Some Phillies Links For You, June 13, 2011: Realignment Roulette, Still Not Hitting?, Li'l Roy Coming Around
by WholeCamels on Jun 13, 2011 8:12 AM EDT
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PrintPhillies’ Four Aces rounding into form
I still enjoy the fact that people are underselling Cliff Lee's performance so far this season.
Locking up Hamels No. 1 on winter to-do list
YES PLZ DO!
Phillies' Little Roy (Oswalt) getting by with a little less heat
What the I don't even
Phillies: Utley hitting more consistently in last six games
smh
2011 Draft Recap and Analysis | Phuture Phillies
Lengthy and comprehensive. Get a cup of coffee and prepare to lose an hour or so. But worth it!
Phillies Closer Ryan Madson: All-Star Game More Important than World Series - Philliedelphia
Oh for the love of... no. We are not going to do this to another elite player. Right?
Local writers connect with Ashburn
I'm far too young to have seen Rich Ashburn play, but with every weird and unbearable T-Mac and Wheels called game, I miss Whitey and Harry more and more.
PHILS NOTES: Manuel makes an odd move
You don't want to get Roy Oswalt angry.
MLB Power Rankings: White Sox Lead The Way, Astros At The Bottom
Phillies 11th. OK just read it before you lose your minds.
Opposite Stretches, Similar Results | Brotherly Glove
Or: They are what we thought they were!
Realignment talks ongoing between Major League Baseball, players' union
While I'm not reflexively against the idea in practice, I'm getting a little tired of MLB doing everything as a way of accommodating the American League East generally, and the Yankees and Red Sox specifically.
MLB Realignment? Bring It On - Baseball Nation
Rob Neyer makes some good points on Realignment.
Rosenberg, Overbeck lift R-Phils over Curve
Also, Freddy Galvis hit a home run! Which we know because RememberThePhitans saw it with his own two eyes. Ask him, he'll tell the tale!
Strikeouts Galore, Astros Lose 4-1 - The Crawfish Boxes
An increasingly-hirsute Hanson is rounding into the dominant top-of-the-rotation starter we all thought he'd be. Oh no will Talking Chop be mad at me for saying Hanson is a collector of serial killer memorabilia? Because that's not what "hirsute" means. /Joke Killed
Mets 7, Pirates 0: Two-Out, Seventh-Inning Rally Hands Bucs Their Booty
Hey the Mets can handle the Pirates! Must be nice.
D-backs 5, Marlins 1: Hernandez has redeeming effort
The Marlins continue to quickly recede in the division race. And they're coming to town ANGRY. Gulp.
Washington Nationals Win Third Straight, 2-0 Over San Diego Padres, End 11-Game Road Trip 6-5. - Federal Baseball
Nationals: Respectable Beisbol!
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Mets legend Lenny Dykstra
Yeah, I keep deleting every mention of the Phillies on his wiki but somehow it all ends up back on the site.
"Call me dumb, call me stupid, whatever. I block shots."
@boknows71
Your efforts at De-Dykstrafication are hereby duly noted. Your Blog Lords commend your work.
http://www.thegoodphight.com
I love the memory hole.
A proud member of the Church of BaseBa'al
by WanderingMoses on Jun 13, 2011 9:18 AM EDT up reply actions
But when veteran pitchers lose their fastball, it is like losing your virginity; you never get it back.
Alrighty then….
"You can commit no mistake and still lose. That is not a weakness. That is life." - Jean-Luc Picard
The re-alignment talk is interesting and infuriating at the same time. I have my own (somewhat) modest proposal for dealing with it. I say somewhat because it is half unrealistic and half fantasy.
A proud member of the Church of BaseBa'al
half unrealistic and half fantasy.
Also known as every Mets fans outlook on a new season.
"You can commit no mistake and still lose. That is not a weakness. That is life." - Jean-Luc Picard
ZING!
Actually, it would involve contacting six teams and have two twelve-team leagues (whether you have divisions or not is up in the air)….this would be a non-sequitur for the MLBPA
A proud member of the Church of BaseBa'al
by WanderingMoses on Jun 13, 2011 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions
And just curious, who are the unlucky 6?
"You can commit no mistake and still lose. That is not a weakness. That is life." - Jean-Luc Picard
The four teams that came in the 90’s (FL, Colorado, TB, Arizona), the Nationals, and Oakland.
A proud member of the Church of BaseBa'al
by WanderingMoses on Jun 13, 2011 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Oakland might be in danger of going away if they don’t move…just not sure exactly where they are going to go. But their situation is a mess right now.
I want to respond with so much more…
"You can commit no mistake and still lose. That is not a weakness. That is life." - Jean-Luc Picard
poor A's.... how the storied franchise has fallen...
Time was, the Phils were lovable losers, playing the Mets to Connie Mac’s Yankee-esque juggernaut.
Not his fault though… No way he could have known Oakland was going to turn into a shithole that can’t support a team, much less steal fans from the Giants.
by Chutley's Impressed by Mac's Speed on Jun 13, 2011 9:46 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I’m not sure how Cornielius Mack knowing or not knowing anything about Oakland would have mattered at all.
Chuck Finley, maybe.
Oh, wow. I totally just made an Ass out U and Mption, didn’t I?
Yup, just checked & didn’t realize Connie Mack’s devil-spawns sold the team just before the move….
Oh wow, double failure on my part considering the 20 years the spent in Kansas City….
Well, serves me right for cavalierly commenting on a situation without full knowledge of the facts. Consider me humbled.
by Chutley's Impressed by Mac's Speed on Jun 13, 2011 6:29 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Move the A’s to Montreal and Bring back the Expos. And yes, I am dreaming.
We are the Phightin' Irish
by Veni Vidi Vici on Jun 13, 2011 8:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, seriously, if they can be the “Kansas City” Athletics, they can take that name anywhere.
A proud member of the Church of BaseBa'al
by WanderingMoses on Jun 13, 2011 9:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Tradition!
That would be in keeping with baseball’s continuing tradition of always (since 1900) replacing a team that has left a city without a team: Milwaukee, check. Baltimore, check. Kansas City, check. Seattle, check, Washington, check. Montreal, ???
by phillyinportland on Jun 15, 2011 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d be sad if the A’s went away. Great historical franchise (third most World Series wins) with roots in Philadelphia.
http://www.thegoodphight.com
I wasn’t alive when the A’s were in Philly but I always wonder if Philly could support a second team.
I honestly think I would like to see it happen.
"You can commit no mistake and still lose. That is not a weakness. That is life." - Jean-Luc Picard
It would be interesting but I just don’t think Philly could be a two-team city anymore. Plus it’s kinda nice to be the biggest $ingle-team market!
http://www.thegoodphight.com
I just don’t think Philly could be a two-team city anymore
Why is that? What changed?
FWIW, I agree with the general idea. I think especially right now while the Phillies are what they are. If the Phillies were terrible, or turrible if your Charles Barkley then you might be able to get some fans to jump on the A’s bandwagon but certainly not now.
Like I said above, I don’t know where they would move to, I don’t know what city can afford to build a stadium, and if they could, should when most major cities have so many other issues that the money should be better spent on.
"You can commit no mistake and still lose. That is not a weakness. That is life." - Jean-Luc Picard
Technology has changed
First half of the 20th century Major League Baseball was almost exclusively East of the Mississippi and primarily in the North. Biggest reason obviously being the limits of transportation. So many cities had a team in each league. But with the advent of air travel teams then became free to find better markets to have on their own rather than share a city with another team. Hence St Louis, Philadelphia, Boston and New York all lost teams.
The other thing is, you really could make a strong case Philadelphia never supported two teams. The A’s as aforementioned were the Yankees of the town and drew all the fans while the Phils got very little to no support. When the Phils finally got good and the A’s went into decline then that dynamic was reversed. At no time were both teams simultaneously popular.
Like I said above, I don’t know where they would move to
One of my favorite discussions. Initial thoughts: Portland, Vancouver (too close to Seattle?), Charlotte (IMO North Carolina wouldn’t really work)
We should move this over to WM’s thread, but I don’t think the distance between Vancouver and Seattle is an issue. Physical distance per se is never the issue. What matters is whether TV coverage zones and fan bases overlap. In their case they don’t. Even if Seattle and Vancouver were much closer together, they wouldn’t share TV coverage since they’re in different countries. An international border makes a big difference. It also makes the de facto physical difference a lot farther since you can’t just come and go as you please to attend a game. You need a passport and you need to wait in line at the border, etc.
Don't underestimate
Charlotte. The tobacco trail would be a great spot for a team. Orlando, on the other hand (always the subject of where a Florida team should be because of Disney) would be a horrible choice.
I think Boston is actually the biggest single-team market for baseball purposes. Population is bigger (7.56 mill to 6.53). Philadelphia local TV market is bigger in # of TV homes (2.95 to 2.41). But the Red Sox are also in other TV markets while the Phils are basically in Philadelphia only.
I wrote all this out on my personal blog. I am debating whether I should do a Fanpost or Fanshot on it so people here (who are all baseball inclined, obviously) can rip it apart and debate it.
A proud member of the Church of BaseBa'al
by WanderingMoses on Jun 13, 2011 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Do it.
So that I can respond with my thoughts.
"You can commit no mistake and still lose. That is not a weakness. That is life." - Jean-Luc Picard
You convinced me…
A proud member of the Church of BaseBa'al
by WanderingMoses on Jun 13, 2011 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Fanpost up, btw.
A proud member of the Church of BaseBa'al
by WanderingMoses on Jun 13, 2011 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Heck, they could drop two teams and it would still work. I’d say the Nationals and the Marlins.
But I’m definitely opposed to getting rid of divisions. Its boring to just see if our team will make the playoffs- I want their to be a division race. I like that race.
I’m okay with interleague play though. I know its not how the past was, but its time to move into the future.
Eagles next starting QB: "East-West Shrine Game Legend" Mike Kafka
Flyers: Sigh
Phillies:Gah enough with the injuries!.
Do tell…
Offense, offense, where are you?
by dannijd on Jun 13, 2011 11:46 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
The re-alignment talk
Still waiting for that talk about the DH.
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
I hate it. Get rid of it.
If only it were that simple, of course.
A proud member of the Church of BaseBa'al
by WanderingMoses on Jun 13, 2011 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Doesn’t seem to but reading through some of the stuff it’s not bad.
The Madson link is showing a tweet from Ryan Lawrence. So regardless, they are just bringing up something that was originally said by/captured by someone else.
"You can commit no mistake and still lose. That is not a weakness. That is life." - Jean-Luc Picard
FWIW I can get behind a site that does this:
Anyone Know This Douche at the Phillies Game?
"You can commit no mistake and still lose. That is not a weakness. That is life." - Jean-Luc Picard
They are cousins, so says Ronnie’s B-R page.
A proud member of the Church of BaseBa'al
by WanderingMoses on Jun 13, 2011 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Re: the Madson link
The same blog also picked up the “Sarah Madson hates the fans” thing and ran with it. When will bloggers learn that actual quality content, not sensationalist soap-opera drivel, is what leads to a successful blog and wide readership?
As for Madson himself, it’s not that he doesn’t care about the World Series. But he’s been to the World Series twice and has a ring, and he’s never been an All Star. Just look at the dude after he saves a game. His “competitor”-ness is obvious, and anyone who implies otherwise is just being dishonest and trying to stir up controversy where there is none. If you haven’t clicked the link yet, don’t. It’s not worth giving them pageviews. I’m sorry I did.
He might be 35 years old, but boy can he still fly. #FreeScottPods
Brian Gordon can opt out of his contract this Wednesday if he can find a team that will put him on its major league roster. Would anyone consider bringing him up instead of Worley this Saturday? At least give him two or three starts before cutting him loose?
I don’t think I would, but I don’t think it would be crazy either.
I would definitely call him up to see what he can do. He’s a reliever isn’t he?
"You can commit no mistake and still lose. That is not a weakness. That is life." - Jean-Luc Picard
he started 9 games and relieved in 3 this year, although last year he pitched exclusively in relief.
I’d like to see him get a shot in the majors. anyone know of a scouting report on him or have any info on what he throws?
by perfectdepth on Jun 13, 2011 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
best I could come up with
“Gordon’s fastball in the sixth sat at 89-91 mph, and he threw one of his slow curves at 73 mph.
http://toledoblade.typepad.com/coopscoop/2011/05/mud-hens-blog-may-10-2011.html
“In addition to commanding his fastball, Gordon, with assistance from IronPigs pitching coach Rod Nichols, has added a cutter to his arsenal of pitches. He said that has helped him against lefthanded hitters. A year ago lefties batted .291 against him. This year, they were hitting .165 heading into Saturday night. … Heimueller said Gordon’s fastball is typically clocked at 89 to 91 m.p.h.”
by perfectdepth on Jun 13, 2011 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions
I guess the main issue is that he isn’t on the 40-man but there are some options there. Drew Naylor or Harold Garcia could be put on the 60-day DL. Brian Bocock could be released.
This obviously isn’t exactly a decision of earth-shattering importance, but it couldn’t hurt too much to take a look, especially if they’re going to lose him if they don’t. I do think Worley is more likely to do better though.
The other issue...
Is Gordon himself. If you were him, and had a chance to play in the bigs with someone else, or stay in philly with the promise of being a AAAA guy, get a spot start here or there, and be added to the 40 man, what would you do?
The more I think about it, the more it’s probably a moot point if someone else is willing to take the shot and add him. He likely goes in a heartbeat.
how does the opt out work
If we call him up, though? does it void it, or just delay it?
He’s an interesting story. Spent 10 years in Arizona, LAA and Houstons systems as an outfielder, then converted to a pitcher in 2007. in 12 games (9 starts) this year he’s averaging 9.1 K/9 to just 1.1 BB, with 56k’s in 55 innings to just 7 BB’s,with a 1.14 era.
I’m on the fence, myself, but he’s exactly the kind of guy you WOULD bring up on Saturday, to see if he can hack it, IMO. Based on his peripherals, last year at Lehigh as a reliever (9.9 k/9, 2.2 bb/9, in 78 IP) and his numbers this year as a starter, (flexibility) I would think someone who needs pitching would add him and give him a shot.
I don’t have a copy of his contract in front of me, but I think it would be a good educated guess to say that if he’s put on the Phillies major league roster, he won’t be able to opt out. Why would the Phillies have given him that option in that circumstance? What would have been the benefit for the team of signing him in the first place?
Makes sense I guess. I was more wondering what happened if he was added and sent back down to AAA, if he could opt out at that point. The nmore I thinkk about it, the more I realize its about a guaranteed ML deal, as opposed to a roster spot.
If he was added and sent down, he’d have to go through waivers, in which case any other major league team that was willing to put him on their roster would be able to. Which would operate exactly the same way as his current opt-out, which he can only exercise if he can find another major league team who will put him on its roster.
This has been helpful, TP and everyone. The link posted yesterday in the game thread was confusing to me. It appears that any “tampering” concerns are waived by the contract, right? Because otherwise he would have no way to get on another team without the Phillies say-so.
This is my Cerberus .sig, while the regular one is on the DL.
Must be. This is the first time I’ve ever heard of this particular kind of clause, but giving players permission to speak to other teams is not unheard of. For instance, Toronto allowing the Phillies to negotiate an extension with Roy Halladay while the two teams negotiated their trade, and the Twins doing the same with the Mets during the Johan Santana trade negotiations.
Also of note in there, Martinez signed. Good, get an early jump on the pro career. I actually heard Lakewood for him, though I have my doubts about that.
I gotta think he starts in Williamsport, goes to Lakewood for cuppa cawfee if he’s just thrashing.
http://www.thegoodphight.com
williamsport
So let’s see here.
College draftees (first 20 rounds):
Martinez (mlb.com says SS – isn’t he a 3B?), Adam Morgan (LHP), Cody Asche (3B), Zachary Wright {C}, Austin Wright (LHP), Colton Murray (RHP), Trey Ford (3B), John Black (SS), Drew Hillman (3B), John Hill {C}, Peter Lavin (OF)
Prospects who played there last year and aren’t in higher leagues:
Aaron Altherr (OF), Kelly Dugan (OF), Kyrell Hudson (OF), Percival Garner (RHP)
Age-appropriate guys who played in GCL last year and did okay:
Francisco Diaz {C}, Marlon Mitchell {C}, Stephen Malcolm (SS), Nerio Rios (SS), Lino Martinez (P), Jesus Pirela (P), Orlando Garces (P), Juary Gomez (P)
Guys who were hurt last year:
Gauntlett Eldemire (OF), Michael Nesseth (P)
Martinez
has played some short from time to time, but he’s definitely a 3B.
by perfectdepth on Jun 13, 2011 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions
They say he might switch to being a catcher, which to me is very interesting for two reasons. 1. You always need catcher prospects and 2. Our catching prospects have netted us some good talent.
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
I’ve not heard that at all. Can you give me a link?
by philsandthrills on Jun 13, 2011 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Yacksel Rios signed too. So that leaves the following HS and JC guys in the top 30 rounds.
Larry Greene (CA), Roman Quinn (2), Mitchell Walding (5), Kenneth Giles (7), Jake Overbey (10), Tyler Greene (11), Ryan Garvey (15), Jesen Dygestile-Therrien (17), Riley Moore (21), Braden Shull (27)
10 total
I’d give it a shot
do you poop on parties professionally, or do you just do it as a hobby?
by CoburnsCuddleBuddy on Jun 13, 2011 11:45 AM EDT reply actions
whoops, this is in response to TP
do you poop on parties professionally, or do you just do it as a hobby?
by CoburnsCuddleBuddy on Jun 13, 2011 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions
ESPN says the Marlins might move to the AL under a realignment proposal
Looks like Back to the Future 2 might have been on to something.
by RaptorLC on Jun 13, 2011 1:30 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I don’t have time to follow this closely right now, but I think I recall that when the Diamondbacks were brought into the NL, they had to agree to be moved to the AL if MLB so desired. Don’t think that will happen, but it could come into the mix.
This is my Cerberus .sig, while the regular one is on the DL.
I always forget they’re an NL team anyway. Of course, we could just send the Brewers back. I’m not sure why the hell they switched in the first place, thereby creating the imbalance that Bud now feels he needs to correct.
Bud does NOT feel it needs to be corrected!
Oh wait, not referring to me? :-))
The move by Selig was intentional to avoid the 15-15 problem cited above. As I recall, the rumor was the KC was offered a move to the NL first and declined (d’oh!). The Brewers then gratefully accepted.
(I just realized I went third person above. Greg Dobbs approves).
This is my Cerberus .sig, while the regular one is on the DL.
The Brewers were also easy to sell on the idea because they were owned by Selig’s family at the time. The argument for moving the Brewers at the time was that Mikwaukee was a National League city because the Braves had played there on their way from Boston to Atlanta.
Offense, offense, where are you?
by dannijd on Jun 13, 2011 6:00 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
This guy is brilliant
* The Phillies have won 40 games and have the best record in the majors. If you can explain it, get to Washington immediately and solve the debt crisis.
I won’t even get into the Flyers/GT post above it, but seriously? Why are they winning? Really? I feel this needs the Seth Meyers/Amy Poehler treatment.
What kind of plane is it? Oh, it's a big pretty white plane with red stripes, curtains in the windows and wheels and it looks like a big ol' Tylenol.
I was going to post a picture of a smashed computer screen here, and I typed in "smashes computer screen" into google images because I remember a gif, but then I found this.
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
LOL
I probably shouldn’t get rankled anymore, but occasionally, this shit really bothers me. It just ratchets up the ignorance level of the base. Why can’t more people call these guys out for being lazy?
What kind of plane is it? Oh, it's a big pretty white plane with red stripes, curtains in the windows and wheels and it looks like a big ol' Tylenol.
In the interest of killing the joke, I can do both things.
1. They have 40 wins because they have scored 42 more runs than their opponents.
2. To solve the debt crisis, raise taxes on the rich and cut our grotesquely large military budget.
I’m a fucking genius. At least that’s what I’ve been told.
The Good Phight, Big Black Kids, and now NotGraphs. Fun!
On #2, that’s good and all, but what would you do about the trillion or so remaining?
/Snark
by philsandthrills on Jun 13, 2011 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions
I assume you mean remaining to be cut. I would eliminate all oil and farm subsidies and reduce corporate tax breaks.
/dannijd’d/
Actually, you wouldn’t be able to erase the national debt, obviously, but you could easily turn the budget deficit into a surplus by cutting just a portion of the military budget. Raising taxes on the rich would also do wonders.
The Good Phight, Big Black Kids, and now NotGraphs. Fun!
Anyway, you’re supposed to run a deficit during a recession, on purpose. If your budget is balanced, you’re doing something wrong. If anything, the goal should be to make the short-term deficit bigger. You balance the budget or run a surplus when the economy is strong. When the economy recovers, revenue will increase drastically and the deficit will be much smaller even the rates aren’t raised. The problem now is that nobody’s paying taxes because you can’t pay taxes if you’re not making any income.
/joke annihilated
Okay Mr. Keynes.
Fun historical tidbit: the Polish Marxist economist Michel Kalecki arrived at the same findings as Keynes’s did in his “General Theory” and had priority of publication, but declined to exercise that right. Interesting.
The Good Phight, Big Black Kids, and now NotGraphs. Fun!
As far as funny economist go, I don’t think you can beat Marx. And no, not Groucho. And no, I’m not biased. Dude seriously had jokes.
The Good Phight, Big Black Kids, and now NotGraphs. Fun!
I don’t know what you’re talking about. We obviously need to spend 80 billion dollars on our nuclear arsenal even though the Cold War’s been over for 20 years. Additionally, if every congressman with a port in their district wants the Navy to build a gunship they don’t need there, then they should be able to do so. And finally, if some general wants a 50-person staff, that’s his right, you godless heathen. Go back to Russia!
In all seriousness, I know I just stomped this joke into the ground, but I feel quite strongly about this issue.
by ThinMountainAir on Jun 13, 2011 9:01 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Cliff Lee
I could understand being underwhelmed with Cliff Lee early in the year, but lately he’s been nothing but dominant. Like, amazingly dominant. Perhaps even scarily.
But some people have trouble understand what “What have you done for me now” means, and think it means “There was one time you messed up and that’s all I remember.”
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
I swear, you could set your watch by Florida’s early June vanishing act. They do this every year, and yet somehow people still fall for it.
Watching them fall through the standings over the past couple of weeks has made me wonder- are the Marlins a good team going through a rough patch, or are they an average team that is slamming back to earth after a really good start? TGP’s thoughts?
Offense, offense, where are you?
by dannijd on Jun 13, 2011 3:29 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Meh…. Couldn’t he hang out on the DL for a few more games?
Offense, offense, where are you?
by dannijd on Jun 13, 2011 6:02 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
But I thought they were winning in March and April despite and not because of Hanley (.210/.306/.309 is not exactly an inspiring triple slash line).
Offense, offense, where are you?
by dannijd on Jun 13, 2011 6:18 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Neither. This is their identity. They look like contenders in April and May, then when the middle of the season rolls around, they plummet into obscurity in the NL East. They’ll still finish 3rd in the division, but we won’t be kicking their name around in September.
by Senor Octubre on Jun 13, 2011 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, except those years when they win the World Series.
by FearTheTurtIe on Jun 13, 2011 7:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Phillies Looking At Right-Handed Hitting Outfielders
"You can commit no mistake and still lose. That is not a weakness. That is life." - Jean-Luc Picard
The difference being the Phillies could actually acquire a RH bat.
"You can commit no mistake and still lose. That is not a weakness. That is life." - Jean-Luc Picard
Another being that the improvement to Nikk.m’s situation would be significantly greater.
Celebrating 50 years of slightly more Phils wins than losses: 1962-2011
schmenk is such a nice guy that I think it was probably obvious to everyone here except you that he meant what he said in a perfectly friendly and good-humored way. It speaks volumes about you that you would reflexively react in this manner.
Wow, that was unjustified. Can’t take a joke?
by philsandthrills on Jun 13, 2011 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s turned into the player haters ball around here lately. I don’t know whether to love it or hate it.
The Good Phight, Big Black Kids, and now NotGraphs. Fun!
I've been pretty amused by it, myself
Now if you’ll excuse me, I gotta go change the water in hunterfan’s momma’s dish.
by Chutley's Impressed by Mac's Speed on Jun 13, 2011 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions
it took Buster Olney
less than a week to refute Reubens claims… Too bad he’s so shortsighted and lazy as to only speculate on the two more obvious names (Willingham and Cuddyer)
Check out the comment section on that article. The Juan rivera idea intrigues the hell out of me, especially when you look at his splits. his line against LHP this year is 356 .434 .511 .945 in 53 PA, with 7 BB and only 4K’s. Thats WITH a .366 BABIP
unfortunately, he’s hitting 213 .272 .299 .571 against RHP, with 13BB and 31k’s, with a .242 BABIP
But he’s only making 5 million this year, only signed through this season, and Toronto would likely pick up a chunk of that salary for a mid level prospect or two…
I’m not bullish on any of this. Rivera, Willingham, et al. are alright, but when and where would they play? As schmenk suggests above, I don’t see a whole lot of room for improvement in the outfield. In the case of Domonic Brown, even if there was a lot of room for improvement (and I doubt there is), I would still rather play Brown for developmental reasons.
If we’re going to pick up one of these guys to be a pinch hitter, that’s fine, but then the cost had better be commensurate with that – that is, it had better be tiny.
Let hope that when Rube is on the Wheel he can solve the puzzle. Or at least buy a "U"
_ A R _ I N A L
_ T I L I T _
Phrase (2 words)
Marginal utility?
We already have four of those don’t we?
by Joecatz on Jun 13, 2011 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
No offense, TP
But i’m of the opinion that if we make a move for a RH bat, it’s not going to affect the everyday outfield, especially when it comes to Brown, its going to improve the bench. A guy like Rivera can play the outfield and spell Howard from time to time at 1B against a tough lefty. It makes a lot of sense.
Look at what Francisco, Martinez, Valdez and Mayberry have done against LHP this season. We desperately need a RH bat that can hit LHP.
And no, I wouldn’t advocate trading a level prospects for a Josh Willingham, or even Hunter Pence, but if you can get someone like Rivera and toronto picks up most of whats left for a B level guy, or 2, I’d do it in a heartbeat.
Heck, I’d advocate trading Francisco if it means improving our offense.
Francisco for Rivera, with Toronto paying all or most of Rivera’s salary, is interesting. Don’t know if they’d do that.
This is my Cerberus .sig, while the regular one is on the DL.
What I like about that
Is it’s a true “trade”. Half season of Rivera for half season and remaining arbitration control of Francisco. Mayberry is a more cost effective option in that role next year, anyway.
I really believe for some reason that Francisco is going to be traded at the deadline if we go after a bat.
by Joecatz on Jun 13, 2011 7:08 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Cosart is back on the mound for Clearwater today
Starts off by striking out the side swinging.
by philsandthrills on Jun 13, 2011 7:29 PM EDT reply actions
I like how Cosart’s had kind of a sneaky good year. Started off lukewarm and then really hit his stride slightly under the radar.
Tyson Gillies getting the day off today.
Well his strikeout rate and walk rate started out really lousy, but his GB rate has been strong all year. And in his recent stretch, the K’s have been there.
by philsandthrills on Jun 13, 2011 7:37 PM EDT up reply actions
lakewood
Never-Nervous Ervis Manzanillo on the mound, sporting a 5.43 ERA but only a 3.73 FIP. Also’s been inconsistent as all get-out.
Better than Cosart. Oof. That Daytona team is absolutely insane.
by philsandthrills on Jun 13, 2011 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions
correction
5.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 6 K
6 GB, 1 LD, 6 FB
Good news: he was facing an all-righty lineup.
Former Phillies prospect Carlos Carrasco is pitching for the Indians on ESPN right now.
Writer at SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog, The Brotherly Game. Follow me on Twitter.
Yay Captain Underpants!
A proud member of the Church of BaseBa'al
by WanderingMoses on Jun 13, 2011 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions
I am watching the game, but I stepped out right before he hit it. Nice description, indeed.
A proud member of the Church of BaseBa'al
by WanderingMoses on Jun 13, 2011 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Isn’t he on a 25 game hitting streak?
by philsandthrills on Jun 13, 2011 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions
23.
Offense, offense, where are you?
by dannijd on Jun 13, 2011 9:13 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Only if we gave up a ham sandwich/bag o’balls for him and the Western AAA team picked up the entirety of the tab.
A proud member of the Church of BaseBa'al
by WanderingMoses on Jun 13, 2011 9:03 PM EDT up reply actions
He’s good, but he’s not this good. .383 BABIP is sure to fall significantly.
by philsandthrills on Jun 13, 2011 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions
entering tonight's game
2010: 6.2 BB%, 17.1 K%, .179 ISO, 14.6 LD%, 53.1 GB%, 32.2 FB%, 9.7 IFFB%, .304 BABIP
2011: 6.3 BB%, 22.1 K%, .176 ISO, 16.7 LD%, 51.7 GB%, 31.6 FB%, 10.6 IFFB%, .383 BABIP
So the higher LD and K rates are what is driving the higher BABIP.
A proud member of the Church of BaseBa'al
by WanderingMoses on Jun 13, 2011 9:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah. He’s not much different than he was last year, besides the slight uptick in LD%. That makes him a decently valuable player, but not one to give up a major haul for.
Also, the increase in strikeouts is concerning.
by philsandthrills on Jun 13, 2011 9:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Here are some of his 2010 RAR components, vs. 2011 pace.
2010: 12.4 batting, 2.8 baserunning, 1.4 fielding
2011: 34.4 batting, -0.5 baserunning, -3.7 fielding
he has a much better shot put throw than Raul
"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." - Inigo
Honestly, I don’t find that all that valuable. Clearly, he’s not going to keep up that level of BABIP for the whole season, so his current pace is relatively unimportant.
by philsandthrills on Jun 13, 2011 9:18 PM EDT up reply actions
The point I was trying to illustrate was that all of his increase (in fact, more than 100% of his increase) in WAR is attributable to his batting. Since we’ve already established that nearly all of his batting improvement is due to BABIP, that means all of his overall improvement is also due to BABIP.
.232/.311/.374 line this year.
A .264 BABIP has hurt him some, but he is getting on in years.
by philsandthrills on Jun 13, 2011 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions
He had a good May, but his June has been pretty awful.
by philsandthrills on Jun 13, 2011 9:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Anyway, the point is to get a guy who can be a good temporary solution while we hope for a prospect or two to develop. I don’t want to sink a big contract into the position unless and until we know it has to be done. Any temporary solution you get is going to have warts in some areas or risks in some areas. As Jason Peters said, ain’t nobody perfect.
Absolutely. And I don’t think Pence is a good choice as temporary solution, unless he doesn’t require much in prospects to get him.
by philsandthrills on Jun 13, 2011 9:27 PM EDT up reply actions
I have it as 14.0 on Fangraphs. Are you on BB-Ref? (Do they use a different measurement system?)
And wow, take a look at his UZR for this year. +16.5 UZR/150?!? Come on, no chance. I know he just moved to the corner, but still.
I was talking about Pence. I now realize you’re talking about Torii Hunter.
by philsandthrills on Jun 13, 2011 9:34 PM EDT up reply actions
wouldn’t mind pursuing Hunter if he wasn’t signed for 2012 for $18M (!). that’s a ridiculous amount of money for any 36-year-old.
by perfectdepth on Jun 13, 2011 9:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Haha, I was confused for a second. It’s weird that we started discussing two different Hunters.
by philsandthrills on Jun 13, 2011 9:33 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s only for one year though. My theory is that if the Phillies say they’re willing to eat that salary, then they won’t have to give up anything in the way of prospects, which to me will be worth the tradeoff.
good point. still strikes me as a risky move, but I can definitely see the logic.
by perfectdepth on Jun 13, 2011 9:40 PM EDT up reply actions
The angels
Will eat some of that salary. They have to. They have no place for trout next season, and a surplus of high paid outfielders. Abreu only needs 150 ab’s for his 9 mm option to kick in.
also, on pace for 43 double plays, which would comfortably break Jim Rice’s single-season record (36). partly a result of hitting behind some fairly high OBPs, but wow.
by perfectdepth on Jun 13, 2011 9:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Honestly
Thats the best option I’ve seen anywhere. Especially now that it looks like abreu’s option is gonna kick in for next year and the angels might be sellers. Much better option than hunter pence, basically because whoever goes after pence is buying way too high unless the gm knows how to absolutely rape Ed wade.
Wait a second….
Pitched around the leadoff double to the Drunk™. Still 2-0.
A proud member of the Church of BaseBa'al
by WanderingMoses on Jun 13, 2011 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Don’t look now, but Clearwater’s making a comeback.
by philsandthrills on Jun 13, 2011 9:25 PM EDT reply actions
Leandro Castro ties the game with a double. Sweet.
by philsandthrills on Jun 13, 2011 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions
This just in, and I don’t know if anyone knew this…but Michael Bourn is really really fast.
A proud member of the Church of BaseBa'al
It’s possible that, when all is said and done, Ed Wade will have gotten the better end of both of his major trades with the Phillies.
There are at least 4 different scenarios for those outcomes, most likely. I would bank on one of the middle scenarios.
A proud member of the Church of BaseBa'al
by WanderingMoses on Jun 13, 2011 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions
we’ve been down this road before and I can’t see the Astros winning a world series anytime soon…so, it depends on your measuring stick
"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." - Inigo
Do the Yankees ever score a run that isn’t on a homer?
"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." - Inigo
Leo Nunez in the 6th inning? Did I miss something or is he just getting some needed work because there haven’t been any games to save recently?
"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." - Inigo
Not really a new development, but man is Eric Pettis good.
by philsandthrills on Jun 13, 2011 9:38 PM EDT reply actions
My bad….5-0.
A proud member of the Church of BaseBa'al
by WanderingMoses on Jun 13, 2011 9:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Jesus….7-0.
A proud member of the Church of BaseBa'al
by WanderingMoses on Jun 13, 2011 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions
I see mention of Hunter Pence & Torii Hunter as possible RH bat trade candidates, but has anyone mention Delmon Young? He is set to become a free agent after next season and with Span signed through 2015, the contracts of Mauer and Morneau, and their desire to land a long term ace…I don’t think the Twins can resign him. Any thoughts?
"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." - Inigo
maybe a function of a team wide slump, but nonetheless, he’s been heating up… plus I think his best years are still ahead of him. potential .290, 25 HRs, 90 RBIs type player in the 5 hole for the next 5-6 years IMO.
"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." - Inigo
by DirtyWaters on Jun 13, 2011 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions
and he hits lefties well
"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." - Inigo
by DirtyWaters on Jun 13, 2011 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions
true, but he is only 25 and that can improve…just think of it as replacing Polanco’s career 5.3% after next season
"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." - Inigo
by DirtyWaters on Jun 13, 2011 10:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Delmon Young is really not a good player. he’s notably poor defensively in left field (according to both TZ & UZR). and he can’t hit even close to enough to offset that.
I know he’s young, but none of the peripherals that might be cause for optimism have shown any improvement. his LD% has actually dropped every year he’s been in the majors, to a low of 15.2% in 2011. and he hasn’t shown any improvement in P/PA or BB% that would make you think he’s learning how to take walks.
and as the final negative, his youth doesn’t have any benefits in salary, because he’s already got more than 4 years of service time and is making more than $5M.
I see posters on MLBTR sometimes suggest Young for the Phillies, and I am consistently stunned. he’s simply a really bad player! I guess if he’s your fifth OF and LHP pinch-hitter, he might not hurt your team that much. but that’s pretty much it.
by perfectdepth on Jun 14, 2011 8:02 AM EDT up reply actions
In other news...
Michelle Bachman is running for President…getcha popcorn ready!
"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." - Inigo
For pure comedic value, I hope there’s a debate that is only her and Santorum
We are the Phightin' Irish
by Veni Vidi Vici on Jun 13, 2011 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I better stay out of this one.
Hoe about this: at least she’s not Palin!
by Phrozen on Jun 14, 2011 1:33 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
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