Showing posts with label Scott Diamond. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Scott Diamond. Show all posts
Monday, April 15, 2013
Monday Musings
- Even though the Twins are terrible this year this still could end up being a pretty fun season. If nothing else, they're at least finally agreeing with everyone else and realizing they're terrible so they're going to see what they have for the future. So we're going to get full seasons of Chris Parmelee and Brian Dozier to see what they can offer in the future. We're going to see extended tryouts for Aaron Hicks and Oswaldo Arcia (who got his first career hit tonight in his first career at-bat which is probably like, the first time that's ever happened in MLB history) and get a chance to find out if Darin Mastroianni or Joe Benson can be a fourth outfielder someday.
It sucks that the pitching rotation is basically made up of crappy guys who are crappy, but you're going to watch 30 starts out of Vance Worley and Scott Diamond so we can see where they could slot in the future rotation. Liam Hendriks and Cole Devries should get 20+ starts each so we can figure out if they have a future. Sam Deduno should get a decent shot to see if he can carry over any of his WBC success. Kyle Gibson should hit the bigs at some point this year, and with a little luck maybe we'll see at least one of Alex Meyer and Trevor May as well.
Yes they'll be terrible, but at least they'll be terrible with young guys who are fun. Even Pedro Florimon is a little bit fun, what with all the bunting for hits.
- That Masters was pretty effing awesome, no? I won't rehash everything since you've either watched it, read about it, or don't care but I love it when somebody like Adam Scott, who is dealing with that "great player who hasn't won a major" pressure wins one, especially Augusta, because their reactions are like watching the One Shining Moment of golf. I have no problem with Tiger, I don't hate him or anything but I don't really want to make love to him either, but watching him win is fun too because of the "greatest of all-time" thing, but I'd much rather somebody like Scott win.
That majors pressure just fascinates me with how it affects everyone a little differently. It was really weighing down on Phil but he managed to get passed it, but Sergio Garcia has let it beat him so far down he's reached the point where he says himself that he doesn't think he's good enough to win a major, while despite 10 career top 10s in majors Steve Stricker doesn't seem to be bothered at all. Similarly, the two younger guys you heard this about - Luke Donald and Adam Scott - seemed to be on opposite ends of the spectrum as well with Donald seeming to be more relaxed about it and Scott feeling some pressure, and if you want to throw Ian Poulter in that mix I can almost feel the steam coming off of him when it comes to majors. For some reason I dig Poulter so I hope he's next, but Lee Westwood better hurry up to before his window closes. Actually I'm calling my shot right now - it's between Westwood and Poulter for the British Open. Book it.
- Have you seen what's going down with Purdue's hoops team right now? Guard Anthony Johnson announced he's transferring, making the third player (Sandi Marcius and Jacob Lawson were the other two) who has bounced from the Boilers this offseason. Losing these three isn't a killer or anything as all averaged less than 20 minutes and 5 points per game and Purdue has three Rivals Top 150 guys coming in next season, but losing three of your rotation guys is still a bit alarming. Also keep in mind that Johnson already redshirted, which means that if he transfers to a D-I school he loses an entire year of eligibility when he sits out so you know he really, really wanted out.
I'm sure Painter has everything under control (like I mentioned, great class coming in) it's just odd to see this kind of mass exodus when a coach is already entrenched for eight years and when added to the Kelsey Barlow thing last year it kind of makes you scratch your head. It's probably nothing, but if it's something, remember how smart I am. Otherwise forget it.
- The Seahawks signed Antoine Winfield? Sweet jesus do they just follow the Vikings around waiting to see what they've dropped? In the last three years 46% of Viking players they got rid off ended up on Seattle according to these numbers I just made up. How's Sidney Rice, who I believe is behind Doug Baldwin on the depth chart these days, working out? Maybe the Vikings can use this infatuation to their advantage. You know, they could be all like, "Hey, if Russell Wilson gets hurt you guys really need somebody with a similar skill set. How about Joe Webb" and then they'd trade a 5th round pick for him. I'm a genius.
- Lastly, Ramon Ortiz is back in the majors. Yes, that one. This disturbs me greatly. Although I did learn his middle name is Diogenes, which I kind of like, so I guess I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
I'm Back Now
What's up, nerds? I've been in Denver this past week to visit Snacks, Mrs. Snacks, and new Baby Snacks and as such kept getting too drunk to post at night. But now I'm back. First, a few things about Denver:
1. We went to a Rockies' game at Coors Field and I was impressed. Very nice stadium, especially considering how old it is (relatively). It reminded me quite a bit of the newer stadiums I've been too, including Target Field, but considering the Rockies' came into existence in 1993 and it went up a few years later, I was impressed. Even more impressive was the security. We had two tickets in their club level and two normal poor people tickets, so the plan was for me and the Mrs. to go into the club, then I'd go out with both tickets and get Snacks, then Mrs. W would go out and get Mrs. Snacks and everybody wins except for the Rockies. The same scam Dawger used to get us into the Legends' Club at Target Field that worked flawlessly. One problem - at Coors they're on the lookout for it.
When you go into the Club area they stamp the back of your ticket, and when you leave they stamp your hand. Then when you try to get back in you can either show your stamp or you need an unstamped ticket. If you have a stamped ticket but no stamp on your hand they won't let you back in. Actually, Snacks managed to sweet talk his way in, but Mrs. Snacks was unable too. So we all just went and sat somewhere else because nobody was there anyway because the Rockies totally blow. Also Cuddyer didn't play that night which sucked because I wanted to be able to say I've booed him at two different parks for two different teams. Ah well.
The other problem with Coors, besides the fun-hating, is that if you want to get a Rockies' shirt with one of their guy's names on the back you have almost zero options. The only guys they had were Carlos Gonzalez, Tulowitzki, the manager, the mascot, or Giambi who I'm not even sure is on the team anymore. I realize they're pretty faceless as a team and all, but when you can get an Alexei Casilla shirt at Target Field you'd think the Rocks would be a little more generous with the choices.
2. Denver is right up there with Portland when it comes to homeless people, to the point where we could play the classic game, "Hippie or homeless" that we invented last time we were in Portland. I'd give Denver the edge with the homeless dudes, but Portland wins for most hippies. In both cities they're littered around the place to the point where you have to be careful you don't trip over anybody who is either passed our or sleeping on the ground. Common denominators? Horrid college basketball programs and a massive love of weed. Drugs ruin lives, kids. You'll either end up drunk under a bridge with a sign begging for money and claiming you're a veteran of some war or sleeping on the sidewalk with those weird holes in your ears wearing a knitted poncho and carrying around a skateboard. Choose wisely.
3. Denver was seemingly constructed by someone playing Sim City, and not just anyone but a child with severe ADD. You can drive down a street and have some really nice bars next to some scary bars where you'd get murdered if you looked at them for too long. Pretty much the same thing with houses - mansions next to houses that might actually currently be on fire. Nothing makes sense. A "long-term stay" business hotel a block from a Walgreen's in a neighborhood so bad the hotel clerk tells you "I wouldn't walk there." A knock-off of Grand Avenue, but without any bars. It was just weird and never made sense. The only area I saw that made sense was the "Bail Bonds District", which was an intersection with seven different bail bonds places (no joke, seven.) Normally you might feel a bit uneasy in that kind of neighborhood, but never fear because less than a block down was a restaurant that served things like duck liver mousse and escargot. Bizarre. Decent town, I had a lot of fun, but really kind of just ok.
And that's that. Now for a couple real quick sports things because man am I tired:
1. I kind of understand why the Nationals are planning on shutting Strasburg down when he hits 180 innings. I completely disagree with it, however. You're taking a positive (having Strasburg all year and for the playoffs) and eliminating it based on the fear of a negative (future arm issues for Strasburg). I'm not 100% sure but I'm fairly certain there is no correlation between Tommy John surgery and future injuries, and Strasburg's surgery was basically two full years ago at this point, and it's generally said it takes 1 year to get back to normal. His velocity is pretty close to what it was pre-surgery (pre = 97.3, current = 95.8) and although he's throwing his curve less it's been more effective - so yes, he's pretty much the same pitcher. Smarter people and better writers than me (which is pretty much everybody) have tackled this already so I won't dwell on it, but it seems to me he's just as likely to get injured in his first Spring Training start next year, a random start in Mid-July next season, or at some point this year. This is the opposite of taking a gamble - it's playing it safe to the extreme. It's like having a 3-to-1 chip lead in a poker tournament and offering a 50/50 chop. It's like getting 11 against a 6 in blackjack and not doubling down. Horrid.
And if you're dead set on limiting him to 180 innings, why not skip a start earlier in the season here and there? If you'd skipped a random start here or there vs. the Padres or Rockies or other shitty team he might still have 60-70 innings left instead of 40. Or use him out of the bullpen. Or do something. By any metric you look at he and Gio Gonzalez have been the two most valuable players for the Nats this year, and Gio's probably been a little bit lucky while Stras is Stras. I just don't get it. How many shots do you really get at the playoffs? Even if the future looks bright there's a billion things that could go wrong and this could be Washington's one and only shot. And they're going to go into it without their best weapon. Sad. I almost hope Strasburg gets hurt early next year, but then I wouldn't get to watch him so I really don't. Just almost.
- I don't really want to talk Twins, so I won't much, but even if the lineup looks pretty much set already for next year (barring a trade of Morneau or Span) I'm very curious to see how the rotation turns out. I mean, from 2-9 you have Mauer, Morneau, Carroll, Plouffe, Dozier, Willingham, Span, and Revere with Doumit your likely DH (along with M&M). For better of for worse, that's probably what we're seeing next season. They may sign a cheap free agent to help the middle infield like Jeff Keppinger (I would approve of this) or Maicer Izturis (I would not) or maybe some hitting type depth like Ty Wigginton (pass) or Ryan Spilborghs (omg gross) but basically that's your lineup. The pitching though?
Lots of candidates. Scott Baker will get a hell of a lot less interest as a free agent than he would have if he had, you know, pitched this year. I can't see the Twins picking up his option at $9 million, but I can see them trying to resign him on the cheap so he could be back. Pavano will hopefully not be around unless they can get him for super cheap, which again, may be possible since he's been injured nearly all year. Nick Blackburn sucks donkey balls, but seeing as the Twins' are on the hook for $5.5m next year he's going to get every opportunity to be in the rotation. Then you've got the young guys: Scott Diamond (best pitcher on the team this and should be in the rotation next year for sure), Sam Deduno (his numbers mask how shitty he's actually been, but there is some potential here), P.J. Walters (remember when he had those couple good starts?), Cole DeVries (perfectly fits the teams no-walks no-Ks mandate), and Liam Hendriks (please god no). Not to mention guys who have mainly been in the bullpen with starting experience in their past (Swarzak, Manship, Waldrop) and hopeful prospects (Gibson), guys picked up in trades (Pedro Hernandez), retreads (Luke French who the Twins apparently have), and guys I've never heard of (everyone at New Britain right now).
Let's be clear - it's a platter full of crap no doubt, but other than Scott Diamond nobody is guaranteed to be in the rotation next year. You have four other spots and 13 possibilities (Baker, Pavano, Blackburn, Deduno, Walters, DeVries, Hendriks, Swarzak, Manship, Waldrop, Gibson, Hernandez, and French) not to mention a bunch of question marks at AA and the possibility the Twins sign a shitty free agent as per usual (Derek Lowe? Joe Saunders? - both fit their shitty philosophy perfectly). Free Agent wise your best (realistic) scenario is they find a way to sign Brandon McCarthy to a team friendly contract. Worst case they sign one of the above dudes. Actually worst case is they sign Dice-K, but I can't imagine even this team is that misguided. It's a mess, but at least it's an interesting mess. Or that's what I'm telling myself. You have to be able to get a couple good pitchers out of 13 candidates, right? Please?
- Lastly, can somebody help me out with the Luck vs. Robert Griffin III debate? Luck started for three very productive years setting the single season and all-time records in the Pac-10 for completion percentage winning a dickload of awards (including two Hesiman runner-ups) and basically setting every Stanford record ever for a QB. He also did it while running a pro-style offense under the tutelage of a former NFL QB, already known as a cerebral player, who then came in and made Alex Smith suddenly understand how to be an NFL QB, and did it while (in his senior season at least) basically calling all his own plays at the line like a second Peyton Manning.
Griffin won Big 12 freshman of the year in 2008 before missing 2009 with an injury, then had two awesome years culminating in a Heisman winning season in 2011 running the same offense under the same coach NFL superstars Case Keenum and Kevin Kolb ran in putting up insane numbers in college. I get why Griffin is so tempting, particularly after Cam Newton's early season success, but if Newton doesn't get out to that hot start is Griffin even considered a rival to Luck at #1? Everyone seems to point to his athleticism and runnability as to why he's so fascinating as a franchise player and granted his 4.41 forty-yard dash is a record for QBs and the 39 inch vertical is impressive, but he's not that far ahead of Luck, who ran a 4.67, had a 36 inch vertical, and actually beat RG3 in the broadjump at 10-4 vs. 10-0. Actually Luck's measurables were very similar to Newtons (4.67 vs. 4.59, 36 inch vert vs. 35, and 10-4 vs. 10-6) and Luck's said to be a far better passer and the kind of guy who already understands the game at a veteran type level.
I'm not saying Griffin will be a bust, I'm just saying anyone comparing him to Luck is delusional at best. And no I'm not just saying this as a fantasy smokescreen. I'm taking Luck, assuming he's there for me.
1. We went to a Rockies' game at Coors Field and I was impressed. Very nice stadium, especially considering how old it is (relatively). It reminded me quite a bit of the newer stadiums I've been too, including Target Field, but considering the Rockies' came into existence in 1993 and it went up a few years later, I was impressed. Even more impressive was the security. We had two tickets in their club level and two normal poor people tickets, so the plan was for me and the Mrs. to go into the club, then I'd go out with both tickets and get Snacks, then Mrs. W would go out and get Mrs. Snacks and everybody wins except for the Rockies. The same scam Dawger used to get us into the Legends' Club at Target Field that worked flawlessly. One problem - at Coors they're on the lookout for it.
When you go into the Club area they stamp the back of your ticket, and when you leave they stamp your hand. Then when you try to get back in you can either show your stamp or you need an unstamped ticket. If you have a stamped ticket but no stamp on your hand they won't let you back in. Actually, Snacks managed to sweet talk his way in, but Mrs. Snacks was unable too. So we all just went and sat somewhere else because nobody was there anyway because the Rockies totally blow. Also Cuddyer didn't play that night which sucked because I wanted to be able to say I've booed him at two different parks for two different teams. Ah well.
The other problem with Coors, besides the fun-hating, is that if you want to get a Rockies' shirt with one of their guy's names on the back you have almost zero options. The only guys they had were Carlos Gonzalez, Tulowitzki, the manager, the mascot, or Giambi who I'm not even sure is on the team anymore. I realize they're pretty faceless as a team and all, but when you can get an Alexei Casilla shirt at Target Field you'd think the Rocks would be a little more generous with the choices.
2. Denver is right up there with Portland when it comes to homeless people, to the point where we could play the classic game, "Hippie or homeless" that we invented last time we were in Portland. I'd give Denver the edge with the homeless dudes, but Portland wins for most hippies. In both cities they're littered around the place to the point where you have to be careful you don't trip over anybody who is either passed our or sleeping on the ground. Common denominators? Horrid college basketball programs and a massive love of weed. Drugs ruin lives, kids. You'll either end up drunk under a bridge with a sign begging for money and claiming you're a veteran of some war or sleeping on the sidewalk with those weird holes in your ears wearing a knitted poncho and carrying around a skateboard. Choose wisely.
3. Denver was seemingly constructed by someone playing Sim City, and not just anyone but a child with severe ADD. You can drive down a street and have some really nice bars next to some scary bars where you'd get murdered if you looked at them for too long. Pretty much the same thing with houses - mansions next to houses that might actually currently be on fire. Nothing makes sense. A "long-term stay" business hotel a block from a Walgreen's in a neighborhood so bad the hotel clerk tells you "I wouldn't walk there." A knock-off of Grand Avenue, but without any bars. It was just weird and never made sense. The only area I saw that made sense was the "Bail Bonds District", which was an intersection with seven different bail bonds places (no joke, seven.) Normally you might feel a bit uneasy in that kind of neighborhood, but never fear because less than a block down was a restaurant that served things like duck liver mousse and escargot. Bizarre. Decent town, I had a lot of fun, but really kind of just ok.
And that's that. Now for a couple real quick sports things because man am I tired:
1. I kind of understand why the Nationals are planning on shutting Strasburg down when he hits 180 innings. I completely disagree with it, however. You're taking a positive (having Strasburg all year and for the playoffs) and eliminating it based on the fear of a negative (future arm issues for Strasburg). I'm not 100% sure but I'm fairly certain there is no correlation between Tommy John surgery and future injuries, and Strasburg's surgery was basically two full years ago at this point, and it's generally said it takes 1 year to get back to normal. His velocity is pretty close to what it was pre-surgery (pre = 97.3, current = 95.8) and although he's throwing his curve less it's been more effective - so yes, he's pretty much the same pitcher. Smarter people and better writers than me (which is pretty much everybody) have tackled this already so I won't dwell on it, but it seems to me he's just as likely to get injured in his first Spring Training start next year, a random start in Mid-July next season, or at some point this year. This is the opposite of taking a gamble - it's playing it safe to the extreme. It's like having a 3-to-1 chip lead in a poker tournament and offering a 50/50 chop. It's like getting 11 against a 6 in blackjack and not doubling down. Horrid.
And if you're dead set on limiting him to 180 innings, why not skip a start earlier in the season here and there? If you'd skipped a random start here or there vs. the Padres or Rockies or other shitty team he might still have 60-70 innings left instead of 40. Or use him out of the bullpen. Or do something. By any metric you look at he and Gio Gonzalez have been the two most valuable players for the Nats this year, and Gio's probably been a little bit lucky while Stras is Stras. I just don't get it. How many shots do you really get at the playoffs? Even if the future looks bright there's a billion things that could go wrong and this could be Washington's one and only shot. And they're going to go into it without their best weapon. Sad. I almost hope Strasburg gets hurt early next year, but then I wouldn't get to watch him so I really don't. Just almost.
- I don't really want to talk Twins, so I won't much, but even if the lineup looks pretty much set already for next year (barring a trade of Morneau or Span) I'm very curious to see how the rotation turns out. I mean, from 2-9 you have Mauer, Morneau, Carroll, Plouffe, Dozier, Willingham, Span, and Revere with Doumit your likely DH (along with M&M). For better of for worse, that's probably what we're seeing next season. They may sign a cheap free agent to help the middle infield like Jeff Keppinger (I would approve of this) or Maicer Izturis (I would not) or maybe some hitting type depth like Ty Wigginton (pass) or Ryan Spilborghs (omg gross) but basically that's your lineup. The pitching though?
Lots of candidates. Scott Baker will get a hell of a lot less interest as a free agent than he would have if he had, you know, pitched this year. I can't see the Twins picking up his option at $9 million, but I can see them trying to resign him on the cheap so he could be back. Pavano will hopefully not be around unless they can get him for super cheap, which again, may be possible since he's been injured nearly all year. Nick Blackburn sucks donkey balls, but seeing as the Twins' are on the hook for $5.5m next year he's going to get every opportunity to be in the rotation. Then you've got the young guys: Scott Diamond (best pitcher on the team this and should be in the rotation next year for sure), Sam Deduno (his numbers mask how shitty he's actually been, but there is some potential here), P.J. Walters (remember when he had those couple good starts?), Cole DeVries (perfectly fits the teams no-walks no-Ks mandate), and Liam Hendriks (please god no). Not to mention guys who have mainly been in the bullpen with starting experience in their past (Swarzak, Manship, Waldrop) and hopeful prospects (Gibson), guys picked up in trades (Pedro Hernandez), retreads (Luke French who the Twins apparently have), and guys I've never heard of (everyone at New Britain right now).
Let's be clear - it's a platter full of crap no doubt, but other than Scott Diamond nobody is guaranteed to be in the rotation next year. You have four other spots and 13 possibilities (Baker, Pavano, Blackburn, Deduno, Walters, DeVries, Hendriks, Swarzak, Manship, Waldrop, Gibson, Hernandez, and French) not to mention a bunch of question marks at AA and the possibility the Twins sign a shitty free agent as per usual (Derek Lowe? Joe Saunders? - both fit their shitty philosophy perfectly). Free Agent wise your best (realistic) scenario is they find a way to sign Brandon McCarthy to a team friendly contract. Worst case they sign one of the above dudes. Actually worst case is they sign Dice-K, but I can't imagine even this team is that misguided. It's a mess, but at least it's an interesting mess. Or that's what I'm telling myself. You have to be able to get a couple good pitchers out of 13 candidates, right? Please?
- Lastly, can somebody help me out with the Luck vs. Robert Griffin III debate? Luck started for three very productive years setting the single season and all-time records in the Pac-10 for completion percentage winning a dickload of awards (including two Hesiman runner-ups) and basically setting every Stanford record ever for a QB. He also did it while running a pro-style offense under the tutelage of a former NFL QB, already known as a cerebral player, who then came in and made Alex Smith suddenly understand how to be an NFL QB, and did it while (in his senior season at least) basically calling all his own plays at the line like a second Peyton Manning.
Griffin won Big 12 freshman of the year in 2008 before missing 2009 with an injury, then had two awesome years culminating in a Heisman winning season in 2011 running the same offense under the same coach NFL superstars Case Keenum and Kevin Kolb ran in putting up insane numbers in college. I get why Griffin is so tempting, particularly after Cam Newton's early season success, but if Newton doesn't get out to that hot start is Griffin even considered a rival to Luck at #1? Everyone seems to point to his athleticism and runnability as to why he's so fascinating as a franchise player and granted his 4.41 forty-yard dash is a record for QBs and the 39 inch vertical is impressive, but he's not that far ahead of Luck, who ran a 4.67, had a 36 inch vertical, and actually beat RG3 in the broadjump at 10-4 vs. 10-0. Actually Luck's measurables were very similar to Newtons (4.67 vs. 4.59, 36 inch vert vs. 35, and 10-4 vs. 10-6) and Luck's said to be a far better passer and the kind of guy who already understands the game at a veteran type level.
I'm not saying Griffin will be a bust, I'm just saying anyone comparing him to Luck is delusional at best. And no I'm not just saying this as a fantasy smokescreen. I'm taking Luck, assuming he's there for me.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Monday Musings
- Biggest news of the day is the Big 10/ACC match-ups have been released, and your Gophers will be traveling to Tallahassee to play the Seminoles of FSU. This should be one hell of a good test to see how good the Gophers are next season, because FSU loses only two of their top 6 players from last year's NCAA team, and they always play well at home (where they always seem to beat Duke or UNC every year). Add in a very good recruiting class and their killer defense and this is one of the better teams the Gophers will face in non-conference play in the Tubby Smith-era. If the Gophers can handle FSU's defense, they'll be able to handle any Big 10 team's defense. I'm very much looking forward to this one. With the Gophers in the Battle 4 Atlantis with team's like Duke, Missouri, Memphis, and Louisville they have all the potential in the world to build a really nice resume before we get to conference play. Or crash and burn and make sure we all now we are once again in for another thrilling year of mediocrity. I know which one I'm hoping for - although the mediocrity thing does have a comforting ring of familiarity to it.
The other matchups:
North Carolina @ Indiana - has the ring of a marquee matchup to it, but with Indiana installed as the favorite to win the National Championship by Vegas (it's true) and UNC basically gutted from last year this is going to be a 10+ point spread.
NC State @ Michigan - One of the three top matchups (along with Gophers/FSU and Duke/Ohio State), and a really good test for an NC State team that is suddenly finding itself the ACC favorite (even more so if Amile Jefferson picks them today/tomorrow).
Maryland @ Northwestern - The Terps lost most of their talent from an already poor team, while Northwestern's window has probably closed on that elusive first NCAA bid. Even so, the Wildcats should walk here.
Iowa @ Virginia Tech - Va Tech is going to be super terrible this year, but this is actually a pretty perfect match-up for an Iowa team trying to reach up and grab mediocrity. This game will go along way towards telling us if they're there yet or still a year away.
Nebraska @ Wake Forest - yeah nobody cares
Ohio State @ Duke - This will be billed as the top matchup and not without reason. Having the game at Cameron evens the odds a bit, because OSU would roll if this was played in Columbus - and might anyway
Virginia @ Wisconsin - You ready to hear about what a great match-up this is and then be bored to sleep within the first five minutes? This one might not break 70 total points.
Michigan State @ Miami - Really interesting match-up here. The Spartans are probably better talent-wise but will still be working on playing without Draymond Green, while Miami has a nice core group of Durand Scott, Reggie Johnson, Kenny Kadji, and Shane Larkin back from last year's team that almost made the NCAA Tournament. I think at home the Canes might sneak this one out.
Purdue @ Clemson - I have no idea what to make of Purdue this year since the whole team from two years ago is gone. Clemson's losing it's entire starting back court who just happened to be their top two scorers. Call this a toss up.
Georgia Tech @ Illinois - The Illini were horrid last year and now bring in a new coach. Getting Georgia Tech at home is the kind of major opponent they need - shitty, but still a major conference team.
Boston College @ Penn State - oh my god, gross.
If I had to pick it right now, I'd go Florida State, Indiana, Michigan, Iowa, Wake, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Miami, Purdue, Illinois, and BC. That's 7-4, Big 10.
- One other college hooops note, I was going to do a little writing on Julius Mays, the guard who graduated from Wright State but still has a year of eligibility so was looking to do that thing where you pick a school you want to go to and then find a grad program they have that your current school doesn't offer so you can just transfer and play right away who was considering both Illinois and Purdue. He would be a pretty important piece considering the lack of guards the Illini and Boilers are both currently sporting due to his 14 points per game and also because Julius Mays is a pretty sweet basketball name. Kentucky, however, was also interested in Mr. Mays and because Kentucky is awesome and the Big 10 sucks, Mays will be a Wildcat next year so I guess there's not much more to say about that, is there? These things will happen when you can't motivate yourself to post more than once a week because the Twins have punched you in the nuts.
- Speaking of the Twins, yuck. The worst part of this is that when your team totally sucks you should at least be able to look forward to watching the future start playing, but who on this team is even the future? Scott Diamond, suddenly, and Brian Dozier? Maybe? There's suddenly no third basemen at all. I mean there's nothing now that Valencia is apparently a total flop and Luke Hughes was traded or released or whatever. We're looking at a solid 3 years or so of crappy old free agents before Miguel Sano is ready, assuming he sticks at third and doesn't get moved to the outfield. Will it be Kevin Kouzmanoff next year? Or Mark Teahen? Maybe Ty Wigginton (that's who I'd put my money on)? You can be sure that no matter what, he's going to be old and suck. But at least Sano is keeping things interesting while we wait. Big thanks for Snacks for emailing me this:
- I didn't really like Bryce Harper from day one since he sounded like kind of a douche, but I've done a 180 on him because apparently the mainstream media (more like Lame stream, amiright?) is way too all over hoping this kid fails and makes a fool of himself. Over the weekend I saw a few different headlines and they were all like "Harper injures self in clubhouse tantrum" or "Harper may miss time after embarrassing spaz out" or something of that variety. So I read them because, at that time, I wasn't a fan and was hoping it would be really bad (with apologies to Bryce's dad, who was maybe the second best Twins' catcher ever), but holy shit are people stupid. After going 0-5 with 3 strikeouts he hit the wall with his bat, which ricocheted and hit him in the head. First of all, who hasn't done something similar like hitting the wall with your bat? Secondly, when do you think the last time this kid went 0-5 with 3 ks was? I'm going to guess never, which will probably torque you off a bit, and hitting something with a bat has got to be nearly as common place as getting crabs from a "fan" when you're a major leaguer (or minors even, from what I hear Brendan Donnelly).
Between this retarded witch hunt and Harper's attitude after getting intentionally beaned by Cole Hamels - all he did was trot to first with no looks, no attitude, no nothing - I'm starting to become a fan. Then you add him to the best pitcher in world history in Stephen Strasburg, one of my personal faves in Gio Gonzalez, the underrated Jordan Zimmerman, a bunch of young players who some of at least have to workout, and yet another future star in minor leaguer Anthony Rendon and I'm suddenly a Nationals fan. May even have to get a hat. But they also have Jayson Werth, so I really can't be that much of a fan. F that guy.
- Apparently Josh Hamilton is over how he killed that guy because in case the Twins have made you turn off baseball for good this year he's destroying everything that gets thrown near him. I find it semi-fascinating because I am fascinated easily but also because he's such a unique player. Without getting bogged down in the nitty gritty stat world, he's aggressive as hell and swings at anything. He swings at the highest percentage of pitches of anyone in the majors, and the rest of the guys on the list are either shitty hackers (Clint Barmes, Delmon Young), strikeout machines without the power (Alfonso Soriano, Chris Davis), or solid, but not power, hitters (Starlin Castro, Brandon Phillips). Adrian Beltre and Miguel Cabrera are #11 and #14 on the list and are near his production levels, but they do it because they make contact a lot with all those swings (85% and 83%) while Hamilton is at just 67%. In fact, that 67% is the fourth worst in the majors behind human fan machines Yeonis Cespedes, Adam Dunn, and Carlos Gonzalez. So he swings at way too many pitches and misses way too many of them, yet he's leading the majors in basically everything.
So how is he doing this? Obviously by crushing the ball when he does make contact, but it's not by hitting line drives where he's around league average, it's that when he gets the ball in the air it's flying over the fence. Nearly half of the flyballs he's hit this year have been home runs, tops in the league (Matt Kemp is the only other player even close to Hamilton), more than double his usual percentage, and a number nobody has approached like, ever (or since 2002 when this data became available). He's also hitting .407 on balls in play, but the numbers say that should be around .330 even on this hot streak. So I got some news for ya - Hamilton is going to go down in a big way, whether it's simple regression, injury, gets a hankerin' to chase the dragon again, or finally gets charged for murdering that guy with a baseball. If you have him in fantasy, trade him. Or just watch him burn.
The other matchups:
North Carolina @ Indiana - has the ring of a marquee matchup to it, but with Indiana installed as the favorite to win the National Championship by Vegas (it's true) and UNC basically gutted from last year this is going to be a 10+ point spread.
NC State @ Michigan - One of the three top matchups (along with Gophers/FSU and Duke/Ohio State), and a really good test for an NC State team that is suddenly finding itself the ACC favorite (even more so if Amile Jefferson picks them today/tomorrow).
Maryland @ Northwestern - The Terps lost most of their talent from an already poor team, while Northwestern's window has probably closed on that elusive first NCAA bid. Even so, the Wildcats should walk here.
Iowa @ Virginia Tech - Va Tech is going to be super terrible this year, but this is actually a pretty perfect match-up for an Iowa team trying to reach up and grab mediocrity. This game will go along way towards telling us if they're there yet or still a year away.
Nebraska @ Wake Forest - yeah nobody cares
Ohio State @ Duke - This will be billed as the top matchup and not without reason. Having the game at Cameron evens the odds a bit, because OSU would roll if this was played in Columbus - and might anyway
Virginia @ Wisconsin - You ready to hear about what a great match-up this is and then be bored to sleep within the first five minutes? This one might not break 70 total points.
Michigan State @ Miami - Really interesting match-up here. The Spartans are probably better talent-wise but will still be working on playing without Draymond Green, while Miami has a nice core group of Durand Scott, Reggie Johnson, Kenny Kadji, and Shane Larkin back from last year's team that almost made the NCAA Tournament. I think at home the Canes might sneak this one out.
Purdue @ Clemson - I have no idea what to make of Purdue this year since the whole team from two years ago is gone. Clemson's losing it's entire starting back court who just happened to be their top two scorers. Call this a toss up.
Georgia Tech @ Illinois - The Illini were horrid last year and now bring in a new coach. Getting Georgia Tech at home is the kind of major opponent they need - shitty, but still a major conference team.
Boston College @ Penn State - oh my god, gross.
If I had to pick it right now, I'd go Florida State, Indiana, Michigan, Iowa, Wake, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Miami, Purdue, Illinois, and BC. That's 7-4, Big 10.
- One other college hooops note, I was going to do a little writing on Julius Mays, the guard who graduated from Wright State but still has a year of eligibility so was looking to do that thing where you pick a school you want to go to and then find a grad program they have that your current school doesn't offer so you can just transfer and play right away who was considering both Illinois and Purdue. He would be a pretty important piece considering the lack of guards the Illini and Boilers are both currently sporting due to his 14 points per game and also because Julius Mays is a pretty sweet basketball name. Kentucky, however, was also interested in Mr. Mays and because Kentucky is awesome and the Big 10 sucks, Mays will be a Wildcat next year so I guess there's not much more to say about that, is there? These things will happen when you can't motivate yourself to post more than once a week because the Twins have punched you in the nuts.
- Speaking of the Twins, yuck. The worst part of this is that when your team totally sucks you should at least be able to look forward to watching the future start playing, but who on this team is even the future? Scott Diamond, suddenly, and Brian Dozier? Maybe? There's suddenly no third basemen at all. I mean there's nothing now that Valencia is apparently a total flop and Luke Hughes was traded or released or whatever. We're looking at a solid 3 years or so of crappy old free agents before Miguel Sano is ready, assuming he sticks at third and doesn't get moved to the outfield. Will it be Kevin Kouzmanoff next year? Or Mark Teahen? Maybe Ty Wigginton (that's who I'd put my money on)? You can be sure that no matter what, he's going to be old and suck. But at least Sano is keeping things interesting while we wait. Big thanks for Snacks for emailing me this:
Oh hell yes. So anyway I don't really know what to make out of Scott Diamond or Brian Dozier, but at least so far they don't make me want to put myself into a coma until the end of baseball season so they got that going for them. Considering Dozier is hitting just .250 and doesn't walk (with so-so pop) and Diamond has looked good in his two starts but is doing it with a ridiculously low BABIP I'm pretty much clearly grasping at straws, but I think straws is all we got. Like a homeless clown at a chocolate milk collection.Sano stood in the batter’s box awhile to watch his homer against relief pitcher Carmine Giardiana. He trotted the bases, but virtually stopped a few feet before touching the plate, taking off his batting helmet as Kernels catcher Abel Baker barked at him.
Sano glared at the Kernels dugout after finally touching the plate, with Kernels players continuing to give him significant grief. He took a step toward Baker, and the dugouts began to empty, with umpires Fernando Rodriguez and Paul Clemons, as well as both teams’ coaching staffs, doing a good job of squelching what could have been an ugly scene.
- I didn't really like Bryce Harper from day one since he sounded like kind of a douche, but I've done a 180 on him because apparently the mainstream media (more like Lame stream, amiright?) is way too all over hoping this kid fails and makes a fool of himself. Over the weekend I saw a few different headlines and they were all like "Harper injures self in clubhouse tantrum" or "Harper may miss time after embarrassing spaz out" or something of that variety. So I read them because, at that time, I wasn't a fan and was hoping it would be really bad (with apologies to Bryce's dad, who was maybe the second best Twins' catcher ever), but holy shit are people stupid. After going 0-5 with 3 strikeouts he hit the wall with his bat, which ricocheted and hit him in the head. First of all, who hasn't done something similar like hitting the wall with your bat? Secondly, when do you think the last time this kid went 0-5 with 3 ks was? I'm going to guess never, which will probably torque you off a bit, and hitting something with a bat has got to be nearly as common place as getting crabs from a "fan" when you're a major leaguer (or minors even, from what I hear Brendan Donnelly).
Between this retarded witch hunt and Harper's attitude after getting intentionally beaned by Cole Hamels - all he did was trot to first with no looks, no attitude, no nothing - I'm starting to become a fan. Then you add him to the best pitcher in world history in Stephen Strasburg, one of my personal faves in Gio Gonzalez, the underrated Jordan Zimmerman, a bunch of young players who some of at least have to workout, and yet another future star in minor leaguer Anthony Rendon and I'm suddenly a Nationals fan. May even have to get a hat. But they also have Jayson Werth, so I really can't be that much of a fan. F that guy.
- Apparently Josh Hamilton is over how he killed that guy because in case the Twins have made you turn off baseball for good this year he's destroying everything that gets thrown near him. I find it semi-fascinating because I am fascinated easily but also because he's such a unique player. Without getting bogged down in the nitty gritty stat world, he's aggressive as hell and swings at anything. He swings at the highest percentage of pitches of anyone in the majors, and the rest of the guys on the list are either shitty hackers (Clint Barmes, Delmon Young), strikeout machines without the power (Alfonso Soriano, Chris Davis), or solid, but not power, hitters (Starlin Castro, Brandon Phillips). Adrian Beltre and Miguel Cabrera are #11 and #14 on the list and are near his production levels, but they do it because they make contact a lot with all those swings (85% and 83%) while Hamilton is at just 67%. In fact, that 67% is the fourth worst in the majors behind human fan machines Yeonis Cespedes, Adam Dunn, and Carlos Gonzalez. So he swings at way too many pitches and misses way too many of them, yet he's leading the majors in basically everything.
So how is he doing this? Obviously by crushing the ball when he does make contact, but it's not by hitting line drives where he's around league average, it's that when he gets the ball in the air it's flying over the fence. Nearly half of the flyballs he's hit this year have been home runs, tops in the league (Matt Kemp is the only other player even close to Hamilton), more than double his usual percentage, and a number nobody has approached like, ever (or since 2002 when this data became available). He's also hitting .407 on balls in play, but the numbers say that should be around .330 even on this hot streak. So I got some news for ya - Hamilton is going to go down in a big way, whether it's simple regression, injury, gets a hankerin' to chase the dragon again, or finally gets charged for murdering that guy with a baseball. If you have him in fantasy, trade him. Or just watch him burn.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Monday's Musings (Twins, British Open, Tomlin, TV, Noodle Arms, etc.)
Well it's begun already. I suppose it was inevitable. I was listening to the telecast of the Twins first game and they were talking about the Twins possibly making any moves at the trade deadline. You probably already know where this is going. So Bert says, he says, "You know, with Span and Kubel about to come off the DL and Morneau down the road (ED: yeah right) the Twins don't really need to make a move, getting those guys back is already better than making a trade.
Yes. It's true. You knew it was coming. I'm pretty sure you'll hear that same sentiment at least three more times from various announcers/coaches/scribes/radio dudes, and every time you should know it makes me die a little inside.
Speaking of the Twins and dying how freaking bad is Matt Capps? Meanwhile, in case you're curious, Wilson Ramos is hitting .257/.333/.442 with 9 homers for the Nationals and has thrown out 36% of would-be base stealers. What that essentially means is he's a Drew Butera who can hit. I'm not exactly sure of the wording yet, but I'm pretty sure if I end up killing myself in the next month or so I want that on my tombstone. That or sausage and pepperoni and green pepper.
- The British Open was kind of interesting in a boring way. Once again it proved itself to be nearly impossible to predict. I mean, look how many top guys missed the cut here: #1 Luke Donald, #2 Lee Westwood, #8 Matt Kuchar, #10 Nick Watney., #11 Graeme McDowell I guess in retrospect it shouldn't have been surprising that Donald missed it because he's a bit of a dandy, but the other three were definite surprises. But it makes sense. Look at who has won this thing lately: Darren Clarke, Louis Oosthuizen, Stewart "gayest golfer on the tour" Cink. Before that were two for Paddy and two for Tiger, but this tournament is definitely most likely to be won by a stunner. Tom Watson's almost win. Todd Hamilton who I could have sworn was a figure skater. Ben Curtis. John Daly.
I'm not even sure it's real golf over there. But there's no doubt that there are a few guys who you can never count out in a major no matter how badly they look like they're playing in the previous weeks: Phil, Dustin Johnson, Anthony Kim, Y.E. Yang - always a threat in majors. Just like guys like Hunter Mahan, Luke Donald, and Ian Poulter have proven it doesn't matter how they're playing or how they're trending or what they're course history is - they can miss a cut at any time.
And the saddest thing of all? Jim Furyk and Retief Goosen used to be in group 1, but now I think you gotta put them in group 2. Ask not for whom the Bell tolls, it tolls for thee.
- As I pointed out last week, Indians' starter Josh Tomlin has a chance to become just the 16th pitcher to qualify for the batting title and finish the season with more home runs allowed than walks allowed. He took another step towards history on Friday when he allowed 3 home runs to the Orioles against just 1 walk, bringing his season totals to 18 HR allowed and 15 BB allowed. Additionally, with 11 wins so far he has a chance to become the second most winning pitcher who gave up more homers than walks behind Robin Roberts 19 wins in 1956. He won't catch Roberts but if he can get to 17 wins he'll pass Greg Maddux, Jose Lima, and Rick Reed to hold the solo second position. I dunno. Seems significant.
- Speaking of dominant pitching did you see Jeff Karstens threw a 83-pitch 5-hit shutout for the suddenly playoff-contending Pirates on Friday? I don't know which part is weirder - that somebody actually only needed 83 pitches to finish a game or that it was Karstens who has thrown a complete game since 2008 because he's usually too busy getting schellacked. Since I know you're wondering I looked it up and this is the 15th time since 2000 that somebody has thrown a 9-inning complete game using 83 pitches or less. So I guess it's not as unbelievable as I thought, especially since included in that group are Carlos Silva (74 pitches in 2005) and Scott Baker (79 pitches in 2007) and I don't remember either of them. I guess my whole equilibrium is just off since the Pirates are in contention.
- I don't think I've mentioned this before, but the kids' show Phineas and Ferb is one of the five best shows on TV. Parks and Rec, Community, Game of Thrones, Curb, and Phineas and Ferb. If you have kids, get them hooked on this immediately. Whereas I want to stab my own face off after more than one episode of most kids' shows - especially Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - I could sit and watch Phineas and Ferb by myself for hours, so it's actually not torture to sit and watch with WonderbabyTM. The Bear got a few episodes with us a few weeks back and he laughed out loud a couple of times, and he hates everything, so you know it's good.
- Honestly, if you grabbed 100 random people from local softball leagues how many of them do you think would have a better arm than Ben Revere? I wouldn't - I'm a kick-ass infielder - but how many out of 100? I know Snacks has a better arm and a couple other guys I play/played softball with do. I'm willing to bet it's at least 25%. I love Ben Revere and all - he's 10x the center fielder Span was and twice Gomez - but that arm is terrifyingly bad.
- I just bought these shoes because I need something for casual Fridays at work. Thoughts?
- Joe Mauer, as of this second, has six hits in this doubleheader. That's pretty impressive, but what really stands out to me is that one of those hits is a double. I mean, do you know how rare that is for the "Singles King of Minnesota?" (he's like Abe Froman but different).
- I don't like this new Eric on True Blood. I also don't understand what's up with these "faeries. And Pam is way less hot now. " I also don't think Anna Paquin has gotten naked yet this season, which is stupid because it's probably 25% of why I watch this show. Another 25% is hoping Jessica will do a nude scene already.
The remaining 50% is because Mrs. W is hoping to see some Alcide wang. True story.
- Pretty good debut by Scott Diamond here (Twins trailing 2-1 in bottom 6), and it damn well better be since he cost them Billy Bullock. You know, the same Billy Bullock who was a 2nd round pick and was a rare minor league arm in the system who could strike people out from the bullpen. In case you're curious in AA for Atlanta this year he's pitched 37 innings, allowed 29 hits, walked 19, and struck out fucking 53. Good thing they don't need him though.
- Looks like while I was taking out the trash/slicing some celery/making a drink the Twins tied it up and then left Diamond in for too long, brought in Phil Dumacrap, and now they're about to get swept in this double-header, the exact double header they could have used to basically slingshot start into a second half pennant run. Nice.
- Speaking of WonderbabyTM back whenever I mentioned her she's now somehow gotten to the age where going to bed is equivalent in terribleness to the holocaust. Honest to god I think she's insane. She will completely agree to "Ok, one more Phineas and Ferb and then it's bedtime. No whining, no crying, no fighting" and say those exact words and everything but the minute that show is over and I tell her it's really bedtime we're looking at meltdown city. This one time she actually grabbed the scimitar I keep on the counter and took a swipe at me. True story.
- Requisite picture of my idiot kids:
And here's a picture of my kick-ass son trying to house a chicken wing despite being significantly tooth-challenged:
- Is it insensitive to say that Chuck James looks like he has either the AIDS or the cancer? Because if it is then I totally didn't say that, it was a friend of mine who wanted to know.
- Pitches like one too.
- Freakin' Babe Plouffe indeed. Too bad everyone else on the team sucks more balls than your mom.
- I hate the Twins and I hate all of you.
Yes. It's true. You knew it was coming. I'm pretty sure you'll hear that same sentiment at least three more times from various announcers/coaches/scribes/radio dudes, and every time you should know it makes me die a little inside.
Speaking of the Twins and dying how freaking bad is Matt Capps? Meanwhile, in case you're curious, Wilson Ramos is hitting .257/.333/.442 with 9 homers for the Nationals and has thrown out 36% of would-be base stealers. What that essentially means is he's a Drew Butera who can hit. I'm not exactly sure of the wording yet, but I'm pretty sure if I end up killing myself in the next month or so I want that on my tombstone. That or sausage and pepperoni and green pepper.
- The British Open was kind of interesting in a boring way. Once again it proved itself to be nearly impossible to predict. I mean, look how many top guys missed the cut here: #1 Luke Donald, #2 Lee Westwood, #8 Matt Kuchar, #10 Nick Watney., #11 Graeme McDowell I guess in retrospect it shouldn't have been surprising that Donald missed it because he's a bit of a dandy, but the other three were definite surprises. But it makes sense. Look at who has won this thing lately: Darren Clarke, Louis Oosthuizen, Stewart "gayest golfer on the tour" Cink. Before that were two for Paddy and two for Tiger, but this tournament is definitely most likely to be won by a stunner. Tom Watson's almost win. Todd Hamilton who I could have sworn was a figure skater. Ben Curtis. John Daly.
I'm not even sure it's real golf over there. But there's no doubt that there are a few guys who you can never count out in a major no matter how badly they look like they're playing in the previous weeks: Phil, Dustin Johnson, Anthony Kim, Y.E. Yang - always a threat in majors. Just like guys like Hunter Mahan, Luke Donald, and Ian Poulter have proven it doesn't matter how they're playing or how they're trending or what they're course history is - they can miss a cut at any time.
And the saddest thing of all? Jim Furyk and Retief Goosen used to be in group 1, but now I think you gotta put them in group 2. Ask not for whom the Bell tolls, it tolls for thee.
- As I pointed out last week, Indians' starter Josh Tomlin has a chance to become just the 16th pitcher to qualify for the batting title and finish the season with more home runs allowed than walks allowed. He took another step towards history on Friday when he allowed 3 home runs to the Orioles against just 1 walk, bringing his season totals to 18 HR allowed and 15 BB allowed. Additionally, with 11 wins so far he has a chance to become the second most winning pitcher who gave up more homers than walks behind Robin Roberts 19 wins in 1956. He won't catch Roberts but if he can get to 17 wins he'll pass Greg Maddux, Jose Lima, and Rick Reed to hold the solo second position. I dunno. Seems significant.
- Speaking of dominant pitching did you see Jeff Karstens threw a 83-pitch 5-hit shutout for the suddenly playoff-contending Pirates on Friday? I don't know which part is weirder - that somebody actually only needed 83 pitches to finish a game or that it was Karstens who has thrown a complete game since 2008 because he's usually too busy getting schellacked. Since I know you're wondering I looked it up and this is the 15th time since 2000 that somebody has thrown a 9-inning complete game using 83 pitches or less. So I guess it's not as unbelievable as I thought, especially since included in that group are Carlos Silva (74 pitches in 2005) and Scott Baker (79 pitches in 2007) and I don't remember either of them. I guess my whole equilibrium is just off since the Pirates are in contention.
- I don't think I've mentioned this before, but the kids' show Phineas and Ferb is one of the five best shows on TV. Parks and Rec, Community, Game of Thrones, Curb, and Phineas and Ferb. If you have kids, get them hooked on this immediately. Whereas I want to stab my own face off after more than one episode of most kids' shows - especially Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - I could sit and watch Phineas and Ferb by myself for hours, so it's actually not torture to sit and watch with WonderbabyTM. The Bear got a few episodes with us a few weeks back and he laughed out loud a couple of times, and he hates everything, so you know it's good.
- Honestly, if you grabbed 100 random people from local softball leagues how many of them do you think would have a better arm than Ben Revere? I wouldn't - I'm a kick-ass infielder - but how many out of 100? I know Snacks has a better arm and a couple other guys I play/played softball with do. I'm willing to bet it's at least 25%. I love Ben Revere and all - he's 10x the center fielder Span was and twice Gomez - but that arm is terrifyingly bad.
- I just bought these shoes because I need something for casual Fridays at work. Thoughts?
- Joe Mauer, as of this second, has six hits in this doubleheader. That's pretty impressive, but what really stands out to me is that one of those hits is a double. I mean, do you know how rare that is for the "Singles King of Minnesota?" (he's like Abe Froman but different).
- I don't like this new Eric on True Blood. I also don't understand what's up with these "faeries. And Pam is way less hot now. " I also don't think Anna Paquin has gotten naked yet this season, which is stupid because it's probably 25% of why I watch this show. Another 25% is hoping Jessica will do a nude scene already.
- Pretty good debut by Scott Diamond here (Twins trailing 2-1 in bottom 6), and it damn well better be since he cost them Billy Bullock. You know, the same Billy Bullock who was a 2nd round pick and was a rare minor league arm in the system who could strike people out from the bullpen. In case you're curious in AA for Atlanta this year he's pitched 37 innings, allowed 29 hits, walked 19, and struck out fucking 53. Good thing they don't need him though.
- Looks like while I was taking out the trash/slicing some celery/making a drink the Twins tied it up and then left Diamond in for too long, brought in Phil Dumacrap, and now they're about to get swept in this double-header, the exact double header they could have used to basically slingshot start into a second half pennant run. Nice.
- Speaking of WonderbabyTM back whenever I mentioned her she's now somehow gotten to the age where going to bed is equivalent in terribleness to the holocaust. Honest to god I think she's insane. She will completely agree to "Ok, one more Phineas and Ferb and then it's bedtime. No whining, no crying, no fighting" and say those exact words and everything but the minute that show is over and I tell her it's really bedtime we're looking at meltdown city. This one time she actually grabbed the scimitar I keep on the counter and took a swipe at me. True story.
- Requisite picture of my idiot kids:
- Is it insensitive to say that Chuck James looks like he has either the AIDS or the cancer? Because if it is then I totally didn't say that, it was a friend of mine who wanted to know.
- Pitches like one too.
- Freakin' Babe Plouffe indeed. Too bad everyone else on the team sucks more balls than your mom.
- I hate the Twins and I hate all of you.
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