Cactus League Game 29: Reds @ Giants
by RijoSaboCaseyWKRP on Mar 26, 2011 4:00 PM EDT
in Spring Training
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PrintWhat's the difference between these defending World Series champions and the Cincinnati Reds? Or put a different way: Can we get there from here? The hopes of Reds Country - and the opinions of quite a few prominent baseball analysts - say our team is on the rise. Rightly or not, comparisons have been drawn between last year's Reds and the 2007 Phillies (a team that went 89-73 and bowed out in the divisional series after being swept by the Rockies). That edition of the Phils, while owing their MVP first baseman a lot of money for the first time, kicked off their active streak of four straight playoff berths.
It's not wise to look beyond the next game, nor beyond the 2011 NL Central. But it's also impossible not to. With a taste of the playoffs last season, every Reds fan with a moderate command of office jargon is thinking "Next Steps." I don't pretend to know how the injuries, regressions and progressions will break this year, but I think the depth is there for this team to have a few more stabs at a deep playoff run. The experts seem, sometimes grudgingly, to agree.
According to John Fay, Sam LeCure is being stretched out for possible use in the rotation. In light of Leake's struggles, idle speculation has turned into a very real opportunity for LeCure. And if LeCure's in the running, Maloney oughta be too. Willis is still nominally being considered for the 'pen, so it would stand to reason that either he or Maloney (not both) would be in the running to be a potential third lefty there. Loser of the multi-front war on not having a fifth starter could end up the swingman in the 'pen or #1 starter in Louisville. In any case, it's nice to have options.
It's been a recurrent theme throughout the spring, but short of the Cueto injury, the pitching woes need to simply slide on. Last season in Arizona featured mediocre-to-miserable springs by the likes of Arroyo, Bailey, Cueto and Jordan Smith. Around the Cactus League this season, witness 4.00+ ERAs from the likes of Ubaldo Jimenez, Jonathan Broxton and Hiroki Kuroda,
That's why they invented the thick-aired, Valley Fever-immune, stat-countin' Regular Season. I, for one, am looking forward to some regularity. And I mean that in the least scatological way possible.
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Sappelt and Snacks were reassigned to minor league camp today.
which really bums me out. Through I guess they needed more time to figure out which pitchers to keep with the ball club thanks to the rash of freak injuries.
Just wondering
how well you have to play to get on the roster. Sappelt had a monster spring-WTF
"At the very end, somebody took a dump right where I stood in the dugout every day." Dusty Baker
That's pretty short-sighted.
Guys crush the ball in ST all the time (esp. in Arizona). Taking a guy with only a few games in AAA on the roster and putting him on the bench would be really stupid. If he’s really that great, he’ll keep raking in the less friendly hitting environment of AAA, and when the inevitable injury or ineffectiveness occurs on the Reds, he’ll get his shot.
"Penus, stale beer, and day old hot dogs. Love it"--justin007000
yeah, what he did was impress those in charge
and now that they have that in their mind, he’s much more likely to be given a shot this year.
I don't want him on the bench
I want him playing left field. I guess time will tell if it was a flukey spring. I believe he was smacking it aroung in Louisville after being called up from AA.
"At the very end, somebody took a dump right where I stood in the dugout every day." Dusty Baker
It's really, really unrealistic to think he'd take over the LF job after 40ish successful spring ABs
You’ve got Gomes, Lewis, Heisey, and Hermida in front of him on the depth chart.
Plus, Sappelt has kind of sucked on defense. He may be the best candidate, but it’s way too early to know that for sure. If he deserves it, he’ll get his chance.
"Penus, stale beer, and day old hot dogs. Love it"--justin007000
You know better than me
about his defense. To me, offensively, he’s been smoking since last year. I was surprised when we had that outfielder shortage at the end of the year (last year) he wasn’t called up instead of trading for Bloomquist.
Most of my angst is about the fear that Dusty is not going to platoon Gomes enough. Sappelt’s defense has to be better than Gomes’.
"At the very end, somebody took a dump right where I stood in the dugout every day." Dusty Baker
he started last year in high-A
And spent most of the season in AA.
Yeah, he hit well, but raking in the minors doesn’t necessarily translate to big league success. See: Chris Dickerson, Corey Patterson, Andy Phillips, Buck Coats.
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
Larson was the first real "prospect" I remember.
And it pissed me off when he never panned out.
What does a mama bear on the pill have in common with the World Series? No cubs.
It always killed me that Larue won a batting title in AAA
"I'm telling you, my other poo story is much better." -- btcoop71
i mean he was servicable from 2002-2005
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 27, 2011 8:38 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree about that fear. Read any thread. I HATE the fact that Gomes will get most of the starts.
But having Sappelt on the roster wouldn’t change that.
You should be rooting for Lewis, Hermida, or Heisey to take starts away from him. Sappelt will get his shot eventually.
"Penus, stale beer, and day old hot dogs. Love it"--justin007000
I'm really regretting the Gomes signing
Wouldn’t be so bad if Dusty used him right, but clearly, that’s not going to happen. Sigh.
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
Cute with the 'Frisco pitching lineup
Hindsight is always a bitch, and beating it to death isn’t going to help.
"This is the St. Louis Cardinals we're talking about. They suck. Screw them. With a shovel. The sharp metal end. And then set them on fire." - crolfer
Don't blame RijoSabes
I was the one that actually done did the lineup posting. And I actually am just fine with Stubbs over Lincecum. I just thought it would be funny.
Press spacebar to die!
by Charlie Scrabbles on Mar 26, 2011 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions
I actually thought it was funny too
Those two will always be linked for Reds fans. I just find it amusing how some people will beat the hindsight thing to death. We didn’t know then what would happen. We couldn’t have. Be happy with the Stubb man for what he does.
"This is the St. Louis Cardinals we're talking about. They suck. Screw them. With a shovel. The sharp metal end. And then set them on fire." - crolfer
by rorschach1979 on Mar 27, 2011 12:22 AM EDT up reply actions
We knew Lincecum would be legit
and we didn’t need an OF at the time
Stubbs is really fast though!
by Highlifeman21 on Mar 27, 2011 8:57 AM EDT up reply actions
THIS
There were worries then and there are worries now that his frame won’t hold up with his throwing motion. He’s proved everyone wrong so far but I can’t blame the Reds for playing it safe with that pick. I’ll admit though that at the time I hated the pick because we had plenty of OF. Of course now everyone wants one MORE outfielder, not one less.
"I'm telling you, my other poo story is much better." -- btcoop71
Also, drafting for "need" is stupid.
What a team needs is good players at any position.
"Penus, stale beer, and day old hot dogs. Love it"--justin007000
they should have drafted the best available
which wasn’t Drew Stubbs
by Highlifeman21 on Mar 27, 2011 7:57 PM EDT up reply actions
So, in other news.
It’s currently snowing in Columbia, and I’m at the Kansas City airport, waiting to get on a plane to California. Kapow.
"People don't kill people. Burning oreo packages kill people."
No, it's actually where our transfer flight is going. Near Phoenix.
"People don't kill people. Burning oreo packages kill people."
I would say don't get on that plane you foresaw going kapow
But you might end up with a “final destination” situation.
Prescience is a bitch.
A dope trailer is no place for a kitty.
by GlennBraggsSwingAndMissBrokenBat on Mar 26, 2011 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions
So, is it me, or have there been a TON of injuries to significant players this spring?
I’ve paid more attention to the rest of the league this spring than in previous years, so maybe I’m imagining it, but between all of the NLC pitchers, Brian Wilson, Mat Latos, Utley, etc etc, it seems like this has been a brutal spring for keeping guys healthy.
"Penus, stale beer, and day old hot dogs. Love it"--justin007000
It does seem unusual.
I’m ready to make a ridiculous leap of ill-logic if you point me in the right direction with some crackpot theory.
A dope trailer is no place for a kitty.
by GlennBraggsSwingAndMissBrokenBat on Mar 26, 2011 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Spring training is too long, that's what's to blame
These players are all just tired of practicing.
Announcer: "Just out of the reach of Berkman"
One thing that pisses me off about mlb.com
is when I download the “printable schedule”, the whole damn thing is fucking red. How is an all red piece of paper “printer friendly” if its wasting all my damn red ink. Whenever I get this thing I have to import it into MSpaint and fix it.
/random pointless I-need-to-chill-the-fuck-out rant’d
can't you just print it in gray scale?
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 26, 2011 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions
But then it would waste all of his gray ink!
Still not a candidate.
by Gray on Mar 26, 2011 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Just print it in black
Bart: "Dad, what's a Muppet?"
Homer: "Well, it's not quite a mop, not quite a puppet, but man... (laughs, then pauses) So, to answer you question, I don't know."
I could, but I like a little color
the home games and the lettering in Red is fine, just not the whole damn page.
can't you just go to Frishes?
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 26, 2011 6:37 PM EDT up reply actions
well, a google search on Frishes gives me nothing
although, the image search was at least mildly entertaining. Whats a Frishes?
You aren't from Cincinnati are you?
A mediocre sit down chain restaurant in Cincinnati
They always have Reds schedule, and my Grandmother doesn’t get the internet so she always grabs a schedule for herself and one for me. I always accept because it is cute, and she is nice to me.
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 26, 2011 6:50 PM EDT up reply actions
i put an extra e
that is close for me.
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 26, 2011 7:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Frisches ... major memories for me
back in the day you could drive in and a waitress would bring the tray out and affix it to your car door.
And wow … a milk shake!
You kinda have to be old to appreciate this but I would wish this memory on everybody.
Announcer: "Just out of the reach of Berkman"
by johnu1 on Mar 27, 2011 1:00 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
1981
was the last time I had that experience. I ordered a Big Boy and Chili and ate as I was listening to sMarty call a ST game.
"At the very end, somebody took a dump right where I stood in the dugout every day." Dusty Baker
Sounds like heaven. :)
I CHUBB WHEN STUBBS CLUBBS!
by PeteyHendrix on Mar 27, 2011 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm currently reading Game Six by Mark Frost.
It makes me long for meaningful baseball.
by the finest muffins on Mar 26, 2011 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions
i've been watching Ken Burns Baseball
which i “watched” when it was on originally but some how I have no memories of that.
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 26, 2011 7:10 PM EDT up reply actions
watched it last week
i got all 10 innings on DVD for my birthday, and I have been methodically watching them.
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 26, 2011 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions
What a great ending to the Butler game.
Also great: the game lasted long enough that there was no postgame show.
Still not a candidate.
i would have liked to hear Gus Johnson just shout things.
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 26, 2011 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions
why does it seem like everyone just wants to fellate Kemba Walker?
he’s not even the best player on UConn…. Jeremy Lamb is much better
by Highlifeman21 on Mar 26, 2011 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I've said you've been ridiculous before,
but now you’re just being ridiculously ridiculous.
Set the gearshift to the high gear of your soul.
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Mar 26, 2011 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Lamb > Walker
He shoots for a better %, and he doesn’t need to take 20+ shots/game
Lamb is going to be something really special. Walker is a good college player, but that won’t translate to a good pro career.
by Highlifeman21 on Mar 27, 2011 9:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Lamb WILL be a better player than Walker
"I'm telling you, my other poo story is much better." -- btcoop71
if he is LeCure what is LeDisease?
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 26, 2011 7:10 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
it is new to levole
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 26, 2011 7:12 PM EDT up reply actions
That'll teach you to be so Lesure of your self.
How much wood could Chakkuchakkuchakku if you can throw a tree?
by ThePensive on Mar 26, 2011 7:13 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Is anyone else listening to the Reds radio feed?
The ambient crowd noise is strangely clear. One lady was talking about buying running shoes earlier.
by the finest muffins on Mar 26, 2011 7:15 PM EDT reply actions
Hi, the vole!
I’ve been vaguely sick the last few days, but otherwise I’m GREAT! Thursday can’t come soon enough!
by the finest muffins on Mar 26, 2011 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions
on the TV feed
the SF announcers said the booth is “right with the fans”
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 26, 2011 7:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Ryan Hanigan's Gameday photos makes him look kind of LaRuish.
Ugh. Seriously, Hanny?
by the finest muffins on Mar 26, 2011 7:19 PM EDT reply actions
Pitchers who can hit are just fun to watch.
Yay Sam!
by the finest muffins on Mar 26, 2011 7:23 PM EDT reply actions
Sam is LeCure for offensive whoas.
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 26, 2011 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Offensive whoas?
/Keanu Reeves’d?
by the finest muffins on Mar 26, 2011 7:27 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm offended.
I CHUBB WHEN STUBBS CLUBBS!
by PeteyHendrix on Mar 27, 2011 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
I couldn't agree more!
I also have an unbridled affinity for short players, knuckleballers, submariners, pitchers who can play the field, position players pitching, sloppy fatasses, and flakes with outrageous hair/style.
I CHUBB WHEN STUBBS CLUBBS!
by PeteyHendrix on Mar 27, 2011 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
So that ball just FLew out of there, am I right?
;)
by the finest muffins on Mar 26, 2011 7:24 PM EDT reply actions
bad joke
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 26, 2011 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions
idgi
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 26, 2011 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions
has Sam thrown a ton of pitches
why is he leaving so early?
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
well i guess if he is skipped first time through the rotation
he will be in great shape to throw 110ish pitches his first start.
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 26, 2011 7:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Wow, this "source code" movie looks horrible.
Also: the writers really have no clue what source code actually is, do they?
Still not a candidate.
I think they're going for a "he's going back in time to change the source code of life"
"I'm telling you, my other poo story is much better." -- btcoop71
This is a constant in the universe that keeps me grounded.
I CHUBB WHEN STUBBS CLUBBS!
by PeteyHendrix on Mar 27, 2011 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Gomes's terrible defensive tricked the Giants
I don’t think that was a deek, I am guessing he just couldn’t see the ball, because well Gomes sucks.
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
I'm putting that one in the "Things I haven't seen before" file.
I’ve never seen a player tagged out going to third because he thought the ball left the park.
I CHUBB WHEN STUBBS CLUBBS!
by PeteyHendrix on Mar 27, 2011 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Mark Berry's School of Strategic Third Base Coaching Techniques and Miracles
Announcer: "Just out of the reach of Berkman"
and on 4/25, Carlos Gomes did a double front flip catching a ball.
/firsttime
"Work like you don't need the money. Love like you've never been hurt. Dance like nobody's watching." - Satchel Paige
by PeteyHendrix on Apr 26, 2011 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions
I see Janish is 2 for 2
He pwns Lincecum!
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
that's .333 now!
Funny how it’s all singles. He’s not a power hitter, but he does have occasional pop and usually walks at a decent rate. Small sample size, I guess.
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
Yeah, it just highlights what a small sample size will do.
It also shows how misleading just looking at batting average (or, for that matter, batting average + HR) can be.
Still not a candidate.
every ump is required to call one balk in spring training
just to get in shape.
You're never as bad as you look when you lose. You're never as good as you look when you win.
Joe West called a balk on a ham sandwich yesterday.
True story.
I CHUBB WHEN STUBBS CLUBBS!
by PeteyHendrix on Mar 27, 2011 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions
That's funny
I can’t tell which one is Joe West and which one is the ham!
Press spacebar to die!
by Charlie Scrabbles on Mar 27, 2011 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Chapman
probably not quite ready to take over as closer.
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
If Chapman can't get his command in line
he won’t be ready to be a setup man this year either. Coming into today’s game he has walked 10 in 11 innings.
If that is indicative of his command in the regular season, he will be in Louisville by May.
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 26, 2011 8:17 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah
I don’t think you can blame the wind for the wild pitch and hit batsman.
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
Can anyone tell me if he’s actually using his slider, or is he just trying to blow it by everyone? Or is it just that his control is all over the place, so they’re jumping on the heat he has to throw over the plate?
That slider was one of the nastiest things I ever saw when he debuted last year. THAT should be his out pitch – the heat should just be to get them so worried that they start to swing when his arm comes forward.
"This is the St. Louis Cardinals we're talking about. They suck. Screw them. With a shovel. The sharp metal end. And then set them on fire." - crolfer
by rorschach1979 on Mar 26, 2011 8:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, I actually can't see anything . . .
Since I’m out of market, not in Arizona, and haven’t got mlb.tv. I know spring training is for “working on things”, so I’m just trying to get a sense of what people are seeing him actually do.
"This is the St. Louis Cardinals we're talking about. They suck. Screw them. With a shovel. The sharp metal end. And then set them on fire." - crolfer
by rorschach1979 on Mar 26, 2011 8:24 PM EDT up reply actions
This is where that lack of a joke font really hurts.
Dammit mods, we need a visual clue for joking/sarcasm!! ASAP!!
"This is the St. Louis Cardinals we're talking about. They suck. Screw them. With a shovel. The sharp metal end. And then set them on fire." - crolfer
by rorschach1979 on Mar 26, 2011 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions
that use to be Gray's sarcastic font.
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 26, 2011 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions
supposedly hes been throwing all his pitches including his change up during the spring
I’d be very surprised if he wasn’t also using his slider, since thats a key key pitch to his success even as a reliever
Whoa.
Since the beginning of this game, a guy I know from high school has been imploding in slow motion over on facebook.
He posted an emo status update. Then, he put up an album and uploaded 116 pictures of him and his ex.
He just added this, under work for some reason:
My relationship with **** ******
Equal Partner · May 2007 to present · Chapel Hill, North Carolina
I let work, perfectionism, and a few other things get in the way of the things I value the most. Now I want to try as hard as I can to make things right, and I hope more than anything that I get another chance.
Still not a candidate.
"a few other things"
= posting creepy and bizarre things on Facebook?
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
what is better than publicly bleeding on facebook for everyone to see?
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 26, 2011 8:24 PM EDT up reply actions
not going to lie
i keep a few people i strongly don’t like on my friends list, in hopes of seeing things like this.
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 26, 2011 8:25 PM EDT up reply actions
that guys whoa's continue.
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 26, 2011 8:24 PM EDT up reply actions
and yes
the whoa possesses him
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 26, 2011 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm so ready for ST to be over, just so the days of ugly baseball go with it.
I mean, I hope we don’t have 21 run, 3 error, 5 pitcher debacles in a week……
"Penus, stale beer, and day old hot dogs. Love it"--justin007000
uh, boy
I think END’s defense is going to make it hard to find him a place on the roster.
That’s why they dumped Aaron Miles and Drew Sutton and kept Miguel Cairo last year. Miles and Sutton were just too horrible on defense. But i think they’re probably better than END.
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
bobbled the ball
but made up for it with a terrible throw.
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 26, 2011 8:33 PM EDT up reply actions
w.t.f.
The metro Chicago weather for Sunday night is a low of 13 de-fuckin-grees.
13! THIRTEEN.
Put me in, Coach.
Announcer: "Just out of the reach of Berkman"
to sell hot dogs?
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 26, 2011 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions
He says he won't go to Iowa.
This is a guy you don’t want to overlook.
Announcer: "Just out of the reach of Berkman"
Al over at Bleed Cubbies to death
is appalled that Silva doesn’t want to go to Iowa for the good of the team. Who would in Silva’s shoes? Silva was halfway serviceable last year, and can probably find a full time job at the bottom of a terrible rotation, and isn’t like the Cubs have a world series lined up this year.
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 26, 2011 10:18 PM EDT up reply actions
and he's made $45 million bucks in his career
would you want to ride around in a bus with a bunch of 22 year olds when you’re effing loaded and could be a major leaguer somewhere?
Um, no.
Set the gearshift to the high gear of your soul.
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Mar 26, 2011 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Exactly
I could see Willis accepting an assignment, even though he has earned $40M+, because he has been worthless for a while and probably won’t find an MLB offer, if Willis doesn’t accept an assignment he will probably retire.
But Silva was okay last year (I wouldn’t want him on my staff even if Arroyo’s spleen ruptures, Cueto gets TJ, and Bailey has shoulder surgery) but I could see him catching on with a team needing pitching.
The Astro’s cut Shane Reynolds late in spring training in 2003, and the Braves picked him up, he wasn’t very good for the Braves but he started every 5th day basically as a place holder in the rotation.
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 26, 2011 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions
exactly.
Set the gearshift to the high gear of your soul.
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Mar 26, 2011 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions
I truly believe Willis wants to pitch
I think he is genuinely happy that the Reds gave him a chance.
I think he will give that as much of a chance as is practical, which may not be much.
Announcer: "Just out of the reach of Berkman"
Willis is also 3 years younger too.
If you’re still in your 20’s, even the idea of not playing baseball hasn’t crossed his mind yet.
Set the gearshift to the high gear of your soul.
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Mar 26, 2011 10:49 PM EDT up reply actions
several guys who could be packin it in
Peavy for sure
Harang if he struggles
Santana is living on borrowed time
Announcer: "Just out of the reach of Berkman"
i wouldn't be surprised if this is Harang's last year
but I also wouldn’t be surprised if he is productive until his late 30s.
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 26, 2011 11:08 PM EDT up reply actions
paging Daedalus...
have you spent time in Amman? I’ve got family heading that way (via Cairo) in about a month. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Set the gearshift to the high gear of your soul.
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Mar 26, 2011 10:35 PM EDT reply actions
"have you spent time in Amman?"
I refuse to fall for your trap, sir.
"I'm telling you, my other poo story is much better." -- btcoop71
ha!
I guess even if I said “Amman in Jordan” it doesn’t change a thing.
At least their capital isn’t named Afadkow.
Set the gearshift to the high gear of your soul.
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Mar 27, 2011 11:39 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Latest I heard, officially from AP, was a little unrest there.
I would guess that any major capital in that region is tricky for westerners. I haven’t heard about travel restrictions, however. State Dept. usually issues those announcements when there are overt problems. Their website has that. Jordan isn’t currently listed.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html
Cairo, however, is on the list.
Announcer: "Just out of the reach of Berkman"
Tidbits
Bilings Gazette is doing some softball interviews with a few Reds farmhands/former Mustangs. I kind of like this format.
Announcer: "Just out of the reach of Berkman"
From the link, I see that Billings gets a new manager this year
Pat Kelly, who managed Lynchburg last year. He’s also the dad of Casey Kelly, the Padres’ prospect we saw the other day and the centerpiece of the Gonzalez trade. Delino Deshields gets a promotion from Billings and will manage in Dayton this year.
DeShields deshoves deBenzinger to the curb
That didn’t sound like the most amicable dismissals.
Announcer: "Just out of the reach of Berkman"
KRP, thanks for this post. I was able to find out about the tape delay broadcast on here...
…and enjoyed the game in its entirety. Sweeeeet!
I CHUBB WHEN STUBBS CLUBBS!
Wow
Willis and Hermida were cut today.
That leaves the roster at 28. 25th man spot down to Lewis and Francisco. Bullpen spots go to 2 of Ondrusek, Burton, Arredondo, and Maloney.
"Penus, stale beer, and day old hot dogs. Love it"--justin007000
As an aside,
I find it a little odd that Bray has a guaranteed bullpen spot. He hasn’t exactly dominated.
"Penus, stale beer, and day old hot dogs. Love it"--justin007000
I figured Willis would stick
Big Ondroid is almost a guarantee, I think, to make it.
Announcer: "Just out of the reach of Berkman"
wow, indeed
Dusty lied. He said Willis would get more chances after that last disaster.
Lewis and Francisco are both on the roster, so I guess that’s why Hermida lost out.
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
Yeah. SSS and all that, but Hermida didn't exactly light it up in Arizona.
With the contract situation that decision became a no-brainer. Oh well. Hope we’re able to stick him in Louisville.
Yeah he did
1.090 OPS in about 40 PAs.
Still, SSS means those numbers don’t mean much, but he couldn’t have done much more, except ask Dusty’s daughter on a date.
"Penus, stale beer, and day old hot dogs. Love it"--justin007000
I guess he had bad games whenever I tuned in
Coulda sworn his average was way down there. Maybe he had a big game recently.
exactly
I suspect spring training stats carry very little weight, except in rare and unusual situations.
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
I'm sure the Arizona Dept. of Tourism doesn't agree but ...
it seems a shorter spring training would be better for the veterans.
How the minor leaguers benefit isn’t as clear but they do have the Ariz. fall leagues.
Announcer: "Just out of the reach of Berkman"
I think spring training does matter
But only for players on the bubble, and they’re looking for more than just stats.
Miles and Sutton were cut last year because their defense sucked, not because of their hitting stats. Doug Mientkiewicz made the Pirates roster in 2008 because of the way he mentored the younger players.
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
Well, you don't need a month to sort out the intangibles
Coming into camp, they knew about Miles. The guy had been in baseball for 43 years. I still think ST is about 10 days too long for the veterans. It’s clear when they start missing games because of sore fingernails.
Announcer: "Just out of the reach of Berkman"
It probably made sense way back in the day, when players worked real jobs in the offseason
Not so much now with the way these guys work out.
could be
Too bad it’s so profitable now. Would be a good way to cut down the length of the season, so the World Series doesn’t conflict with Thanskgiving.
A lot of fans prefer to attend games that are later in spring training. The regulars get more playing time, the games are sharper. In theory.
In practice, Dusty fielded the Louisville Bats for about half the games. And once he pulled the starters, you got a bunch of players you never heard of, and probably never will hear of.
Early in spring training, you at least get prospects coming in in late innings – guys you might hear of someday.
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
there is a really fucking easy way to cut down the playoffs
go back to the system they used from 1995-2006. Cut all these off days. People act like this is a really hard problem to solve, it isn’t.
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 27, 2011 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Nahgunnahappen
Owners figured out that they “lose” money on doubleheaders. Justin’s right, the easiest and most logical way to fix it is to get rid of the ridiculous “two days off between” games schedule. That schedule was created to maximize revenue too, of course.
"I'm telling you, my other poo story is much better." -- btcoop71
always wondered why they wouldn't do mandatory double headers
hadnt really thought of that. like you said though, “lose” is more like “we can make more if they’re on 2 different days”. if they want to shorten the season, I could see making it an even 160, losing one home game, but still, no way the owners go for it.
DH's are a disaster for pitching rotations
but the issue over an attendance is fixable with a day-night DH. Two crowds, two attendances.
You’d only need to do two or three a year to cut down on 4-5 days of the season. Still, managers would go crazy trying to keep a rotation in place.
So I get it about that.
Announcer: "Just out of the reach of Berkman"
they can be
but the A’s and Angels are doing a DH right after the all-star break, they are playing a 4 game series in 3 days, with monday as a travel day. The Monday travel day pretty much fixes any harm done to their rotation.
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 27, 2011 8:45 PM EDT up reply actions
since they started this year on thursday
scheduled double hitters on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day would help end the season a week earlier as well.
The Angels and A’s are playing a scheduled DH on July 16th.
I gotta wonder in mid market towns with weak attendance if a well marketed double header would increase attendance. I think if I were a player I’d be want extra off days in exchange for a double header.
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 27, 2011 8:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Exactly
I’d love to see MLB make each team play four doubleheaders and cut down some of the time off in the playoffs. Of course none of that is remotely possible until playoff games are snowed out.
"I'm telling you, my other poo story is much better." -- btcoop71
hell
make day one of the playoffs a triple header, some division series could end in a day!
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 27, 2011 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions
be careful what you wish for, dude.
/who was that righthander?
Announcer: "Just out of the reach of Berkman"
Wilbur Wood?
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 28, 2011 1:55 AM EDT up reply actions
the time off in the playoffs
is mind boggling, that’s the easiest and best way to take care of the problem is right there. I can’t stand the way they structure the playoffs.
I don't like it, either
Allowing teams to get by with just three starters doesn’t seem right.
But if it’s for TV reasons, it’s probably not going to change.
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
The shorter season ....
… is so easily do-able but nobody seems willing to make that happen. I assume that they are either (a.) too stupid or (b.) in it for the money.
Whoever “they” are.
Years back, the conflict over weekend football was an issue. No longer with so many cable channels.
The problem is the viewer numbers are really off now and Selig, the moran of all time, has decided that March 31 will solve that problem.
The other problem isn’t being addressed, though, and that is the 4-hour game. That in mind, you can sit through a doubleheader with your family if you want.
Announcer: "Just out of the reach of Berkman"
Change requires leadership.
Baseball is making more money now than ever. Now would be the time to do something like switch back to the 154-game schedule and expand the playoffs. (This also washes away a lot of the steroid problem.) But baseball does not have a real leader, they have Selig.
I CHUBB WHEN STUBBS CLUBBS!
by PeteyHendrix on Mar 28, 2011 12:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Some of the future of baseball ...
… may be inherently linked to the tragedy in Japan. One would wonder about life there in general this summer. What this has to do with spring training is vague, but it is about the overall nature of the game.
The global values of baseball are hard to separate from our traditions.
I can see an expanded playoffs in the next couple of years, maybe going back to a 158-game schedule.
Announcer: "Just out of the reach of Berkman"
I'd only cut back the games by 2 if at all
the way player salaries are going, cutting games would be tough on the smaller market clubs. I’m iffy on expanding the playoffs, but if they do they damn well better fix the ridiculous amount of off-days they have in the current set-up.
I also might be one of the few baseball fans who doesn’t mind Selig, but most of that is because I watch how the NFL and NBA commissioners run their leagues, not to mention how awful the NHL commish is. I’m not a Selig apologist, mind you, but he hasn’t done anything overly infuriating. that may be debatable.
I like the season and the playoffs where they are
the only thing I could see is cutting or moving two teams.
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 28, 2011 1:57 AM EDT up reply actions
I think the first round should be a 7 game series
that coupled with getting rid of all the offdays would be the two things I would do if given the choice. and while we’re at it, do away with the allstar game deciding home field.
I gave some thought to this about when the season starts
It can easily start earlier if the teams are willing to always spend the first week on the road where there is either a dome or it’s warm weather.
There are enough such cities. The Reds might have to (shudder) yield on the traditional opener in that case.
I think the only “close” calls would be in the Bay area or Baltimore.
NL cities: LA, Milwaukee, Houston, Atlanta, Miami, Phoenix, SD, SF.
AL cities: Toronto, Texas, LA, Tampa, Seattle, Baltimore, Oakland
Announcer: "Just out of the reach of Berkman"
that messes with competitive balance
I’m not totally sure I can show how, but its giving some sort of preferential treatment to certain teams. have to have it equal across the board as much as possible.
Not really.
These teams just open the season at home for 10 days. They will pay for it on the road later on.
Announcer: "Just out of the reach of Berkman"
This made me wonder so I went and looked
The Cubs and Yankees open at home this year, but the Twins and Mariners actually spend the first week of the season on the road already. That can’t make their fans happy I’m sure.
"I'm telling you, my other poo story is much better." -- btcoop71
The point is ...
I think the fans get better value if the games they attend aren’t in 34-degree weather with snow flurries. I would imagine the players are happier about that as well.
There’s less chance of a weather postponement if the season opens “down south” … and I don’t see it as that much of a problem, no worse than stupid interleague games.
MLB has the capability of doing this. The Reds could open at home as usual, then head to San Diego for the next three days.
Come back in late April when the sun is a little warmer. Still some risk of cold weather, but less by then.
They could blend in the balance over the course of the season. It’s only for 10-12 games.
Announcer: "Just out of the reach of Berkman"
I agree, I was just surprised to see a couple of teams already employ the "first week on the road" strategy
I was also surprised to see the Cubs at home for the first week.
"I'm telling you, my other poo story is much better." -- btcoop71
Chicago is lovely the first week of April
especially really close to the Lake.
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 29, 2011 6:50 PM EDT up reply actions
All playoff series should be 7 games.
I CHUBB WHEN STUBBS CLUBBS!
by PeteyHendrix on Mar 28, 2011 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Also
i think spring training is the proper length. It is too long for hitters perhaps, but it is just right for pitchers. They can throw 100 pitches in their last start and be stretched out and ready for opening day.
Red Reporter: Driving that train high on cocaine.
by justin007000 on Mar 27, 2011 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions
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