Quick Notes
by chuckb on Aug 12, 2009 2:28 PM EDT
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PrintThere's been some made about Bill Hall's being DFA'd by the Brewers. Isn't he better than Joe Thurston? I'd like to think so but does anyone really realize how bad Hall has been? He's probably more versatile defensively than Thurston -- and has been a plus defender at every position except 2B in his career -- but he's another right handed bat (to go along w/ Greene) and his K rate is 33.6% this year. It was over 30% last year as well and has been at 28% for his career. His other offensive peripherals aren't really that bad but when you only make contact w/ the ball 2/3 of the time, you're not going to be very effective at the plate. His wOBA this year is .270. Thurston's is .294. I know we'd like to find someone who's better than Thurston but I don't really see Bill Hall as being that guy.
I said it in the game thread but Yadi's poor base running really hurt last night -- to the tune of reducing our likelihood of winning by 11.5%. Some have said that he was deked on one of the 2 plays, though there seems to be no consensus on which of the 2 plays he was deked. Tony admitted to the p-d that Oquendo told him to run home on the fly ball where he was thrown out and that Yadi misheard McKay on the single he tried to stretch into a double. Regardless of the fact that he misheard "NO" as being "GO", that play was in front of him and he should have known to stay at first. It's one thing to be slow. It's entirely another to not recognize your speed and run your team into 2 outs. As I said in the game thread -- 11.5% (Yadi's base running blunders) had a much greater impact on the game's outcome than Motte's pitching did. Still, I've said it several times -- it's reasonable to be concerned about our right handed relief.
Boggs, as bad as he was in innings 1-2 last night -- and it was his worst start of the season so far -- was still better than Wellemeyer's been at least half of the time this year. Boggs's game score was 40 last night -- lowest of the season -- and Wellemeyer's only had 1 game score above 40 since June 17. Wellemeyer has only been as good as Boggs was last night once in nearly 2 months and it was Boggs's worst outing of the season. It's almost inarguable that Boggs is a better option than Wellemeyer at this point, though I still wouldn't mind Hawksworth getting a shot.
Finally, the decision to use Rick Ankiel against Arthur Rhodes last night, rather than Khalil Greene, was a horrendous mistake. Rhodes career splits vs. lefties -- .216/.284/.317 -- and Ankiel is poor vs. lefties. There's just no reason to choose Ankiel there when you have Greene available. Yes, it would've burned an extra player but situations don't get much higher leverage than 2 outs, 2 on in the bottom of the 8th in a 2 run game.
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Boggs had a shakey start obviously
But overall he was not that bad. Perhaps he deserves another outing.
Gregatron is not responsible for any of the crap he just wrote.
St. Louis vegetarian blog
No and Go
This is something I learned 10 years ago when coaching the bases for my 1st graders; that you have to use words that sound different.
“No” and “Go” sound too much alike, so you have to use something like “Wait” or “Yes” or “Back” instead of “Go”.
I can’t believe they haven’t figured this out before.
I'm dumb, she's a lesbian. I thought I had found the one.
We were good as married in my mind, but married in my mind's no good.
Pink triangle on her sleeve let me know the truth.
Same issue with Suppan's infamous "no go" issue in the 2004 WS
Oquendo said “go” and Suppan thought he said “no” and he didn’t take home when the Sawx conceded the run. Might have given us a chance in game 4.
the crowd noise was very loud
But part of it was a big ole “NO!” running from third.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
This has to be incorrect
I can’t believe they’d use “no” and “go.” If you’re using go, I don’t understand why you’d use “no” instead of “stop”.
Assuming you're intelligent and insightful...
As a base coach, the first time this happens to you, you figure out what happened and why and change how you do things.
However, there are youth coaches out there who use confusing words game after game, so it’s obvious that some people don’t get this.
I guess they assume the runner should know what they are saying.
I'm dumb, she's a lesbian. I thought I had found the one.
We were good as married in my mind, but married in my mind's no good.
Pink triangle on her sleeve let me know the truth.
Yeah, it's the same in cricket
you never use “go” to call for a run – it’s always either “Yes” or “Running” or something, and then “No” or “Waiting” for stop.
I thought that was a BS excuse too, and, if they don’t have an approved set of commands, then they sure should be thinking about doing so, pronto. Exactly what else does a 1B coach have to do, anyhow? It’s like 80% of his job…
Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008
by Felonius_Monk on Aug 13, 2009 5:51 AM EDT up reply actions
One more thing
Justin Speier was given his outright release yesterday by the San Bernadino Angels. He’s a better option right now than Motte. Mo needs to get on the phone and make an offer…stat. For more info, see this over at fangraphs. There’s a good chance he’s better than McClellan as well. He’s not great, but he would help fill an area of tremendous weakness for us.
Los Angeles Angels of San Bernadino and Anaheim
I'm dumb, she's a lesbian. I thought I had found the one.
We were good as married in my mind, but married in my mind's no good.
Pink triangle on her sleeve let me know the truth.
Los Angeles Angels of San Bernadino and Anaheim in Southern California
"Baseball has been good to me since I quit trying to play it." - Whitey Herzog
by Bring Back Tommy Herr! on Aug 12, 2009 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions
where?
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
San Dimas
Party on dudes! They’re gonna change the name from “Angels” to “Wyld Stallyns”
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
"Wyld Stallyns" made me think "Wild Horses"
and “Wild Horses” made me think “Fear”
and “Fear” made me think “Reese Witherspoon”
and “Reese Witherspoon” made me smile
(not sure why I’m sharing this)
I'm just making the point that contractually they have to say the word Anaheim
Y’all are just being silly.
I'm dumb, she's a lesbian. I thought I had found the one.
We were good as married in my mind, but married in my mind's no good.
Pink triangle on her sleeve let me know the truth.
it's a very interesting point
thank you
Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.
Can he change a tire?
I'm dumb, she's a lesbian. I thought I had found the one.
We were good as married in my mind, but married in my mind's no good.
Pink triangle on her sleeve let me know the truth.
Anybody want a peanut?
I'm dumb, she's a lesbian. I thought I had found the one.
We were good as married in my mind, but married in my mind's no good.
Pink triangle on her sleeve let me know the truth.
we're leaping into briars
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
This string of dialogue can only take us higher...
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 12, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Would be have to take on his contract entire?
I’d rather make a move than simply wallow in the mire.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
where are my pliers?
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 12, 2009 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions
talk about the past, please don't require.
senator, i wish you wouldn’t inquire.
to speak of such things, I tire.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
My children, Albert Pujols can sire
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 12, 2009 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions
I'll send it through the wire
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 12, 2009 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions
crier
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
this has become a mire
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 12, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions
good taste is hardly required
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
the end of this thread could not be nigher
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 12, 2009 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Fine thread. It inspires.
Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008
by Felonius_Monk on Aug 13, 2009 5:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Finally retired.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
Kaheal
I guarantee you that there was some concern about how he’d perform in such a high-pressure setting, and handle failing.
Of course that begs the question of whether he’s really fixed.
I'm dumb, she's a lesbian. I thought I had found the one.
We were good as married in my mind, but married in my mind's no good.
Pink triangle on her sleeve let me know the truth.
And don't you forget it...
;-)
I'm dumb, she's a lesbian. I thought I had found the one.
We were good as married in my mind, but married in my mind's no good.
Pink triangle on her sleeve let me know the truth.
but Tony pinch hit w/ Greene last Friday in a roughly similar situation
down 4-3 against the Pirates in the 7th, Greene pinch hit for Ankiel I believe. Drove in the run, too, although he ran into an out. Maybe not quite as high pressure a situation as last night, but I don’t see why you would deem him capable of handlingone and not the other unless KG has relapsed since then, unbeknownst to the public. I think it was just Tony going w/ his guy, Ankiel.
yes he did
Also, if Greene can’t be used in situations like that — those that specifically call for his use — he shouldn’t be on the roster. Allen Craig would’ve been a better option than Ankiel there.
Tony outthought himself
the next up were R-L-L-R (Ryan-Schu-Raz-Albert) Tony didn’t want to eliminate Dusty’s use of the lefty because he was trying to protect Boog’s at bat.
/sarcasm
I don’t think Tony is protecting KGreene as much as putting Ank in a position to be the hero and improve Ank’s value in the coming free agent year.
illogical opportunities extended to rick-dick
no doubt
"No matter where you go, there you are" Buckeroo Bonzai Across the 8th Dimension
Craig barely hit 3 HR's yesterday
He is not good enough till he can hit 4 HR"s a day
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Aug 12, 2009 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Craig's a big league hitter
if we don’t find out if he can play LF next year if we fail to resign Holliday, it will be a big mistake.
+1
That knowledge would give us some power in the negotiations. Worst case, it will make us less desperate (or not).
I'm dumb, she's a lesbian. I thought I had found the one.
We were good as married in my mind, but married in my mind's no good.
Pink triangle on her sleeve let me know the truth.
the crowd was amped up for Ank's at-bat
Are Khalil’s issues truly > Ankiel’s recent history in the clutch?
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
it's not a clutch issue - it's a LHP & platoon split issue.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
back up
Even if the splits favor Greene, the logic is that TLR must not have sent him because of the anxiety issue.
Except Ankiel has a history of choking up in the same situations. My question is, how bad is Khalil’s ongoing condition that it trumps Ank’s track record?
(Not that this leaves us with any good solutions, but this particular criterion confuses me.)
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
My question is,
why can’t we have a roster that includes a mentally stable bat that can get a hit once in a while?
Somebody put in a call to John Mabry.
Please take this comment in the spirit it was intended.
nice guy
Went fishing with him once
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Aug 12, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't think there are many guys who are mentally stable
and playing baseball. You pick your type of crazy, man.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
^Major League
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
Why don't we call up that Wallace kid?
He seems like he can handle the bat.
Wait…..
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
IMO...
if his anxiety issue is bad enough that it’s worse than Rick’s platoon problem and clutch crappiness Khalil needs to go.
"Don't do anything till I get back!" - Jesus to the Cubs
oh, i see. i think ankiel's "clutch" issues, usually supported by showing dismal
numbers in late-and-close innings have a lot more to do with him facing a lot of a) LOOGY’s and b) power pitchers in the relief corps that you see in late innings. i don’t think that he really has a clutch problem.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
okay
Just looking for more information.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
If your premise is correct
then I don’t see you have enough data to support your conclusion. If the only time he can get a hit late is when it is not against a LOOGY or a power pitcher, then it is going to be hard to be clutch.
Those Pilgrims ain't lookin' so proud now...
I just mean that when someone says "not clutch" I think that means that they
lack the mental makeup to get hits. I still think it’s a good idea to pull rick in late innings; i just don’t think it’s because there’s something wrong with his head, I think it’s because he has particular trouble with pitcher’s he’s likely to see in late innings.
if you think it’s worth trying to tease all this out, i could try making a fanpost about it. I’m not going to try to pull all the double splits right now.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
I see what you're saying
You’re saying it’s more simple than some mental makeup problem; Ankiel is going to see lots of LOOGYs and good relievers in late-game “clutch” situations, and he’s just not gonna hit that well against those pitchers right now, period. There’s not much “there” there.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
Isn't this issue simple?
Ank can’t hit Loogys, late in the game or otherwise.
Rhodes is good at getting LH batters out, most espcially LH batters who can’t hit lefties.
Ergo, Ank should not have batted against Rhodes.
He wouldn’t have been a good choice if he were the “clutchiest” of players.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Aug 12, 2009 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions
clutchtastic?
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
rec'd and flagged :-)
Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008
by Felonius_Monk on Aug 13, 2009 5:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Technically this does not beg that particular question.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
is Tony LaRussa really in charge of Khalil Greene's mental health?
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
Are you implying there are things
that Tony is NOT in charge of?
Boog's stache
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
?
Not sure if that question was supposed to be directed at me or not, I’m kinda confused.
Anyway, I was just kidding around with the “begs the question” thing, but here’s my take:
Tony used Ankiel for one of two reasons. Either A) he thought there was no need to take Ankiel out for any pinch hitter in the first place, or B) he thought Khalil would be a worse option than Ankiel and opted against using Khalil. I know those are barely different, but basically the first assumes Tony didn’t even consider a PH, the second assumes he did consider Greene. I dunno about the first thought, but the second leads me to two other possibilities. Assuming B, then either it was a “gut instinct” move like Tony seems to make from time to time, or he was that concerned about Greene’s anxiety. Since Greene performed well recently in a similar PH role (as mattyp pointed out) I don’t understand how the anxiety thing could come into play. I think it was just a crazy Tony move that makes no sense.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
don't worry, I'm confused too.
That’s probably the clearest answer I’ve read so far.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
do I owe you an internet, now?
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
let me get my knife out
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
Not saying it's right
but I would imagine TLR didn’t use Greene in the 8th because of the whole anxiety thing.
I agree
Although I would think at some point Greene might experience anxiety over the fact he isn’t being utilized in such situations.
Boggs did struggle
with his control but over all he could had a better fate, There was several plays that could have been made behind him that weren’t. Also there were some bad judgements made by Cards offensively, They really should have pulled that game out.
I didn't get to watch the game last night
but I noticed there were two infield singles to short. Were they clean or did Lugo show any shortcomings vs. Boog?
Those Pilgrims ain't lookin' so proud now...
didn't get it out of his glove quickly enough
But that was a fast play in the first inning, I don’t know how many shortstops make it. Still, it would’ve limited the damage if they’d had a play at any base.
I also don’t know how much Boog would’ve been backing up DeRosa’s missed catches.
When Boog came in, he was spectacular. So it’s a little unfair to Lugo or anyone else to say that they failed to make the play. More accurate to say that Boog would probably have made those plays.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
Boog to Lugo
is a big step backward. That said, infield hits happen and Boggs hurt himself more w/ walks. Would Ryan have made the plays? I don’t know but those are things a pitcher can’t control. He can control the walks.
slow Yadi
probably somebody has pointed this out before but Yadi currently has 22 GIDP. The record for one season according to baseball reference is Jim Rice in 1984 with 36. My quick figuring has him on pace for 31. Not the record but in the top 10 all time. This fits in the category of things we just have to live with because he is such a great catcher but its frustrating to watch anyway. The man is slow.
we do have to live w/ the speed and the GIDP
it’s just the nature of the beast. we shouldn’t have to live w/ him getting thrown out at the plate when down 4-0 or trying to turn singles into doubles and being thrown out by 10 feet. Aggressiveness is a good thing but there’s something to be said for prudence as well.
oxymoron
Why do we drive on a parkway and park on a driveway?
Why do we call them apartments when they’re stuck together?
Why do we call something we transport by boat cargo and something we transport by car shipment?
I agree
I couldn’t believe Oquendo sent him on such a shallow fly to left given his comical grandma with arthritis speed. I guess he was just hoping the left fielder would blow it. I missed the single into double nonsense but its hard for me to believe that he would try anything that would be remotely close whether the coach is yelling no or go or yo or whatever.
a typo away from "GAW"
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
Hawksworth: Did somebody call?
Don't argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. - anon.
Shaq wants you on the bus
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
I'm not concerned with his slowness, personally.
But as much as I hate saying it, because I love Yadi and his whole game… he’s not making smart base-running decisions. If you can’t put your head down and run flat out, at least put your head down. Stop watching the ball.
He’s making overly aggressive mistakes that get Albert into trouble. I mean, how much more…?
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
Stop watching the ball
Totally agree.
As I tell my kids, that’s what instant replay is for.
I'm dumb, she's a lesbian. I thought I had found the one.
We were good as married in my mind, but married in my mind's no good.
Pink triangle on her sleeve let me know the truth.
Watching the ball
would have helped him in the second situation last night. Everything happened right in front of him, so he’s got to know that he doesn’t have the speed to pick up the extra base right there, regardless of what he though he heard McKay say. The ball has to get entirely through the outfielder for him to have a legit shot at picking up that base. Holliday, Pujols, Boog, Colby, and Derosa can probably get the extra base there — Molina simply cannot, but that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be watching the play unfold in front of him, that’s how the Cardinals pick up so many extra bases on balls in the dirt and bobbles by outfielders.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
running to first?
Before he even reaches first base? That’s what I meant.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
I see...didn't realize that
Although you have to admit that a lot of players fall into that trap of seeing where the ball is hit as they’re running to first base, it’s not just Yadi.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
I can't help but wonder...
if he shouldn’t be hitting 9th. This is probably the spot in the order with the least chance of a runner being on 1st base (pitcher not likely reach, and can bunt runner on first over to second). He’s got decent OBP skills, but I wonder if his RBI ability is lost here.
Feel free to attack.
"Don't do anything till I get back!" - Jesus to the Cubs
I honestly wanted to hit him leadoff earlier this year
I think I mentioned it here.
Speed is entirely wasted in front of Albert, as Tony would never steal in front of him. Also a slappy, singles-hitter would probably be good, since a man on 2b also doesn’t help Albert’s efforts to get pitched to. Hitting Yada leadoff would eliminated a lot of dp chances, and also ensure that a guy would be sitting on first base a whole lot when Albert came up to bat.
The only drawback would be his complete inability to score on an extra-base hit.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
But how many times
would Yadi NOT score on a Pujols double, as you said? Speed is’nt wasted in front of Albert. I would not want him at the top of the lineup. Too many missed opportunities.
Speed is wasted but baserunning ability is paramount
We can’t have guys running into outs in front of the Mang
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 12, 2009 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions
completely agree
he should be 9th. Except that it would inspire tony to use his leadoff man to bunt him to second constantly, and be almost as frustrating as watching him GIDP.
it's Clydesdales vs Goats. Actually sums up Cards vs. Cubs quite nicely. -all4tookie
This is the problem with his slap approach
If he doesn’t hit the ball just right, he’s going to hit the ball to 4.
I’d love to see him look to pull the ball, rather than always look to slap an outside pitch.
I'm dumb, she's a lesbian. I thought I had found the one.
We were good as married in my mind, but married in my mind's no good.
Pink triangle on her sleeve let me know the truth.
and the fact that he rarely strikes out
and he has a terrible strike zone judgement. Once a pitcher gets him 2 strikes, all he has to do is to just throw it out of the zone, and let him foul it away until he rolls it to an infielder.
it's Clydesdales vs Goats. Actually sums up Cards vs. Cubs quite nicely. -all4tookie
that's why we call him
MoGIDPa
He had decided to live forever, or to die in the attempt
by slash2049 on Aug 12, 2009 3:31 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
not that a gold glove matters, mind you
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 12, 2009 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Is he actually wearing those gold gloves on his body somewhere during the games?
That may explain a bit of the frozen-molasses speed.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
I think the Cardinals need to release Wellemeyer
Let Boggs be the 5th starter, Than trade/sign Smoltz who just cleared waivers or sign Justin Speier who also was just released.
Speier is a ROOGY. But he would be help in the bullpen and Smoltz numbers are not as bad as first look. I don’t think his stamina is back for starting but I still think he can be a shut down reliever.
Stat Whore
I figure if Smoltz goes anywhere
It will be a last go-round with the Braves.
by olddomination on Aug 12, 2009 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions
They have till Sunday to trade him
Than he is a free agent. I bet if the Red Sox are willing to eat his contract they can get something back for him. I have hard time imagining a free Smoltz would have no interest. We have at least proven we will take the DFA scrap’s of the Red Sox happily.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Aug 12, 2009 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions
nasty contract clause
of $35,000 per day on the active roster. No team is going to pick that up and not sure if the Red Sox want anyone that badly to pay $1.5 mm extra.
total roogy on speier...
and 22 home runs allowed in his last 108 innings is pretty eye-popping.
Please take this comment in the spirit it was intended.
that's mostly a change in luckluck.
see this article.
the difference – his HR/FB rate in 2006 was 6.9%, while this year it’s at 13.2%.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
not true
I just looked at his HR’s at hit tracker. None of them were lucky. Most of them were hard ball hit to CF. Most were over 400FT
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Aug 12, 2009 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions
that's not really the point. pitchers have little control over whether fly balls go 350 or 400
feet. that has more to do with the hitter making solid contact and luck.
generally, HR/FB rates stabilize at 10% (ignoring park effects, etc.).
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
I don't believe that is true
Location of the pitch is a factor on how far a fly ball goes. A ball in the center of the plate will most likely go farther than a pitch down and away
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Aug 12, 2009 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions
while it may not be wholly intuitive, that's what the research shows.
By definition, the only substantial difference between FIP and xFIP is that xFIP adjusts each stat line to assume a league average HR/FB, so this crude study will focus entirely on HR/FB.
I looked at all pitchers with at least 12 games started in adjacent seasons from 2004 to 2008. Over this period, we find 63 pitcher seasons where a pitcher’s HR/FB strays at least four percent from league average* in Year 1. In Year 2, just 5 of those 63 pitchers (7.9%) failed to regress in the direction of league average. That’s a very small number, especially when you consider that Chien-Ming Wang (who may be one of the rare exceptions I mentioned) and Brett Myers (who almost certainly is one of those rare exceptions) accounted for 2 of those 5 seasons. Exclude them, and the percentage becomes 4.8%.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
It's more about squaring up the ball
It’s easier to square a ball up if it’s down the middle.
Balls down in the strike zone are more likely to be topped and pounded into the ground and you are more likely to get under balls up in the strike zone.
I'm dumb, she's a lesbian. I thought I had found the one.
We were good as married in my mind, but married in my mind's no good.
Pink triangle on her sleeve let me know the truth.
what do
ground balls have to do with hr/fb%?
Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.
If a pitcher is starting to elevate the ball more...
…he’s going to give up more HRs.
I'm dumb, she's a lesbian. I thought I had found the one.
We were good as married in my mind, but married in my mind's no good.
Pink triangle on her sleeve let me know the truth.
right
because he’s going to give up more FBs in general
the same rate of fly balls hit on pitches down in the zone go for HRs as fly balls hit on pitches up in the zone. statistically
Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.
I'd Buy That...
…if the balls are over the inner or middle parts of the plate, but not over the outer 1/3.
I'm dumb, she's a lesbian. I thought I had found the one.
We were good as married in my mind, but married in my mind's no good.
Pink triangle on her sleeve let me know the truth.
but how often
are you going to get under a ball low and away? i guess it might be popped up, but that’s just statistical noise
Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.
It's basically impossible to hit that pitch with power
Many guys will try to pull it, roll over it and pound it into the ground. A few will flare it softly the other way. A very rare few will poke it into the opposite corner for a double or more.
I'm dumb, she's a lesbian. I thought I had found the one.
We were good as married in my mind, but married in my mind's no good.
Pink triangle on her sleeve let me know the truth.
His rate has only been slightly...
above average. I think he’s just losing command and getting crushed. Maybe a move to more pitcher-friendly park would help.
Please take this comment in the spirit it was intended.
possibly
Angel Stadium has the 2nd highest rate of HR’s given up this year
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Aug 12, 2009 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Also
Busch Stadium is the 4th Lowest
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Aug 12, 2009 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Looking at his numbers...
he can still strike people out, and his walks are relatively low…. he’s just getting crushed. Line drive rate over 20% depending on which data you look at.
Please take this comment in the spirit it was intended.
If he is used as a ROOGY
I think he would be a welcome addition
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Aug 12, 2009 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions
I love these articles...
that say “such and such is ridiculously easy to find in the minors.” Easy for Cameron to find maybe… hopefully he’ll send Mo a postcard with some clues as to where to look.
Please take this comment in the spirit it was intended.
Speier is a ROOGY
and that might matter on some teams, but we have pitchers who go deep into games and 2 pretty good lefty relievers. We can afford to bring Speier in to pitch to 1-2 batters, as we use Miller or Reyes. He’d be an ideal fit — well, not ideal b/c he’s not Jonathan Broxton — but he’d be better than what we currently have.
argh
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 12, 2009 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions
I always think of Chuck D
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 12, 2009 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions
I always think
if Charlie Brown.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
I realize Hall has been awful
Just as bad as Thurston, and worse in several respects.
However, since Thurston became a strict bench player since the acquisitions, it seems that he’s become a less patient hitter. The one thing you could say about him is that he would take a walk.
Since the trades/return of Derosa, he has struck out 4 times in 11 PAs (36%) compared to a 17% rate before, and has only walked once.
So while it is pretty much comparing rotten apples to rotten oranges, Hall would be a better and more versatile fielder (and baserunner!), and have some potential of hitting a home run. Other than that, it’s a wash.
Also
doesn’t Hall kill lefties? I know he’s terrible vs righties, but he HAS been a very good player in the past (unlike Thurston) and I think even this year has been an acceptable hitter of lefty pitching. He could be a very useful platoon partner for Skip, in theory.
Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008
by Felonius_Monk on Aug 13, 2009 6:06 AM EDT up reply actions
Not necessarily low cost...
there will be a bidding contest.
Please take this comment in the spirit it was intended.
Does anyone have any insights on how Bengie measures up?
He had 23 last season, career high. He has 10 this year.
Full seasons with 95+ games average 15.55 GDP.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
The whole no/go situation would be resolved
if everytime we want the runners to advance we would just yell:
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 12, 2009 3:09 PM EDT reply actions
HL
where are you getting all these pictures of babies…..?
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
my bad
There were just too many pictures.
Let me rephrase… where are you all getting the pictures of babies?
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
That actually scared me.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
it is rather frightening
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 12, 2009 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions
USA v. MEXICO
and i only get the spanish broadcast…i really should have paid attention to my spanish class in HS
"Albert hits good pitches hard and bad pitches even harder. And when he gets in the batter's box, if you pray, then you start praying. And if you don't pray, you think about starting."--Brian Bannister
But it's soccer...
All you need to know is that the ball goes into the net. They will replay the yellow cards and other stuff that is important, plus, you get the longest GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL announcements.
true
still be nice to hear what the commentators are thinking…oh what am i talking about, american soccer annoucers are idiots…this is going to be AWESOME(especially when donovan scores a hat trick on their asses….VIVA LA ESTADOS UNIDOS
"Albert hits good pitches hard and bad pitches even harder. And when he gets in the batter's box, if you pray, then you start praying. And if you don't pray, you think about starting."--Brian Bannister
or is it el estados unidos
"Albert hits good pitches hard and bad pitches even harder. And when he gets in the batter's box, if you pray, then you start praying. And if you don't pray, you think about starting."--Brian Bannister
Why not go full-on bad Spanish?
¡Viva El America!
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
I believe that should be
Viva El Americo. You know, like El Trucko, or El Houso.
I've made a huge tiny mistake.
by the red baron on Aug 12, 2009 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions
GGGGGGGGGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
Señor bueno
Con todo debidamente resepect y yo digo con todo respeto, que juego significa tanto para mí como una pintura de terciopelo de una ballena y un delfín obtenerlo.
have you got one of elvis?
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
this is what i got
With all due resepect and I say this with all respect, that game means so much to me like a velvet painting of a whale and a dolphin getting it.
"Albert hits good pitches hard and bad pitches even harder. And when he gets in the batter's box, if you pray, then you start praying. And if you don't pray, you think about starting."--Brian Bannister
i see
"Albert hits good pitches hard and bad pitches even harder. And when he gets in the batter's box, if you pray, then you start praying. And if you don't pray, you think about starting."--Brian Bannister
Ou en français, si vous preferez
Monsieur bon,
Avec tout dûment resepect et moi dis avec tout respect, que jeu signifie tant pour moi comme une peinture de velours d’une baleine et un dauphin l’obtenir.
Je ne parle qu’un petit peu de français, mais ce que je peux est dangereux.
Don't argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. - anon.
translation?
Or French, if you prefer good Mr.
With all duly resepect and I say with all respect, that game means both for me as a velvet a whale and a dolphin painting to get it.
I speak a little bit of French, but I can is dangerous.
wrong already
GOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLl DAVIES
"Albert hits good pitches hard and bad pitches even harder. And when he gets in the batter's box, if you pray, then you start praying. And if you don't pray, you think about starting."--Brian Bannister
ugh, you were wrong about the actual score
but right about the margin and the result
"Albert hits good pitches hard and bad pitches even harder. And when he gets in the batter's box, if you pray, then you start praying. And if you don't pray, you think about starting."--Brian Bannister
Dennys Reyes?
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 12, 2009 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions
OT
not sure if this was said anywhere else, probably so, but did anyone else notice that after Porcello was ejected, Lambert gave up the tying homerun?
And I was quite impressed with 20 year old Porcello. I imagine that was like your drunk biker dad charging at you after you got dirt on his bike. He might have messed his pants a bit at first, but the take down was impressive.
he kind of tripped into taking him down
But he still took down the Greek God.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
and two more after that
"Albert hits good pitches hard and bad pitches even harder. And when he gets in the batter's box, if you pray, then you start praying. And if you don't pray, you think about starting."--Brian Bannister
RB's here, btw
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
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