Salty and the Sox
Aug 19, 2010 Fantasy Baseball, MLB
Take it from someone who has unwisely found a roster spot for Jarrod Saltalamacchia on his fantasy squad year after year… the guy is always an injury waiting to happen.
So when they decided to combine Salty’s injury history with what is happening to the Red Sox this season, something like a “mysterious leg infection” was bound to happen. In fact, he’ll probably be dead soon.
Why Are the Pirates About to Fire John Russell?
Jun 16, 2010 MLB
Update: Just an additional thought that came to me. It’s been mentioned in several places that this would be exclusively a PR move rather than a baseball decision, to assure Pirates fans that the organization is “committed to winning”, whatever that means. But firing Russell now would likely have the exact opposite effect. Firings aren’t a feel good story, and that breeds negativity in the fan base in a season where the Pirates have at least a few things going the right way. A few days worth of stories about yet another Pirates’ failure is what the organization should be trying to avoid.
The baseball guys at FoxSports.com report that the Pirates could be on the verge of firing John Russell, who is in the middle of his third losing season with the Buccos. According to the report and “multiple league sources”, the Pirates are holding talks about his immediate future.
It is a perfectly legitimate exercise for a team like the Pirates to have discussions about the future of anyone in the organization, and certainly the manager. But you have to wonder, in the middle of a season where the Pirates are (rightfully) undertaking a major youth movement, what would be the wisdom of suddenly changing the skipper.
The team has no expectations of contending, of course. So unless Russell is not the right guy to get the young guys behaving and training like major league players, all this move will do is add instability to an already tumultuous season.
“Stiff, impassive demeanor” is a phrase being used to criticize Russell apparently. Funny, that it’s in stark contrast to the “player friendly, good-guy” image of Dave Trembley that got him fired.
Frankly, it’s our belief that young players need a stable, level-headed guy at the helm, especially when the losses are piling up. Dismissing Russell would be a mistake at this point, especially since an attractive alternative isn’t available (Bobby Valentine, seriously?).
Let the season play out, continue to call up the young players. No managerial change at this point is going to convince your fans your “determined to win”. You know what will do that? Actually winning.
Tags: John Russell, Pittsburgh Pirates
Strasburg Dominates the Red Wings
May 20, 2010 MLB
Got to watch Stephen Strasburg for the first time last night, as he cruised through 6 and a third innings of shutout ball. They are sticking with his 90 pitch ceiling. In that time he was able to set a new personal high-mark for strikeouts with 7.
His fastball was consistently 96-98, breaking stuff was unhittable. Now, to be fair, the Red Wings have generally found everything unhittable this year. So take it for what it’s worth.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the night came as Strasburg was being fetched off the mound by his manager in the seventh. The sell-out crowd gave him a standing ovation, but that turned to a loud chorus of boos when he never acknowledged it. No tip of the hat, no wave, nada.
C’mon man. I know you probably think this is small-time stuff, but show the paying customers some respect and be a little gracious.
Tags: Strasburg
Joe Girardi Cares About the Fucking Rules
May 19, 2010 MLB
You’ve probably read that the Yankees officially protested last night’s game. What offended the Yankees’ skipper?
The beef was not that Girardi thought there was no evidence that Beckett was injured. Rather, he was protesting the fact that Delcarmen was called for before the umpires were informed that Beckett was injured (i.e. it was “indicated’ that he was injured).
Conspiracy
May 19, 2010 MLB
The rain gods decided I was not to see Stephen Strasburg last night. Of course, I’m unable to go to the make-up tonight. Damn you, rain gods.
Goodbye Trevor Hoffman
May 19, 2010 MLB
I remember watching the ‘98 Padres and seeing Hoffman trot out of the bullpen during the playoffs. That season he saved 53 games in one of the greatest seasons ever for a reliever.
Trevor Hoffman turned 31 that season.
It’s been a great career, but it’s finally over. Hoffman faced five batters yesterday and he retired none of them. That likely will be the final straw for Brewers’ management, who have rightfully given him time to work through this.
Unfortunately for them, Hoffman’s five blown saves in 10 chances have meant five losses that should have been wins, and perhaps a hole they can’t dig out of.
Tags: Trevor Hoffman
Weekend Roundup
Feb 14, 2009 Eagles News, Gadgets, MLB
Here’s what I was reading this week.
Furor Over A-Rod, Bonds, all about Babe [FoxSports]
Whitlock is always interesting, thought-provoking, and completely original. The guy is good.
John Clayton Continues to Fuel Boldin Rumors [BGN]
Seriously, what the fuck is up with John Clayton? His job is to be a baseless, sourceless, rumor monger now?
Celebrity Phone Numbers Accidentally Sold with Phone on Ebay [GizModo]
How much would he have paid if he had known he was getting Natalie Portman’s number with the Blackberry?
Dragon Age: Origins [Wired|Game Life]
“There are times when you just sort of push back from the keyboard and go, ‘What am I going to do here?’” says the game’s executive producer, Dan Tudge. Dragon Age, he says, is a game for mature audiences — not because of blood and gore, but because of “the weight and reality of the choices you’d expect to experience in heavy situations.” Sweet.
A Closer Look: Rushing Offense [Iggles Blog]
Those are some ugly numbers. What the Birds will get from next season’s rushing attack is anyone’s guess.
If I Was the Eagles GM [Inside the Iggles]
Well, that was easy.
Enjoy Minka, the rest of the weekend, and see you on Monday.
Weekend Roundup
Jan 24, 2009 Eagles Rumors, Fantasy Sports, Gaming, MLB, Random
Here’s a look at what I was reading this week.
Pondering the Donovan McNabb Legacy [The Big Lead]
Good discussion of Donovan’s status in NFL QB lore
Top 5 Crazy Things Playstation’s Hirai Said Today [Wired|Game Life]
Even if a couple of things might have a hint of truth, this guy is clearly out of his mind, and it’s not a good sign for Sony if someone with his head this far up his ass is calling any shots
How’s Your Hangover [Iggles Blog]
Most Eagles fans seem rather satisfied and only a little disappointed about Sunday’s loss. Not Derek.
Dust Off Your Magnifying Glass to Be Frugal and Still Enjoy Life [Frugal Dad]
I love this site, if for no other reason than this guy’s thoughts help me from hitting that “Add to Cart” button on a few things I don’t need on Amazon every month.
Let’s Look at the Linebacker Question [Big Blue View]
Keeping tabs on the enemy. The Eagles linebacker situation is immeasurably better than the Giants’.
Monday Eagles Hangover: At Least They Found a New Way to Fail [Bounty Bowl]
Some very reasonable and funny thoughts on Sunday’s loss.
Cowboys Offering Roster Spot on Reality TV [BGN]
JasonB does his usual solid work, this time taking our favorite NFL owner to task for his idiocy.
Will Shurmur’s Exit Sway Donovan [Eaglesville]
Interesting take on Shurmur’s departure. The guy who told Donovan he was benched is gone, will it affect Donovan?
Bill Sheridan Named New Giants’ D-Coordinator [Big Blue Interactive]
Some Giants react to their new D-Coordinator
Audibles at the Line: Conference Championships [Football Outsiders]
Must read, every week.
Brian Sabean and the Case of Positive Acquisistions [McCovey Chronicles]
The 3400 Club [RotoAuthority]
If you’re playing fantasy baseball this year, an important look at injury-risk pitchers.
Things to Get Excited About — MLB 2K9 on Wii
The release date is March 2nd. Tim Lincecum is on the cover.
The developers have had another year to work with the Wii controllers, and you should expect some graceful refinement of an OK hitting system and an already well done pitching controls.
I’ll be keeping an eye on the early preview/reviews for this one.
Here’s a quote from Tim about the game:
“Whenever I’m hanging out at home or traveling on the road, you can find me playing video games, and I’m definitely the best gamer in the clubhouse by far. I’m incredibly stoked that 2K Sports picked me to represent Major League Baseball 2K9, and I look forward to lending my baseball knowledge to the development process.”
Burnett
Dec 12, 2008 MLB
I’m really enjoying getting to know AJ Burnett a little better as his free agency rumors swirl. He is truly a precious little thing. He’s not sure he wants to take Atlanta’s big offer because he might not like being a “number one”. On the other hand, he won’t be a number one in New York… but he still will have plenty of attention. And that’s not good.
Now his agent says little AJ is in “decision making mode”. I hope he has milk and cookies and someone gave him a nice pat on the head.
