- John Lannan was the opening day starter for the Washington Nationals. His career highlights (on the Nationals website) include winning a school record 10 games in his final season at Siena College. Not saying this guy isn't a decent starter and doesn't have potential, but this is a franchise in trouble in the short term.
- I think the Beckett throwing at Abreu thing got over blown. I have no idea if Beckett was trying to throw at him or not. I think the umpires handled it poorly, and the Angels were in morning and reacted very emotionally (and I don't blame them). Some of the 'outrage' at Beckett's behavior seems a little odd. He didn't even hit Abreu. -- Added after I posted: Beckett was suspended 6 games? For what? Bob Watson of MLB said Beckett's action incited the an 'almost brawl.' Really? Not Abreu pointing at him and shouting? Not an umpire allowing a time out after Beckett has begun his wind up? Totally ridiculous.
- Announcers annoy me, and many of the local announcers are even as bad as Buck and McCarver. It really makes my appreciate the good ones, which include: Jon Miller and Joe Morgan (ESPN), and I wish they hadn't added Steve Phillips; Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy (Boston); Vin Scully(LA Dodgers); Harry Kalas, rest in peace (Philadelphia). I'm sure there are some others, but these are the ones I like listening to.
- Speaking of announcers, Rick Sutcliffe is awful. He says ridiculous stuff all the time, and his partners constantly try and correct him. He needs to be retired.
- I've read way too many articles about 'woe is this team' and 'this team is going to be the surprise' based on 6-7 games. How long before we stop analyzing this way? Who cares if the Red Sox are 2-4? That number doesn't mean anything. They may win 90, they may miss the playoffs. But six games in April aren't any more important than 6 games in July.
- I stand by my thoughts in my NL preview that the Mets will be awesome if the pitching comes together behind Santana. That Putz/K-Rod bullpen combo is awesome.
- If there's one pitcher in the major leagues I wouldn't want to face, it's Carlos Marmol. He's freakin' awesome. When Samardzjia comes up, that's an awesome Cubs bullpen.
- Emilio Bonifacio is off to a torid start for the Marlins, which has made him a popular fantasy pick-up. In 6 minor league seasons, his career line is 285/341/362, but had some decent minor league seasons recently. What am I trying to say? I'm not sold. His projection 'average' (courtesy of Fangraphs) is about a 670 OPS. Not real great for 3B.
- Why have the Pirates benched Andy LaRoche? The guy has totally stunk in the majors, but that was true before his 14 ABs this season. It's not as if they're legitimate NL contenders. You have a 25-year old 3B who has proven he can hit minor league pitching. Give him a full season and see what you have. And Ramon Vazquez is not a long-term answer to anything by utility infielder.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Opening Week
I made the plunge and got MLB Extra Innings on DirectTV, which is awesome! I've been watching a ton of baseball over the past week, including several Red Sox games. Here are some not so random thoughts from week 1:
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
National League Preview
NL East
New York (94 wins)
The Mets offense is the best in the NL, and the pitching is good and will be better with the addition of K-Rod and Putz. The starting pitching is shallow, and I think they could have benefited by bringing Pedro back (though I understand why they didn’t). Still, I love the offense, and the defense has few holes. Why I might be wrong: When Mike Pelfrey and Odalis Perez are your #2 and #3 starters, you could be in trouble.
Philadelphia (91)
I also like the Phillies, just not as much as the Mets. My biggest worry: Ryan Howard. His OBP and SLG have been a steady decline since his MVP 2006 season. According to our friends at Baseball Prospectus and the stat VORP, Howard was only the 9th best 1B in baseball, just a few runs ahead of Joey Votto. Why I might be wrong: Raul Ibanez awful defense may hurt more than I think it will. Hamels and the bullpen could regress.
Atlanta (81)
A lot of smarter people than me are picking the Braves to have a playoff caliber year. I just don’t see it. The pitching is old (besides Jurrjens), and the starting outfield is Garrett Anderson, the winner of the CF ‘battle’ (Gregor Blanco or Jordan Schafer), and Jeff Francoeur (the worst offensive RF in baseball last season, and he sucked in the field too). This looks like a .500 team to me. Why I might be wrong: They could be worse if the pitching totally collapses or Chipper goes down for a long time.
Florida (75)
The Marlins will score runs with a young, exciting lineup. But I think the pitching could be awful, with Nolasco as the only true plus-pitcher in the bunch. Why I might be wrong: If the pitching works out, this team could win the division or wild card if other teams falter. This team has a lot of upside, and if I was picking a surprise division winner in the NL, the Marlins would be it.
Washington (67)
It’s never good to start the season with the resignation of your GM. The good news is Bowden wasn’t very good, so things may be looking up for the moribund Nationals franchise. Still, this season won’t be pretty. The offense is bad (even with the addition of Dunn) and they can’t prevent runs either. Why I might be wrong: If anything, I was too optimistic on the win total. I think Ryan Zimmerman will have a good season.
NL Central
Chicago (99)
The most hilarious thing when you read about the Cubs is the old “they’re built to win 97 games, but not the postseason.” Total crap. The real key last year was the team peaked early and was not playing well when the postseason came around. Regardless, the team is still very good and will cruise to its third straight NL Central title. Why I might be wrong: The loss of Mark DeRosa might be bigger than I think, and the bullpen is a bit of question mark.
St. Louis (84)
Tony LaRussa is not a genius. But he is pretty good at his job, and is willing to try new things. Trying Schumaker at 2B could be a stroke of genius, or a disaster. I still think it’s a good risk. I still don’t think they have the pitching to contend for playoff spot. Why I might be wrong: I have the pitching declining from last season, and that might change if Chris Carpenter returns to form. If so, watch out Cubbies.
Milwaukee (80)
I really wanted to put Milwaukee back in the playoff picture, but I don’t see it. Too many question marks in the rotation and the bullpen. Can they score runs? Possibly, but besides Braun and Fielder, no one else excites me in the lineup. Why I might be wrong: Yovani Gallardo is awesome, and he could fill the mammoth void left by C.C. If he does and Hart, Hall and Hardy hit well, the Brew Crew could contend.
Houston (78)
If you take a quick look at Houston’s lineup, they have an awesome core in Berkman, Carlos Lee, and 45-year-old Miguel Tejada. But man does it drop off a cliff after that. And behind Oswalt in the rotation, it’s Wandy Rodriguez (who has his first good season last year at age 29) and a bunch of old questions marks. Color me skeptical. Why I might be wrong: I don’t see a lot of upside, but if the old veteran starters perform, they could surprise.
Pittsburgh (72)
Do you know when the Pirates last made the postseason? 1992. Some guy named Bonds was their best player. Their last winning season? Yep, 1992. This is a lousy franchise that has little to cheer about since Barry left for the greener pastures of San Francisco. Nothing will change this year. Why I might be wrong: There is some long-term hope in the pipeline, and maybe some youngsters (the LaRoche brothers, Zach Duke) can step up and help Nate McLouth, who’s stranded on desert island.
Cincinnati (67)
Things have been marginally better for the Reds over the last 20 years, with their last postseason appearance in 1995 and 96-win season as recent as 1999. Oh yeah, that was 10 years ago. Is there some young talent on this team? Yes, but not enough to contend for more than a battle with Pittsburgh to not be the division’s worst. Why I might be wrong: If Jay Bruce joins Votto as a star, and Volquez and Cueto arrive, this team could be the new Rays.
NL West
Los Angeles (88)
Resigning Manny sealed this for me. None of the West’s teams are very good, and the Dodgers became the best by bringing back the borderline crazy genius. They have struggled to score runs over the past couple of years, but they should be better at that this year with a full year of crazy Manny. Why I might be wrong: When Eric Milton is your back-up if one of your starters break down, this could become a could term into a long summer in LA very quickly.
San Francisco (80)
The Giants are the cute pick in the NL to contend. Not saying they won’t (the division is lousy), but they’re offensive holes are huge, and the pitching is all a question mark after Cy Young-winner Lincecum. Why I might be wrong: A full season of Randy Johnson could push them past LA if the Dodgers stumble.
Arizona (77)
I would have liked the D-Backs’ chances better if they had retained Adam Dunn. The offense is young, and not very good. Yeah, Conor Jackson may blossom, but he’s 26 and he’s only a decent hitter. Stephen Drew is more likely to have the breakout year. Why I might be wrong: Young teams can always surprise, but I think the pitching will be worse than 2008 and the hitting will not be better enough to compensate.
Colorado (76)
Last year the Rockies didn’t hit or pitch particularly well, and they played lousy defense. And somehow they scratched their way to 74 wins. I think the pitching and defense will be better, but the offense is not good. Why I might be wrong: Tulowitski might return to 2007 form, and the pitching could be sufficient in a weak division.
Padres (69)
The Padres are a good defensive team, and I think the pitching will be improved in 2009. The offense will still stink. They could improve it by moving Kouzmanoff to the bench, and shifting Chase Headley from left field (where he’s below average defensively) to 3B (where he’s better than Kouz). Then Cliff Floyd could get more ABs. It ain’t rocket science folks. Why I might be wrong: Even with the moves I suggested, this looks like a last place team.
NLDS
Chicago over Philadelphia
Los Angeles over New York
NLCS
Chicago over Los Angeles
World Series
Chicago over Cleveland
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
American League Preview
AL East
1. Boston (97 wins)
I think there’s a chance that Boston will be better or just as good at 9 of 10 spots in the lineup (with left field as the question mark). The starting pitching is very good, and very deep, and the bullpen is deep. Why I might be wrong: Youkilis and Pedroia could come back to earth. Big Papi might be done. Dice-K ‘livin’ on the edge’ becomes ‘divin’ off a cliff.’ And the reconstructed bullpen is not as good as it looks on paper.
2. New York (94)
Two words: Sabathia and Teixeira. The offense will be much improved, but not to historic standards. And one of the young starters will step up behind C.C. and the others. Why I might be wrong: This team is still depending on a lot of old players. If Sabathia breaks down (which is a high possibility with as much as he pitched last year), they are not particularly deep in the rotation. The bullpen leading up to Mariano is still a little iffy. Wang may not come back as his old self.
3. Tampa Bay (89)
This team is bound to regress to the mean. The bullpen will not be as good, and they won’t score enough runs to keep up with New York and Boston. Why I might be wrong: They are the anti-Yankees. With such a young team, there is significant upside. Longoria may become the next Pujols, and Upton may blossom into a star.
4. Toronto (81)
Toronto was the best in the league at preventing runs last year, but with the loss of Shawn Marcum (who was very underrated last season) and a diminished bullpen, they will fall to the middle of the pack. This is bad because they aren’t very good at scoring runs. Why I might be wrong: The offense could be better than I think, and Halladay may carry them closer to 90 wins.
5. Baltimore (73)
The Orioles had a middle of the pack offense and a horrific pitching staff. I see no reason this will change. Yes, they have some young players who may improve, but they also have older players who are likely to decline. Why I might be wrong: I won’t be. They are not very good.
AL Central
1. Cleveland (91)
The Indians were very unlucky last year and could easily have been the best team in the division. I think the pitching will be better (Carmona couldn’t have been much worse), and the offense will be at least as good and probably better (especially if Travis Hafner remembers how to hit). Why I might be wrong: The pitching good be dreadful (especially if Cliff Lee falls off a cliff) and the offense might once again be a middle-of-the-pack outfit.
2. Chicago (90)
The While Sox are good at scoring runs and good at preventing them. They just won’t be as good as Cleveland this year (though it’s virtually a tie, but I had to make a call). If Quentin’s healthy for the whole season, the team could get better offensively. Why I might be wrong: Quentin and Dye might not put up numbers, and the starting pitching could collapse.
3. Minnesota (85)
I really wanted to put the Twins higher, but I can’t, especially with Mauer being hurt. The Twins can score runs, but preventing them will be a challenge this year. Why I might be wrong: The young outfield might be better, Mauer could be healthy, and the starters could be at least as strong as 2008.
4. Kansas City (75)
The Royals are the chic pick to be this year’s Rays. Two big problems: Turnarounds like that are not likely, and the roster doesn’t scream at me: Turnaround. (Of course, I didn’t see the Rays coming last year either.) Why I might be wrong: There are reasons to like this team. Improved OF defense with Coco Crisp. Some young potential stars in the infield (Gordon, Aviles, Butler) could break out. And the pitching could take a big step forward. I still think they finish 3rd at best.
5. Detroit (71)
The Tigers are not likely to be good at preventing runs, and I think their offense will decline substantially. Cabrera and Granderson are studs, but the rest of the lineup is old and not very good. The pitching will continue to be awful. Why I might be wrong: If their top four pitchers (Verlander, Jackson, Galarraga, Bonderman) hit their potential, this team could compete for the division or wild card. Not likely.
AL West
1. Los Angeles (84)
This team was very lucky last year, with a great record despite a middle-of-the-pack run differential. But a good pitching staff and a weak division will get the Angels into the playoffs again. Why I might be wrong: Guerrero might explode at any moment, and Abreu’s defense in left field could cost them a couple of key, close games.
2. Oakland (82)
The A’s were the worst in the league at scoring runs last season, but that should change dramatically with the addition of Holliday and Giambi. If Nomar ends up playing more 3B than Chavez, that could help as well. Why I might be wrong: If the young starters make the leap, Oakland could run away with the division.
3. Texas (69)
The Rangers are the anti-Oakland: A killer lineup, really crappy pitching. The problem is that I think the hitting will regress, and the pitching will still stink. Let’s just hope Josh Hamilton is in the home run derby again this year. Why I might be wrong: If the pitching is even decent, this team could contend in a very weak division.
4. Seattle (62)
The Mariners had the unfortunate circumstance of not being able to prevent runs or score a lot. Only Ichiro is a plus positional player. The pitching should be better (it can’t be much worse), but not enough to catch anyone else in this division. Why I might be wrong: The pitching could be a lot better (see: Felix Hernandez) and Beltre could return to his 2004 form. Yes, I’m grasping at straws.
ALDS
Boston beats Los Angeles
Cleveland beats New York
ALCS
Cleveland beats Boston
1. Boston (97 wins)
I think there’s a chance that Boston will be better or just as good at 9 of 10 spots in the lineup (with left field as the question mark). The starting pitching is very good, and very deep, and the bullpen is deep. Why I might be wrong: Youkilis and Pedroia could come back to earth. Big Papi might be done. Dice-K ‘livin’ on the edge’ becomes ‘divin’ off a cliff.’ And the reconstructed bullpen is not as good as it looks on paper.
2. New York (94)
Two words: Sabathia and Teixeira. The offense will be much improved, but not to historic standards. And one of the young starters will step up behind C.C. and the others. Why I might be wrong: This team is still depending on a lot of old players. If Sabathia breaks down (which is a high possibility with as much as he pitched last year), they are not particularly deep in the rotation. The bullpen leading up to Mariano is still a little iffy. Wang may not come back as his old self.
3. Tampa Bay (89)
This team is bound to regress to the mean. The bullpen will not be as good, and they won’t score enough runs to keep up with New York and Boston. Why I might be wrong: They are the anti-Yankees. With such a young team, there is significant upside. Longoria may become the next Pujols, and Upton may blossom into a star.
4. Toronto (81)
Toronto was the best in the league at preventing runs last year, but with the loss of Shawn Marcum (who was very underrated last season) and a diminished bullpen, they will fall to the middle of the pack. This is bad because they aren’t very good at scoring runs. Why I might be wrong: The offense could be better than I think, and Halladay may carry them closer to 90 wins.
5. Baltimore (73)
The Orioles had a middle of the pack offense and a horrific pitching staff. I see no reason this will change. Yes, they have some young players who may improve, but they also have older players who are likely to decline. Why I might be wrong: I won’t be. They are not very good.
AL Central
1. Cleveland (91)
The Indians were very unlucky last year and could easily have been the best team in the division. I think the pitching will be better (Carmona couldn’t have been much worse), and the offense will be at least as good and probably better (especially if Travis Hafner remembers how to hit). Why I might be wrong: The pitching good be dreadful (especially if Cliff Lee falls off a cliff) and the offense might once again be a middle-of-the-pack outfit.
2. Chicago (90)
The While Sox are good at scoring runs and good at preventing them. They just won’t be as good as Cleveland this year (though it’s virtually a tie, but I had to make a call). If Quentin’s healthy for the whole season, the team could get better offensively. Why I might be wrong: Quentin and Dye might not put up numbers, and the starting pitching could collapse.
3. Minnesota (85)
I really wanted to put the Twins higher, but I can’t, especially with Mauer being hurt. The Twins can score runs, but preventing them will be a challenge this year. Why I might be wrong: The young outfield might be better, Mauer could be healthy, and the starters could be at least as strong as 2008.
4. Kansas City (75)
The Royals are the chic pick to be this year’s Rays. Two big problems: Turnarounds like that are not likely, and the roster doesn’t scream at me: Turnaround. (Of course, I didn’t see the Rays coming last year either.) Why I might be wrong: There are reasons to like this team. Improved OF defense with Coco Crisp. Some young potential stars in the infield (Gordon, Aviles, Butler) could break out. And the pitching could take a big step forward. I still think they finish 3rd at best.
5. Detroit (71)
The Tigers are not likely to be good at preventing runs, and I think their offense will decline substantially. Cabrera and Granderson are studs, but the rest of the lineup is old and not very good. The pitching will continue to be awful. Why I might be wrong: If their top four pitchers (Verlander, Jackson, Galarraga, Bonderman) hit their potential, this team could compete for the division or wild card. Not likely.
AL West
1. Los Angeles (84)
This team was very lucky last year, with a great record despite a middle-of-the-pack run differential. But a good pitching staff and a weak division will get the Angels into the playoffs again. Why I might be wrong: Guerrero might explode at any moment, and Abreu’s defense in left field could cost them a couple of key, close games.
2. Oakland (82)
The A’s were the worst in the league at scoring runs last season, but that should change dramatically with the addition of Holliday and Giambi. If Nomar ends up playing more 3B than Chavez, that could help as well. Why I might be wrong: If the young starters make the leap, Oakland could run away with the division.
3. Texas (69)
The Rangers are the anti-Oakland: A killer lineup, really crappy pitching. The problem is that I think the hitting will regress, and the pitching will still stink. Let’s just hope Josh Hamilton is in the home run derby again this year. Why I might be wrong: If the pitching is even decent, this team could contend in a very weak division.
4. Seattle (62)
The Mariners had the unfortunate circumstance of not being able to prevent runs or score a lot. Only Ichiro is a plus positional player. The pitching should be better (it can’t be much worse), but not enough to catch anyone else in this division. Why I might be wrong: The pitching could be a lot better (see: Felix Hernandez) and Beltre could return to his 2004 form. Yes, I’m grasping at straws.
ALDS
Boston beats Los Angeles
Cleveland beats New York
ALCS
Cleveland beats Boston
Monday, March 30, 2009
Random NBA Thoughts
I've watched quite a few NBA games recently (I don't usually start watching until after the All-Star break) and here are a few of my observations.
- Dwayne Wade is my favorite player to watch in the NBA. He does spectacular stuff each and every time he touches the ball. There's no question that he has recovered from his injuries, and I would not want to play Miami in the second round (I'm talking to you, Cleveland).
- Despite Dwayne's awesome season, LeBron is the MVP. Yes, LeBron's supporting cast is a little better, but it's not like he's playing with the '86 Celtics or anything. John Hollinger at ESPN thinks LeBron is having one of the best seasons ever.
- NBA officiating sucks compared to college, and I think it's because the rules are easier to interpret in the college ranks. No circle under the hoop, no strange defensive three seconds, a more pure game that's easier to officiate.
- What the heck happened to Jermaine O'Neal? I lived in Indiana when he was in his prime, and he was an awesome player to watch. It's sad that he's become a shell of his former self. Still a valuable player for the Heat, but not a force.
- I argued back in January that Starbury would be a bad fit for the Celtics. So far, I've been wrong. He's been a decent back-up PG, though I don't think the signing pushes the Celtics past the Cavs if I'm handicapping the playoffs today.
- Dwayne Wade is my favorite player to watch in the NBA. He does spectacular stuff each and every time he touches the ball. There's no question that he has recovered from his injuries, and I would not want to play Miami in the second round (I'm talking to you, Cleveland).
- Despite Dwayne's awesome season, LeBron is the MVP. Yes, LeBron's supporting cast is a little better, but it's not like he's playing with the '86 Celtics or anything. John Hollinger at ESPN thinks LeBron is having one of the best seasons ever.
- NBA officiating sucks compared to college, and I think it's because the rules are easier to interpret in the college ranks. No circle under the hoop, no strange defensive three seconds, a more pure game that's easier to officiate.
- What the heck happened to Jermaine O'Neal? I lived in Indiana when he was in his prime, and he was an awesome player to watch. It's sad that he's become a shell of his former self. Still a valuable player for the Heat, but not a force.
- I argued back in January that Starbury would be a bad fit for the Celtics. So far, I've been wrong. He's been a decent back-up PG, though I don't think the signing pushes the Celtics past the Cavs if I'm handicapping the playoffs today.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Aliens beat vampires
The Host book review
8/10
After reading Twilight by author Stephanie Meyer, I had no interest in continuing in her vampire series. Way too much teenage love angst for my taste, and the book got a little boring in the middle (may have had something to do with the teenage love angst). And then there's a big vampire brawl at the end, but because the book was written from the perspective of the heroine who was passed out, we don't even get the fight. Yikes.
So when my wife suggested I read Meyer's non-vampire book The Host, I wasn't really interested. She said it was very different than Twilight, no teenage love story. And she said it was the kind of tense sci-fi thriller I enjoy. And heck, the cover of the book has an endorsement from Orson Scott Card.
Several weeks ago I decided to give it a go. And it was really good.
Let me start with the negatives. There is nothing incredibly original here; as far as sci-fi is concerned, the concept of parasitic aliens is nothing new. It also has some 'sci-fi' holes, where if you think too much about them, the universe she's created seems to unravel. Lastly, about 3/4 through the book, the rhythm of the book seems to stall before a stunningly well-done ending.
So let's get to the positives. Much like Twilight, she creates compelling characters you care about, characters with depth and feeling. All of the main characters (with the possible exception of one) were painted beautifully. Most sci-fi books fall short in this area, but not Meyer's.
This was your classic page-turner. Once you get into this book, it will posses you. Though I did see the ending coming about 30 pages before, the rest of the book was an intriguing path of twists and turns, most of which I did not see coming. It was a very refreshing piece of fiction set in an interesting, compelling world.
I would definitely recommend it, even if you have no interest in her vampire series. This is not the same kind of book, and almost feels like it was written by someone else, which speaks to Meyer's versatility as a writer.
Now my wife is trying to get me to read the second book in the Twilight series. I should probably just take her recommendation instead of resisting.
8/10
After reading Twilight by author Stephanie Meyer, I had no interest in continuing in her vampire series. Way too much teenage love angst for my taste, and the book got a little boring in the middle (may have had something to do with the teenage love angst). And then there's a big vampire brawl at the end, but because the book was written from the perspective of the heroine who was passed out, we don't even get the fight. Yikes.
So when my wife suggested I read Meyer's non-vampire book The Host, I wasn't really interested. She said it was very different than Twilight, no teenage love story. And she said it was the kind of tense sci-fi thriller I enjoy. And heck, the cover of the book has an endorsement from Orson Scott Card.
Several weeks ago I decided to give it a go. And it was really good.
Let me start with the negatives. There is nothing incredibly original here; as far as sci-fi is concerned, the concept of parasitic aliens is nothing new. It also has some 'sci-fi' holes, where if you think too much about them, the universe she's created seems to unravel. Lastly, about 3/4 through the book, the rhythm of the book seems to stall before a stunningly well-done ending.
So let's get to the positives. Much like Twilight, she creates compelling characters you care about, characters with depth and feeling. All of the main characters (with the possible exception of one) were painted beautifully. Most sci-fi books fall short in this area, but not Meyer's.
This was your classic page-turner. Once you get into this book, it will posses you. Though I did see the ending coming about 30 pages before, the rest of the book was an intriguing path of twists and turns, most of which I did not see coming. It was a very refreshing piece of fiction set in an interesting, compelling world.
I would definitely recommend it, even if you have no interest in her vampire series. This is not the same kind of book, and almost feels like it was written by someone else, which speaks to Meyer's versatility as a writer.
Now my wife is trying to get me to read the second book in the Twilight series. I should probably just take her recommendation instead of resisting.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
A night of sports
My wife and two daughters left several hours ago to go visit family in Utah. So how am I handling it? Not well, but I will watch enough sports in the next 10 days that I'll probably be sick of them...nah.
So I've sat here watching the basketball and am now watching the WBC. So here are some diary thoughts, Bill Simmons style.
- BOILER UP!
- Why is it that teams forget how to play defense in the last 15 seconds? I'd feel bad for Western Kentucky if they hadn't let a wide-open drive beat them at the end. Guys, even an open three pointer is harder to make than a wide-open layup.
- What does Coach K have in common with Vlade Divac, Danny Ainge and Tim Duncan? Whining. As I say to my two-year-old: Stop whining! You get all the calls anyway (including two weak calls at the end of the Texas game).
- Why on earth did I pick West Virginia to go deep in the tournament? Oh yeah, because I'm an idiot. Thanks chokin' Bob Huggins.
Now, on to the World Baseball Classic matchup between Korea and Venezuela.
1st Inning
- Really Luis Sojo? You start Carlos Silva over Felix Hernandez in an elimination game? You deserve to lose this game. Silva got hit around more last year in Seattle than Don Flamengo in the old Mike Tyson's Punchout.
- Five of the first hitters for Korea are named Kim or Lee. I'm pretty sure Joe Morgan will get someone confused before this game is over.
- OK, I promise I wrote the first point before Silva got lit up like a Christmas tree.
- The Yankees let Bobby Abreu go for several reasons, but a lot of this had to go with his defense. Nice catch and throw, slick.
- After the top of the first, 5-0 Korea, a team which has pitched brilliantly in this tournament. I agree with Steve Phillips. Felix Hernandez better start the second.
- And the Venezuelans go down quietly in the first.
2nd
- Luis Sojo is a winner. He was an unimportant part of like ten World Series champions. He just knows how to win.
- Yes, Silva starts the inning, and Felix is not even warming up in the bullpen. Sojo is a moron. What are you saving Felix for? Seattle's playoff run?
- One of the Kims hits it out. 7-0. Several thousand Korean children this year will be named Luis Sojo Kim or Luis Sojo Lee.
- There are pitch limits in the WBC? Really? I hadn't heard about that.
- Another Venezuelan error. Yikes. Too bad there's not a mercy rule this round.
- Managing is actually pretty easy. You just need to not over think it. Like batting Ordonez 6th or starting Silva just because he's pitched a little better the last couple of weeks.
3rd - I really like listening to Jon Miller. He is one of the best around. I wish he could do the World Series instead of Joe 'I'm not as good as my dad' Buck, and Tim 'I suck' McCarver. - Are the Venezuelans getting something going? Two on, one out. - Mora's RBI single puts Venezuela on the board, 7-1. This game isn't over, even with the handicap of having Sojo in the dugout. - A defensive replacement in the 3rd? I've never seen that before, but it's a great move. An American (or Venezuelan) manager would never do anything that smart.
- Cabrera ends the inning with a loud out.
4th
- And of course the defensive replacement launches a double.
- Had to look it up: Sojo was on 4 Yankees championship teams. His teams won 11 of the 13 postseason series they were in. His career postseason batting line: 257/284/317. He's a winner.
- Nothing's better than a pick-off move to second when both SS and 2B cover.
- Another bad play by the Fat Cat at 1B, the team's 4th error. 8-1 Korea.
- Joe Morgan just told us that the Venezuelans are in trouble after giving up the 8th run. I'm pretty sure the trouble started before that when Sojo wrote Silva's name on the lineup card.
5th
- The Venezuelans get robbed on a close play at first. I was hoping Sojo would get thrown out. It might have helped their chances.
- Well, they get the call right back after Scutaro dives into first. I'm with Joe Morgan. Diving into first is pointless. Kind of like voting Democrat.
- Wow, Sojo couldn't do any worse. Yes, you're down seven runs. Send the runner and waste your precious outs.
6th
- And Venezuela trots out the corpse of Victor Zambrano. All 10 Tampa Bay fans are smiling at this moment. Mets fans just threw their Darryl Strawberry bobblehead at the TV.
- Thunderstix were invented in Korea, and they've cloned a dog? I am now rooting for Venezuela.
- After DH Lee almost hits it out, he pokes it to left, 9-1 Korea. I'm starting to get sleepy.
- They just showed a graphic of Korean players missing from the 2006 WBC team, including BK Kim, who's had a perpetual pouty face since the 2001 World Series.
- Man, the Venezuelans (who've looked so good in this tournament) look like a high school team. Throw home, catcher misses it, pitcher throws ball to third and luckily it's snagged by the SS backing up 3B. I'm pretty sure that only Magglio Ordonez will be safe from the wrath of Pres. Chavez when they get home.
- A wild pitch results in the third out. What a crazy game. 10-1 Korea.
7th
- Carlos Guillen hits a bomb. 10-2.
- In each and every WBC game, the announcers debate the format of the WBC. Guess what: it's fine how it is. Jayson Stark at ESPN has a solution, which is just as bad as the rest (doing it over the All-Star break). There's not perfect way to do this. People need to stop whining. Just like Coach K.
8th
- I'm pretty sure someone will sign TK Kim, big 1B dude for Korea. And I'm pretty sure he'll hit .230 with 20 bombs and a lot of Ks.
- They keep showing international soccer scores. Why? US baseball fans suddenly care about the English Premiere League? (Yes, I'm getting really bored.)
- The Koreans finally make an error. And it doesn't matter.
9th
- Game over. This was fun. I'm going to bed now.
So I've sat here watching the basketball and am now watching the WBC. So here are some diary thoughts, Bill Simmons style.
- BOILER UP!
- Why is it that teams forget how to play defense in the last 15 seconds? I'd feel bad for Western Kentucky if they hadn't let a wide-open drive beat them at the end. Guys, even an open three pointer is harder to make than a wide-open layup.
- What does Coach K have in common with Vlade Divac, Danny Ainge and Tim Duncan? Whining. As I say to my two-year-old: Stop whining! You get all the calls anyway (including two weak calls at the end of the Texas game).
- Why on earth did I pick West Virginia to go deep in the tournament? Oh yeah, because I'm an idiot. Thanks chokin' Bob Huggins.
Now, on to the World Baseball Classic matchup between Korea and Venezuela.
1st Inning
- Really Luis Sojo? You start Carlos Silva over Felix Hernandez in an elimination game? You deserve to lose this game. Silva got hit around more last year in Seattle than Don Flamengo in the old Mike Tyson's Punchout.
- Five of the first hitters for Korea are named Kim or Lee. I'm pretty sure Joe Morgan will get someone confused before this game is over.
- OK, I promise I wrote the first point before Silva got lit up like a Christmas tree.
- The Yankees let Bobby Abreu go for several reasons, but a lot of this had to go with his defense. Nice catch and throw, slick.
- After the top of the first, 5-0 Korea, a team which has pitched brilliantly in this tournament. I agree with Steve Phillips. Felix Hernandez better start the second.
- And the Venezuelans go down quietly in the first.
2nd
- Luis Sojo is a winner. He was an unimportant part of like ten World Series champions. He just knows how to win.
- Yes, Silva starts the inning, and Felix is not even warming up in the bullpen. Sojo is a moron. What are you saving Felix for? Seattle's playoff run?
- One of the Kims hits it out. 7-0. Several thousand Korean children this year will be named Luis Sojo Kim or Luis Sojo Lee.
- There are pitch limits in the WBC? Really? I hadn't heard about that.
- Another Venezuelan error. Yikes. Too bad there's not a mercy rule this round.
- Managing is actually pretty easy. You just need to not over think it. Like batting Ordonez 6th or starting Silva just because he's pitched a little better the last couple of weeks.
3rd - I really like listening to Jon Miller. He is one of the best around. I wish he could do the World Series instead of Joe 'I'm not as good as my dad' Buck, and Tim 'I suck' McCarver. - Are the Venezuelans getting something going? Two on, one out. - Mora's RBI single puts Venezuela on the board, 7-1. This game isn't over, even with the handicap of having Sojo in the dugout. - A defensive replacement in the 3rd? I've never seen that before, but it's a great move. An American (or Venezuelan) manager would never do anything that smart.
- Cabrera ends the inning with a loud out.
4th
- And of course the defensive replacement launches a double.
- Had to look it up: Sojo was on 4 Yankees championship teams. His teams won 11 of the 13 postseason series they were in. His career postseason batting line: 257/284/317. He's a winner.
- Nothing's better than a pick-off move to second when both SS and 2B cover.
- Another bad play by the Fat Cat at 1B, the team's 4th error. 8-1 Korea.
- Joe Morgan just told us that the Venezuelans are in trouble after giving up the 8th run. I'm pretty sure the trouble started before that when Sojo wrote Silva's name on the lineup card.
5th
- The Venezuelans get robbed on a close play at first. I was hoping Sojo would get thrown out. It might have helped their chances.
- Well, they get the call right back after Scutaro dives into first. I'm with Joe Morgan. Diving into first is pointless. Kind of like voting Democrat.
- Wow, Sojo couldn't do any worse. Yes, you're down seven runs. Send the runner and waste your precious outs.
6th
- And Venezuela trots out the corpse of Victor Zambrano. All 10 Tampa Bay fans are smiling at this moment. Mets fans just threw their Darryl Strawberry bobblehead at the TV.
- Thunderstix were invented in Korea, and they've cloned a dog? I am now rooting for Venezuela.
- After DH Lee almost hits it out, he pokes it to left, 9-1 Korea. I'm starting to get sleepy.
- They just showed a graphic of Korean players missing from the 2006 WBC team, including BK Kim, who's had a perpetual pouty face since the 2001 World Series.
- Man, the Venezuelans (who've looked so good in this tournament) look like a high school team. Throw home, catcher misses it, pitcher throws ball to third and luckily it's snagged by the SS backing up 3B. I'm pretty sure that only Magglio Ordonez will be safe from the wrath of Pres. Chavez when they get home.
- A wild pitch results in the third out. What a crazy game. 10-1 Korea.
7th
- Carlos Guillen hits a bomb. 10-2.
- In each and every WBC game, the announcers debate the format of the WBC. Guess what: it's fine how it is. Jayson Stark at ESPN has a solution, which is just as bad as the rest (doing it over the All-Star break). There's not perfect way to do this. People need to stop whining. Just like Coach K.
8th
- I'm pretty sure someone will sign TK Kim, big 1B dude for Korea. And I'm pretty sure he'll hit .230 with 20 bombs and a lot of Ks.
- They keep showing international soccer scores. Why? US baseball fans suddenly care about the English Premiere League? (Yes, I'm getting really bored.)
- The Koreans finally make an error. And it doesn't matter.
9th
- Game over. This was fun. I'm going to bed now.
Friday, March 13, 2009
World Baseball Classic: Round 2 preview
The World Baseball Classic excites me for several reasons. First, I'm a baseball junkie. Baseball and football are by far my favorite sports, with basketball a distant third. Second, ever since I was a kid, I've envisioned a tournament like this with the best players in the world participating. And third, I'm a baseball junkie.
Yes, I understand all the criticism surrounding the tournament. In 2006, many pitchers who participated were either injured later in the year or had bad seasons. Of course, this happens every year to pitchers; injuries are a part of an unnatural motion repeated over-and-over. But if teams believe this early, intense pitching leads to a higher chance of injury or ineffectiveness, than you can't blame them (or their fans) for wanting to protect their pitchers.
Jake Peavy was part of the disappointing 2006 squad, and according to several announcers, he was a cheerleader to get guys on the team. He takes a lot of pride in putting the USA jersey on, and he enjoyed his experience from three years ago. But in 2006 in his MLB season, Peavy was an average pitcher, when he's usually one of the best starters in the NL. He went on to win the Cy Young in 2007.
But despite that, he came back. And I guess that's another reason I love the WBC. The national pride adds another intriguing piece to the competitive puzzle.
So without further adu, I've ranked the final eight teams and given my predictions.
Mexico. Truth be told, Adrian Gonzalez could get hot and carry Los Mexicanos into the final round, but otherwise the lineup is thin and the pitching is thinner. And once those hitters get to sea level, don't expect more double digit explosions (I'm talking to you, Karim Garcia).
Puerto Rico. This one was tough, as I chose Venezuela over Puerto Rico. I just don't think they have the pitching. They don't have a single pitcher who strikes fear in anyone. Yes, Delgado and Carlos Beltran could get very hot and win some 10-7 games, but anytime the artist formally known as Bernie Williams is involved, let's just say I don't think they'll be waving him home again anytime soon. He looked like a beer-leaguer who had been shot rounding third.
Korea. This is a tough team for me to analyze because I don't really know much about the key players. That being said, from what I watched in the first round, I think they're pitching will be unable to beat Cuba. They need to pray for Cuba to lose against Japan and then possibly Mexico. That could carry them in.
3. Cuba. Not as much juice as the 2006 team, but man there are some good players. The batters were probably inflated at 10,000 feet in Mexico City, but some of their pitchers looked awesome, including 6-3 lefthander Aroldis Chapman.
2. Japan. Japan's pitching has been fantastic, and though their lineup lacks the power of Cuba, Venezuela and the USA, their pitching, defense and beyond-solid fundamentals will carry them far, maybe even to a second consecutive WBC title. The player to watch is 6-5 righty Yu Darvish, who is like a foot taller than everyone else on the team.
1. USA. Listening to Rick Sutcliff (one of my least favorite announcers in any sport), you'd think the 2006 team was filled with a bunch of losers, but this year's squad all loves each other, goes to dinner together, and will all be naming their next son Derek. I think that's a load of crap. The USA will win behind the pitching of Peavy and Oswalt and a superior lineup (as long as Davey Johnson starts Rollins over Jeter at SS and leaves DeRosa and Granderson on the bench where they belong). The Achilles heal of Team USA is a weak middle relief corps. If they can get the ball to Putz, they will win. But it could be a bumpy ride to get there.
Yes, I understand all the criticism surrounding the tournament. In 2006, many pitchers who participated were either injured later in the year or had bad seasons. Of course, this happens every year to pitchers; injuries are a part of an unnatural motion repeated over-and-over. But if teams believe this early, intense pitching leads to a higher chance of injury or ineffectiveness, than you can't blame them (or their fans) for wanting to protect their pitchers.
Jake Peavy was part of the disappointing 2006 squad, and according to several announcers, he was a cheerleader to get guys on the team. He takes a lot of pride in putting the USA jersey on, and he enjoyed his experience from three years ago. But in 2006 in his MLB season, Peavy was an average pitcher, when he's usually one of the best starters in the NL. He went on to win the Cy Young in 2007.
But despite that, he came back. And I guess that's another reason I love the WBC. The national pride adds another intriguing piece to the competitive puzzle.
So without further adu, I've ranked the final eight teams and given my predictions.
Round 2 Losers
Netherlands. That clincher against the DR was one of the coolest games I've ever watched. It had the tension of MLB playoff baseball, with the added intrigue of the fact that the Dutch team had no business beating the DR All-Stars once, let alone twice. I thought once A-Rod was taken off the roster, the DR would loose it's choking reflex. I was wrong. Regardless, I think the Dutch run has come to an end. I think Venezuela will beat them, and then they'll lose to the loser of the Puerto Rico-USA game. Still, what a run.Mexico. Truth be told, Adrian Gonzalez could get hot and carry Los Mexicanos into the final round, but otherwise the lineup is thin and the pitching is thinner. And once those hitters get to sea level, don't expect more double digit explosions (I'm talking to you, Karim Garcia).
Puerto Rico. This one was tough, as I chose Venezuela over Puerto Rico. I just don't think they have the pitching. They don't have a single pitcher who strikes fear in anyone. Yes, Delgado and Carlos Beltran could get very hot and win some 10-7 games, but anytime the artist formally known as Bernie Williams is involved, let's just say I don't think they'll be waving him home again anytime soon. He looked like a beer-leaguer who had been shot rounding third.
Korea. This is a tough team for me to analyze because I don't really know much about the key players. That being said, from what I watched in the first round, I think they're pitching will be unable to beat Cuba. They need to pray for Cuba to lose against Japan and then possibly Mexico. That could carry them in.
The Final Four
4. Venezuela. I like a couple of their pitchers and the lineup is well-rounded and solid (even if it's dominated by Detroit Tigers). Their middle relief is a little weak, but that's a weakness most of the teams share. I guess I just don't like any of these pieces enough.3. Cuba. Not as much juice as the 2006 team, but man there are some good players. The batters were probably inflated at 10,000 feet in Mexico City, but some of their pitchers looked awesome, including 6-3 lefthander Aroldis Chapman.
2. Japan. Japan's pitching has been fantastic, and though their lineup lacks the power of Cuba, Venezuela and the USA, their pitching, defense and beyond-solid fundamentals will carry them far, maybe even to a second consecutive WBC title. The player to watch is 6-5 righty Yu Darvish, who is like a foot taller than everyone else on the team.
1. USA. Listening to Rick Sutcliff (one of my least favorite announcers in any sport), you'd think the 2006 team was filled with a bunch of losers, but this year's squad all loves each other, goes to dinner together, and will all be naming their next son Derek. I think that's a load of crap. The USA will win behind the pitching of Peavy and Oswalt and a superior lineup (as long as Davey Johnson starts Rollins over Jeter at SS and leaves DeRosa and Granderson on the bench where they belong). The Achilles heal of Team USA is a weak middle relief corps. If they can get the ball to Putz, they will win. But it could be a bumpy ride to get there.
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