashi Saito | FA | 1 year, $1.75m | $1,750,000 |
| OF | Jason Kubel | FA | 2 years, $16m + option | $7,500,000 |
| SP | Joe Saunders | FA | 1-year, $6m | $6,000,000 |
| RP | Brad Ziegler | Arb | 1-year, $1.795m | $1,795,000 |
| C | Miguel Montero | Arb | 1-year, $5.9m | $5,900,000 |
| 3B | Ryan Roberts | Arb | 1-year, $2.0125m | $2,012,500 |
| RP | Craig Breslow | Arb | Filed for arbitration: $1.5m / $2.1m |
|
| *Estimated | ||||
Saunders was non-tendered in December, then re-signed in January. Arizona also signed infielders Cody Ransom and Rusty Ryal, and outfielder Jason Lane to minor league deals.
| Diamondbacks Players Lost | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pos | Player | New Team |
| SP | Jason Marquis | Twins |
| P | Micah Owings | Padres |
| SP | Zach Duke | Astros* |
| RP | Juan Gutierrez | Royals* |
| RP | Kam Mickolio | Hiroshima Carp |
| 1B | Xavier Nady | free agent |
| *Minor league deal | ||
Here's my guess as to the Diamondbacks' 25-man roster, with a few assumptions mixed in:
| 2012 Diamondbacks Under Contract | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Pos | Player | 2012 Age* | 2012 Salary |
| C | Miguel Montero | 28 | $5,900,000 |
| 1B |
Paul Goldschmidt |
24 |
team control |
| 2B | Aaron Hill |
30 |
$5,500,000# |
| 3B | Ryan Roberts |
31 |
$2,012,500 |
| SS | Stephen Drew | 29 | $7,750,000 |
| LF | Jason Kubel |
30 |
$7,500,000 |
| CF | Chris Young | 28 | $7,000,000 |
| RF | Justin Upton | 24 | $6,750,000 |
| IF | Geoff Blum | 39 | $1,350,000 |
| IF/OF | Willie Bloomquist | 34 | $1,900,000# |
| IF | John McDonald |
37 |
$1,500,000 |
| OF | Gerardo Parra | 25 | team control |
| 1B | Lyle Overbay | 35 | $1,000,000 |
| C | Henry Blanco | 40 |
$1,200,000 |
| SP | Ian Kennedy | 27 | team control |
| SP | Dan Hudson | 25 | team control |
| SP | Trevor Cahill |
24 |
$3,500,000 |
| SP | Joe Saunders | 31 | $6,000,000 |
| SP | Josh Collmenter |
26 |
team control |
| CL | J.J. Putz | 35 | $4,500,000 |
| RHP | Brad Ziegler |
32 | $1,795,000 |
| RHP | David Hernandez | 27 |
team control |
| RHP | Takashi Saito |
42 |
$1,750,000 |
| LHP | Craig Breslow |
31 |
$1,800,000^ |
| RHP | Sam Demel | 26 | team control |
| Totals (18 players) |
$68,707,500 | ||
| *Age as of June 30, 2012 #estimated ^midpoint of Breslow's arbitration filings |
|||
Thanks to Baseball-Reference.com and Cot's Baseball Contracts. Justin Upton photo courtesy of Getty Images.
0 recs | 500 comments
hope you don't already have the Rockies preview written
They just traded for Jeremy Guthrie. Sent Hammel and Lindstrom to BAL
Tommy Blackjack - February 6, 2012 via iPhone app
Guthrie will make $8.2 million this year, his final year before free agency, per his agency.
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
Which is less than Lindstrom and Hammel so I guess the Orioles really thought having Jason Hammel in 2013 was the key.
regfairfield - February 6, 2012
Always someone with nice peripherals whose numbers seemed worse then his skill set.
Phil Gurnee - February 6, 2012
Took a huge step backwards last year but he at least kept his BABIP under .330.
regfairfield - February 6, 2012
Minor upgrade for the Rockies, but a pitch to contact fly ball guy could get brutalized in Coors.
regfairfield - February 6, 2012
Their Tweets Above Replacement just shot way the hell up though.
regfairfield - February 6, 2012
Guthrie already changed his Twitter avatar to John Denver.
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
Old post up top
There is a sponsored post just below this one for Yahoo Sports Fantasy Baseball. No need to move there for comments, but if you are interested in the product you can read that post.
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
Eric, I appreciate that you are fulfilling your obligations without being a total shill. Thank you.
Nolij - February 6, 2012
Kuo signed with the Mariners
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
From Peter H.L. Wang:
$500k base, $2.25m in bonuses, $1m if he makes the 25-man roster.
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
Wouldn’t mind if the Dodgers did that.
regfairfield - February 6, 2012
Yeah
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
Strange way to say good bye to Kuroda and Kuo given what they ended up signing for.
Phil Gurnee - February 6, 2012
Hope it works out for him
Tommy Blackjack - February 6, 2012 via iPhone app
Sorry to see him go, definitely one of my favorite players of the last several years.
OB12 - February 6, 2012
Hate to see him leave. Love to watch him Kuo.
Nolij - February 6, 2012
Excellent job here.
Going to make my series previews so much easier the first time they meet.
Phil Gurnee - February 6, 2012
Good read
Always interesting to see how others see AZ. Couple of notes on the roster:
a) there’ll be one less infielder and an extra bullpen arm (probably Bryan Shaw) – if Drew starts the year on the DL, that will take care of it, otherwise they may dump Geoff Blum.
b) It’ll be LOOGY Joe Paterson instead of Sam Demel in the ’pen.
Jim McLennan - February 6, 2012
I usually always plan for a 12-man pitching staff, but adjusted it above just because AZ happened to have all of those bench guys signed.
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
Clint Eastwood teared me up.
Hyundai fired me up
godaddy stirred me up
Phil Gurnee - February 6, 2012
My favorites were the BMW ad where the car reads him the text about his mother-in-law and the Audi one with Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno.
Nolij - February 6, 2012
Or was it Acura with Seinfeld?
Nolij - February 6, 2012
Either way, it didn’t work.
fbihop - February 6, 2012
ha ha
Phil Gurnee - February 6, 2012
Right, but presumably it’ll sink in over the next million viewings that will be broadcast. The car was pretty though.
Nolij - February 6, 2012
That one was my favorite
Ivdown - February 6, 2012
Doritos won me over with the dead cat.
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
Verdell took the Dorito bag from me and threw it out
Phil Gurnee - February 6, 2012
Clint Eastwood, at 81, still a tough SOB.
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
Great commercial. I will stay off his lawn.
Tommy Blackjack - February 6, 2012 via iPhone app
Diamondbacks
will be one of the most overrated teams headed in to the 2012 season.
Xeifrank - February 6, 2012
Other than CF and the first Starter is there one position the Dodgers outgun the Diamondbacks at?
Phil Gurnee - February 6, 2012
I’d take Jansen over Putz.
Nolij - February 6, 2012
I also expect Loney to outperform Overbay and Uibe to be better than Roberts this year. Mark Ellis and Aaron Hill are probably a wash.
Nolij - February 6, 2012
Could Ethier match, maybe even have a better season then Upton? or no?
uschris0304 - February 6, 2012
He could. But Upton is the better player.
Nolij - February 6, 2012
Overbay is the backup 1B
I’d certainly expect LA’s starter will outperform him.
Jim McLennan - February 6, 2012
The Dodgers? Why not just compare the Diamondbacks to the Astros!!!
Xeifrank - February 6, 2012
I knew this would be your response
Michael White - February 6, 2012
Because the Astro’s are not the Diamondbacks competition.
Phil Gurnee - February 6, 2012
The Houston Fallbacks?
Lex in Brooklyn - February 6, 2012
Hope so for the Dodgers' sake
But I really don’t see it.
Pure Azure - February 6, 2012 via Android app
As the 2011 D-backs showed
How teams are “rated” heading in to the season, can easily bear absolutely no resemblance to their actual performance. I seem to recall someone “rating” Arizona at 69 wins, and finishing 12 games back of fourth-place in the NL West…
Jim McLennan - February 6, 2012
Right. Nobody can accurately predict win totals for every single team. Way too much randomness involved. Vegas can’t. I can’t. And you can’t. My main point is that the 2012 Diamondbacks will likely get hyped based on their 2011 win total of 94 wins, which by most measurements was heavily luck based. They are a good, slightly above average team – just like a few other teams in the NL West are.
Xeifrank - February 6, 2012
Biggest problem with Arizona is the not the current rotation which is solid but not great but the three kids percolating below the surface in Bauer, Skaggs, and last year’s other number one pick Archie Bradley.
Bauer and Skaggs should both be ready to help in 2012 but at least Archie is several years away.
What a draft last year for them.
Phil Gurnee - February 6, 2012
Bauer will win 24 games, and Skaggs will win one (on the road).
Nolij - February 6, 2012
Please tell me Skaggs'
nickname is Boz
mleadman - February 6, 2012
Future TBLA headline
“Dodgers Show Skaggs Who’s Boz”
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
For one of Phil's previews
Lowdown on Skaggs
mleadman - February 6, 2012
Ian Kennedy perhiperhals
last two seasons.
K/9: 7.92
BB/9: 2.70
GB/FB: 0.91
His closest comparable over that same time span is “Mystery Pitcher”.
K/9: 7.88
BB/9: 2.61
GB/FB: 1.05
Guess who the mystery pitcher is.
Heading out for a few mintues.
Xeifrank - February 6, 2012
Kuroda
Lex in Brooklyn - February 6, 2012
This mystery pitcher also pitched 15 games in relief in 2010, the numbers for which Xeifrank didn’t include here.
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
Chris Naverson?
regfairfield - February 6, 2012
right first name
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
Capuano
Nolij - February 6, 2012
Cha-Ching
Xeifrank - February 6, 2012
Carlos Zambrano?
Nolij - February 6, 2012
Lecure is the only one who shows up on Bref using K/9 = 7.88 for the last two years.
Phil Gurnee - February 6, 2012
Same exercise
for a few of their other starts, except I will give you the answers this time.
Top three comps (K/9, BB/9, GB/FB) last two years sample size.
Daniel Hudson (7.18, 2.18, 0.98)
1. Shaun Marcum (7.34, 2.27, 0.88)
2. Bartolo Colon (7.18, 2.18, 1.24)
3. Jordan Zimmerman (7.07, 1.92, 0.99)
Trevor Cahill (5.90, 3.23, 2.07)
1. Zach Britton (5.63, 3.62, 1.86)
2. Ivan Nova (5.45, 3.17, 1.82)
3. Jake Westbrook (5.41, 3.29, 2.35)
Josh Collmenter (5.83, 1.63, 0.71)
1. Dallas Braden (5.74, 2.05, 0.99)
2. Kevin Slowey (6.48, 1.51, 0.56)
3. Doug Fister (5.55, 1.62, 1.43)
I don’t have the numbers for Joe Saunders with me, but I believe they won’t too impressive. Here is the old Fanpost, where I pulled this from.
Xeifrank - February 6, 2012
The real top comp
for Ian Kennedy in 2012:
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
+1
Excellent. Blind luck. :)
Xeifrank - February 6, 2012
Wow, I never noticed Kenny Lofton had 1500+ runs scored. With his 600+ SB you’d think he might get some consideration for the hall.
Ivdown - February 6, 2012
If Rock Raines can’t get in….
Lex in Brooklyn - February 6, 2012
I was down with him on the 2006 dodgers. I was expecting disaster but he put up a perfectly cromulent 95 ops+
hee came hee seop'd he choi'd - February 6, 2012
If only we had re-signed him for 2007 instead of ………
Phil Gurnee - February 6, 2012
Frikkin Jody Reed
Lex in Brooklyn - February 6, 2012
nice empty roads on the way to work today
thank you super bowl
nolander - February 6, 2012
Good thing it was in Indiana and not Los Angeles ;)
Ivdown - February 6, 2012
Alberto (Flight of the) Contador was stripped of his 2010 Tour de France win for doping. Cycling is terrible.
Nolij - February 6, 2012
wau
my friend who is an insane cyclist loved that dude something fierce.
hee came hee seop'd he choi'd - February 6, 2012
Hey you try riding a bike up a mountain for three weeks straight without a little something extra.
regfairfield - February 6, 2012
Cycling is one of those sports that I followed only from the accounts of the Tour de France. I remember when Greg LeMond was competing in that event and would read about it. Same with Lance Armstrong, but never was my interested piqued enough to actually watch the event.
But one of my favorite LA Times headlines ever was one of the times when Miguel Indurain won the headline was “Singing Indurain”
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
I watched it once. It forced me to change my theory that I could watch any sporting event if I cared who won.
Nolij - February 6, 2012
Nascar?
iiidown - February 6, 2012
I don’t care who wins.
Nolij - February 6, 2012
Great headline!
berkowit28 - February 6, 2012
I had a similar thought
And wrote a parody to the tune of “Runaway”
My name’s Miguel Indurain
I am a cyclist, I come from Spain
I won lots of Tours de France
But then some guy named Lance
He won more
He wah-wah-wah-wah-won more…
That’s all I got.
Humma Kavula - February 6, 2012
lol
kinbote - February 6, 2012
Houston Texans to be the trendy pick for super bowl winner next year?
nolander - February 6, 2012
sorry, no
delias man - February 6, 2012
No
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
Every analyst will mention the “injury prone” QB
Michael White - February 6, 2012
yeah
if schuab stays healthy they are probably the most balanced team in the league. even with schuab being injury prone in the past they where always the trendy break out team in the past.
nolander - February 6, 2012 via Android app
So, Pierre-Paul jersey worn to work today or Brandon Jacobs?
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
Nothing but Eli Maning garb in the building I work
Lex in Brooklyn - February 6, 2012
I have a strict “no talking about sports at work” policy, so I often pretend that I don’t care about sporting events.
Michael White - February 6, 2012
No way… so you are the boss? Only reason I come to work most days is to talk sports… oh, and drink coffee.
uschris0304 - February 6, 2012
No. It’s a personal policy.
Michael White - February 6, 2012
I generally try to avoid talking about sports with most people
nolander - February 6, 2012
it can get heated
uschris0304 - February 6, 2012
So does coffee.
fbihop - February 6, 2012
I just don't care for the average persons opinions on sports
nolander - February 6, 2012
Dont be a sports snob man haha…. My only beef with sports talk at work is those that dont even care about a certain sport, yet know what team you love, and then give you a hard time when they lose.
uschris0304 - February 6, 2012
Or yeah, the casual fan, that asks you how the Dodgers are doing, did they win last night? Do they play today? Do they still have so and so on the team?
uschris0304 - February 6, 2012
I remember a lot of people I worked with thinking Juan Pierre was good
Lex in Brooklyn - February 6, 2012
That’s the weirdest thing I’ve ever heard. Is there a no weather policy too?
Lex in Brooklyn - February 6, 2012
if it wasn't for talking sports
at work, most of the people where I work would never talk to each other. :)
Xeifrank - February 6, 2012
I also do the exact same thing
delias man - February 6, 2012
I now think Kershaw will go to a hearing
He’s worth more than the midpoint, so it’s a worthwhile gamble for him. But if the Dodgers had come up with a better initial figure (7.25 range) they probably would have won.
silverwidow - February 6, 2012
asses
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
2011 Diamondbacks
Wins: 94
Pythag Wins: 88
2nd order Pythag: 83.4 (less than Dodgers)
3rd order Pythag: 83.7 (also less than Dodgers)
And if you added up all the win expectancy for all 162 games last year (Diamondbacks) using the closing lines from Vegas for WE, the DIamondbacks were an 80.49 win team.
and from this Fanpost.
Xeifrank - February 6, 2012
If 2012 was played exactly like 2011 then all this might mean something but last I looked the Diamondbacks have added a starting LF, a broken SS, a starting pitcher, a years worth of a 1st baseman, and another year older for a right fielder who has all the skills to put up a MVP season.
Phil Gurnee - February 6, 2012
Look Phil. All I am saying is that the Diamondbacks are going to be overrated by a lot of people this year and much of it will be based on their 94 win season last year.
Xeifrank - February 6, 2012
Amen, AJ
underdog - February 6, 2012
Far fucken’ out
Lex in Brooklyn - February 6, 2012
AJ Ellis “gets it” (whatever that means).
kinbote - February 6, 2012
its in the name
mintxcore - February 6, 2012
Come on and vogue
everybody move to the music, go with the flow
Josie Becker - February 6, 2012
Life is a mystery, everyone must stand alone, I hear you call my name, and it feels like, home.
uschris0304 - February 6, 2012
It’s funny that you like that song for some reason to me, lol.
Ivdown - February 6, 2012
haha yeah I dont know man, I was 11 when it came out and always liked that song, might be my favorite Madonna song. I use to watch MTV and just wait for the video to come on lol
uschris0304 - February 6, 2012
Great song, awesome video.
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
Absolutely
Ivdown - February 6, 2012
The choir in the song too, just make it a powerful song :)
uschris0304 - February 6, 2012
seriously, that's my favorite part
“Let the choir sing…”
Ivdown - February 6, 2012
What did you think of the David B. ad? I didn’t know he was inked up that much.
Xeifrank - February 6, 2012
i did
/nohomo
nolander - February 6, 2012
I think it was a great testament to the state of the men’s underwear industry
Josie Becker - February 6, 2012
One of my favorite stanzas
Cinderella, she seems so easy
“It takes one to know one,” she smiles
And puts her hands in her back pocket
Bette Davis style
And in comes Romeo; he’s moaning
“You belong to me, I do believe”
And someone says, “You’re in the wrong place my friend”
“You’d better leave”
And the only sound that’s left
After the ambulances go
Is Cinderella, sweeping up on
Desolation Row
silverwidow - February 6, 2012
Being completely serious
would anyone be interested in a TBLA fantasy baseball league. I know some of y’all do the money leagues, but I was probably gonna play fantasy baseball anyhow. Might as well support a SBNation partner
Josie Becker - February 6, 2012
Yahoo is my favorite of the free leagues. I’d be down with a TBLA league.
Nolij - February 6, 2012
Same here. Both football and baseball.
Michael White - February 6, 2012
Sorry, same here in I agree Yahoo is the best.
I can only focus on one fantasy team per sport and I’ve already got a fantasy baseball league.
Michael White - February 6, 2012
I’ll set it up, post the fanpost when it’s ready
Josie Becker - February 6, 2012
No, I’d be Down,
iiidown - February 6, 2012
Maybe
nolander - February 6, 2012
I usually run one or two (H2H, Roto) but wouldn’t mind passing the torch to someone else.
Xeifrank - February 6, 2012
I could get myself psyched up for the draft, but I don’t think I would pay attention enough throughout the season to be anything other than an absentee owner.
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
hey, I won reg’s football league as an absentee owner : )
Josie Becker - February 6, 2012
Also if I do end up joining a league it will be an old league I ran for years, but have only played sparingly in the last decade. I employ Mike’s one-fantasy-team-per-sport rule as well, so if I do join it will be the Hideki Irabu Memorial League.
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
FYP, it should be the Harry, Harry, Harry Aruba Memorial League
The Stuntmen - February 6, 2012
I’d be down.
fbihop - February 6, 2012
Read above.
iiidown - February 6, 2012
Read above to see that you’re down?
fbihop - February 6, 2012
you may have missed the joke about the Down's :)
Ivdown - February 6, 2012
are you going to be readyat 630am saturday?
delias man - February 6, 2012
with bells on
Josie Becker - February 6, 2012
holy hell that's this weekend already?
Ivdown - February 6, 2012
I'd be down
Yahoo does good leagues, I’d like to do a Yahoo league or two.
Ivdown - February 6, 2012
Also down
Hope that doesn’t make me vdown
Taylor Maricle - February 6, 2012
lmao
this one was great
Ivdown - February 6, 2012
I can’t afford another son!
iiidown - February 6, 2012
Yes. id be in for sure
keithc13 - February 6, 2012
Ad on TBLA homepage, no lie
Millionaire Men Needed
For Los Angeles Trophy Women
SIIIIIIIIGH
Nolij - February 6, 2012
Oh, Frank . . .
kinbote - February 6, 2012
Meanwhile the billionaires are saving their millions for Los Angeles Trophy Team.
berkowit28 - February 6, 2012
Trying again (what happened above?):
Meanwhile the billionaires are saving their millions for Los Angeles Trophy Team.
berkowit28 - February 6, 2012
Allen Webster
He wasn’t invited to major league camp, which is a minor upset in my view. I thought they’d might want to get a look at their 7th (?) starter in a few exhibitions. But he’ll get some garbage time innings anyway.
silverwidow - February 6, 2012
Not much of a surprise to me
how many pitchers without any real success in AA get a camp invite?
nolander - February 6, 2012
I remember watching him pitch last year on TV in spring training.
Taylor Maricle - February 6, 2012
Did Withrow get one?
If so I think he’s the 7th option right now.
Ivdown - February 6, 2012
Withrow is already on the 40-man, so yes. But I think Webster will out perform him.
silverwidow - February 6, 2012
They’ll probably still get a look at him as a minor leaguer who dresses for a game (like Withrow a few years ago.) My thoughts on NRIs is that you give them the invite only if they have a realistic shot of making the team. Webster doesn’t.
Michael White - February 6, 2012
Yep, we’ll definitely see him in some “B” games or at the tail end of “A” games. But the Dodgers have definitely given top prospects with no shot at making the team invites in the past.
silverwidow - February 6, 2012
He might
He certainly has better control, though I’ve always been a big fan of withrow and think he can make it in the majors.
Ivdown - February 6, 2012
Unless Webster goes nutso he’s probably below Antonini, Withrow and Tucker right now.
regfairfield - February 6, 2012
Antonini as the lefty John Ely…I can see that. Tucker is a reliever tho.
silverwidow - February 6, 2012
hm
nolander - February 6, 2012
The human legs
with dog fur are creepy
mleadman - February 6, 2012
From LA Observed
The billionaire developer tells Daily News reporter Rick Orlov that for now he’s focusing on a bid for the Dodgers. "After that decision is made, Caruso said, “I will make a decision on mayor.”
Then, if I have time, I may try to take over Sacramento
mleadman - February 6, 2012
See LA Trophy Team comment above.
berkowit28 - February 6, 2012
Kershaw crowdsourcing
I went back and tallied up the numbers. There were 22 guesses.
Kershaw is expected to make $8,584,091 in 2012, in a contract signed on February 12.
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
I believe I was the only person who had Kershaw going to arb and losing
Michael White - February 6, 2012
yeah
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
You took the
“first score of the game is a safety” route.
Ivdown - February 6, 2012
Not really. I hadn’t looked over other guesses before I made that, but I could see the Dodgers winning this. Lincecum isn’t a true comp because he had 2 CYAs rather than Kershaw’s one. And IIRC, even if Kershaw loses, he still sets a record for normal people going to their first hearing.
Michael White - February 6, 2012
beats the “normal” record by 49% in fact.
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
I completely missed this last week
but the Mariners signed Carlos Guillen to a minor league contract.
I believe he is the only man to start on opening day at all four infield positions.
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
You know it is going to be a great news story when it includes the phrase, “The burrito’s rightful owner walked up to the men and said he wanted his burrito back.”
fbihop - February 6, 2012
so good.
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
I like the term “burrito owner.” I hope to be one at lunch today.
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
You know full well you’ll only be a renter.
kinbote - February 6, 2012
Is this
the SilverWidow Story?
mleadman - February 6, 2012
Man you pistol whipped a dude for a burrito what would you do for a Klondike Bar? Kill your wife?
regfairfield - February 6, 2012
haha
just watched that episode last week.
nolander - February 6, 2012
The weird part to me was the victim agreed to give these strangers a bite of his burrito, wtf??? Or maybe he knows these guys.
uschris0304 - February 6, 2012
Do you mind if we dance wif yo burrrito?
mleadman - February 6, 2012
The area where this happened is not exactly a great part of town.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the two had introduced some sort of foreign substance into their bodies to make themselves feel better. Besides the burrito, of course.
fbihop - February 6, 2012
i find assigning $$$ amounts to WAR..
as bogus.
#1. It shouldnt be linear…
#2. It makes comparative valuations of players based on only a free agent sample…when baseball has rules in place to drive down those values…(since i think 65% of the league is arbitration level or younger anyway)
For instance: James Loney had 2.3 WAR last year….Fangraphs tells me that 1 WAR is worth $4.5 mils on the free agent market….There’s no way James Loney would ever make 10mils a year in free agency…simply because there are way more players available at that lower end of the WAR spectrum available, and also the cost controlled value of arbitration or pre arbitration level talent drives down the price of mediocre free agents.
Joey Joe - February 6, 2012
Would you be adverse to an exponential WAR/$ scale? Something like X^(WAR)?
Nolij - February 6, 2012
What does ^ represent?
silverwidow - February 6, 2012
X to the power of WAR
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
now that would be a weird band
court168627 - February 6, 2012 via Android app
Rec’d
fbihop - February 6, 2012
Agree’d
kinbote - February 6, 2012
“to the power of”
Nolij - February 6, 2012
bit shift
nolander - February 6, 2012
Same to you mister
mleadman - February 6, 2012
Exponent.
Maddz - February 6, 2012 via iPhone app
Number of females required
mleadman - February 6, 2012
Thanks. Never got to taking Trigonometry.
silverwidow - February 6, 2012
Or used a calculator?
Nolij - February 6, 2012
I’ve had one scientific calculator in my life and haven’t used it since HS.
silverwidow - February 6, 2012
-Ned Colletti
court168627 - February 6, 2012 via Android app
“5 doesn’t go into 44. It’s perfect!”
kinbote - February 6, 2012
It’d have to be something like that because its definitely not linear.
As for establishing a base of what 1 WAR is equal to in dollars….why not just include all the players and take the total payroll divided by total WAR?
It just seems like fangraphs inflates the value of players when they start speaking in how much they are worth in real dollars on the free agent market…
Joey Joe - February 6, 2012
true
but i think most baseball fans and writers are off on player values. there’s a lot that goes into contracts that we don’t see and as outsider’s we can’t really have a full understanding of how the market works
court168627 - February 6, 2012 via Android app
Are you mixing players under team control with those that are not?
Xeifrank - February 6, 2012
definitely
The supply of players under team control affects the equilbrium price of free agents.
I think the fallacy of WAR/$ is that it assumes free agency is the only supply of players available to teams when they want a player…but its not. There are other options such as cost controlled players (which the majority of MLB’ers are).
Joey Joe - February 6, 2012
Cost controlled players are not exactly available. They belong to a team unless they want to get rid of them.
David Young - February 6, 2012
It definitely seems like backwards logic when somone like Dave Cameron figures out that someone’s contract happens to align nicely with WAR/$ (or whatever it’s called). He’s always quick to jump in when a contract turns out to be “fair” value. It makes more sense to realize that market value drives contracts.
kinbote - February 6, 2012
It’s possible you may be undervaluing just how much crappy players get paid.
VegasBlues - February 6, 2012
I thought ned was the only gm who paid crappy players
nolander - February 6, 2012
The point of WAR-to-$
Is to show what they’re worth on the open market.
Which is why you only include who got paid on said open market.
Simple.
Taylor Maricle - February 6, 2012
Perhaps
but you need to do the math to disprove some research from some pretty smart people.
Xeifrank - February 6, 2012
It’s based on a really inherently flawed assumption that everyone is evaluating players using WAR.
regfairfield - February 6, 2012
Help me out. Where is the mission statement stating this.
Xeifrank - February 6, 2012
The assumption is that GMs are totally rational about their signings and value players the same way. If everyone had similar opinions about a player this would mostly work, but it only take one GM giving a defensively incompetent RBI guy a big contract to gum up the system. That guy doesn’t think a 1.5 win player is worth 15 a year, that guy thinks a middle of the order bat that will anchor the lineup for years to come is worth that.
It’s also assuming that all players will degrade equally. If for whatever reason no one thinks a guy that was great has much left in the tank, his WAR/$ is going to be really suppressed.
Plus there’s other factors involved like elite players being undervalued because it’s not a fair market for those players. Or Edwin Jackson taking way less than he could have because fuck Pittsburgh.There’s too many things at work to be able to just plot dollars and WAR on a graph and put a best fit line on there.
regfairfield - February 6, 2012
I probably agree (i’m not a sme here) that it is not a one size fits all formula, just the best we have to work with. Until I see the “math” showing something better, I will trust and use Tango’s system.
Xeifrank - February 6, 2012
What’s sme because I think I’d enjoy that.
regfairfield - February 6, 2012
Subject matter expert.
Xeifrank - February 6, 2012
Not nearly as fun as I was hopinh.
regfairfield - February 6, 2012
/Rhianna
Xeifrank - February 6, 2012
Captain Hok’s right-hand man.
Nolij - February 6, 2012
+1
Awesome on multiple levels. Rec’d
Xeifrank - February 6, 2012
I guess he doesn't like Pittsburgh
bhsportsguy - February 6, 2012
E-Jax & J-Mac would’ve been an interesting duo.
kinbote - February 6, 2012
yes
Phil Gurnee - February 6, 2012
the guy hasn’t had many opportunities to pick which team he wants to play for
court168627 - February 6, 2012 via Android app
/belated "goddammit Ned" for not signing him, instead signing Harang
oh well…
underdog - February 6, 2012
Sincerely Yours,
Ned Bashing.
Xeifrank - February 6, 2012
Really, must have an extra thousand just lying around.
bhsportsguy - February 6, 2012
beyond awesome
Phil Gurnee - February 6, 2012
Should have pulled a Xeifrank and bet $12 a bunch of times.
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
+1
Tax savings ftw. Or aftw (almost) in my case.
Xeifrank - February 6, 2012
my bosses friend
Put 1000 dollars down on the Giants when they were 100-1 odds earlier in the season…who the hell puts 1000 dollars on a team with those odds??? lol
Ivdown - February 6, 2012
Winners
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
I believe that was the odds when they
were 6-6.
bhsportsguy - February 6, 2012
Frank Rosenthal
Lex in Brooklyn - February 6, 2012
The %1
Phil Gurnee - February 6, 2012
lol I guess
Him and that guy who bet on the Cards 10 games out
Ivdown - February 6, 2012
Maybe your bosses friend realized the Giants were banged up on the DL early on, and knew they had a chance once healthy, and once the OL had time to gel.
uschris0304 - February 6, 2012
Speaking of bets, Bobby. Like taking candy from a baby.
Cory - February 6, 2012
.5 points screwed me, not cool
Ivdown - February 6, 2012
someone needs to find this person so we can utilize their time machine
court168627 - February 6, 2012 via Android app
Don’t let Loney drive it.
kinbote - February 6, 2012
“Man from future accidentally clones Hitler”
court168627 - February 6, 2012 via Android app
Gray’s Sports Almanac expired. So they couldn’t have used that.
Nolij - February 6, 2012
Ok, someone let Doctor Who go to Vegas...
Jim McLennan - February 6, 2012
the Doctor would never do something so petty. I blame McFly
Josie Becker - February 6, 2012
I think you forget that the Doctor gave Donna Noble a lottery ticket.
fbihop - February 6, 2012
he did? totally forgot that
Josie Becker - February 6, 2012
Refresh – I don’t normally take out full threads but I did in this case. Whatever the provocation if you feel the need to tell someone to f off and it is not done in a comical way, simply refrain, I don’t care who you are.
Phil Gurnee - February 6, 2012
where's vero joe so it can be done in a funny way :)
Ivdown - February 6, 2012
I missed a doozy when I was off reading
Josie Becker - February 6, 2012
what happened to your brain slug that makes you only read tbla?
Ivdown - February 6, 2012
Well I opened this thread too late apparently
Because whatever it was is already gone.
David Young - February 6, 2012
It was epic
Everyone who was here will never forget how great it was. You just had to be here for this once in a lifetime thing. I’m sure you’ll only wonder about it for the rest of your days :)
Ivdown - February 6, 2012
GFY
Nolij - February 6, 2012
rec'd
Ivdown - February 6, 2012
I’m more certain than ever that it totally sucked and people were being more stupid than usual.
David Young - February 6, 2012
That seems impossible, but possible.
keithc13 - February 6, 2012
McCovey Chronicles writes about the Dodgers’ offseason moves.
fbihop - February 6, 2012
Good read. Thanks.
kinbote - February 6, 2012
This is always a little sobering:
kinbote - February 6, 2012
At least we have them for two years!
fbihop - February 6, 2012
Juan Rivera looks better and better.
kinbote - February 6, 2012
Sounds like an alcoholic’s mantra
mleadman - February 6, 2012
The more Ned signs, the better they look.
kinbote - February 6, 2012
They won't have Ned to make them feel better about things much longer...
Nor will their division rival have the McCourt saga to make them feel better…
So, enjoy it while it lasts, I guess? Especially since the Giants and Dodgers are probably roughly about equal this coming year.
But Grant is always good to read.
underdog - February 6, 2012
I think the Giants—on paper—are clearly better. Their rotation beats ours, their bullpen is potentially great, and they should be better offensively with Posey returning & Melky/Pagan. That being said, anything can happen.
kinbote - February 6, 2012
Posey makes their lineup better in a snap, but their lineup was horrible and I don't see it as better than
than the Dodgers. Both are mediocre. The Giants have a better rotation at the moment though Dodgers have some wild cards in their minor league system there and I would be surprised if the comeback pitcher had a regression for them this year. Frankly, their bullpen is also due to regress, though yes on paper would rank it ahead of LA’s. Anyway, I guess my point is: a) the Giants are arguably better but it’s pretty marginal from top to bottom (last man), and regardless, they won’t have Ned to kick around past this season.
Perhaps he’ll come back to work for Sabean while waiting for his next GM gig. ;)
underdog - February 6, 2012
I meant better than they were last year but your points still stand.
And I’m not 100% sold on Posey. That was a brutal injury. Coming back all the way might take a bit. I think they need to get Belt in the lineup.
kinbote - February 6, 2012
yeah that's another problem. Bochy and Sabean.
I mean, just start Belt already, then their lineup is good. instead they look for ways to force the vets into 1B and OF, which is to our benefit… hope Belt is dicked around again this year. ;)
underdog - February 6, 2012
(lineup is better, I mean, still not sure about "good")
underdog - February 6, 2012
Was a bit shocked by this
The Clippers have won three straight road games and face the Magic in Orlando tonight. If they win tonight, they will be within one game of the franchise record road winning streak:
5 games:
1973 Buffalo Braves (November of 1973-1974 season)
4 games:
2007 Clippers (streak ran from 2006-2007 to 2007-2008 regular seasons)
2007 Clippers (in March)
2006 Clippers (February of 2005-2006 season)
1997 Clippers (April of 1996-1997 season)
1992 Clippers (March of 1991-1992 season)
1974 Buffalo Braves (January of 1973-1974 season)
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
Clippers
are one point favorites tonight (last I saw). I’m not really that surprised by this, but it just seems odd and out of place that this is the case. #NotYourMomsClippers
Xeifrank - February 6, 2012
Apparently someone pulled the drama tag.
fbihop - February 6, 2012
On a lighter note
Submitting the extended version of last night’s Avengers trailer for approval.
OB12 - February 6, 2012
While that movie is not up my alley, I really enjoyed the trailer last night. Well done.
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
You’re more of a Battleship guy.
kinbote - February 6, 2012
I’m more interested in Minesweeper, the Movie.
Nolij - February 6, 2012
That was the Hurt Locker ;)
Ivdown - February 6, 2012
The Godfather is being played at theatres for 1 night around the country on March 1st. Godfather II on April 5th, I think.
I’m pretty pumped about paying to watch a movie I’ve seen at least 50 times on the big screen.
keithc13 - February 6, 2012
But what about Part III?!?
Nolij - February 6, 2012
Guess it’s not making the cut
keithc13 - February 6, 2012
50 times on the big screen? dam….
uschris0304 - February 6, 2012
Ill be seeing Phantom Menace for the 2nd time on the big screen very soon, but 1st time, in 3D!!!!
uschris0304 - February 6, 2012
I’m not familiar with this Phantom Menace thingy
keithc13 - February 6, 2012
You should keep it that way.
fbihop - February 6, 2012
shit, lightsabers in 3D, you must be crazy to miss that haha… im just assuming, I dont really know if thats the case.
uschris0304 - February 6, 2012
Your argument is basically “high technology shiny objects!”
Not worth $30 to go with my girlfriend to that horrible movie.
fbihop - February 6, 2012
nah, for me, the arguement is I never know when ill ever get a chance to see all 6 star wars movies on a big screen again, so Im just gonna do it lol…. I was kinda iffy on it, but whatever.
uschris0304 - February 6, 2012
The three Star Wars movies won’t be out in 3D for a couple of years though.
Nolij - February 6, 2012
So they arent doing all 6 in 3D?
uschris0304 - February 6, 2012
There aren’t 6 Star Wars movies.
Nolij - February 6, 2012
well what are they then? ok episodes? are all 6 episodes being shown in 3D??
uschris0304 - February 6, 2012
Saying “I liked A New Hope, so I need to go see Episode I in 3D” is like saying “Rocky was awesome, I’m going to go reenact Rocky V.”
Nolij - February 6, 2012
oh ok, I got you. Well, Episode 1 is my least favorite of whatever were calling them, but if im going to see any of them in 3D, I might as well see all 6, or 3, or whatever it is…. Once im in a series, I see everything. Ill be seeing the new American Pie movie too, American Reunion.
uschris0304 - February 6, 2012
I think he's saying he doesn't like the 3 prequels
Ivdown - February 6, 2012
Who’s on first?
fbihop - February 6, 2012
Nah, 50 times at home.
Gonna be 1 at the big screen.
My bad
keithc13 - February 6, 2012
good call
seen it a bunch but never on big screen.
kinbote - February 6, 2012
I rode my bike
out to Pasadena to see it. I think I was 15 or 16 and didn’t have a driver’s license yet.
mleadman - February 6, 2012
It was released the year I was born. I swear that year might have been America’s cultural peak.
kinbote - February 6, 2012
Saw Godfather I & II back to back on the big screen back in college. Repertory houses schedule it all the time.
That said, the print was old/ugly. A bit red and faded black. This will look top-notch.
Humma Kavula - February 6, 2012
I will watch this on the big screen.
Phil Gurnee - February 6, 2012
I remember renting it on VHS
20 or so years ago and it was unwatchable it was so dark. A new digital print would be nice to watch
mleadman - February 6, 2012
There are several movies that if they came back to theaters i'd go see
Like Superbad, Anchorman and the Departed.
Ivdown - February 6, 2012
…
mintxcore - February 6, 2012
I watched today
Looks great
Ivdown - February 6, 2012
Yeah, Hulk looks amazing.
OB12 - February 6, 2012
Filmed in Albuquerque!
One of my friends did a few days of extra work on it.
fbihop - February 6, 2012
I did too, here in Ohio. It was awesome!
OB12 - February 6, 2012
Time to make a uniform robe with “Rangers” across the front. Joe Beimel signed a minor league deal with Texas. So did Conor Jackson.
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
A couple of potentially nice pieces. Texas even does minor-league deal/NRIs better than every one else.
Nolij - February 6, 2012
Conor Jackson has been really frickin bad since he got malaria or whatever.
regfairfield - February 6, 2012
I guess it has been more than three years now. Still a very low-risk signing for a guy who could be able to still hit.
Nolij - February 6, 2012
I miss Troy. Just glad he was from West Virgina, but he would’ve made an interesting addition to the blogger tournament if he lived out here.
Xeifrank - February 6, 2012
Kuo
I think it was Jack Z. who originally discovered Kuo for the Dodgers.
silverwidow - February 6, 2012
Josie
You’re clearly a big Joss Whedon fan, right? Have you caught the preview for some horror movie in the woods with Chris Hemmsworth and like no one else I’ve ever seen? I don’t know what to make of it, because I like Chris, and Joss’ work is growing on me, but the movie still looks kinda bad, lol.
Ivdown - February 6, 2012
it was made like three years ago, but it’s been sitting in the can waiting for release. I can assure you, it’s probably going to be pretty good. Don’t judge it by the preview.
Josie Becker - February 6, 2012
I dont know, if its been sitting in the can, doesnt that probably mean it isnt that good? But im down for horror movies so i’ll still be interested.
uschris0304 - February 6, 2012
the problem was MGM went broke.
Josie Becker - February 6, 2012
That long?
I really like Chris Hemmsworth after his role on Star Trek and never seeing him any time before or after that in anything (I need to see Thor…), so that and the director are what make me want to see it.
Ivdown - February 6, 2012
I’m late to the party on movie talk but I wanted to break off my 2 cents.
I watched The Grey the other night.
Most people say it’s alright and hate the ending.
I loved it.
That’s all
keithc13 - February 6, 2012
My movie talk is I rewatched a personal favorite movie of mine: Flirting with Disaster (Ben Stiller, Tea Leonei). I swear that is a great comedy.
kinbote - February 6, 2012
I’ve never seen it.
But I like Ben Stiller.
I’m gonna check it out.
keithc13 - February 6, 2012
yes
i remember watching that movie at 2am one college night in cambridge. surprised i stayed awake and loved it so much
mintxcore - February 6, 2012
LA Galaxy news from The Onion:
fbihop - February 6, 2012
seems fair
keithc13 - February 6, 2012
That may be the most complimentary thing The Onion has ever said about soccer.
Nolij - February 6, 2012
in other news, Andre Ethier told he can’t go outside and play baseball until he finishes his homework.
Come on Onion, try a bit harder
Josie Becker - February 6, 2012
Trying harder may have nothing to do with it. Innate sense of humor may have everything to do with it!
latenite - February 6, 2012
These are disgusting
First bag of Doritos that I’ve actively hated.
silverwidow - February 6, 2012
I want to follow you around for a day.
regfairfield - February 6, 2012
you can be his official Dorito duster
Josie Becker - February 6, 2012
If you dusted a dorito, wouldn’t it just be a chip
regfairfield - February 6, 2012
I meant dusting the dorito dust off him
Josie Becker - February 6, 2012
ewwww
regfairfield - February 6, 2012
you make me laugh, very good : )
Josie Becker - February 6, 2012
He doesn’t really exist
keithc13 - February 6, 2012
They remind me of Takis.
uschris0304 - February 6, 2012
They had a gross lime flavor a couple years back. Fake lime always tastes like dish soap smells.
kinbote - February 6, 2012
Should be
Doritos Assflame amirite?
mleadman - February 6, 2012
The Houston Assflames… ok sorry
uschris0304 - February 6, 2012
I just showed a friend at work Wayne (Mariner fan) the Kuo bat flip for the first time, always love seeing people’s reaction to it, haha.
Ivdown - February 6, 2012
Here
I can watch this all day.
fbihop - February 6, 2012
Thanks for the GIF :)
Ivdown - February 6, 2012
LOVE IT
David Ortiz is jealous of Kuo’s bat flip.
ishXdavid - February 6, 2012
I can picture HJ
or Gary doing that at the softball tournament. I would do it, but it doesn’t have quite the same thunder on a line drive over second base. :)
Xeifrank - February 6, 2012
I’m going to glad hand an infield hit to SS against Dodger Thoughts
Phil Gurnee - February 6, 2012
I’m expecting a couple of infield singles to be hit my way! :)
If it is from you that is good. Means we both moved on.
Xeifrank - February 6, 2012
I still can’t believe we’ll be allowed to use USSSA bats. I’m deliberating if I should borrow a buddy’s for the weekend.
ishXdavid - February 6, 2012
bring it
worst case is you can’t use it. It may help a few of us get the ball out of the infield. :)
Xeifrank - February 6, 2012
I just don’t want to be on the hook for $400 if something happens to it.
ishXdavid - February 6, 2012
Gotcha. I may put a little extra padding in my glove. I oiled up all three of my gloves a couple of weeks ago and put some new rawhide in old faithful. May have to double cup-it if they use USSSA bats though, or just wear a big batting helmet over my groin.
Xeifrank - February 6, 2012
I e-mailed the LFP guy suggesting that we should be going ASA for this.
David Young - February 6, 2012
Thanks
I’m not sure the LFP truly understands the difference between the two bats and how dangerous it will be.
ishXdavid - February 6, 2012
I don't understand the difference
how dangerous is it?
mleadman - February 6, 2012
It’s extremely dangerous.
fbihop - February 6, 2012
http://www.livestrong.com/article/126063-slow-pitch-softball-bat-regulations/#ixzz1le9JMXPN
I assume non ASA bats make the ball go all faster
Josie Becker - February 6, 2012
scary fast
nolander - February 6, 2012
Yeah, I hope they don’t allow the scary bats. I’ve taken a few direct hits even at SS even with ASA bats. Would hate to be pitcher or 3B with those bats. Problem is, we will likely have a mix of very experienced strong hitting players and people who play slow pitch once every 10 years. The two won’t mix well with the scary bats in use.
Xeifrank - February 6, 2012
100% agreed.
David Young - February 6, 2012
!
Blake DeWitt DFA’d.
kinbote - February 6, 2012
Available for the next 2 years!
mleadman - February 6, 2012
Too bad Ned hates him
Tommy Blackjack - February 6, 2012 via iPhone app
What makes you say that?
Michael White - February 6, 2012
The government told me
Tommy Blackjack - February 6, 2012 via iPhone app
WAT
OMG MUST HAVE
nolander - February 6, 2012
It doesn’t really matter since he’s signed for 1.1 million but it’s kinda weird they did this after settling his arb case.
regfairfield - February 6, 2012
Maybe they thought he had trade value but were mistaken.
kinbote - February 6, 2012
Russ Mitchell too, per Rosenthal
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
I'd replace Mitchell with a Blake DW in a second!
underdog - February 6, 2012
Dam, alleged child molesting janitor at my kids school in Chatsworth, wtf is going on in these schools?
uschris0304 - February 6, 2012
I’m homeschooling my kid
Josie Becker - February 6, 2012
Ok if you don’t want your kid to have social skills.
Nolij - February 6, 2012
I had people get angry with me in high school
because I didn’t assume kids who where home schooled where slow.
nolander - February 6, 2012
yeah little league is totally not a thing
Josie Becker - February 6, 2012
The home-schooled kids in little league get picked on because they’re weird and don’t have social skills.
Nolij - February 6, 2012
c'mon dude
You were in the HGM. School is no guarantee for social skills
Maddz - February 6, 2012 via iPhone app
(raises hand)
Excuse me, I still don’t have any social skills. Also: women and children terrify me.
Humma Kavula - February 6, 2012
Yeah, I’m extremely awkward and I went to public schools.
fbihop - February 6, 2012
I got all my social skills by talking to drunks at a pizzeria.
nolander - February 6, 2012
I have excellent social skills. That’s why the only place I talk to people is on the internet!
kinbote - February 6, 2012
I’m actually a 12 year old girl.
iiidown - February 6, 2012
Things just got creepy. Like Chris’ kids’ elementary school creepy.
fbihop - February 6, 2012
Psssssssssssssst: things got creepy a long time ago.
Humma Kavula - February 6, 2012
Point taken.
Nolij - February 6, 2012
Homeschooling for me
would’ve been Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
mleadman - February 6, 2012
So it was a complete success then?
David Young - February 6, 2012
What if your kid doesn't like sports
nolander - February 6, 2012
yeah, youth theater totally isn’t a thing
Josie Becker - February 6, 2012
what if your kid isn't into youth theater?
nolander - February 6, 2012
The six-year old’s response. Why? Why? Why? Why?
There are a myriad of activities available for children to interact with other children. The main problem is getting home-schooled children into opportunities to interact with other children without their parents around to run things and control all situations.
David Young - February 6, 2012
women just aren't getting along and vice versa with Nolander today :P
Ivdown - February 6, 2012
today?
nolander - February 6, 2012
lol
Ivdown - February 6, 2012
They are hiring perverts
Tommy Blackjack - February 6, 2012 via iPhone app
YIKES
No offense to Matt, but I’m incredibly leery of male elementary school teachers.
ishXdavid - February 6, 2012
What this country needs are more male elementary school teachers.
Phil Gurnee - February 6, 2012
true statement
delias man - February 6, 2012
what this country needs is for the hysteria to end
men shouldn’t have to be so afraid of people thinking they are pedos just because they spend any time around kids.
nolander - February 6, 2012
My dad told me that he lived in constant fear of being accused of something when he was my soccer coach. Even though he obviously didn’t do anything untoward.
He made sure that there was always another parent on hand at soccer practices, etc.
fbihop - February 6, 2012
OK children
today we are going to practice activities without the use of our hands.
mleadman - February 6, 2012
I coach a soccer team
of 6,7 and 8 year old kids (AYSO). We have to take what is called “Safe Haven” training. Basically, it tells you some of the appropriate and inappropriate behavious around kids. Of course not the obvious ones like molesting, but the ones like what is the appropriate way to touch a kid (ie – high fives, pats on the back), what to do if a kid hugs you, all the wierd things that you probably haven’t thought of. We are taught to never be alone with the kids. For a male coach like myself, to always have one of the female mothers at all practices etc… It doesn’t gaurantee filtering out the molestors, but it does help with the grey line stuff and covers your ass and AYSO’s ass for lawsuits a little bit.
Xeifrank - February 6, 2012
and janitors.
Xeifrank - February 6, 2012
Im leery of teachers in general… Do they not drug test? I know 2 teachers personally that smoke weed and drink, right now, and besides that, I always felt why would you want to be a teacher? They got shit on when I was a kid. Dealing with 1 kid is rough enough, let alone 30-50 of them. It must be the summer vacation, thats all I cant think of.
uschris0304 - February 6, 2012
You just get more amazing by the minute.
Nolij - February 6, 2012
WTF
is wrong with a little hippie lettuce and booze? Sheesh.
ishXdavid - February 6, 2012
Nothing wrong with it to me, im just sayin though.
uschris0304 - February 6, 2012
This should continue to be good. I, for one, am setting up a lawn chair and popping some popcorn.
In the meantime, Chris, please tell us: what exactly are you “just sayin?” That schoolteachers should neither drink nor smoke pot?
Oh, look, my popcorn’s done. I’ll take my answer off the air.
Humma Kavula - February 6, 2012
I think Chris is saying that he himself doesn't feel qualified to be a teacher
and thinks its a really difficult and thankless job. Thank goodness there are people willing to do it, because I know I’m not.
nolander - February 6, 2012
Im just saying, around Jr high, and into highschool, the lack of respect teachers got from some students, and the things those students said to teachers, made me personally never want to be a teacher, and I was a straight edge kid back then, until I got crupted by the dark side of the force (women, drugs, alcohol) haha
uschris0304 - February 6, 2012
believe it or not
my students respect me.
but thats because i demand it.
and respect them.
mintxcore - February 6, 2012
Thats exactly what im saying.
uschris0304 - February 6, 2012
I was a teenage parent
so I was always on the look out for my son’s teachers whenever I’d be out at the bars or clubs, especially the young attractive ones.
ishXdavid - February 6, 2012
No
Phil Gurnee - February 6, 2012
He’s fairly irked now, folks.
Humma Kavula - February 6, 2012
I teach high school. Male elementary teachers on the whole are fantastic people and I hope that my sons will be blessed enough to have some as role models.
Nolij - February 6, 2012
Yeah… it’s always a bad seed that ruins the bunch.
ishXdavid - February 6, 2012
I thought this was great
from McCovey Chronicles:
mleadman - February 6, 2012
who is that?
uschris0304 - February 6, 2012
Eugenio
silverwidow - February 6, 2012
Eh-you-hen-ee-o
Nolij - February 6, 2012
velez
nolander - February 6, 2012
eugeni-o-for-46 velez
hee came hee seop'd he choi'd - February 6, 2012
Velez
mleadman - February 6, 2012
my bad, should have known
uschris0304 - February 6, 2012
No you shouldn’t
NotJoeTorre - February 6, 2012
He looks so funny with a bat in his hand
mleadman - February 6, 2012
You only recognize guys who get hits for the Dodgers
Michael White - February 6, 2012
yep, I’ll always remember Russ Mitchell for that HR he hit in Chicago, even if he didnt do much else.
uschris0304 - February 6, 2012
Didn't he get signed by the Cardinals as a minor league NRI?
Anyway, thankfully not our problem again this year.
underdog - February 6, 2012
I hated this marketing campaign.
funkyjam - February 6, 2012 via mobile
And here it is
silverwidow - February 6, 2012
Easy money. I should’ve bought a ticket.
kinbote - February 6, 2012
NOOOOO… I mean, okay.
Nolij - February 6, 2012
Oh well
Michael White - February 6, 2012
I picked a plethora of previews of players who may be gone by time their preview will need to post
Phil Gurnee - February 6, 2012
nice alliteration
mleadman - February 6, 2012
Tron lives to see Spring Training
silverwidow - February 6, 2012
Designate Tron and sign Dewitt
NotJoeTorre - February 6, 2012
You don’t think DeWitt will just clear waivers anyway?
Or can he still be outrighted to the minors (in the Cubs system) if he does? Actually, this is probably true.
Michael White - February 6, 2012
yes
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
Someone could use him, he’ll get claimed.
regfairfield - February 6, 2012
You know what, the Dodgers don’t have anybody who can play 2nd and 3rd but not short. Maybe the Dodgers should pick him up.
Humma Kavula - February 6, 2012
more minor league IF depth would be good, at the least
as we learned from seeing guys like Eugenio Velez waste roster space.
underdog - February 6, 2012
Does he have options remaining?
Michael White - February 6, 2012
I thought he had one, but could be wrong. Where to look it up?
underdog - February 6, 2012
If a man has no options but no one will claim him does he really not have options?
regfairfield - February 6, 2012
This is Dylanesque.
kinbote - February 6, 2012
Reg spits hot fire
Tommy Blackjack - February 6, 2012 via iPhone app
I’m sad that there were no major league players with the name “tree” according to Baseball Reference.
fbihop - February 6, 2012
What is the sound of Onan clapping?
kinbote - February 6, 2012
If it's in a forest?
underdog - February 6, 2012
We will have have the Santos Game
Phil Gurnee - February 6, 2012
You would have a hard time convincing me that Juan Uribe would post a higher OPS+ then Blake DeWitt this year.
Phil Gurnee - February 6, 2012
When I was told about OPS, I was told 800 or above is a good OPS for the most part, give or take depending on position… Now all I hear is OPS+, and I just want to know what is pretty much considered a good OPS+ in general??
uschris0304 - February 6, 2012
100 is average
anything higher is above average, anything lower is below average.
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
ok cool, thanks
uschris0304 - February 6, 2012
I would rather have DeWitt on the roster than Uribe.
kinbote - February 6, 2012
me too
NotJoeTorre - February 6, 2012
I think you guys will be surprised this year...
Uribe won’t suck. I’d rather have BDW back also but don’t know if he’s really better than Uribe. Isn’t Uribe at least a better field, if nothing else?
underdog - February 6, 2012
I agree with you. At a minimum, Uribe is a better infielder at 2B and SS. At worst Uribe is a wash with BDW at third and is probably better.
Michael White - February 6, 2012
Who really cares about his defense at 2nd/SS since for us going forward he’s a 3rd baseman?
Phil Gurnee - February 6, 2012
Then, is he better defensively at 3rd than BDW?
I think he still is. Though I suppose it’s closer. Again, I guess it’s moot since DeWitt won’t be on our team competing with Uribe, but since it was brought up…)
At any rate, it doesn’t seem like Cubs fans really miss BDW all that much and while I like the guy I can’t really imagine him outslugging Uribe this season, though the latter’s OBP will continue to leave much to be desired. /cue Emo Uribe pic
underdog - February 6, 2012
I love Chris Paul
http://www.clipsnation.com/2012/2/6/2774489/los-angeles-clippers-at-orlando-magic-game-preview#storyjump
Phil Gurnee - February 6, 2012
I love that he went to Lawler for that.
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
I’m going to pretend it is Jerry “The King” Lawler and not Ralph Lawler.
fbihop - February 6, 2012
The real reason Paul missed five games was not a left hamstring strain but rather injuries from taking a chair to the back.
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
Memphis Fireball to the face.
fbihop - February 6, 2012
he says los Anghellleeeeze
as a schtick right?
delias man - February 6, 2012
Bourjos for Lannan
WTF?
NotJoeTorre - February 6, 2012
This didn’t actually happen did it?
regfairfield - February 6, 2012
Nope
silverwidow - February 6, 2012
No, I don't think so
I haven’t been around a computer for a while and thats the first thing I saw on Fangraphs
NotJoeTorre - February 6, 2012
WAT?
Phil Gurnee - February 6, 2012
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/bourjos-for-lannan-surely-you-jest/
NotJoeTorre - February 6, 2012
Lannan and Strawman for Bourjos and Toto
Xeifrank - February 6, 2012
Still gonna write 1200 words about it.
regfairfield - February 6, 2012
You are the Logan Morrison of TBLA.
fbihop - February 6, 2012
DON'T DO THAT
nolander - February 6, 2012
I can't stop giggling
mleadman - February 6, 2012
GYFAO?
Humma Kavula - February 6, 2012
Hey that dude on the rope though was pretty cool I thought, that cant be easy.
uschris0304 - February 6, 2012
As goofy as that was (especially wardrobe), I still wish halftime show was more
like this.
(check out the .gifs at the bottom)
underdog - February 6, 2012
Is that from Star Wars 3D?
kinbote - February 6, 2012
Godfather 3: The Godfathering.
fbihop - February 6, 2012
hahaha
uschris0304 - February 6, 2012
I’m getting fairly irked at the Kuo contract.
Phil Gurnee - February 6, 2012
Phil is getting upset?
Josie Becker - February 6, 2012
He’s about to delete the whole Kuo thread
mleadman - February 6, 2012
Quick, somebody find the meercat and ask it how it’s feeling!
Humma Kavula - February 6, 2012
Now that’s creepy.
kinbote - February 6, 2012
Man, if I had a nickel………………
Humma Kavula - February 6, 2012
don't fairly irk him
You wouldn’t like him when he’s fairly irked
Tommy Blackjack - February 6, 2012 via iPhone app
and the people all said siddown,
Siddown you’re irkin the ’Cat
mleadman - February 6, 2012
Kuo got Blaked (erased from our 2012 plans for no stated reason).
kinbote - February 6, 2012
new post
http://www.truebluela.com/2012/2/6/2776146/hong-chih-kuo-seattle-mariners
Eric Stephen - February 6, 2012
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