Unrelated Thoughts
by azruavatar on Feb 5, 2012 6:00 AM EST
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There's got to be a parallel dimension where Allen Craig is king of the St. Louis Cardinals. In that dimension, the 2008 Jim Edmonds trade with San Diego never happened. David Freese still broke both ankles there though.
It's been a weird journey for Allen Craig who was drafted in 2006 and did nothing but hit the ball all through the minors. Then, after being leapfrogged by David Freese, Craig found himself without a position and had to convert to the outfield. That's all been well and good -- the Cardinals essentially get to have their cake and watch it walk around on two metal ankles too -- but sometimes I still wonder about that other world.
The funny thing about that other world is that I'm not sure it even needs to be all that different from the one we're trapped in -- damn you, quantum mechanics -- sans David Freese, World Series hero.
| Player |
AVG | OBP | SLG | wOBA |
| Allen Craig | .276 | .329 | .454 | .345 |
| David Freese | .269 | .323 | .406 | .322 |
Setting aside my personal opinion on Craig's ZiPS projection (for the record, I'll take the over), what does a .022 point advantage in wOBA mean for these two. Well, it means that Freese needs to be about 12 runs better than Allen Craig in the field to be the better third baseman. Again, this is all hypothetical bit it's not hard to see a scenario where Allen Craig is a -10 fielder and David Freese is a little better than average (that's what the metrics generally point towards) so this is in large part a moot discussion.
Somewhere though, Allen Craig is lofting his 2011 World Series MVP trophy in celebration of his 1.013 OPS in the post-season capped by home runs in game 6 and 7. (Hint both of those last things actually happened in our world too. Spooky.)
I was channel flipping mid-day yesterday before the UFC fights (this is what you missed if you didn't watch it -- hopefully the link is still live come morning) and came across an MLB Network countdown of the best individual player seasons in baseball history. They got number one correct: Barry Bonds' 2004 season. Let's play baseball math with Barry Bonds.
- Albert Pujols walk total for any season + Albert's walk total for any other season < Barry Bonds 2004 walk total
- Albert's career walks + Scott Rolen's career walks + Jim Edmonds career walks = 284 BBs + Bond's career walk total
- Skip Schumaker's 2011 OPS + Ryan Theriot's 2011 OPS < Barry Bonds' 2004 OPS
- Barry Bonds' 2004 walk total > Mark Reynolds' 2009 strikeout total
- Barry Bonds 2004 walk total * 2 > St. Louis Cardinals Pitching Staff's walks issued
- Barry Bonds 2004 walk total > Corey Patterson's career walk total
You can go on and on and on. Barry Bonds' 2004 season was unquestionably the most incredible season baseball has ever seen an individual player produce. Every now and then I have to just step back and be in awe of it.
***
A while back, Dave Cameron wrote on Fangraphs about the value of single year deals for pitchers -- the kind of deal Roy Oswalt is looking for. Here's the money quote:
All told, [pitchers signed to a single year deal] totaled +23.7 WAR in just over 2,100 innings, coming in at a cost of just above $2 million per win, half the going rate of free agents last winter. They also averaged about +1.8 WAR per roster spot taken, as their average production per inning pitched was dragged down just slightly by the lower innings totals that these pitchers managed.
It's interesting perspective and perhaps makes the Kyle Lohse and Jake Westbrook deals a little harder to swallow. Regardless, this should give you a good sense of why the Cardinals continue to kick the tires on Roy Oswalt.
I also think this whole scenario is pointing towards a real strategy from the Cardinals front office. I'm hesitant to even bring something like Moneyball up because of the rigid stances people have on that subject but here I go anyway. The Cardinals have now signed Lance Berkman, Carlos Beltran and Rafael Furcal to somewhat below market rate, short term deals. Are injured aging players a market inefficiency that the team is trying to exploit?
If so, it certainly worked well for them in 2011 when Lance Berkman was an integral part of the offense and went on to show that he still had a lot to offer a major league team. Whether the Cardinals will continue to make pickups like this will play out over time but it is worth keeping an eye on. This may just be the club biding its time until the farm system spits out the next round of players or it may be a more comprehensive approach to the free agent market. I don't know but I am curious.
***
Those of you waiting for a tie in to the picture are SOL. I just wanted to screw with you and use the same picture, cropped differently for the third day in a row. Suckers! I'm not sure if there's some kind of handegg event today or not but, if there is, I hope the 5th level of Dante's hell opens up directly beneath the Patriots' sideline. Enjoy your day.
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Hand egg prediction:
I’m not going to give a shit and I’ll be watching the puppy bowl with the girls :D
www.stlgatekeepers.com
"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"
+1
Now there is someone whose priorities are in order.
"That’s what a baseball player does: he uses the glove half of the time." -- Rick Horton regarding the DH.
by StanTheManFan on Feb 5, 2012 10:51 AM EST up reply actions
I'm gonna go ahead and not give shit either
or I may just haul off and not give a shit
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... Az.
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Feb 5, 2012 11:00 AM EST up reply actions
pretty sure most people don't really care
I’m just in it for the beer and hors d’oeuvres.
Also, to everyone I know on facebook, posting about how you don’t care and aren’t watching the super bowl makes you just as lame as anyone watching.
I'm gonna guess that most people don't care that you don't care, so why did you bother to respond? I'm watching "hot rod gang" right now, not that you care, but i might watch the SB later, not that i "care" who wins
what does commenting that you think people in this thread are lame, by insinuation, make you, if you think people
posting about how you don’t care and aren’t watching the super bowl makes you just as lame as anyone watching.
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... Az.
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Feb 5, 2012 2:28 PM EST up reply actions
it's just silly
every year all the people who aren’t into football like to state that they don’t care and wont be watching. Same with this last world series.
Grit != flat out sucking.
Excuse me. I thought this was a baseball board.
Sheesh.
"That’s what a baseball player does: he uses the glove half of the time." -- Rick Horton regarding the DH.
by StanTheManFan on Feb 5, 2012 6:07 PM EST up reply actions
My initial comment was pretty off hand.
also, “this” to my own comment
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... Az.
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Feb 5, 2012 10:29 PM EST up reply actions
I'm into football and I'm not watching it
because I despise the two teams playing, much like the 2000 world series.
I crawled the earth, but now I'm higher, 2010 watch it go to fire!
by First mammal to wear pants on Feb 5, 2012 7:52 PM EST up reply actions
Prediction
A Volkswagen commercial will make me laugh
2015 St. Louis Rotation-- Wainwright, Garcia, Miller, Martinez, Rosenthal...towels please
by VolsnCards5 on Feb 5, 2012 11:16 AM EST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Something like that
VEL starts Tuesday
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 5, 2012 12:06 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
Allen craig does it all
Lethal pinch hitter, decent defendive corner outfielder, possible mirror at third, slugging first baseman in waiting, probably not terrible second base conversion project… new secret weapon of the offense variety?
VEL starts Tuesday
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 5, 2012 12:10 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
Oops dang android app
VEL starts Tuesday
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 5, 2012 12:11 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
NOT terrible 2nd base conversion project?
I mean, I guess he’s better than Skip because Craig can hit, but he hasn’t shown anything to warrant confidence at the keystone.
Chief Economist of Tyler Greene Fanclub
by Cardinals645 on Feb 5, 2012 12:40 PM EST up reply actions
And he's coming off a knee surgery.
Hopefully 2011 put a close to the Allen Craig, 2nd Baseman experiment.
Come to think of it, I hope TLR’s exit signaled the end of “Anyone Can Play Second!” era.
Still not a werewolf.
I liked the anyone can play second era
I think a lot of managers underestimate positional flexibility, which leads to, say, alex cora getting a minor league deal.
Yea, it wouldn't be awful to put Craig there in a pinch if Greene and Descalso and Skip all somehow got hurt or something.
Then we’d just call up Jackson/Kozma or whomever. I really don’t know what Cora does that Kozma can’t tbh. I don’t mind the Cora deal though, so long as he stays in Memphis.
Chief Economist of Tyler Greene Fanclub
Yes yes
The knee… Obviously after the knee is better
VEL starts Tuesday
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 5, 2012 1:11 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
Have any of our resident PTs/physicians weighed in on this?
I have a hard time believing that once Craig has rehabbed, he wouldn’t be completely fine and capable of playing 2B, at least in the style of Schu.
Is everyone saying that post knee injury he should not play second ever?
Does this mean he should never play third too? I know they havent mentioned the second base plan for a long time. My guess is that this year he will start off being pinch hitter, then a sort of supersub, then theyll let berkman go after this year and hell be the first baseman. Was not totally serious about the 2b thing, but i suppose it is a distant possibility
VEL starts Tuesday
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 5, 2012 1:33 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
Sorry to offend with my craig2second comment
Which was really just a small part of what i said. The org mentioned at one time they were seriously thinking about it.. And he couldnt be worse than skip, and his bat needs to be in the lineup as much as possible.
VEL starts Tuesday
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 5, 2012 1:11 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
Yea, sorry, I didn't mean to make that sound quite so harsh. I guess I did miss the rest of the comment, heh.
I just think we at VEB have a tendency to underestimate how bad Craig is at 2nd. SSS last year, but he was quite awful by UZR; as bad or worse than Skip.
Chief Economist of Tyler Greene Fanclub
I think the Cora minor-league deal
is going to upstage the football game they’re playing today in Indy.
Who's faster home to first? Yadi or Torty?
Agreed
Beer and Baseball. Baseball and Beer. It's not hard to reevaluate your priorities when you only have two.
by PugetSoundCardsAddict on Feb 5, 2012 12:55 PM EST up reply actions
MLB network
Is there anything better? As a dish customer I was never so happy the day I came home and saw I finally got that channel, having watched on my parents direct so many times.
But that bonds season, Egad!
"Chuck Norris CAN divide by zero"
I can watch
Clubhouse Confidential and Baseball IQ all day…….seriously…..all damn day!
Since its a quiet morning
Do you guys think the Cards will try and draft Stryker to fill our catching needs? I’m directing this question primarily at Azru, but I would be interested in anyone’s two cents. Is the 19th spot high enough, and is he worh it?
I don't think he can handle the pressure.
Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
Second base….I’ve played second base, how hard can it be? -TLR
Also, Dave Concepcion.
by RiverRat on Feb 5, 2012 10:07 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
We will just put him in charge
Of the Happy Flights.
by JWO on Feb 5, 2012 10:14 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I doubt the Cardinals are going to deviate strongly from their draft board
to pick a catcher but if Stryker is there at 19 there’s an awfully good chance that he’s their pick. And yes, I’d say he’s worth it but a lot can change in 4 months.
Scheduling a talk with Krantovitz is on my to do list. I’ve got some other interviews I’m working on right now. If my day job would just go back to being 8 hours a day . . .
Beware: Velociraptors may be present.
Thanks for the insight
I know conventional wisdom says you take the best option available, but it feels like the right time to grab a catcher with high upside. Even assuming Molina stays on another 3-4 years, it would be good to have a true option on the farm…
Appreciate the info Az, thanks!
It would seem to me
that a 19 year old catcher would take at least 3 years to develop… We could definitely need a replacement in that timeframe.
by RasmustheRipper on Feb 5, 2012 11:07 AM EST via Android app up reply actions
Trahan might be the BPA at 19
It could end up being win/wIn
2015 St. Louis Rotation-- Wainwright, Garcia, Miller, Martinez, Rosenthal...towels please
by VolsnCards5 on Feb 5, 2012 11:13 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
If Trahan (be still my heart) is there a 19
I have no doubt the cardinals would be considering taking him. It’s just a matter of if he is still there
2015 St. Louis Rotation-- Wainwright, Garcia, Miller, Martinez, Rosenthal...towels please
by VolsnCards5 on Feb 5, 2012 11:05 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Oh, and 19 is not too high, unless he just forgets how to hit this season
Or gets injured…I’m concerned 19 might be too low.
Is he worth it? Well, I heard and seen nothing but good things about his swing, he has the best pop times in all the HS circuits, and he’s extremely athletic. These are all very good characteristics to possess as a catching prospect.
Still, he is a HS projectibility pick and those are notoriously volatile, so there is a lot of risk, but also a lot of potential reward. Since the Cards have so many picks early-ish, taking a couple low floor/high ceiling guys makes sense, and if you can get one at a position of organizational need, then I say yes, it is very much worth it.
2015 St. Louis Rotation-- Wainwright, Garcia, Miller, Martinez, Rosenthal...towels please
by VolsnCards5 on Feb 5, 2012 11:12 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Apologies for my bad grammar
I meant I wasn’t certain the 19th pick would be soon enough in the draft for us to get Stryker. From what I’ve read, he is currently slotted to go somewhere from 15th-25th or so in terms of draft order. I’m hoping he is still there at 19.
But the Robot is also likely right. A lot can change in four months. Other people may come into vogue or favor. Maybe Stryker suffers a bizarre airplane incident. Who the heck knows?…
I can't remember who it was
Bit in the past 2-3 months someone asked if aging, previously injured players were the new market inefficiency, and I believe there was a lot of discussion on the topic. It’s a very interesting idea
2015 St. Louis Rotation-- Wainwright, Garcia, Miller, Martinez, Rosenthal...towels please
by VolsnCards5 on Feb 5, 2012 11:06 AM EST via mobile reply actions
I think they definitely are.
Think about Kenny Lofton and Barry Bonds. Both were forced into retirement due to lack of suitors despite apparently being good bets for good production.
"Congratulations to the Cardinals! Such a fun world series." - Salman Rushdie
Damnit, EJax. Just pitch the ball already!
#HappySeason #SadOffSeason #ImFeelingBetterThough
by The Continental on Feb 5, 2012 11:06 AM EST reply actions 8 recs
to clarify the record
I never said, and I do not believe, that Jake Westbrook is a better pitcher than E. Jackson.
I’m Mitt Romney and I approve this message.
I think the market inefficiency are injured aging Star players.
Berkman and Beltran are hall of very good level players and Rafael Furcal has more than 30 WAR for his career (Better than, say, renteria in four less seasons). Oswalt has 46 bWAR, the same as Johan Santana, and 18 more than Josh Beckett in the same amount of seasons, for example.
The key (IMO) is targeting these types of players, because the chances for bounceback years or high-level years at higher ages is greater because the talent level is so high to begin with. The market has failed to distinguish between the Aubrey Huffs of the world and the Lance Berkmans, instead lumping them both in the “aging hitter” category, without properly valuing just how much better Berkman always was than Huff.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Feb 5, 2012 11:11 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
Was it you that brought this up a couple months ago
2015 St. Louis Rotation-- Wainwright, Garcia, Miller, Martinez, Rosenthal...towels please
by VolsnCards5 on Feb 5, 2012 11:14 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Yes - myself, vep, and maybe a few others have made this comment a few times
by Willie McGee's Twin on Feb 5, 2012 11:15 AM EST up reply actions
I was thinking there was a fairly long discussion recently
Azru is an intellectual thief
2015 St. Louis Rotation-- Wainwright, Garcia, Miller, Martinez, Rosenthal...towels please
by VolsnCards5 on Feb 5, 2012 11:16 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I think the premise was true (as opposed to is true)
but you can see by the types of teams interested in Oswalt, Beltran etc that this inefficiency is probably gone now. It seems like Boston, toronto, St.louis are in on all these guys and those teams are known for their sabr-prowess. Even luhnow was trying to get Oswalt.
I suspect this window is closing rapidly — even today these guys have 4-6 suitors. in two years it will be 10-12 at which point they will be getting full value.
Just win
I don't think it's a function of how many suitors, necessarily
It’s a function of how much money teams are willing to risk on aging “star” players versus aging mid-tier veterans. In looking at what Furcal signed for, versus what Carroll or Barmes or some others did, or what Beltran did in comparison to some other corner OF bats did, I think there’s an argument that such an inefficiency still exists.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Feb 5, 2012 11:34 AM EST up reply actions
Looking at the number of years and salary given to Beltran and likely to be given to Oswalt supports the argument of a market inefficiency.
The number of suitors did not drive their contracts to an unreasonable size.
"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
by bgh on Feb 5, 2012 3:20 PM EST up reply actions
Oswalt seems to be partially creating his own market inefficiency though
his unwillingness to sign with any team has to be limiting his dollars somewhat.
Don't all free agents limit their markets by refusing to sign with certain teams?
"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
by bgh on Feb 5, 2012 5:00 PM EST up reply actions
not really
i mean maybe pujols limited his market by not being willing to sign with the pirates because they can’t pay him $254MM, but oswalt refuses to play for teams that are willing to pay what he wants
I'm still holding out (completely realistic) hope that the Super Bowl halftime show
will be Oswalt announcing he’s signing with the Cards for less than $10 million. (Then maybe singing a few Madonna songs if he’s up for it.)
by BTown Birds fan on Feb 5, 2012 5:33 PM EST up reply actions
To be clear
Furcal has more bWAR and fWAR than Renteria, and in four fewer seasons than Renteria.
"I actually used about nine pitches--two different fastballs, two sliders, a curve, a changeup, knockdown, brushback, and hit-batsman" - Bob Gibson
Sign Mark Prior!
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Feb 5, 2012 2:06 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah I agree
We’ve been in kind of a rare situation where we’ve had the ability to get 4 players (Berkman, Beltran, Furcal, and Oswalt) who’ve had near hall of fame careers on cheapish short term deals. I agree with your comment about talent level, and that’s something that I would think usually persists through aging. Injuries also knock down price, so that’s another inefficiency.
That being said, I don’t think we’re likely to find ourselves with so many of those types of player available in free agency again.
Secretary of WAR and Defense of the Tyler Greene Fanclub.
Pat on the back...
…for me. I think I brought this up a few times.
The key point I think we all came up with is that you need to be targeting the Hall of Very Good type players and above, as the diminishing skills are starting from a much higher standard therefor will diminish to a much higher level than a merely above average player diminishing to a below average player.
Per MLBTR:
There is a lot of speculation that the Nationals will deal John Lannan to the Angels for Peter Bourjos, with the Halos putting Mike Trout in center field. The Nats beat Lannan in arbitration last week and were said to be aggressively shopping the left-hander.
WHAT IS THIS??? can we please trade something more valuable than John F. Lannan for Bourjos? Kthx.
mumble mumble Peter Bourjos mumble mumble
other thoughts- i still want Kendry Morales but i guess there's literally no way to fit him on this team and get him any at-bats at all
mumble mumble Peter Bourjos mumble mumble
I was literally....
…over a futureredbirds proposing a Morales and Bourjos for Carlos Martinez and lesser player type trade.
yeah- that's exactly what i am interested in
but Morales is just impossible to work in with this roster mix.
mumble mumble Peter Bourjos mumble mumble
I call bs on that one - Reagins isn't running the Angels anymore
by Willie McGee's Twin on Feb 5, 2012 11:41 AM EST up reply actions
i sure hope it's BS, because i'm going to be seriously ripshit if Bourjos is traded straight up for John Lannan
mumble mumble Peter Bourjos mumble mumble
The trade doesn't even make sense from the Angels' perspective.
Looks like a hopeful but hopeless rumor being floated by the Nats or a Nats media source.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Feb 5, 2012 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
I had the same reaction.
Hendry’s gone, Reagins’s gone, Wade’s gone. Are there any truly abysmal GMs left? I think Loria is bonkers, but I’m unconvinced he’s that level of terrible.
Still not a werewolf.
I wish we could fire Peter Angelos
But he’s an owner (sigh) who thinks he’s the GM. And the coach. And every other important position on the team. Twenty years of them sucking is getting tiresome.
by JWO on Feb 5, 2012 1:03 PM EST up reply actions
I would be appalled that I forgot this
but, well, it’s Loria. He even forgot he’s not the GM.
Still not a werewolf.
you know, i always had this image in my head of Jeff Loria as like a 45 year old snazzy businessman who was a real dick
and then i just found out he’s 71. weird.
mumble mumble Peter Bourjos mumble mumble
Larry Beinfest is pretty sharp though.
Or Michael Hill, tehzachatak mentions.
Chief Economist of Tyler Greene Fanclub
Ruben Amaro is pretty awful
that’s the only one i can find. you can make arguments against Sabean, and i’m unconvinced Duquette is going to be anything except awful for Baltimore, but there’s nobody actually heinous left, besides maybe Amaro (but he just gives back contracts, it’s different- seems like he’s actually a good decent trader).
mumble mumble Peter Bourjos mumble mumble
Sabean is pretty awful. Rowand, Zito, Huff's current deal blocking Belt.
It’s the amateur development that saves them. Is there anyone good on that team that was signed as a FA?
Chief Economist of Tyler Greene Fanclub
he's not bad with trades though
he got Melky for Johnathan Sanchez! and half a season of Beltran for only a really good pitching prospect. and he got Angel Pagan for Andres Torres and a reliever.. everyone knows they’re fungible anyway!
wait
mumble mumble Peter Bourjos mumble mumble
I know this is not what it used to be but there's the Nathan-Liriano-Bonser for Pierzynski trade too.
Chief Economist of Tyler Greene Fanclub
damn, always forget that was Sabes
mumble mumble Peter Bourjos mumble mumble
by tehzachatak on Feb 5, 2012 1:20 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
I can't even remember Pierzynski playing for the Giants.
Or even someone other than the White Sox, tbh. I know it happened, but can’t picture it.
Chief Economist of Tyler Greene Fanclub
probably because when you picture Pierzynski, the only image you can picture is
Still not a werewolf.
I like this picture -- he's not even looking at the fist yet.
Chief Economist of Tyler Greene Fanclub
Of course, he's being punched by Michael Barrett.
Not sure who has the moral high-ground there.
#HappySeason #SadOffSeason #ImFeelingBetterThough
by The Continental on Feb 5, 2012 1:59 PM EST up reply actions
one of my favorite demotivational posters
<img src=“”http://imgur.com/9SZPm">
"/>
I crawled the earth, but now I'm higher, 2010 watch it go to fire!
by First mammal to wear pants on Feb 5, 2012 8:48 PM EST up reply actions
Yea, plus I'm a little suspicious of how good he is. Not in an unfounded steroid claim way. More of a "You're '99 Bottenfield, aren't you?'" way.
I know his peripherals were better than that, but I’m still skeptical.
Chief Economist of Tyler Greene Fanclub
Why didn't this guy win comeback player of the year over Berkman?
At least Berkman had a 2010 season…and a 2009, 2008 and 2007 season, as well. Vogelsong had been missing (except for 2010 in AAA) since 2006.
"I actually used about nine pitches--two different fastballs, two sliders, a curve, a changeup, knockdown, brushback, and hit-batsman" - Bob Gibson
Sign Mark Prior!
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Feb 5, 2012 2:21 PM EST up reply actions
Okay, just saw this on Wiki:
Berkman suffered a knee injury in 2010 and batted just .248 for the season, posting an OPS of .781 (his career average through 2010 was .954).52845 In 2011 Berkman ranked among the top 10 in the NL in on-base percentage (3rd), walks (4th), slugging percentage (5th), and home runs (9th).52845 Some believed Ryan Vogelsong was a strong candidate for the 2011 award, with Sports Illustrated calling him the “leading candidate” in late June.46 Rob Neyer said Vogelsong was “robbed” of the award.[47]
Emphasis mine.
"I actually used about nine pitches--two different fastballs, two sliders, a curve, a changeup, knockdown, brushback, and hit-batsman" - Bob Gibson
Sign Mark Prior!
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Feb 5, 2012 2:22 PM EST up reply actions
he was playing in japan from 2007-2009
though I guess that makes him as comeback player eligible as it would rookie of the year eligible.
plus is it a comeback if it’s the first year you ever haven’t sucked? the nba has (had?) a “most improved” award, which would make more sense.
(Hits head with hand)
duh! Forgot about that.
"I actually used about nine pitches--two different fastballs, two sliders, a curve, a changeup, knockdown, brushback, and hit-batsman" - Bob Gibson
Sign Mark Prior!
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Feb 5, 2012 2:59 PM EST up reply actions
and by your emphasis you were correct in calling them out
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... Az.
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Feb 5, 2012 2:32 PM EST up reply actions
Oh you mean Ryan Howard?
Perhaps you forgot that he was probably the most productive player during that span of anybody, including Pujols. Really, the guy’s the most decorated player in baseball.
Still not a werewolf.
by clank on Feb 5, 2012 1:13 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Every time I see this
I wonder what drug Amaro is on, and can I get some?
"I actually used about nine pitches--two different fastballs, two sliders, a curve, a changeup, knockdown, brushback, and hit-batsman" - Bob Gibson
Sign Mark Prior!
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Feb 5, 2012 2:23 PM EST up reply actions
RBI
I think it’s made by Pfizer
"IF CARDS CAN SIGN SUPPAN THEY CAN GIVE ME A HOME"
by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Feb 5, 2012 2:30 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Did you know he went Lafayette High School?
"IF CARDS CAN SIGN SUPPAN THEY CAN GIVE ME A HOME"
by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Feb 5, 2012 2:29 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Ned Colletti says hello
Trade Westbrook
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Feb 5, 2012 1:27 PM EST up reply actions
He also gets in spats with his players. Pissing off Matt Kemp a few years back and saying that he's not a leader and junk.
In short, I don’t like Colletti.
Chief Economist of Tyler Greene Fanclub
Colletti is really really bad, though
The Dodgers are paying $26 million next season to Manny Ramirez, Andruw Jones, James Loney, and Juan Uribe.
Trade Westbrook
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Feb 5, 2012 1:44 PM EST up reply actions
plus another $8.25 million for Matt Guerrier and Juan Rivera
Trade Westbrook
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Feb 5, 2012 1:49 PM EST up reply actions
Of course, the Cubs are paying $34 million for Zambrano and Soriano next season...
Trade Westbrook
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Feb 5, 2012 1:53 PM EST up reply actions
Not to be outdone...
Reagins has the Angels paying $39 million next season for Vernon Wells and Torii Hunter.
Trade Westbrook
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Feb 5, 2012 1:58 PM EST up reply actions
Sabean has committed $29 million for Barry Zito and Aubrey Huff in '12
Trade Westbrook
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Feb 5, 2012 2:00 PM EST up reply actions
Kenny Williams and the White Sox will be doling out $43 million for..
Jake Peavy, Alex Rios, and Adam Dunn.
Trade Westbrook
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Feb 5, 2012 2:03 PM EST up reply actions
I could not believe anybody would trade for an
Obviously injured jake peavy. They must still be laughing about that in san diego. Just getting chicago to take on his salary was a coup; getting the haul they got was amazing.
I’m not a huge adam dunn fan, but I will say his complete collapse was hard to foresee.
i used to be disgusted, but now i try to be amused . . . - macmanus
by tom s. on Feb 5, 2012 3:06 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
if this goes down, the only way to make sense of this
Is that there really are some FO’s who evaluate pitchers by ERA and position players by BA and HR totals.
i used to be disgusted, but now i try to be amused . . . - macmanus
by tom s. on Feb 5, 2012 5:04 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I would argue Bonds' 2001 season was slightly better...
I understand how impressive the OBP of 2004 is, but it was due mostly to intentional walks. I’ll take the season (2001) where he controlled how awesome he was over the season where opposing pitchers/gameplans controlled how awesome he was. Plus, 73 bombs….Come on.
yeah, those bonds years are hard to value
because when else do you have to figure out what 120 intentional walks are worth?
Or...
You could argue that his 1990 season was his best “pure” performance. Consider what he did as skinny Bonds (per Fangraphs):
10.1 WAR
.971 OPS
.430 wOBA
28 TZ
33 HRs
104 Runs
114 RBIs
52 SBs (!)
So basically, he had very respectable power, incredible speed, and ++ defense. It amazes me that he somehow didn’t think that these stats were enough. He needed his ego stroked and had to be seen as the GREATEST PLAYER EVER. So he took the drugs. And what once was remarkable became inhuman.
Yeah, Bonds was just stupid good
"IF CARDS CAN SIGN SUPPAN THEY CAN GIVE ME A HOME"
by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Feb 5, 2012 12:55 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
He was a HoFer...
…as skinny Bonds. He gets in if you ignore the steroid era. The sad thing is that the steroid era ruins his legacy. That and he is an asshole.
well, too bad then
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... Az.
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Feb 5, 2012 10:44 PM EST up reply actions
OT: but hopefully useful to someone
Always on Top: Keep Any Window Visible Always link here
Let’s say you are browsing the web in Firefox and simultaneously watching a video in Windows Movie Player or QuickTime. The problem is that if you switch to Firefox, the media player window moves to background and vice-versa.
If you would like to prevent that video clip from hiding even while you bring the browser to the foreground, you may download "Always on Top" – a free utility that will "stick" any program window to the foreground of your desktop with a simple keyboard shortcut. Some examples:
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... Az.
Edwin Jackson is still pitching
"IF CARDS CAN SIGN SUPPAN THEY CAN GIVE ME A HOME"
by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Feb 5, 2012 12:36 PM EST via mobile reply actions
#thetradeworked
Piss off Tony, get shipped to Canada.
by beer me on Feb 5, 2012 12:47 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Now I want Topps to make a Torty card
"IF CARDS CAN SIGN SUPPAN THEY CAN GIVE ME A HOME"
by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Feb 5, 2012 12:54 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Howard Webb sucks
2015 St. Louis Rotation-- Wainwright, Garcia, Miller, Martinez, Rosenthal...towels please
by VolsnCards5 on Feb 5, 2012 1:11 PM EST via mobile reply actions
browsing through ESPN
and they had this article on “early speculation” where joey votto could end up when he hits the market.
the teams include the cubbies, dodgers, mariners, blue jays, and us. what david schoenfield had to say about votto’s chances in STL:
First baseman: Lance Berkman. He had a great season in 2011, but he’s now 36. We’d like Fat Elvis to go on forever, but unfortunately he’ll be 38 by 2014.
Contracts off the books: Berkman ($12 million in 2012); Carlos Beltran ($13 million per year through 2013); Rafael Furcal ($14 million through 2013); Kyle Lohse ($12.1 million in 2012); Jake Westbrook ($8.5 million in 2012).
Analysis: The Cardinals appear nicely situated for a Votto run, with only Matt Holliday and Jaime Garcia signed long-term. Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright are also potential free agents after 2013, so depending on their health and effectiveness, the Cards could have a lot of spare cash lying around.
disagree as you see fit
but i just do not see a situation where it ever makes sense for this team to sign top tier talent on the free agent market at a non-premium defensive position. the most likely scenario for that just passed- and we did not retain Albert. i think Holliday is a smidge of an exception- it appears now that he actually was significantly below market value, and if we didn’t have Albert’s impending free agency, i am still not convinced he ever would have been signed.
mumble mumble Peter Bourjos mumble mumble
I think it depends on the situation.
They did retain Mark McGwire, Jim Edmonds, and Scott Rolen over the years. Pujols wasn’t just top tier, he was historic tier. Votto is more top tier than historic. I’m still not sure they’ll go after him though.
Chief Economist of Tyler Greene Fanclub
They did retain Mark McGwire, Jim Edmonds, and Scott Rolen over the years.
Walt Jocketty says hello. also, i don’t remember the Edmonds contract being that big- am I forgetting? I know Rolen was something like 8 years. but again- Edmonds and Rolen are at premium defensive positions. i don’t know why, as a smart baseball person, you would pay a huge amount for a 1B or corner outfielder based on offense.
mumble mumble Peter Bourjos mumble mumble
I don't recall what the Edmonds deal was like, but he was a top guy, so I figure he got SOME money.
Idk, I think the Cardinals can do it, but they can’t build the team that way; most players still have to come from the farm. The payroll is like top 10 isn’t it? They can afford a guy or two.
Chief Economist of Tyler Greene Fanclub
Edmonds made $67,803,907 while he was with the Cards
and put up 44.3 fWAR (45.3 bWAR) in those 8 years, which averages out to about $1.53M per WAR (~$1.47M per bWAR). Damn good value.
"I actually used about nine pitches--two different fastballs, two sliders, a curve, a changeup, knockdown, brushback, and hit-batsman" - Bob Gibson
Sign Mark Prior!
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Feb 5, 2012 2:38 PM EST up reply actions
to be stated more generally
if you’re going to be offering a top contract to any player, try to make it to a player who has his value distributed over more than one talent. if scott rolen forgets how to hit, he has value. if prince fielder forgets how to hit, he retires and you’re still paying him $24MM
exactly-
and for whatever reason, the market still probably doesn’t value defense enough.
mumble mumble Peter Bourjos mumble mumble
Edmonds' contract extension with STL
$2M signing bonus
01:$6M, 02:$7M, 03:$8M, 04:$9M, 05:$10M, 06:$12M, 07:$10M club option ($3M buyout)
Tell Walt I said hello back
And also, thanks for the World Series Championship, and several years of 90+ wins.
Grit != flat out sucking.
votto makes 9.5M this year and 17M in '13
i’m sure he’s going to want at least 20M a year when he hits the market, and IIRC, votto will be one of the better FAs in ’13.
yeah, Votto would be nice
but he’s going to be too expensive. I really like the cheap, almost taped-together approach that we’ve had these past couple of years building our roster. Maybe if we have a lot of money opened up for FA and Matt Adams sucks, we could sign Votto.
Secretary of WAR and Defense of the Tyler Greene Fanclub.
i think he'll just be able to get more money than he's worth
that’s how the market values slugging first baseman hitting free agency for the first time
yeah, no way I would sign him to the Fielder contract
and Votto is a lot better than Fielder.
Secretary of WAR and Defense of the Tyler Greene Fanclub.
joey votto is going to start with the pujols contract
And use the fielder contract as a floor in negotiations.
i used to be disgusted, but now i try to be amused . . . - macmanus
by tom s. on Feb 5, 2012 3:12 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Walgreens
I seriously don’t think its ever taken me more than a minute and a half to two minutes to pock up.a perscription at the drive up window. Yet, everytime I pull up I’m behind someone who takes no less that 15 minutes at the window.
Wtf?
Every time.
This life's hard, man, but it's harder if you're stupid.
- Jackie Brown
by Tackle Box on Feb 5, 2012 1:31 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I once was behind someone, and could hear their conversation with the pharmacist.
It was a dad asking all kinds of questions about his teen daughter’s birth control. I was ‘horrific train wreck’ levels of awkward, and went on for like 10 mins. I can only imagine how the pharmacist felt.
Makin' toast!
DING
Butterin' toast!
We have BC/BS, so I will no longer be driving thru Walgreens' drive-thru prescription pick-up line
Thanks, Express Scripts. Assholes.
"I actually used about nine pitches--two different fastballs, two sliders, a curve, a changeup, knockdown, brushback, and hit-batsman" - Bob Gibson
Sign Mark Prior!
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Feb 5, 2012 2:42 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I went with King Soopers, they're right next to our Walgreens
no CVS in this town.
"I actually used about nine pitches--two different fastballs, two sliders, a curve, a changeup, knockdown, brushback, and hit-batsman" - Bob Gibson
Sign Mark Prior!
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Feb 5, 2012 7:57 PM EST up reply actions
I was in line at a gas station behind a lady from Maryland the other day
and she insisted on buying 10 $2 powerball tickets, even though there were already 4 people behind her in line and only one cashier
I crawled the earth, but now I'm higher, 2010 watch it go to fire!
by First mammal to wear pants on Feb 5, 2012 8:53 PM EST up reply actions
2004 Bonds
I completely disagree…
‘21 & ’23 Ruth are better.
’24 Hornsby & ’87 O’Neill probably are too.
The St. Louis Cardinals- 11 time World Champions!
by Zubin on Feb 5, 2012 1:40 PM EST via mobile reply actions
that's just silly ('24 Hornsby).
adjust for league average, man- it’s not even CLOSE to Bonds. Ruth is a little more conceivable but i still don’t think he really touches Bonds. fwiw, OPS+ has Ruth’s 1920 season as being the strongest- but i haven’t really looked at it with multiple metrics.
mumble mumble Peter Bourjos mumble mumble
damn, that 1887 Tip O'Neill season is pretty fantastic (although my above comments hold true as well- i don't think it's that close)
mumble mumble Peter Bourjos mumble mumble
1887 O'Neill
He led the league in every offensive category save singles and stolen bases. He was so feared that he received one of the first IBBs in history in the world series.
The St. Louis Cardinals- 11 time World Champions!
by Zubin on Feb 5, 2012 2:33 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
WAR
Check out br’s war leaders.
The St. Louis Cardinals- 11 time World Champions!
by Zubin on Feb 5, 2012 2:29 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
WAR
1. Babe Ruth+ (28) 14.7 1923 L
2. Babe Ruth+ (26) 14.0 1921 L
3. Rogers Hornsby+ (28) 13.0 1924 R
4. Mickey Mantle+ (24) 12.9 1956 B
Babe Ruth+ (25) 12.9 1920 L
6. Babe Ruth+ (32) 12.8 1927 L
7. Barry Bonds (36) 12.5 2001 L
Mickey Mantle+ (25) 12.5 1957 B
9. Barry Bonds (39) 12.4 2004 L
The St. Louis Cardinals- 11 time World Champions!
Por que?
"...Or we could make L.A.N.C.E. into a recursive acronym, like, 'Lance: Adam Needs Cartilage from your Elbow." -- Quote by our very own DanUpBaby
by redbirdnation8206 on Feb 5, 2012 1:47 PM EST up reply actions
Ruth was a better player and had a better career, but we are talking single seasons
’04 Bonds was phenomenal, simply phenomenal
"IF CARDS CAN SIGN SUPPAN THEY CAN GIVE ME A HOME"
by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Feb 5, 2012 2:00 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
What makes you say Ruth was a better player?
"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
by bgh on Feb 5, 2012 3:22 PM EST up reply actions
He could pitch
But the fact is that none of us have ever seen him play. Hard to judge players against different era’s
by FlimtotheFlam on Feb 5, 2012 3:51 PM EST up reply actions
he also didn't play in an integrated baseball league
this is why I don’t do any timeline or character adjustments, be it integration, timeline, or steroid-related: because it’s a rat’s nest of pet peeves and grudges.
by DanUpBaby on Feb 5, 2012 5:42 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Many reasons
1) Ruth’s career wOBA was .510, Bonds’ was .439.
2) Ruth was worth 177.7 fWAR (172.0 rWAR), Bonds was worth 168.2 fWAR (171.8 rWAR).
3) Ruth was worth 197 wRC+, Bonds was worth 175.
4) #s 1-3 do not include Ruth as a pitcher.
5) As a pitcher, Ruth had a 2.79 FIP in 1221.3 IP, posting a 94-46 record in 148 starts, saving 4 more games (in 15 games in which he did not start), held hitters to a .241 batting average against, stranded 73.2% of base runners, had an 81 ERA- (about 19% better than league average, but a 99 FIP-), and was worth 18.0 rWAR as a pitcher.
Not sure how I missed this article 3 months ago
http://totalfratmove.com/680658
"IF CARDS CAN SIGN SUPPAN THEY CAN GIVE ME A HOME"
by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Feb 5, 2012 1:57 PM EST via mobile reply actions
enjoyed the post commentary as well as the post
… frat boys … oh wait
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... Az.
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Feb 5, 2012 2:36 PM EST up reply actions
I'm supposed to be doing HW, but had to share this:
A few things worth noting:
-Tunes scored 132 points per 100 possessions. The Monstars scored 154. That’s obviously impossible, since the team with the higher offensive efficiency is pretty much by definition the team that wins the game. The issue is selection bias — we see more successful Monstars’ possessions in the movie. The other issue is that the movie doesn’t make any sense.
Chief Economist of Tyler Greene Fanclub
This had me in stitches, due to its accuracy
Blanko, the Shawn Bradley Monstar, failed to register a single stat throughout the course of the game. Even in a world where Elmer Fudd has a 40-inch vertical, Bradley’s "talent" can’t muster even a shot attempt. This is the most realistic aspect of the movie.
by cardinalswsbound on Feb 5, 2012 6:21 PM EST up reply actions
true or false: we are signing cora to make pete
Kozma feel better about himself.
i used to be disgusted, but now i try to be amused . . . - macmanus
by tom s. on Feb 5, 2012 5:57 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
MLBN is counting down top plays of the year
Freese’s triple in game 6 is number 11….that just seems wrong
2015 St. Louis Rotation-- Wainwright, Garcia, Miller, Martinez, Rosenthal...towels please
by VolsnCards5 on Feb 5, 2012 2:46 PM EST via mobile reply actions
where's craig's off the bench at bat's in consecutive games?
Berk’s 10th inning hit,
and the Freese walkoff?
should be 3,2,1
never mind … i’ll wait until the countdown finishes
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... Az.
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Feb 5, 2012 2:52 PM EST up reply actions
Those plays don't involve nearly enough Yankess or Red Sox to be 3-2-1.
Makin' toast!
DING
Butterin' toast!
shame, shame, shame
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... Az.
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Feb 5, 2012 2:58 PM EST up reply actions
Freese's walkoff is 1
Don’t think Craig’s were in the top 50
2015 St. Louis Rotation-- Wainwright, Garcia, Miller, Martinez, Rosenthal...towels please
by VolsnCards5 on Feb 5, 2012 2:58 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
The walkoff was great
but Freese’s triple was possibly the most euphoric moment of my baseball life.
Well, in my top 5 at least.
Still not a werewolf.
the way he came up after the play is "hall of fame still" worthy
is my wallpaper
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... Az.
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Feb 5, 2012 3:02 PM EST up reply actions
bastards!
craig will always be over shadowed … and not only did he have the off the bench hits, he saved a hr, and caught the final out
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... Az.
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Feb 5, 2012 3:00 PM EST up reply actions
brad penny is turning japanese,
I really think so. A SoftBank Hawk, to be specific.
Word is the Japanese were able to value him properly as a result of extensive Japanese pitch f/x research. Equivalent analysis was sadly unavailable in the English language.
i used to be disgusted, but now i try to be amused . . . - macmanus
by tom s. on Feb 5, 2012 3:22 PM EST via mobile reply actions 13 recs
that japanese pitch f/x must've been amazing:
They’re paying him $4m, with a further $3.5m in incentives.
i used to be disgusted, but now i try to be amused . . . - macmanus
by tom s. on Feb 5, 2012 5:10 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Well, he's a big American that can hit dingers.
They love that in Japan.
#HappySeason #SadOffSeason #ImFeelingBetterThough
by The Continental on Feb 5, 2012 5:20 PM EST up reply actions
then he disappears into the tunnel
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... Az.
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Feb 5, 2012 10:51 PM EST up reply actions
Just remember
Craig had his chance to be king of St. Louis, but he struck out right before Freese came to bat and hit the World Series-saving game-tying triple
To be fair, that was a DIRTY pitch
Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!' -- Whittier
Twitter
TRADE K-MAC FOR BOURJOS AND SIGN OSWALT/HARDEN
"Baseball is like Church, many attend, few understand" - Wes Westrum
by scoot on Feb 5, 2012 4:23 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
TRADEWESTBROOK FOR TROY TULOWITZKI
"Congratulations to the Cardinals! Such a fun world series." - Salman Rushdie
it's on the front page
been hearing about it for awhile now
"Baseball is like Church, many attend, few understand" - Wes Westrum
I guess I don't look to the left on the frontpage often enough
by FlimtotheFlam on Feb 5, 2012 4:32 PM EST up reply actions
I'm gonna go ahead and preorder this.
Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
Second base….I’ve played second base, how hard can it be? -TLR
Also, Dave Concepcion.
so far I think the other dan moore and I have probably come out even
when I’m done with him he’ll never have my name in this town again.
In an unrelated thought
I watch this show “Selling New York” on HGTV. I’ve always enjoyed looking at houses and real estate, and I find the crazy prices even on small apartments in New York fascinating.
My wife watches this with me sometimes. This agent was selling a high end place and got herself featured in an article in the Post, or whatever the tabloid there is called.
The agent and some publicist are in a salon reading the paper. They’ve got it spread open to look at her article. I laughed and hit pause and asked my wife if she knew when this was filmed.
On the back page was someone in the middle of their home run swing, and the headline “DEEP FREESE.”
Good times.
Thinking of undervalued free agents to be who might be available when the Cards have money to spend,
Howie Kendrick
Brandon Phillips
Eric Aybar
We might have to look for a trade.
"Congratulations to the Cardinals! Such a fun world series." - Salman Rushdie
Aybar looks pretty good to me
And he likely won’t cost much. Although there’s probably a good chance the Angels will extend him. I’m kind of loathe to trade prospects for established guys now because the prices seem really high. See Gio Gonzalez, and some others that I can’t remember right now.
Secretary of WAR and Defense of the Tyler Greene Fanclub.
Kendrick got a new contract I thought.
by cardinalswsbound on Feb 5, 2012 6:24 PM EST up reply actions
He did
2015 St. Louis Rotation-- Wainwright, Garcia, Miller, Martinez, Rosenthal...towels please
by VolsnCards5 on Feb 5, 2012 10:48 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Rick Ankiel back with the Nats
minor league deal with a spring training invite.
#HappySeason #SadOffSeason #ImFeelingBetterThough
lots of great players took steroids over the last 20 years.
only one of them turned into barry bonds.
And one of them turned into Larry Bigbie
Booyah!!
by BTown Birds fan on Feb 5, 2012 5:45 PM EST up reply actions
he said "great players."
i used to be disgusted, but now i try to be amused . . . - macmanus
by tom s. on Feb 5, 2012 5:52 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Look, I know the joke was disgusting, but you could at least try to be amused
By the way, did you hear about his upcoming album, All This Useless Bigbie?
I’m on fire!!
by BTown Birds fan on Feb 5, 2012 6:01 PM EST up reply actions
I like early stuff like "this year's motte" and "armed furcal"
i used to be disgusted, but now i try to be amused . . . - macmanus
by tom s. on Feb 5, 2012 6:12 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
"This Year's Motte" - awesome
But what about his concept album about the 9th inning of WS Game 6, When I Was Cruz?
Maybe I should stop now.
by BTown Birds fan on Feb 5, 2012 6:17 PM EST up reply actions
for all that "imperial beltran" may not have lived up
To the masterpiece label, and all the money invested in it, I think it remains truly great.
i used to be disgusted, but now i try to be amused . . . - macmanus
by tom s. on Feb 5, 2012 6:21 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
then, there's also the ryan franklin album "my arm is through."
i used to be disgusted, but now i try to be amused . . . - macmanus
by tom s. on Feb 6, 2012 1:36 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Hey
I’m a big fan of Elvis Costello, so watch it!….Actually, no, this is pretty funny, rec.
"I actually used about nine pitches--two different fastballs, two sliders, a curve, a changeup, knockdown, brushback, and hit-batsman" - Bob Gibson
Sign Mark Prior!
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Feb 6, 2012 1:52 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah
Lots of sucky players took steroids over the last 20 years too. The numbers have to be looked at in context, but the dominance was absolutely real.
Not afraid to nitpick
that makes it all the more sad
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... Az.
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Feb 5, 2012 10:57 PM EST up reply actions
Colinsworth continues to redefine stupid
“Belichick/Brady have to be considered the best coach-QB combo in history”
Lombardi/Starr
Knoll/Bradshaw
Walsh/Montana
Fuck you for being stupid Chris Collinsworth
"IF CARDS CAN SIGN SUPPAN THEY CAN GIVE ME A HOME"
by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Feb 5, 2012 6:09 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Elway/Whoever coached Elway.
I shall stand on the Elway-is-the-greatest-of-all-time soapbox until it collapses beneath my weight, or breaks because I hurled it across the room in a fit of rage at Tebow. Btw, Broken Soapbox>tebow
by cardinalswsbound on Feb 5, 2012 6:26 PM EST up reply actions
Elway only won two, an half of the QB coach argument is a coach
Sp Elway can be the best all he wants, we want QB Coach combos. Also Elway was great but he isn’t the best ever
"IF CARDS CAN SIGN SUPPAN THEY CAN GIVE ME A HOME"
by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Feb 5, 2012 6:35 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I think he is.
He’s certainly far better than the three QBs you listed above.
"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
by bgh on Feb 5, 2012 8:36 PM EST up reply actions
why is that so stupid? is there not a pretty good
Case that the patriots of the last 11 years been one of the most successful teams in NFL history? Brady’s already thrown for more yards than Starr or Bradshaw and has a much better QB rating than any of those three.
If they win today, they’ll have as many titles as montana or bradshaw.
It seems to me that Brady/Bellichik is at least arguable, and certainly not stupid.
i used to be disgusted, but now i try to be amused . . . - macmanus
by tom s. on Feb 5, 2012 6:47 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Yes but it's not a sure fire thing where you have to consider them the best, which is his exact quote
Unless the four titles of Montana/Walsh or Knoll/Bradshaw or the five titles of Lombardi/Starr are less than the four of Brady/Belichick(if they win today) then there at least has to be an argument. Now, I’m no math major (though I was raised by a SLU calculus professor) but I’m pretty damn sure 4 and 5 are both not any more than 4. Therefore saying that they HAVE to be considered the best, which is both what he said and how he said it, is phenomenally stupid.
"IF CARDS CAN SIGN SUPPAN THEY CAN GIVE ME A HOME"
by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Feb 5, 2012 6:58 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
And I understand that you can't only measure a QB by championships, as they are a team effort
That said, not only is this a QB/coach combo measurement, where winning less or the same amount with statistically better players like Brady actually could be an argument against the coach who is half of the combo but the championships are Colinsworth’s exact argument
"IF CARDS CAN SIGN SUPPAN THEY CAN GIVE ME A HOME"
by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Feb 5, 2012 7:05 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I guess I understand your point, but I don't see how
His statement redefines stupid or how “fuck you for being stupid” isn’t a ridiculous overreaction. It’s a subjective point on which he states a controversial but defensible position.
i used to be disgusted, but now i try to be amused . . . - macmanus
by tom s. on Feb 5, 2012 7:36 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Well, yeah, I may have overreacted which was hypocritical since that's exactly what I'm accusing him of doing
Its just that he’s been consistently stupid since moving to NBC and getting more airtime and I guess I’m just quicker to judge him from other poor analysis, sorry
"IF CARDS CAN SIGN SUPPAN THEY CAN GIVE ME A HOME"
by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Feb 5, 2012 7:52 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
How do you adjust your analysis based on the NFL salary cap?
"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
by bgh on Feb 5, 2012 8:37 PM EST up reply actions
well, he didn't say "won the most superbowls"
He said “best coach/QB combo.” Maybe he think, say, lombardi was the best coach of all time but starr was merely a good quarterback. I don’t know. “Have to be considered,” at least to my ears is a little bit stronger than “it is my opinion that,” when talking about something obviously subjective.
i used to be disgusted, but now i try to be amused . . . - macmanus
by tom s. on Feb 5, 2012 7:08 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
This would be the first time I've ever heard have to meaning arguable in my life
Otherwise, where he could have said either should be considered, arguably are, or it’s my opinion that Brady/Belichcick are the best, he said that they have to be considered the best, insinuating(not sure if I spelled that correctly) that they are the clear choice, dismissing three good arguments that most people with a cursory knowledge of football history would think of is a glaring example of ignorance. It’s a very good argument that of this SB is won by the Patriots or better yet irregardless of this single game’s result that Brady/Belichcik are the best ever, they are certainly at least in the top 4. But even if they are the best ever, inferring that they are undoubtedly the best is Brash, zealous, disrespectful and not well thought out at best, and is more likely just very very stupid
"IF CARDS CAN SIGN SUPPAN THEY CAN GIVE ME A HOME"
by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Feb 5, 2012 7:45 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Um
But even if they are the best ever, inferring that they are undoubtedly the best is Brash, zealous, disrespectful and not well thought out at best, and is more likely just very very stupid
So even if his strongly-stated opinion is correct, it’s…not correct in the right way?
Again, they very well could be the best ever
Its that he ignorantly dismissed other greats and judging by the fact that he claims it’s only true of the Pats win today, he is basing his argument entirely on championships but there has been three other coach-qb combos with as many or more championships
"IF CARDS CAN SIGN SUPPAN THEY CAN GIVE ME A HOME"
by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Feb 5, 2012 7:50 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
The buffalo wings turned out great.
The mango habanero wings need work.
#HappySeason #SadOffSeason #ImFeelingBetterThough
The guy on that Skechers commercial
holding the pug at the end….looks a lot like Berkman.
"I actually used about nine pitches--two different fastballs, two sliders, a curve, a changeup, knockdown, brushback, and hit-batsman" - Bob Gibson
Sign Mark Prior!
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Feb 5, 2012 7:40 PM EST reply actions
That's the guy, I don't see the resemblance myself
But considering Cuban is the owner of a Dallas team, this is very clever and I’m amused
"IF CARDS CAN SIGN SUPPAN THEY CAN GIVE ME A HOME"
by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Feb 5, 2012 7:54 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Did that singer just say "I don't give a shit'
while flippin’ the bird on national TV?
"I actually used about nine pitches--two different fastballs, two sliders, a curve, a changeup, knockdown, brushback, and hit-batsman" - Bob Gibson
Sign Mark Prior!
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Feb 5, 2012 8:13 PM EST reply actions
sure looked like it
Come on, baseball
by Bring Back Tommy Herr! on Feb 5, 2012 8:16 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
People forgot about kid rock cutting a hole in a flag, wearing it as a poncho, and throwing it on the ground, which I think is worse than the boob
But people only remember boobs. Which I guess is understandable
"IF CARDS CAN SIGN SUPPAN THEY CAN GIVE ME A HOME"
by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Feb 5, 2012 8:18 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
he did that?
fuck kid rock
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... Az.
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Feb 5, 2012 11:01 PM EST up reply actions
Yes. WHAT ARE THE CHILDREN GOING TO DO NOW THAT THEY"VE SEEN A MIDDLE FINGER. HALF TIME MY ASS CLINT EASTWOOD THIS COUNTRY IS DONE.
Not afraid to nitpick
the worst part of this
is going to be MIA acting like that straw man reaction makes her a Real Live Rebel.
Apollo Ohno still exists as something people care about?
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
Future Mrs. David Freese ♥
St. Louis Cardinals 2011 World Series Champions
I constantly wonder this.
I guess when you have a name that cool, your staying power is much larger.
Chief Economist of Tyler Greene Fanclub
by Cardinals645 on Feb 5, 2012 8:47 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
He's adorable!
#HappySeason #SadOffSeason #ImFeelingBetterThough
by The Continental on Feb 5, 2012 8:50 PM EST up reply actions
And a cheater...according to my dad.
Therefore we cannot like him in my house.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
Future Mrs. David Freese ♥
St. Louis Cardinals 2011 World Series Champions
He's America's Sweetheart!
(Right behind Sandra Bullock, Hellen Hunt, Kerri Strug, Mary Lou Retton, and Flavor Flav.)
#HappySeason #SadOffSeason #ImFeelingBetterThough
by The Continental on Feb 5, 2012 8:55 PM EST up reply actions
I think you missed a few.
That Pepsi commercial earlier was made by Flavor Flav though.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
Future Mrs. David Freese ♥
St. Louis Cardinals 2011 World Series Champions
I think it was Nicki Minaj but I could be wrong.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
Future Mrs. David Freese ♥
St. Louis Cardinals 2011 World Series Champions
how did he cheat?
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... Az.
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Feb 5, 2012 11:03 PM EST up reply actions
I love Apollo Anton Ohno
2015 St. Louis Rotation-- Wainwright, Garcia, Miller, Martinez, Rosenthal...towels please
by VolsnCards5 on Feb 5, 2012 10:45 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
c'mon giants!!!!
only way to get these media types to stop kissing bradichek’s ass is for them to lose..
Sign Roy O
No...people are here.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
Future Mrs. David Freese ♥
St. Louis Cardinals 2011 World Series Champions
I just realized!
At the time of the writing, I only knew that there were 92 new comments since I left 6 hours ago.
Still not a werewolf.
It would land with a clank...
Sign Roy O
by guayzimi on Feb 5, 2012 9:01 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I thought this was a documentary about American marketing.
#HappySeason #SadOffSeason #ImFeelingBetterThough
by The Continental on Feb 5, 2012 9:12 PM EST up reply actions
it's cool how every night around six the internet slows to the point that it's essentially not working
is possible no one will ever read this
but my theory is that there is actually a finite amount of internet in my area and by six or so, it’s all been depleted because it will continue to not work until i got to bed. midnight to 1am, but then it works fine again in the morning when the internet bucket is filled back up
Someone is screwing around with the Internet valves in your area.
I’d suggest a stakeout.
#HappySeason #SadOffSeason #ImFeelingBetterThough
by The Continental on Feb 5, 2012 9:13 PM EST up reply actions
If you use cable Internet and are on the end of the street
This theory is more true than you realize
"IF CARDS CAN SIGN SUPPAN THEY CAN GIVE ME A HOME"
by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Feb 6, 2012 11:41 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Meaning not that there is a finite amount of Internet
The bandwidth is shared with a series of houses. If the other houses in front of you in this series are logged in then the lower. Bandwidth decreases your speed. The speed may be decreased to the point where it just seems to not even work
"IF CARDS CAN SIGN SUPPAN THEY CAN GIVE ME A HOME"
by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Feb 6, 2012 11:46 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Laird and The Cat interview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mND6WYalxac&context=C3dabdc8ADOEgsToPDskLGD4ED4UFglfBBxaXHrKE2
Has anybody else seen this?
I crawled the earth, but now I'm higher, 2010 watch it go to fire!
by First mammal to wear pants on Feb 5, 2012 9:43 PM EST reply actions
the cat called him out
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... Az.
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Feb 5, 2012 11:06 PM EST up reply actions
that was a great football game.
Those dropped passes really hurt NE.
i used to be disgusted, but now i try to be amused . . . - macmanus
by tom s. on Feb 5, 2012 9:54 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Great game...
but these teams are pretty blah. I can’t believe my Pack didn’t roll to the championship…
Sign Roy O
Me too
The Giants wound up winning 13 games this season. The Pack wound up with 15 wins, but picked a horrible time to play their worst game of the season.
Beer and Baseball. Baseball and Beer. It's not hard to reevaluate your priorities when you only have two.
by PugetSoundCardsAddict on Feb 5, 2012 11:30 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, and bellichick kind of screwed up a bit
he used a timeout on that play where the ball was clearly caught. And that was really cool that he let the giants score on their last drive, but he did it one play too late. when it was like 1st and 5, he should have just let them run it in. that cost them 30 seconds.
Secretary of WAR and Defense of the Tyler Greene Fanclub.
by vivaelpujols on Feb 5, 2012 10:01 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I didn't think that was clearly caught enough to not challenge it, given the gain
But VEP’s point about the touchdown seems valid, although I was really confused about how it went down at the time because I’m a dumbass.
In any case, it was a pretty groovy Super Bowl and I’m happy the Giants won. (I don’t feel that strongly about it; I just have a good friend who’s a diehard Ravens fan so I root against teams that piss him off….)
by BTown Birds fan on Feb 5, 2012 10:16 PM EST up reply actions
I like football games that end with normal scores...
but really had all kinds of weird things go on like safeties and stuff…
Sign Roy O
I mean the probably of it being overturned had to be less than 20%
and Bellichick was right there.
Secretary of WAR and Defense of the Tyler Greene Fanclub.
by vivaelpujols on Feb 5, 2012 11:21 PM EST up reply actions
Yea, that really killed them.
Chief Economist of Tyler Greene Fanclub
by Cardinals645 on Feb 5, 2012 10:22 PM EST up reply actions
I think the first one was tipped...? But the second one was rough
by BTown Birds fan on Feb 5, 2012 10:23 PM EST up reply actions
(assuming you're talking about the consecutive drops on their last drive)
by BTown Birds fan on Feb 5, 2012 10:23 PM EST up reply actions
The Branch pass was definitely tipped..
no excuse for Welker and Hernandez. The Welker drop cost them the game. He’ll be thinking about that one for fifty years…
Sign Roy O
The first drop by Branch was huge...
Yea it looked like it may have been tipped and it was by no means an easy catch to make but he would have had a lot of room to run had he caught it.
I didn’t think the Hernandez drop was really that big of a deal (if we are talking about that last drive), it actually helped IMO. He would have gotten hit right away for a gain of about 9, which wouldnt have been worth the 15 seconds or so off the clock or burning a timeout.
The Welker drop on the drive prior hurt them the most. Would have given them first down in the red zone up by 2, with the chance to go up by 2 possesions and put the game away.
by mick311 on Feb 5, 2012 11:23 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Yea, those ones were clearly the most devastating.
Would have been nice if they had recovered either of those fumbles too.
Chief Economist of Tyler Greene Fanclub
by Cardinals645 on Feb 5, 2012 10:30 PM EST up reply actions
It is offocially baseball season.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
Future Mrs. David Freese ♥
St. Louis Cardinals 2011 World Series Champions
Yes it is
Now it is time to commence working on getting into the Best Shape of My Life.
Beer and Baseball. Baseball and Beer. It's not hard to reevaluate your priorities when you only have two.
by PugetSoundCardsAddict on Feb 5, 2012 11:31 PM EST up reply actions
waiting for chris duncan to run into the shot and
Have his way with the lombardi trophy.
i used to be disgusted, but now i try to be amused . . . - macmanus
by tom s. on Feb 5, 2012 10:06 PM EST via mobile reply actions 1 recs
I think he stayed in town for the game
I crawled the earth, but now I'm higher, 2010 watch it go to fire!
by First mammal to wear pants on Feb 5, 2012 10:22 PM EST up reply actions
Someone's compensating.
#HappySeason #SadOffSeason #ImFeelingBetterThough
by The Continental on Feb 5, 2012 10:38 PM EST up reply actions
I shoulda bet on the giants at the beginning of the playoffs!
VEL starts Tuesday
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 5, 2012 10:23 PM EST via Android app reply actions
entirely off-topic and mostly uninteresting
1. Discovering the keyboard shortcuts for tabs has changed my life. For the uninformed:
To switch to the next tab: Ctrl+Tab or Ctrl+PgDown
To switch to the previous tab: Ctrl+Shift+Tab or Ctrl+PgUp
To switch to a specific tab: Ctrl+1 to Ctrl+8
To switch to the last tab: Ctrl+9
To close the current tab: Ctrl+w
But I’m one of the lazy folk who like to use the mouse as little as possible.
2. I should grow out my hair and style it like Cousin Itt.
Still not a werewolf.
by clank on Feb 5, 2012 10:47 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Check out Alt Tab (or Alt Tab Tab Tab)
if you have multiple applications open (i.e. Excel, Internet Explorer, etc)
Beer and Baseball. Baseball and Beer. It's not hard to reevaluate your priorities when you only have two.
by PugetSoundCardsAddict on Feb 5, 2012 11:20 PM EST up reply actions
Ah, a competition that will hold my interest.
Thanks, Ted Allen and Chopped!
#HappySeason #SadOffSeason #ImFeelingBetterThough
by The Continental on Feb 5, 2012 11:02 PM EST reply actions
Anybody here?
Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!' -- Whittier
Twitter
what the hell?
i can’t believe it’s 10:10PM … i never should have laid down for that nap!
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... Az.
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Feb 5, 2012 11:10 PM EST up reply actions
sort of
watching game 7
I crawled the earth, but now I'm higher, 2010 watch it go to fire!
by First mammal to wear pants on Feb 5, 2012 11:20 PM EST up reply actions
Well, that DVD set I have with all the WS games
Im watching it
"IF CARDS CAN SIGN SUPPAN THEY CAN GIVE ME A HOME"
by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Feb 5, 2012 11:31 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
just got home after watching pooperbowl
VEL starts Tuesday
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 5, 2012 11:34 PM EST up reply actions
Actually, there's a question I've been meaning to pose to VEB that you might have a good answer to.
I’ve been under the impression that the free projection systems like Marcel, and Zips have mostly caught up to the purchasable systems like PECOTA, and that if there is any difference between them it’s very minimal.
But it was also announced that the Cubs were going to have a state of the art player evaluation system built for them. I assume this means they will have a system that both values players (like WAR) and projects them (like ZIPS). How much better can this system be than the publicly available valuation and projection systems? To make it enough of an improvement that it’s worth developing, I am guessing they would need more data that’s not publicly available. Am I off-base?
Anyway, it’s a general question really. What’s everyone’s take?
Chief Economist of Tyler Greene Fanclub
by Cardinals645 on Feb 5, 2012 11:43 PM EST up reply actions
ZIPS and the like are probably about as good as it gets given the information it uses
which is just basic stats, age, comparables, etc.
However, there’s a lot more information out there, such as Pitch f/x and Hit f/x, that if used correctly might improve the systems a lot. But it’s really hard to do them correctly and even then ZIPS is probably close to the upper limit on how accurately we can project players.
Secretary of WAR and Defense of the Tyler Greene Fanclub.
by vivaelpujols on Feb 6, 2012 12:04 AM EST up reply actions
To my knowledge:
I don’t think they’re building a player evaluation system, as much as they’re building a database where they can access every relevant player’s information throughout their entire minor league and scouting system
Secondly, the main differences in WAR would be that they likely value defense much more accurately, since some teams have access to Field F/X, and that instead of binning BIP by singles, doubles, triples, etc., they bin them by hit location and hit velocity and stuff like that, which is probably a bit more predictive
Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!' -- Whittier
Twitter
Thanks mysterui and VEP.
To follow up, what are hit and field f/x? Why are they not publicly available like pitch f/x? And how much of an improvement would you say the added data gives to valuation and projection? I’m not sure how you would frame such an improvement, except by %s I guess. Finally, do systems currently use pitch f/x at all? If not, why not? Too much work for not enough payoff?
Sorry for the slew of questions, just curious.
Chief Economist of Tyler Greene Fanclub
by Cardinals645 on Feb 6, 2012 12:20 AM EST up reply actions
...
Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!' -- Whittier
Twitter
Ah, thank you.
Chief Economist of Tyler Greene Fanclub
by Cardinals645 on Feb 6, 2012 12:27 AM EST up reply actions
I had never even heard of command f/x.
I can see why its potential is not that of the pitch, hit, or field f/x, but it still seems like it could be useful.
Chief Economist of Tyler Greene Fanclub
by Cardinals645 on Feb 6, 2012 12:51 AM EST up reply actions
I'm not sure why they're not publicly available.
It adds quite a bit of improvement, especially on defense. It doesn’t necessarily make defense more predictive, I don’t think, but it makes defensive statistics more accurate and descriptive.
Probably yes on that last question. Some teams probably do that, but it’s probably pretty difficult
Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!' -- Whittier
Twitter
I'm sure it's because Sportsvision can make more money selling it directly to teams than by making it public
I’ve never seen Field f/x, but I suspect that yeah it will improve defensive valuation which will in turn improve predicativeness of defensive stats. I’m not sure how much that would improve the accuracy percentage wise. I couldn’t even give you a ballpark.
A couple of years ago I outlined a way to use Pitch f/x in projection systems, but no public projection system has utilized it as far as I know. I would bet some teams have tried to do so though. My best guess would be the Rays as they have a very strong analytic staff (including Josh Kalk, one of the best Pitch f/x researchers).
Secretary of WAR and Defense of the Tyler Greene Fanclub.
by vivaelpujols on Feb 6, 2012 12:35 AM EST up reply actions
Thanks again guys.
I’ll bookmark that link.
Chief Economist of Tyler Greene Fanclub
by Cardinals645 on Feb 6, 2012 12:55 AM EST up reply actions
I don't know anything about soccer
But I just argued for an hour about the importance and statistical relevance of “time of possession” with my roommate.
Thought you might find that funny.
Yeah, TOP is trash
I’m actually tinkering with the idea of focusing on number of possessions per game, and how many goals are scored per 100 possessions or so.
I think that, not only will that be more accurate in determining the quality of the team, but it will also do a lot to describe the STYLE that a team plays (methodical vs counterattacking)
Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!' -- Whittier
Twitter
I'm glad you agree with me
His argument centered around the idea that Barcelona (as his example) playing well correlates with a high time of possession, and therefore they should aim to possess the ball as much as possible. I could not impress upon him that time of possession is not itself an end, but a result of success at a particular style of play. And I don’t even know what I’m talking about!
yeah
i have to finish this homework and then wake up at 7:30 tomorrow.
Secretary of WAR and Defense of the Tyler Greene Fanclub.
by vivaelpujols on Feb 6, 2012 12:38 AM EST up reply actions
i have to blow off this homework then go to bed once i actually feel tired.
and wake up at 8. it’s goign to be a long night.
M-I-Z-D-G-B
by stlcardinalsfang on Feb 6, 2012 12:41 AM EST up reply actions
Furcal is signed to a "slightly below market" contract?
In what universe is an oft-injured shortstop who hits .220 worth $7M a year?
www.stlcardinalbaseball.com
A universe that doesn't use BA to describe how good a baseball player is?
Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!' -- Whittier
Twitter
by mysterui on Feb 6, 2012 12:50 AM EST up reply actions 6 recs
Also a universe that doesn't conflate "hit" with "hits"
Secretary of WAR and Defense of the Tyler Greene Fanclub.
by vivaelpujols on Feb 6, 2012 12:51 AM EST up reply actions
I like to describe it as the difference between hitting and batting.
With batting being all the things that help a batter does at the plate to score runs, and hitting being the act of striking the ball. But I guess that’s not a widely accepted distinction.
Chief Economist of Tyler Greene Fanclub
by Cardinals645 on Feb 6, 2012 12:58 AM EST up reply actions
Furcal has never hit .220
Lifetime .282. The most pessimistic projection that I can find is ZiPS at .263. Sooooo, if you’d like to use BA as a blunt instrument you could at least be accurate.
#HappySeason #SadOffSeason #ImFeelingBetterThough
by The Continental on Feb 6, 2012 12:52 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
he has some power at short and at least average defense with a great arm
I think that is pretty valuable… sure it will suck if he gets hurt, but did you want Tyler Greene at short instead? probably wouldn’t be the worst thing, but Furcal has some serious upside.
VEL starts Tuesday
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 6, 2012 2:07 AM EST up reply actions
Furcal is one year removed from 428 PA of a .300/.366/.460 line and plays at least adequate defense
I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but there aren’t an abundance of players around who can play shortstop well defensively, let alone do it while having some offensive upside.
eBay Top Search Trends: Week ending Friday February 3, 2012
(…)
Remember last year’s Rally Squirrel? It was the infamous rodent that ran across home plate during Game 3 of the 2011 Phillies–Cardinals National League Division series. The squirrel scurried in front of Cardinals second baseman Skip Schumaker, much to the consternation of the players, but to the amusement of the crowd and the TV-viewing audience. The squirrel became a talisman of sorts with the fans in St. Louis, who adopted it as their unofficial mascot. Some even believe the squirrel was responsible for the Cardinals winning the 2011 World Series!
So why does this story make our top trending searches? People had been searching for Skip Schumaker, in hopes of finding his 2012 Topps Series 1 Baseball card for sale. And not just any Skip Schumaker card, but one known as the "squirrel variation" card, which doesn’t feature a picture of Schumaker face (as is normal), but instead features a picture of… the Rally Squirrel.
While this card is sure to become a collectible, you may want to wait until Topps has its "official release" of the cards this weekend. There may be a few more around from which to choose.
(…)
#HappySeason #SadOffSeason #ImFeelingBetterThough
the rally squirrel saved skip's career!
VEL starts Tuesday
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 6, 2012 2:09 AM EST up reply actions
(possibly true)
Best explanation I’ve heard yet, but why did it save it for two years?
Chief Economist of Tyler Greene Fanclub
by Cardinals645 on Feb 6, 2012 10:14 AM EST up reply actions
Because even a blind squirrel is right twice a day?
No, wait, I think it’s a broken squirrel finds a nut every couple years.
"I'll be deep in the cold, cold ground before I recognize Missoura!"
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