Saturday, April 30, 2005
Sox 2, Rangers 7: Wha' happened?
So, it looked like it was going to be a pitchers' duel - Wakefield has been hot, and I watched Chan Ho Park in his last start dealin' against the Rangers. And indeed, it was for the most part. Then came the homer to Soriano, and it was like suddenly the Rangers remembered they play in a hitters' park. Unfortunately, the Sox bats stayed weak. Part of that was Chan Ho is still on form - that K of Manny in the 6th was especially impressive. But it was still a very disappointing return to baseball for the Sox.
The MLB.tv broadcast of this game was funny - they had the feed from Texas, but didn't show the usual local ads for car dealerships or whatever. So during commercial breaks they would either leave the cameras on or cut to the press conference room. The bizarre part is that the sound was still on, so you'd hear someone singing along to the background music at the park, and checking his e-mail ("You've got mail!").
So, it looked like it was going to be a pitchers' duel - Wakefield has been hot, and I watched Chan Ho Park in his last start dealin' against the Rangers. And indeed, it was for the most part. Then came the homer to Soriano, and it was like suddenly the Rangers remembered they play in a hitters' park. Unfortunately, the Sox bats stayed weak. Part of that was Chan Ho is still on form - that K of Manny in the 6th was especially impressive. But it was still a very disappointing return to baseball for the Sox.
The MLB.tv broadcast of this game was funny - they had the feed from Texas, but didn't show the usual local ads for car dealerships or whatever. So during commercial breaks they would either leave the cameras on or cut to the press conference room. The bizarre part is that the sound was still on, so you'd hear someone singing along to the background music at the park, and checking his e-mail ("You've got mail!").
Friday, April 29, 2005
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Rainout
It never rains but it pours, doesn't it? Injuries left, right, and centre. Oh well, at least the literal rain out saved the ailing rotation. Especially at a time when it would have to face the white-hot Orioles.
It never rains but it pours, doesn't it? Injuries left, right, and centre. Oh well, at least the literal rain out saved the ailing rotation. Especially at a time when it would have to face the white-hot Orioles.
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Schilling on the DL
Rumour now says: Schilling going on the 15-day DL. Um. So. Wells out. Schilling possibly out. The rotation: Wakefield, Arroyo, Clement, and - Miller? Halama? DiNardo? Not that Schilling's been good thus far this season, admittedly, but this team's pitching staff increasingly looks held together by a band-aid.
Edit: the AP story confirms Schilling's out for at least 2 weeks.
Rumour now says: Schilling going on the 15-day DL. Um. So. Wells out. Schilling possibly out. The rotation: Wakefield, Arroyo, Clement, and - Miller? Halama? DiNardo? Not that Schilling's been good thus far this season, admittedly, but this team's pitching staff increasingly looks held together by a band-aid.
Edit: the AP story confirms Schilling's out for at least 2 weeks.
Sox 8, Orioles 11: All off the Foulke's wagon
"4" is the number of death in Chinese superstition. And two really awful 4-run innings - the 5th and the 8th - killed the Sox today. Ugh. The 5th was pretty awful to watch. Isn't Embree's forte supposed to be stranding inherited runners?
Not a good day to own both Matt Clement and Keith Foulke in fantasy leagues. Amazingly, according to the AP report, this was Foulke's first blown save this season, but it's not like he was pitching that great even before. Still, despite the pun of this post's title, I'm pretty sure Foulke will turn things around.
Good quote from Tito after the game though:
"4" is the number of death in Chinese superstition. And two really awful 4-run innings - the 5th and the 8th - killed the Sox today. Ugh. The 5th was pretty awful to watch. Isn't Embree's forte supposed to be stranding inherited runners?
Not a good day to own both Matt Clement and Keith Foulke in fantasy leagues. Amazingly, according to the AP report, this was Foulke's first blown save this season, but it's not like he was pitching that great even before. Still, despite the pun of this post's title, I'm pretty sure Foulke will turn things around.
Good quote from Tito after the game though:
"Believe me, I wanted [Clement] to stay in," Francona said. "I was dying for him to stay out there and get five innings. I think if you start managing with your heart more than your head, you get in trouble." (Link)I always thought it was a strange rule that starters must go 5 to pick up the win, while relievers can basically vulture a win for even a third of an inning of work. But those are just scoring rules, and I'm glad Francona would rather play to get the team the win than try to give the starter the win stat.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Sox 4, Orioles 8: The Pain of Sprains Falls Mainly on the... Pitchers
David Wells AND Matt Mantei with the sprained feet/ankles? Weird. I watched Wells pitch to Javy Lopez and he certainly pulled up funny. Hope it isn't too bad. That grimace on Wells face doesn't look too appealing.
Hey, I used "Wells" and "grimace" in the same sentence, and it wasn't a McDonald's reference!
Disappointing loss, all in all. Perhaps you could say Bruce Chen is finally living up to his former can't-miss prospect status. But still... a B.J. Surhoff homer? 2 on, none out, and Todd Williams gets out of the inning? Ugh.
And I hate seeing Sox players get doubled off.
David Wells AND Matt Mantei with the sprained feet/ankles? Weird. I watched Wells pitch to Javy Lopez and he certainly pulled up funny. Hope it isn't too bad. That grimace on Wells face doesn't look too appealing.
Hey, I used "Wells" and "grimace" in the same sentence, and it wasn't a McDonald's reference!
Disappointing loss, all in all. Perhaps you could say Bruce Chen is finally living up to his former can't-miss prospect status. But still... a B.J. Surhoff homer? 2 on, none out, and Todd Williams gets out of the inning? Ugh.
And I hate seeing Sox players get doubled off.
Baseball links: Mae day
Ichiro's new hitting stance gets broken down in the New York Times, plus this Ryan Franklin quote:
Ichiro's new hitting stance gets broken down in the New York Times, plus this Ryan Franklin quote:
"I faced him in an intrasquad game his first year here and he swung and missed one time. All the Japanese reporters, like 20 of them, surrounded my locker, asking, 'How did you do that?' It was amazing to them. They couldn't believe it. It kind of made me feel good. I thought everybody swung and missed."A slightly off-kilter blog devoted to Hazel Mae.
MLBlogs.com
Six Apart, after introducing Friendster blogs, now introduces MLBlogs, a tool for blogging about MLB. OmMalik - who had the scoop on MLBlogs.com being registered - sounds happy, BusinessLogs is not impressed. (Incidentally, I had no idea that baseballblogs.org was associated with Markos Zuniga, but I guess I must've missed the Times article.
Edit: as you'll see in the comments, I've been informed that baseballblogs.org is NOT associated with Kos.)
While MLB's benefit is clear (revenue stream, developing a community), Six Apart also seems to benefit from the co-branding - now they're not just a generalist host like Blogspot or Blogs.com, they have specialised blogs like this and the Friendster ones.
Still, I'm not really sure what improvement MLBlogs will have over regular Typepad Sox blogs, judging from the page. They did sign up Tommy Lasorda - Lord knows if he'll maintain the blogging frequency - and some others, and some broadcasters and groundskeepers, but no players yet - nothing like Jody Gerut's blog. We'll see. Right now it's basically costless to maintain a Sox blog if you use Blogspot - as lots of other Sox bloggers do - so I wonder what kind of new additions to the Sox blogosphere the development will bring.
Six Apart, after introducing Friendster blogs, now introduces MLBlogs, a tool for blogging about MLB. OmMalik - who had the scoop on MLBlogs.com being registered - sounds happy, BusinessLogs is not impressed. (Incidentally, I had no idea that baseballblogs.org was associated with Markos Zuniga, but I guess I must've missed the Times article.
Edit: as you'll see in the comments, I've been informed that baseballblogs.org is NOT associated with Kos.)
While MLB's benefit is clear (revenue stream, developing a community), Six Apart also seems to benefit from the co-branding - now they're not just a generalist host like Blogspot or Blogs.com, they have specialised blogs like this and the Friendster ones.
Still, I'm not really sure what improvement MLBlogs will have over regular Typepad Sox blogs, judging from the page. They did sign up Tommy Lasorda - Lord knows if he'll maintain the blogging frequency - and some others, and some broadcasters and groundskeepers, but no players yet - nothing like Jody Gerut's blog. We'll see. Right now it's basically costless to maintain a Sox blog if you use Blogspot - as lots of other Sox bloggers do - so I wonder what kind of new additions to the Sox blogosphere the development will bring.
The hits keep coming
In light of recent events, it's time to dig up an old post on HBP rates and the moral hazard of plunking.
I still think it's bush to plunk someone just because that person hit a homer off you.
In light of recent events, it's time to dig up an old post on HBP rates and the moral hazard of plunking.
I still think it's bush to plunk someone just because that person hit a homer off you.
Brazelton contrite
Someone on SoSH pointed out this quote from Dewon Brazelton, apres-fight:
Someone on SoSH pointed out this quote from Dewon Brazelton, apres-fight:
"I'm embarrassed I got thrown out of the ball game,'' Brazelton said. "Normally, when you go out there, it's a song and dance but in this case I was trying to protect our pitcher. Nobody wants to hurt anybody but we had just had two really hard-fought games and sometimes emotions get the best of you.I really found Brazelton's quote refreshing. Sure, maybe it was PR but at least there was no finger pointing, he took the blame and didn't start with the "they started it". And while he said he was trying to protect his pitcher he didn't make it into a whole macho "I was protecting our pitcher, and therefore what I was doing is justified" thing.
"I'm an educated fellow but that was uneducated. I really have more class than that.'' (Boston Herald)
Monday, April 25, 2005
Good Kim, Bad Kim
Meanwhile, over in Colorado, old friend BH Kim came in the 8th today and had a horrible outing: he came on with a man on 1st, faced 3 batters, and recorded a HBP, a 1-run double, and a 1-run single. It didn't help that Ryan Speier took over him and promptly allowed a double and single.
Kim's been consistently inconsistent for the Rockies. Either he has a good outing, which keeps them hoping and makes them put him in, or he has a bad one: Kim game log. It's weird, he has a very, very good opposing batter's average of .188, but he walks way too many, so his WHIP is 1.82. Still, he's pitching for a team that had a closer save 35 games with a 7+ ERA last year, so expectations are probably a lot lower there than in Boston.
Given the patterns, next game up, I expect him to have 1IP, 0H, 1BB, 0ER...
Meanwhile, over in Colorado, old friend BH Kim came in the 8th today and had a horrible outing: he came on with a man on 1st, faced 3 batters, and recorded a HBP, a 1-run double, and a 1-run single. It didn't help that Ryan Speier took over him and promptly allowed a double and single.
Kim's been consistently inconsistent for the Rockies. Either he has a good outing, which keeps them hoping and makes them put him in, or he has a bad one: Kim game log. It's weird, he has a very, very good opposing batter's average of .188, but he walks way too many, so his WHIP is 1.82. Still, he's pitching for a team that had a closer save 35 games with a 7+ ERA last year, so expectations are probably a lot lower there than in Boston.
Given the patterns, next game up, I expect him to have 1IP, 0H, 1BB, 0ER...
The Oakland farm, and Lord Acton's dictum
Michael Lewis has a great piece in the New York Times Magazine on Steve Stanley and Mark Teahen about how power corrupts - or rather, the idea that hitters, even those who're recruited for their OBP and are in an environment like the Oakland farm system, get enamoured of the long ball to their detriment.
As in Moneyball, Lewis focuses on the idea that getting on base is an undervalued skill - is it really, these days? I suppose the fact is people do know that OBP is often better than BA, but the idea that OBP is worth 2-3 times slugging isn't espoused that often.
Lewis also continues to focus on the idea that the way a player looks is often crucial to how they're evaluated, as per the criticisms of Jeremy "We're not selling jeans here" Brown. So even though Stanley and Teahen had very similar minor league stats, Stanley might be getting held back due to that combination of his small size (5' 7", 155 lbs, making him possibly the only pro baseball player besides David Eckstein who's my height) and his inability to hit in AAA no thanks to an effort to become a power hitter. (It's a sort of confirmation bias: he didn't hit well, must be due to his size.) Heck, even Billy Beane couldn't help commenting:
Michael Lewis has a great piece in the New York Times Magazine on Steve Stanley and Mark Teahen about how power corrupts - or rather, the idea that hitters, even those who're recruited for their OBP and are in an environment like the Oakland farm system, get enamoured of the long ball to their detriment.
As in Moneyball, Lewis focuses on the idea that getting on base is an undervalued skill - is it really, these days? I suppose the fact is people do know that OBP is often better than BA, but the idea that OBP is worth 2-3 times slugging isn't espoused that often.
Lewis also continues to focus on the idea that the way a player looks is often crucial to how they're evaluated, as per the criticisms of Jeremy "We're not selling jeans here" Brown. So even though Stanley and Teahen had very similar minor league stats, Stanley might be getting held back due to that combination of his small size (5' 7", 155 lbs, making him possibly the only pro baseball player besides David Eckstein who's my height) and his inability to hit in AAA no thanks to an effort to become a power hitter. (It's a sort of confirmation bias: he didn't hit well, must be due to his size.) Heck, even Billy Beane couldn't help commenting:
"God, he's a little runt! Take a deep breath and say, 'This can work."Aaron Gleeman on The Boys of Moneyball, Again.
Sox 11, Rays 3: When push comes to shove
As they say in Street Fighter... Round 1... FIGHT! That photo above made me realise just how big Blaine Neal is. Yeah, at 6-5, 250lbs, he's double my weight, but it was still weird to see Trot look so small.
Just yesterday, I was on the subway reading through last year's stats (thereby confirming my baseball geekery), and I noticed that Arroyo had hit the most batsmen among AL pitchers last year with 20. Well, what do you know? He's racing up the charts again.
You can't tell intentionality from the list of top pitchers in terms of hitting batsmen each season (some, like Victor Zambrano, are just products of bad command), but the same names tend to crop up... personally, I think Arroyo does have both intentional and unintentional HBPs - it's part of his game. The Huff one looked like one of Arroyo's intentional-unintentional HBPs to me. Singleton, um, less so. Not really a good move, in that Singleton came round to score to make it a 2-run game. But throwing at the head, as Carter did, is really unacceptable.
Incidentally, judging by the leaders, it does seem like the 2000s have seen hit batsmen at a level not seen since the turn of the previous century. I'm guessing the brushback's back in style. Netshrine's study on the brushback pitch, done back in 2001, notes that the great ages of brushbacks are 1900-29 (Walter Johnson), 1950-69 (Drysdale, Bunning), and 1990 onwards (Pedro, Randy). Looks like we're still in that 3rd era.
Suspensions all round, which can't be good. Maybe it's just playing at Tropicana Field. Juicing is supposed to give you rage...
As for the rest of the game itself... what to say? Jay Payton thus far seems a better hitter than Gabe Kapler as a backup outfielder, and if his previous appearance in costume as Papa Jack is anything to go by, he seems like a goofball type, which I always like. Payton was never as good as his Rockies stats made him out to be, but never as bad as his Padres stats. Manny and Ortiz homering is ho-hum these days, which is great.
As they say in Street Fighter... Round 1... FIGHT! That photo above made me realise just how big Blaine Neal is. Yeah, at 6-5, 250lbs, he's double my weight, but it was still weird to see Trot look so small.
Just yesterday, I was on the subway reading through last year's stats (thereby confirming my baseball geekery), and I noticed that Arroyo had hit the most batsmen among AL pitchers last year with 20. Well, what do you know? He's racing up the charts again.
You can't tell intentionality from the list of top pitchers in terms of hitting batsmen each season (some, like Victor Zambrano, are just products of bad command), but the same names tend to crop up... personally, I think Arroyo does have both intentional and unintentional HBPs - it's part of his game. The Huff one looked like one of Arroyo's intentional-unintentional HBPs to me. Singleton, um, less so. Not really a good move, in that Singleton came round to score to make it a 2-run game. But throwing at the head, as Carter did, is really unacceptable.
Incidentally, judging by the leaders, it does seem like the 2000s have seen hit batsmen at a level not seen since the turn of the previous century. I'm guessing the brushback's back in style. Netshrine's study on the brushback pitch, done back in 2001, notes that the great ages of brushbacks are 1900-29 (Walter Johnson), 1950-69 (Drysdale, Bunning), and 1990 onwards (Pedro, Randy). Looks like we're still in that 3rd era.
Suspensions all round, which can't be good. Maybe it's just playing at Tropicana Field. Juicing is supposed to give you rage...
As for the rest of the game itself... what to say? Jay Payton thus far seems a better hitter than Gabe Kapler as a backup outfielder, and if his previous appearance in costume as Papa Jack is anything to go by, he seems like a goofball type, which I always like. Payton was never as good as his Rockies stats made him out to be, but never as bad as his Padres stats. Manny and Ortiz homering is ho-hum these days, which is great.
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Sox 5, Rays 6: Achilles heel
Curt Schilling's not looking particularly sharp right now. It's not so much giving up the Alex (insert middle initial) Gonzalez homer, it's the parade of hits. The box score (9 hits, 5 Ks, 0 walks) and the video suggest to me that he's hitting the strike zone, but not with particularly good pitches. Very worrying. Of course, these April games are rehab/spring training for him coming off surgery so he'll definitely get better, but how long will it take? I know at the end of last season I said that Pedro would have a better season than Schilling, even if he stayed in the AL East. But I thought it would be close.
On the good side, I'm hoping this is the end of Ortiz's mini-slump. Those were 2 monster homers. Tampa Bay announcers: "I don't know if you can bring rain in a dome, but that was pretty close". It's not Remy and Orsillo, but it sure beats Michael Kay's "See ya!".
No more losing... Nomo tomorrow.
Curt Schilling's not looking particularly sharp right now. It's not so much giving up the Alex (insert middle initial) Gonzalez homer, it's the parade of hits. The box score (9 hits, 5 Ks, 0 walks) and the video suggest to me that he's hitting the strike zone, but not with particularly good pitches. Very worrying. Of course, these April games are rehab/spring training for him coming off surgery so he'll definitely get better, but how long will it take? I know at the end of last season I said that Pedro would have a better season than Schilling, even if he stayed in the AL East. But I thought it would be close.
On the good side, I'm hoping this is the end of Ortiz's mini-slump. Those were 2 monster homers. Tampa Bay announcers: "I don't know if you can bring rain in a dome, but that was pretty close". It's not Remy and Orsillo, but it sure beats Michael Kay's "See ya!".
No more losing... Nomo tomorrow.
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Enought with the bunting
Outpost Nine has some thoughts on Japanese baseball:
Outpost Nine has some thoughts on Japanese baseball:
The regular season hadn't started yet, it was just exhibition (A's vs Giants), but it was still a bajillion zillion times better than Japanese baseball. In Japanese baseball, the strategy is to get a man on base...then bunt. They bunt with no outs, one out, two outs, runners on first, second, third, the bases loaded, it doesn't matter. The pitcher bunts, the power hitter bunts, the leadoff hitter bunts, they might as well call it Buntball and just be done with it. The funny thing is, the Japanese almost sort of think that they invented baseball. A friend of mine asked why do the Japanese always bunt, and I told him "Are you kidding?! Sacrificing yourself for the good of the team, really was there any other choice?" (Link)The entire series - on being a teacher in Japan - is pretty funny.
Lens man
They've been doing a lot of interesting things with vision lately, and the Sporting News reports on performance-enhancing (i.e. tinted) contact lenses, the sort of equivalent of sunglasses for contact lenses... supposed to enhance your ability to pick up the ball in day games. Among the people that have been fitted for the lens are Arroyo, Timlin, Brian Roberts, and Junior Griffey.
I'm pretty certain that the lenses will be positive in preventing pterygium and other conditions related to sunlight exposure, but how much do they improve performance? Evidence seems inconclusive thus far - Roberts, the only one the article confirms as using the lenses during games, has no day-night split in OPS (day OPS this year: 1.262, night: 1.218), but he's hitting a lot better (day BA: .429, night: .349). Interestingly, that's not altogether incompatible with the findings that LASIK might improve BA and/or power, but not OBP - perhaps the way improved eyesight plays into hitting is in hitting good pitches to hit better, but not pitch recognition. But it's early in the season, and so the usual small sample size warnings apply.
Pitchers like Arroyo and Timlin basically only benefit from the lens' protecting them from the sun... more health than performance enhancement. The article implies that the amber-coloured lenses can have an intimidating effect, but if pitchers wanted to intimidate that way, they could already buy the contacts with freaky looks - the cat's eye ones, for example. Actually, it might be funny if a pitcher started wearing cat's eye lenses...
They've been doing a lot of interesting things with vision lately, and the Sporting News reports on performance-enhancing (i.e. tinted) contact lenses, the sort of equivalent of sunglasses for contact lenses... supposed to enhance your ability to pick up the ball in day games. Among the people that have been fitted for the lens are Arroyo, Timlin, Brian Roberts, and Junior Griffey.
I'm pretty certain that the lenses will be positive in preventing pterygium and other conditions related to sunlight exposure, but how much do they improve performance? Evidence seems inconclusive thus far - Roberts, the only one the article confirms as using the lenses during games, has no day-night split in OPS (day OPS this year: 1.262, night: 1.218), but he's hitting a lot better (day BA: .429, night: .349). Interestingly, that's not altogether incompatible with the findings that LASIK might improve BA and/or power, but not OBP - perhaps the way improved eyesight plays into hitting is in hitting good pitches to hit better, but not pitch recognition. But it's early in the season, and so the usual small sample size warnings apply.
Pitchers like Arroyo and Timlin basically only benefit from the lens' protecting them from the sun... more health than performance enhancement. The article implies that the amber-coloured lenses can have an intimidating effect, but if pitchers wanted to intimidate that way, they could already buy the contacts with freaky looks - the cat's eye ones, for example. Actually, it might be funny if a pitcher started wearing cat's eye lenses...
Sox 4, Rays 5: Pipped
I hate come-from-behind losses.
Just when things got good against Baez, things went bad. I expected the team to struggle against Kazmir - about the only "bad" game he's had against the Sox was the one where he was ejected, and even then he had held the Sox hitless till then. But the D-Rays' relief corps should be something to feast on, and the Sox did just that. Sadly, it seems Eduardo Perez has been on a power binge lately. (Whereas Alex Sanchez appears to have used his PEDs for such stunning displays of power as bunt singles...) Still, good show by Bellhorn today...
Some people have e-mailed to ask me about how I watch games, so here's what I think: MLB.tv is great for live games. For archived games... eh... not so much. It's basically a function of the fact that RealPlayer, which is only available for live games, streams the game nicely, while with Windows Media Player I usually end up watching frozen, if fairly high quality, images.
I hate come-from-behind losses.
Just when things got good against Baez, things went bad. I expected the team to struggle against Kazmir - about the only "bad" game he's had against the Sox was the one where he was ejected, and even then he had held the Sox hitless till then. But the D-Rays' relief corps should be something to feast on, and the Sox did just that. Sadly, it seems Eduardo Perez has been on a power binge lately. (Whereas Alex Sanchez appears to have used his PEDs for such stunning displays of power as bunt singles...) Still, good show by Bellhorn today...
Some people have e-mailed to ask me about how I watch games, so here's what I think: MLB.tv is great for live games. For archived games... eh... not so much. It's basically a function of the fact that RealPlayer, which is only available for live games, streams the game nicely, while with Windows Media Player I usually end up watching frozen, if fairly high quality, images.
Friday, April 22, 2005
Wakefield keeps chasing 'em
If Wakefield wins tonight, he equals Pedro's and Smoky Joe Wood's number of wins for the Sox (117). Impressive stuff. Good of the Sox to extend his contract, although the contract structure looks like it benefits the Sox more than Wake - they have the right to keep extending his contract indefinitely? Guess this means he'll retire a Boston player (something sounds weird about saying "a Red Sock", and "a Red Sox" just doesn't cut it).
If Wakefield wins tonight, he equals Pedro's and Smoky Joe Wood's number of wins for the Sox (117). Impressive stuff. Good of the Sox to extend his contract, although the contract structure looks like it benefits the Sox more than Wake - they have the right to keep extending his contract indefinitely? Guess this means he'll retire a Boston player (something sounds weird about saying "a Red Sock", and "a Red Sox" just doesn't cut it).
Kent and the Dodgers
Now that the Dodgers are doing so well, maybe it's time to look at Jeff Kent's thoughts on how winning causes chemistry, rather than vice-versa:
Random trivia: If I'm not wrong, if Kent makes it into the Hall of Fame - borderline case, and I'd guess not - he'd be the only Hall of Famer to have played with Barry Bonds.
Now that the Dodgers are doing so well, maybe it's time to look at Jeff Kent's thoughts on how winning causes chemistry, rather than vice-versa:
"It all starts on the field. When is the last time you've heard of a team with great chemistry that stinks? It's all about the field." (Baseball Prospectus)Presumably the Dodgers now have chemistry in spades.
Random trivia: If I'm not wrong, if Kent makes it into the Hall of Fame - borderline case, and I'd guess not - he'd be the only Hall of Famer to have played with Barry Bonds.
Sox 1, Orioles 0: Shut the door
(Matt Clement can't get no) run support, it seems, dating from his days in Chicago. Fortunately 1 run was enough today to shut down the birds. I love pitchers' duels... and I love Wells and Clement shutting down one of the best lineups around.
(Matt Clement can't get no) run support, it seems, dating from his days in Chicago. Fortunately 1 run was enough today to shut down the birds. I love pitchers' duels... and I love Wells and Clement shutting down one of the best lineups around.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Nomar has a groin injury
That looked like an awful, awful injury - I can imagine the men in the crowd crossing their legs in instinctive pain. Good luck to a former Sox superstar.
That looked like an awful, awful injury - I can imagine the men in the crowd crossing their legs in instinctive pain. Good luck to a former Sox superstar.
Sox 8, Orioles 0: Wells Throws Eggs
This is the David Wells the Sox paid to see. And presumably, complaints about his lack of fitness will decrease. One thing I've always found interesting about baseball is that you don't always have to be tremendously fit to be a pro athlete - as long as you can hit your spots, who cares if you look like El Guapo? Pity that the Sox were so good in the top of the 9th - or rather, John Parrish was so bad - that Wells couldn't go out for the complete game. Weird how that works, hoping that the opposing pitcher is efficient enough so that your own pitcher can get the CG. I suppose fans of other teams will have the same complaint about Matt Clement, who does seem to take his time on the mound.
I'm glad the Orioles thus far are doing the reverse of last year, rolling over for the Sox and mashing against the Yankees. My favourite Panamanian pitcher, Bruce Chen, wasn't as bad as his final box score line looked. And Brian Roberts, who was clearly the best hitter in the major leagues in the first two weeks of the season (leads in OPS and total bases, 2nd in homers, 2nd in steals), finally ended his hitting streak of 14 games. Still, what a breakout year he's having - very Brady Anderson-esque. The fact that he's my starting 2B on almost all my fantasy teams (I figured that since he was turning 28, all those doubles he hit last year might turn to homers) makes me very very happy. If the rumours of the Orioles acquiring Todd Helton are true, Helton-Roberts-Tejada-Mora would be a sick, sick infield to have to face.
Speaking of good starts to the season, amid much writing about Manny's mini-slump near the start of the season, it doesn't seem to have been noted much that Varitek has been a hitting monster.
This is the David Wells the Sox paid to see. And presumably, complaints about his lack of fitness will decrease. One thing I've always found interesting about baseball is that you don't always have to be tremendously fit to be a pro athlete - as long as you can hit your spots, who cares if you look like El Guapo? Pity that the Sox were so good in the top of the 9th - or rather, John Parrish was so bad - that Wells couldn't go out for the complete game. Weird how that works, hoping that the opposing pitcher is efficient enough so that your own pitcher can get the CG. I suppose fans of other teams will have the same complaint about Matt Clement, who does seem to take his time on the mound.
I'm glad the Orioles thus far are doing the reverse of last year, rolling over for the Sox and mashing against the Yankees. My favourite Panamanian pitcher, Bruce Chen, wasn't as bad as his final box score line looked. And Brian Roberts, who was clearly the best hitter in the major leagues in the first two weeks of the season (leads in OPS and total bases, 2nd in homers, 2nd in steals), finally ended his hitting streak of 14 games. Still, what a breakout year he's having - very Brady Anderson-esque. The fact that he's my starting 2B on almost all my fantasy teams (I figured that since he was turning 28, all those doubles he hit last year might turn to homers) makes me very very happy. If the rumours of the Orioles acquiring Todd Helton are true, Helton-Roberts-Tejada-Mora would be a sick, sick infield to have to face.
Speaking of good starts to the season, amid much writing about Manny's mini-slump near the start of the season, it doesn't seem to have been noted much that Varitek has been a hitting monster.
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Sox 3, Jays 4: 4-3 split
Foulke, Foulke, Foulke. And while I can see the need for a defensive replacement at first, I really can't imagine, error-laden games in the sun aside, that Manny would need a defensive replacement. Admittedly, it's not like Payton can't hit... but there's no way the defensive improvement in left makes up for the decrease in hitting quality - especially when Manny was definitely due up.
Meanwhile, good news for David Wells.
Edit: oops, turns out Manny had quad issues... okay, then I guess it's understandable. Red faces all round!
Foulke, Foulke, Foulke. And while I can see the need for a defensive replacement at first, I really can't imagine, error-laden games in the sun aside, that Manny would need a defensive replacement. Admittedly, it's not like Payton can't hit... but there's no way the defensive improvement in left makes up for the decrease in hitting quality - especially when Manny was definitely due up.
Meanwhile, good news for David Wells.
Edit: oops, turns out Manny had quad issues... okay, then I guess it's understandable. Red faces all round!
So, a thought
When the Nats beat the Phillies, do they call that a Philly-buster?
Thank you folks, I'll be here all week!
When the Nats beat the Phillies, do they call that a Philly-buster?
Thank you folks, I'll be here all week!
Is LASIK cheating?
A while back, I did a post on how my eyesight's improved to 20-20 thanks to treatment and wondered whether LASIK helps baseball players... William Saletan today asked whether LASIK counts as cheating, but I think the benefits of LASIK may not be that clear-cut for baseball players in the first place. Saletan's article does have this interesting titbit (okay, tidbit, I'll humour the American spelling):
A while back, I did a post on how my eyesight's improved to 20-20 thanks to treatment and wondered whether LASIK helps baseball players... William Saletan today asked whether LASIK counts as cheating, but I think the benefits of LASIK may not be that clear-cut for baseball players in the first place. Saletan's article does have this interesting titbit (okay, tidbit, I'll humour the American spelling):
According to the Orange County Register, Gary Sheffield, then an outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, had eyesight better than 20/20 when he asked for laser surgery to raise his batting average. His doctor talked him out of it. (Slate)That Mister Sheffield, always looking for little advantages, eh?
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Sox 12, Jays 7: Patriot games
Most of my thoughts have already been captured in my earlier post, but just to add - good of Manny to laugh along with the standing ovation for his routine flyball catch. Of course, a couple of monster shots cures many woes.
Schilling had one of the more poorly-pitched 10-K games I've seen (Ryan Dempster and Randy Johnson had 8- and 9-K games this season that looked pretty bad too), even if you take Manny's errors into account. I hope that procession of foul balls and tough at-bats by the Jays doesn't set a pattern.
And is it just me, or does Terry Francona seem much more argumentative apres-hospitalisation?
Most of my thoughts have already been captured in my earlier post, but just to add - good of Manny to laugh along with the standing ovation for his routine flyball catch. Of course, a couple of monster shots cures many woes.
Schilling had one of the more poorly-pitched 10-K games I've seen (Ryan Dempster and Randy Johnson had 8- and 9-K games this season that looked pretty bad too), even if you take Manny's errors into account. I hope that procession of foul balls and tough at-bats by the Jays doesn't set a pattern.
And is it just me, or does Terry Francona seem much more argumentative apres-hospitalisation?
Patriots Day game thoughts, 12.45am
Must have been someone's idea of funny, Schilling vs Bush. Or the Bush-League move. Either way, Schilling's pitch count is scaring me - the Jays have had some really tough ABs. Fortunately, the Sox are creaming the Jays 9-1 as I type this. The Manny home run was epic. Immense shot over the Monster. I think I might have spotted it go by my window at the rate it was going.
Bad baserunning by Damon, but nice hit. And what were they doing with that intentional walk to Mueller? Bellhorn made them pay with the ground-rule double, but given League's control and Bellhorn's eye, I wouldn't have chanced it anyway - League could've walked in the run.
Must have been someone's idea of funny, Schilling vs Bush. Or the Bush-League move. Either way, Schilling's pitch count is scaring me - the Jays have had some really tough ABs. Fortunately, the Sox are creaming the Jays 9-1 as I type this. The Manny home run was epic. Immense shot over the Monster. I think I might have spotted it go by my window at the rate it was going.
Bad baserunning by Damon, but nice hit. And what were they doing with that intentional walk to Mueller? Bellhorn made them pay with the ground-rule double, but given League's control and Bellhorn's eye, I wouldn't have chanced it anyway - League could've walked in the run.
Monday, April 18, 2005
Taiwan Sox Fan
Found this nice drawing of Wakefield over at Sons of Leland Sklar, a Taiwanese Sox fan's blog. Since my home computer doesn't have the Asian fonts installed, I can't make out what he's writing until I post from work, but I did find a fun link to the Anti-Handshake Project, which turns out to be something by Sam of Blue Cats and Red Sox. Once again, things that could have been brought to my attention YESTERDAY!
Found this nice drawing of Wakefield over at Sons of Leland Sklar, a Taiwanese Sox fan's blog. Since my home computer doesn't have the Asian fonts installed, I can't make out what he's writing until I post from work, but I did find a fun link to the Anti-Handshake Project, which turns out to be something by Sam of Blue Cats and Red Sox. Once again, things that could have been brought to my attention YESTERDAY!
Still like him better than Steinbrenner
I like it when Steinbrenner goes off the deep end, both for the idea that it'll put even more unproductive pressure on the Yankees and for the sheer comedy of the moment. So this statement issued after the Os swept the Yankees (what a change) was fun to see:
I like it when Steinbrenner goes off the deep end, both for the idea that it'll put even more unproductive pressure on the Yankees and for the sheer comedy of the moment. So this statement issued after the Os swept the Yankees (what a change) was fun to see:
"Enough is enough. I am bitterly disappointed, as I'm sure all Yankee fans are, by the lack of performance by our team," Steinbrenner said in a statement issued immediately after the game. "It is unbelievable to me that the highest-paid team in baseball would start the season in such a deep funk. They are not playing like true Yankees. They have the talent to win and they are not winning. I expect Joe Torre, his complete coaching staff and the team to turn this around."Don't know about "not playing like true Yankees" - a lot of their losses did seem to come from choking in the late innings! Hopefully he'll do something irrational like fire Joe Torre.
Throwing from the side
Good to see Portland pitching prospect Cla Meredith get a mention in the Globe today, even if they refer to him as Olise (his first name)
The Cincinnati Enquirer on Scott Sullivan's sidearm delivery.
Good to see Portland pitching prospect Cla Meredith get a mention in the Globe today, even if they refer to him as Olise (his first name)
"There's one pitcher, [Olise] Meredith, I don't think batters have gotten the ball in the air yet. He was impressive out there. They may not slow down a whole lot either. They may not go undefeated, but they're pretty good." Of Meredith, Francona said, "He's kind of like a Chad Bradford type, a Byung Hyun Kim type, he throws from pretty far down. We saw him at 90-91 [miles per hour] out there. He's been between 86-91, catches the ball right on the rubber and is like, 'OK, let's go.' All things point to him being the type of kid who is not scared and has a really good makeup."Okay, so being compared to Kim in Boston isn't the greatest of compliments, but I guess it's not easy to name a sidearmer - frankly, besides Kim, the next one I think of isn't Bradford or Shingo Takatsu, but Dan Quisenberry.
The Cincinnati Enquirer on Scott Sullivan's sidearm delivery.
Sox 3, Rays 1: Let's Zap Kazmir
So Tim Wakefield continues his good start to the season and passes Cy Young - of all people - on the all-time Sox K list. Couldn't happen to a nicer guy. Admittedly I couldn't stay up past the 1st inning (these 2.05 am starts kill me), so I was worried about Wake's initial jitters...
Kazmir (who's one of those "guys on other teams that I'm a fan of"), meanwhile, is actually shaping up pretty decently. To give up 3 runs in 5 innings to the stacked Sox lineup isn't too shabby. Just needs more control.
Therein lies the Sox's potential Achilles heel (well, besides actual Schillingesque injuries to the heel): I feel like a good lefty could stymie the lineup. Fortunately, Renteria adds some lefty hitting, as his long homer today showed.
So Tim Wakefield continues his good start to the season and passes Cy Young - of all people - on the all-time Sox K list. Couldn't happen to a nicer guy. Admittedly I couldn't stay up past the 1st inning (these 2.05 am starts kill me), so I was worried about Wake's initial jitters...
Kazmir (who's one of those "guys on other teams that I'm a fan of"), meanwhile, is actually shaping up pretty decently. To give up 3 runs in 5 innings to the stacked Sox lineup isn't too shabby. Just needs more control.
Therein lies the Sox's potential Achilles heel (well, besides actual Schillingesque injuries to the heel): I feel like a good lefty could stymie the lineup. Fortunately, Renteria adds some lefty hitting, as his long homer today showed.
Out and Safe
Over at Salon, King Kaufman has a thoughtful look at whether gay people would be accepted in baseball, and comes out fairly optimistic: he interviews Eric Anderson, an adjunct sociology prof at SUNY-Stony Brook who edited a book on gay athletes (Anderson was also the professor on the "Real Gilligan's Island"), who says:
Over at Salon, King Kaufman has a thoughtful look at whether gay people would be accepted in baseball, and comes out fairly optimistic: he interviews Eric Anderson, an adjunct sociology prof at SUNY-Stony Brook who edited a book on gay athletes (Anderson was also the professor on the "Real Gilligan's Island"), who says:
"We assume that sports are one of the most homophobic environments left in American institutions... so what it really is is sort of a survey of homophobia on that last front. And with findings like that it basically shows that being homophobic is increasingly unpopular."Interestingly, unlike in Take Me Out, the Broadway play in which the gay ballplayer is a superstar, Anderson thinks the first gay ballplayer will be someone who's an AAAA guy:
"He's had his shot, he realizes he's a no-name, he's going to have no career. He is literally Billy Bean of today. And he realizes, 'My God, if I come out of the closet now, I am an international celebrity. I'm on the front page of every magazine, there's movies made about me, I'm on "Oprah," I've got book deals, I've got it all.' And if your career is over and you know it, why not?" (Link)That's a really cynical reason to come out, and I'd hope that the first gay athlete does so for more personal reasons than that.
Sunday, April 17, 2005
More Sox blogs
Just added links to a host of Sox blogs I had not known about... Kristen over at Basegirl, mr. blackandwhite, SoxFan's Blog, Soxy Girl, and the GYS Network. Boy, the Sox blogosphere is really buzzing/crowded...
Got the links from Fire Brand of the American League, who also took a nice set of photos of opening day. Lucky bastard!
Just added links to a host of Sox blogs I had not known about... Kristen over at Basegirl, mr. blackandwhite, SoxFan's Blog, Soxy Girl, and the GYS Network. Boy, the Sox blogosphere is really buzzing/crowded...
Got the links from Fire Brand of the American League, who also took a nice set of photos of opening day. Lucky bastard!
The exempt steroid
The New York Times looks at how DHEA avoided being placed on the list of controlled steroids. (Quick summary of the Times article, in two words? Orrin Hatch. In five words? Orrin Hatch and Tom Harkin.)
The New York Times looks at how DHEA avoided being placed on the list of controlled steroids. (Quick summary of the Times article, in two words? Orrin Hatch. In five words? Orrin Hatch and Tom Harkin.)
Nevertheless, Senator Orrin G. Hatch of Utah, a Republican who represents a state where many dietary supplements are produced and a longtime champion of herbal remedies, felt strongly last year that DHEA must be kept legal and available as an "anti-aging" pill. Other lawmakers and staff members said he threatened to kill a far-reaching piece of legislation restricting the sale of other steroids, educating children about the dangers of steroids and increasing penalties for illegal use if his colleagues did not agree to include an exemption for it.Okay, that's my policy-wonk post for the day. Back to your regularly scheduled programming.
Foreign influences
Random bit of trivia that I found interesting: the Washington Nationals employ more players born outside the United States (16) than any other team in the major leagues (from Jayson Stark's column).
Random bit of trivia that I found interesting: the Washington Nationals employ more players born outside the United States (16) than any other team in the major leagues (from Jayson Stark's column).
Sox 6, Rays 2: Grand Slam Breakfast
Manny with the Granny! Good to see the hitting machine get his two homers... now he's at 18 career grand slams - Lou Gehrig has the record with 23. Of course, the grand slam record is kind of a weird one: it needs a confluence of factors, mostly chances - clearly, if you hit 3rd, you're never going to get a chance for one in your first at-bat in every game, and so you need to depend on #8 and #9 guys being good at getting on-base. Having Mark Bellhorn, the latter-day Eddie Joost, at #9 - perhaps MLB's best #9 hitter - really helps Manny's cause.
Clement with a decent game too. I still wish his command looked better, but I guess that's been an issue throughout his career, and 6 Ks to 2 BBs is very acceptable.
Now fireballing Scott Kazmir awaits. The Sox had problems with him last year. I've actually watched quite a bit of his two starts this year, and his fastball looks like it has bite, although like many flameballing young pitchers, he remains erratic. Patience is a virtue.
ESPN game report.
Fan feels priced out of Fenway. And that's for the current setup. If the seats actually had more leg room, imagine what the prices would be.
Manny with the Granny! Good to see the hitting machine get his two homers... now he's at 18 career grand slams - Lou Gehrig has the record with 23. Of course, the grand slam record is kind of a weird one: it needs a confluence of factors, mostly chances - clearly, if you hit 3rd, you're never going to get a chance for one in your first at-bat in every game, and so you need to depend on #8 and #9 guys being good at getting on-base. Having Mark Bellhorn, the latter-day Eddie Joost, at #9 - perhaps MLB's best #9 hitter - really helps Manny's cause.
Clement with a decent game too. I still wish his command looked better, but I guess that's been an issue throughout his career, and 6 Ks to 2 BBs is very acceptable.
Now fireballing Scott Kazmir awaits. The Sox had problems with him last year. I've actually watched quite a bit of his two starts this year, and his fastball looks like it has bite, although like many flameballing young pitchers, he remains erratic. Patience is a virtue.
ESPN game report.
Fan feels priced out of Fenway. And that's for the current setup. If the seats actually had more leg room, imagine what the prices would be.
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Sign O' The Times: Play in the Sunshine
Here's a new sign in the right field seats at Fenway. I like the "attempt to" in the sign - targets all the bozos reaching over the right-field wall, not just those who end up fighting with players. Still, I think it would be cooler if fans were ejected via an ejection seat, flung in the air over the monster. I suppose that's more far-fetched than bringing back the bullpen car, but still...
Here's a new sign in the right field seats at Fenway. I like the "attempt to" in the sign - targets all the bozos reaching over the right-field wall, not just those who end up fighting with players. Still, I think it would be cooler if fans were ejected via an ejection seat, flung in the air over the monster. I suppose that's more far-fetched than bringing back the bullpen car, but still...
Sox 10, Rays 0: It's a Shame About Rays
Okay, those of you who had David Wells throwing 7 shutout innings, raise your hands? Any takers? I thought not. One good sign was that Wells wasn't walking anyone, which is his signature style. Unlike Nomo, which is sad - I always have fond memories of the Nomo No-No for the Sox and his complete game against Baltimore. Oh well. It was like a Sox reunion, what with Fossum coming on in relief of Nomo.
And I like that the Sox have been busting out with men on base over the last two games, Ortiz's grand slam being the highlight today.
Lots of good pitching performances in the major leagues today - Aaron Heilman (!) threw a one-hitter and Suppan and Sheets had a good old-fashioned pitchers' duel. And of course, speaking of Sox alumni, congrats to Derek Lowe on his 3-hit shutout. Funny to see him with the "B" on the cap again - even if it was for Brooklyn...
Okay, those of you who had David Wells throwing 7 shutout innings, raise your hands? Any takers? I thought not. One good sign was that Wells wasn't walking anyone, which is his signature style. Unlike Nomo, which is sad - I always have fond memories of the Nomo No-No for the Sox and his complete game against Baltimore. Oh well. It was like a Sox reunion, what with Fossum coming on in relief of Nomo.
And I like that the Sox have been busting out with men on base over the last two games, Ortiz's grand slam being the highlight today.
Lots of good pitching performances in the major leagues today - Aaron Heilman (!) threw a one-hitter and Suppan and Sheets had a good old-fashioned pitchers' duel. And of course, speaking of Sox alumni, congrats to Derek Lowe on his 3-hit shutout. Funny to see him with the "B" on the cap again - even if it was for Brooklyn...
Friday, April 15, 2005
Another thought
Trot Nixon's in for a very rough series next game at Yankee Stadium.
Oh, and I might as well drag up an old Sheffield diary from Jim Caple... not as good as the famous "Dougie goes deep" one.
Trot Nixon's in for a very rough series next game at Yankee Stadium.
Oh, and I might as well drag up an old Sheffield diary from Jim Caple... not as good as the famous "Dougie goes deep" one.
Sox 8, Yankees 5: Sheer Heart Attack
Two very distinct pitching styles at the start and at the end today. I have to say, Randy Johnson has looked less than stellar on his return to the AL - whereas last year he pitched great but had his W-L record screwed over by a crappy team, this year thus far he's been saved the blushes by a good-hitting lineup. Of course, he has faced what I'd consider 2 of the 3 best lineups in the leagues, the Sox and the Orioles, but still, an ERA of over 5 was probably not what Steinbrenner was looking for.
By contrast, Foulke had no command today, threw 50+ pitches in 2 innings - and somehow escaped scoreless. The thing is, Foulke is a changeup artist, and as Nate Silver argues in Baseball Prospectus, a good changeup is easier to get wood on than other good pitches - but much harder to hit well. (This is the extension of the research that shows BABIP is lower for knuckleballers.) But that means the usual Foulke outing is filled with pop-ups and weak flies, which leads to heart attack moments
Okay, okay, I guess the only thing that matters now is the fight - I keep looking and looking at it, and can't come to a conclusion as to what happened - although I must say I'm amused at the timing of writing "Gary Sheffield is a prick" in my previous entry last night, and waking up this morning to have it confirmed. One thing's clear: Sheffield should've thrown into the infield before doing anything. It looks like Sheffield was running for the ball, the guy's hand either accidentally or deliberately hits him in the face, he's mad as all get out (he definitely seemed to think he was hit) and runs at the guy before thinking the better of it. I suspect that there was a constant parade of jeers and abuse he was receiving from that side, which may have caused the perceived 'hit' on the face to be the final straw... doesn't excuse Sheffield's loss of temper, but I think this is overblown. (Sheffield can always argue he needed to create space to throw the ball back. Not much is clear from the videos. But I do think, regardless of his aversion to psychologists, that an anger management class may help. Ask Milton Bradley.)
The guy's ejection was definitely deserved, regardless of intent. What the hell are people doing sticking their hands anywhere NEAR the field of play? Shades of Tony Clark's lucky (for the Sox) ground-rule double... If the Sox scored only one run instead of two thanks to fan interference and the Yankees had won, there would have been hell to pay.
In the far right corner, weighing 215lbs, Gary Sheffield...
Two very distinct pitching styles at the start and at the end today. I have to say, Randy Johnson has looked less than stellar on his return to the AL - whereas last year he pitched great but had his W-L record screwed over by a crappy team, this year thus far he's been saved the blushes by a good-hitting lineup. Of course, he has faced what I'd consider 2 of the 3 best lineups in the leagues, the Sox and the Orioles, but still, an ERA of over 5 was probably not what Steinbrenner was looking for.
By contrast, Foulke had no command today, threw 50+ pitches in 2 innings - and somehow escaped scoreless. The thing is, Foulke is a changeup artist, and as Nate Silver argues in Baseball Prospectus, a good changeup is easier to get wood on than other good pitches - but much harder to hit well. (This is the extension of the research that shows BABIP is lower for knuckleballers.) But that means the usual Foulke outing is filled with pop-ups and weak flies, which leads to heart attack moments
Okay, okay, I guess the only thing that matters now is the fight - I keep looking and looking at it, and can't come to a conclusion as to what happened - although I must say I'm amused at the timing of writing "Gary Sheffield is a prick" in my previous entry last night, and waking up this morning to have it confirmed. One thing's clear: Sheffield should've thrown into the infield before doing anything. It looks like Sheffield was running for the ball, the guy's hand either accidentally or deliberately hits him in the face, he's mad as all get out (he definitely seemed to think he was hit) and runs at the guy before thinking the better of it. I suspect that there was a constant parade of jeers and abuse he was receiving from that side, which may have caused the perceived 'hit' on the face to be the final straw... doesn't excuse Sheffield's loss of temper, but I think this is overblown. (Sheffield can always argue he needed to create space to throw the ball back. Not much is clear from the videos. But I do think, regardless of his aversion to psychologists, that an anger management class may help. Ask Milton Bradley.)
The guy's ejection was definitely deserved, regardless of intent. What the hell are people doing sticking their hands anywhere NEAR the field of play? Shades of Tony Clark's lucky (for the Sox) ground-rule double... If the Sox scored only one run instead of two thanks to fan interference and the Yankees had won, there would have been hell to pay.
In the far right corner, weighing 215lbs, Gary Sheffield...
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Sheffield
The New York Times, in talking about the Yankees hiring a sports psychologist, somehow manages to add to the "Gary Sheffield is a prick" perception:
Incidentally, the phrase "Mr Sheffield" makes me think of Fran Drescher's nasal voice in "The Nanny"...
The New York Times, in talking about the Yankees hiring a sports psychologist, somehow manages to add to the "Gary Sheffield is a prick" perception:
... Sheffield said he once tried using a mental coach and discovered that it did not help him.That's great, Mr Sheffield. It's one thing to say "I don't think I need a coach", it's another to dismiss sports psychologists as for the "weak-minded".
"I don't believe in it," Sheffield said. "I think it's for people who are weak-minded. I think there are people who need someone there for them. It's not for me.
Incidentally, the phrase "Mr Sheffield" makes me think of Fran Drescher's nasal voice in "The Nanny"...
Pulsipher and depression
I was quite moved by this personal essay of Bill Pulsipher's over at ESPN... with the resurgence of Jason Isringhausen as a closer in the 2000s and Paul Wilson's adequate performances, I always did wonder what happen to the other kid in Generation K. Turns out Pulsipher battled depression for years, even giving up on baseball, before making it back to the bigs (where, sadly, a hamstring strain may have affected his chances). The story is well worth reading - and if it sounds like you, or someone you know, please, get help.
I was quite moved by this personal essay of Bill Pulsipher's over at ESPN... with the resurgence of Jason Isringhausen as a closer in the 2000s and Paul Wilson's adequate performances, I always did wonder what happen to the other kid in Generation K. Turns out Pulsipher battled depression for years, even giving up on baseball, before making it back to the bigs (where, sadly, a hamstring strain may have affected his chances). The story is well worth reading - and if it sounds like you, or someone you know, please, get help.
Alumni
The multitudes of fans cheering for Lowe in the Sox opener (that whole "controversy" about wearing the Sox jersey was ridiculous) reminded me of how the LA Times reported that Lowe had a warm reception in Florida in spring from grateful Sox fans. (Ugh, the link I have to the article seems to have expired.)
I'm really rooting for Derek Lowe to do well this year. Partly because I'm interested in Paul DePodesta's talent acquisition policy and what made him think Lowe would do well in Dodger Stadium, and partly because, heck, I'm full of goodwill for the Class of 2004. I want Kapler to mash like Tuffy and Oh in Tokyo. I want Pokey and O-Cab to be full of zip on the West Coast. I even want Cesar Crespo to get a few hits here and there.
The multitudes of fans cheering for Lowe in the Sox opener (that whole "controversy" about wearing the Sox jersey was ridiculous) reminded me of how the LA Times reported that Lowe had a warm reception in Florida in spring from grateful Sox fans. (Ugh, the link I have to the article seems to have expired.)
I'm really rooting for Derek Lowe to do well this year. Partly because I'm interested in Paul DePodesta's talent acquisition policy and what made him think Lowe would do well in Dodger Stadium, and partly because, heck, I'm full of goodwill for the Class of 2004. I want Kapler to mash like Tuffy and Oh in Tokyo. I want Pokey and O-Cab to be full of zip on the West Coast. I even want Cesar Crespo to get a few hits here and there.
Divisional park factors
In Erik Siegrist's article in Baseball Prospectus on divisional park factors (link is subscriber-only), he notes how the parks in various divisions in the aggregate have certain characteristics. Given that half of road games tend to come against divisional rivals, it makes it clear that pitchers in the NL East have a great advantage... what surprised me (and Siegrist himself) was that the AL West parks as a group boost power, despite the presence of Safeco and Edison Field. Great for the Mariner hitters in my fantasy teams I guess...
It also made me think about how a team is constructed: maybe a player is undervalued because he would be a perfect hitter not just for your park (this is well known - many hitters on the Sox are specifically ones that have just the right swing for Fenway), but for your division.
In Erik Siegrist's article in Baseball Prospectus on divisional park factors (link is subscriber-only), he notes how the parks in various divisions in the aggregate have certain characteristics. Given that half of road games tend to come against divisional rivals, it makes it clear that pitchers in the NL East have a great advantage... what surprised me (and Siegrist himself) was that the AL West parks as a group boost power, despite the presence of Safeco and Edison Field. Great for the Mariner hitters in my fantasy teams I guess...
It also made me think about how a team is constructed: maybe a player is undervalued because he would be a perfect hitter not just for your park (this is well known - many hitters on the Sox are specifically ones that have just the right swing for Fenway), but for your division.
Sox 2, Yankees 6: Between Wright and Wrong
Caught some of this game as I was prepping for work. Giving up two homers to Giambi and Williams - ugh. Schould Schilling schtill have been out there in the 6th to begin with? Just as I was thinking 100+ pitches sounded like a lot for a guy coming off an injury and making his first regular season start in a while, Giambi bashed the ball.
Meanwhile, the Sox are hitting exactly like they do on my MVP Baseball 2005 team - in other words, Ortiz, Trot, and Tek all get hits while Manny and Renteria don't. (Yeah, for some reason I can only hit as a lefty in the video game - I don't read pitches well when my player bats righty. So all my homers have come from Ortiz and Trot, and Tek and Mueller batting lefty. Is there such a thing as having a batting preference in a video game? Strangely realistic.) Sigh. But I remember the doldrums of last summer, and it's early doors yet... still, they had Jaret Wright by the throat and failed to do much with it.
Point of optimism: good to see Blaine Neal work his way out of the man on 2nd, no one out situation. A-Rod's so easy to K...
Caught some of this game as I was prepping for work. Giving up two homers to Giambi and Williams - ugh. Schould Schilling schtill have been out there in the 6th to begin with? Just as I was thinking 100+ pitches sounded like a lot for a guy coming off an injury and making his first regular season start in a while, Giambi bashed the ball.
Meanwhile, the Sox are hitting exactly like they do on my MVP Baseball 2005 team - in other words, Ortiz, Trot, and Tek all get hits while Manny and Renteria don't. (Yeah, for some reason I can only hit as a lefty in the video game - I don't read pitches well when my player bats righty. So all my homers have come from Ortiz and Trot, and Tek and Mueller batting lefty. Is there such a thing as having a batting preference in a video game? Strangely realistic.) Sigh. But I remember the doldrums of last summer, and it's early doors yet... still, they had Jaret Wright by the throat and failed to do much with it.
Point of optimism: good to see Blaine Neal work his way out of the man on 2nd, no one out situation. A-Rod's so easy to K...
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
For sale
Looking through the MLB Auctions site, there's a lot of interesting knick-knacks and tchotchkes. Now if only I had $5000 to spend on a pitching rubber signed by Pedro and Schilling and others... or a base signed by the team.
Looking through the MLB Auctions site, there's a lot of interesting knick-knacks and tchotchkes. Now if only I had $5000 to spend on a pitching rubber signed by Pedro and Schilling and others... or a base signed by the team.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Lords of the Rings: Return of the Kings
Just watched the ring ceremony. Great stuff. Nice to see everyone back in Sox gear - Dave Roberts, Derek Lowe, even Curtis Leskanic (retiring as a world champ - that's sweet).
Interesting snippet from Seth Stevenson's Hub Fans Bid Bling Hello article in Slate on the ceremonies:
Back on the ceremony - I have never, ever been happier to see Ramiro Mendoza, Phil Seibel, and Lenny DiNardo.
Just watched the ring ceremony. Great stuff. Nice to see everyone back in Sox gear - Dave Roberts, Derek Lowe, even Curtis Leskanic (retiring as a world champ - that's sweet).
Interesting snippet from Seth Stevenson's Hub Fans Bid Bling Hello article in Slate on the ceremonies:
I fall into a conversation with a couple of reporters. These guys do lots of clubhouse interviews, and they're discussing which Sox player is smartest and which is dumbest. Consensus: Johnny Damon is easily the dumbest, while Kevin Youkilis (you may remember him from Moneyball as the "Greek God of Walks") is quite clever and funny. But it's Pedro Martinez who was by far the smartest of the Sox. The beat reporters are immensely saddened by Pedro's departure for the Mets. Because Pedro chooses his words carefully, speaks in well-crafted metaphors, and actually looks you in the eye. Your average player will look down at the ground or flip through a magazineas though you were a faraway voice being beamed into his head, not a live human being standing right there in the room with him.Will be interesting to see Youks get quoted more this year, if he's really that funny. As others on SoSH also noted, I wonder how much of the impression of Damon is attributable to his demeanour when speaking? And would that change if his severe childhood speech impediment was more widely known?
Back on the ceremony - I have never, ever been happier to see Ramiro Mendoza, Phil Seibel, and Lenny DiNardo.
Sox 8, Yankees 1: Flutter by
I love the knuckleball. It just looks so soft when it comes to the plate, floating there, inviting people to hit it, before darting out of the way. And I have a theory that says it especially frustrates great sluggers, who get all excited about hitting the deceptive pitch: it's like some kind of baseball jujitsu, using the strength of the mashers against themselves.
All of which is to say, I love how Tim Wakefield frustrates the Yankees. In a home opener, and his 200th appearance at Fenway (1 more than Roger Clemens) no less. He deserved to pitch the opener, and he deserved the win.
Sadly, even with the win, the Sox are last in the entire American League. Of course, so are KC, Cleveland, Seattle, Texas, Oakland, and New York itself. Extreme parity has landed. I'm not sure I like it. It's funny, though, to see that the entire AL is at worst only half a game behind in the Wild Card standings.
The New Yorker on the art of the knuckleball
I love the knuckleball. It just looks so soft when it comes to the plate, floating there, inviting people to hit it, before darting out of the way. And I have a theory that says it especially frustrates great sluggers, who get all excited about hitting the deceptive pitch: it's like some kind of baseball jujitsu, using the strength of the mashers against themselves.
All of which is to say, I love how Tim Wakefield frustrates the Yankees. In a home opener, and his 200th appearance at Fenway (1 more than Roger Clemens) no less. He deserved to pitch the opener, and he deserved the win.
Sadly, even with the win, the Sox are last in the entire American League. Of course, so are KC, Cleveland, Seattle, Texas, Oakland, and New York itself. Extreme parity has landed. I'm not sure I like it. It's funny, though, to see that the entire AL is at worst only half a game behind in the Wild Card standings.
The New Yorker on the art of the knuckleball
Monday, April 11, 2005
Hit by Pitch
Carl Pavano and Derek Lowe went down today, struck by line drives. Pavano's injury was particularly scary - I can't see anything like that without thinking of Bryce Florie. While I don't like the Yankees, I hope he's okay. These things can leave one very tentative. Guess Mariano had the right idea with those face masks.
Carl Pavano and Derek Lowe went down today, struck by line drives. Pavano's injury was particularly scary - I can't see anything like that without thinking of Bryce Florie. While I don't like the Yankees, I hope he's okay. These things can leave one very tentative. Guess Mariano had the right idea with those face masks.
Senior Circuit
So two great vets Pedro and Smoltz went at it today, with Pedro going the distance I guess that's one way to get away from having to deal with the Mets bullpen. And Smoltz's 15Ks in 8 innings was pretty spectacular too - sounds like he could've gone for the old Satchel Paige trick of sitting the fielders down and just striking out the side.
So two great vets Pedro and Smoltz went at it today, with Pedro going the distance I guess that's one way to get away from having to deal with the Mets bullpen. And Smoltz's 15Ks in 8 innings was pretty spectacular too - sounds like he could've gone for the old Satchel Paige trick of sitting the fielders down and just striking out the side.
Sox 3, Jays 4: Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders
So Theodore Roosevelt Lilly stymied the Sox again, it seems, only allowing 1 run to them. At least Renteria looked decent.
Why was Timlin on instead of Foulke at the bottom of the 9th? I know it's conventional wisdom to use the set-up guys in a tie game, but still, seemed like a high-leverage situation. Oh well, I suppose Timlin was lucky to get the win back in Game 3, and karma came back to bite.
So Theodore Roosevelt Lilly stymied the Sox again, it seems, only allowing 1 run to them. At least Renteria looked decent.
Why was Timlin on instead of Foulke at the bottom of the 9th? I know it's conventional wisdom to use the set-up guys in a tie game, but still, seemed like a high-leverage situation. Oh well, I suppose Timlin was lucky to get the win back in Game 3, and karma came back to bite.
Sunday, April 10, 2005
Insight
I've just finished my Neuro-Vision treatment, which is this non-surgical procedure where you basically train your brain to improve its recognition of shapes. So now I'm down to 20/20 vision, whereas previously I was at roughly 20/60. Which is cool, but I was thinking about this in the context of Bret Boone getting Lasik - would be interesting to see whether it helped him any, although Matthew Namee's study last year seemed to indicate that eye surgery improves BA and power, but not on-base percentage, and the effects aren't big. Weird. That would mean better vision helps you hit harder and better, but has no effect on strike zone recognition.
I've just finished my Neuro-Vision treatment, which is this non-surgical procedure where you basically train your brain to improve its recognition of shapes. So now I'm down to 20/20 vision, whereas previously I was at roughly 20/60. Which is cool, but I was thinking about this in the context of Bret Boone getting Lasik - would be interesting to see whether it helped him any, although Matthew Namee's study last year seemed to indicate that eye surgery improves BA and power, but not on-base percentage, and the effects aren't big. Weird. That would mean better vision helps you hit harder and better, but has no effect on strike zone recognition.
The best GM in baseball?
Over at Goat Riders of the Apocalypse, a Cubs blog (pretty obviously), Evan Brunell guest-blogs on why Theo Epstein is the best GM in baseball.
Over at Goat Riders of the Apocalypse, a Cubs blog (pretty obviously), Evan Brunell guest-blogs on why Theo Epstein is the best GM in baseball.
Sox 5, Jays 12: Bang-bang-bang
Boy, those back-to-back-to-back homers really came so quickly it was hard to know what was happening. But I'm not really panicking about David Wells yet - he was starting to look sharp when Mills inexplicably pulled him. Blaine seems more suited for a career in hairstyling than major league pitching at this point in time.
Consoling words: even Randy Johnson had a bad game yesterday.
Boy, those back-to-back-to-back homers really came so quickly it was hard to know what was happening. But I'm not really panicking about David Wells yet - he was starting to look sharp when Mills inexplicably pulled him. Blaine seems more suited for a career in hairstyling than major league pitching at this point in time.
Consoling words: even Randy Johnson had a bad game yesterday.
Oh, Canada
Stupid Vernon Wells. Stupid Corey Koskie.
Edit: Stupid Shea Hillenbrand.
Edit #2: David Ortiz needs a square in Boston named after him.
Stupid Vernon Wells. Stupid Corey Koskie.
Edit: Stupid Shea Hillenbrand.
Edit #2: David Ortiz needs a square in Boston named after him.
Architecture
If you're interested in the upcoming changes to Fenway, SABR's new Business of Baseball site has details of the proposed renovations, including some lovely architectural renderings. It makes for an interesting comparison with the proposed changes to Wrigley Field - they're the two oldest parks in baseball, and thus very integrated with their neighbourhoods, for better (urban life) or worse (space constraints).
If you're interested in the upcoming changes to Fenway, SABR's new Business of Baseball site has details of the proposed renovations, including some lovely architectural renderings. It makes for an interesting comparison with the proposed changes to Wrigley Field - they're the two oldest parks in baseball, and thus very integrated with their neighbourhoods, for better (urban life) or worse (space constraints).
Tech stuff
Just installed Nice Titles on this blog, and while doing so trimmed the blogroll... if I inadvertently removed your blog or site, please inform me! Thanks.
Just installed Nice Titles on this blog, and while doing so trimmed the blogroll... if I inadvertently removed your blog or site, please inform me! Thanks.
Saturday, April 09, 2005
Sox 6, Jays 5: Tension at the end
So, apparently the closers in MLB have been instructed to make games more exciting. LaTroy Hawkins blows the save against the Brewers, and then Foulke gives up 2 before recording the 3rd out. Whew. Fortunately, a win is a win, and almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.
Nice move by Mills to bring in Embree and then replace him with Timlin when the PH was announced. The Jays TV guys were going on about how young Timlin still looks. Not so sure about that, but it was interesting hearing stories of Timlin in his first spring training from back in '91.
Tek hit his 99th career homer today. It'll be great if he hit #100 at the home opener. I still think the "C" on his uniform looks ugly. He's clearly the captain, does he need to mark it?
How cool is getting Slash to perform the national anthems? Paging Dr Charles... no more Cowsills.
And Terry Francona is out of hospital. Great news.
So, apparently the closers in MLB have been instructed to make games more exciting. LaTroy Hawkins blows the save against the Brewers, and then Foulke gives up 2 before recording the 3rd out. Whew. Fortunately, a win is a win, and almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.
Nice move by Mills to bring in Embree and then replace him with Timlin when the PH was announced. The Jays TV guys were going on about how young Timlin still looks. Not so sure about that, but it was interesting hearing stories of Timlin in his first spring training from back in '91.
Tek hit his 99th career homer today. It'll be great if he hit #100 at the home opener. I still think the "C" on his uniform looks ugly. He's clearly the captain, does he need to mark it?
How cool is getting Slash to perform the national anthems? Paging Dr Charles... no more Cowsills.
And Terry Francona is out of hospital. Great news.
Friday, April 08, 2005
Pedro in the Herald
Old news by now, but here's a Boston Herald interview with Pedro - it's a lot milder than the headline makes it out to be. Nothing really shocking: he misses Boston, although he finds it more peaceful without the scrutiny; no love lost with management, but he understands giving the money to Varitek; still loyal to his former teammates. Of course, the New York Post promptly took one quote out of context and turned it into a "Pedro doesn't want the ring!" scandal. Yawn.
Incidentally, I was thinking about Minaya as a GM thanks to a discussion on John Sickels' April Fool's joke on SoSH, and I concluded that the $50 million may be, arguably, a perfectly accurate valuation of Pedro's value from the Mets' POV, even if he pitches awfully in the 4th year - or even in the 3rd. Here's the logic: a long time ago, Sherwin Rosen wrote about the economics of superstars (here's an abstract), and one of his points was that the premium that superstars command cannot just be explained by the idea that talent is imperfectly substitutable, but must also take i
Old news by now, but here's a Boston Herald interview with Pedro - it's a lot milder than the headline makes it out to be. Nothing really shocking: he misses Boston, although he finds it more peaceful without the scrutiny; no love lost with management, but he understands giving the money to Varitek; still loyal to his former teammates. Of course, the New York Post promptly took one quote out of context and turned it into a "Pedro doesn't want the ring!" scandal. Yawn.
Incidentally, I was thinking about Minaya as a GM thanks to a discussion on John Sickels' April Fool's joke on SoSH, and I concluded that the $50 million may be, arguably, a perfectly accurate valuation of Pedro's value from the Mets' POV, even if he pitches awfully in the 4th year - or even in the 3rd. Here's the logic: a long time ago, Sherwin Rosen wrote about the economics of superstars (here's an abstract), and one of his points was that the premium that superstars command cannot just be explained by the idea that talent is imperfectly substitutable, but must also take i