A while back, I bragged about how awesome Julian Tavarez had been since the day he be became My Favorite Player, 3 weeks before. (I've had this effect on previous Favorite Players, like Mike Lansing and Rolando Arrojo.) But in the last month or so...not so much. Bit of a rough stretch: 9 ER in his last 12 IP. Mind you, his numbers since Jun 24 (1-2, 3.90 ERA) are a lot better than those of another favorite of Sox fans (Bronson Arroyo in that stretch: 0-4, 5.31 ERA, against weaker opponents). But damn he's scary when he pitches. In that same period of time, his WHIP has been 1.58 - pretty damn lucky to get an ERA under 4 with that.
...So Julian Tavarez is no longer My Favorite Player. Sorry Julian. (Hopefully that'll light a fire under him.)
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Sunday, August 06, 2006
A new award
Get ready for the NY propaganda machine to gear up in the next two months for the ABP award. The ABP award (anyone but Papi, formerly known as the MVP), as any baseball fan knows (especially us Sox fans) should be the rightful property of mister David Ortiz. Okay, last year, you can have the argument about defense, etc. Fine. It was close last year. And while I (hell, all of us too) thought Ortiz should have been the MVP, I can understand some of the arguments.
But in a bit of poetic justice, Ortiz has found his competition this year coming pretty much from other DHs (Thome, Hafner and Giambi). So today Kernan of the post says Jeter is the MVP. I mean it has to be Jeter since last year the argument was that no offense only player could win the award. Never mind that the Yanks might no worse if Giambi himself played SS, than no range Jeter, but that is another argument. So lets promote Jeter. The player who has carried the Yanks through all their injuries. Never mind that he won't (or will barely) score 100 runs, won't (or will barely) drive in 100 runs, will barely hit 10 HRs. Ladies and gentlemen, this is supposed to be our MVP. Yet anyone who follows the Yankees knows that it is Giambi that gets the big hits. His .250 average aside, we all "know" from last year that a no defense player can't win the award.
It will be fun to listen to the NY media tout his candidacy. Never mind that the MVP is reserved for power hitters and sluggers.
We will hear about Ichiro in 2001. I'm sure they will ignore that the M's won 116 games that year. Or look at that lineup - no Giambi, Damon or A-rod like figures.
We will hear about Barry Larkin. Ignore the gold glove and 50 SB.
We will hear about Terry Pendleton. Ignore that everyone already hated Bonds. And that ATL came out of nowhere to win their first of 3 straight divisions. Followed by 11 more after the 94 season.
So brace yourselves. It should be maddening. And delightful for discussion.....
But in a bit of poetic justice, Ortiz has found his competition this year coming pretty much from other DHs (Thome, Hafner and Giambi). So today Kernan of the post says Jeter is the MVP. I mean it has to be Jeter since last year the argument was that no offense only player could win the award. Never mind that the Yanks might no worse if Giambi himself played SS, than no range Jeter, but that is another argument. So lets promote Jeter. The player who has carried the Yanks through all their injuries. Never mind that he won't (or will barely) score 100 runs, won't (or will barely) drive in 100 runs, will barely hit 10 HRs. Ladies and gentlemen, this is supposed to be our MVP. Yet anyone who follows the Yankees knows that it is Giambi that gets the big hits. His .250 average aside, we all "know" from last year that a no defense player can't win the award.
It will be fun to listen to the NY media tout his candidacy. Never mind that the MVP is reserved for power hitters and sluggers.
We will hear about Ichiro in 2001. I'm sure they will ignore that the M's won 116 games that year. Or look at that lineup - no Giambi, Damon or A-rod like figures.
We will hear about Barry Larkin. Ignore the gold glove and 50 SB.
We will hear about Terry Pendleton. Ignore that everyone already hated Bonds. And that ATL came out of nowhere to win their first of 3 straight divisions. Followed by 11 more after the 94 season.
So brace yourselves. It should be maddening. And delightful for discussion.....
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Durham update
There has not been this much fun in Durham since the days of Nuke LaLoosh and Crash Davis. As previously chronicled the Rays have had a little trouble, so to say, with their top prospects in Durham. Unfortunately my previous thought of punishment in the form of no call up when by the wayside for Upton once Wiggington got hurt - all the team could have still grown a pair.
Now we have Elijah Dukes getting suspended for (likely) the rest of the year. A 30 day suspension would coincide with the end of the AAA season, so he's likely done - and talking about quitting for good (not likely unless he wants to be serving Keith Foulke at Burger King). Lord I hope the Rays don't call him up after the suspension.
My favorite quote (Dukes feeling sorry for himself as if he is NOT a problem player):
"I didn't tell Delmon to throw his bat at that umpire. I didn't tell B.J. to go driving his car after he had some drinks. I don't even hang out with those guys. It was always just me in my apartment after games or whatever. I think I went out twice and both times I got a cab because I don't need any more hassle than I already have on me."
Hey Elijah, I'm sure your "teammates" appreciate the support.
Now we have Elijah Dukes getting suspended for (likely) the rest of the year. A 30 day suspension would coincide with the end of the AAA season, so he's likely done - and talking about quitting for good (not likely unless he wants to be serving Keith Foulke at Burger King). Lord I hope the Rays don't call him up after the suspension.
My favorite quote (Dukes feeling sorry for himself as if he is NOT a problem player):
"I didn't tell Delmon to throw his bat at that umpire. I didn't tell B.J. to go driving his car after he had some drinks. I don't even hang out with those guys. It was always just me in my apartment after games or whatever. I think I went out twice and both times I got a cab because I don't need any more hassle than I already have on me."
Hey Elijah, I'm sure your "teammates" appreciate the support.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Second Thoughts on Not Making a Move
I was thinking about this today, and I know we've had a million discussions about "keeping the young talent", but I am starting to have second thoughts. Why not play for this year, every year?
Also, how motivating is it to the rest of the team hearing that you are just waiting for another year or two for the plan to come together?
Do you really care if the Sox are going to be good for the next 3 years starting in another two years? They really had a shot to win it all this year, and MAYBE they still do. Now, I don't think you dump Lester, but I have to think that Hansen and Delcarmen should have been very available.
The fact that this team didn't find another bat off the bench while the Yankees got Wilson from Pittsburgh for a washed-up pitcher just does me in...Plus, he can play every position. And don't tell me that the Yankees could get him for Chacon, but the Pirates would not have given him up to the Sox without Lester or Hansen in the deal...I won't buy it.
Look at the Abreu and Lidle deal. The Yankees gave up no major league talent, and not even their top prospects. So, did Philly demand Lester AND Hansen?
Lester is very good. He gives you six innings, and his control will probably improve over the next few years which should help him. However, people were saying that Clement had electric stuff but just had to learn how to control it. Clement never did.
Hansen looks promising as well, but you would think in a one-inning scenario he should be lights out already considering he throws strikes. He'll improve, but I think the best of the bunch IS Papelbon. This is probably why we couldn't get Oswalt. If other organizations really thought Hansen had the potential to be lights out (read the Braves), they probably would have negotiated for another prospect (not Lester) in the Andru Jones deal.
And Delcarmen is good, but do you have the feeling that he will be GREAT someday?
Even if they had the potential, and you could get Oswalt who is VERY proven and only 28 or so, make the move.
I understand the front office has a plan. They've made that abundantly clear by NOT making any moves. I am now changing my stance, though, because I am a fan. I want my team to do what it takes to win now. I am not saying mortgage the future, but I am saying trade SOME prospects (not even guys who've been on the big league club) and get a bat. The Yankees got Abreu and Lidle that way.
Also, how motivating is it to the rest of the team hearing that you are just waiting for another year or two for the plan to come together?
Do you really care if the Sox are going to be good for the next 3 years starting in another two years? They really had a shot to win it all this year, and MAYBE they still do. Now, I don't think you dump Lester, but I have to think that Hansen and Delcarmen should have been very available.
The fact that this team didn't find another bat off the bench while the Yankees got Wilson from Pittsburgh for a washed-up pitcher just does me in...Plus, he can play every position. And don't tell me that the Yankees could get him for Chacon, but the Pirates would not have given him up to the Sox without Lester or Hansen in the deal...I won't buy it.
Look at the Abreu and Lidle deal. The Yankees gave up no major league talent, and not even their top prospects. So, did Philly demand Lester AND Hansen?
Lester is very good. He gives you six innings, and his control will probably improve over the next few years which should help him. However, people were saying that Clement had electric stuff but just had to learn how to control it. Clement never did.
Hansen looks promising as well, but you would think in a one-inning scenario he should be lights out already considering he throws strikes. He'll improve, but I think the best of the bunch IS Papelbon. This is probably why we couldn't get Oswalt. If other organizations really thought Hansen had the potential to be lights out (read the Braves), they probably would have negotiated for another prospect (not Lester) in the Andru Jones deal.
And Delcarmen is good, but do you have the feeling that he will be GREAT someday?
Even if they had the potential, and you could get Oswalt who is VERY proven and only 28 or so, make the move.
I understand the front office has a plan. They've made that abundantly clear by NOT making any moves. I am now changing my stance, though, because I am a fan. I want my team to do what it takes to win now. I am not saying mortgage the future, but I am saying trade SOME prospects (not even guys who've been on the big league club) and get a bat. The Yankees got Abreu and Lidle that way.
Second Time around
A while back, the Sox acquired the "other" Javy Lopez. In a move reminiscent of the 2004 offseason when we had Bill Meuller, Kevin Millar and were making a run at Damian Miller, while V-Tek was flirting with KC (read: having Scott Boras attain top dollar for him.)
Anyway, it looks like Javy will be the defensive replacement for Tek while rehabs. Hey, they need to do something, but if we got frustrated watching Bard chase balls to the backstop, Javy better hope he can recapture some of hiw pre-2004 power (hint, hint) or the faithful will get frustrated pretty quickly. And if the price really is Adam Stern, I would have to say the O's did okay.
Anyway, it looks like Javy will be the defensive replacement for Tek while rehabs. Hey, they need to do something, but if we got frustrated watching Bard chase balls to the backstop, Javy better hope he can recapture some of hiw pre-2004 power (hint, hint) or the faithful will get frustrated pretty quickly. And if the price really is Adam Stern, I would have to say the O's did okay.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Pet peeve #6,817
Okay, I know this is nitpicky, but it drives me nuts:
"The Yankees won for the sixth time in seven contests and moved into a virtual tie, two percentage points ahead of Boston" - Seattle Post IntelligencerWhat is up with baseball and "percentages"? ("On Base Percentage" is the other example.) For a sport which prides itself on being all statistically minded, people can't even get the basic math right. Sorry, but the Sox are not two percentage points back.
"The Yankees are actually ahead by two percentage points." - Worcester Telegram
"The Yankees won for the sixth time in seven contests and moved into a virtual tie, two percentage points ahead of Boston..." - SportsNetwork
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Thoughts from around the league
Here is a great blog posting regarding the potential demise of the Tigers. It is written by a Tiger fan. It's actually really fun and well written. It's great to see other fanatics out there.
Ok, I admit it. I need some distraction. The fact that we're not in first anymore is nerve-wracking
Ok, I admit it. I need some distraction. The fact that we're not in first anymore is nerve-wracking
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Christ
Has Tito not learned. I don't care if Hansen only pitched to one batter - he came out for a second innning and gave up 2 runs.
Put me on record
As being suspicious of Duaner Sanchez' injury in a taxi cab accident. And it just so happens that a right handed pitcher injures his right shoulder in a car accident. What are the odds of that? I know tons of people who have been in car accidents. Legs get broken. Backs get hurt. But shoulders? Maybe it is a Met thing - I think Glavine had to miss a start a few years ago when he broke his nose in a cab accident. Maybe Omar should implement a new policy.
The numbers
Okay, over at Joy of Sox are Ortiz's stats in walk-off situations (i.e., plate appearances in which if he hits a HR, game over, the Sox win). Read the whole post, but quickly, since the end of the 2004 regular season:
BA: 11-for-14 (0.786)
OBP: 16-for-19 (0.842)
SLG: 32 bases (2.286)
His OPS in those situations is over 3. Uh...wow.
BA: 11-for-14 (0.786)
OBP: 16-for-19 (0.842)
SLG: 32 bases (2.286)
His OPS in those situations is over 3. Uh...wow.
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