With the help of MLBTradeRumors.com and some of my favourite blogs, I have accessed so many good stories, and I am storing some here so I have everlasting linkage.
Joe Posnanski at SI.com wrote a really interesting piece on everyone's favourite future blue jay, Manny Ramirez:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/joe_posnanski/09/17/posnanski.manny/index.html
If you like Chuck Norris facts, you will love spinoff series' featuring Cole Hamels:
http://mysite.verizon.net/heyjude421/chf/chf.html
And Lastings Milledge:
http://milledgefacts.blogspot.com/
And the allways funny, MLB All-Coke Team:
http://thephatphree.com/features.asp?SectionID=2&StoryID=3059&LayoutType=1
Reasonable Matt Cain trade discussion:
http://www.mccoveychronicles.com/2008/9/26/622648/matt-cain-trade-talk-a-mai
Are the Jays going to offer AJ a contract?
http://www.thestar.com/Sports/Baseball/article/507488
A look at the Yankees offseason:
http://mvn.com/milb-yankees/2008/09/24/checking-in-on-the-40-man/
An awesome series that I've been following. The most recent:
http://mvn.com/outsider/2008/09/24/being-the-gm-2009-detroit-tigers/
5 potential suitors for Teixeira:
http://baseball-banter.blogspot.com/2008/09/who-will-go-after-texieira-this-winter.html
And of course, the very awesome Offseason Outlook from MLBTR:
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/offseason_outlook/index.html
And for a couple non-baseball readings:
What Your Jersey Says About You:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=katcher/060711
How to break up with an unwanted chickenhead:
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/c6f48145eb
and
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/fff02bb8bc
Greatest American Gladiator Moment Ever:
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/117565/kyler_storms_amazing_football_move/
A Classic, to me, about the battle between a man and a mouse:
http://kissingsuzykolber.uproxx.com/2006/10/steve-irwin-memorial-meast-of-week_18.html
Some classic funny, and I think enough time has passed:
http://encyclopediadramatica.com/Virginia_Tech_massacre
Some funny suicide stuff:
http://encyclopediadramatica.com/Suicide
Ethan Albright's letter to John Madden:
http://www.thephatphree.com/features.asp?StoryID=3159&SectionID=2
Saturday, September 27, 2008
He's starting
Fuck. Not only is he starting in CF, he's hitting 5th.
Sure, he just hit a HR to dead centre. He still sucks.
1 more day with him on the roster. If he is brought back next year, I may kill JP Riccardi. I would gladly serve jail time if it means the new GM releases Wilkerdingleberry his 1st day on the job.
I hate when the Jays play all their schmuks at once. I hate John Parrish, the afforementioned devil in CF tonight, and i can't stand Gregg "why the fuck are their 2 G's?" Zaun. I don't know what it is, his face bothers me.
Gregg Zaun looks like a rapist. There, I said it.
Brad Wilkerson & Kevin Mench look like racists, and so does Lyle Overbay.
Where are all the coloured players? No wonder the Jays can't win, they need more soul. I miss O-Dog. And the true Greatest Blue Jay of All-Time, Carlos Delgado.
Maybe JP will sign Furcal or Cabrera. I think we need a little more latin-flavour to accent Alex Rios. And get V-Dub another brother. You tried with Thomas & Stewart, and Justin Jackson is 4 years away. Get him a black guy.
I'm done for the night.
Sure, he just hit a HR to dead centre. He still sucks.
1 more day with him on the roster. If he is brought back next year, I may kill JP Riccardi. I would gladly serve jail time if it means the new GM releases Wilkerdingleberry his 1st day on the job.
I hate when the Jays play all their schmuks at once. I hate John Parrish, the afforementioned devil in CF tonight, and i can't stand Gregg "why the fuck are their 2 G's?" Zaun. I don't know what it is, his face bothers me.
Gregg Zaun looks like a rapist. There, I said it.
Brad Wilkerson & Kevin Mench look like racists, and so does Lyle Overbay.
Where are all the coloured players? No wonder the Jays can't win, they need more soul. I miss O-Dog. And the true Greatest Blue Jay of All-Time, Carlos Delgado.
Maybe JP will sign Furcal or Cabrera. I think we need a little more latin-flavour to accent Alex Rios. And get V-Dub another brother. You tried with Thomas & Stewart, and Justin Jackson is 4 years away. Get him a black guy.
I'm done for the night.
Monday, September 22, 2008
With 6 Games Left, It's Officially Over.
It's been a few days since I even talked about the team, but I feel something coming over me with the season gone.
I want to see the young guys playing the rest of the way. I don;t want to see Zaun at all, or anybody not in next years plans.
Thigpen better catch at least 5 of the 6 games. I want to see Lind start a couple games at first, in case Overbay gets dealt. If I see Wilkerson do anything buy pinch-run in the 8th or 9th inning, I may kill myself.
My iddeal line-up the rest of the season:
1. 2B - Joe Inglett / Marco Scutaro
2. RF - Alex Rios
3. DH/1B - Adam Lind
4. CF - Vernon Wells
5. LF - Travis Snider
6. 3B - Scott Rolen / Jose Bautista
7. 1B/DH - Lyle Overbay
8. C - Curtis Thigpen
9. SS - John MacDonald
I think it would be beneficial to see Snider hit a little higher in the line-up, even for 6 games.
The starting pitchers I hope to see for the next 6 games:
Tues: Litsch
Wed: Burnett
Thurs: Purcey
Fri: Halladay
Sat: Richmond
Sun: Litsch
It is not much different than what is goinf to come, I'm just giving Halladay an extra day of rest. Burnett must have a very short leash on Wednesday, as I really don't want to see him get hurt and keep his opt-in.
I wouldn't mind seeing Cecil called up for a start instead of Litsch's on the last day of the season. I would like to see Cecil start next year with the club until McGowan is healthy.
Nest season now has payroll flexiblilty, but it is going to be tough to find guys to come in and contribute.
Their catching situation next year: About $3.75M locked into 2009:
Rod Barajas - $2.5M option
Curtis Thigpen - $450,000 pre-arb guess
Brian Jeroloman - $400,000 pre-arb guess
JP Arencibia - $400,000 pre-arb guess
I hope Jeroloman is given a serious chance at being the back-up with considerable playing time.
1B: About $7.4M comited to 2009:
Lyle Overbay - $7M (under contract through 2010)
David Cooper - $400,000 (could make a serious run if he keeps hitting)
If My perfect world, Lyle gets traded, the Jays don't eat any money, and start Lind at 1B, saving money for a slugging DH or pitcher.
3B/2B/SS: About $19.44M commited to 2009:
Aaron Hill - $2.59M (locked up through 2014)
Marco Scutaro - $1.1M
John MacDonald - $1.9M
Joe Inglett - $450,000 pre-arb guess
Scott Rolen - $11M (locked up through 2010)
Jose Bautista - $2M arb guess
Scott Campbell - $400,000 pre-arb guess (could force his way)
Hill should be at SS in 2009, with Inglett playing the majority at 2B. Campbell could force the Jays hand with a really hot month or 2 in AAA, and could supplant Inglett into a utility role. Rolen is the 3B, with Bautista getting a decent amount of time, to spell Scotty. Scutaro should be traded.
Outfielders: About $9.45M commited to 2009:
Vernon Wells - $1.5M (Through 2014 with considerable raise after 2009)
Alex Rios - $5.9M (Through 2015 with raises coming after 2009)
Travis Snider - $400,000 pre-arb guess
Adam Lind - $450,000 pre-arb guess
Russ Adams - $450,000 pre-arb guess
Buck Coates - $450,000 pre-arb guess
Again, im perfect scenerio, Lind is at 1B. If the roster turns over, Snider has to be here. Snider & Lind should splitt LF/DH, with Lind DHing about 70%. As it stands, either Coates or Adams would be the 4th outfielder, unless Bautista & Scutaro can both play it well enough to keep both on the roster.
Pitchers: About $36.65M comitted to 2009:
Roy Halladay - $14.25M (Locked up through 2010)
Shaun Marcum - $500,000 pre-arb guess (Not pitching in 2009)
Dustin McGowan - $500,000 pre-arb guess (could miss first 2 months)
Jesse Litsch - $450,000 pre-arb guess
David Purcey - $400,000 pre-arb guess
Brett Cecil - $400,000 pre-arb guess
BJ Ryan - $10M (through 2010)
Scott Downs - $3.75M (through 2010)
Jason Frasor - $1.5M arb guess
Brian Tallet - $1M arb guess
Jeremy Accardo - $450,000 pre-arb guess
Casey Janssen - $450,000 pre-arb guess
John Parrish - $500,000 pre-arb guess
Brandon League - $450,000 pre-arb guess
Brian Wolfe - $450,000 pre-arb guess
Jesse Carlson - $400,000 pre-arb guess
Shawn Camp - $400,000 pre-arb guess
Davis Romero - $400,000 pre-arb guess
Ricky Romero - $400,000 pre-arb guess
If Janssen is healthy, he should be in the rotation to give Cecil a little more time. Either Romero could also become a factor in the rotation. I would recomend trading both Jason Frasor & Brian Tallet, freeing up roughly $2.5M.
Total estimated comitted payroll for 2009: $76.69M for 38 players. This leaves JP (or whoever is in charge) about $25M to play with.
Needs: A mashing DH and 1, maybe 2, mid-rotation starters. A SS would also be nice.
If Overbay gets dealt, which is the only way to make room in the line-up for a DH type, it would free up another $7M. My vote: If his option is declined in NY, a 2yr-$20M deal for Carlos Delgado. He can still hit 30HR a season, and he's my favourite player of all time. That is unlikely, as he is becoming a bargain for the Mets for next season. With Thome's 2009 option vesting the other night, there goes my second choice. That leaves Jason Giambi. I wouldn't have a problem with him at all, as long as he is back on the juice. The Jays could certainly use his 30HR and high OBP. A 2yr-$18M deal would be swell, with the second year being a vesting option based on plate appearances. So, in essence, I am switching Overbay;s $7M for 2009 & 2010 with Giambi's $9M for 2009 & maybe 2010 (Cooper could be ready in 2010 pretty easily).
So with $23Mish to play with pitching, let's look at a couple possibilties. Let's assume that Frasor & Tallet aren't back, freeing up another $2.5M as well. Tallet is the 4th best lefty in the pen and Frasor sucks donkey cock. Derek Lowe would be iddeal aquisition. I would offer a 3yr-$36M contract. That should be enough, as I doubt anyone else will toss more than $10M per season at him. If Janssen is healthy, that is all I would add from the 2nd or 3rd starter bin. I might look at Paul Byrd for 1yr-$7M to put up some decent innings. So adding another $19M to the payroll, leaving about $6M.
A shortstop would be swell. JJ Hardy could be on the block, and the Jays should make a huge effort at getting him. He will make somewhere around $5M next year in arbitration, but I would recomend a long-term deal apon trading for him. Throw any of Kevin Ahrens, Justin Jackson, John Tolisano, Scott Campbell, Brett Cecil, or any of the other pitching prospects we have. The Brewers could very well go with Alcides Escobar next year and trade Hardy away. They could also trade Fielder away, if they think they need a pitcher like Matt Cain. That could move Matt Gamel to 1B, and create a need for a 3B of the future. Enter Kevin Ahrens, or David Cooper if Gamel can stick at 3B. Justin Jaskson is a superb athlete, he is an attractive piece. Tolisiano & Campbell are both good bats with shaky defense at 2B, but could be quick rises through the system as high contact bats. Arms like Cecil, Mills, Dials, and many others are high-upside kids who I would hate to see go. But, for a player like Hardy, I would trade any 2 pitchers AA or lower and any 2 hitters AA or lower. The Jays match up really well with Milwaukee's long-term needs.
So, The 2009 Blue Jays:
1. Alex Rios - RF
2. Aaron Hill - 2B
3. Vernon Wells - CF
4. Jason Giambi - DH
5. Adam Lind - 1B
6. JJ Hardy - SS
7. Travis Snider- LF
8. Scott Rolen - 3B
9. Rod Barajas - C
C - Brian Jeroloman
IF - John MacDonald
IF/OF - Jose Bautista
IF/OF - Joe Inglett
SP1 - Roy Halladay
SP2 - Derek Lowe
SP3 - Jesse Litsch
SP4 - Paul Byrd
SP5 - Davis Purcey
Closer: BJ Ryan
Set-Up: Scott Downs
RP1: Jesse Carlson
RP2: Brandon League
RP3: Jeremy Accardo
RP4: Casey Janssen
RP5: Brian Wolfe until McGowan is back
Out:
AJ Burnett
Lyle Overbay
Jason Frasor
Brian Tallet
Marco Scutaro
Brett Cecil
Brad Mills
Kevin Ahrens
Scott Campbell
In:
Jason Giambi
JJ Hardy
Derek Lowe
Paul Byrd
Not bad. I think that team could compete with Boston, Tampa, and New York. I would feel comfortable with that team.
I want to see the young guys playing the rest of the way. I don;t want to see Zaun at all, or anybody not in next years plans.
Thigpen better catch at least 5 of the 6 games. I want to see Lind start a couple games at first, in case Overbay gets dealt. If I see Wilkerson do anything buy pinch-run in the 8th or 9th inning, I may kill myself.
My iddeal line-up the rest of the season:
1. 2B - Joe Inglett / Marco Scutaro
2. RF - Alex Rios
3. DH/1B - Adam Lind
4. CF - Vernon Wells
5. LF - Travis Snider
6. 3B - Scott Rolen / Jose Bautista
7. 1B/DH - Lyle Overbay
8. C - Curtis Thigpen
9. SS - John MacDonald
I think it would be beneficial to see Snider hit a little higher in the line-up, even for 6 games.
The starting pitchers I hope to see for the next 6 games:
Tues: Litsch
Wed: Burnett
Thurs: Purcey
Fri: Halladay
Sat: Richmond
Sun: Litsch
It is not much different than what is goinf to come, I'm just giving Halladay an extra day of rest. Burnett must have a very short leash on Wednesday, as I really don't want to see him get hurt and keep his opt-in.
I wouldn't mind seeing Cecil called up for a start instead of Litsch's on the last day of the season. I would like to see Cecil start next year with the club until McGowan is healthy.
Nest season now has payroll flexiblilty, but it is going to be tough to find guys to come in and contribute.
Their catching situation next year: About $3.75M locked into 2009:
Rod Barajas - $2.5M option
Curtis Thigpen - $450,000 pre-arb guess
Brian Jeroloman - $400,000 pre-arb guess
JP Arencibia - $400,000 pre-arb guess
I hope Jeroloman is given a serious chance at being the back-up with considerable playing time.
1B: About $7.4M comited to 2009:
Lyle Overbay - $7M (under contract through 2010)
David Cooper - $400,000 (could make a serious run if he keeps hitting)
If My perfect world, Lyle gets traded, the Jays don't eat any money, and start Lind at 1B, saving money for a slugging DH or pitcher.
3B/2B/SS: About $19.44M commited to 2009:
Aaron Hill - $2.59M (locked up through 2014)
Marco Scutaro - $1.1M
John MacDonald - $1.9M
Joe Inglett - $450,000 pre-arb guess
Scott Rolen - $11M (locked up through 2010)
Jose Bautista - $2M arb guess
Scott Campbell - $400,000 pre-arb guess (could force his way)
Hill should be at SS in 2009, with Inglett playing the majority at 2B. Campbell could force the Jays hand with a really hot month or 2 in AAA, and could supplant Inglett into a utility role. Rolen is the 3B, with Bautista getting a decent amount of time, to spell Scotty. Scutaro should be traded.
Outfielders: About $9.45M commited to 2009:
Vernon Wells - $1.5M (Through 2014 with considerable raise after 2009)
Alex Rios - $5.9M (Through 2015 with raises coming after 2009)
Travis Snider - $400,000 pre-arb guess
Adam Lind - $450,000 pre-arb guess
Russ Adams - $450,000 pre-arb guess
Buck Coates - $450,000 pre-arb guess
Again, im perfect scenerio, Lind is at 1B. If the roster turns over, Snider has to be here. Snider & Lind should splitt LF/DH, with Lind DHing about 70%. As it stands, either Coates or Adams would be the 4th outfielder, unless Bautista & Scutaro can both play it well enough to keep both on the roster.
Pitchers: About $36.65M comitted to 2009:
Roy Halladay - $14.25M (Locked up through 2010)
Shaun Marcum - $500,000 pre-arb guess (Not pitching in 2009)
Dustin McGowan - $500,000 pre-arb guess (could miss first 2 months)
Jesse Litsch - $450,000 pre-arb guess
David Purcey - $400,000 pre-arb guess
Brett Cecil - $400,000 pre-arb guess
BJ Ryan - $10M (through 2010)
Scott Downs - $3.75M (through 2010)
Jason Frasor - $1.5M arb guess
Brian Tallet - $1M arb guess
Jeremy Accardo - $450,000 pre-arb guess
Casey Janssen - $450,000 pre-arb guess
John Parrish - $500,000 pre-arb guess
Brandon League - $450,000 pre-arb guess
Brian Wolfe - $450,000 pre-arb guess
Jesse Carlson - $400,000 pre-arb guess
Shawn Camp - $400,000 pre-arb guess
Davis Romero - $400,000 pre-arb guess
Ricky Romero - $400,000 pre-arb guess
If Janssen is healthy, he should be in the rotation to give Cecil a little more time. Either Romero could also become a factor in the rotation. I would recomend trading both Jason Frasor & Brian Tallet, freeing up roughly $2.5M.
Total estimated comitted payroll for 2009: $76.69M for 38 players. This leaves JP (or whoever is in charge) about $25M to play with.
Needs: A mashing DH and 1, maybe 2, mid-rotation starters. A SS would also be nice.
If Overbay gets dealt, which is the only way to make room in the line-up for a DH type, it would free up another $7M. My vote: If his option is declined in NY, a 2yr-$20M deal for Carlos Delgado. He can still hit 30HR a season, and he's my favourite player of all time. That is unlikely, as he is becoming a bargain for the Mets for next season. With Thome's 2009 option vesting the other night, there goes my second choice. That leaves Jason Giambi. I wouldn't have a problem with him at all, as long as he is back on the juice. The Jays could certainly use his 30HR and high OBP. A 2yr-$18M deal would be swell, with the second year being a vesting option based on plate appearances. So, in essence, I am switching Overbay;s $7M for 2009 & 2010 with Giambi's $9M for 2009 & maybe 2010 (Cooper could be ready in 2010 pretty easily).
So with $23Mish to play with pitching, let's look at a couple possibilties. Let's assume that Frasor & Tallet aren't back, freeing up another $2.5M as well. Tallet is the 4th best lefty in the pen and Frasor sucks donkey cock. Derek Lowe would be iddeal aquisition. I would offer a 3yr-$36M contract. That should be enough, as I doubt anyone else will toss more than $10M per season at him. If Janssen is healthy, that is all I would add from the 2nd or 3rd starter bin. I might look at Paul Byrd for 1yr-$7M to put up some decent innings. So adding another $19M to the payroll, leaving about $6M.
A shortstop would be swell. JJ Hardy could be on the block, and the Jays should make a huge effort at getting him. He will make somewhere around $5M next year in arbitration, but I would recomend a long-term deal apon trading for him. Throw any of Kevin Ahrens, Justin Jackson, John Tolisano, Scott Campbell, Brett Cecil, or any of the other pitching prospects we have. The Brewers could very well go with Alcides Escobar next year and trade Hardy away. They could also trade Fielder away, if they think they need a pitcher like Matt Cain. That could move Matt Gamel to 1B, and create a need for a 3B of the future. Enter Kevin Ahrens, or David Cooper if Gamel can stick at 3B. Justin Jaskson is a superb athlete, he is an attractive piece. Tolisiano & Campbell are both good bats with shaky defense at 2B, but could be quick rises through the system as high contact bats. Arms like Cecil, Mills, Dials, and many others are high-upside kids who I would hate to see go. But, for a player like Hardy, I would trade any 2 pitchers AA or lower and any 2 hitters AA or lower. The Jays match up really well with Milwaukee's long-term needs.
So, The 2009 Blue Jays:
1. Alex Rios - RF
2. Aaron Hill - 2B
3. Vernon Wells - CF
4. Jason Giambi - DH
5. Adam Lind - 1B
6. JJ Hardy - SS
7. Travis Snider- LF
8. Scott Rolen - 3B
9. Rod Barajas - C
C - Brian Jeroloman
IF - John MacDonald
IF/OF - Jose Bautista
IF/OF - Joe Inglett
SP1 - Roy Halladay
SP2 - Derek Lowe
SP3 - Jesse Litsch
SP4 - Paul Byrd
SP5 - Davis Purcey
Closer: BJ Ryan
Set-Up: Scott Downs
RP1: Jesse Carlson
RP2: Brandon League
RP3: Jeremy Accardo
RP4: Casey Janssen
RP5: Brian Wolfe until McGowan is back
Out:
AJ Burnett
Lyle Overbay
Jason Frasor
Brian Tallet
Marco Scutaro
Brett Cecil
Brad Mills
Kevin Ahrens
Scott Campbell
In:
Jason Giambi
JJ Hardy
Derek Lowe
Paul Byrd
Not bad. I think that team could compete with Boston, Tampa, and New York. I would feel comfortable with that team.
Cy Young Candidates: American League
12. Aj Burnett - Toronto
Key Stats: 18 W, 220 K, 9.3 K/9
Aj has has a great season, aside from his ERA (4.17). Aj is the only pitcher of my top 12 with an ERA north of 4. There are 9 starters outside of my top 12 with an ERA better than Burnett's, but it's his strikeouts and dominance that push im ahead of the others.
11. Mark Buehrle - Chicago
Key Stats: 14 W, 3.86 ERA
Buehrle is the first of 3 White Sox on my list. He deserves to be mentioned, but not ahead of his younger, cheaper, more surprising pitchers, who have better stats as well.
10. Gavin Floyd - Chicago
Key Stats: 16 W, 3.83 ERA
Floyd has come on out of nowhere this year and established himself as the pitcher that the Phillies always thought he would be. He has easily surpassed all his previously mediocre career highs, and put up numbers that are extremely impressive.
9. Joe Saunders - Los Angeles
Key Stats: 16 W, 3.51 ERA, 53 BB
Saunders has had impressive control this control, just an in seasons past. He has improved greatly upon his stats from last season, and with Ervin Santana and John Lackey, formed a very impressive 3-headed monster in LA.
8. James Shields - Tampa Bay
Key Stats: 13 W, 3.60 ERA, 152K/39BB
Shields has improved upon last season's impressive numbers and, in my mind, has surpassed Kazmir as the most reliable starter on the squad. Shields has been the most consistant starter on the Rays, the most surprising team in baseball.
7. John Danks - Chicago
Key Stats: 3.19 ERA, 11 W
Danks as had the most impressive season by a White Sox starter, which is saying something. Danks has raped his previous career highs into submission and pitched himself into position to be Chicago's ace.
6. Ervin Santana - Los Angeles
Key Stats: 15 W, 3.33 ERA
Santana & Saunders have pitched really great seasons, when LA needed them the most. After last season's disappointment, Santana has bounced back to establish himself as a formidable starter.
5. Mike Mussina - New York
Key Stats: 18 W, 3.56 ERA, 141K/29BB
Moose has has an exceptional season, at age 39. He is having arguably his best season since 2001, his first with the Yankees. He is 1 win away from his career high, and is a free agent after the season, unsure of his destination.
4. Jon Lester - Boston
Key Stats: 15 W, 3.25 ERA
Lester has accomplished a lot, overcoming cancer and all, and has helped make up for Beckett's injury-proneness. He is a big part the Red Sox success, and should get some consideration for the Cy.
3. Daisuke Matsusaka - Boston
Key Stats: 18-2, 2.80 ERA
Dice-K has has an amazing season in his sophmore campaign. He won't reach his innings total of last year due to minor injuries, and has shown pretty shitty control this season. His second season in North America has been kind to him, but shouldn't get consideration due to his low innings total.
2. Roy Halladay - Toronto
Key Stats: 19 W, 237 IP, 201K/38BB, 2.81 ERA
Doc is awesome, as I have witnessed first hand for years. In any other season, his numbers would be enough to win the Cy. He will most likely surpass his career high in strikeouts, and will be second in IP escept for his Cy season in 2003. Doc should get serious consideration due to strength of schedule, NCAA style.
1. Cliff Lee - Cleveland
Key Stats: 22-2, 162K/31BB, 2.41 ERA
Lee has put up the kind of season expected after his 2005 season. He pitched like rotton asshole last season though. I hope it's legit, because I would hate that Doc got beaten out by a one-year wonder schmuk. Plus, his wife looks like a hot 16 year old and his son looks retarded. He needs something positive in his life.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Cy Young Candidates - National League
National League
10. Ricky Nolasco - Florida Marlins
With 15 wins and ERA of 3.52, Ricky deserves a mention on a surprising Marlins squad.
9. Dan Haren - Arizona D-Backs
The first of 2 D-Backs to crack my top 10, Haren has made an impressive showing in his NL debut. With 15 wins and an ERA of 3.23, Haren has shown last season wasn't a fluke, and that he is an elite pitcher. He will most likely crack 200 Ks for the first time in his career.
8. Edinson Volquez - Cincinatti Reds
Volquez started out on a torrid pace, and came back to the pack, and eventually passed by a bunch of guys. His first bad start was against the Jays, and it was the first time his ERA went above 2. That game was June 26. He had 3 months (half the fucking season) without giving up more than 3 runs in a start. His ERA is still a really good 3.29 and he has 16 wins as well.
7. Cole Hamels - Philadelphia Phillies
With "only" 14 wins, this seems a weird place to put Cole, but I fucking hate the W stat. Although it looks pretty, it isn't a true indicator of a season. His 3.10 ERA is stellar, especially cinsidering his home park is a fucking match-box.
6. Ben Sheets - Milwaukee Brewers
The 1st of 2 Brewers makes his appearance, with 13 wins and an ERA south of 3 (2.98) are impressive ways to head into free agency.
5. CC Sabathia - Milwaukee Brewers
Back to back Brewers? I like it. Since coming over from Cleveland, CC has been amazing. 115 innings of sun-2 ERA (1.80) baseball and almost a K per inning has lead to 9 wins and 6 somplete games in 15 starts. If he would've been aquired a month earlier, I would be fine with him as the leading candidate. As it stands, with not even half his starts in the NL, it wouldn't be fair to the next 4 guys, who have all had full season of excellent pitching.
4. Ryan Dempster - Chicago Cubs
A Canadian. That pushed him ahead of CC for me, as silly as it is. But his numbers are impossible to ignore as well. 16 wins, a 3.02 ERA, 182 K in 196 innings, first full season as a starter since 2003. I had my doubt that he would be able to pitch well over a full season in the rotation, but he has had a stellar season, which (probly not so) coincidentally is his walk year.
3. Johan Santana - New York Mets
Aquired in the most talked about trade of the past offseason, Johan has been as good as advertised. With 14 wins and an ERA of 2.65, Johan has been impressive, and well worth it to the Mets to clean out their system.
2. Brandon Webb - Arizona D-Backs
21 wins. Impressive regardless of how you view the W stat. The ERA of 3.25 isn't the most impressive on the list, but is good enough to, along with the wins, be in serious consideration.
1. Tim Lincecum - San Fransisco Giants
Oh, how I wished at the time that Rios for Lincecum went down. And it looks 100,000 X better now. But "Tiny Tim" has been amazing this season, with really now chance of team success at all. He has gone 17-4 on a team that hits like a team full of retards. His 2.46 ERA is amazing, and easily gets my nod over Webb's 21 wins. And 242 Ks!! Dominant.
10. Ricky Nolasco - Florida Marlins
With 15 wins and ERA of 3.52, Ricky deserves a mention on a surprising Marlins squad.
9. Dan Haren - Arizona D-Backs
The first of 2 D-Backs to crack my top 10, Haren has made an impressive showing in his NL debut. With 15 wins and an ERA of 3.23, Haren has shown last season wasn't a fluke, and that he is an elite pitcher. He will most likely crack 200 Ks for the first time in his career.
8. Edinson Volquez - Cincinatti Reds
Volquez started out on a torrid pace, and came back to the pack, and eventually passed by a bunch of guys. His first bad start was against the Jays, and it was the first time his ERA went above 2. That game was June 26. He had 3 months (half the fucking season) without giving up more than 3 runs in a start. His ERA is still a really good 3.29 and he has 16 wins as well.
7. Cole Hamels - Philadelphia Phillies
With "only" 14 wins, this seems a weird place to put Cole, but I fucking hate the W stat. Although it looks pretty, it isn't a true indicator of a season. His 3.10 ERA is stellar, especially cinsidering his home park is a fucking match-box.
6. Ben Sheets - Milwaukee Brewers
The 1st of 2 Brewers makes his appearance, with 13 wins and an ERA south of 3 (2.98) are impressive ways to head into free agency.
5. CC Sabathia - Milwaukee Brewers
Back to back Brewers? I like it. Since coming over from Cleveland, CC has been amazing. 115 innings of sun-2 ERA (1.80) baseball and almost a K per inning has lead to 9 wins and 6 somplete games in 15 starts. If he would've been aquired a month earlier, I would be fine with him as the leading candidate. As it stands, with not even half his starts in the NL, it wouldn't be fair to the next 4 guys, who have all had full season of excellent pitching.
4. Ryan Dempster - Chicago Cubs
A Canadian. That pushed him ahead of CC for me, as silly as it is. But his numbers are impossible to ignore as well. 16 wins, a 3.02 ERA, 182 K in 196 innings, first full season as a starter since 2003. I had my doubt that he would be able to pitch well over a full season in the rotation, but he has had a stellar season, which (probly not so) coincidentally is his walk year.
3. Johan Santana - New York Mets
Aquired in the most talked about trade of the past offseason, Johan has been as good as advertised. With 14 wins and an ERA of 2.65, Johan has been impressive, and well worth it to the Mets to clean out their system.
2. Brandon Webb - Arizona D-Backs
21 wins. Impressive regardless of how you view the W stat. The ERA of 3.25 isn't the most impressive on the list, but is good enough to, along with the wins, be in serious consideration.
1. Tim Lincecum - San Fransisco Giants
Oh, how I wished at the time that Rios for Lincecum went down. And it looks 100,000 X better now. But "Tiny Tim" has been amazing this season, with really now chance of team success at all. He has gone 17-4 on a team that hits like a team full of retards. His 2.46 ERA is amazing, and easily gets my nod over Webb's 21 wins. And 242 Ks!! Dominant.
Look Ahead: Rookies Of The Year
I have decided to have a look at the front-runners for the R.O.Y. awards for both leagues.
American League
Hitters
Evan Longoria - 3B - Tampa
Longoria has been Tampa's best player. Pena may have the prettiest numbers, but Longoria has been the back-bone of this team since his early season call-up. Playing 3rd base & filling a long-standing void for the Rays franchise, Longoria's success coinciding with Tampa Bay's is not a coincidence. He has been their MVP, and should be the winner of this award by a land slide. Hitting .281 with a .350 OBP, he has 25 HR & 82 RsBI. He also has 30 2B and has played great defence.
Alexi Ramirez - 2B - Chicago
Cuban defector Ramirez has been a shot in the arm for the Sox as they attempt to return to the playoffs. A .297 AVG with 20 HR and 72 RsBI have been surprises for the Sox. His power has been surprising to me and I would bet, due to pretty weak plate disapline, that this will be the best season of his career, Eric Hinske style.
Jacoy Ellsbury - OF - Boston
Ellsbury is probly the only hitter who could give Longoria a run with a hot couple of weeks. Hitting .269 with 49 steals, Elssbury has been a catalyst for the Sox most of the season. His defence has been great at all 3 positions, as well. Ellsbury has no real chance at challenging Longoria, but is the 2nd best option.
Honorable Mentions
Ben Fransisco - OF - Cleveland - .267 AVG. - 14 HR
David Murphy - OF - Texas - .275 AVG. - 15 HR - 74 RsBI
Mike Aviles - SS - Kansas City - .321 AVG. - 8 HR
Chris Davis - 1B/3B - Texas - 16 HR
Pitchers
Armando Galarraga - Starter - Detroit
Galarraga has been a bright spot in a pretty shitty Tigers rotation, and should get some consideration as the only starter to put up a really good ERA as a rookie. 12-6 with a 3.57 ERA has been a very plesent surprise for the disapointing Tigers this season. I don't think he has a shot at challenging Longoria, but he is the class of rookie pitchers.
Honorable Mentions
Brad Ziegler - Reliever - Oakland - 11 Saves - 0.78 ERA
Jesse Carlson - Reliever - Toronto - 7 W - 1.73 ERA
Jose Arredondo - Reliever - Los Angeles - 9 W - 1.59 ERA
Jim Johnson - Reliever - Baltimore - 2.22 ERA
Glen Perkins - Starter - Minnesota - 12 W
Nick Blackburn - Starter - Minnesota - 10 W
Joey Devine - Reliever - Oakland - 6 W - 0.63 ERA
Justin Masterson - Starter/Reliever - Boston - 6 W - 3.25 ERA
National League
Hitters
Geo Soto - C - Chicago
Soto has had a great season, for a rookie or a hitter, but especially for a rookie catcher. With all that catchers have to deal with, it has been amazing what Soto has been able to do offensively. A .286 AVG has been good, but his 23 HR & 86 RsBI have been sensational. His numbers should put him past Votto for best rookie hitter, his success along with his position will win him the award.
Joey Votto - 1B - Cincinatti
Canadian Votto has had a great season, with a .288 AVG with 21 HR & 77 RsBI. His numbers are very similar to Soto's, but 1B is much easier defensively. That is the factor between the two.
Honorable Mentions
Kosuke Fukudome - RF - Chicago - .360 OBP - 9 HR
Jay Bruce - OF - Cincinatti - 21 HR
Pitchers
Jair Jurrjens - Starter - Atlanta
Aquired in the terrible (for the Tigers) trade in the offseason, Jair has been great, with 13 wins and an ERA under 4. He could steal a few votes, but will probly finsh 3rd behind Soto & Votto, maybe finishing 2nd.
Honorable Mentions
Jorge Campillo - Starter - Atlanta - 8 W - 3.75 ERA
Cory Wade - Reliever - Los Angeles - 2.28 ERA
Hiroki Kuroda - Starter - Los Angeles - 9 W - 3.83 ERA
John Lannan - Starter - Washington - 9 W - 3.86 ERA
Johnny Cueto - Starter - Cincinatti - 9 W
American League
Hitters
Evan Longoria - 3B - Tampa
Longoria has been Tampa's best player. Pena may have the prettiest numbers, but Longoria has been the back-bone of this team since his early season call-up. Playing 3rd base & filling a long-standing void for the Rays franchise, Longoria's success coinciding with Tampa Bay's is not a coincidence. He has been their MVP, and should be the winner of this award by a land slide. Hitting .281 with a .350 OBP, he has 25 HR & 82 RsBI. He also has 30 2B and has played great defence.
Alexi Ramirez - 2B - Chicago
Cuban defector Ramirez has been a shot in the arm for the Sox as they attempt to return to the playoffs. A .297 AVG with 20 HR and 72 RsBI have been surprises for the Sox. His power has been surprising to me and I would bet, due to pretty weak plate disapline, that this will be the best season of his career, Eric Hinske style.
Jacoy Ellsbury - OF - Boston
Ellsbury is probly the only hitter who could give Longoria a run with a hot couple of weeks. Hitting .269 with 49 steals, Elssbury has been a catalyst for the Sox most of the season. His defence has been great at all 3 positions, as well. Ellsbury has no real chance at challenging Longoria, but is the 2nd best option.
Honorable Mentions
Ben Fransisco - OF - Cleveland - .267 AVG. - 14 HR
David Murphy - OF - Texas - .275 AVG. - 15 HR - 74 RsBI
Mike Aviles - SS - Kansas City - .321 AVG. - 8 HR
Chris Davis - 1B/3B - Texas - 16 HR
Pitchers
Armando Galarraga - Starter - Detroit
Galarraga has been a bright spot in a pretty shitty Tigers rotation, and should get some consideration as the only starter to put up a really good ERA as a rookie. 12-6 with a 3.57 ERA has been a very plesent surprise for the disapointing Tigers this season. I don't think he has a shot at challenging Longoria, but he is the class of rookie pitchers.
Honorable Mentions
Brad Ziegler - Reliever - Oakland - 11 Saves - 0.78 ERA
Jesse Carlson - Reliever - Toronto - 7 W - 1.73 ERA
Jose Arredondo - Reliever - Los Angeles - 9 W - 1.59 ERA
Jim Johnson - Reliever - Baltimore - 2.22 ERA
Glen Perkins - Starter - Minnesota - 12 W
Nick Blackburn - Starter - Minnesota - 10 W
Joey Devine - Reliever - Oakland - 6 W - 0.63 ERA
Justin Masterson - Starter/Reliever - Boston - 6 W - 3.25 ERA
National League
Hitters
Geo Soto - C - Chicago
Soto has had a great season, for a rookie or a hitter, but especially for a rookie catcher. With all that catchers have to deal with, it has been amazing what Soto has been able to do offensively. A .286 AVG has been good, but his 23 HR & 86 RsBI have been sensational. His numbers should put him past Votto for best rookie hitter, his success along with his position will win him the award.
Joey Votto - 1B - Cincinatti
Canadian Votto has had a great season, with a .288 AVG with 21 HR & 77 RsBI. His numbers are very similar to Soto's, but 1B is much easier defensively. That is the factor between the two.
Honorable Mentions
Kosuke Fukudome - RF - Chicago - .360 OBP - 9 HR
Jay Bruce - OF - Cincinatti - 21 HR
Pitchers
Jair Jurrjens - Starter - Atlanta
Aquired in the terrible (for the Tigers) trade in the offseason, Jair has been great, with 13 wins and an ERA under 4. He could steal a few votes, but will probly finsh 3rd behind Soto & Votto, maybe finishing 2nd.
Honorable Mentions
Jorge Campillo - Starter - Atlanta - 8 W - 3.75 ERA
Cory Wade - Reliever - Los Angeles - 2.28 ERA
Hiroki Kuroda - Starter - Los Angeles - 9 W - 3.83 ERA
John Lannan - Starter - Washington - 9 W - 3.86 ERA
Johnny Cueto - Starter - Cincinatti - 9 W
Friday, September 19, 2008
Offseason Preview: San Diego Padres
Players Under Contract For 2009 & Beyond
OF - Brian Giles ($9M Option or $3M Buyout)
OF - Jody Gerut ($1.5M - Arb Guess)
OF - Scott Hairston ($750,000 - Arb Guess)
OF - Chip Ambres, Chase Headley, Drew Macias, Will Venable (x4 - $450,000 - Pre-Arb Guesses)
SS - Khalil Greene ($6.5M)
3B Kevin Kouzmanoff ($500,000 - Pre-Arb ???)
1B - Adrian Gonzalez ($3M - Through 2011)
IF - Craig Stansberry, Luis Rodriguez, Brian Myrow, Sean Kazmar, Matt Antonelli (x5 - $450,000 - Pre-Arb Guesses)
C - Luke Carlin, Nick Hundley, Colt Morton (x3 - $450,000 - Pre-Arb Guesses)
SP - Jake Peavy ($8M - Through 2013)
SP - Chris Young ($4.5M - Through 2011)
P - Heath Bell ($1.5M - Arb Guess)
P - Cla Meredeth ($1M - Arb Guess)
P - Clay Hensley ($600,000 - Arb Guess)
P - Justin Hampson, Joe Thatcher, Cha Baek, Tim Stauffer, Mike Adams, Kevin Cameron, Mike Ekstrom, Josh Greer, Enrique Gonzalez, Charlie Haeger, Dirk Hayhurst, Wade LeBlanc, Scott Patterson, Chad Reinke, Josh Banks, Justin Germano, Carlos Guevara, Sean Henn, Bryan Corey, Brian Falkenborg (x20 - $450,000 - Pre-Arb Guesses)
Players Leaving Via Free Agency
P - Trevor Hoffman ($7.5M)
C - Michael Barrett ($3.5M)
C - Josh Bard ($2.2375M - Non-Tender Very Likely)
P - Mark Prior ($1M)
P - Shawn Estes ($550,000)
About $50M is on hand for next season, which is where their payroll should be near with the rumours of cutting payroll.
Greene is a trade candidate, with a few teams looking for a solid SS. Toronto, Detroit, Minnesota, and maybe Texas & Tampa will be looking for a SS with Greene's D & power. I see him being dealt, probly to a team I am not thinking about, maybe St. Louis.
If they really want to blow it up, Chris Young is an affordable, solid mid-rotation guy. He would cost a couple solid prospects, but would be worth it to many team looking for stability.
Kevin Kouzmanoff could be moved if they want to move top prospect Headley back to 3rd. The Twins, Rangers, Indians, Oakland, and maybe Baltimore are options in the AL. I see him going to the Rangers, maybe for a pitching prospect with solid bullpen potential or back-of-rotation upside.
The Deals I Would Make
Excercise Brian Giles' option, and explore trading him. Have the aquiring team pick up the whole $9M, and maybe another year for Brian to waive his no-trade rights. I'd send him to Atlanta for a solid prospect or 2. Jordan Schaffer or Brandon Jones, preferably the more athletic Jones and Cole Rohrbough or Tommy Hansen.
Trade Khalil Greene to the Tigers for Matt Joyce, straight up.
Trade Chris Young to an AL team desperate for pitching, with little payroll room, like Kansas City for Luke Hochevar. Hochevar has struggled, but could excell in a pitcher-friendly league and park.
Trade Kouzmanoff to the Rangers for one of their catchers, Taylor Teagardon or Max Ramirez. Ramirez would be more likely.
Trade Jody Gerut to somewhere who could afford a $1M+ 4th OF, like the Yankees, for a relief prospect like Phil Coke.
The 2009 Team, In My World
C - Max Ramirez, Nick Hundley, Luke Carlin, & Colt Morton
1B - Adrian Gonzalez
2B - Matt Antonelli
3B - Chase Headley
SS - Luis Gonzalez & Sean Kazmar
OF - Matt Joyce, Brandon Jones, Scott Hairston, Will Venable
SP - Jake Peavy, Luke Hochevar, Clay Hensley, Charlie Haeger, Josh Greer
RP - Heath Bell, Cla Meredith, Mike Adams, Bryan Corey, Justin Hampson, Joe Thatcher, Brian Falkenborg.
Conclusion.
The Padres will be the worst team in baseball next year, unless they decide to spend and hit about $80M in payroll. They have too many holes to fill from within, and free agents and trades are very costly.
This will be the last of this series, as it just isn't entertaining to me anymore. I may do something similar to it, just trades I would make or signing that seem perfect for some teams, but no more team-by-team. I may do one for the Jays, and update it frequently though.
Peace
OF - Brian Giles ($9M Option or $3M Buyout)
OF - Jody Gerut ($1.5M - Arb Guess)
OF - Scott Hairston ($750,000 - Arb Guess)
OF - Chip Ambres, Chase Headley, Drew Macias, Will Venable (x4 - $450,000 - Pre-Arb Guesses)
SS - Khalil Greene ($6.5M)
3B Kevin Kouzmanoff ($500,000 - Pre-Arb ???)
1B - Adrian Gonzalez ($3M - Through 2011)
IF - Craig Stansberry, Luis Rodriguez, Brian Myrow, Sean Kazmar, Matt Antonelli (x5 - $450,000 - Pre-Arb Guesses)
C - Luke Carlin, Nick Hundley, Colt Morton (x3 - $450,000 - Pre-Arb Guesses)
SP - Jake Peavy ($8M - Through 2013)
SP - Chris Young ($4.5M - Through 2011)
P - Heath Bell ($1.5M - Arb Guess)
P - Cla Meredeth ($1M - Arb Guess)
P - Clay Hensley ($600,000 - Arb Guess)
P - Justin Hampson, Joe Thatcher, Cha Baek, Tim Stauffer, Mike Adams, Kevin Cameron, Mike Ekstrom, Josh Greer, Enrique Gonzalez, Charlie Haeger, Dirk Hayhurst, Wade LeBlanc, Scott Patterson, Chad Reinke, Josh Banks, Justin Germano, Carlos Guevara, Sean Henn, Bryan Corey, Brian Falkenborg (x20 - $450,000 - Pre-Arb Guesses)
Players Leaving Via Free Agency
P - Trevor Hoffman ($7.5M)
C - Michael Barrett ($3.5M)
C - Josh Bard ($2.2375M - Non-Tender Very Likely)
P - Mark Prior ($1M)
P - Shawn Estes ($550,000)
About $50M is on hand for next season, which is where their payroll should be near with the rumours of cutting payroll.
Greene is a trade candidate, with a few teams looking for a solid SS. Toronto, Detroit, Minnesota, and maybe Texas & Tampa will be looking for a SS with Greene's D & power. I see him being dealt, probly to a team I am not thinking about, maybe St. Louis.
If they really want to blow it up, Chris Young is an affordable, solid mid-rotation guy. He would cost a couple solid prospects, but would be worth it to many team looking for stability.
Kevin Kouzmanoff could be moved if they want to move top prospect Headley back to 3rd. The Twins, Rangers, Indians, Oakland, and maybe Baltimore are options in the AL. I see him going to the Rangers, maybe for a pitching prospect with solid bullpen potential or back-of-rotation upside.
The Deals I Would Make
Excercise Brian Giles' option, and explore trading him. Have the aquiring team pick up the whole $9M, and maybe another year for Brian to waive his no-trade rights. I'd send him to Atlanta for a solid prospect or 2. Jordan Schaffer or Brandon Jones, preferably the more athletic Jones and Cole Rohrbough or Tommy Hansen.
Trade Khalil Greene to the Tigers for Matt Joyce, straight up.
Trade Chris Young to an AL team desperate for pitching, with little payroll room, like Kansas City for Luke Hochevar. Hochevar has struggled, but could excell in a pitcher-friendly league and park.
Trade Kouzmanoff to the Rangers for one of their catchers, Taylor Teagardon or Max Ramirez. Ramirez would be more likely.
Trade Jody Gerut to somewhere who could afford a $1M+ 4th OF, like the Yankees, for a relief prospect like Phil Coke.
The 2009 Team, In My World
C - Max Ramirez, Nick Hundley, Luke Carlin, & Colt Morton
1B - Adrian Gonzalez
2B - Matt Antonelli
3B - Chase Headley
SS - Luis Gonzalez & Sean Kazmar
OF - Matt Joyce, Brandon Jones, Scott Hairston, Will Venable
SP - Jake Peavy, Luke Hochevar, Clay Hensley, Charlie Haeger, Josh Greer
RP - Heath Bell, Cla Meredith, Mike Adams, Bryan Corey, Justin Hampson, Joe Thatcher, Brian Falkenborg.
Conclusion.
The Padres will be the worst team in baseball next year, unless they decide to spend and hit about $80M in payroll. They have too many holes to fill from within, and free agents and trades are very costly.
This will be the last of this series, as it just isn't entertaining to me anymore. I may do something similar to it, just trades I would make or signing that seem perfect for some teams, but no more team-by-team. I may do one for the Jays, and update it frequently though.
Peace
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Offseason Preview: Washinton Nationals
The Nats are the worst team currently in the NL, let's see how they stack up going into next season.
Contracts for 2009 & beyond
Pitchers:
Chad Cordero - $8M (Arbitration Guess)
Jesus Colome - $1.75M (Arb Guess)
Tim Redding - $2M (Arb Guess)
Ryan Wagner - $750,000 (Arb Guess)
Saul Rivera - $500,000 (Not sure if he is Arb-Eligible yet)
Matt Chico, Jason Bergmann, Shawn Hill, Joal Hanrahan, Mike O'Conner, Collin Balester, Tyler Clippard, Ross Detwiler, Marco Estrada, Mike Hinckley, John Lannan, Charlie Manning, Shairon Martis, Garrett Mock, Steven Shell, Levale Speigner (x16 $450,000 - Pre-Arb Guesses)
Infielders
1B Nick Johnson - $5.5M (Last Yr of Contract)
1B Dmitri Young - $5M (Option on 2010)
SS Christian Guzman - $8M (2010 Last Yr)
2B Ronnie Belliard - $1.9M (Last Yr)
3B Ryan Zimmerman - $2M (Arb Guess)
C Wil Nieves, Jesus Flores, Mike Montz (x3 $450,000 Pre-Arb)
IF Emilio Bonafacio, Kory Casto, Alberto Gonzalez, Anderson Hernandez, Pete Orr (x5 $450,000 Pre-Arb Guesses)
Outfielders
Austin Kearns - $8M (Option on 2010)
Wily Mo Pena - $5M Tm Opt or $2M Pl Opt
Willie Harris - $1.5M (Arb Guess)
Ryan Langerhans - $750,000 (Arb Guess)
Lastings Milledge, Elijah Dukes, Roger Bernadina, Garrett Guzman, Justin Maxwell (x5 $450,000 Pre-Arb Guesses)
Free Agents
P Odalis Perez and IF Aaron Boone
The Nats will be around $45M with this group. I would think that with stadium revenue, the payroll could be around $60-$65M. I see at least 1 big free agent pitcher signing.
If I Was Running This Team
- I would sign A.J. Burnett. Something like 4 or 5 yrs / $15M per yr should do the trick and wouldn't be ridiculous.
- I would also sign another of the 2nd/3rd tier pitchers around $5 - $10M per yr. Maybe Derek Lowe or Randy Wolf. I would look into re-uping Odalis Perez as well.
- Trade away the spare parts for salary relief or low level prospects. Nick Johnson isn't crap, but his injuries make him worthless to most teams. The Yankees could take him on and he would fit a need for them as well. Dmitri Young could be valuable to another NL team for pinch-hitting or 1st baseman. The Giants could take him to play first and pinch-hit. Ronnie Belliard is worthless to a non-contender on the bench, and Christian Guzman won't be around when they are competitive in 2 or 3 years and would net a solid prospect or pitcher. Naybe to the Jays for a couple relievers (Jason Frasor & Brian Tallet types) and a prospect (Kevin Ahrens) would be fine with me. I would beg someone to take Kearns and/or Pena.
- I would sign a 1st baseman, Kevin Millar type who will stay healthy and put forth a good effort and set a good example.
Next year should be about trying to find out what they wave going forward. The ideal set-up:
C - Flores
1B - Millar
2B - Bonafacio
3B - Zimmerman
SS - Hernandez / Gonzalez
LF - Casto
CF - Milledge
RF - Dukes
The starting pitching:
Burnett, Lowe/Wolf, Perez, Redding, Balester.
The Bullpen:
Frasor, Tallet, Hanrahan, Rivera, Lannon, Shell, Colome.
It should be a bad year, but with a couple big signings next off-season, they could be competitive if guys progress. Zimmerman is a fuckin stud, Milledge & Dukes are solid OF to build around, and Bonifacio & Gonzalez could be good MLers.
They have some really nice pieces, but their pitching is not good. With a couple trades and signings, their bullpen could be good.
I predict they will stay in the cellar next season, but close the gap.
P.S. on the night:
I was chatting a colleague on Monday night about my off-day on Tuesday and my pron choices for the day. I thought about trying out some piss & skat stuff, but decided I wouldn't enjoy it and stayed away. We were chatting again tonight and he was surprised at my lack of adventure and recomended I watch some sluts take 2 cocks up the asshole at the same time. I politely disagreed, saying it wasn't my style. Neither was Lee Stone. His moeny shot lacks quantity, which really helps the ending. His intros were creepy as hell too.
Anyway, I'll do the Padres at some point tomorrow, after work/before poker.
Peace
Contracts for 2009 & beyond
Pitchers:
Chad Cordero - $8M (Arbitration Guess)
Jesus Colome - $1.75M (Arb Guess)
Tim Redding - $2M (Arb Guess)
Ryan Wagner - $750,000 (Arb Guess)
Saul Rivera - $500,000 (Not sure if he is Arb-Eligible yet)
Matt Chico, Jason Bergmann, Shawn Hill, Joal Hanrahan, Mike O'Conner, Collin Balester, Tyler Clippard, Ross Detwiler, Marco Estrada, Mike Hinckley, John Lannan, Charlie Manning, Shairon Martis, Garrett Mock, Steven Shell, Levale Speigner (x16 $450,000 - Pre-Arb Guesses)
Infielders
1B Nick Johnson - $5.5M (Last Yr of Contract)
1B Dmitri Young - $5M (Option on 2010)
SS Christian Guzman - $8M (2010 Last Yr)
2B Ronnie Belliard - $1.9M (Last Yr)
3B Ryan Zimmerman - $2M (Arb Guess)
C Wil Nieves, Jesus Flores, Mike Montz (x3 $450,000 Pre-Arb)
IF Emilio Bonafacio, Kory Casto, Alberto Gonzalez, Anderson Hernandez, Pete Orr (x5 $450,000 Pre-Arb Guesses)
Outfielders
Austin Kearns - $8M (Option on 2010)
Wily Mo Pena - $5M Tm Opt or $2M Pl Opt
Willie Harris - $1.5M (Arb Guess)
Ryan Langerhans - $750,000 (Arb Guess)
Lastings Milledge, Elijah Dukes, Roger Bernadina, Garrett Guzman, Justin Maxwell (x5 $450,000 Pre-Arb Guesses)
Free Agents
P Odalis Perez and IF Aaron Boone
The Nats will be around $45M with this group. I would think that with stadium revenue, the payroll could be around $60-$65M. I see at least 1 big free agent pitcher signing.
If I Was Running This Team
- I would sign A.J. Burnett. Something like 4 or 5 yrs / $15M per yr should do the trick and wouldn't be ridiculous.
- I would also sign another of the 2nd/3rd tier pitchers around $5 - $10M per yr. Maybe Derek Lowe or Randy Wolf. I would look into re-uping Odalis Perez as well.
- Trade away the spare parts for salary relief or low level prospects. Nick Johnson isn't crap, but his injuries make him worthless to most teams. The Yankees could take him on and he would fit a need for them as well. Dmitri Young could be valuable to another NL team for pinch-hitting or 1st baseman. The Giants could take him to play first and pinch-hit. Ronnie Belliard is worthless to a non-contender on the bench, and Christian Guzman won't be around when they are competitive in 2 or 3 years and would net a solid prospect or pitcher. Naybe to the Jays for a couple relievers (Jason Frasor & Brian Tallet types) and a prospect (Kevin Ahrens) would be fine with me. I would beg someone to take Kearns and/or Pena.
- I would sign a 1st baseman, Kevin Millar type who will stay healthy and put forth a good effort and set a good example.
Next year should be about trying to find out what they wave going forward. The ideal set-up:
C - Flores
1B - Millar
2B - Bonafacio
3B - Zimmerman
SS - Hernandez / Gonzalez
LF - Casto
CF - Milledge
RF - Dukes
The starting pitching:
Burnett, Lowe/Wolf, Perez, Redding, Balester.
The Bullpen:
Frasor, Tallet, Hanrahan, Rivera, Lannon, Shell, Colome.
It should be a bad year, but with a couple big signings next off-season, they could be competitive if guys progress. Zimmerman is a fuckin stud, Milledge & Dukes are solid OF to build around, and Bonifacio & Gonzalez could be good MLers.
They have some really nice pieces, but their pitching is not good. With a couple trades and signings, their bullpen could be good.
I predict they will stay in the cellar next season, but close the gap.
P.S. on the night:
I was chatting a colleague on Monday night about my off-day on Tuesday and my pron choices for the day. I thought about trying out some piss & skat stuff, but decided I wouldn't enjoy it and stayed away. We were chatting again tonight and he was surprised at my lack of adventure and recomended I watch some sluts take 2 cocks up the asshole at the same time. I politely disagreed, saying it wasn't my style. Neither was Lee Stone. His moeny shot lacks quantity, which really helps the ending. His intros were creepy as hell too.
Anyway, I'll do the Padres at some point tomorrow, after work/before poker.
Peace
First Of A Series I Have Stolen From MLBTR: Offseason Preview Vol. 1: Seattle Mariners
Today I start my offseason previews, because I love making over other teams rosters, video game style.
I'm going to be starting with the worst team in the Majors as of now, the Seattle Mariners.
Payroll For 2009:
RF/CF Ichiro - $17M (2012)
OF Jeremy Reed - $600,000 (Possible 1st Yr Arb Guess)
OF Michael Saunders, Wladimir Belentien - $400,000 (x2 Pre-Arb Guesses)
SS Yuniesky Betencourt - $2M (2011+option)
3B Adrian Beltre - $12M (2009)
2B Jose Lopez - $1.6M (2010+option)
IF Brian LaHair, Matt Tuiasosopo, Tug Hullet, Michael Morse, Oswaldo Navarro, Yung Chi Chen, Luis Valbuena - $400,000 (x7 - All Pre-Arb Guesses)
C Kenji Johjima - $8M (2011)
C Jamie Burke - $650,000 (1st Yr Arb Guess)
C Jeff Clement, Rob Johnson - $400,000 (x2 - Pre-Arb Guesses)
SP Carlos Silva - $11M (2011+option)
SP Jarrod Washburn - $10.35M (2009)
SP Miguel Batista - $9M (2009)
SP Eric Bedard - $9M (Arb Guess-Last Arb Yr)
SP Felix Hernandez - $2M (1st Yr Arb Guess)
RP J.J. Putz - $5M (2009+option)
P R.A. Dickey - $800,000 (1st Yr Arb Guess)
P Sean Green - $500,000 (Pre-Arb Guess)
P's Eric O'Flaherty, Ryan Rowland-Smith, Roy Corcoran, Ryan Feierabend, Anderson Garcia, Jon Huber, Cesar Jimenez, Mark Lowe, Randy Messenger, Brandon Morrow, Luis Munoz, Justin Thomas, Tracey Thorpe, Jared Wells, Sean White, Jake Woods - $400,000 (x16 - All Pre-Arb Guesses)
Free Agents:
LF/DH Raul Ibanez - $5.5M
IF/OF Willie Bloomqvist - $0.95M
IF Miguel Cairo - $0.85M
C is locked with Johjima. If he falters, Clement will be the C instead of DH/1B
2B/SS are locked in for years with Lopez & Betencourt.
3B could be open if Beltre is traded.
Ichiro is the only 100% lock in the OF, with Belentien & Reed having a shot at starting. Canadian Michael Saunders could crack the roster if the M's think '09 is not in reach.
1B is wide open. I see Clement as a possibility if he can learn it. Either way, a 1B/DH type will be needed. I can see them in on cheaper options like Kevin Millar, Wes Helms, Hank Blalock (if available), Cliff Floyd, maybe Ken Griffey. I would bring in Millar if your looking for a rebuilding year. A great clubhouse guy could be usefull in that case.
An outfielder will most likely be needed as well, even just a 4th outfielder/fringe starter type. Mark Kotsay would look fine if Ichiro is in RF. Juan Rivera if Ichiro is in CF.
Their pitching staff is pretty much set, which is pretty sad. Bedard could be non-tendered if they think he won't be healthy and a new GM is fucking ruthless.
They allreay have allmost $100M commited to 2009, which leaves little room for major improvement if they are around $120M.
Changes
If I am running the team, I blow it up. C is set with either Johjima or Clement, so trading either would be fine. Clement would fetch much more, maybe in a Hamilton-Volquez minor swap, you could pry Buchholz for Clement with Boston's need for a catcher. Buchholz allows you to non-tender Bedard.
I trade Beltre, trying to find a 1B/3B type. The Dodgers will be looking for a 3B, but I don't see what would come back in that variety, except Blake DeWitt. Actually, that wouldn't be bad. A package of DeWitt, Delwyn Young, and James MacDonald/Scott Elbert would be acceptable.
I would think that Batista or Washburn would have to be dealt. The Yankees were interested at the deadline in Washburn and they should've given him away then. Anything you get in return would be fine.
Line-Up
The end result would look something like this:
C - Johjima
1B - Millar
2B - Lopez
3B - DeWitt
SS - Betencourt
LF - Saunders
CF - Reed
RF - Ichiro
DH - Rivera
A bench of Curke, LaHair, Belentien, Navarro/Morse, Tuiasosopo/Hulett would be fine, with LaHair playing a solid amount at 1B.
Pitching
A starting 5 of Hernandez, Morrow, Buchholz, Silva, Batista/Washburn would be acceptable during a rebuilding year.
The bullpen would be anchored by Putz, unless traded (I wouldn't trade him). Josh Fields, 2008 1st rounder, has yet to sign, but could crack the bullpen out of spring. Some solid arms would fill out the pen with Rowland-Smith, Jimenez, Wells, Huber, Green, Lowe, Corcoran.
Conclusion
This team is fucked. Like, totally fucked. As in, getting pig-roasted by Peter North & Julian. It should be blown up, and a couple Baltimore Orioles like trades from last off-season could turn it around quickly. Ichiro could get a larger package than Tejada got and Putz & Beltre could get realy substantial packages as well.
2009 should be a wash for the M's and be all about finding out what some of their players can actually do.
Tomorrow night, the Padres or Nationals will be done.
Gotta slave away for Ted Rogers tonight, so I can't enjoy the Jays game tonight, but Go Jays Go regardless.
Word.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
It's Time To Feast On Oriole
Tonight is the beginning of the end of the season for Toronto, for all intents and purposes. They face off against Baltimore tonight 9 games back with 12 to play.
Starting tonight for Toronto is Shaun Marcum. He will face rookie lefty Chris Waters. So, no Snider tonight. Also, Barajas is day-to-day, so maybe Thigpen will get a start. It will most likely be Zaun, and if he can squirm into type B status, that would be swell.
David Purcey faces off against righty Brian Bass tomorrow night. Bass was with Minnesota earlier in the year, and was aquired a couple weeks ago by Baltimore. The Jays should pound this guy, his stuff is AAA level.
In the finale, Jesse Litsch will face TBD. As we all know, the Jays usually struggle against TBD, as it usually a call-up with weak stuff. If it's a lefty, look out.
Baltimore has really seemed to put it in cruise control, putting together some impressive losing streaks the last couple months. Their offensive, as always, is lead by 2nd baseman Brian Roberts. Hitting around .300 with an OBP of about .380 and almost 40 steals, Roberts in an elite second baseman and leadoff hitter. He is the juggernaut that runs this team, so if the Jays can keep him of the bases (unlikely) and prevent him from running all over Zaun's weak arm (fat chance), then there is a chance of utter domination for 3 days.
Aubrey Huff is having an impressive season, putting up a .314/.370/.575 line with 3o+ homers, almost 50 doubles, and 100+ RsBI. I've always thought he was a solid player, but I never saw this coming. He still fields like Helen Keller, so if he plays 3B, enjoy.
Nick Markakis is probly the most dangerous hitter on the team. He has a line of .302/.402/.495 with 20 homers, 45 doubles, and 85 RsBI. His defense is also imprecable in RF, and he has an Alex Rios-esque arm.
Melvin Mora is the only other hitter who has done damage on a consistent basis this season. The rest of the line-up is rather AAA-ish.
- Ramon Hernandez & ex-Jay Guillermo Quiroz are the catchers.
- Kevin Millar plays first.
- John MacDonald-lite Juan Castro & Branden Fahey play SS.
- Semi-dangerous Luke Scott, top prospect Adam Jones, Luis Montanez, and Jay Payton man LF & CF in some capacity.
Their pitching staff is rather pathetic as well, as their top 2 relievers are no longer available. Chad Bradford was dealt to Tampa & Jim Johnson is out for the season. Jeremy Guthrie is the only respectable member of the rotation, and the Jays won't see him or Jay-killer Daniel Cabrera as well. The Jays offensive numbers should see a serious boost during this series.
This should be a fun series.
Starting tonight for Toronto is Shaun Marcum. He will face rookie lefty Chris Waters. So, no Snider tonight. Also, Barajas is day-to-day, so maybe Thigpen will get a start. It will most likely be Zaun, and if he can squirm into type B status, that would be swell.
David Purcey faces off against righty Brian Bass tomorrow night. Bass was with Minnesota earlier in the year, and was aquired a couple weeks ago by Baltimore. The Jays should pound this guy, his stuff is AAA level.
In the finale, Jesse Litsch will face TBD. As we all know, the Jays usually struggle against TBD, as it usually a call-up with weak stuff. If it's a lefty, look out.
Baltimore has really seemed to put it in cruise control, putting together some impressive losing streaks the last couple months. Their offensive, as always, is lead by 2nd baseman Brian Roberts. Hitting around .300 with an OBP of about .380 and almost 40 steals, Roberts in an elite second baseman and leadoff hitter. He is the juggernaut that runs this team, so if the Jays can keep him of the bases (unlikely) and prevent him from running all over Zaun's weak arm (fat chance), then there is a chance of utter domination for 3 days.
Aubrey Huff is having an impressive season, putting up a .314/.370/.575 line with 3o+ homers, almost 50 doubles, and 100+ RsBI. I've always thought he was a solid player, but I never saw this coming. He still fields like Helen Keller, so if he plays 3B, enjoy.
Nick Markakis is probly the most dangerous hitter on the team. He has a line of .302/.402/.495 with 20 homers, 45 doubles, and 85 RsBI. His defense is also imprecable in RF, and he has an Alex Rios-esque arm.
Melvin Mora is the only other hitter who has done damage on a consistent basis this season. The rest of the line-up is rather AAA-ish.
- Ramon Hernandez & ex-Jay Guillermo Quiroz are the catchers.
- Kevin Millar plays first.
- John MacDonald-lite Juan Castro & Branden Fahey play SS.
- Semi-dangerous Luke Scott, top prospect Adam Jones, Luis Montanez, and Jay Payton man LF & CF in some capacity.
Their pitching staff is rather pathetic as well, as their top 2 relievers are no longer available. Chad Bradford was dealt to Tampa & Jim Johnson is out for the season. Jeremy Guthrie is the only respectable member of the rotation, and the Jays won't see him or Jay-killer Daniel Cabrera as well. The Jays offensive numbers should see a serious boost during this series.
This should be a fun series.
Monday, September 15, 2008
9 Games back. 12 Games to play. I think the Jays are fucked. I see no positives.
A lot of poor offensive showings this season. There porlly won't be a 20 homer guy. 80 RsBI is also not likely. I hope I'm wrong, and the Jays can win 10 of 12, finish 4 games back andd put up some pretty numbers. I would love it if Wells could get to 20 bombs. And if Overbay & Rios get really super hot, they may hit 6 in 12 games. Rios, Wells, & Overbay have a long shot at 80 RsBI as well.
The pitching has been great, and it will continue. I hope Richmond gets a start or 2 down the stretch, as there is no need to pitch Halladay & Burnett into the ground. AJ is gonna be a type A, so hello 2 draft picks. There is no way he accepts arbitration if he opts out.
Next year should be a more offensive on with Lind & hopefully Snider on board all year.
Well, I'm out.
I will be back to preview the Orioles series pre-game tonight, because I need to see what the Orioles have been up to.
Go Rogers Go!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
The Series In Hindsight
OK, that sucked huge black cock. Like, ridiculous cock.
I am sad. It was a terrible series that left me weeping and upset.
A couple guys had a solid 4-game stretch, and that is where I will begin.
Adam Lind. I love this guy. I really hope the Jays sign a bopper, Move Lind to 1B and trade Overbay. Lind hit .444 (4-9) in the series, including an RBI pinch-hit in today's game off Papelasshole. He also hit a double yesterday and scored twice in the series.
Lyle Overbay. He had a good series, hitting .400 (6-15) in all 4 games. He played some shitty D today, especially that play late that ended up costing Doc a run and that baserunning mistake which was a bad call. But I have allways said that it's the baserunners fault anyway. He shouldn't have tried to take that base. I like the aggressiveness, but it was going to be too close to go, especially for a guy with no speed. His hits were all singles, so he didn't really hurt the sox, but his numbers are pretty.
Scott Rolen had a solid series with the stick, hitting .385 (5-13). He walked and hit 2 doubles, to go along with 3 runs scored. He was still favouring his shoulder a bit and I still can't see a defference between his old swing and his new one.
Joe Inglett hit .333 (3-9) and drove in 3 runs, scoring 2 as well. He added a double, but played some shaking D, expecially that bare-handed attempt.
Travis Snider had a monster game Saturday afternoon and added a solid game in the night-cap to put a nice series together. He hit .333 (2-6) with a homer, a double, and a walk. He scored 3 runs and played some nice D.
Halladay and Burnett put together typical good stats, with opposite results. Burnett won and Halladay lost. Purcey and Litsch had decent, not good, starts. They both gave their team a chance to win, and the bats came trough for Litsch.
There were a few performances I was disapointed in this weekend.
Rios had a really bad series, hitting .125 (2 for 16) and making a bad play on an Ortiz liner today, costing the Jays a crucial run.
Scutaro also had a bad series with the stick, hitting .133 (2-15).
MIA in the series were Curtis Thigpen, Scott Richmond, Brian Wolfe, and John Parrish.
I'm actually pissed that Thigpen didn't get in the game Saturday when Barajas was pulled out. Zaun didn't need the extra at-bat and time on the field.
And c'mon, use Wolfe. He doesn't suck. They should know this. He was solid in the pen earlier in the year, but it doesn't seem to matter. He has been more effective than Camp.
So the Jays are 7.5 out still, the same as they were before Friday's game. The schedule is ticking away, and it is getting harder with every passing day without gaining ground. Here is hoping the Sox get swept and the Jays do some sweeping this week against the shitty Orioles, who the Jays allways to play down to.
Still, there is a very real shot gaining 3 games this week on Boston before they meet again on Friday night possible 3.5 back. A sweep there gets them .5 back with time to make it up. As the great Daughtry says, "It's Not Over."
Go Jays Go!!
I am sad. It was a terrible series that left me weeping and upset.
A couple guys had a solid 4-game stretch, and that is where I will begin.
Adam Lind. I love this guy. I really hope the Jays sign a bopper, Move Lind to 1B and trade Overbay. Lind hit .444 (4-9) in the series, including an RBI pinch-hit in today's game off Papelasshole. He also hit a double yesterday and scored twice in the series.
Lyle Overbay. He had a good series, hitting .400 (6-15) in all 4 games. He played some shitty D today, especially that play late that ended up costing Doc a run and that baserunning mistake which was a bad call. But I have allways said that it's the baserunners fault anyway. He shouldn't have tried to take that base. I like the aggressiveness, but it was going to be too close to go, especially for a guy with no speed. His hits were all singles, so he didn't really hurt the sox, but his numbers are pretty.
Scott Rolen had a solid series with the stick, hitting .385 (5-13). He walked and hit 2 doubles, to go along with 3 runs scored. He was still favouring his shoulder a bit and I still can't see a defference between his old swing and his new one.
Joe Inglett hit .333 (3-9) and drove in 3 runs, scoring 2 as well. He added a double, but played some shaking D, expecially that bare-handed attempt.
Travis Snider had a monster game Saturday afternoon and added a solid game in the night-cap to put a nice series together. He hit .333 (2-6) with a homer, a double, and a walk. He scored 3 runs and played some nice D.
Halladay and Burnett put together typical good stats, with opposite results. Burnett won and Halladay lost. Purcey and Litsch had decent, not good, starts. They both gave their team a chance to win, and the bats came trough for Litsch.
There were a few performances I was disapointed in this weekend.
Rios had a really bad series, hitting .125 (2 for 16) and making a bad play on an Ortiz liner today, costing the Jays a crucial run.
Scutaro also had a bad series with the stick, hitting .133 (2-15).
MIA in the series were Curtis Thigpen, Scott Richmond, Brian Wolfe, and John Parrish.
I'm actually pissed that Thigpen didn't get in the game Saturday when Barajas was pulled out. Zaun didn't need the extra at-bat and time on the field.
And c'mon, use Wolfe. He doesn't suck. They should know this. He was solid in the pen earlier in the year, but it doesn't seem to matter. He has been more effective than Camp.
So the Jays are 7.5 out still, the same as they were before Friday's game. The schedule is ticking away, and it is getting harder with every passing day without gaining ground. Here is hoping the Sox get swept and the Jays do some sweeping this week against the shitty Orioles, who the Jays allways to play down to.
Still, there is a very real shot gaining 3 games this week on Boston before they meet again on Friday night possible 3.5 back. A sweep there gets them .5 back with time to make it up. As the great Daughtry says, "It's Not Over."
Go Jays Go!!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Saturday Morning Randomness
I'm not going to speak of last nights Jays game. Shamefull.
Onto some news from yesterday/today.
David Price: September's Joba
He will join the Rays bullpen on Saturday and I think it's a terrible decision. I'm not sure he would even be elligible for the post-season roster anyway. If he comes up and dominates for the rest of the season, you lose a key weapon for the playoffs. If he stinks and gets pounded, you look like you rushed your top prospect, and maybe he is not as good as advertised. He is 23 years old, so he's not exactly a spring chicken, but was just drafted in 2007, so he's pretty raw.
Also coming up for Tampa are other top picks Jeff Neimann & Mitch Talbot (who was a top pick for Houston I believe and picked up for Aubrey Huff).
Carlos Delgado Update
My favourite player of all time, Sir Carlos Juan Delgado, who I wrote an icredible human interest piece and subsequent public speach on in grade 7, is having a remarkable turnaround to his season. He sucked filthy cock early in the season, to the point where he was almost Frank Thomased.
At the end of June, he was hitting under .230 (.228). He had an OBP of .307 to go along with a slugging of .419. He was awful for 3 months. With 14 homers & 45 RsBI, he still would've led the Jays, and probly did enough to keep him on the roster. Since the end of June, he has turned it around substantially. His overall line of .264/.349/.515 isn't the stuff of MVPs, but is incredible if you lift the first 3 months. He should get some serious consideration for MVP if St. Louis & Houston don't make the playoffs. Lance Berkman & Albert Pujols have been remarkably better than year than Sir Carlos, but if they don't make the playoffs, than they don't deserve shit.
Delgado's 35 homers & 104 RsBI put him 4th & 10th in those categories. The Mets would be totally fucked without King Carlos.
Something that could come into play: his option for next season rests at $12 million, with a $4 million buy-out. If he gets 25 more MVP points, his option will vest at $16 million. I don't know how the points work exactly, but a second place should give him a decent amount, maybe not all the ones needed, but he can still win a post-season honor along the way. Could get interesting.
History Made Last Night...By The Marlins
They may only draw 800 people to each game, but the people in whatever town they play in missed out on some pretty impressive history last night.
Jorge Cantu, of Tampa Bay Ray fame, belted his 25th homer last night, giving every starter in their infield 25 or more bombs on the year. Impressive, considering V-Dub leads the Jays with 17.
Mike Jacobs has 32, Dan Uggla has 30, Hanley Ramirez has 29, and Cantu has 25. Imagine having that type of power.
Onto some news from yesterday/today.
David Price: September's Joba
He will join the Rays bullpen on Saturday and I think it's a terrible decision. I'm not sure he would even be elligible for the post-season roster anyway. If he comes up and dominates for the rest of the season, you lose a key weapon for the playoffs. If he stinks and gets pounded, you look like you rushed your top prospect, and maybe he is not as good as advertised. He is 23 years old, so he's not exactly a spring chicken, but was just drafted in 2007, so he's pretty raw.
Also coming up for Tampa are other top picks Jeff Neimann & Mitch Talbot (who was a top pick for Houston I believe and picked up for Aubrey Huff).
Carlos Delgado Update
My favourite player of all time, Sir Carlos Juan Delgado, who I wrote an icredible human interest piece and subsequent public speach on in grade 7, is having a remarkable turnaround to his season. He sucked filthy cock early in the season, to the point where he was almost Frank Thomased.
At the end of June, he was hitting under .230 (.228). He had an OBP of .307 to go along with a slugging of .419. He was awful for 3 months. With 14 homers & 45 RsBI, he still would've led the Jays, and probly did enough to keep him on the roster. Since the end of June, he has turned it around substantially. His overall line of .264/.349/.515 isn't the stuff of MVPs, but is incredible if you lift the first 3 months. He should get some serious consideration for MVP if St. Louis & Houston don't make the playoffs. Lance Berkman & Albert Pujols have been remarkably better than year than Sir Carlos, but if they don't make the playoffs, than they don't deserve shit.
Delgado's 35 homers & 104 RsBI put him 4th & 10th in those categories. The Mets would be totally fucked without King Carlos.
Something that could come into play: his option for next season rests at $12 million, with a $4 million buy-out. If he gets 25 more MVP points, his option will vest at $16 million. I don't know how the points work exactly, but a second place should give him a decent amount, maybe not all the ones needed, but he can still win a post-season honor along the way. Could get interesting.
History Made Last Night...By The Marlins
They may only draw 800 people to each game, but the people in whatever town they play in missed out on some pretty impressive history last night.
Jorge Cantu, of Tampa Bay Ray fame, belted his 25th homer last night, giving every starter in their infield 25 or more bombs on the year. Impressive, considering V-Dub leads the Jays with 17.
Mike Jacobs has 32, Dan Uggla has 30, Hanley Ramirez has 29, and Cantu has 25. Imagine having that type of power.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Previewing The Big Series
Tonights game will be the beginning of a crucial series for the Jays, to say the least. They enter the series only 6.5 games back. Taking 3 of 4 would bring them to 4.5 games back with 12 to go. A sweep would put the Jays 2.5 games back with another 3 gamer against Boston to go. They also have 6 against lowly Baltimore to play. This could get interesting.
David Purcey will look to continue where he left off against Tampa and deliver a solid performance tonight. Tim Wakefield goes for Boston and I'm a little concerned. The knuckler most likely means Snider won't play, maybe not even Lind. I really don't want to Wilkerdingleberry at all, ever. David Ortiz has been having problems with his wrist this season, and it's reported that it may still be a problem, which could limit his power. It may even keep him out of tonights game against the lefty and one of tomorrows games. I doubt he wouldn't play tonight, but the wrist is a tricky thing.
Canadian elert!! To go along with Jason "Hudson's" Bay, George Kottaras was recently called up, a lefty-hitting catcher with some serious power. He porbly won't play, as they allready carry Varitek, David Ross, and ex-jay great Kevin Cash.
A.J. will go on short rest to open the double-header against Jay nemisis Paul Byrd, who has started 40 games against them this season. Should be the Jays to lose the way Burnett has been going.
The Litsch will face off against Horacio Sanz...sorry, Bartolo Colon in the night cap. Bartolo has had an injury riddled season and will probly be on a short leash, especially since it's September and the bullpen is deep. Here's hoping Litsch can be as good as he's been, and take the second double-header sweep in a week.
Sunday's finale pits ace vs ace, as Doc faces Jon Lester. I have nothing bad to say about Lester, except I hate his face. He has overcome some serious health concerns to become a very excellent pitcher. He is not in the same league as Halladay though, and Doc will have something to prove coming off a rough performance to end the streak.
The only game I can picture losing is the opener, and even that is iffy with the unpredicibility of a knukleball.
Go Jays.
The Sox roster has undergone a face-lift since we last saw them against our Jays.
In, are Mark Kotsay (via trade), Chris Carter (NFL Legend), David Ross (FA Signing), George Kottaras (previously mentioned Canadian hero), and a hord of midling relievers.
Jed Lowrie has entrenched himself as the starter at SS, Lowell is back off the DL playing 3rd, and Kotsay is seeing most of the action in RF in Drew's absence.
Here's hoping someone (**cough**youkilis**cough**pedroia**couch**) gets in a pre-game auto accident.
One more thing, fuck the Sawks. Fuck Nomar. Fuck Youkilis' giant melon. And fuck Dustin Pedroia, that rat-looking MVP (Most Vertically-challenged Piss-ant).
Yeah, I'm immature.
Go Rogers Go!!
David Purcey will look to continue where he left off against Tampa and deliver a solid performance tonight. Tim Wakefield goes for Boston and I'm a little concerned. The knuckler most likely means Snider won't play, maybe not even Lind. I really don't want to Wilkerdingleberry at all, ever. David Ortiz has been having problems with his wrist this season, and it's reported that it may still be a problem, which could limit his power. It may even keep him out of tonights game against the lefty and one of tomorrows games. I doubt he wouldn't play tonight, but the wrist is a tricky thing.
Canadian elert!! To go along with Jason "Hudson's" Bay, George Kottaras was recently called up, a lefty-hitting catcher with some serious power. He porbly won't play, as they allready carry Varitek, David Ross, and ex-jay great Kevin Cash.
A.J. will go on short rest to open the double-header against Jay nemisis Paul Byrd, who has started 40 games against them this season. Should be the Jays to lose the way Burnett has been going.
The Litsch will face off against Horacio Sanz...sorry, Bartolo Colon in the night cap. Bartolo has had an injury riddled season and will probly be on a short leash, especially since it's September and the bullpen is deep. Here's hoping Litsch can be as good as he's been, and take the second double-header sweep in a week.
Sunday's finale pits ace vs ace, as Doc faces Jon Lester. I have nothing bad to say about Lester, except I hate his face. He has overcome some serious health concerns to become a very excellent pitcher. He is not in the same league as Halladay though, and Doc will have something to prove coming off a rough performance to end the streak.
The only game I can picture losing is the opener, and even that is iffy with the unpredicibility of a knukleball.
Go Jays.
The Sox roster has undergone a face-lift since we last saw them against our Jays.
In, are Mark Kotsay (via trade), Chris Carter (NFL Legend), David Ross (FA Signing), George Kottaras (previously mentioned Canadian hero), and a hord of midling relievers.
Jed Lowrie has entrenched himself as the starter at SS, Lowell is back off the DL playing 3rd, and Kotsay is seeing most of the action in RF in Drew's absence.
Here's hoping someone (**cough**youkilis**cough**pedroia**couch**) gets in a pre-game auto accident.
One more thing, fuck the Sawks. Fuck Nomar. Fuck Youkilis' giant melon. And fuck Dustin Pedroia, that rat-looking MVP (Most Vertically-challenged Piss-ant).
Yeah, I'm immature.
Go Rogers Go!!
An Apology Seems To Be In Order
In an earlier post, I apparently missed a couple important parts of my day.
My appologies to the Tao Of Steib, who I must've overlooked.
In my defence, I had no clue that anyone other than myself was reading my blog, as only to recal some of the shit that spews into my head and onto my keyboard.
My bad guys, I owe you a beer.
My appologies to the Tao Of Steib, who I must've overlooked.
In my defence, I had no clue that anyone other than myself was reading my blog, as only to recal some of the shit that spews into my head and onto my keyboard.
My bad guys, I owe you a beer.
What A Fucked Up Night
So I had a really weird dream last night. I was chillin at work, just checking out the Jays website for the 10th time, when the phone rings.
It was Ted Rogers. He asked for me, and then invited me to lunch. To Dennys.
He offered me the GM position of the Blue Jays for 2009 and beyond. I came, then I accepted.
What followed was a flurry of movements that would make a video game transaction screen seem small.
I released half the minor leagues, signing MLB cast-offs to minor league deals. Matt Lawton, Robert Fick, Todd Walker, Marcus Giles, Alex Gonzalez, Preston Wilson, BY Kim, John Patterson, and a slew of other crap.
Trades were made like a bat out of hell.
Scott Rolen to San Diego for PTBNL.
Lyle Overbay to Texas for Brandon McCarthy.
BJ Ryan and Justin Jackson to Arizona for Mark Reynolds.
Signings were made to shore up the bench and add depth to the system. Adam Dunn was my crown jewell, but Ben Broussard? Pablo Ozuna? Alex Cintron? Morgan Ensberg? Johnny Estrada? Rob Mackowiak? Jason Jennings? Chris Reitsma? Mark Teahan? Was I high? Or a fucking genius?
The 2009 team would look something like this.
C: Rod Barajas
1B: Adam Lind
2B: Joe Inglett
3B: Mark Reynolds
SS: Aaron Hill
LF: Travis Snider
CF: Vernon Wells
RF: Alex Rios
DH: Adam Dunn
C: Johnny Estrada
CIF/OF: Mark Teahan
SS: John MacDonald
INF: Marco Scutaro
The line-up would be my perfect blend of lefties/righties:
1. Inglett
2. Rios
3. Lind
4. Wells
5. Dunn
6. Reynolds
7. Snider
8. Hill
9. Barajas
Pretty fucking scary.
The pitching staff, I loved it: Roy Halladay, Shaun Marcum, Dustin McGowan, Jesse Litsch, Brandon McCarthy
The Bullpen. Closing out games, Brandon League & Scotty Downs. Jesse Carlson, Casey Janssen, Jeremy Accardo, Jason Jennings, and David Purcey.
I awoke shaking, sweating, with a boner. It obviously wasn't real, because who the fuck would take Rolen off the Jays' hands.
Then I remembered that it was the beginning of the most important stretch of games in the last decade, and smiles were abound.
Go Jays Go.
It was Ted Rogers. He asked for me, and then invited me to lunch. To Dennys.
He offered me the GM position of the Blue Jays for 2009 and beyond. I came, then I accepted.
What followed was a flurry of movements that would make a video game transaction screen seem small.
I released half the minor leagues, signing MLB cast-offs to minor league deals. Matt Lawton, Robert Fick, Todd Walker, Marcus Giles, Alex Gonzalez, Preston Wilson, BY Kim, John Patterson, and a slew of other crap.
Trades were made like a bat out of hell.
Scott Rolen to San Diego for PTBNL.
Lyle Overbay to Texas for Brandon McCarthy.
BJ Ryan and Justin Jackson to Arizona for Mark Reynolds.
Signings were made to shore up the bench and add depth to the system. Adam Dunn was my crown jewell, but Ben Broussard? Pablo Ozuna? Alex Cintron? Morgan Ensberg? Johnny Estrada? Rob Mackowiak? Jason Jennings? Chris Reitsma? Mark Teahan? Was I high? Or a fucking genius?
The 2009 team would look something like this.
C: Rod Barajas
1B: Adam Lind
2B: Joe Inglett
3B: Mark Reynolds
SS: Aaron Hill
LF: Travis Snider
CF: Vernon Wells
RF: Alex Rios
DH: Adam Dunn
C: Johnny Estrada
CIF/OF: Mark Teahan
SS: John MacDonald
INF: Marco Scutaro
The line-up would be my perfect blend of lefties/righties:
1. Inglett
2. Rios
3. Lind
4. Wells
5. Dunn
6. Reynolds
7. Snider
8. Hill
9. Barajas
Pretty fucking scary.
The pitching staff, I loved it: Roy Halladay, Shaun Marcum, Dustin McGowan, Jesse Litsch, Brandon McCarthy
The Bullpen. Closing out games, Brandon League & Scotty Downs. Jesse Carlson, Casey Janssen, Jeremy Accardo, Jason Jennings, and David Purcey.
I awoke shaking, sweating, with a boner. It obviously wasn't real, because who the fuck would take Rolen off the Jays' hands.
Then I remembered that it was the beginning of the most important stretch of games in the last decade, and smiles were abound.
Go Jays Go.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Thursday Night Awesomeness
Well, the Jays won and I took home some poker winnings. What an awesome night. Downs Syndrome made it interesting and BJ didn't look too sharp, but they Jays prevailed and now are back on the winning side of things. Bring on the Red Sox.
6.5 back. Awesome. What a game. I didn't get to enjoy it too much, as an intense game of poker was being played, but everything was well. I played like Philly Ivey and took the game down over my boss. Nice.
Marcum pitched 7 awesome innings, enough to induce a few chubbys along the way. Some big hits were delivered when they were needed and a great time was had by all Jays fans.
No work tomorrow too, which makes the entire night fucking incredible. Tomorrow night is the start of a huge series, and I expect 3 of 4 to be taken.
GO JAYS GO!!
6.5 back. Awesome. What a game. I didn't get to enjoy it too much, as an intense game of poker was being played, but everything was well. I played like Philly Ivey and took the game down over my boss. Nice.
Marcum pitched 7 awesome innings, enough to induce a few chubbys along the way. Some big hits were delivered when they were needed and a great time was had by all Jays fans.
No work tomorrow too, which makes the entire night fucking incredible. Tomorrow night is the start of a huge series, and I expect 3 of 4 to be taken.
GO JAYS GO!!
Previewing Tonights Game And Random Musings
Tonights game features Shaun Marcum & Gavin Floyd hooking up in a battle of really good young pitchers. The Jays will be looking to start another winning streak in order to draw closer to a miracle playoff birth.
Snider will most likely be back in the line-up and I expect a solid game from him tonight, giving the Jays the win tonight with the help of the usual suspects Rios, Wells, & Lind.
Big poker game tonight as well, and I will be sure to try to 5% some unsuspecting fuck tonight and take home the bounty.
And I'm watching the Luve Guru as I type. Very funny. Mike Myers entertains me. And Timberlake is awesome as a huge-cocked French-Canadian.
Enjoy the game JB, Both of them.
Snider will most likely be back in the line-up and I expect a solid game from him tonight, giving the Jays the win tonight with the help of the usual suspects Rios, Wells, & Lind.
Big poker game tonight as well, and I will be sure to try to 5% some unsuspecting fuck tonight and take home the bounty.
And I'm watching the Luve Guru as I type. Very funny. Mike Myers entertains me. And Timberlake is awesome as a huge-cocked French-Canadian.
Enjoy the game JB, Both of them.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Just One More Thing, I Swear.
I know I am the only one reading these, as a reminder to myself that I am out of my fucking mind, but I need to mention something in case anyone accidentally stumbles on this abortion of a blog.
The Drunk Jays Fans are fucking awesome. I read their blog daily, and check it at least 3 times a day. http://drunkjaysfans.blogspot.com/ ... Go to their site. What the fuck are you waiting for? Go.
MLB Trade Rumors is also fucking incredible. The commenters are mostly shit, but Tim Dierkes and his staff are incredible at what they do. And that is pile up tons of rumors and stories that you wouldn't know where to begin. Go there too. They are actually pros, for a fucking reason. http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/
And finally, I am mentioning 3 blogs all together, not to insult them, but because I feel rants that will turn into long paragraphs about each, and although they deserve it, I'm fucking tired and a little cranky from the tough loss.
Miked Up: http://blog.rogersbroadcasting.com/mikewilner/ ... Mike Wilner is awesome. Learn to know that. Batter's Box: http://www.battersbox.ca/ ... How could I have gotten through this season without you? How could I have gotten through past seasons without you? Awesome minor league coverage. And finally... Minor League Ball: http://www.minorleagueball.com/ ... Wonderfull coverage of prospects that is a joy to read.
Go to these sites, Favourite them. Love them.
The Drunk Jays Fans are fucking awesome. I read their blog daily, and check it at least 3 times a day. http://drunkjaysfans.blogspot.com/ ... Go to their site. What the fuck are you waiting for? Go.
MLB Trade Rumors is also fucking incredible. The commenters are mostly shit, but Tim Dierkes and his staff are incredible at what they do. And that is pile up tons of rumors and stories that you wouldn't know where to begin. Go there too. They are actually pros, for a fucking reason. http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/
And finally, I am mentioning 3 blogs all together, not to insult them, but because I feel rants that will turn into long paragraphs about each, and although they deserve it, I'm fucking tired and a little cranky from the tough loss.
Miked Up: http://blog.rogersbroadcasting.com/mikewilner/ ... Mike Wilner is awesome. Learn to know that. Batter's Box: http://www.battersbox.ca/ ... How could I have gotten through this season without you? How could I have gotten through past seasons without you? Awesome minor league coverage. And finally... Minor League Ball: http://www.minorleagueball.com/ ... Wonderfull coverage of prospects that is a joy to read.
Go to these sites, Favourite them. Love them.
Mark Buehrle Can Go Fuck HImself Too
I hate Mark Buehrle.
I hate his name. I hate his beard. I hate his smiling face when he is dominating the Jays. I hate that it seems like he always pitches amaing them. His career ERA of 2.79 coming into tonight is his best against any AL team not in Baltimore, so it seems to have some merit. But why? Why does Buehrle cause the Jays so much trouble? Is it the fastball-change combo? Fuck if I know, I'm not an expert. I'm just pissed off that this goof is alive.
I'm not saying I don't like him as a person, but I probably wouldn't. Same with Nick Swisher & AJ Pierziensky. I'm sure their mothers love them to death, or in Swishers case maybe his gramma went too far with her love. (What? No, your immature & insensative)
Tonights game was disapointing, and I'm putting the blame on JP. Not Riccardi, Plamondon. You had to invite me to Crabby Joe's knowing I couldn't resist the garlic bread and putting the streak on the line. Fucking shamefull. You don't fuck with a streak, as Kevin Costner once told me through the TV set.
Let's look at some positives if we can:
1. Marco went 3-4, including a double off Jenks, to make me not hate him for the next couple days, that over-rated fuck. He's not the MVP of the team, so go fuck yourself. He should be hitting 9th, only spelling J-Mac & Inglett once or twice a week. But a nice game.
2 a&b. Rios & Wells continue on their roll. On thing I've been paying attention to is Wells' lack of pop-outs this year. Last year was silly with his pop-outs, this year is not silly. He hits a lot of liners it seems. What can I say about Rios? The guy can just be flat-out awesome sometimes. His swing is money, and I really hope he can be this good all year in '09
3. Overbay came in and delivered a big pinch-hit. I think he should be starting regardless of who is on the hill, lefty or righty. His defence is more important than what Bautista could do against lefties offensively, in my humble opinion.
Onto the bads:
1. Halladay didn't look good all night, save for a few at-bats. He didn't control well inside the strike zone and paid for it with some crucial hits by the Sox.
2. The loss. It doesn't bother me when guys go 0-fer. It happens. The loss sucks though, especially when I got really excited during the comeback, only to have that insurance run really come into play.
Every loss at this point is harmfull, and that is obvious as shit, but the ones with Doc on the mound pain me even more than usual.
Hopefully they can bounce back and take 3 of 4 Thursday night, while I play poker and hopefully one-out some dirty motherfuckers and enjoy the Jays all at once. Life is awesome when the Jays are background to a great poker game.
And Wilkerdingleberry didn't get in the game, thank fuck. I don't recall the last time I hated a Blue Jay this bad. Oh yeah, I can. Maybe I'll vent tomorrow.
What am I saying, maybe? I have no fucking life.
This post brought to you by Rogers. Yeah.
I hate his name. I hate his beard. I hate his smiling face when he is dominating the Jays. I hate that it seems like he always pitches amaing them. His career ERA of 2.79 coming into tonight is his best against any AL team not in Baltimore, so it seems to have some merit. But why? Why does Buehrle cause the Jays so much trouble? Is it the fastball-change combo? Fuck if I know, I'm not an expert. I'm just pissed off that this goof is alive.
I'm not saying I don't like him as a person, but I probably wouldn't. Same with Nick Swisher & AJ Pierziensky. I'm sure their mothers love them to death, or in Swishers case maybe his gramma went too far with her love. (What? No, your immature & insensative)
Tonights game was disapointing, and I'm putting the blame on JP. Not Riccardi, Plamondon. You had to invite me to Crabby Joe's knowing I couldn't resist the garlic bread and putting the streak on the line. Fucking shamefull. You don't fuck with a streak, as Kevin Costner once told me through the TV set.
Let's look at some positives if we can:
1. Marco went 3-4, including a double off Jenks, to make me not hate him for the next couple days, that over-rated fuck. He's not the MVP of the team, so go fuck yourself. He should be hitting 9th, only spelling J-Mac & Inglett once or twice a week. But a nice game.
2 a&b. Rios & Wells continue on their roll. On thing I've been paying attention to is Wells' lack of pop-outs this year. Last year was silly with his pop-outs, this year is not silly. He hits a lot of liners it seems. What can I say about Rios? The guy can just be flat-out awesome sometimes. His swing is money, and I really hope he can be this good all year in '09
3. Overbay came in and delivered a big pinch-hit. I think he should be starting regardless of who is on the hill, lefty or righty. His defence is more important than what Bautista could do against lefties offensively, in my humble opinion.
Onto the bads:
1. Halladay didn't look good all night, save for a few at-bats. He didn't control well inside the strike zone and paid for it with some crucial hits by the Sox.
2. The loss. It doesn't bother me when guys go 0-fer. It happens. The loss sucks though, especially when I got really excited during the comeback, only to have that insurance run really come into play.
Every loss at this point is harmfull, and that is obvious as shit, but the ones with Doc on the mound pain me even more than usual.
Hopefully they can bounce back and take 3 of 4 Thursday night, while I play poker and hopefully one-out some dirty motherfuckers and enjoy the Jays all at once. Life is awesome when the Jays are background to a great poker game.
And Wilkerdingleberry didn't get in the game, thank fuck. I don't recall the last time I hated a Blue Jay this bad. Oh yeah, I can. Maybe I'll vent tomorrow.
What am I saying, maybe? I have no fucking life.
This post brought to you by Rogers. Yeah.
The Inagural Post - The Meaning Behind The Name
I was recently watching a Jays game, early September after the call-ups were made, and wondered aloud to myself: "What the fuck is Brad Wilkerson doing on this team? Where is Buck Coates? Why do I care about these 2 goat-fuckers at all?"
Well, I care because I love the Jays and I can't fucking stand to see Kevin Mench pinch-run and Wilkerdingleberry (that is how he will be forever known on this blog) play D for Lind late in games, when it is not clear he is even a tiny upgrade. Bucky would be better suited to both roles.
I know it is raping a dead corpse saying that I hate "Brevin WilkerMench," but I fucking do. Wilkerdingleberry way moreso than Mench (who could, in theory, mash lefties).
So this blog has been created in honour, or dishonour if you will, of Brad Wilkerdingleberry. It will be updated daily, purely for my own amusement, and to keep my crazy ass from jumping off a bridge.
So, to me: You are awesome.
Well, I care because I love the Jays and I can't fucking stand to see Kevin Mench pinch-run and Wilkerdingleberry (that is how he will be forever known on this blog) play D for Lind late in games, when it is not clear he is even a tiny upgrade. Bucky would be better suited to both roles.
I know it is raping a dead corpse saying that I hate "Brevin WilkerMench," but I fucking do. Wilkerdingleberry way moreso than Mench (who could, in theory, mash lefties).
So this blog has been created in honour, or dishonour if you will, of Brad Wilkerdingleberry. It will be updated daily, purely for my own amusement, and to keep my crazy ass from jumping off a bridge.
So, to me: You are awesome.
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