Homer Bailey: Settled, but not settling
by RijoSaboCaseyWKRP on Jan 20, 2012 1:35 PM EST
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PrintOn the occasion of Homer Bailey getting a raise, I wondered whether we should reasonably expect a corresponding leap in performance. Homer and the Reds settled on a salary of $2.43M, which happens to be over five times the amount he made last year while hovering at league minimum. Do we expect him to be 5x better this season? Well, of course we do not.
Slightly less absurdly, we do expect him to be worth more than he's paid. His 2011 season would have been valued at $6.6M on the open market, per FanGraphs. The measured expectation for Bailey's 2012 lies somewhere in between his former pedigree and the trend of his production entering his Age 26 season. The challenge in evaluating Homer Bailey for 2012 is bound up in those expectations that preceded his major league debut. He peaked on Baseball America's league-wide list of prospects at #9 prior to the 2008 season. A Billboard on the interstate (which one, I don't remember) reading "He has come" showed up around the time of his 2007 debut. He was the Reds future ace even before Bronson Arroyo was a gleam in Wayne Krivsky's eye.
But now, Homer has spent 436 innings and portions of five seasons in the majors. Fans and fundits have largely stopped making pronouncements about this being the year he "puts it all together," breaks out and grows into his anointed role as staff ace. He's yet to post an ERA below 4.40 or an ERA+ above 93. I think the disappointment in Homer never being the Second Coming of whoever he was supposed to be the Second Coming of, though, misses the point.
It's better to stop looking for crown moldings and recessed lighting and realize there's a New Ceiling for Homer. Revised expectations don't mean that he's locked in as a 4.40 ERA pitcher from here to the end of his career. Homer may not be a durable pitcher (he's yet to log more than 132 major league innings in a season). But it's worth remembering, though he's been in the org since 2004, that 2010 was the first season he broke camp with the Reds. He won't be 26 until May. It's still premature to say he's incapable of reaching 200 innings for at least a run of a few seasons.
He's also been improving: incrementally, gradually. If you adjust for park and run environment, his ERA basically stayed flat over the last 3 season. Far from encouraging. However, his walk rate has slid every single season, from 5.6/9IP to a very healthy 2.3 BB/9 last season. His K-rate dropped in 2011, over his 2010 peak, but his velocity did tick up in the second-half of 2011 as he pulled away from his early-season injuries.
A 9-inning K-rate greater than 8.0 (which he had in 2010) and a walk rate less than 2.5-per-nine (which he had in 2011) isn't out of the question. Putting them both in the same healthy season puts Homer in elite company. Only three of the 27 starting pitchers who have done that over the last 3 seasons had an ERA+ below 100 (two of those three are Ricky Nolasco, one is James Shields). And Nolasco and Baker represent the low end of that talent pool.
Homer's batted balls don't seem to be betraying him too much, with a 2011 BABIP around his career average. There could be a little bad luck and GABP-related fly ball mischief, suggested by an xFIP under 4.00. There's certainly nothing in his peripherals that say he's been pitching over his head. Mix in some good breaks for his health and the improvements of age and experience and Bailey fits well within his role in the rotation.
Cueto, Latos and Leake are probably going 1-2-3 in the 2012 rotation, so Homer will be called on as the 4th or 5th starter. With no options and a packed bullpen, he's hemmed in. With the team gunning for the playoffs, getting at least league-average out of a 4th/5th starter is critical. The standard lies somewhere between Edwin Jackson and Jake Westbrook, or between Randy Wolf and Chris Narveson. I hate to think this is lowering the bar so that Homer can trip over it, but I think he's going to surprise us within those lowered expectations. I can see the billboard now: "HE IS COMING, JUST BE PATIENT." (OR, less suggestive: PURGATORY IS REAL).
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Good timing on the article and this tweet
personal trainer Brian Wiefering: “I think you’ll see a different Homer Bailey in 2012”
— Lance McAlister (@LanceMcAlister) January 20, 2012
I just hope to see a Bailey
that isn’t on the DL or rehabing.
"At the very end, somebody took a dump right where I stood in the dugout every day." Dusty Baker
Hopefully, he can find his old fastball velocity and keep his current control.
Under my tutelage, you will grow from boys to men. From men into gladiators. And from gladiators into Swansons. ~ Ron Swanson
by BigBabyBruce on Jan 20, 2012 1:53 PM EST up reply actions
He's not the hero the Reds deserve, but the one we need right now.
Under my tutelage, you will grow from boys to men. From men into gladiators. And from gladiators into Swansons. ~ Ron Swanson
I thought that was Kevin Mitchell...
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jan 20, 2012 2:03 PM EST up reply actions
It's The Coz, damnit!
Janish is a donkey, Renteria is a goat.
by Zack Cozart is Batman on Jan 20, 2012 2:04 PM EST up reply actions
You haven't arrived until you have an "___ is Batman"
screen name join Red Reporter.
Mgr., Red Reporter
"Bootsy, you're a superstar right?"
"Twinkle, twinkle, babble."
by RijoSaboCaseyWKRP on Jan 20, 2012 4:46 PM EST up reply actions
aaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwww sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeit
"Wait, you think I'm being mean to the pretend orangutan?" -- battlekow
YOU EITHER DIE A HERO, OR LIVE LONG ENOUGH TO SEE YOURSELF BECOME THE VILLAIN
SOMETIMES, THE TRUTH ISN’T ENOUGH, SOMETIMES PEOPLE DESERVE TO HAVE THEIR FAITH REWARDED.
I’M WHATEVER CINCINNATI WANTS ME TO BE.
Except for black people
by Lance Mcalister is Batman on Jan 20, 2012 2:42 PM EST up reply actions 11 recs
If we hadn't signed a closer, I'd start a "Homer Bailey for Closer" campaign.
But we did, so I didn’t.
I've always had faith in him. He occasionally has those completely brilliant performances that are only undone at the last minute by a home run.
I wonder what happens if Chapman makes his transition smoothly, though. Six pitchers in five spots isn’t the worst thing to happen, but I’m still not sure what it would mean.
by Cuetotally Amazing on Jan 20, 2012 2:04 PM EST reply actions
He really has made a lot of progress with his command
Still, I think the biggest problem he has is that his pitches just don’t seem to move that much. He throws strikes, but they are hittable strikes.
Still, this is a guy who has somewhat quietly improved his WHIP 3 years in a row and KK/BB ratio every year of his career. He has gotten better, and maybe he still has some more room to grow.
And fentanyl ain't that like super-morphine for elephants and soldiers with their head blown off
by RoastBeefKazenzakis on Jan 20, 2012 2:13 PM EST up reply actions
Hopefully we can stop spelling having to need Bailey to Bal Four
he’s cut down on the BBs, which is key
The ends justify the means
by Highlifeman21 on Jan 23, 2012 8:04 PM EST up reply actions
Right.
Seems to me that if Arroyo, Chapman and Bailey are all ‘earning their keep’ in Spring Training then Chapman and Bailey are both ‘odd men out’ and uhhhh… they’ll share(?) the fifth spot? The fifth spot that sometimes gets skipped early in the season anyway?
What if Bailey outpitches Arroyo for three or four weeks in Arizona?
How about you agree to waive the fine and I promise not to email you the remaining eighty six photos of my dog dressed as a bear.
by Fat Vegas Alan on Jan 20, 2012 2:15 PM EST up reply actions
I'll betcha that one of our 6 starters is injured to start the season...
Be it a real or phantom injury is anyone’s guess
Hopefully, however they do it, they are rational about the rotation if Bailey outpitches Arroyo.
It would be a supreme shame if Arroyo takes time away from a Bailey who is still young and (hopefully) improving.
by Cuetotally Amazing on Jan 20, 2012 2:22 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, kinda looks like we're looking forward to The Phantom Injury Menace.
How about you agree to waive the fine and I promise not to email you the remaining eighty six photos of my dog dressed as a bear.
by Fat Vegas Alan on Jan 20, 2012 2:25 PM EST up reply actions
I can't wait. It's gonna be just like we're in the movie.
How about you agree to waive the fine and I promise not to email you the remaining eighty six photos of my dog dressed as a bear.
by Fat Vegas Alan on Jan 20, 2012 2:47 PM EST up reply actions
'KRP, You pencil in Cueto, Latos and Leake as the Reds' 1-2-3...
And then I can understand not knowing right now what to expect of Chapman but isn’t Arroyo almost certainly our #4? He’s making huge money and he’s always had that ‘workhorse’ reputation. How likely is it that he’ll be ‘demoted’ to the fifth spot and get skipped occasionally? Especially if that means more innings for Bailey who hasn’t yet really earned them?
How about you agree to waive the fine and I promise not to email you the remaining eighty six photos of my dog dressed as a bear.
Arroyo might even be Dusty's 2 or 3
though it doesn’t matter much after the first go-around. I have Bailey as a 4 or 5, but you’re right – it’s not at all likely they’re going to start skipping Arroyo, even if he did pitch like a #5 last season.
Mgr., Red Reporter
"Bootsy, you're a superstar right?"
"Twinkle, twinkle, babble."
by RijoSaboCaseyWKRP on Jan 20, 2012 2:27 PM EST up reply actions
I think Bronson will get the "3" treatment for the first half of the season.
If the Reds are predictably winning, and Bailey, Leake, and Chapman are doing even a fraction of what we hope they can do, I can see Bronson getting bumped later in the season, but until any of the 3 younger pitchers actually throws a 200 IP season, I think Walt and Dusty will limit their starts/innings wherever possible…and that means more Nasty Hook, whether we like it or not.
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jan 20, 2012 2:32 PM EST up reply actions
It's gonna make Spring Training fun and relevant.
This is so cool! It’s like we’re a real Major League team in 2012!
How about you agree to waive the fine and I promise not to email you the remaining eighty six photos of my dog dressed as a bear.
by Fat Vegas Alan on Jan 20, 2012 2:40 PM EST up reply actions
remember
Dusty wont pitch Arroyo and Leake back to back. watch him split Cueto and Latos with Arroyo
Seems to me that if Arroyo bounces back at all and can be expected to pitch his usual 7+ innings each time out..
then you’d want to have him somewhere in the midst of the still unproven/shorter-starting threesome of Leake, Chapman and Bailey. Otherwise the bullpen may be called upon too early, too often and too many days in a row.
How about you agree to waive the fine and I promise not to email you the remaining eighty six photos of my dog dressed as a bear.
by Fat Vegas Alan on Jan 20, 2012 3:38 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe it's just the winter talking
but I have a feeling that every single Reds player is going to be better this coming season than they were last season. Even Arroyo.
by Charlie Scrabbles on Jan 20, 2012 4:00 PM EST up reply actions
I really really hope you're right
but if Cueto’s even better in 2012 than in 2011, my testicles will explode.
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jan 20, 2012 4:13 PM EST up reply actions
I'll say it/post it again..
Cueto and Latos to the All Star Game!
Cueto starts it!
How about you agree to waive the fine and I promise not to email you the remaining eighty six photos of my dog dressed as a bear.
by Fat Vegas Alan on Jan 20, 2012 4:16 PM EST up reply actions
The Edinson Volquez Memorial All-Star Game National League Starter?
by Brendanukkah on Jan 20, 2012 5:06 PM EST up reply actions
has there ever been a pitcher with a worse statistical profile
that has started an All-Star game, Game 1 of the NLDS, and Opening Day for the reigning Division champs?
What the fuck is wrong with that dude?
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jan 20, 2012 5:08 PM EST up reply actions
nope, no he didn't.
He just blew it in the 7th.
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jan 20, 2012 5:13 PM EST up reply actions
I like your think, Chuck.
And I’m gonna do my part to be better this season that I was last season!
There’s one guy that (hate to say it) I just can’t see getting back to that crazy-wicked outlier 2010 season of his.. I think Hanigan holds steady, declines or drops off this year.
How about you agree to waive the fine and I promise not to email you the remaining eighty six photos of my dog dressed as a bear.
by Fat Vegas Alan on Jan 20, 2012 4:14 PM EST up reply actions
Even the Hold Steady has not held steady
Heaven is Whenever was a severe drop in form.
by Brendanukkah on Jan 20, 2012 5:07 PM EST up reply actions
This is the last year of Arroyo's contract, right?
Either way, I agree with N8: one of them is gonna be injured or “injured” to start the season, and Bailey will likely be the #5 guy.
The catch is that since the staff is so young, they may be more hesitant to skip starts for Cueto and Latos in the beginning of the season. Before we get ahead of ourselves, Arroyo is the only one to cross the (albeit arbitrary) 200IP mark on this team. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Reds keep 1-5 in order in May and June.
"You said 'walks' twice."
"I like walks."
Unfortunately, the Mayans are probably wrong
Mgr., Red Reporter
"Bootsy, you're a superstar right?"
"Twinkle, twinkle, babble."
by RijoSaboCaseyWKRP on Jan 20, 2012 4:35 PM EST up reply actions
"Oh shit, her name was Maya?"
“So that’s why she slapped me.”
The secret, is to hit the computer with a hammer
.
How about you agree to waive the fine and I promise not to email you the remaining eighty six photos of my dog dressed as a bear.
by Fat Vegas Alan on Jan 20, 2012 4:39 PM EST up reply actions
Best Shape of His Life®
Follow on Twitter: @jluckhaupt. Buy The Wire-to-Wire Reds today!
by Slyde on Jan 20, 2012 5:23 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Ready to Put the Incident at the Petting Zoo Behind Him©
How about you agree to waive the fine and I promise not to email you the remaining eighty six photos of my dog dressed as a bear.
by Fat Vegas Alan on Jan 20, 2012 5:43 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
that phantom groin injury finally healed?
The ends justify the means
by Highlifeman21 on Jan 23, 2012 8:05 PM EST up reply actions
I predict Homer will beat the Pirates several times this season.
A dope trailer is no place for a kitty.
by GlennBraggsSwingAndMissBrokenBat on Jan 20, 2012 2:34 PM EST reply actions
I know I've mentioned this before, but it never stops being appropriate
Homer vs Pirates and Astros: 9-0
Homer vs everyone else: 14-23
I don’t believe we can reasonably expect any better than #5 starter production from Homer. Of course it’s possible he figures it out, but I think he will be remembered in the company of Gruler and Wagner and a whole bunch of other crappy guys. .
Relatedly – sweet baby jebus! We must have been the worst scouting team in the majors from ‘92 to ’05. That’s 14 consecutive busts. That’s bad. Real bad.
A dope trailer is no place for a kitty.
by GlennBraggsSwingAndMissBrokenBat on Jan 20, 2012 2:45 PM EST up reply actions
Cueto is 10-3 vs. the Pirates, 31-34 vs. everyone else.
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jan 20, 2012 2:49 PM EST up reply actions
Whose side are you on, anyway?
A dope trailer is no place for a kitty.
by GlennBraggsSwingAndMissBrokenBat on Jan 20, 2012 3:02 PM EST up reply actions
I'm not sayin'
I’m just sayin’.
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jan 20, 2012 3:42 PM EST up reply actions
Scouting is for fruits, honey
"Wait, you think I'm being mean to the pretend orangutan?" -- battlekow
Ow! Quit it. Ow! Quit it. Ow! Quit it. Ow! Quit it.
A dope trailer is no place for a kitty.
by GlennBraggsSwingAndMissBrokenBat on Jan 20, 2012 4:30 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Trying to read his lips
“So hot?”
This image makes me feel alienated from reality.
Mgr., Red Reporter
"Bootsy, you're a superstar right?"
"Twinkle, twinkle, babble."
by RijoSaboCaseyWKRP on Jan 21, 2012 3:11 PM EST up reply actions
I think he is saying "your"
as in “I’mma be your honey bee”.
One of my all-time favorite music videos. A real testament to the medium.
by Charlie Scrabbles on Jan 21, 2012 3:48 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, THAT'S what makes you feel alienated from reality :)
"Wait, you think I'm being mean to the pretend orangutan?" -- battlekow
Can we officially stop calling Bailey the next big thing?
He’s slowly improving a bit, but he’s not ever going to be the superstar so many people thought he would, and he’s not a 21 year old prospect any more. I’m guessing he’ll have a few great performances, a couple of stints on the DL for his bum shoulder, and then mostly mediocre with 5 or 6 meltdowns thrown in.
darthmom: It's like sabremetrics, but for boobs.
Motion to remove nickname accepted.
Motion proposed to anoint Daniel Corcino “the next big thing.”
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jan 20, 2012 2:43 PM EST up reply actions
I suggest Juan Duran. Even if he sucks, he's still tall.
by Snake the Jake on Jan 20, 2012 2:46 PM EST up reply actions
that's valid.
Corcino could be the next big little thing.
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jan 20, 2012 2:50 PM EST up reply actions
Big Trouble in Little Corcino Town
The secret, is to hit the computer with a hammer
by DerekH91 on Jan 20, 2012 3:09 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Does he have a nickname yet?
If not, may I suggest his name is Rio, and he dances on the sand?
"The USA despite its flaws and corruption and overall messiness is still a great and powerful instrument of freedom and hope for the entire world." - Madville
I kinda like "Forty Days"
Juan Duran in the wilderness
by poojols on Jan 23, 2012 6:07 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I'll allow it.
A dope trailer is no place for a kitty.
by GlennBraggsSwingAndMissBrokenBat on Jan 20, 2012 2:46 PM EST up reply actions
Nope
Jay Bruce will always be The Next Big Thing.
by Charlie Scrabbles on Jan 20, 2012 2:50 PM EST up reply actions
eh, with the rate at which Adam Dunn strikes out
I’m not sure I trust his nicknaming abilities.
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jan 20, 2012 2:54 PM EST up reply actions
better than the pronk
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jan 20, 2012 3:43 PM EST up reply actions
I'm amazed at how Homer Bailey looks so much like Christian Bale...
….And how Scott Rolen looks like Alfred:
Respect my authoritah!
by BigBadBruce on Jan 20, 2012 2:59 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
It's really weird how much we've seen Homer grow up.
I barely recognize him in that picture from when he was drafted. I’ve seen him in long hair, I’ve seen him in a buzz cut.
"You said 'walks' twice."
"I like walks."
And for four years ago I saw an image of him that I just cannot un-see.
How about you agree to waive the fine and I promise not to email you the remaining eighty six photos of my dog dressed as a bear.
by Fat Vegas Alan on Jan 21, 2012 12:34 AM EST up reply actions
That's fucking Stevie Ray...holy shit.
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jan 21, 2012 12:48 AM EST up reply actions
hope Homer's our Pride and Joy this year
I’d be over the fuckin moon if he was our MVP this season
Fuck lion say what! i got a fuck lion now come fuck wit me
Agree
I would love for him to surprise me and be the pitcher I dreamed about in 2006.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
It surprises me when I see the ages of Homer and Jay
They’re still quite young
by poojols on Jan 20, 2012 3:01 PM EST via mobile reply actions
teh Fay
has a link to this article at MLB.com that picks the top 10 prospects at SS in baseball. Billy Hamilton is #4.
There’s also a post about the Verducci effect. Leake’s on the list this year.
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
I saw FanGraph's list of the Padres top prospects last night.
Guess who were #1 and #2?
How about you agree to waive the fine and I promise not to email you the remaining eighty six photos of my dog dressed as a bear.
by Fat Vegas Alan on Jan 20, 2012 3:40 PM EST up reply actions
Casey Kelly
is #6. Is his dad still the manager in Billings?
Casey started out playing SS and pitching. He likes hitting better than pitching, but I guess they convinced him that he should concentrate on pitching.
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
Ballplayers with two first names are bad enough
But two girls’ names?
by Brendanukkah on Jan 20, 2012 5:10 PM EST up reply actions
what's wrong with girl's names, Brenda?
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
by BubbaFan on Jan 20, 2012 5:30 PM EST up reply actions 6 recs
Rymer Liriano?
Jedd Gyorko?
I know it’s easy and tired to make fun of prospects’ names, but these are absurd.
"You said 'walks' twice."
"I like walks."
that's a lot of guys < AA, which I think is telling.
All these SS are toolsy dudes who could be exciting, or could flame out spectacularly.
I don’t think I’ll ever stop seeing “Jurickson Profar” and thinking “J. Alfred Prufrock”
"You said 'walks' twice."
"I like walks."
Man, If we had Profar
That’d solve our SS problem for years to come
The secret, is to hit the computer with a hammer
I hope he becomes an offensive force
“The Profar-Lactic! RBI’d for your pleasure!”
by Brendanukkah on Jan 20, 2012 5:11 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
I don't think many people get this
since it only has 2 recs including mine
Fuck lion say what! i got a fuck lion now come fuck wit me
We get it. It made me snicker but not laugh out loud.
It only has one rec so someone must have changed their mind on it.
I don't know why my kids call me that. I think I'm a pretty nice mom.
but it's 'nukkah.
2 hours = 20 recs.
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jan 20, 2012 8:40 PM EST up reply actions
I don't get it, but then again......
"Wait, you think I'm being mean to the pretend orangutan?" -- battlekow
by jch24 on Jan 21, 2012 6:16 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
oh wait
it’s a “you’ve got a billion kids” joke!
I get it!
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jan 21, 2012 6:18 PM EST up reply actions
And even if you don't, you will soon
"Wait, you think I'm being mean to the pretend orangutan?" -- battlekow
It made me think of Jurassic Park.
Reading is a funny thing.
by the finest muffins on Jan 20, 2012 7:01 PM EST up reply actions
speaking of shortstops
Why has Didi missed so much playing time? Is he injury prone?
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
it's not just this year, though
He’s played way fewer games than you’d expect every year, except maybe 2010.
Did he have a chronic kidney problem…hopefully that was fixed by the surgery?
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
New rule allows dialysis machine in the dugout and at every base.
A dope trailer is no place for a kitty.
by GlennBraggsSwingAndMissBrokenBat on Jan 20, 2012 4:51 PM EST up reply actions
seems weird
that such a young, fit person would have kidney problems. Sickle cell disease, maybe?
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
I just realized that no one is being cyber bullied lately...
Where’s ’Creds?
A dope trailer is no place for a kitty.
by GlennBraggsSwingAndMissBrokenBat on Jan 20, 2012 4:41 PM EST reply actions
He got tired of your shit and left
He told me to pick up the slack. Dummy.
"Wait, you think I'm being mean to the pretend orangutan?" -- battlekow
Now that hurts my feelings.
Well played.
A dope trailer is no place for a kitty.
by GlennBraggsSwingAndMissBrokenBat on Jan 20, 2012 4:52 PM EST up reply actions
That didn't hurt my feelings at all.
You suck at this.
A dope trailer is no place for a kitty.
by GlennBraggsSwingAndMissBrokenBat on Jan 20, 2012 4:51 PM EST up reply actions
probably following Renteria
to whatever his new team is.
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
Hopefully retirement.
For both of them.
Hey-o!
A dope trailer is no place for a kitty.
by GlennBraggsSwingAndMissBrokenBat on Jan 20, 2012 4:54 PM EST up reply actions
Bogotaredsfan!
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jan 20, 2012 4:56 PM EST up reply actions
He will be known there as
El Gran Mezclador Blanco
A dope trailer is no place for a kitty.
by GlennBraggsSwingAndMissBrokenBat on Jan 20, 2012 4:58 PM EST up reply actions
check that
bogotacredsfan.
There, that’s better.
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jan 20, 2012 5:00 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I tweeted 'creds yesterday asking how he was doing
No response
He’s either dead or a dick!
Buy RED: My Uncensored Life in Rock by Sammy Hagar, today
by obc2 on Jan 20, 2012 5:47 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Ummm, so the Reds are either geniuses or setting up an elaborate ponzi scheme
The deal, agreed to Jan. 11 and announced Friday, calls for a $6 million salary this year, of which $2 million is deferred until Nov. 1 and $2 million until Nov. 1, 2013. The agreement includes a $11 million mutual option for 2013 with a $2.5 million buyout.
link.
"You said 'walks' twice."
"I like walks."
christ.
the 2015 Reds only have 2 players but already have a $55 million payroll.
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jan 20, 2012 5:03 PM EST up reply actions
That contract looks worse and worse for Madson
Dude could end up making just $6M on the deal, and he had to defer money to get that. What a steal.
Follow on Twitter: @jluckhaupt. Buy The Wire-to-Wire Reds today!
Yup.
Despite Ludwick, Walt done good this winter.
Wear something sexy to my funeral.
by Pops Daniels on Jan 20, 2012 5:24 PM EST up reply actions
Scott Boras, on the other hand, has not
Follow on Twitter: @jluckhaupt. Buy The Wire-to-Wire Reds today!
My heart weeps for him.
Wear something sexy to my funeral.
by Pops Daniels on Jan 20, 2012 5:29 PM EST up reply actions
That's cute, Pops.
How about you agree to waive the fine and I promise not to email you the remaining eighty six photos of my dog dressed as a bear.
by Fat Vegas Alan on Jan 20, 2012 5:36 PM EST up reply actions
well it's only midnight on Friday and you're in your early twenties on the internet
#yousocrazy
@DavefrmLville.....is fun to follow on twiiter!
by Dave from Louisville on Jan 20, 2012 11:55 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Lots of patience already with Bailey
Only reason I can think of keeping Bailey is that he is a local boy. It is because of this, he has been given more time to develop and more patience with his inconsistencies. Recent trade with the Cubs where we parted with Travis Wood, I would have liked to see Bailey go instead of Wood. The addition of lefties, Madson and Marshall probably more than compensate for the loss of Wood. Hopefully we will get to see if Bailey can indeed repay Reds fans for all the kindness and patience extended to him during his mediocracy years.
I think he's from Texas.
"I think it's possible this could possibly happen." - Harold Reynolds
by PeteyHendrix on Jan 21, 2012 2:58 AM EST up reply actions
Indeed
In addition, I’m not sure why anyone would prefer to keep Travis Wood over Homer Bailey. Outside of his earliest outings Wood has been statistically similar to Bailey (and trending downward). Beyond the numbers, Bailey has much better “stuff” and has learned to work within himself pretty well the last couple years.
Homer’s “mediocrity” during his age 23, 24, 25 years (see how ridiculous that is to type/say) is a product our unrealistic hopes and the Reds unscrupulous hype of him as a kid out of high school. Worst case scenario he has developed into a solid back of the rotation arm who can flash moments of greatness— an Edwin Jackson type.
The “kindness and patience” Richard claims Reds fans have extended to Bailey has looked more like exasperation and disappointment to this observer.
Wood does have one short term advantage
options.
Wood can be stashed in AAA until needed, Bailey cannot.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
by Yossarian22 on Jan 21, 2012 11:45 AM EST up reply actions
I guess you can call that an advantage...
But it appears that the role of #6 starter stashed in AAA is Chapman’s role to start the season. Advantage Bailey!
Hand-wringing over options seems rather angsty and melodramatic.
The other thing
Is Wood has seen success over an extended period of time at the Big League level, Bailey has not.
I am not sure who has the higher upside now. I guess Bailey based on “stuff”, but he has had plenty of chances to prove himself as a big league pitcher, and he has had mixed results.
That being said, I am not saying that Wood will be more valuable in 2012, but I don’t think you can make an open and shut case for either one with the evidence available at the present.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
by Yossarian22 on Jan 21, 2012 12:28 PM EST up reply actions
I'll take the pitcher with stuff and good K rates
over a guy with one average MLB season that may have been a fluke.
"Good luck, National League managers – I have no idea how you’re supposed to get this guy out." - Dave Cameron on Joey Votto
by Grahamophone on Jan 21, 2012 12:32 PM EST up reply actions
Travis Wood and Homer Bailey both have an MLB k/9 of 7.
In 2011 Wood’s K/9 was 6.5, Bailey’s was 7.2.
Of course Bailey’s minor league strike out rate blows Wood’s away, but Bailey does not throw as hard as he did a few years ago.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
Maybe you're right.
Wood doesn’t even throw THAT much slower than Bailey, plus he’s a lefty.
"Good luck, National League managers – I have no idea how you’re supposed to get this guy out." - Dave Cameron on Joey Votto
by Grahamophone on Jan 21, 2012 2:04 PM EST up reply actions
Woah playa!
The only thing Wood can do better is run the bases. Bailey was drafted higher because he posses a great delivery, plus velocity, a large pitcher’s body and good secondary pitches. Wood may be able to locate that fastball consistently a bit better than 2010’s Homer Bailey, but Bailey was injured in 2011. You can’t hold that against him when determining a baseline of performance for a star on the rise.
And the drop in velocity you mentioned, Justin, is because of the cutter he picked up from the Dragon’s Lehr. It has less speed than the fastball he was drafted at, but more movement and more concealment behind his body during delivery. Thus a far superior pitch to Wood’s fastball.
crashtestnipplechip citymoron
Bailey picked up a splitter from Justin Lehr
That is Bailey’s velocity chart at Fangraphs. If his average fastball’s velocity dipped a bit, but his top end velocity stayed the same, I would believe you. Many pitchers as they mature lower their cruise control, but will still throw the heat when they need to. Bailey appears to have lost the ability to throw 97 or 98 MPH when he wants to.
Also I think you can hold Bailey’s injuries against him to a certain point. Based on 2010 and 2011 Wood is more likely to be able to make 30 starts a season. Also it is troubling that all three of Bailey’s D.L. stints over the past two seasons have been due to shoulder injuries, which may very well be why he doesn’t throw as hard as he use to.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
Yes, it has fallen and he does have shoulder issues...
But you are assuming a lot here with regards to his velocity drop. Homer had horrible control when he was working around 95 and touching 98. Working at 93 and reaching back for 95-96 he has seen his BB/9 drop from 4.1 to 2.3. Rarely does a pitcher lose his velocity from health AND increase his effectiveness. A more likely solution in my mind is that Homer has learned that he is more effective dialing it back.
He best stint in the majors corresponds with with his best velocity at the end of 2009.
And I did say many pitchers do learn to dial back their cruise control, but when there are runners on the corners, two outs, and they are ahead in the count with 2 strikes and just threw a low off speed pitch, they still like to throw a hard fastball up around the eyes hoping to induce strike 3.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
That "best stint" (SSS) does not coincide with his best velocity though...
He was throwing 93-95 (within a reasonable variation from what he threw in ’11) for the last 5-7 games.
The velocity chart says otherwise.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
No it doesn't
The chart you posted clearly indicates that he was throwing over 95 regularly through games 5-15 of his 20 starts, in which Homer was pretty terrible for the majority of the period. He pitched his best at the end of the year when his velocity was down and his control and groundball rate went up
the top end velocity was still higher.
i wish they had a month by month chart.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
and we are both sorta right
He ended the season with 9 strong starts.
The first 4 of those starts his average fastball was at or above 95, and his top end appears to be 97 or 98. Then his average fastball dips down to 93 or 94 MPH for 2 starts, then down to down to about 92, up to 93 or 94 again for a start, then down to 92 for for his last start. Also his top end dipped a bit too, but it was still above 95 for all starts but one. The question is, did he do that on purpose, or was he losing some velocity because he was closing in on 200 innings for the first in his career?
Also the sample size of this is so small.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
Yes it is.
Small and probably pointless. But arguing about this is better than working on this article about the origins of history education!
or me prepping for my lecture on Watergate.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
Modern US History
Last time I taught Modern US History I managed to get through the semester mentioning Nixon in only three lecture— Red/Lavender Scare, Vietnam, and Disillusionment.
If you want some “cool” primary sources on Nixon check out http://nixontapes.org
Thanks, Bill!
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
Thanks, I will use this in the future
rather than counting the lines so I can figure out the velocity for each individual start.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
but I do agree that sample size is an issue
and I am not ready to give up on Bailey either.
I just cannot find compelling evidence that really puts Wood or Bailey above each other at this point.
Pedigree, what round you were drafted in, and signing bonuses only get you so far. Bailey is reaching a point where he needs to put up good numbers over a full season, he isn’t “young” anymore.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
Also
It’s hard to believe that we now argue about fringy back of the rotation starters with upside when discussing our 5th starter. It wasn’t so long ago that this would have been about our “ace!”
Yeah add him to the 2003 or 2004 in spring training
and he would be one of the better pitchers.
God we had some shitty pitching.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
I don't remember the year...
But I think it was ’04. I was in Sarasota watching Jimmy Haynes in one of his final tune-ups before the season with a couple of scouts who could not stop laughing at our pitiful pitching staff…
May we never be exiled to that wilderness again!
He was the opening day pitcher in 2003!
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
I'm ready to give up on Travis Wood right now
"Wait, you think I'm being mean to the pretend orangutan?" -- battlekow
But Jsutin says we shouldn't...
What to do, what to do…
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 think you are over reacting to his 2011 season
Last year people here were proclaiming Travis Wood as the ace, this year people say he has no future in MLB.
I am guessing, if he stays healthy (which is an if for all pitchers), his most likely future is somewhere between 2010 and 2011.
He also wouldn’t be the first pitcher who was solid for his first 100 MLB innings and washed out after the league adjusted to him.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
Who was proclaiming him an ace?
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 know HLM was the most vocal about it.
and several people seemed to agree with him.
Even beyond that the popular sentiment was that he would be a 2/3 level pitcher for years to come, and I think based on a number of comments here people would not have believed you if you would have told him he would be out of the rotation and in AAA by the All-Star Break.
I feel the same way I did a year ago, it is too early to make any sort of definitive statement on Wood, other than he most likely will not see his number retired or make the Hall of Fame.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
I think you're projecting a lot with your statements
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."
what am I projecting?
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
I think you're projecting how good people think he is
I think that fits into your argument, which is pretty much a hedge on his performance – “somewhere between 2010 and 2011”
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 do think a good majority of those around here were bullish on Wood after '10
He was home-grown, had a very good minor league track record, and seemed to turn the table on the scouting consensus by doing pretty well in the bigs for half a year.
It’s not much of a prediction to say that he’ll pitch somewhere between his first and second year, but I do think he’ll be much closer to ’11 than ’10 – if he can stick around.
I guess a better thing to say is
I don’t think he is as bad as he was in 2011, or as good as he was in 2010.
I think it is reasonable to believe Travis Wood could consistently toss around 200 innings with an ERA+ between 95 and 105.
Not great, but mediocre starting pitching is a necessity.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
by Yossarian22 on Jan 22, 2012 12:03 PM EST up reply actions
If he does that, Chicago definitely wins the trade
Average ERA+ for a starter is about 95 and the IP is a lot less than 200. If Wood is an above-average SP for a few seasons then Chicago really made out. But I think a lefty flyball pitcher is at a disadvantage in Wrigley, esp. if Soriano is still patrolling LF next year.
I don't
go back to the prediction thread and see what people thought of Travis Wood. Whenever his name came up, there were people saying 2/3 starter for sure, just think of what he did against Philadelphia!
expectations are premeditated resentments - cheshirecat
People were saying he could be the next Cliff Lee.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
by Yossarian22 on Jan 22, 2012 12:39 PM EST up reply actions
I probably said he'd be an ace
which at the time he would have been one of our #1 or #2 starters
I was sorry to see him go, especially given that he’s a lefty and works out with Cliff Lee
I have high hopes for him
The ends justify the means
by Highlifeman21 on Jan 23, 2012 8:07 PM EST up reply actions
well
Last year, he was projected to pitch as well as Latos is projected to hit this year. At least according to ZiPS.
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
They were high on Russ Springer.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
I am also curious as to how they predict playing time
They predicted Chad Reienke to throw 125 innings in 31 games and 21 starts.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
I believe they give projections for the maximum playing time they think the player will possibly get
in the case of minor league/fringy players without much track record.
expectations are premeditated resentments - cheshirecat
I'm reacting to the fact that he is now a member of the Chicago Cubs
"Wait, you think I'm being mean to the pretend orangutan?" -- battlekow
yeah, fuck that guy!
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jan 21, 2012 7:07 PM EST up reply actions
I generally defer to Jsutin on pitching matters.
The guy usually knows what he’s talking about on these matters.
"Good luck, National League managers – I have no idea how you’re supposed to get this guy out." - Dave Cameron on Joey Votto
by Grahamophone on Jan 21, 2012 2:21 PM EST up reply actions
If Bailey ends up being a serviceable 3/4 starter during the Votto Window™
I’ll be perfectly content with how his career panned out.f
"Good luck, National League managers – I have no idea how you’re supposed to get this guy out." - Dave Cameron on Joey Votto
by Grahamophone on Jan 21, 2012 11:01 AM EST up reply actions
When Reds fans were clamoring for Homer Bailey in 2006 and 2007
how many had even heard of Joey Votto?
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
by Yossarian22 on Jan 21, 2012 11:46 AM EST up reply actions
Votto was supposed to be lineup protection for All-Star MVP All-World Second Coming Next Big Thing RF Jay Bruce.
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jan 21, 2012 12:15 PM EST up reply actions
I feel like Baseball Prospectus was relatively high on Votto, no?
Or am I misremembering?
"Good luck, National League managers – I have no idea how you’re supposed to get this guy out." - Dave Cameron on Joey Votto
by Grahamophone on Jan 21, 2012 12:21 PM EST up reply actions
This is true
I think I first learned about Votto in 2006, maybe 2005. Yet Votto did not receive the local coverage that Bailey did.
The first time Hal McCoy wrote about Votto, he said that the reason the Reds were slow to promote him to the Majors was because he was a defensive liability and scouts viewed him as DH.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
by Yossarian22 on Jan 21, 2012 12:23 PM EST up reply actions
“Yet Votto did not receive the local coverage that Bailey did.
The first time Hal McCoy wrote about Votto, he said that the reason the Reds were slow to promote him to the Majors was because he was a defensive liability and scouts viewed him as DH."
Well, there’s your problem.
"Good luck, National League managers – I have no idea how you’re supposed to get this guy out." - Dave Cameron on Joey Votto
by Grahamophone on Jan 21, 2012 12:25 PM EST up reply actions
Jay was supposed to be the 1.000 OPS MVP guy
Votto was supposed to be the .850 OPS solid complimentary piece.
Votto was always well regarded (he was a 2nd round pick out of a Canadian HS, so someone was high on him regardless of his competition).
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jan 21, 2012 12:27 PM EST up reply actions
yeah
Votto and Bruce performances have basically traded what their expectations were.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
by Yossarian22 on Jan 21, 2012 12:28 PM EST up reply actions
I would say expecting a .850 OPS is being pretty high on a prospect.
"Good luck, National League managers – I have no idea how you’re supposed to get this guy out." - Dave Cameron on Joey Votto
by Grahamophone on Jan 21, 2012 12:31 PM EST up reply actions
Not particularly if he can't play defense even at 1B
expectations are premeditated resentments - cheshirecat
Yeah
but in 2007 the scouting report on Votto was he would be a second maybe even third tier hitter at first base, and would struggle to catch and throw the ball.
Votto did not become a first baseman until 2002, he was drafted as a catcher, so it took him some time to learn to play first base.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
The knock on Votto coming up was that he was supposed to be a lot like Sean Casey
A guy who could hit for average, but 15-20 HR power, which is weak from the 1B position.
"Aroldis Chapman is a seven course meal followed by four hours of sex on the table with a nymphomaniac model heiress who owns her own brewery." - jch24
Fair enough
"Good luck, National League managers – I have no idea how you’re supposed to get this guy out." - Dave Cameron on Joey Votto
by Grahamophone on Jan 21, 2012 12:45 PM EST up reply actions
Votto
was sort of an odd case. He was drafted in the second round, but the Yankees were the only other team that was interested. He had a couple of bad years in the early minors. As I recall, some blog called Red Reporter called him a bust and wanted to trade him for pitching.
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
those guys are idiots!
One of them said Travis Wood was going to win 16 games last year!
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jan 21, 2012 1:02 PM EST up reply actions
red reporter is very hit or miss when it comes to determining trade value of reds players
of course, i would imagine the same could be said of any blog devoted to covering a specific team.
Good point
I think the Padres got a great package in return for Latos. I’m higher on Grandal/Edinson however.
Buy RED: My Uncensored Life in Rock by Sammy Hagar, today
Sickels had him at a C+ one year
@DavefrmLville.....is fun to follow on twiiter!
by Dave from Louisville on Jan 21, 2012 1:28 PM EST up reply actions
Probably in '04, after that disastrous season in Dayton
So not as crazy as it sounds
The secret, is to hit the computer with a hammer
Nope was a B+ after 04, it after 05 which was decent
http://www.minorleagueball.com/2006/2/23/151843/917
@DavefrmLville.....is fun to follow on twiiter!
by Dave from Louisville on Jan 21, 2012 1:47 PM EST up reply actions
Dan O'Brien did a lot of long term good with his two drafts
but he would have been a disaster if they kept him any longer than they did, with his mandatory take the first pitch policy.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
hell, take EVERY pitch is a great policy in little league.
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jan 21, 2012 1:56 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Cnnsi doesn't rate the Reds Rotation as one of top 13 in mlb
Ouch.
Buy RED: My Uncensored Life in Rock by Sammy Hagar, today
Do they even have any baseball writers left?
except the guy that handicaps pitching injuries by looking at IP, which is the dumbest fucking thing anyone can do with their worthless life. That asshole gives a list of pitchers that he thinks will get hurt over 25 IP, and then when 1 on the list gets hurt and 5 don’t he’s somehow is vindicated. By the way he’s looking at all pitchers in the MLB, so when someone not on his list gets hurt noone pays attention.
To me this is about the same thing as trying to predict which politician is going to cheat on his wife or come out of the closet.
@DavefrmLville.....is fun to follow on twiiter!
by Dave from Louisville on Jan 21, 2012 1:40 PM EST up reply actions
MLB network put Coco in the shredder
Upon reflection, it might be a rough 2012 for Francisco. He had a .215 BABIP last season and his k/9 dropped to 5.4
Buy RED: My Uncensored Life in Rock by Sammy Hagar, today
but they made fun of his precious Cubs!
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
Al gets paid for that job doesn't he?
I assume he does since he has the same title an Rob Neyer, and I doubt SBN gets Neyer without paying him.
Of course I may be wrong.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
I think all Baseball Nation writers get paid, since it's on the main site
The secret, is to hit the computer with a hammer
Could SBNation force him off of BleedCubbieBlue if it wanted to?
"Good luck, National League managers – I have no idea how you’re supposed to get this guy out." - Dave Cameron on Joey Votto
by Grahamophone on Jan 21, 2012 3:33 PM EST up reply actions
I doubt it
I think he started Bleed Cubbie Blue and then SBNation co-opted it. Like what happened here at RR.
by Charlie Scrabbles on Jan 21, 2012 3:50 PM EST up reply actions
He is unbearable.
He’s the Murray Chass of SBnation.
"Good luck, National League managers – I have no idea how you’re supposed to get this guy out." - Dave Cameron on Joey Votto
by Grahamophone on Jan 21, 2012 3:54 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Fuck Murray Chass
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."
The dude is a buttwipe.
"Good luck, National League managers – I have no idea how you’re supposed to get this guy out." - Dave Cameron on Joey Votto
by Grahamophone on Jan 21, 2012 3:57 PM EST up reply actions
I don't know if I would say that
He’s not stand-offish and willfully stupid like Chass.
I’d say if SBN were an ice cream buffet, Al Yellon would be ice chips.
by Charlie Scrabbles on Jan 21, 2012 3:57 PM EST up reply actions
Some of the threads that firealyellon linked to
make him come off as willfully stupid.
"Good luck, National League managers – I have no idea how you’re supposed to get this guy out." - Dave Cameron on Joey Votto
by Grahamophone on Jan 21, 2012 3:58 PM EST up reply actions
Hmmm
I mean, I haven’t read anything like that. To me, he comes across as very plain, unimaginative, and dreadfully boring.
by Charlie Scrabbles on Jan 21, 2012 4:01 PM EST up reply actions
P-Doc'd
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
I don't think so
P-Doc is actually quite un-boring. He’s usually pretty provocative and combative. He’s wrong a lot, and infuriating in his ignorance, but he’s not boring. Al puts me to sleep.
by Charlie Scrabbles on Jan 21, 2012 4:04 PM EST up reply actions
I was thinking more about the unimaginative part
and they also are very unwilling to accept new stats.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
P-Doc?
"Good luck, National League managers – I have no idea how you’re supposed to get this guy out." - Dave Cameron on Joey Votto
by Grahamophone on Jan 21, 2012 4:06 PM EST up reply actions
Paul Daughtery
‘He is the Cincinnati Enquirer’s sports columnist.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
ah
"Good luck, National League managers – I have no idea how you’re supposed to get this guy out." - Dave Cameron on Joey Votto
by Grahamophone on Jan 21, 2012 4:09 PM EST up reply actions
I think Doc is more disingenuous than ignorant, like a talk radio host trying to drum up controversy
Spot on about Yellen. I think this article was his attempt to do something a little different, maybe in the mold of Brisbee or Jeff Sullivan. It obviously failed.
I just read through the rest of the comments to Al's piece
Good Lord, I feel bad for him. I mean, very little of what was said was untrue, but still. I don’t know how he handles it all. If I were in his position, I would never been able to take all that. I wonder how much longer he’ll be writing for Baseball Nation.
by Charlie Scrabbles on Jan 22, 2012 11:51 AM EST up reply actions
the existence of firealyellon.wordpress.com
frightens me. They make him sound like a Brennaman or something.
"You said 'walks' twice."
"I like walks."
by Cy Schourek on Jan 22, 2012 12:50 PM EST up reply actions
yeah, i don't like that
I guess it is okay for baseball managers and real members of the media, but Yellon really isn’t all that far removed from the writers here.
Fire Joe Morgan was at least witty, and while Joe Morgan was who it was named after, they went after everyone, and it wasn’t person. The Yellon site is very personal, and really what drives somebody to make that website?
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
by Yossarian22 on Jan 22, 2012 12:56 PM EST up reply actions
I would categorize his article today as stupid and obstinate.
"Good luck, National League managers – I have no idea how you’re supposed to get this guy out." - Dave Cameron on Joey Votto
by Grahamophone on Jan 21, 2012 4:12 PM EST up reply actions
Definitely
It’s childish, shallow, and needlessly spiteful. But I think this is an exceptional case. Normally, he’s just boring.
by Charlie Scrabbles on Jan 21, 2012 4:13 PM EST up reply actions
how does writing at SBN's main page work?
This honestly reads like Doc or Mariotti or someone. If it was a fanpost here, it wouldn’t get traction. I’m surprised they let it sit next to the Bisbees and Neyers of the world.
"You said 'walks' twice."
"I like walks."
I'm sure they had some group discussion about how to populate the stable of Baseball Nation writers
To his credit, Al is is prolific and workman-like. Quantity matters when trying to get traffic to a new blog.
by Charlie Scrabbles on Jan 21, 2012 4:18 PM EST up reply actions
Not really
the article he put up today was total garbage, and required little research to write. Anybody with a basic knowledge of baseball and better writing skills than me can do that.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
This is the same guy who wrote that garbage articles on where the remaining free agents will go
He thinks Coco will retire.
He does little research and his conclusions tell me he is lazy.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
Yeah, bottom line is that no matter what you really want from a writer
Yellon is not likely to deliver it.
expectations are premeditated resentments - cheshirecat
Red Reporter: Al Yellon is not welcomed here
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
he's more than welcome here, actually.
He can stop by and chat whenever he wants.
That doesn’t mean I get much out of reading what he writes, though.
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jan 21, 2012 6:09 PM EST up reply actions
he had a really good interview with a Cubs GM back a few years ago.
"You said 'walks' twice."
"I like walks."
I think Neyer has slipped since he left ESPN personally.
"Good luck, National League managers – I have no idea how you’re supposed to get this guy out." - Dave Cameron on Joey Votto
by Grahamophone on Jan 21, 2012 4:19 PM EST up reply actions
He's a different writer than 10 years ago
I wish he wrote more than the occasional longer piece, like his recent Moneyball diary. But he stopped doing that while he was still at ESPN.
I sorta feel bad for him, because he gets so much hate
And it’s not like I wouldn’t find a way to shoehorn the Reds in to everything I wrote If I was a writer over there. But still, that’s a douchetacular article
The secret, is to hit the computer with a hammer
Do not feel bad for him, especially if he gets paid.
if he wants to use his Cubs “expertise” when it is useful that is one thing. But if you drink a 12 pack every day Al writes are an article that mentions the Cubs, your liver would fall out of your ass within 6 months. They have other writers from various SBN team blogs, who do not mention their team in nearly every article.
Plus even when he doesn’t write about the Cubs, his analysis is P-Doc level at best.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
My liver is still in my ass, your theory is disproven
"Wait, you think I'm being mean to the pretend orangutan?" -- battlekow
I'd be willing to be that most people here (including you) could
write an article for Baseball Nation without alluding to Cincinnati.
"Good luck, National League managers – I have no idea how you’re supposed to get this guy out." - Dave Cameron on Joey Votto
by Grahamophone on Jan 21, 2012 2:40 PM EST up reply actions
*bet
"Good luck, National League managers – I have no idea how you’re supposed to get this guy out." - Dave Cameron on Joey Votto
by Grahamophone on Jan 21, 2012 2:40 PM EST up reply actions
Reds rule
Mgr., Red Reporter
"Bootsy, you're a superstar right?"
"Twinkle, twinkle, babble."
by RijoSaboCaseyWKRP on Jan 21, 2012 3:13 PM EST up reply actions
That article was really about the Cubs.
“The Marlins are bush league. Here’s why. Yada yada yada . . . Cubs. The Marlins are tasteless. Yada yada yada . . . Cubs. The Marlins can kiss my ass. Yada yada yada . . . Cubs.”
"Good luck, National League managers – I have no idea how you’re supposed to get this guy out." - Dave Cameron on Joey Votto
by Grahamophone on Jan 21, 2012 2:37 PM EST up reply actions
yeah
I thought it was pretty ridiculous.
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jan 21, 2012 2:56 PM EST up reply actions
I clicked on it on the sidebar, then x'ed out once I read the words "lounge act"
after all the comments here, I tried to force myself to read the article. It kind of needs an editor and/or a warm glass of milk.
"You said 'walks' twice."
"I like walks."
ha, I did the exact same thing
I was yawning after 10 words
Fuck lion say what! i got a fuck lion now come fuck wit me
Any time I read the words "Al Yellon" I just skip it.
Let a man come in and do the Popcorn.
Crum-Bum Beat
Pretty much did the same
Saw and rec’d KMIB’s opening comment, stayed for the car crash that was the rest of the thread.
I'm going to miss the name Fausto Carmona
that was a cool name. I wonder if Roberto Heredia chose Faust-o because he had a wry sense of humor about the deal he was making.
Mgr., Red Reporter
"Bootsy, you're a superstar right?"
"Twinkle, twinkle, babble."
by RijoSaboCaseyWKRP on Jan 21, 2012 3:17 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Best sports alias since Ron Mexico
Hopefully someone creates a Fausto Carmona name generator soon…
http://ronmexico.kainalopallo.com/
Yeah, that's a great name
He sounds like a pirate. “Fausto Carmona, scourge of the Azores!”
by Charlie Scrabbles on Jan 21, 2012 3:52 PM EST up reply actions
He made a deal with the devil for 2007
so Faust-o seemed appropriate
expectations are premeditated resentments - cheshirecat
by kcgard2 on Jan 21, 2012 5:21 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I was a confirmed Firefox user for 6 years, but I don't like it as much after the recent updates.
I’m on a Mac, and I’ve tried Safari, Chrome, and Opera. What do the other Mac users say? I like having a “go-to” browser and I never thought it would take me this long to settle down.
"Good luck, National League managers – I have no idea how you’re supposed to get this guy out." - Dave Cameron on Joey Votto
Safari is slower than the others for me.
"Good luck, National League managers – I have no idea how you’re supposed to get this guy out." - Dave Cameron on Joey Votto
by Grahamophone on Jan 21, 2012 3:40 PM EST up reply actions
I'd say Chrome is the best, followed by Firefox
but I’ve been hesitant to install the updates
Fuck lion say what! i got a fuck lion now come fuck wit me
For Firefox? Rightfully so.
I don’t understand the hype over Safari. I’m always looking for a small time browser that adds a lot of features.
"Good luck, National League managers – I have no idea how you’re supposed to get this guy out." - Dave Cameron on Joey Votto
by Grahamophone on Jan 21, 2012 4:13 PM EST up reply actions
I really liked Opera for two months then I installed an update
and since then it crashes more frequently than Chrome. It also struggles with SBNation and Fangraphs.
"Good luck, National League managers – I have no idea how you’re supposed to get this guy out." - Dave Cameron on Joey Votto
by Grahamophone on Jan 21, 2012 4:20 PM EST up reply actions
I have a slightly older version of Firefox and I turned off updates
because if you don’t, some versions update automatically.
expectations are premeditated resentments - cheshirecat
Opera's not bad,
I usually stick with firefox because I support Mozilla. But I’m starting to lose my love of mozilla – they make it tougher than it ought to be to combine a calendar, chat, and e-mail.
"You said 'walks' twice."
"I like walks."
I used Firefox for years
but a little over a year ago, after an excruciatingly awful update, I switched to Chrome. I love it.
by Charlie Scrabbles on Jan 21, 2012 4:16 PM EST up reply actions
I sometimes switch to chrome when firefox is grumpy
but it just never quite sits well with me. I feel like it tries to out-clever me, but often fails.
I probably should move on from Mozilla. But I like Thunderbird too much, and I don’t know any other free e-mail client worth moving on to. I tried Zimbra for a while but it was a bit too clunky.
"You said 'walks' twice."
"I like walks."
I hesitate to change
I did start using Firefox until I spent a lot of time on a friend’s computer which only had Firefox, and I realized if nothing else it sometimes corrects my spelling.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
I've been on Firefox since it was called Firebird
/Shakesfistatcloud
"Wait, you think I'm being mean to the pretend orangutan?" -- battlekow
x
The secret, is to hit the computer with a hammer
by DerekH91 on Jan 21, 2012 6:32 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
damn, fucked up the reference
"Wait, you think I'm being mean to the pretend orangutan?" -- battlekow
Yeah, my parents had Firefox that auto-updated
and it was AWFUL. In fact, I think the DL had a virus. Chrome is alright, but it’s not really better than Firefox IMO. Just slightly different.
expectations are premeditated resentments - cheshirecat
If the update was infected, it would have made huge news
"Wait, you think I'm being mean to the pretend orangutan?" -- battlekow
The greatest Opera version ever was the one that rendered MSN-driven sites in Swedish Chef
"Wait, you think I'm being mean to the pretend orangutan?" -- battlekow
I'll use this as my opportunity to say that I've made the switch from Internet Explorer to Google Chrome
However, I still think Chrome gives me more problems than IE ever did, until IE’s latest version when they tried to become more like the other browsers. I’ve never understood the hate that Internet Explorer gets.
by Brendanukkah on Jan 23, 2012 12:14 AM EST up reply actions
if you like IE
why’d you switch?
I hate IE. I started out with Netscape, and never really took to IE.
I love Firefox. It’s Netscape-like. ;-) And I love the extensions. There are some extensions I can’t surf the net without these days.
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
The latest version of IE is horribly obnoxious
Everything before it worked great.
by Brendanukkah on Jan 23, 2012 8:31 AM EST up reply actions
really?
I probably haven’t tried it yet.
Couldn’t you just use an older version? A lot of people are still using IE 6.
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
'nukkah is dead on, IE 9 is a flaming pile of poo
I don’t know what they were thinking.
"Wait, you think I'm being mean to the pretend orangutan?" -- battlekow
it's the Windows Vista of Internet Browsers
The ends justify the means
by Highlifeman21 on Jan 23, 2012 8:10 PM EST up reply actions
Chrome is great for SB nation
but I have 10 years of favorite sites in IE, so I’ll always go back
@DavefrmLville.....is fun to follow on twiiter!
by Dave from Louisville on Jan 21, 2012 3:42 PM EST reply actions
There are sites you can move your bookmarks to
that allow you to access them from any computer/browser.
"Good luck, National League managers – I have no idea how you’re supposed to get this guy out." - Dave Cameron on Joey Votto
by Grahamophone on Jan 21, 2012 3:44 PM EST up reply actions
Or most browswers import them for you, if you want
expectations are premeditated resentments - cheshirecat
Where did it go?
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
MLB network is great
I don’t know why I don’t watch it more
@DavefrmLville.....is fun to follow on twiiter!
by Dave from Louisville on Jan 21, 2012 3:46 PM EST reply actions
I watch it entirely too much and DVR a shit ton of their programming.
“World Series Highlights” and “Clubhouse Confidential” are both fantastic
Let a man come in and do the Popcorn.
Crum-Bum Beat
Funny story
Shortly after Intentional Talk debuted, I said something on twitter about it sucking. A few weeks later, Sean Casey (name drop) was in town to do a game. He says to me, “You’re on twitter, right?” I said, “Yeah, why?” He says, “One of the execs was asking if I knew who you were. Said you were talking shit about Intentional Talk. He was wondering who the hell you were.”
I was surprised since I think all I said was something along the lines of “Intentionatl Talk is intentionally boring.” (probably even lamer than that) I guess he was bothered by a Sofa King making such a statement.
When did media people get so damn sensitive?
Follow on Twitter: @jluckhaupt. Buy The Wire-to-Wire Reds today!
Heavy is the crown
eh, Sofa King?
by Charlie Scrabbles on Jan 23, 2012 10:01 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I have been watching all the top ten getting pumped about fantasy baseball draft
Just send me a DM on twitter when you set it up.
@DavefrmLville.....is fun to follow on twiiter!
by Dave from Louisville on Jan 22, 2012 12:29 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
oh yeah
what happened with that, do i have a spot?
Fuck lion say what! i got a fuck lion now come fuck wit me
The story of UncleWeez's administrator privileges...
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
I taped their "Baseball's Seasons" things last year all offseason
"Aroldis Chapman is a seven course meal followed by four hours of sex on the table with a nymphomaniac model heiress who owns her own brewery." - jch24
by BK on Jan 22, 2012 9:47 AM EST up reply actions
I'm almost DVR more stuff from there than all other stuff combined
I’ve thought about getting a 2nd DVR just so that I can record more of their stuff and not have it delete other things that I still want to watch.
Follow on Twitter: @jluckhaupt. Buy The Wire-to-Wire Reds today!
I listen to MLB on XM.
They have some good stuff too. My only gripe is they have Leatherpants on in the afternoon when I’m on my way home from work. He’s even more full of himself on the radio.
When they start the game, they don't yell, "Work ball." They say, "Play ball." ~Willie Stargell, 1981
I've got Mich Ark, but I'll root for Mizzou
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."
Anybody wish ESPN would block college basketball games out at 2 and a half hours rather than 2 hours?
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
Yes, that's true.
NBA game should block off 3, and football games should block off 3.5.
"Good luck, National League managers – I have no idea how you’re supposed to get this guy out." - Dave Cameron on Joey Votto
by Grahamophone on Jan 21, 2012 3:59 PM EST up reply actions
Close games rarely last less than 2 hours.
with all the fouls and time outs that will be called in the last couple of minutes of the game.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
Or they can all just suck eggs
and let baseball go year ’round!
by Charlie Scrabbles on Jan 21, 2012 4:02 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
but the Verduchi factor!
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
but winter league ball!
"Good luck, National League managers – I have no idea how you’re supposed to get this guy out." - Dave Cameron on Joey Votto
by Grahamophone on Jan 21, 2012 4:06 PM EST up reply actions
Also. Combining my loves:
Bill Bray @B_Line45 1m
Big win for @mutigersdotcom at Baylor. Impressive late in the game #mizzou
Damn, Michigan almost came back to win @ Arkansas
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 guess it doesn't matter if Xavier has gangsters or thugs...they still got beat by Dayton 87-72
“We got a whole bunch of gangsters in our locker room. Not thugs, but tough guys on the court.” – Tu Holloway
I guess Cincy needs the Bearcats to beat WVU so the city can get a split for the weekend.
UC just got hosed. Should have been a technical foul on WVU for Chris Webbering.
Let a man come in and do the Popcorn.
Crum-Bum Beat
yep
With all the refs around, I can’t believe one of them did not see him calling for a time out.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
Inexplicably, the timekeeper stopped the clock when the two guys got tied up.
They stopped it before the guy called for the timeout . The refs said the 2.1 seconds would have run out before the timeout call anyway. Bearcats should have won it when they had the ball with 11 seconds left. Dixon hit the rim.
I don't know why my kids call me that. I think I'm a pretty nice mom.
also true
Until today, the Bearcats have been good at closing out games. They didn’t execute real well down the stretch today.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
In loud situations, the clockkeeper has to anticipate calls
Not his fault the refs completely dicked it up. Had they done their job it would have been a jump ball then a tech on WV for the Webber.
"Wait, you think I'm being mean to the pretend orangutan?" -- battlekow
BE refs are the worst but I think they did the right thing there
"Wait, you think I'm being mean to the pretend orangutan?" -- battlekow
Wherever Ed Hightower is reffing...that's the worst
He’s the absolute worst
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."
Very true, he's made a name for himself in the Big Ten
For all the wrong reasons
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."
The worst thing about Ed Hightower is that every announcer proclaims him as the best official known to man kind.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
SEC football refs are the worst
The end of the Idaho Potato Bowl was the most inept officiating I’ve seen.
The topper was the ref referring to Ohio WR LaVon Brazill as “The Boy”.
Buy RED: My Uncensored Life in Rock by Sammy Hagar, today
Oh wow...that's more than a little racist
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."
obligatory!
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jan 21, 2012 7:28 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
More bad officiating -- Syracuse just got screwed
And I don’t like Syracuse. I don’t like Notre Dame either. I don’t know I even watched that game.
I don't know why my kids call me that. I think I'm a pretty nice mom.
know "why" I watched that game
I don't know why my kids call me that. I think I'm a pretty nice mom.
Yup, 'Cuse got thoroughly screwed tonight
"Wait, you think I'm being mean to the pretend orangutan?" -- battlekow
Good for Dayton
I don’t give a fig for basketball, college or otherwise, but it’s nice to imagine BK’s head exploding.
by Brendanukkah on Jan 23, 2012 12:18 AM EST up reply actions
x
"Aroldis Chapman is a seven course meal followed by four hours of sex on the table with a nymphomaniac model heiress who owns her own brewery." - jch24
by BK on Jan 23, 2012 8:52 AM EST up reply actions 7 recs
dude, no apostraphes in hash tags.
"You said 'walks' twice."
"I like walks."
by Cy Schourek on Jan 23, 2012 10:27 AM EST up reply actions
Also
No apostrophes in “Whose”.
#embarrassed
by Charlie Scrabbles on Jan 23, 2012 10:44 AM EST up reply actions
Yore is line?
"You said 'walks' twice."
"I like walks."
by Cy Schourek on Jan 23, 2012 10:54 AM EST up reply actions
I also care not a whit about non-baseball sports
but yayyyyy UD!
by the finest muffins on Jan 23, 2012 3:20 PM EST up reply actions
I dont know if this has been mentioned
but having the glutony of young pitchers(Latos, Cueto, Leake, Bailey, and Chapman) is absolutely essential for this team. Not a single one of those guys has survived a full major league season without injury, personal issue, or spending partial time in AAA. One of these 5 is going to get hurt (probably in ST because it happens EVERY YEAR) or something else will happen and will make who is where in the rotation a moot point. Best Case scenario, only 1 of these 5 has this problem. Worst case scenario, 2 or 3 suffer this fate and once again the organization is bringing up horrible second options from AAA or pressing one of the relievers(LeCure) to start.
by Jack Armstrong started an All Star Game on Jan 22, 2012 8:54 AM EST via Android app reply actions
x
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jan 22, 2012 5:43 PM EST up reply actions
So I was reading the Wikipedia page on Ted Turner
Apparently shortly after he bought the Braces he wanted one of his pitchers to start going by the Nickname channel and change his number to 17 to publicize his T.V. network.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
I've been saying this as well
don’t let the man get you down for having perfectly reasonable and justified concerns.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
wrong
best case scenario, all 5 are healthy and pitching well.
Fuck lion say what! i got a fuck lion now come fuck wit me
Best case and most likely
most likely I think 1 of them goes do in spring training. It doesn’t take that large of injury for a pitcher to miss serious time, Bill Bray missed a large portion of 2007, because he broke his finger before the spring training schedule opened, and after his finger healed, he needed 4 weeks of rehab to get ready, and strained his shoulder in the rehab, and ended up not making it to the majors until September. That was part of the reason why the 2007 bullpen was a disaster, he could have been a stabilizing force.
"You know when I'm done ranting about elite power that rules the planet under a totalitarian government that uses the media in order to keep people stupid, my throat gets parched. That's why I drink Orange Drink".-Bill Hicks
wait
so injuries could hurt this team? Well I’ll be.
There is no such thing as a perfect roster. You get the best roster you can and hope for the best. The Reds had a ton of depth last year, all over the place. They finished with a losing record. They are MUCH more talented on the pitching staff this year. The fact is, no team can afford to lose their best players (at least no team with the level of resources the Reds have). And having mediocre players everywhere just so that you can afford to have backups isn’t a great strategy either. This Reds team is better than at the start of 2011. Could it still blow up? Sure, but I’d rather have a shot at 92 wins than be pretty much guaranteed 80.
Follow on Twitter: @jluckhaupt. Buy The Wire-to-Wire Reds today!
by Slyde on Jan 23, 2012 9:47 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
and unless my mind has skewed recent history
last year’s dirty birds lost Wainwright in Spring Training and still managed to pull it together.
Tequila and pancakes, anyone?
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jan 23, 2012 10:54 AM EST up reply actions
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