Rich Hill signs with Cardinals, promises to be the best center fielder he can be
by DanUpBaby on Jan 26, 2010 5:31 PM EST
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PrintThis is probably not the best way to counter the Athletics finally wrangling Ben Sheets, but the Cardinals have signed Rich Hill to a minor league deal and invited him to Spring Training. Hill is an iffy-fastball/big-curveball left-hander who struck out a ton of Major League hitters in a great season and a half as a late-blooming Cubs prospect and then totally lost the plate in 2008.
His particular bout with control problems comes in a good-news/bad-news couplet. Good news: it was injury-related! Bad news: It's because he tore his labrum!
Shoulder surgery is debilitating enough that it does not have a borderline Hall of Fame namesake like elbow surgery does—if you wanted to pick a representative case, at this point, you might consider calling it Bud Smith Surgery. But as reclamation projects go Hill is cheaper than fellow high-strikeout/bad-labrum lefty Erik Bedard, and unless the Cardinals lined up five starting pitching prospects who are ready to go at Memphis while Future Redbirds wasn't looking there's no harm in trying these guys out.
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I'll give the Cards this
This is interesting. he struck out a lot of guys with that massive curveball.
Maybe Dunc can teach him that the 88-89mph fastball belongs at the knees.
I'm happy with this move.
Cheap (check), upside (check), LHP (check).
I'm living in an age that calls darkness light...
i fail to see the upside here
Every morning I wake up & smoke a dart. Then I eat five strips of bacon, & for lunch I eat a bacon sandwich. And for a midday snack? Bacon! A whole damn plate! And I usually drink my dinner. And I'm still here! Sometimes I wonder if God forgot about me.
I think it's a zero-risk move
Kind of like picking up Jeff Weaver in 2006. Didn’t cost anything to see what he had left in the tank under the guidance of Dave Duncan.
You know what they call a quarter pounder with cheese in France?
by jd is legend on Jan 26, 2010 7:30 PM EST up reply actions
i agree there's no risk, i just think he's hurt
and i’ve had enough of LHPs with broken wings
Every morning I wake up & smoke a dart. Then I eat five strips of bacon, & for lunch I eat a bacon sandwich. And for a midday snack? Bacon! A whole damn plate! And I usually drink my dinner. And I'm still here! Sometimes I wonder if God forgot about me.
yep
and he takes up a spot
maybe mo can’t get a better possibility to take that slot/innings
maybe he is slated for memphis from the get go
I may be in a rut, but at least I know where I'm going
He doesn't take up a "spot" over anyone relevant
unless we put him on the 25-man at the beginning of the year, in which case he’s probably had a strong ST. It’s a minor league deal. It’s literally zero-risk, all upside (what little amount of upside there may be). He’s literally blocking no-one of any relevance, unless you consider, I dunno, Trey Hearne to be the next big thing or something.
I don’t understand how anyone can ever have a problem with moves like this. If they don’t work out, so what. If they do work out, well, Hill was a pretty good pitcher about 3 or 4 years ago…
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Jan 27, 2010 5:31 AM EST up reply actions
Not a Bad Moooove as Insurance, but...
..I hope he doesn’t keep us from a Smoltz signing. I guess he was cheaper than Wang too.
Big McLargehuge!
:=8O
but but but
he had surgery! that means he’s all better, right? scott rolen and mark mul….oh wait. never mind.
"I knew they were up to shenanigans." --TLR
dude's got a wicked curveball
maybe his control issues can be worked on. I think he still has potential
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jan 26, 2010 7:33 PM EST up reply actions
not if he's hurt, which i still think he is
Every morning I wake up & smoke a dart. Then I eat five strips of bacon, & for lunch I eat a bacon sandwich. And for a midday snack? Bacon! A whole damn plate! And I usually drink my dinner. And I'm still here! Sometimes I wonder if God forgot about me.
ah
yeah, if he’s still hurt, then it’s pretty much a waste of time. I think it’s funny though that we have th possibility now of having 3 curveballers, maybe they will coach each other on throwing uncle charlie
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jan 26, 2010 7:46 PM EST up reply actions
that would be sweet
Every morning I wake up & smoke a dart. Then I eat five strips of bacon, & for lunch I eat a bacon sandwich. And for a midday snack? Bacon! A whole damn plate! And I usually drink my dinner. And I'm still here! Sometimes I wonder if God forgot about me.
Do you know what upside means?
There’s obviously a chance he’s hurt, or just sucks, but there is also a chance he goes back to 2007 form, when he was a legitimately valuable starter.
by vivaelpujols on Jan 26, 2010 8:04 PM EST up reply actions
yeah i get it, i just dont think there's a lot of upside
Every morning I wake up & smoke a dart. Then I eat five strips of bacon, & for lunch I eat a bacon sandwich. And for a midday snack? Bacon! A whole damn plate! And I usually drink my dinner. And I'm still here! Sometimes I wonder if God forgot about me.
...based on the fact that you think he's still hurt, which is circular
If he’s hurt, I agree, not much upside. Then again, ditto that for anyone who gets hurt. But you seem unwilling to admit that there’s a possibility he’s not hurt. After all, he had corrective surgery. He could be, you know, corrected. Hence the “upside.”
The upside of this pick is obvious. Go to his B-R page, look at 2006-2007. The downside is also obvious—look at 2008-2009.
I can’t see what’s not to like about this. It costs the Cardinals next to nothing. The only possible reason to not like this is if you’re worried about Cubs-cooties or something.
I need your discipline / I need your help / I need your discipline / You know once I start I cannot stop myself...
now Cubs-cooties is a reasonable reason not to like this signing
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Jan 26, 2010 9:06 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
i've always have a fear of their cooties
and look at what hazel wrote mojo, that went a long way to convince me to not get all excited
Every morning I wake up & smoke a dart. Then I eat five strips of bacon, & for lunch I eat a bacon sandwich. And for a midday snack? Bacon! A whole damn plate! And I usually drink my dinner. And I'm still here! Sometimes I wonder if God forgot about me.
Yes I understand
His shoulder is messed up. It doesn’t sound minor.
He still has upside. That’s why they invented the word upside. So that when you couldn’t say “He’s going to be good,” you could at least say, “There’s a chance he might be good.”
I need your discipline / I need your help / I need your discipline / You know once I start I cannot stop myself...
i wonder what the chances are that he will be good again?
forgive me for being a cynic. that’s what happens when you get old & life throws you a curve when you were expecting a change up
Every morning I wake up & smoke a dart. Then I eat five strips of bacon, & for lunch I eat a bacon sandwich. And for a midday snack? Bacon! A whole damn plate! And I usually drink my dinner. And I'm still here! Sometimes I wonder if God forgot about me.
i keep pulling my head off the ball
i need to stay back & keep my head on the ball
Every morning I wake up & smoke a dart. Then I eat five strips of bacon, & for lunch I eat a bacon sandwich. And for a midday snack? Bacon! A whole damn plate! And I usually drink my dinner. And I'm still here! Sometimes I wonder if God forgot about me.
Well, both Hill and Sheets were injured
and Sheets gets paid $10 mil, while Hill gets a NRI. True, Rich Hill is no Ben Sheets, but when he was good, he was pretty good. Sheets was better, and for a longer period of time, but based on the cost difference, and the fact that Hill is a lefty (i.e., he can’t be used against us if we keep him for the year), it’s worth the risk, IMHO.
Time for a new sig.
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Jan 26, 2010 11:57 PM EST up reply actions
the gingerness naturally takes care of that
Every morning I wake up & smoke a dart. Then I eat five strips of bacon, & for lunch I eat a bacon sandwich. And for a midday snack? Bacon! A whole damn plate! And I usually drink my dinner. And I'm still here! Sometimes I wonder if God forgot about me.
when you're about as far down as possible
the only way is up.
seems like a pretty damn clear upside to me.
On with the (good) youth movement!
gdm may need more explanation of this concept...
"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
by Yadi2Second on Jan 27, 2010 12:22 AM EST up reply actions
....
Every morning I wake up & smoke a dart. Then I eat five strips of bacon, & for lunch I eat a bacon sandwich. And for a midday snack? Bacon! A whole damn plate! And I usually drink my dinner. And I'm still here! Sometimes I wonder if God forgot about me.
by gdm426 on Jan 27, 2010 12:36 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
creeptastic
Every morning I wake up & smoke a dart. Then I eat five strips of bacon, & for lunch I eat a bacon sandwich. And for a midday snack? Bacon! A whole damn plate! And I usually drink my dinner. And I'm still here! Sometimes I wonder if God forgot about me.
"the only way is up"?
Um…no. You can stay down there forever.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
Ahh, but then you haven't gone anywhere.
Thus, the only way is up.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
good job, confucious
but hey, what about lateral movement?
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
So lets see...
Shall we try and give him a go in CF straight away or leave it 3 years like we did last time? Can’t wait to see his moon shots in 2013.
I don’t really see this deal going anywhere other than Memphis.
The heart is the general, the eyes are the scouts, the fists are the arrows, the body is the bow.
Um...
That sounds much more pessimistic than i intended. Lets try again: He had a good year but is probably going to go the same way as Khalil Greene.
No wait that doesn’t sound good either.
Good luck Rich! (There we go.)
The heart is the general, the eyes are the scouts, the fists are the arrows, the body is the bow.
Carp can teach him something....(poking his finger in Hill's shoulder) 'come on Nancy boy
throw that curve and if the bottom doesn’t drop out like your momma’s pants you are gonna knoooww pain.’
Was Hill the Hard throwing lefty the Cubs had, or am I thinking of someone else?
I like this move. There isn’t a huge chance this blows up in our face, and if he is able to comeback all the way, well the Cubs fans can whine some more.
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
Less comparisons to Zito would be appreciated...
The heart is the general, the eyes are the scouts, the fists are the arrows, the body is the bow.
good point
Its just the conotations of certain doom that surround Barry Zito
The heart is the general, the eyes are the scouts, the fists are the arrows, the body is the bow.
Marhsall must have been the one I was thinking about
Good, I liked the curveball guy. If the GOBs are real, I think it is about time they reward us with some LHP magic.
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
you just tempted them
good job
"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
those bastard coated bastards with bastard filling can shove it up where the sun don't shine
Every morning I wake up & smoke a dart. Then I eat five strips of bacon, & for lunch I eat a bacon sandwich. And for a midday snack? Bacon! A whole damn plate! And I usually drink my dinner. And I'm still here! Sometimes I wonder if God forgot about me.
by gdm426 on Jan 26, 2010 7:06 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
OK WTF SBN?
RR’s popped up a few minutes after mine, then when i come back it’s before mine. i fucking hate looking like a copy cat
Every morning I wake up & smoke a dart. Then I eat five strips of bacon, & for lunch I eat a bacon sandwich. And for a midday snack? Bacon! A whole damn plate! And I usually drink my dinner. And I'm still here! Sometimes I wonder if God forgot about me.
shenanigans
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
?
Every morning I wake up & smoke a dart. Then I eat five strips of bacon, & for lunch I eat a bacon sandwich. And for a midday snack? Bacon! A whole damn plate! And I usually drink my dinner. And I'm still here! Sometimes I wonder if God forgot about me.
Shenanigans!
I’m immune. I’m not a man. hehe
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Jan 26, 2010 8:27 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
that's how it began with gilbert arenas
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
OK
Every morning I wake up & smoke a dart. Then I eat five strips of bacon, & for lunch I eat a bacon sandwich. And for a midday snack? Bacon! A whole damn plate! And I usually drink my dinner. And I'm still here! Sometimes I wonder if God forgot about me.
hello, is this shenanigansbusters?
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
are you sore?
Every morning I wake up & smoke a dart. Then I eat five strips of bacon, & for lunch I eat a bacon sandwich. And for a midday snack? Bacon! A whole damn plate! And I usually drink my dinner. And I'm still here! Sometimes I wonder if God forgot about me.
marshall's fastball
is about the same as Hills: 88 to 89mph. I’m not sure if the Cubs had a hard throwing lefty; the Sox did.
Hill threw a little harder than that back in 07
More like 89-91. Splitting hairs, perhaps.
I need your discipline / I need your help / I need your discipline / You know once I start I cannot stop myself...
Yeah
Marshall’s a pretty good comp for Hill, although I think Hill’s curve was probably nastier and he had a better change when he could actually pitch.
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Jan 27, 2010 7:05 AM EST up reply actions
Close
They’re comparable. Both southpaws, similar pitch repertoire reliant on a hook as their out-pitch. Differences: Hill’s raw talent far exceeds Marshall’s, while Marshall has shown better composure on the mound. Hill’s shown flashes of dominance, but has really come undone at times. I’m hoping under the tutelage of Dunc and some good peer advice from Carp & Co., Hill will make a splash.
to ya mutha
Blaine Matthew Burns: Albert Pujols' biggest fan (his first words will for sure be "Albert Pujols is RIDICULOUS")
we're discussing your sig's chances of being a starter for the Cards
below
"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
^pitcher, that is
"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
say what?
Blaine Matthew Burns: Albert Pujols' biggest fan (his first words will for sure be "Albert Pujols is RIDICULOUS")
name analysis
so to speak
"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 approve of the Simpsons Ozzie avatar
I mean, stealer!
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
Just kidding erik.
I did Play A Hard Nine by the way.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
I'd been thinking about this signing for awhile
glad they did it.
Milt Thompson FTW!
I've been thinking about you for a while.
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Jan 27, 2010 7:05 AM EST up reply actions
i've been thinking about rich hill for years
how long have you been thinking about me?
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
unfortunately, he has two L's in his name
"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
Ankiel and Mulder only have one
so we have this going for us
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
I believe exhibit A's last name begins with a W
by brackenthebox on Jan 26, 2010 6:07 PM EST up reply actions
Since Wainwright has 2 W's and he is awesome
Hill has two L’s and…..aw shit, we’re screwed!
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
I was actually referring to the Colonel, but that works too
by brackenthebox on Jan 26, 2010 6:17 PM EST up reply actions
the W's just throw 'em off
"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
who is the Colonel?
I can’t recall anyone with that nickname ever pitching for the Cards.
and now this whole thing makes sense.
damn, we really are screwed
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
I think he's a Private 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
Dishonorably discharged, actually
I need your discipline / I need your help / I need your discipline / You know once I start I cannot stop myself...
by mojowo11 on Jan 26, 2010 8:51 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
hopefully for Kyle Lohse, it's not the combination of L and K
"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 my unproven theory
the fewer L’s in a pitcher’s name, the better
still gathering data.
"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 have high hopes for the Brad Penny signing.
"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
Is there any stat with an 'n' in it?
The heart is the general, the eyes are the scouts, the fists are the arrows, the body is the bow.
that's a good point
certainly an alternate theory with promise
I did illustrate that our 1-2-3 killer rotation were all wood related. so this addition of geology will be interesting.
"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've seen a lot of hills
with a lot of trees on them?
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
Trying to think how a penny is wood-related
I think I saw the post you speak of, can’t recall how you shoehorn a “Penny” into wood, unless you’re driving a 16-Penny nail into it.
Time for a new sig.
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Jan 27, 2010 12:06 AM EST up reply actions
we had this discussion before
there was some wooden nickel in
aha found it
"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
by Yadi2Second on Jan 27, 2010 12:09 AM EST up reply actions
Add
a certain Matt Clement to the list.
by kkkkathmandubirdsview on Jan 26, 2010 7:35 PM EST up reply actions
Steve CarLton?
And he was a lefty, tho he wasn’t Lefty until he was a PhiLLie.
Time for a new sig.
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Jan 27, 2010 12:03 AM EST up reply actions
Well...
This explains why Pujols and Holliday ought to stay off the mound.
Has nothing to do with that ‘being good at hitting’ thing
The heart is the general, the eyes are the scouts, the fists are the arrows, the body is the bow.
well, here's the bad news.
Hill attended the 2004 World Series parade in Boston as a Red Sox fan.
"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 just because Ozzie is hilarious.
wiki
In a subsequent interview, Hill stated that Pierzynski’s collision with Barrett was “gutless” and “pathetic.” To that point of the season, Hill had given up 15 walks and 23 hits over 19 1/3 innings in his four major league starts with the Cubs, and had not yet established himself and was still in search of his first major league victory. White Sox manager Ozzie Guillén differed with Rich stating, “Who is Hill? That … pitcher last night? Michael realized he was wrong in the interview, Michael realized he overreacted. I’ve known Michael; I coached Michael. Hill, he should be in Triple-A. He’s going to make Dusty Baker be fired. You know, shut up. He just got up here to the big leagues; when you make a comment like that about a cheap shot, you don’t know the game. … Tell Mr. Hill to shut up and pitch before he gets sent down.” Hill was sent back to AAA Iowa the next day.
"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
Good move. But let's not be too optimistic.
His surgery was in early august. That means it will have been around nine months since the surgery when Hill attempts to make the team. That’s a frighteningly optimistic time frame.
Three pieces of information about the reporting of his tear are interesting to me;
1. according to MASN,
Hill said doctors could insert anchors in the shoulder to repair the tear
Yikes. That sounds like they’re having to re-attach the biceps tendon and re-anchor it. I know of zero pitchers who have ever been good again after that procedure. Then again, this is Hill talking about his own shoulder, so god knows what they told him and what he heard.
2.
The Orioles have recommended that Hill get a second opinionand
he’s likely to have the surgery and endure a six-to-eight month recovery period.
The idea that Hill could rehab a type IV SLAP tear is patently ricockulous, so perhaps the diagnosis was something less serious. This and the six to eight month period are perhaps causes for optimism, since these indicate the tear probably isn’t full-thickness and could be something less serious (more like the tears that John Smoltz and Chris Carpenter recovered from).
3. This has been reported as a “displaced” labrum tear, something I don’t usually hear, and something that usually refers to type III SLAP tears (not exactly cause for joy).
"What's your favorite Chuck Palahniuk book?"
"I like the one about the alienated character who finds the socially unacceptable way of coping with modernity."
by hazel on Jan 26, 2010 6:19 PM EST reply actions 6 recs
rec for informativeness
one day we’ll have to go back and rate the effectiveness of St. Lourdes, home of the holy pixie dust of tipped pitches.
"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
Yeah.
I’ve been researching. It feels weird writing in MS Word.
"What's your favorite Chuck Palahniuk book?"
"I like the one about the alienated character who finds the socially unacceptable way of coping with modernity."
just as i thought, he'll never pitch for the Cards
or at least pitch well
Every morning I wake up & smoke a dart. Then I eat five strips of bacon, & for lunch I eat a bacon sandwich. And for a midday snack? Bacon! A whole damn plate! And I usually drink my dinner. And I'm still here! Sometimes I wonder if God forgot about me.
wow, and we're only paying him nothing
what a waste!
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Jan 27, 2010 7:08 AM EST up reply actions
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
haha
http://twitter.com/bigdeadsidebar/status/8254432256
"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 is the best case scenario
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
torn labrum, eh?
That, um, sucks. Oh well, it’s done. Maybe he can turn it around.
On a related note- so I guess this means they’re done with pitching depth (it’s hard to see this as anything better than just that… pitching depth). So I guess they go for reliever/LH bench bat/utility guy next.
Let’s see if they can find a guy who recently broke his ankle or something.
They say sing while you slave but I just get bored
hmm...
"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
Hey
We’ve already got one of those.
I need your discipline / I need your help / I need your discipline / You know once I start I cannot stop myself...
What's the actual financial obligation here?
Somewhere below $500k, right?
A major-league franchise can do a lot of dumpster-diving at a price tag like that.
also mentioned in rotoworld
The Redbirds also came to terms with right-hander Evan MacLane and left-hander Oneli Perez on minor league deals.
"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 floodgates have opened...
…and Memphis will soon be filled.
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
Oneli Perez cost us the AAA championship
Jerk.
I'm like a polygon, I'm edgy.
Resident malcontented betamale
oh that's right.
that’s what we get for caring about the minors
I thought we traded Perez.
by Ghostrider520
no Parise?!!
by Yadi2Second on Sep 22, 2009 9:50 PM CDT
Anybody can throw a wild pitch.
by vico on Sep 22, 2009 9:51 PM CDT
[weep]
by Yadi2Second on Sep 22, 2009 9:53 PM CDT
fail oneli
by slu on Sep 22, 2009 9:51 PM CDT
you gotta be kidding me.
wild pitch.
by Yadi2Second on Sep 22, 2009 9:51 PM CDT
Wow, what an absolutely idiotic way to lose the championship.
by Ghostrider520 on Sep 22, 2009 9:51 PM CDT
what a way to lose
by ubeddie on Sep 22, 2009 9:51 PM CDT
in…awwwww…..spishus
by slu on Sep 22, 2009 9:51 PM CDT
Not that difficult of a pitch to stop.
by prophetjohn on Sep 22, 2009 9:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
problem with pinch hitter for your catcher and bringing in yarbourough
by jroman on Sep 22, 2009 9:54 PM CDT
it’s like the babe getting thrown out stealing
or bill buckner’s 5-hole
by YesWeOquendo on Sep 22, 2009 9:52 PM CDT
wow what a game
I just got home from work. I thought the game would be over by now. Extra innings! Wild pitch. well that sure is anti-climactic.
by spfldbird on Sep 22, 2009 9:53 PM CDT
why wasn’t Parise put in?!
by Yadi2Second on Sep 22, 2009 9:54 PM CDT
saving for a possible save situation?
by jroman on Sep 22, 2009 9:55 PM CDT
Saving him for later, I guess, in case they got to the next inning and scored.
Outthinking the game.
by vico on Sep 22, 2009 9:56 PM CDT
so, classic Cardinals?
by Yadi2Second on Sep 22, 2009 9:57 PM CDT
Yah.
by vico on Sep 22, 2009 9:57 PM CDT
sigh.
by Yadi2Second on Sep 22, 2009 10:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That ending sucked.
by azruavatar on Sep 22, 2009 10:37 PM CDT
that’s what we get for caring…
(that thread is scarily prescient, btw. you have to read it alongside the Astros game, but it contains a Matt Holliday contract projection (not coincidental), someone yelling where’s Peter Gammons, yelling at the umps (not coincidental), a mascot named Shark McGwire (!!), and a jab at a professional hitting coach.)
"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
by Yadi2Second on Jan 26, 2010 11:23 PM EST up reply actions
refresh my memory
i watched the entire game, but this is vague: was it his first (and only) pitch?
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
i don't remember either
watching two games at once has everything mixed up
plus they literally lost the game two minutes after the big club won
"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
by Yadi2Second on Jan 26, 2010 11:30 PM EST up reply actions
I don't think so
but I’m certainly not sure about it. I seem to recall that he had already fallen behind 2-0 or somesuch.
by ArkansasTravs on Jan 26, 2010 11:53 PM EST up reply actions
i was thinking that
but getting confused with lidge vs. arod, when lidge didn’t want to put one in the dirt.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
i must've been drinking
in…awwwww…..spishus
by slu on Sep 22, 2009 9:51 PM CDT
I'm like a polygon, I'm edgy.
Resident malcontented betamale
Rotoworld had those guys backwards
MacLane is the lefty and Perez is the righty.
Time for a new sig.
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Jan 27, 2010 12:17 AM EST up reply actions
as suspected... they're all drinking over there
"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
by Yadi2Second on Jan 27, 2010 12:22 AM EST up reply actions
I'm glad they re-upped MacLane
he deserved it after a solid 2009. He’s probably as good as some 5th starters in MLB, but I hope he never pitches in the major leagues for us because that would imply a pretty horrible run of injuries.
I also remain kinda intrigued by Perez’s K-rate, but I suppose it’s hard to get excited about either of these guys. Still, I wonder if he doesn’t have similar upside to someone like Kyle McClellan, if we actually gave him a shot in the big league pen. CHONE projects a 4.4 FIP next year, FWIW.
Also, Ummmmm, Perez is about as right-handed as they get. Rotoworld sucks; they even had a 50:50 chance of getting it right:
And here’s “right-hander” Evan MacLane:
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Jan 27, 2010 7:15 AM EST up reply actions
MacLane
The guy has some pretty dominant starts for Memphis. He’s one that I’m intrigued by and will be watching through ST. With Hill added now and it being official that K-Mac will be in the mix, the battle for the 5th spot should be fun to watch.
Hey Ump!
Need help settling an argument!
Can someone much smarter than me provide examples of guys who signed minor league deals and then came back to the Bigs and did well?
My “friend” insists Rich Hill is done and nothing will ever come of this. He might be right, but he’s still a jerk.
"I knew they were up to shenanigans." --TLR
There's a lot of Cubs fans who feel this way about Rich Hill
Dunno if your friend is a cubs fan or not. He was really touted, and he came up and kicked butt. Then he just fell off the planet, but Cubs managers kept running him out there hoping he’d turn it around.
I've found that that
is an acceptable rebuttal to most arguments.
ie. You’re an Asshat.
* is an Asshat
Also, Dave Concepcion.
A lawyer asking for help in an argument
Now I’ve seen everything
You know what they call a quarter pounder with cheese in France?
by jd is legend on Jan 26, 2010 7:09 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
at least she's not billing us
yet
her friend is right though, i don’t see why he has to be a jerk though. that’s just over the line. i can’t think of one player that’s done this, i’m sure there have been some the last few seasons, i just can’t think of any
Every morning I wake up & smoke a dart. Then I eat five strips of bacon, & for lunch I eat a bacon sandwich. And for a midday snack? Bacon! A whole damn plate! And I usually drink my dinner. And I'm still here! Sometimes I wonder if God forgot about me.
his goal in life is to piss me off at least once a day.
we argued all day about whether the pineiro signing (with the angels) was a good deal or not. when i brought up his projections, and the fact that 1 WAR is worth $3m-$4m, he told me projections don’t mean anything.
man, I sort of hate him.
"I knew they were up to shenanigans." --TLR
gdm knows people who have pigs
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
I guess I gotta leave the blog now
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
if you leave, how can i stay?
Every morning I wake up & smoke a dart. Then I eat five strips of bacon, & for lunch I eat a bacon sandwich. And for a midday snack? Bacon! A whole damn plate! And I usually drink my dinner. And I'm still here! Sometimes I wonder if God forgot about me.
projections don't mean anything?
damn, sounds like he can’t be helped. might be time to cut him loose
Every morning I wake up & smoke a dart. Then I eat five strips of bacon, & for lunch I eat a bacon sandwich. And for a midday snack? Bacon! A whole damn plate! And I usually drink my dinner. And I'm still here! Sometimes I wonder if God forgot about me.
it really is impossible to argue with him
i bring up stats to back my opinion and they don’t mean anything to him, its all about what you see while watching the game. i agree that’s important, but so are the numbers. this is baseball, after all.
my favorite thing he ever said was something along the lines of, “Jamie Moyer’s got an ERA of almost 5, but he has 12 wins. you know what that tells me? it tells me he knows how to pitch in tough situations, when it really matters.” And then I said, “you know 12 wins and an ERA of 5 tells me? He had some ridiculous run support.”
Just to be clear, this guy is really smart. I think he just likes to fuck with me.
"I knew they were up to shenanigans." --TLR
he's probably sweet on you
Every morning I wake up & smoke a dart. Then I eat five strips of bacon, & for lunch I eat a bacon sandwich. And for a midday snack? Bacon! A whole damn plate! And I usually drink my dinner. And I'm still here! Sometimes I wonder if God forgot about me.
my friends have the same theory
wtf is wrong with men? why can’t they just be normal? now its to the point that I could never actually date him because i can’t fucking stand him most of the time.
"I knew they were up to shenanigans." --TLR
we have been told to stop heaping praise & complements onto women
and instead fire subtle shots at them, argue with them, point out their faults & ignore them to get them to like us.
many women say they want normal, but when normal is given to them on a silver platter, they send it back & opt for the douchebag with the nice smile
Every morning I wake up & smoke a dart. Then I eat five strips of bacon, & for lunch I eat a bacon sandwich. And for a midday snack? Bacon! A whole damn plate! And I usually drink my dinner. And I'm still here! Sometimes I wonder if God forgot about me.
by gdm426 on Jan 27, 2010 12:08 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I want Colby Rasmus.
Or Evan Lysacek. Or that cute guy in my special ed class.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Jan 27, 2010 12:11 AM EST up reply actions
i'm surprised you want klobby
don’t know the other two.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
Evan Lysacek is a male figure skater.
The other guy is a random Clemson student so you wouldn’t know him.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Jan 27, 2010 12:37 AM EST up reply actions
is the figure skater straight?
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
Well you can never really be 100% sure but..
he dated Tannith Belbin who is an Ice dancer (and very pretty). They broke up within the year and he still wears a ring she gave him. SO I can say with more confidence than most male figure skaters that he is straight… for now.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Jan 27, 2010 12:42 AM EST up reply actions
Just for some advice here.
Never date guys in special ed.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
You want a sped kid?
That’s messed up
You know what they call a quarter pounder with cheese in France?
by jd is legend on Jan 27, 2010 10:32 AM EST up reply actions
She's in the class too, JD. Level playing field.
I'm living in an age that calls darkness light...
by spants on Jan 27, 2010 10:36 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Ah, of course
You know what they call a quarter pounder with cheese in France?
by jd is legend on Jan 27, 2010 10:39 AM EST up reply actions
It's an education class.
Teaching you how to teach Special Ed.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Jan 27, 2010 11:10 AM EST up reply actions
Riiiiiiiiight
You know what they call a quarter pounder with cheese in France?
by jd is legend on Jan 27, 2010 11:17 AM EST up reply actions
sure, sure
ask jd and he’d tell you that clemson IS special ed
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
stop watching "pumpkin"!
if you don't know what is wrong with me, then you don't know what you've missed. - macmanus
did another guy tell you that?
were they single?
"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
by Yadi2Second on Jan 27, 2010 12:12 AM EST up reply actions
there's lots of crap like that online
i dont personally believe it, but it’s hard to argue with the results
and once again i’ll add this disclaimer, all female VEB’ers are exempt from said generalization. they are way to smart & intelligent to fall for said games
Every morning I wake up & smoke a dart. Then I eat five strips of bacon, & for lunch I eat a bacon sandwich. And for a midday snack? Bacon! A whole damn plate! And I usually drink my dinner. And I'm still here! Sometimes I wonder if God forgot about me.
so if you want a dumb girl...
why are you surprised they fall for douchebags?
…wait.
"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
by Yadi2Second on Jan 27, 2010 12:45 AM EST up reply actions
i don't, and i'm not
i was just trying to cue IHB in. i’ll be quiet now
Every morning I wake up & smoke a dart. Then I eat five strips of bacon, & for lunch I eat a bacon sandwich. And for a midday snack? Bacon! A whole damn plate! And I usually drink my dinner. And I'm still here! Sometimes I wonder if God forgot about me.
ehh i know many a douches who have gotten the girl
but i also know many “nice guys” who have done the same…and they’re the ones who are now getting engaged…soooooo……
as for me? just read the sig.
I'm like a polygon, I'm edgy.
Resident malcontented betamale
i don't even know what betamale means
Every morning I wake up & smoke a dart. Then I eat five strips of bacon, & for lunch I eat a bacon sandwich. And for a midday snack? Bacon! A whole damn plate! And I usually drink my dinner. And I'm still here! Sometimes I wonder if God forgot about me.
Not alpha male I assume.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Jan 27, 2010 12:42 AM EST up reply actions
from urban dictionary:
An unremarkable, careful man who avoids risk and confrontation. Beta males lack the physical presence, charisma and confidence of the Alpha male.
I'm like a polygon, I'm edgy.
Resident malcontented betamale
YES!
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Jan 27, 2010 12:48 AM EST up reply actions
I was right.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Jan 27, 2010 12:59 AM EST up reply actions
that's not me
Every morning I wake up & smoke a dart. Then I eat five strips of bacon, & for lunch I eat a bacon sandwich. And for a midday snack? Bacon! A whole damn plate! And I usually drink my dinner. And I'm still here! Sometimes I wonder if God forgot about me.
i had that typed out
but thought it might be too harsh
I'm like a polygon, I'm edgy.
Resident malcontented betamale
ooh something baseball-related to post.
"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
could've used Ω
"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
Ω♂
"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
what?
Every morning I wake up & smoke a dart. Then I eat five strips of bacon, & for lunch I eat a bacon sandwich. And for a midday snack? Bacon! A whole damn plate! And I usually drink my dinner. And I'm still here! Sometimes I wonder if God forgot about me.
some "betamale" googling (not to be confused with betamale googling)
has led me to this web series: We Need Girlfriends. Seems promising thus far.
Apparently CBS has picked it up so it must be alright (although I don’t know if there’s a single show I’m even tempted to watch on that network).
I'm like a polygon, I'm edgy.
Resident malcontented betamale
So
i bring up stats to back my opinion and they don’t mean anything to him, its all about what you see…
reminds me of various arguments here last season, or maybe the season before last. Now, who was that… Are you sure your friend isn’t secretly another VEB poster?
by ArkansasTravs on Jan 26, 2010 11:58 PM EST up reply actions
jamie moyer is a future hall of famer, how dare you insult him.
he has 258 wins, over 2000 strikeouts, he was a former all star , and was a Cy Young candidate multiple times in his career. This great man will be a sure fire first ballot member, I mean he has more wins than Mariano Rivera, Sandy Koufax combined.
by CodyG on Jan 27, 2010 12:05 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
i know you are joking
but bert blyleven wants to have a word.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
what kind of deal did pavano sign?
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
WIKI 9for what it's worth) says no
On January 6, 2009, Pavano signed a one year deal with the Cleveland Indians worth $1.5 million with a possible $5.3 million in incentives.12 On August 7, 2009, Pavano was traded to the Minnesota Twins,13 for whom he started the crucial third game against the Yankees in the 2009 American League Division Series.14 Following the season, Pavano filed for free agency, but later accepted the Twins’ offer of salary arbitration.15
* is an Asshat
Also, Dave Concepcion.
I love it when SBN does the red number links
that is being SBN’d at its best!
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
Brad Penny signed a MiLB deal with the Giants last year.
but apparently that’s not the same thing.
"I knew they were up to shenanigans." --TLR
I know the way to get to the bottom of this
go to the Minor League Ball blog here at SBN and start a fanpost on this topic. Those nerds will be all over this.
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
i think what IHB was asking though is an example of a guy who did a deal like this
and made the team out of spring training, right IHB? Luddy was a in season call up so he wouldn’t technically count
Every morning I wake up & smoke a dart. Then I eat five strips of bacon, & for lunch I eat a bacon sandwich. And for a midday snack? Bacon! A whole damn plate! And I usually drink my dinner. And I'm still here! Sometimes I wonder if God forgot about me.
I don't know about IHB
but I wanna know if any pitchers have had success after minor league deals.
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
this would count, technically.
his statement was that he’s never heard of a player signing a minor league contract who ever did anything note worthy in the majors. ludwick is perfect, actually. Thanks Eff!
"I knew they were up to shenanigans." --TLR
I would bet hundreds of players have
including joe thurston and, in the future, Mr Gotay. Probably nearly every team has it happen nearly every year.
Tony Womack?
I vote the anti-Tony ticket:
Aggressiveness on the basepaths,
Patience at the plate.
We were still paying him last year (minus the league minimum)
to ply his trade in Oakland. Not sure if he’s signed anywhere yet this year?
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Jan 28, 2010 4:07 AM EST up reply actions
dunno about minor league contracts...
but Pineiro and Oliver Perez were two guys who hit bottom before coming back.
Also, Jamie Moyer… In 1992, Moyer was an injured 30 year old, he was coming off an 0-5 season with a 5.75 era for the Cardinals, and he had 34 career wins. Now he’s 40 away from 300.
Six years was the hope of the herd;
Unanimous but for one who demurred;
A prescient young man;
By the name of stlfan;
He knew Scotty would have the last word
We all know that Jamie won't make it to 300
but he’s had a very interesting career. I’m still wondering if he can come back from groin and knee probs at the age of 47. He won’t be ready by the beginning of April, and I just wonder if all his ailments will force him to call it a day.
Time for a new sig.
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Jan 27, 2010 12:29 AM EST up reply actions
would he flat-out retire though
and give up the money – isn’t he under contract this year? big mac is the only guy i recall doing that.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
Pretty sure Ryan Ludwick signed on with us on a minor league deal
he was in Memphis for a while in 2007. Then he won the silver slugger and was (I think) 2nd in the NL in SLG% in 2008, so I guess you could consider that a pretty major win! I can’t think of too many pitchers who’ve signed minor league deals after rehabbing and been useful, but I’m sure there are examples.
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Jan 27, 2010 7:19 AM EST up reply actions
jeez i'm getting nexdef'd a bit today...
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Jan 27, 2010 7:20 AM EST up reply actions
Chris Carpenter signed a similar contract,
after being released with a labrum tear.
"What's your favorite Chuck Palahniuk book?"
"I like the one about the alienated character who finds the socially unacceptable way of coping with modernity."
I actually think this is a great move
Rich Hill has great stuff, it’s just that he had control problems, probably injury related. this is a no risk move that could blossom into a great move. just think if we have another curveballer and if he does good, this will really piss off cubs fans. nice jobs Cards
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jan 26, 2010 7:36 PM EST reply actions
Speaking of the roster, or non roster
what is going on with Skip and the deal that was so close? I am wondering if he or his agent got wind of the Ankiel deal, and are asking for more than he would have accepted otherwise.
by kkkkathmandubirdsview on Jan 26, 2010 7:40 PM EST reply actions
Yep. There's also a position difference, and Ank has more power potential.
I'm living in an age that calls darkness light...
Of course
but the question is, why the delay on a deal that was supposed to be so close? I should have said above Ankiel deal amongst others – in other words, was Skip about to sign, then they figured his market is higher than what they were initially thinking? Otherwise, why the delay?
by kkkkathmandubirdsview on Jan 26, 2010 8:45 PM EST up reply actions
They have time.
Besides, he’s under team control. Worst case scenario, they pay him what he asked for.
I'm living in an age that calls darkness light...
OK
but the way Mo was talking a few weeks ago, they had to conclude Ludwick and Schu before doing other stuff. Just getting impatient,a typical hot stove syndrome.
by kkkkathmandubirdsview on Jan 26, 2010 11:29 PM EST up reply actions
again, sorry for the ignorance
but i haven’t been around. i take it luddy is done? how much?
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
not a shabby raise
actually seems a bit generous, nearly 50 percent.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
radio guys calculated that it was 47 percent
his uni number
except it was news to Luddy, funnily enough
"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
by Yadi2Second on Jan 26, 2010 11:45 PM EST up reply actions
i don't know why
but i’m fearful of a ludwick trade. i don’t know who the hell would play right, but i still smell something.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
mark my words
doom will come if Luddy is let go before his time
"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
by Yadi2Second on Jan 27, 2010 12:05 AM EST up reply actions
this is why i am fearful.
seriously, when i read the money, i had a premonition…
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
I really wish we traded ankiel last year,remember these rumors?
Marc Lancaster, of The Tampa Tribune, reports the Tampa Bay Rays may have a trading partner in the St. Louis Cardinals, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The Cardinals are willing to trade an outfielder and the Rays are willing to part with SP’s Edwin Jackson and Andy Sonnanstine. The Rays would likely be interested in acquiring either OFs Ryan Ludwick or Rick Ankiel.
i still have some bitter aftertaste about not landing Zobrist
i dunno, the rays seem to make either smart moves or high upside moves. maybe they weren’t sold on Ank.
"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
by Yadi2Second on Jan 27, 2010 12:46 AM EST up reply actions
ank has upside
course there’s always the downside
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
I don't think Zobrist was ever as available as we thought
he was pretty excellent in 2008 as well (even though his 2009 breakout was pretty unprecedented). I don’t think anything short of Ludwick (perhaps plus a high-upside pitcher or something) would’ve got that deal done, and after 2008 it really looked like Ludwick was a star player going forward.
I also think Zobrist’s 2009 was a pretty high-end fluke, maybe the top percentile of his possible performance. I doubt he’ll ever get close to that sort of production again, but he’s probably a 4+ win guy going forward, which is pretty cool.
From what I recall most of us were keen on Andy Sonanstine, and he absolutely screwed the pooch last year so I’m kinda happy we didn’t do that (though for Ank I guess it woulda been fine).
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Jan 27, 2010 7:24 AM EST up reply actions
wow his value did plummet a lot
the Braves are interested, and would be willing to give up Kelly Johnson or Yunel Escobar if they don’t trade one of them in a Jake Peavy deal. The Cardinals like both infielders, but would probably require “significant minor league pitching” to be added by the Braves.
damn
escobar?
damn!
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
I recall a lot of us were keen on Kelly Johnson this time last year too
and the Braves basically gave him away (I think he only cost about $2m to the D’Backs). Most of us were thinking it’d take a career-year Luddy to land him…
Strange how things change one year on. I guess neither Luddy nor Johnson are worth much of anything now. I’d still have really liked Johnson, though.
There’s a good chance Escobar remains available, I think, he had some run-ins with Cox last year.
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Jan 27, 2010 7:27 AM EST up reply actions
luddy is worth a bundle
with that nearly 50% pay raise, and cox may be more available than escobar, considering it is his final year.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
I remember
that rumour, and I believe posted on it. I noted that Sonnanstine had great stats. Anyhow, it was all a mirage.
by kkkkathmandubirdsview on Jan 27, 2010 1:56 AM EST up reply actions
There's a good chance Sonanstine bounces back a bit next year
but I still think he’s probably only a #5 type guy. Like with Ludwick, his true talent probably lies somewhere between the great 2008 and ugly 2009….
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Jan 27, 2010 7:25 AM EST up reply actions
Well this blows:
http://twitter.com/BJRains/status/8256682555
Six years was the hope of the herd;
Unanimous but for one who demurred;
A prescient young man;
By the name of stlfan;
He knew Scotty would have the last word
if they don't sign Smoltz
then I really want Sanchez to make the team out of ST
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
It's going to be McClellen...
for the final spot. Garcia seems to need more seasoning and Hill is a has-been who never was. Stapling his labrum back together and expecting the 2007 curveball eight months later seems like asking a lot.
Six years was the hope of the herd;
Unanimous but for one who demurred;
A prescient young man;
By the name of stlfan;
He knew Scotty would have the last word
by guayzimi on Jan 26, 2010 8:18 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
don't ruin my dream
who thought KMac would make it in 08 ( He did make it out of ST, right?). Here is hoping Sanchez does the same. I am not impressed with the RHRP this team has right now. I figured with Smoltz and Sanchez it could be pretty damn good, right now it looks scary. KMac and Hawksworth do not impress me at all.
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
we're crossing a lot of fingers with this bullpen
I’d like at least ONE guy who can strike people out consistently and who is a proven commodity who can be above-average. I don’t honestly think we have a single one from the right-hand side. This year’s pen could be nearly as bad as 2008’s, I think, if we don’t add something.
Can we please, please get Kiko? Please???
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Jan 27, 2010 7:29 AM EST up reply actions
bring up the kid
sign smoltz
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
if true
Every morning I wake up & smoke a dart. Then I eat five strips of bacon, & for lunch I eat a bacon sandwich. And for a midday snack? Bacon! A whole damn plate! And I usually drink my dinner. And I'm still here! Sometimes I wonder if God forgot about me.
i hope it's just negotiating
and it doesn’t get pushed too far.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
But, but
Who will I want to close now?
You know what they call a quarter pounder with cheese in France?
by jd is legend on Jan 26, 2010 8:24 PM EST up reply actions
Are they high?
I could see them not pursuing Smoltz, because he’s an injury risk himself, and at 43 or whatever, he could drop off pretty easily; however, NO more pitching? That means they are basically counting on full seasons from Carpenter, Lohse and Penny; hoping Hill will pitch a significant amount of innings and that the starters in the minors will be better than replacement level.
Are they high? Like seriously? Why not sign Washburn or Davis, if not Smoltz. Both of those guys are super durable and at least average to boot.
by vivaelpujols on Jan 26, 2010 8:24 PM EST up reply actions
I am really hoping BJ is high
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
f'in noobs
Every morning I wake up & smoke a dart. Then I eat five strips of bacon, & for lunch I eat a bacon sandwich. And for a midday snack? Bacon! A whole damn plate! And I usually drink my dinner. And I'm still here! Sometimes I wonder if God forgot about me.
I'm not sure why they would have confidence in Garcia
He missed the entire season last year, is 23, and has had 20 something innings in AAA.
by vivaelpujols on Jan 26, 2010 8:39 PM EST up reply actions
It would be...
malpractice to ask for 180 innings from Garcia
Six years was the hope of the herd;
Unanimous but for one who demurred;
A prescient young man;
By the name of stlfan;
He knew Scotty would have the last word
Cardinals baseball...
"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
by Yadi2Second on Jan 27, 2010 12:16 AM EST up reply actions
Calero is still out there
No final word yet on the supposed cubs deal.
Time for a new sig.
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Jan 27, 2010 12:34 AM EST up reply actions
Davis is signed
I would have liked him as well, unfortunately we’ll be seeing his left arm a few times this season.
I think Washburn would be awesome. I was really hoping for Garland but he’s off the market as well.
This years market has been chocked full of has been, haven’t pitched in x number of years but remember 200- starters- from Hill to Sheets, Bedard, Smoltz, Wang, Lowry.
But the real steals are going to be the guys like Davis and Washburn (who is the only reliably decent starter left on the market) who give their teams above replacement seasons around 200 innings for $5 million.
what's wang looking for?
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
Per his agent
“a major-league offer with a substantial guarantee and substantial upside”
In other words, out of our price range, assuming they can get anyone to bite on that.
I need your discipline / I need your help / I need your discipline / You know once I start I cannot stop myself...
Not gonna touch this one
You know what they call a quarter pounder with cheese in France?
by jd is legend on Jan 27, 2010 10:36 AM EST up reply actions
i thought nothing
till you guys had to point it out
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
Davis is gone already
to the Brewers.
Washburn is a long shot to be average, I’d have thought. The whole FIP/ERA discrepency thing with him is intriguing, but I’d at least want some proof that it was based on something he’s doing rather than blind luck and above-average defensive performance before I bought into it.
By FIP WAR Washburn’s been above average precisely once in the last four years.
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Jan 27, 2010 7:31 AM EST up reply actions
Washburn has a career .285 BABIP
And Seattle’s defense was only good last year, not in the previous seasons.
by vivaelpujols on Jan 27, 2010 10:26 AM EST up reply actions
Yes
he’s also an extreme flyball guy from what I recall, and pitches in a stadium that suppresses HR. HOWEVER – that’s a crazy low BABIP. Even guys like Greg Maddux, Pedro and Clemens struggled to hit those sorta levels in their careers. Can it really be the case that Washburn has been somehow able to keep it that low, because if it is, he’s a huge, weird outlier and there’s no obvious evidence I can suggest that he’ll keep it up (other than that he’s managed in the past).
Could he not just be the 0.0001 percentile that’s got insanely lucky for 8 years?
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Jan 27, 2010 2:00 PM EST up reply actions
That's why I said it was "intriguing" btw
but, even more so than the classic opposite case (Javier Vazquez), it’s somewhat difficult to quantify.
He’s also rocking a LOB% that is consistently about 2-3% higher than average, for his career, which is quite hard to do. I imagine you could perhaps say “he pitches well under pressure” (genuinely), but, again, I guess it could also be a factor of sustained luck (as the sample size for which he’s thrown with men-on-base will obviously be a lot smaller than his sample size overall).
It’s all “intriguing” but I dunno how much I’d want to bet on it.
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Jan 27, 2010 2:03 PM EST up reply actions
I am hoping Leach is right.
@BJRains I’m not as convinced as you are that it is that cut-and-dried.
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
and ye ol' asshat is at it again
@MatthewHLeach That’s because it’s not cut and dried. But it makes for a good headline.
Anyone wanna guess whose tweet that is?
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
So straussies is pissed @ rains
over the complete opposite storyies about Apu the other day, is what I get from that tweet.
* is an Asshat
Also, Dave Concepcion.
he's also pissed he's doing a better job than strausse
Every morning I wake up & smoke a dart. Then I eat five strips of bacon, & for lunch I eat a bacon sandwich. And for a midday snack? Bacon! A whole damn plate! And I usually drink my dinner. And I'm still here! Sometimes I wonder if God forgot about me.
yikes....
i think i’ve been temporarily blinded by the legion of flying luminescent equine-like creatures that just appeared on the horizon……
I'm like a polygon, I'm edgy.
Resident malcontented betamale
they're there for your own good
"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 what to make of this
this seems like the Clement signing. High upside, not any real risk involved, but also seems kind of like a lotto ticket. If it works out, profit! But I’m not going to hold my breath. It sounds the guy’s probably not going to contribute to the big league club this year….maybe this is a move with an eye on ’11.
I had another thought
Hill was signed as a throwaway; he’s the ultimate TLR crafty plan.
Hill works in the minors, maybe doesn’t even pitch in spring training. Eventually during the season TLR calls him up right before the Cubs come into town.
The cubs are doing better than expected and have a chance to win a game at Busch. Lee or Ramirez is up with a chance to put runs on the board. TLR brings in Hill, who gets the strikeout.
The Cubs then lose 12 in a row.
Anyway. This is the type of thing I think about in January.
The over/under for starts from our top four...
is what? 90? If the fifth starter (KMac/Hawksworth/Walters) gives another 25, that leaves 45 or so to be filled in by Garcia and… who else?? Hill?
I predict an ugly 2010 unless we get a Jon Garland-type. Doug Davis would have been ideal.
Six years was the hope of the herd;
Unanimous but for one who demurred;
A prescient young man;
By the name of stlfan;
He knew Scotty would have the last word
ps
garland gone
another reason for the bottom feeding
I may be in a rut, but at least I know where I'm going
batboy
that’s harsh, but…
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
fair?
"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
by Yadi2Second on Jan 26, 2010 11:26 PM EST up reply actions
that word always escapes me.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
DONOVAN SOLANO IS IN
my first pet prospect will always have a special place in my heart
I'm like a polygon, I'm edgy.
Resident malcontented betamale
and yet he's been in the organization forever
I'm like a polygon, I'm edgy.
Resident malcontented betamale
I think Salas has a lot more going for him than people seem to think
he’s still young, he was basically Eduardo Sanchez in 2008 (high K, decent control, good FIP in AA) and his struggles in AAA seem at least partially injury-related in 2009. I think he’s a better prospect than, say, Samuel or Reifer, tbh.
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Jan 27, 2010 7:35 AM EST up reply actions
am I the only one bitter that Zink has So's old number?
"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
by Yadi2Second on Jan 26, 2010 11:51 PM EST up reply actions
now those numbers intrigue me
no 71, 73☨, 75, 83, 84, 85
☨ Rick Eckstein, 2007 … really? before that it was Rincon.
"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
by Yadi2Second on Jan 27, 2010 12:02 AM EST up reply actions
I don't know if he's ready for ML pitching..
Like Rasmus in 08, he needs to see the type of work that goes into being a Cards SS. Overall, nothing truly unexpected on the list (besides Rich Hill). Can’t believe they invited Stock though.
And whats the word on Shelby Miller?
Bird is the word.
the
bird
"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
by Yadi2Second on Jan 26, 2010 11:52 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Agreed
In spring training we always bring in a lot of catchers to handle the volume of pitchers. Not necessarily an indication of closeness to the show, just a need for someone to don the tools of ignorance.
by kkkkathmandubirdsview on Jan 27, 2010 2:05 AM EST up reply actions
it's not an indication of any closeness
and probably just a catcher thing, but don’t you think they (TLR & Co.) want a good look at the guy? as i said, he is not necessarily a catcher.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
to what extent?
i’d be surprised if tony and dunc didn’t have considerable input, especially as to whether he is a catcher. i mean, i always felt it was dunc pushing this pagnozzi thing, through tony – as a former c, that seems another hat dunc wears.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
HFS
"What's your favorite Chuck Palahniuk book?"
"I like the one about the alienated character who finds the socially unacceptable way of coping with modernity."
i'm not sure why mlbtr bumped up the Sheets post
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/01/athletics-eyeing-sheets-or-damon.html
"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
Hill looks to be throwing a four-seamer in the pic at the top of this post
Dave Duncan might have something to say about that.
I need your discipline / I need your help / I need your discipline / You know once I start I cannot stop myself...
Well
since it is late, and just for the sake of discussion, since I didn’t notice any comments above, why did Billy B. go with Sheets for $10m? Seems out of character for that franchise, and especially with a somewhat risky arm. I am really surprised that he was able to get that amount of $ given the risks.
by kkkkathmandubirdsview on Jan 27, 2010 2:00 AM EST reply actions
So he can flip him to a contender for a bevy of prospects.
I'm living in an age that calls darkness light...
Exactly
what I was thinking. Still don’t know how they pay that salary, which would be what, 25% of their total payroll?
by kkkkathmandubirdsview on Jan 27, 2010 2:08 AM EST up reply actions
They dumped a lot of salary last year, and haven't added much this
Holliday was the big piece, but guys like Giambi and a couple of other smaller pieces gone too. They’ve only signed Coco Crisp for a small deal from what I recall. I think it’s a good high-risk, high-upside move from Beane, and I’ve been somewhat critical of him lately. They need a SERIOUS risk to pay off bigtime to compete in that division, and Sheets fits that bill better than most.
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Jan 27, 2010 7:37 AM EST up reply actions
This offseason
They offered the most years and total money to scutaro and beltre.Both signed with boston for less
A’s came in 2nd in Chapman sweepstakes
They have money to spend.
After signing sheets their payroll is around $53 mill for 2010.
Their 2011 free agents eric chavez, mark ellis, sheets, crisp, cust, duchscherer will result in an additional $40 million off the payroll
What
is their budget for 2010? The 2011 situation is irrelevant to 2010, no? According to COT, their payroll was $47m in 2008, and $63m in 2009, so how much do they have available to spend now?
by kkkkathmandubirdsview on Jan 27, 2010 2:18 AM EST up reply actions
Not sure
Maybe closer to $60 million. They are still considering Johnny Damon and/or a SS utility infielder type through trade/free agency
Let us
trade them Lugo, so we can sign Lopez.
by kkkkathmandubirdsview on Jan 27, 2010 2:33 AM EST up reply actions
Lugo is garbage
I doubt they give anything much back.
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Jan 27, 2010 7:38 AM EST up reply actions
you only doubt it?
he’s worth more to us than in any trade. and i disagree that he is garbage.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
Well, depends what you mean by garbage I suppose
he’s a AAAA player now. The sort you can pick up for the league minimum or $1m or whatever. Given that he’s being paid the league minimum, he isn’t really worth anything in a trade.
I suppose there’s a chance his defense rebounds to pre-2008 levels, but from what I’ve heard much of his loss of range was injury and age related, and I think it’s doubtful he’s ever going to be better than mediocre/poor again. I can’t really think of any reason we’d expect his defense to be much better in 2010, and he’s certainly not as good a hitter as he looked in limited appearances for us last year with a huge BABIP.
In many respects I’d rather just give the primary backup job to Tyler Greene and see if he can hack it (no pun intended!) at the major league level. I guess the only reason I’d play Lugo is that we need someone to get on-base vs LHP in front of Albert and he’s arguably the best man for that job.
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Jan 27, 2010 10:17 AM EST up reply actions
ok
so we agree. he may be trash, but certainly not garbage.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
I could go for that.
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Jan 28, 2010 4:08 AM EST up reply actions
Dawson into the Hall as an Expo
BCB is probably not going to like this.
I never would slip you Mickey! It is merely rhinoceros horn. This makes the champagna bubble.
by The Continental on Jan 27, 2010 2:26 AM EST reply actions
ooooh
"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
first I'm seeing...
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2010/1/27/1271938/andre-dawson-entering-the-hof-as-a
"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
He was
a household name in Quebec and Canada at large long before he went to Chicago. The Expos during his time there had one of the best OF in mlb, the Hawk, Cromartie, and Valentine (what a wasted talent). I thought that the HOF decided which team the player will represent, rather than it being their own choice?
by kkkkathmandubirdsview on Jan 27, 2010 2:39 AM EST up reply actions
yup
wiki: In 2001, the Hall of Fame decided to change the policy on cap logo selection, as a result of rumors that some teams were offering compensation, such as number retirement, money, or organizational jobs, in exchange for the cap designation. (For example, though Wade Boggs denied the claims, some media reports had said that his contract with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays required him to request depiction in the Hall of Fame as a Devil Ray). The Hall decided that it would no longer defer to the inductee, though the player’s wishes would be considered, when deciding on the logo to appear on the plaque.
"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
In this case, the status of the franchise may have played into the decison.
They ain’t making Expos anymore. Gary Carter is the only other Expo in.
Who’s left that could go into the Hall as an Expo? Vlad, maybe? Any others?
I never would slip you Mickey! It is merely rhinoceros horn. This makes the champagna bubble.
by The Continental on Jan 27, 2010 2:54 AM EST up reply actions
who does clemens represent?
will bosox nix it?
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
you're assuming he gets in during his lifetime
"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
by Yadi2Second on Jan 27, 2010 10:13 AM EST up reply actions
yes
i think he does, unless he goes to jail. haven’t heard anything on that situation in awhile.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
they're pretty much saying McGwire is the precedent
"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
by Yadi2Second on Jan 27, 2010 10:13 PM EST up reply actions
Hail to the chief?
You know what they call a quarter pounder with cheese in France?
by jd is legend on Jan 27, 2010 11:31 PM EST up reply actions
....
Every morning I wake up & smoke a dart. Then I eat five strips of bacon, & for lunch I eat a bacon sandwich. And for a midday snack? Bacon! A whole damn plate! And I usually drink my dinner. And I'm still here! Sometimes I wonder if God forgot about me.
by gdm426 on Jan 27, 2010 2:45 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Love this signing!
His MiLB numbers were eye-popping at times. He posted a 12.2K/9 through over 500 IPs in the minors. (No small sample size.) At AAA in ‘05/’06 he posted ridiculous K/BB rates…roughly 12.5/2 per 9IP. In 2006 he went 7-1 with a 1.80 ERA and a 0.83 WHIP. That line prompted a late-season call-up. He didn’t do so well at first. But check out his MLB numbers for September 2006 if you have the chance. He was starting to figure it out and translate his MiLB success to the MLB. His hook was absolutely filthy.
Then, he lost it. Control issues. Arm problems. Down the chute. Yeah, chances are slim that he will re-gain dominant form. But the risk/reward ratio is just too appealing.
Here’s a highlight vid from an impressive start with the O’s. Demonstrates his nasty curveball quite nicely. Granted, he was facing some young, swing-happy fish. But I still found it impressive – especially the curveball that Ks HanRam. That was a money pitch against an elite hitter.
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