...and he can see 'em all

Mid-Bag

2009-05-15T22:03:00.000-07:00

Anyone see Sandoval try to field the Wilson throw to cut down the lead runner in the 9th tonight. Sits on mid-bag with his stumpy arms, and turns to stone.

Why don't other teams just bunt him to submission, so we can move on, since the guy can catch, Benjie is a hulking defensive liability all of a sudden as he can't throw out a baserunner, and we lose close games as a result.

Dealer, new deck please.

poker camp

2009-03-03T22:01:00.000-08:00

not sure what is more fun. playing rotisserie baseball with the boys and coming in last, or losing money in poker to them. at least with poker, it is relatively quick and painless.

"Man Love"

2008-07-02T01:06:00.001-07:00

an ode to the blather of Eric Byrnes...acted out in real time

whatever happened to the good ol "groin injury"

2008-07-02T00:18:00.000-07:00

First Kaz Matsui now this...

Diamondbacks placed catcher Chris Snyder on the disabled list with a left testicular fracture.
That's gotta be even worse than an anal fissure. Snyder was injured when he was hit by a foul tip last night.

brass ring

2008-05-30T22:37:00.000-07:00

how often do you get a chance in life to grab the brass ring? think about it. Why wouldn't you reach for it, when it seems within grasp? Just wondering.

I've had some trade discussions lately with at least two teams that are doing what Krukow call "short arming" it. Extend your arms boys, the ring is there for you. Not just with trades with me, but what are you all waiting for?

Schlitz had it right with their slogan (despite the quality of their beer): "Go for the Gusto."

trade winds

2008-05-20T00:40:00.001-07:00

Ok, so it's pretty obvious that I will not be vying for the crown this year in BABI.

Available:

Glaus
Hawpe
Burris

Looking for one or two quality keepers. Not studly, just solid guys, universally acknowledged as being under value.

You know how to reach me boys.

...the kids are alright!

2008-04-24T23:08:00.000-07:00

whenever you have eugenio velez and manny burris in the starting lineup, there's got to be hope. Now if we could only get them both in the middle infield, along with Lewis, Winn, and Rowand in the outfield, benjie behind the plate, bowker at first, and castillo at third, that's almost a reasonable lineup.

and how 'bout Lincecum??!! hit 97 on the radar with runners in scoring position. a .500 doesn't seem that ridiculous now, does it?

here's a picture of Manny, in case you wondered what he looks like. get used to it--keeper!

...still, not too bad

2008-04-20T21:48:00.000-07:00

st. louis is a pretty good team, but lincecum and sanchez made them look ordinary. Or, maybe, just maybe, we can win half of the games with just pitching. if sanchez steps up as a true number three starter, behind linc. and cain, who cares about the 126m man and the rest of the schmoes. at least they are fun to watch, scrappy, decent defensively. not sure I want to bash sabaen yet---too many others have had a field day with him, but he's doing what he can, and even he would tell you that he's made some mistakes that have put the giants in this hole.

back to rotisserie, just wish any 9 was as good as the giants. might have a fire sale before May Day--reyes, glaus, hawpe, all candidates to be traded for strong keepers for next year. just can't get out the cycle of also ran status with the keepers I've been bringing to the table on draft day year after year. for my loyal readers, come 'n get 'em!

...so far, not terrible

2008-04-14T17:08:00.000-07:00

Talking about the Giants. They are fairly competitive in all games they have played (save the home opener, and that first road trip) and look live against better teams (SD, St. Louis). Yes, some of the losses are gauling, when Linc. and Cain put us in a position to win. But, more entertaining and competitive that I had expected, and so that merits sneaking into some ballgames after the 7th inning, when in the 'hood. Besides, I can scout the opposing team's bullpen from row 13 in 102 and get a good read on who is live, who is up and coming, and who is just "...a bum." Plus, very colorful, clean, albeit drunken commentary from those sections, riding the relievers.

The Beauty of Spring

2008-04-11T12:44:00.001-07:00

Rays’ reliever Al Reyes arrested after fight in Tampa bar

TAMPA, Fla. (AP)—Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Al Reyes was shocked with a stun gun and arrested early Friday after police say he fell against a ceramic pot in a bar, got up and picked a fight with a man he thought pushed him.

Reyes, treated at the scene for a cut on his nose, was charged with being in a fight that disturbed the peace. Eduardo Mora was charged with battery. Both men were released on their own recognizance, police said.

Witnesses told officers that Reyes, who turned 38 on Thursday, appeared to be intoxicated when he exchanged words with Mora, who punched the 6-foot-1, 240-pound pitcher in the face at the Hyde Park Cafe around 2:30 a.m.

A police statement said that when bouncers grabbed Mora, Reyes began spitting blood on patrons and swinging his arms. When the bouncers were unable to control Reyes, a police officer working extra duty at the club intervened, asking Reyes to stop.

When the pitcher “continued spitting blood and thrashing about,” the officer told Reyes he was going to use his Taser, which knocked Reyes to the ground. He was shocked a second time after not complying with commands to stay down.

The Rays did not have an immediate comment.

Home Opener

2008-04-07T07:35:00.000-07:00

never have I been so blase about a Giants home opener as I am today. I usually have a rooftop party in SOMA, get lubed, and enjoy myself. But seriously, what is there to look forward to this year? Yes, my usual foursome will be there, and the beer at 21st Amendment will be flowing pre and post game. Yes, it is sunny, even as I write this at 7 a.m. from the notoriously foggy Sunset Neighborhood in SF.

I used to wake up and the first thought would be "Giants!" Now my first thought is "ugh....."

Sad state of affairs, but I guess that's what it took to build this ballyard and service that huge debt. Just hope my own debt service isn't so bleak....

Here's to 50 years of baseball in SF, and the original SF Home Opener in '58 with Willie.

"Willie Mays take the field for the San Francisco Giants
first home game on April 15, 1958: In front of a packed house at Seals Stadium (23,448 attendance), the Giants beat the Dodgers 8-0 as Ruben Gomez throws a shutout. Orlando Cepeda hit the first home run of his career in his second at-bat, setting the tone for his rookie-of-the-year season. Photo by Jon Brenneis"

post draft

2008-04-06T20:42:00.000-07:00

babi draft is now history. my strategy this year was interesting--punt wins and saves, load up on the other six categories, get coveted guys who are eminently tradable (Reyes). Take a chance on some undervalues, injury-prone guys (Griffey and Glaus) who are tradable once they prove they are still productive.

Other strategies that I employed: load up on set up guys: Marmol and Heileman, and hope for the best (or worst for Wood and Wagner). Either or both will be excellent values once they take over (not holding my breath with Heileman, but he could end up as the closer on Seattle, or some other team, if the Mets get desperate for more pitching, OF help, etc.)

Finally, got E. Velez for only $16. Really surprised that the homers in babi let him go so cheap, as he's the only one worth picking up on the Giants, and could be a fifty sb guy. Will certainly get his five hundred ab's this year, as Boch already has him in the IF and OF every day.

That's all folks. rip away.

Random All Star Thoughts

2007-07-11T04:11:00.000-07:00

Having spent the past three days/nights at the ballyard during the all star festivities, here are some random thoughts.

1) Aaron Rowand looks like Ron Cey in the batters box (care of my dad)
2) You know that Russell Martin must be the real deal, when he is booed lustily, even when batting with the NL's tying run on 2nd base and two outs.
3) Giants farmhand Sosa hit 97 on the gun on Sunday. maybe it's time to head down to s. jose for the second half of the year to check out the talent, instead of the geezers we have here in sf
4) We all know the classic ballyard rag in SF: "What's the matter with Kent? He's a bum." Taken to a new level tonight in the 9th with J.J. Putz (he pronounces it "Pootz") warming up in the AL pen. Crowd in 102 chimes in: "What's the matter with Pootz? He's a putz!" Try that 12 or so times in a row along with the crowd and try not to laugh.
Almost worked, as the NL almost pulled off the grease in the ninth...all with Phat Al on the bench, and apparently pissed off at his reg. skip TLK for not batting him the bases loaded at the end of the game.
5) Elvis was indeed in the house. during futures all star game on sunday, elvis andrus had one appearance as a ph, and grounded routinely to short. everything after that was far from routine, as he busted it down the line and just got nipped at first. Only other guy with that much raw speed was Reyes, who stole off Pudge like when Pudge was still bulked up on steriods.
6) If Beltran and Delgado hit a combined .250 with men in scoring position down the stretch, no way the Mets don't make the World Series. ...and John Maine got stiffed by not making the all star team, which will give him a nasty edge in the next eighty games.

Happy 4th of July--Giants win!

2007-07-04T21:44:00.000-07:00

Two great feelings in one day. Dare I mention a possible ROAD sweep???

Let's just keep it simple--one day at a time; on win at a time.

Just 11 games out of the wild card....

Our Loyal LF'er

2007-06-19T09:45:00.000-07:00

when asked about possibly being traded:

"They can trade me," Bonds said. "They can do that. I don't think they will, though. It's not like I want to be traded, man. I'm a Giant. I'm stuck here till the end."

Wish I was "stuck" here like Bonds is--where they're actually paying me, instead of me paying them for tix to the next 93 games that are becoming more and more meaningless every day.

I don't think I have ever given up this early in the season, so I won't start now, but this road trip is killing me. the 1-0 loss to Dice-K and then the 5-4 loss last night with bases loaded in the 9th and one out. Both Winn and Klesko jumped out of the way of balls going for their ankles. I guess it's just instinct, but where is Ron Hunt when you need him!

Me Hate-e Him!

2007-05-29T20:06:00.000-07:00

argh! Buttmando balks with Reyes on base, 2x, balking him home. then gopher ball to Delgado, and he...del-got-it.

anybody else but buttmando--crushing loss after gamely repelling the Muts in the 9th, 10th, and 11th, with runners in scoring position.

Me Hate-e Him!

2007-05-29T20:02:00.000-07:00

Buttmando has got to go. What a crushing loss, with the G-Men fighting off multiple threats in the 9th, 10th, and 11th. Then, after taking a one-run lead in the 12th, Buttmando walks Reyes, balks him to second, is sacrificed to third, then balks him home!

Two butt-friggin-mando balks to the same baserunner for the tying run!

Then, meat to Delgado, and he...Del-got-it--solo blast, game over.

Ouch!!@!!

No wonder his ERA was infinity...

2007-05-16T22:36:00.000-07:00

5/16/07

MLB suspended RHP Lino Urdaneta 50 games for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

...sad commentary. Take steroids, get an out, reduce your ERA from Infinity to 63.00, then (likely) get banned from baseball.

Can't see another team giving Urdaneta another shot.

Anyone want to set the lino on it happening?

No more red glare

2007-05-06T13:34:00.000-07:00

...in the NL (or BABi). No use saving your FAAB money any more, boys!

Lin - suh - cum !

2007-05-06T08:39:00.000-07:00

You better get used to saying it correctly, as we'll be chanting it for about 20 years or so! Lincecum is the the most highly anticipated Giants hurler debut since.....Vida Blue?? Can't even think of a rookie hurler who had any kind of hype like this.

Kid is lights out, and looks like he's right out of Our Gang. Going against another kid today, Cole Hammels. I've got 6 tix in 102, and with a 5 p.m. local start, should be a great pre-game, game, and post-game, and still in bed by 10 p.m. (or so)!

Fortunately for everyong else, it's on ESPN, and with (Giants regular announcer) Jon Miller at the mic, he knows all about this kid, so maybe once Joe Morgan will have to play second fiddle.

Thankfully, the Giants didn't panic and groom him for a closer role. I'd rather have lights out for 7+ innings every 5 days, than just wasting away in the pen, (or in AAA, where he had nothing left to prove) while Buttmando cycles through the final year of his contract.

Look at this kid's AAA number this year:

In five starts for Fresno, Lincecum is 4-0 and holds a 0.29 ERA, allowing one run and 12 hits in 31 innings.

Does that include Ethel with each shoot?

2007-05-04T15:01:00.000-07:00

http://www.fredmertzphotography.com/contact.htm

Lino ad Infinito

2007-05-03T14:42:00.000-07:00

Lino Urdaneta-R- Mets May. 3 - 5:31 pm et

Mets purchased the contract of RHP Lino Urdaneta from Triple-A New Orleans.

Urdaneta may not get a chance to work on that infinate major leaguer ERA, as he'll probably head right back to Triple-A on Saturday. The 27-year-old was a Rule 5 pick of the Tigers in 2004, but made just one appearance, giving up six runs without retiring a batter.

Reds Logic

2007-04-30T17:58:00.000-07:00

From Rotoworld:

Adam Dunn-OF- Reds Apr. 27 - 6:21 pm et

Adam Dunn (Left Handed Hitter), who was held out of the lineup Thursday for the first time this season, is batting sixth Friday against right-hander Ian Snell.

Dunn is one of three major leaguers to hit 40 homers each of the last three years, he's the only player in Cincinnati's lineup tonight with even one 25-homer campaign to his credit and he's batting .283/.400/.565 against right-handers this season. Still -- and it's definitely time for everyone to face it -- he is no Alex Gonzalez.

A Kim Chee Retirement

2007-04-30T17:29:00.000-07:00

IP H R ER BB K HR Season ERA
C. Park 4.0 6 7 7 2 4 2 15.75

those numbers are all you need to know

re the last shootout for Chan Ho

One month does not make a season

2007-04-29T11:25:00.000-07:00

For all of you who are ready to toss it in, in real baseball or virtual baseball, one word: Don't! Streaks, both hot and cold are the norm. I don't know which way my team is going (either team: the giants or any 9), but I do know it is entertaining and there is always hope. Was in LA for the 3rd game of the reverse broom of the "Hated Ones" (that's what dodgers fans call the Giants, fyi) on Thursday. Sweet revenge! Was also (sadly) at game 3 of the LA sweep of the Giants here in Sf during opening week, and one of their "fans" had the gaul to bring a broom to the game. Nothing classless like that, but I did feel like we took care of cleaning their clocks before the season got too old. Buttmando had a 1,2,3 ninth inning, which, after pitching the prior 2 days in a row, was remarkable. He actually looks...dare I say...solid (!?!). Fastball only reached 93, and that was just once--rest of them topped out at 90 mph. Meanwhile, the middle inning relievers on LA, all could be closing for SF (and many other teams). General Tsao has escaped the Col. scrapheap and is throwing nasty gas with lots of movement for LA. Too bad he's like a 5th option in LA (especially after Brazoban gets off the DL to take the #4 slot behind Saito, Broxton, etc.). Still, if they moved him, could be a sleeper for saves for 1/2 of the rest of the NL. Betemit looks absolutely lost out there. Pierre (at the plate) missed the sign for the suicide squeeze, and effectively killed the inning by letting the ball go right to Molina for an easy tag out. Just before the pitch, I was mentioning to my friend that I had seen the 12th inning gaff by the Cards on 4/18 where Puljols was tagged out at the plate on a double steal that was supposed to be a delayed double steal (as virtually all of them are with a man on third). Good thing Fat Al does not get paid to run the bases.

Have seen some ball this month, and all I can say is this: NL West will be a 4 team race, and BABi will have at least that many horses in the midst this season.

...now the trick is to become one of those studs.

Buttmando Smoke Screen

2007-04-08T00:02:00.000-07:00

To my loyal readers (or should I say, more recently, picture gawkers):

I have tried to show my disdain for Buttmando on this blog in order to drive down his price, and possibly secure him for my own dasterdly purposes in BABI in last night's auction. This strategy never reached its go point, as I saved enough money on Harang on auction day, so I would not get tempted by the considerable appeal of our Buttman. Instead, I bought sure-thing Billy Wagner to keep me in the middle of the pack in saves (until one of my two St. L relievers picks up the slack, after Izzy goes down).

I still couldn't let Buttmando go cheaply, so price enforced him all the way to the end, and then cut bait...gleefully.

It doesn't matter who ended up with him...just not me.

More on the auction some other time. Just thought I'd give you a glimpse into the extent of my duplicity.

What STILL keeps you up at night??

2007-03-28T10:37:00.000-07:00

Get ready for Opening Day and go to the following site to order your t-shirts and mugs now: http://www.cafepress.com/49mando

Good article by Ray Ratto on why we will boo Buttmando on Opening Day, regardless of how fair a person you are: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/03/28/SPG6VOT23A1.DTL&feed=rss.giants

...and remember, Brian Wilson is only a washed up Beach Boy, and not the answer.

...what keeps YOU up at night??

2006-12-11T22:34:00.000-08:00

The Long and Winding Road

2006-12-03T13:21:00.000-08:00

madening days

2006-09-15T17:55:00.000-07:00

hard to figure, but Hennessey is not the answer for a number 5 starter this year, or next. Maybe we don't give Felipe enough credit, as the guy just isn't the "mang."

gotta be rooting for SD to 4-game sweep the bums, to line them up for the year-end 3 game series at our ballyard. Only way we're going to do it, the way it stacks up.

Hirsh-ey Hi-Way

2006-08-22T19:08:00.000-07:00

all you need to know is this pitching line from today:

J. Hirsh (L, 1-2) 2.2 9 10 10 5 2 2

Don't you love rookie p's?

Why the Professor Scares me.....

2006-08-04T10:46:00.000-07:00

Just one look at this photo should strike fear in all of your hearts. six innings of no-hit ball, before the rain wiped out his no-no bid. With Coors playing like the Polo Grounds these days, how scary is Maddux in Dodger blue?

*NOT any 10

2006-08-02T17:53:00.000-07:00

My team name is Any 9, given my propensity to shuffle players in and out of my starting line up. So, a 9 game losing streak cannot become a 10 game streak, and today, with the help of our auctioneer, Julio, the Jinxmaker, we were able to exorcise the demons, and break the schneid. Of course, not without the requisite Buttmando theatrics. At least Felipe had the good sense to yank him, and hand the ball to anyone else (happened to be Mike Stanton today--against his former team the Nats). So, we're now on a 1 game winning streak.

Handicapping the field

2006-07-29T11:04:00.000-07:00

...you thought this was about baseball, but it's actually a great blog posting re who will be the next sportscaster fired for sexual harrassment:

http://www.deadspin.com/sports/top/cultural-oddsmaker-who-will-be-the-next-broadcaster-hit-with-sexual-harassment-190547.php

At 3-1, I think Kevin Kennedy is an overlay (no pun intended).

ButtF*ckingMando!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-07-26T19:33:00.000-07:00

Blogger was temporarily down, as a huge throng of bloggers from No. Cal. tried to log on to vent about our so-called Closer.

He f*cking sucks. No ifs, ands, or butts! (well, actually one big butt!)

His whole attitude sucks, he's a prima donna on the mound, but has nothing to back it up. Even if they didn't score the two runs the way they did, they could have done it in a multitude of other ways, including Soriano's blast that was just foul.

Mando is just foul. Who's left to trade for? Borowski?? Sure, anyone will do. Just eat Butt-man's contract, and send him packing.

ARRGGGHHH!!!!

Stretch Run

2006-07-21T08:25:00.000-07:00

Rarely does it begin in mid-July, but with SD in town, and no one else in the NL West stepping up, it began last night. A 9-3 drubbing that was neither that close (9-0 entering the 9th), nor that much of a blowout (3 pitchers into the 9th, Buttmando Boonitez was warming up) was a great start.

Dr. Tailgate kindly took me to Section 109 for the up-close inspection. Here's what we saw:

1) Breakout game for Chad Santos (two sterling defensive stops and his first MLB HR--with 12 family members in the stands--most from Hawaii, we found out later). Anyone have some extra rooms to keep them in town through Sunday?)

2) Back-to-back-to-back HR's by Bonds (after Piazza did his leaning tower of Pisa immitation and gave him a second life), Ray-Ray, who might go by this nickname because his head has grown by a factor of 2x (Doc Tailgate calls HGH Head Growth Hormone), and a classic, meaningless dong by Peter Happy to close out the carnage.

3) Noah's renaissance. Never broke 88 on the gun, but Piazza went 0-5, with 5 harmless, weak fly outs to right. Josh Barfield (he of the league leading .369 BA on the road, was also reduced to sawdust). After 121 pitches, he had to be yanked, just two pitches from a complete game. What do you call that? How about Siyanoah?

Prospects look just fine from 1.5 games out now and 3 more with the Friars in town through Sunday. Get your ducats boys!

Did you know? Since 6/24, Ray-Ray is leading the Majors with 10 Big-Big Fly-Flies!

Beer and baseball...a marriage made in heaven

2006-07-19T18:05:00.000-07:00

Is there anything finer than an ice cold India Pale Ale at Mays Field? For those who insist on garlic fries, ales are a must. For those looking to survive the all too hot day games, or the all too cold night games, ales are a must.

Here are some other beer and baseball highlights from around the country:

1) Beer festival at Asbury Park minor league game:

http://app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060609/ISLANDER/606090467

2) Andy Musser, former announcer of the Phils, and sometime promoter of Anchor Steam beer is written up in a great article here:

http://www.allaboutbeer.com/beertravel/trips/andy.html

I will never, ever, ever trade Ryan Howard......again

2006-07-15T16:53:00.000-07:00

...because he just hit the hardest and furthest ball I've ever seen in my life, including at least 50% of the Bonds dongs, and some mid-late 60's McCovey shots.

Next time you're at the ballyard, check out where the Ford Logo is in right-center--he hit it like a rocket off that spot, and if the wall were not there, would have gone 500 feet--regardless what anyone else might say.

However, if you throw him offspeed stuff from the portside (like Noah did earlier) he's pitchable.

Still....what a basher, and he's still a baby!

Splash this, Steel City!

2006-07-14T17:25:00.000-07:00

Just released logo for '07 All-Star Game--pretty cool graphics. First 20K in attendance tonight get the stadium giveaway logo pin--will be first in line.

Dodger Blues...

2006-07-14T11:45:00.000-07:00

You gotta read this one--first game back from the All-Star break, 14th inning.

As they say in "Avenue Q" ...Sucks to be you.

http://www.dodgerblues.com/content/news.html

Majewski and Bray and pray for.....

2006-07-13T15:31:00.000-07:00

..too stunned to finish this one.

Why didn't the Reds GM just survey any NL ONLY roti playing rookie GM about this trade? Kearns and Lopez for two middle relievers!??!!!

This has to be the worst team a contending team has ever made. You could have gotten a Majewski and Bray for just one of those two studs, not both!

Oh, I forgot, the Reds did get Royce Clayton back in return, too, so that 'splains it....

Wisdom from another Roti league player

2006-07-12T20:38:00.000-07:00

Copied, word for word from another site:

Bailing season is upon the Roto world. The key points to remember are
Trade players who automatically return to the 2007 draft pool.
Acquire cheap keeper(s) for those players
If you do not have out-of-time players, deal fully-priced ones but "charge" for the possibility of them being protected by the acquiring team or
Being dealt by the acquiring team for something of value i.e. a minor league draft pick/player
Points three and four are often ignored by poorly run teams.
A $33 Juan Pierre may not be a great keeper but 50 SB will attract some value. So Jeremy Hermida for Pierre is actually Hermida for Pierre/minor league pick or whatever else is acquired for Pierre after you deal him.
The goal of bailing is to win the trade on the last day of the season. This is another way of stating (1). No matter what, an out-of-time player for a keeper is a winner for the bailing team on the last day of the season because the bailing team then has a keeper and the other team has nothing.
This rationale will also mitigate whatever bad feelings are engendered by the bail trade - and all bail trades engender bad feelings.

Scary Movie, Part II

2006-07-07T22:56:00.000-07:00

Original Scary Movie for the Giants....Buttmando, hands down (despite his virgin save last night vs. LA)

Scary Movie, II? ..... Pedro. Let us down with man on 2nd and 3rd earlier in the game with tied score and G-men with momentum.

Then, after Ray Ray made a rare out (these days) who strolls up to the plate but our last chance, tying run, Mr. Curve Ball agnostic himself. I knew right away that the game was over. Saito made him look like a fool with the "Here comes King Charles; Martin is set up off the plate for it, so no surprises" hooking so far out of the strike zone that a little leaguer would have laid off. Not our Petey.

You can take all your arguments about how his 60 RBI's are a huge improvement, blah, blah, blah, blah. Same ol' choke artist that NONE of us ever want to see with a game on the line.

No "Time" left for you...

2006-07-07T21:02:00.000-07:00

never owned him, never had any respect for his anctics, so maybe this is the appropriate adeiu:

"Dontrelle Willis hit a grand slam and picked up a win after holding the Mets to three runs in 7 1/3 innings of work on Friday.The homer came off Mets starter Jose Lima. If it had come off a real major leaguer, it would have been the first grand slam by a pitcher since Robert Person in 2002. Jul. 7 - 10:33 pm et"

hasta la vista, baby--don't forget to pick up your pension on your way out the door.

Back from the East Coast...to the saner side of Winter

2006-07-05T20:51:00.000-07:00

cool breeze, cold fog, warm sun. Isn't that why we're all here in the first place? let me tell you, Phila and NY were absolutely brutal last week with humidity, heat, and torrential rains. 14 people died in the Del. River region from the floods. Third time in 2 years that the Del. has ravaged the countryside.

Got an email from my buddy Brad in IA, (who also plays in an NL ONLY Keeper league) asking me how I survived the AL attack on my NL pitching staff these past few weeks. Like most of us...not very well. I cut bait on the wrong Mets Pitcher (El Duque) and got lit up for 16 ER in 4 IP with Soler, between his two abbreviated starts vs. Bosox and Yanquis.

Of course, El Duque, chip firmly on his shoulder, (after a rough patch vs. Bosox) had a quality outing vs. his old team, Yanquis (7 IP, 2ER) and tonight vs. the feeble Bucs, shut them out for 7 innings. The Busch Master of course, snagged him from the waver wire, while the rest of the league must not believe that the Mets (or El Duque) is for real.

Like I said, just glad to be back in Sf, where the weather and microbrews are fine....just fine!

MLB.tv Mosaic - Life is good

2006-06-26T18:43:00.000-07:00

Nothing else to do here in Philly. 85 degrees, 100% humidity, raining all day. Not enough product to keep my coif in place (hey, at least I still have one!).

Thank goodness for MLB.tv Mosaic! No, I'm not a shill for that crap-a*s org. run by the Mole-Man himself, but they did get it right on the webcast part--as a subscriber to MLB.tv I get Mosaic free.

As I wrote, back in April, if you don't subscribe, you really have no business calling yourself a baseball fan (or reading this blog). Now it's only $50 for the rest of the season. Still translates to 3 cents a game.

What's Mosaic? Just something that has six tv screens on one computer screen, enabling you to watch 6 games at once. With interleague going on, it's "All Good" as nothing but NL games, no matter where you look.

Of course, the only game I put to full screen, is Cubs/Brewers. Got to see Derek Lee put on a RUNNING cast after he finally reached base, so he doesn't inadvertanly injure his bum wrist when he slides and uses his hand to find the base.

Pretty scary putting these guys out there with their atrophied parts, just to try to salvage respectibility. If I'm the owner of the Cubs, I let the guy get well, and get out of the woods, in terms of a PERMANENT career threatening injury. He's the frickin' future of this team, signed to a long-term contract--what are they thinkin'

But, then again, I'm only the owner of Any 9.

Lee made it the 7th Inning stretch without re-injuring it, which means he gets to hear Santo do "Take me out" - makes him pine for the DL again, if you heard ol' Ronnie singing lately at the mic.

"...how 'bout some runs!?!"

Stat-man: When was the last time they walked Bonds and the next batter hit a game-winning HR?

2006-06-25T20:24:00.000-07:00

I need to know. Chances are, it was at least 100 times before yesterday. When you're down 7-2, then 7-5, and they walk Bonds to put the winning run at the plate, even the streaking A's can't win every one. Ray-Ray put all of his 185 pounds behind it to just get over the wall in Right--whata game!

Love to send those smug A's fans home with heads hung. One guy is wearing a '89 W.S. t-shirt to try to rub it in. Guess what, dude--that was 17 friggin years ago.

Wear this one home tonight, Pancho!

S.O.S.

2006-06-23T22:17:00.000-07:00

Save Our Season! As I was adding a comment to El Lefty Malo's posting on the Elvis Costello concert at the Paramount the other night, I missed Buttmando blow another one.

Come on Sabes--ship this bum to TBay, too.

Let anyone else close--Accardo, Sanchez, even Hennessey!

Thumb in the dyke

2006-06-23T19:41:00.000-07:00

A while back, I made a comment about a "sinking, crippled Hobo ship."

However, with Phat Al back going 4 for 4 and John Patterson pitching 6 stout innings, I may have to eat some crow, and quickly.

How do you season crow, anyway??

What's my line?--Part Deux

2006-06-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

Name this NL Starter:

5.0 IP
14 Hits
13 Runs
13 Earned Runs
1 Walks

I'll give you a hint....."That's a shame."

The Cain Conspiracy

2006-06-21T15:41:00.000-07:00

I was in the best seat in the best house for baseball for the Cain Masterpiece on Monday Night--Section 119, Row AAA, Seat 4. Directly behind home plate--actually underneath home plate. To watch Cain's 131 pitches come toward the batter and mystify the way they did was pretty amazing.

You know that the bullpen catcher for the Halos had a little devil in him, "accidentally" letting a ball get by, so the ump at home plate had to call time out just before the pitch with a 3-2 count to Figgins. After re-grouping, Cain comes down broadway with a heater and Figgins goes back up the box with a liner and that was the end of the No-No.

Probably saved Cain (and ultimately the Giants') goose in the process, as Felipe would have let him go 145+ pitches to get the No-No and Cain would go the way of Kwai Chang, wandering in the desert for eternity.

FYI, The reason that Cain then faced the next batter to get to 131 is because there was no one warming up in the Giants pen until the single--one of those unwritten rules--don't mess with the pitcher's head when he's got a no-no going.

After the Figgins single, Righetti came out to stall but it wasn't enough, so Cain had to go after Cabrera with pitches 129-131.

Masterful for a young guy--just hope he doesn't "bounce" as they say in T-Bred Racing circles next start. Not sure if an extra day'll do it...

The Stats Ownership thingy

2006-06-20T10:42:00.000-07:00

You don't want to know what I think, but I thought you would like to know about what some Wharton faculty members think about this whole thing:

http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/index.cfm?fa=viewArticle&id=1495

FYI, signing up for Knowledge @ Wharton is free--some really interesting articles--a great business journal that is only available online--saves some trees.

this year's model?

2006-06-17T18:25:00.000-07:00

no high profile players have been busted for steroids yet this year. any insight as to who might be first? post your comments here.

More Impertinent analysis

2006-06-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

While I'm in a position to get 4th-5th place money this year, AT BEST, I'm not doing any dumping myself (I'm not trading Josh Johnson or Ryan Howard), so that leaves a crippled, sinking Hobo ship (sorry guys--but that's where you sit right now), a no-trade clause George, and trade 'em if you got em Boofs, who only have one piece left (Lopez) worth a damn, who is untouchable. Middle of the pack guys like Falkuhns, Bats, Busch,Lickers, Pecklers and me are pissed, because it puts the leaders that much more ahead of us, and out of reach. The other top dogs are pissed, because Greg scored 3.5 guys for this year for one (and they didn't). Bottom of the pack guys are pissed that they didn't get Wright themselves. So that leaves just two teams who are NOT pissed--Greg and Kevin. Therefore, it sounds like a perfect deal. To the other 10 teams--that's a shame.

Bob Aspromonte

2006-06-15T07:16:00.000-07:00

Just trying to get some eyeballs on this posting...and make it past the censors.

Corge Coolio's standard-setting dump deal on Tuesday has the whole applecart in a tizzy. Let's not assume Aaron Heileman is a real player and call a spade a spade. 3 studs (regardless of their current woes) and one very servicable player (3.5 for 1 ratio):

All of them have their issues:

Zambrano - needs anyone but Dusty and a winning team behind him
Edmonds - needs an ab blaster
Winn - needs July
Counsel - needs the Snakes to keep winning and to stay healthy to keep his job, as Drew is tearing it up on the Farm

..for one BABI god:

David Wright F'08 20X

How much is Wright worth on the open market on draft day in BABI? Juding by the $41 that was paid for Beltran, probably $45 tops. Guess what---he's not that good at $45 (when you have to take on a $1 player to afford him). And, as we've seen, when you pay top, top dollar for a player, and he gets hurt, your team loses 10 pts. IN ONE WEEK and really has no recourse (unless you consider a 48 year old pinch hitter a suitable replacement).

What is Corge getting for his $25 per year savings on Wright in '07 and '08? I don't know.

I do know that he could have gotten Weeks (when extended, would be $15 F'08X) for just Zambrano and Edmonds, because he turned down that deal. What would Weeks go for on Draft Day in '07? $30 at the very least, given the way he's (finally) playing since 5/1/06 (and the crazy money paid for pure SB guys like Pierre and Furcal)--Weeks has power and hits for average on top of that, a true 3 category player in the leadoff spot. Will probably be the top RBI guy from the leadoff spot throughout the Majors, so a 3.5 category guy. But let's just call it $30 for now to be VERY conservative.

So that would have saved him at least $15 per year on Weeks over the same two years.

With Wynn and Counsel, he could have gotten another keeper. Some possibilities would include Uggla for $10 and Burke for $5. Both of those are at least $10 under value if they were available on Draft Day in '07.

Who would you rather have at the end of draft day?

Weeks and Uggla (or Burke)

or Wright and a Neifi, Jose Hernandez, Wes Helms, etc.

...essentially the same money Corge (if all were available at full market value).

But, of course, they will not be available.

So, as keepers:

Corge gets Wright at $20 and Neifi at $1 for a total of $21 (actual locked-in salaries)

Will they outperform Weeks at $15 and Burke at $5 for a total of $20.

Answer: quite possibly, but a Neifi is going to negate any BA that Wright gives you. Does Wright outhomer both Weeks and Burke combined? Probably not. Will he out-RBI the combo? Maybe, but not if they keep Burke in the middle of the lineup (or even batting second).

Weeks out-Steals Wright on his own, hands-down (and Burke projects to be a pretty good SB guy, too).

So, do you distribute your risk over two undervalued keepers, or put your eggs all in one Phat Al Basket?

(FYI, While we never discussed it, I wouldn't have traded Weeks and Burke for those 3.5 bums, so maybe Kevin got the best deal that was out there, as Geo isn't trading Freel (or Uggla in all likelihood), Boofs has Felipe Lopez under wraps, and Hobos love their cheap starters TOO much--and they now are somewhat damaged goods right now anyway. Sounds like a pretty good reason to me to get the one guy you really want--Wright).

By the way, here's Aspromonte's career numbers (not that he has anything to do with anything):

http://www.baseball-reference.com/a/asprobo01.shtml

Life during wartime

2006-06-13T09:25:00.000-07:00

Not referring to that thing in the sand, a world away. Talking about BABI race this yr. I wake up and find myself in 6th place and a world of possibilities ahead of me. Ryan Howard and Josh Johnson are untouchable, but for the right package, Weeks is available (and the others). Talk to me boys!

...not happy

2006-06-11T18:15:00.000-07:00

When you lose 3 of 4 to the Pirates, and it could have been 4 of 4 if not for the gift victory on Th. night, life is not rosy. Perhaps it's becase the fog never lifted either of these two weekend days over China Basin. After taking a 5-2 lead against a very ordinary Malholm for Pitt, we go to Worrell in the 8th.

Timmy Worrell, for all the guts he's shown over the years, is plain over the hill. Let the kids worry about the 7th inning to get to Buttmando. Accardo did a great job in the 7th--Sanchez from the portside could do the same in the 8th. Felipe keeps running his tried-and true aged generals bayonet-first into the firing line, and it's starting to take its toll (not only on the generals, but also on the team)...

Hate to say it, but just like Walker and Fassero before him, Worrell needs to be sent out to sea... (the TB teal uni is waiting).

...if you can't score more than 2 runs in 18 innings vs. Pitt

2006-06-11T09:38:00.000-07:00

you gotta move. El Lefty Malo hit is on the head--great Gigantes blog (thanks Josh for the link!):

My take on this: After this weekend 4-game series, (Sean) Casey is our Bat. Yeah, he's a native Pittsburgher, but he's in the last year of his contract, clearly hits lefties as well as righties. Bat him second, put Alou between Casey and Bonds, then let 'em rip! That ugly first base scenario currently in place has got to go.

El Lefty Malo is much more eloquent: http://leftymalo.blogspot.com/

Gracias!

Nothing like a 4 game stand with the Bucs

2006-06-08T22:50:00.000-07:00

...when they're 5-25 so far this year on the road (.01666 winning percentage)

They're way ahead of (as far as being able to top) their record worst year overall and worst road record in 1985 B.B. (--Before Barry).

1985: 57-104 overall (will be hard to do worse in '06 but there's still time)

1985 Road: 22-59 (0.272 winning percentage) - could be going down this year. Would have to go 18-33 for the rest of '06 to NOT have a worst road record.

Take a look at the roster (especially the hitters) of the '85 Bucs and leave a comment re how many (and which) of them would have been drafted by a 12 team NL Only Rotiserrie team that year.

34
Mike Bielecki
6-03
195
Right
Right
1959-07-31
45
John Candelaria
6-07
232
Left
Left
1953-11-06
15
Pat Clements
6-00
180
Left
Right
1962-02-02
25
Jose DeLeon
6-04
215
Right
Right
1960-12-20
47
CeciIio Guante
6-03
205
Right
Right
1960-02-01
35
Al Holland
5-11
207
Left
Right
1952-08-16
51
Bob Kipper
6-02
200
Left
Right
1964-07-08
46
Ray Krawczyk
6-01
186
Right
Right
1959-10-09
49
Larry McWilliams
6-05
180
Left
Left
1954-02-10
48
Rick Reuschel
6-03
235
Right
Right
1949-05-16
29
Rick Rhoden
6-03
195
Right
Right
1953-05-16
43
Don Robinson
6-04
231
Right
Right
1957-06-08
19
Rod Scurry
6-02
180
Left
Left
1956-03-17
27
Kent Tekulve
6-04
180
Right
Right
1947-03-05
35
Dave Tomlin
6-03
185
Left
Left
1949-06-22
22
Lee Tunnell
6-01
180
Right
Right
1960-10-30
18
Bob Walk
6-04
208
Right
Right
1956-11-26
41
Jim Winn
6-03
210
Right
Right
1959-09-23
#
Catchers
Height
Weight
Throws
Bats
Date Of Birth
26
Junior Ortiz
5-11
176
Right
Right
1959-10-24
6
Tony Pena
6-00
181
Right
Right
1957-06-04
#
Infielders
Height
Weight
Throws
Bats
Date Of Birth
12
Bill Almon
6-03
190
Right
Right
1952-11-21
37
Rafael Belliard
5-06
150
Right
Right
1961-10-24
5
Sid Bream
6-04
220
Left
Left
1960-08-03
17
Jerry Dybzinski
6-02
180
Right
Right
1955-07-07
10
Tim Foli
6-00
179
Right
Right
1950-12-08
24
Denny Gonzalez
5-11
185
Right
Right
1963-07-22
27
Sam Khalifa
5-11
170
Right
Right
1963-12-05
10
Johnnie LeMaster
6-02
167
Right
Right
1954-06-19
5
Bill Madlock
5-11
185
Right
Right
1951-01-02
16
Lee Mazzilli
6-01
185
Right
Both
1955-03-25
2
Jim Morrison
5-11
182
Right
Right
1952-09-23
3
Johnny Ray
5-11
185
Right
Both
1957-03-01
30
Jason Thompson
6-03
210
Left
Left
1954-07-06
#
Outfielders
Height
Weight
Throws
Bats
Date Of Birth
17
Mike Brown
6-02
195
Right
Right
1959-12-29
17
Trench Davis
6-03
171
Left
Left
1960-09-12
51
Doug Frobel
6-04
196
Right
Left
1959-06-06
15
George Hendrick
6-03
195
Right
Right
1949-10-18
13
Steve Kemp
6-00
195
Left
Left
1954-08-07
28
Sixto Lezcano
5-11
175
Right
Right
1953-11-28
17
Scott Loucks
6-00
178
Right
Right
1956-11-11
11
Joe Orsulak
6-01
196
Left
Left
1962-05-31
39
R.J. Reynolds
6-00
190
Right
Both
1959-04-19
36
Marvell Wynne
5-11
185
Left
Left
1959-12-17

Two more Over/Unders

2006-06-08T22:36:00.000-07:00

Both inspired by Josh:

1) Total number of times Boof will have Majewski on his roster this year. The Current Line: 3.5 times.

2) After Josh turned down a trade for Knucksie Niekro today, I made him take the over on the following wager (because anyone who would hesitate to trade Niekro for a keeper is truly a Knucksie-head - nuk, nuk):

Will Niekro hit above or below .255 for the rest of the season, starting 6/9/06. He's hitting .261 now (through games played through 6/8--including tonight's 3 for 5 gem).

"So it has been written, so it shall be done."

The Game's the Thing...

2006-06-08T22:30:00.000-07:00

Giants are doing another web promotion to capture more email addresses and market to us schmoes. Can’t blame ‘em.

Anyway, the contest is: “What if they were really YOUR SF Giants?”

Here’s the URL to enter: http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/fan_forum/att/2006/mysfgiants/index.jsp?c_id=sf

Here’s my actual entry:

I would get rid of the "Noise" prompts on the scoreboard, bring back the old time organ, and return baseball to its mellower past. Fans can get fired up by themselves, based on the circumstances on the field, as the game itself "is the thing." Let the fans dictate when they should clap--they know when to roar and it would be much more authentic, and ultimately more satisfying.

________________________

to my loyal reader(s), What would you do? Post your comments here (just so I know you're still logging on).

"Just a bit inside..."

2006-06-05T23:26:00.000-07:00

Uecker files restraining order against woman

By EMILY FREDRIX, Associated Press Writer
AP - Jun 4, 5:35 pm EDT
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Hall of Fame announcer Bob Uecker filed a restraining order against a woman he contends has been harassing him for years and last week confronted him at a hotel pool over his refusal to assist her charity work.
A hearing is scheduled June 15, according to the Wisconsin Circuit Court Web site. Uecker, the voice of the Milwaukee Brewers for more than 35 years, filed a harassment injunction against Ann E. Ladd on Thursday, as first reported by the investigative Web site The Smoking Gun.
In court filings, the 71-year-old former player said Ladd has been bothering him for six or seven years by sending unsolicited gifts, driving around his home in Wisconsin and contacting with him in various cities.
"In the past year, however, Ladd's pattern of harassment has escalated in frequency and intensity, and has resulted in repeated and serious invasions of my personal privacy," he said.
A message left at Ladd's home on Sunday was not immediately returned. Uecker was announcing the Brewers' game against Washington and was unavailable for comment.
He said the 45-year-old woman from Prospect Heights, Ill., recently approached him on what she said was a charity project involving a manuscript about him.
She persisted, and he said he asked her to leave him alone. The next night at the stadium, Uecker said members of Major League Baseball security and the Pittsburgh police told her not to contact him. She said she didn't realize there was a problem and would stop.
In April, Uecker said Ladd appeared at his autograph session in Milwaukee. She eventually was led away by Miller Park security, documents said. Several weeks later, she accused Uecker in a letter of having a "sneering dislike towards me."
"Both in your broadcast position and somewhat ambassador role, you interact publicly with many people, yet disdainfully I am met with your recurrent coldness," the letter said.
Uecker contends she has made reservations at hotels he has previously used when the Brewers travel to Texas, Chicago and Pittsburgh in the coming months.

Kruk & Kuip vs. Robin & Milken?

2006-06-05T20:26:00.000-07:00

Holy dilemna Batman!

If you were watching the top of the 4th, you got to see Kruk & Kuip host Robin Ventura & Michael Milken in the booth. Batman & Robin were promoting their year-long Home Run Challenge to raise funds for Prostate Cancer: http://www.prostatecancerfoundation.org/

Blogs are supposed to poke fun at everything, but in this case, the poking is already in the pudding.

Buttmando

2006-06-04T13:42:00.000-07:00

who else with a 2 run lead in the 10th inning throws challenge fastballs to Jose (Mr. K) Valentin and wobbly kneed rookie Lastings (longer than he should) Milledge for solo shots?

Only our Buttmando.

clock is ticking on Borowski

2006-06-03T00:13:00.000-07:00

Kensing gets his first ML Save. Two inning job. no hits, no walks, 4 k's. kid's gonna be a stud and vault Any 9 to the top of the Saves category. Mr. Leaguer, you're a seer. Still, Lieber sucks.

If you know this one: G. Gordon Liddy and Willie Mays as themselves

2006-06-01T21:03:00.000-07:00

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090314/

If anyone has actually seen this movie, you should be writing this blog.

When it was a game

2006-06-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

1955. When else would the following ballplayers all agree to be on the same show:

Jerry Coleman
Willie Mays
Pee Wee Reese
Dusty Rhodes
Robin Roberts
Warren Spahn
Vic Wertz

Of course, they all needed the dough.

Here's the show: Toast of the Town

8/31/55 episode: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0725282/

Here's one for Karnak: Paul Lynde and Willie Mays?

2006-06-01T20:57:00.000-07:00

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0523274/

Jethro & Leo

2006-06-01T20:54:00.000-07:00

....if you said, Beverly Hillbillies meet the Dodgers, you're old like me.

Here's the episode--classic:

http://tesla.liketelevision.com/liketelevision/tuner.php?channel=55&format=tv&theme=guide

Have fun watching...again!

finish this line from a song:

2006-06-01T20:40:00.000-07:00

"We're Bingo, Bango, and Bongo......

you either know it or you don't.

and, no, it ain't the Killer B's.

Quick Quiz, Hot Shot: Name the Voice of the Aflac Duck

2006-06-01T20:35:00.000-07:00

Hint: If you watched the documentary, "The Aristocrats" it's a gimme.

Was watching LA/Phil on mlb.tv and during a pitching change, that damn duck kept crossing the screen and barking "Aflack!"

<...and you didn't think this was a baseball-related posting!>

...then it occured to me whose voice it was, and sure enough, quick google and was confirmed.

Don't cheat by using a search. Just listen, Grasshopper.

SF Bumper Sticker

2006-06-01T17:08:00.000-07:00

"Who would Jesus bomb?"

June 1st - let the dump season begin - all you quitters!

2006-06-01T07:28:00.000-07:00

I'm in last place, and have proudly been here all season long, but see no one is seizing the top of the standings for himself. There have been plenty of helpful free agents out there, but everyone is playing the Waiting for Rocket game. He'll get about 14 starts, so that's not gonna cut it.

In the words of Neidemeyer: "You're all worthless and weak!"

So I'm going for it--the brass ring, the gold spitoon, the monkey's uncle--so let's hear your offers--if yer man enough!

trades we'd like to see

2006-06-01T07:06:00.000-07:00

the rumored, three-team burrell for willis for yankee prospects trade is fascinating. willis becomes an instant winner again in philly (and they plug delucci into burrell's slot, as he's wasted as a designated pinch hitter on the bench after a 29 hr year), burrell gets to hit in the middle/end of the bomber lineup, fla continues to re-tool with prospects. problem is, willis is too young and too much of a draw in so. fla for them to consider it.

ok, who else can the yankees go after, now that WASH, and Pittsburgh should be considering dump deals?

soriano
burnitz (ugh)

Ok, so it's soriano (especially since Guillen is injured and of no use to the nyy).

But you would need a third team to get involved, as the yankees are low on prospects, which is what WAS should probably be looking for.

The Original Vulture: Phil Regan '69 Cubs

2006-05-30T14:01:00.000-07:00

Might have been one of the most valuable middle relievers/setup/closers in one year in the history of pre-Rotisserie baseball.

Take a look at these numbers:

1969
Cubs
71 games played
0 games started
49 games finished
12 WINS
6 losses
3.70 era
17 SAVES
112.0 INNINGS PITCHED

Villareal has a lot of work to do this year on both the wins and saves to gain Regan-esque stature. Believe it or not, his nickname...The Vulture--try googling "phil regan vulture"

the fourth man

2006-05-28T20:57:00.000-07:00

...you hear it in football (12 man--Texas A&M) and hoops (6th man), but in baseball, the extra player is an outfielder, and the fourth man. I watched the game today with the Knot Hole Gang (some 600 folks strong today), and watched 715 leave the bat and was in place on the walkway between the ball yard and the Cove for the ball that never came.

What was even more fascinating than the "historic" blast, was watching Finley play center, while Winn played right during batting practice for Col. vs. Jamey Wright in the top of the 4th. Rockies scored 6 runs, most with two outs, and were peppering line drives in between the 3 outfielders in the top of that inning. Even Pitcher Kim roped one--knocking in 2 runs which essentially put the game out of reach.

Watching those other outfielders field their positions, AT THE SAME FIELD LEVEL as them made it pretty impressive, re how they do their jobs over 162 days. I felt like I was on the field with them--like a fourth outfielder in softball.

My souvenier from 715--two metallic orange ribbons that were shot out of the cannon and landed at the harbor master's station, nestled and wind-wrapped around my dog's favorite hydrant.

Hope he doesn't get a whif of them hanging on my mantle.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

2006-05-26T22:06:00.000-07:00

The Good:
Josh Johnson
Fla
7.0 IP
2 Hits
1 Runs
0 Earned Runs
2 Walks
8 K's
1 WIN

The Bad:
Taylor Buchholz
Hou
3.2
11
9
9
1
5
1 Step Closer to the Waiver Wire

...sorry Don (75 years old this year, and still posing).

Name 'dat bum?

2006-05-26T18:03:00.000-07:00

47 ab's, .179 average, no hr, no rbi's, no sb's--Box of Cracker Jacks to the first correct responder--must put in comments.

What's my line?

2006-05-26T17:59:00.000-07:00

Through 6 & 2/3rds in Miami; Will the real Pedro please stand up?

P. Martinez
6.0 IP
2 Hits
1 Run
1 Earned Run
0 Walks
1 HR
7 K's
2.74 Season ERA

J. Johnson
6.2 IP
2 Hits
1 Run
0 Earned Run
1 Walk
0 HR
7 K's
2.23 Season ERA

birds in my blefary

2006-05-25T23:13:00.000-07:00

... not a typo in the title.

Was staying at the Crowne Plaza in Seattle last night. Woke up this morning to birds in the lobby--Baltimore Orioles to be exact. I'm watching Jeff Conine sign a couple of autographs for a handful of fans, and I paused for a minute.....nope, never owned him in the NL. Didn't really recognize the others (tejada was not there, at that time). One thing about today's baseball players--they're almost uniformly all tall and wear suits well. No Wally Moons or Moe Bergs in this crew. Darwinism at it's best?

Stat-less in Seattle

2006-05-24T18:02:00.000-07:00

Night on the town with NW Ales, or the Orioles/Mariners at Safeco? Not a hard choice for this NL ONLY guy. Where's the interleague play when you need it?

The Incredible Mr. Baer

2006-05-21T17:09:00.000-07:00

From his seat above the visiting Giants dugout, Larry Baer signaled Felipe Alou to pull Barry Bonds in the 9th Inning today in Oakland, with the Giants leading 6-0. Thanks to Ticketmaster this a.m., I was able to get a $38 seat in Oakland and was sitting 5 rows behind Baer, when he made the slashing throat gesture to the 71 year old Alou.

Fans at the ballyard, myself included, were sorely disappointed to miss the slugger's last AB, but Mr. Baer figured it was worth at least $1M more in tix and concessions tomorrow at home vs. St. Louis.

Check out what those seats are going for on ebay and stubhub now--yowza!

If you don't have tix already...that's a shame.

Rock 'em Sox 'em

2006-05-21T10:34:00.000-07:00

Gotta like the authors of Rotoworld:

Michael Barrett was ejected from Saturday's game in the second inning for throwing a punch at A.J. Pierzynski. It was a good punch, too. Barrett took offense to the way Pierzynski instigated a collision at home plate on a play in which the White Sox catcher scored.

Quick Quiz, Hot Shot:

2006-05-19T20:14:00.000-07:00

Name the only .227 hitter who is 5-5 with bases loaded this year, with 12 rbi's?

No cheating!

...and Fitch

2006-05-17T19:48:00.000-07:00

Won't show up on the Pecklers' totals, but Sir Reggie might have one of the best CF arms around. Threw out the formerly fleet Brian Jordan with a one hop strike to the plate to maintain a 3-3 tie in the 10th.

Plus, they finally (and mercifully) sent Eric Reed down to AAA to get some playing time, ensuring that Sir Reg gets the whole season to prove his worth.

Over/Under on when Reed is back: July 19

Deal or No Deal

2006-05-17T09:03:00.000-07:00

I doubt this will help me trade Jacques Jones, but my duty as a journalist requires that I report the following:

5/16/06 - Chicago

Jacque Jones was nearly hit in the face by a ball thrown from the bleachers by a woman at Wrigley Field during the ninth inning of Tuesday's game.Cubs fans were upset with Jones who had yet another base running blunder in the game.

The House that Ruth Built...

2006-05-16T17:51:00.000-07:00

was Woodbine Raceway on 5/9/06.

The 7th Race Trifecta came in:

1st - # 7 Maris

2nd - # 1 Steinbrenner

3rd - # 3 Yankee No

*7-1-3 Trifecta.

*Coincidence that someone else was sitting on 713 that day?? You saw it here first.

More Park's Sausages, Mom...Please!

2006-05-15T18:19:00.000-07:00

Might have also called this one:

"Please sir, may I have another"

3 innings, 8 earned runs, and he kept throwing 92 mph fastballs over the plate. That's my boy, Taylor Bucholtz of the Astros. Doesn't really bother me this time, because:

1) I'm out of the BABI Race
2) It was against the Giants

Speaking of the Giants, for those in BABI, they play the Cards on 5/22 (Monday). Kevin (homer), Seth, and I are going, along with Julio (our Auctioneer).

Our pre-game is at 21st Amendment Brewpub/Restaurant (563 Second Street - near Brannan)--they of the canned beer micro.

Why not come down at 6 p.m. and tip an ale back with us, even if you do not plan to go to the ballyard.

If you do want to go, I can get discounted seats from the Giants, as a season ticket holder. So, just email me or post a comment on this entry. We can probably all sit together--might be a nice evening, especially if the weather is like tonight.

Cheers!

This Bud's for You!

2006-05-14T19:10:00.000-07:00

New application for the jingle.

From the Northern League (Independent)
05/01/2006
Schaumburg assigned (traded) the contract of RHP Nigel Thatch (Rookie) to Fullerton of the Golden Baseball League in exchange for 1 pallet (60 cases) of Budweiser beer.

the Gladiator vs. the Pharoah

2006-05-11T21:51:00.000-07:00

if you don't have mlb.tv for 79.99 a year, you have no business reading this blog. For 80 bucks, you get 2400 games a year. that's 3 cents a game.

without it, you missed Sir Albert crush the Pharoah the other night in the 8th, when Col. actually thought they had a shot at a .500 record this yr. Mesa gives him a strike, and it was wheelie nice (as in, in the proverbial wheelhouse). - 3 run job.

...for those of you still in the babi race, $60 would have been cheap for the new king.

About time! ....Part Deux

2006-05-09T01:04:00.000-07:00

From Rotoworld:

Giants designated LHP Jeff Fassero for assignment.Fassero, 43, is coming off his best season since 2001, but he opened this year by giving up 13 runs in 15 innings. That he's left-handed and will pitch in any role he's asked to undertake has helped keep him in the league, but his 16-year run may have just come to an end. May. 8 - 8:00 pm et

...wonder how he'll look in that flattering D-Ray teal??

Breaking news...

2006-05-06T17:59:00.000-07:00

Any 9's ERA under 5.00 for the first time this year....watch out for the 9-Train!

New inspiration

2006-04-30T23:41:00.000-07:00

...Josh posted before me, but the sentiment is still the same--Fassero's got to go. I could tell how badly he was pitching today, and that was just from listening to the radio! He gave us his all, but should never be in a close game after the 6th inning. Hell, he shouldn't be a Giant any more. I'm sure Tampa Bay would gladly stich a uni for him, too.

Tis the Season

2006-04-27T23:08:00.000-07:00

The Cartel, glimpsing the brass ring for the first time in the league, seized the moment and contacted Mr. Last Place at the right time.

Here's the trade:

Dunn Howard
Biggio Weeks
Burrell Spilborghs
Dam. Jax Burke
Josh And(F) Stephen Drew (F)

His original offer had Izzy in the mix, but I couldn't do that without getting Wright back, and that's not something that Greg would even consider (don't blame him). In terms of current value, great move for Greg picking up 3 studs. I get Howard and Weeks for now (and the future), and Drew who might end up being the best player of the 10--time will tell (in fact, just wrote about him today in this blog). Throwing in Burke sealed the deal.

...just in case you are wondering.

also heard on larrydotnet

2006-04-27T17:25:00.000-07:00

When interviewed about the Giants releasing Tyler Walker, Felipe reportedly was not aware of the team's move and said, "I was planning on putting him out there in the 9th inning (of a tied game)."

No comment here (on so many levels).

pound for pound...

2006-04-27T17:18:00.000-07:00

the toughest baseball player in the NL has to be Craig Counsell. The guy should be in traction, but he's gutting it out every day, knowing that if goes to the DL, so goes his starting assignment, as Stephen Drew is waiting in the wings, off to a huge start in the minors. Larrydotnet and I were discussing it today (after he called to report Mark's lame attempt of trying to pull a Peckler on him--trading a werth-less LA OF for actual value).

Of course, some people are not immune to the other Larry's considerable charms...

Also heard at Retail Sales Convention: New Mazzone Punching dolls

2006-04-26T23:16:00.000-07:00

...if you can't have the real thing in your dugout, just blow one up and have him rock, rock, rock you into your happy pitching zone. You can punch him all day long and he still bounces up and rock, rock, rocks....

Would do wonders for Jorge Sosa and Odalis Perez (you didn't really think he turned the corner this year, did you?)

Yes, you CAN !

2006-04-26T17:03:00.000-07:00

Since 100% of my readers (all 3 of you) are in SF, you should know that as of today, San Francisco re-invigorated a tradition that was in place from 1935-1981--canned San Francisco Beer! And, it's at our favorite watering hole, 21st Amendment Brewpub and Restaurant on 563 Second, near Brannan--just a short walk to or from the ballyard on the Bay.

Read all about it here: http://www.brookston.org/beer/>

Here's the impact of this retro development for us, from a pragmatic perspective--easier to smuggle canned microbrewed ales into the ballyard than its bottled brethren (take it from someone who is experienced).

So, stop by our brewpub before or after a game (or any time--like me!) and grab a sixer to go!

"Snow Globes are going to be Big at Walgreens this year"

2006-04-26T17:01:00.000-07:00

Just reporting the facts....as heard 2 minutes ago from a private conversation at the Bar at the Annual Retail Sales Convention at the Ritz Carlton Huntington Hotel in Pasadena. You can't say you weren't warned about this oncoming trend.

About time

2006-04-23T12:51:00.000-07:00

... but what am I going to use for inspiration now??

From Rotoworld:

Giants designated RHP Tyler Walker for assignment.Walker was out of options, so the Giants will hope that he clears waivers and heads to Triple-A Fresno. Judging by the way he's looked since the very start of the spring, he isn't going to turn it around anytime soon. He had a 15.19 ERA in six appearances for the Giants. Apr. 23 - 3:26 pm et