Here are some recent Red Sox major storylines and what I think about them.
The Sox are doomed and won't make the playoffs.
I covered what I thought about the Boston's playoff chances a couple weeks ago. What has happened since then? Not a lot, really. Yes, there was the exciting trading deadline where the Yankees improved themselves by importing Lance Berkman, who used to be good. Their playoff chances are about the same as they were -- not very good, but still possible. The killer blow may have been Youk's injury, especially if he's really out for a month. He's the best hitter on the team, and anytime there's more ABs for Kevin Cash, that's not a good thing. But New York is old, Tampa is vulnerable, and Boston has a good combination of pitching, defense and offense that could make a sustained run. Is it likely? No. Is it possible? Certainly.
Jacoby Ellsbury is a bad teammate
Dan Shaugnessy of the Boston Globe is a master agitator, and he did it again this week but calling out Jacoby Ellsbury, questioning his heart, grit and whether he's a good teammate. The best part? He intimates that Ellsbury's teammates think he's a problem, but without any sources whatsoever. Comments by Kevin Youkilis have been overblown, and Youk even addressed those in a column on ESPNBoston.com.
Does Youk think Ellsbury is a woos? Maybe. Was there some miscommunication between management and Ellsbury about his rehab? From outside, it looks like it. But so what? This really seems like a media creation to me. Shaugnessy can't even find anyone to complain about Ellsbury off the record, so he's left to his own conjecture and smearing the reputation of a very good player who's been very good for the Sox. Let's give the guy the benefit of the doubt until we actually have something substantial to talk about.
The Red Sox should have done something more at the deadline
Really? What exactly? I mentioned previously that the biggest need was the bullpen. The starting 5 is good (especially with Beckett returning to form), the lineup is deep (before Youk's injury), and the defense is good. The Sox needed a bullpen arm and maybe a better hitting back-up outfielder to take the place of Eric Patterson, though I think those options existed internally with Ryan Kalish and Daniel Nava. And they needed healthy players.
But the price for good bullpen help was high, so Theo & Co. passed. I don't blame them. They can use some young arms (like Felix Doubront and Michael Bowden) who likely will be as effective as some mediocre National League reliever. And with about a 1-in-5 chance of making the playoffs, sending off a useful minor leaguer for a replacement-level reliever is bad management.
And let's be clear: I don't think they were deeply in on any big names. Adam Dunn? Where would he have played? His natural position is DH, and we have one of those. Lance Berkman? Please. He would have been an upgrade over Lowell, but before Youk's injury, we couldn't find a place for Lowell on the roster. And none of the 'big-name' starters were anyone the Sox should have mortgaged the future over.
What's up with all the injuries?
Randomness. It just happens. Fill in a cliche. There's really nothing to explain it, unless you believe Adrian Beltre was intentionally trying to break the ribs of Jeremy Hermida and Ellsbury. Would the Sox be in the thick of it if Ellsbury, Victor Martinez, Beckett, Youkilis, Varitek, Mike Cameron, and Pedroia, had been healthy all season? Likely, but they weren't. The key thing to remember is that Theo built a good team that had a high chance of contending. Things have not worked out as planned, which happens.
Red Sox fans have stopped watching this boring team
Bill Simmons spent 1,653,345 words explaining why this team is boring. Ratings are down in Boston. Tickets are easier to come by. The reason? The team is boring.
I'll give you a simpler reason: the Sox are 6 games out of first place and Sox fans are spoiled. Since 2003, the Red Sox have only missed the playoffs once and have won two World Series. In each of those playoff seasons, Boston has won at least 95 games. Does this team lack the name power of Manny and Big Papi? Maybe, but with gritty players like Youk and Pedroia (and Boston loves players like that), and new fan favorites like Beltre and Nava and Martinez, I don't buy the boring tag. I just think the team is underachieving compared to the recent past, and Boston fans are spoiled, like Atlanta Braves fans used to be, or Yankees fans have been for a long time.
Mark my words: if the Sox go on a 12-2 run and get within 2-3 games, the team suddenly won't look very 'boring' anymore, and the roster will be about the same.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Book Review: 'The Hunger Games'
Do you know where I get my book recommendations? Well, one place is from my sister Rachel, who is reading 365 books this year; she's a pretty good source. I have also posted a request on Facebook, asking for recommendations. My Facebook friends have not led me astray; first they led me to read Dune, a book I tried to read as a teenager but never finished. Most recently they turned me onto The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.
What intrigued me the most about the recommendation was the diverse group who recommended it. This group included my neighbor who's a stay-at-home mom who used to work in finance, and a former journalist colleague who's biggest claim to fame is that he's interviewed almost every great living rock guitarist. What could this fiction book offer that appealed to such a divergent group?
So I dove in and learned myself. The Hunger Games is easily one of the most compelling character books I've read in a long time, a compelling futuristic thriller that breaks no new ground in sci-fi/post-apocalyptic lore, but weaves a spell-binding tale with characters that quickly become real to the reader.
What worked. The best part about the book is the lead character, Katniss, and that the book is told in her first person voice. I always fear first person when I began reading a novel; I think it's a default mode for modern fictionalists, but I think it fails more often than it works. In this case, I can't imagine the story told in any other way.
The other key part for me was the world. Katniss lives in District 12 before she's thrown into the Capital's sadistic Hunger Games. The settings are few (which is a good thing), but feel real, particularly District 12 and the arena for the Hunger Games.
The other characters were also strong. The other key characters, Peeta and Haymitch, are beautifully done, filling in the rest of the story, perfect counterpoints to the headstrong lead.
What Didn't Work. Very little. The book is quite violent during the final act in the arena, and has very dark themes. But none of this really bothered me because of the way it was handled and how it played into the story.
Who Would Like It. Anyone who likes good, compelling, character-driven fiction. I've heard it described as a young-adult novel, but this is way too narrow of a definition; I think it's appeal is much broader than that. It also is good for all you post-apocalyptic fans (like me).
Who Wouldn't Like It. As I mentioned above, the final act is quite violent, and many of the themes are quite dark. Personally I don't think it's over the top (especially since the violence is in no way glorified, just the opposite), but it could offend some people's sensibilities. And though it called a young adult novel, I would urge parents to read it first or with their younger teens or tweens to discuss the deeper themes.
Parting Thoughts. As you might have noticed, I loved this book. It wasn't a page-turner in the style of Harry Potter, or my favorite sci-fi book of all-time Ender's Game, but it was awesomely compelling, character-driven, action-packed drama. And you can quote me on that.
Thank you Facebook friends.
What intrigued me the most about the recommendation was the diverse group who recommended it. This group included my neighbor who's a stay-at-home mom who used to work in finance, and a former journalist colleague who's biggest claim to fame is that he's interviewed almost every great living rock guitarist. What could this fiction book offer that appealed to such a divergent group?
So I dove in and learned myself. The Hunger Games is easily one of the most compelling character books I've read in a long time, a compelling futuristic thriller that breaks no new ground in sci-fi/post-apocalyptic lore, but weaves a spell-binding tale with characters that quickly become real to the reader.
What worked. The best part about the book is the lead character, Katniss, and that the book is told in her first person voice. I always fear first person when I began reading a novel; I think it's a default mode for modern fictionalists, but I think it fails more often than it works. In this case, I can't imagine the story told in any other way.
The other key part for me was the world. Katniss lives in District 12 before she's thrown into the Capital's sadistic Hunger Games. The settings are few (which is a good thing), but feel real, particularly District 12 and the arena for the Hunger Games.
The other characters were also strong. The other key characters, Peeta and Haymitch, are beautifully done, filling in the rest of the story, perfect counterpoints to the headstrong lead.
What Didn't Work. Very little. The book is quite violent during the final act in the arena, and has very dark themes. But none of this really bothered me because of the way it was handled and how it played into the story.
Who Would Like It. Anyone who likes good, compelling, character-driven fiction. I've heard it described as a young-adult novel, but this is way too narrow of a definition; I think it's appeal is much broader than that. It also is good for all you post-apocalyptic fans (like me).
Who Wouldn't Like It. As I mentioned above, the final act is quite violent, and many of the themes are quite dark. Personally I don't think it's over the top (especially since the violence is in no way glorified, just the opposite), but it could offend some people's sensibilities. And though it called a young adult novel, I would urge parents to read it first or with their younger teens or tweens to discuss the deeper themes.
Parting Thoughts. As you might have noticed, I loved this book. It wasn't a page-turner in the style of Harry Potter, or my favorite sci-fi book of all-time Ender's Game, but it was awesomely compelling, character-driven, action-packed drama. And you can quote me on that.
Thank you Facebook friends.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
BYU and the search for indepedence
Now, for most people who know me or who read my little blog, it goes without saying that I'm an idiot. I get sports stuff wrong all the time, like my 2010 MLB predictions (nice call on the Mariners) and being certain the Celtics would prevail over the Lakers in the 2010 NBA Finals.
So when I read this morning Dick Harmon's take in the Deseret News that BYU could be considering breaking from the MWC and becoming independent, I was ticked off that I hadn't thought of it. Of course this was an option.
Dick does a good job pointing out some of the reasons. To sum up, BYU has HD broadcasting capabilities, a national following, and seems to be likely to be left out of the Big 12 or any other major expansion because of its religious affiliation. So of course it's a course of action the athletic department and university leadership would consider.
It's an interesting prospect. BYU, because of its religious affiliation with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). There are approximately 6 million Mormons in the United States, though only a fraction of those have a passion for Brigham Young University, and only some of those care about BYU sports. Could BYU sustain itself as an independent?
In football, I think so. EPSN likes BYU because the school provides decent national TV ratings and has a national brand (as opposed to TCU, which arguably has a better program). But TCU has a very small following, while BYU has shown itself to be a national draw.
But besides potentially a slightly bigger pay day than staying with MWC football, what could the benefit be? Well, that's hard to say. With Boise State, TCU and BYU, the MWC is a borderline BCS conference. Had Utah stayed, it would have been almost impossible for the big wigs to keep the MWC out of the BCS mix without potentially risking outside innovation. The BCS should still include the MWC, but the draw isn't as strong as it would have been. On its own? BYU would have to put together a killer schedule and nearly run to the table to break into the BCS party. And with most bowl games affiliated with conferences, the postseason could be a problem.
It goes without saying that BYU would have to maintain conference affiliations for the other sports, with the MWC being the logical match in most sports.
Why wouldn't they do this? I think one of the biggest reasons Dick left out of his article. I don't think the LDS Church wants to turn BYU-TV into a sports network. Yes, BYU already has a network on satellite TV and most major cable providers. But right now it's filled with educational and religious programming. Forget, for a second, whether the satellite and cable companies will roll if they switch its non-profit mission to a sports channel. Would the Church even want to do that? Does it fill the mission of the channel? I think the likely answer is no.
I am intrigued by independence. I would love to see BYU create rivalries with Notre Dame and other national programs, and maintain rivalries with Utah and Air Force. And let's never play Utah State again.
I don't think this is likely to happen, but it's an interesting thought.
So when I read this morning Dick Harmon's take in the Deseret News that BYU could be considering breaking from the MWC and becoming independent, I was ticked off that I hadn't thought of it. Of course this was an option.
Dick does a good job pointing out some of the reasons. To sum up, BYU has HD broadcasting capabilities, a national following, and seems to be likely to be left out of the Big 12 or any other major expansion because of its religious affiliation. So of course it's a course of action the athletic department and university leadership would consider.
It's an interesting prospect. BYU, because of its religious affiliation with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). There are approximately 6 million Mormons in the United States, though only a fraction of those have a passion for Brigham Young University, and only some of those care about BYU sports. Could BYU sustain itself as an independent?
In football, I think so. EPSN likes BYU because the school provides decent national TV ratings and has a national brand (as opposed to TCU, which arguably has a better program). But TCU has a very small following, while BYU has shown itself to be a national draw.
But besides potentially a slightly bigger pay day than staying with MWC football, what could the benefit be? Well, that's hard to say. With Boise State, TCU and BYU, the MWC is a borderline BCS conference. Had Utah stayed, it would have been almost impossible for the big wigs to keep the MWC out of the BCS mix without potentially risking outside innovation. The BCS should still include the MWC, but the draw isn't as strong as it would have been. On its own? BYU would have to put together a killer schedule and nearly run to the table to break into the BCS party. And with most bowl games affiliated with conferences, the postseason could be a problem.
It goes without saying that BYU would have to maintain conference affiliations for the other sports, with the MWC being the logical match in most sports.
Why wouldn't they do this? I think one of the biggest reasons Dick left out of his article. I don't think the LDS Church wants to turn BYU-TV into a sports network. Yes, BYU already has a network on satellite TV and most major cable providers. But right now it's filled with educational and religious programming. Forget, for a second, whether the satellite and cable companies will roll if they switch its non-profit mission to a sports channel. Would the Church even want to do that? Does it fill the mission of the channel? I think the likely answer is no.
I am intrigued by independence. I would love to see BYU create rivalries with Notre Dame and other national programs, and maintain rivalries with Utah and Air Force. And let's never play Utah State again.
I don't think this is likely to happen, but it's an interesting thought.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
The Red Sox can still smell the playoffs
Before games are played on July 27, the Red Sox sit 8 games behind the division-leading Yankees and five games behind the wild card-leading Rays. Many prognosticators had Boston, New York and Tampa as the best three teams in the American League coming into 2010, and they haven't been too far off. Boston's 56 wins trails only New York, Tampa and surprising Texas.
But can the Red Sox make up ground and get past their division rivals and into the playoffs? To answer this question, I usually turn to the Playoff Odds Report at Baseball Prospectus and the MLB Odds at Coolstandings.com. The other thing I do is use my brain.
BP gives Boston an almost 25% chance of making the playoffs, with almost 20 of that coming from a wild card berth. For comparison, New York has a 91% chance. Coolstandings is a little more skeptical, giving Boston a 20% chance, with 16 of that being in the wild card. So looking at these numbers, and just using a little reason, Boston's biggest chance is making up the 5 games between it and Tampa.
But can they do that? Yes, they can. Many of Boston's walking wounded are returning, with Victor Martinez following Josh Beckett and Clay Buchhloz last night. Dustin Perdoia is likely to follow, and Jacoby Ellsbury has started rehabbing. This is a team that has seen Jeremy Hermida's .632 OPS see the most time in LF, followed by Bill Hall and Darnell McDonald. Ellsbury is very unlikely to be worse.
But the biggest problem is the bullpen. They have the worst bullpen in the AL by FIP and 3rd worst by xFIP. I don't really care if Okajima talks to reporters or not, but getting people out would be nice.
So instead of chasing Jayson Werth or an NL pitcher who might not be an upgrade over anything we have, let's go get some less expensive bullpen arms for the stretch drive, even if we only have a 20% chance of making the playoffs. Remember, that's 20 points higher than Baltimore.
But can the Red Sox make up ground and get past their division rivals and into the playoffs? To answer this question, I usually turn to the Playoff Odds Report at Baseball Prospectus and the MLB Odds at Coolstandings.com. The other thing I do is use my brain.
BP gives Boston an almost 25% chance of making the playoffs, with almost 20 of that coming from a wild card berth. For comparison, New York has a 91% chance. Coolstandings is a little more skeptical, giving Boston a 20% chance, with 16 of that being in the wild card. So looking at these numbers, and just using a little reason, Boston's biggest chance is making up the 5 games between it and Tampa.
But can they do that? Yes, they can. Many of Boston's walking wounded are returning, with Victor Martinez following Josh Beckett and Clay Buchhloz last night. Dustin Perdoia is likely to follow, and Jacoby Ellsbury has started rehabbing. This is a team that has seen Jeremy Hermida's .632 OPS see the most time in LF, followed by Bill Hall and Darnell McDonald. Ellsbury is very unlikely to be worse.
But the biggest problem is the bullpen. They have the worst bullpen in the AL by FIP and 3rd worst by xFIP. I don't really care if Okajima talks to reporters or not, but getting people out would be nice.
So instead of chasing Jayson Werth or an NL pitcher who might not be an upgrade over anything we have, let's go get some less expensive bullpen arms for the stretch drive, even if we only have a 20% chance of making the playoffs. Remember, that's 20 points higher than Baltimore.
Friday, July 23, 2010
On DVD: 'The Road' and "Wolverine'
I watched a couple of movies recently while traveling, and here are some thoughts.
The Road (2009): What a hauntingly good film. Vigo Mortenson and young Kodi Smit-McPhee form a powerful duo, who spend most of the time together, with interludes of interaction with other characters in this post-apocalyptic drama. It is violent, and is it dark, but the film reeled me in from the beginning and didn't let go of me until I sat there stunned and emotionally drained during the closing credits. Like Children of Men (which I reviewed briefly earlier this year), it's really not a sci-fi movie; it's really a dark tale of a father and son, and one that, though I'm not likely to watch again, I'm glad I did.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009): I reviewed this last year after it came out, and I can tell you I actually enjoyed it more this time without the weight of the 20-year expectations of a Wolverine movie. It still had it's problems: the last fight scene was too over-the-top; the special effects were sub-par; and there are too many characters. But I liked it better the second time. Hugh Jackman is awesome as Logan, Ryan Reynolds is good as Deadpool (though they butchered his charater a little), and the story was interesting. Is it a great movie? No. Does it belong among the best super-hero movies? No. But it's very entertaining, and I would certainly see a sequel.
The Road (2009): What a hauntingly good film. Vigo Mortenson and young Kodi Smit-McPhee form a powerful duo, who spend most of the time together, with interludes of interaction with other characters in this post-apocalyptic drama. It is violent, and is it dark, but the film reeled me in from the beginning and didn't let go of me until I sat there stunned and emotionally drained during the closing credits. Like Children of Men (which I reviewed briefly earlier this year), it's really not a sci-fi movie; it's really a dark tale of a father and son, and one that, though I'm not likely to watch again, I'm glad I did.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009): I reviewed this last year after it came out, and I can tell you I actually enjoyed it more this time without the weight of the 20-year expectations of a Wolverine movie. It still had it's problems: the last fight scene was too over-the-top; the special effects were sub-par; and there are too many characters. But I liked it better the second time. Hugh Jackman is awesome as Logan, Ryan Reynolds is good as Deadpool (though they butchered his charater a little), and the story was interesting. Is it a great movie? No. Does it belong among the best super-hero movies? No. But it's very entertaining, and I would certainly see a sequel.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
All-MLB Team: American League
You can check our yesterday's All-NL team, and also last year's team. On with the show!
C -- J. Mauer, Min (2.1, -1 293/368/424 345). This was actually pretty tough. Mauer is not as awesome as usual this year, and Carlos Santana, the remarkable Cleveland rookie, made me think about moving Mauer off the top of the heap. But I didn't. Honorable mention: C. Santana, Cle
1B -- J. Morneau, Min (5.0, 8.0 345/437/618 447). I hated knocking Youkilis off the perch, but Morneau is either having a career year, or he's tranformed into Pujols North. I couldn't pass on him. Honorable mentions: K. Youkilis, Bos; M. Cabrera, Det
2B -- R. Cano, NYY (4.4, 5.6 336/389/556 401). Cano has transformed from an overrated Yankee into one of the best players in baseball. He and Pedroia are really the two best second sackers in baseball, both in the same division. Honorable mention: Pedroia, Bos
3B -- E. Longoria, TB (3.7, 1.6 300/381/513 389). Longoria is the man, sitting on the peak waiting for someone to challenge him. Though Beltre has been very good for Boston, no one is Longoria. Honorable mention: A. Beltre, Bos
SS -- D. Jeter, NYY (1.8, -0.4 274/340/392 328). AL shortstop is not the glamour position it used to be. It pains me to leave Jeter in this position for another year, but he is who I would pick. Has he been the most valuable in 2010? No, Alex Gonzalez in Toronto has been more valuable (2.4 WAR). And Scutaro (Bos) and Pennington (Oak) have been as valuable. But I would still pick Jeter. (Someone shoot me.) Honorable mentions: A. Gonzalez, Tor; M. Scutaro, Bos; C. Pennington, Oak
LF -- C. Crawford, TB (4.7, 15.2 317/373/511 393). Josh Hamilton (Tex) is just as valuable this year, but Crawford's defense is tremendous, and Hamilton is up-and-down a little over time. So this wasn't easy, but Crawford's still the man. Honorable mention: J. Hamilton, Tex.
CF -- T. Hunter, LAA (2.9, 14.9 292/379/502 372). Hunter is having a bit of a career resurgence the past season and a half. He's flashing the leather, and his bat is more valuable than at any time in his career. When he signed the 5-year/$80 million deal with the Angels before the 2008 season, I thought he would be way overpaid by the end of the deal. Though that still may be true (who knows what his value will be in 2012), right now he's worth it. Honorable mentions: A. Rios, CWS; A. Jackson, Det
RF -- S. Choo, Cle (2.8, 2.1 286/390/475 382). I hate to unseat Ichiro, as he's been as valuable as Choo this season. And technically Swisher (NYY) has been a little more valuable (though we're splitting hairs). The truth is, this was a tough one, so I would take the power/youth of Choo over the defense/speed of Ichiro. Honorable mentions: Ichiro, Sea; N. Swisher, NYY
Starters
1. C. Lee, Sea/Tex (4.1 2.59 2.55); 2. F. Liriano, Min (4.5 3.76 2.16); 3. J. Lester, Bos (3.9 2.81 2.97); 4. Grienke, KC (2.8 3.67 3.53); 5. J. Weaver, LAA (3.5 3.16 3.08). Honorable mentions: F. Hernandez, Sea; J. Verlander, Det
Lee and Liriano are clearly the class of the AL this season; Lester is alone after them. After that, it was hard to chose. I think Grienke would thrive in Boston/New York/Anyplace but Kansas City, and Weaver has taken a great stride forward.
Relievers
1. M. Rivera, NYY (1.3 1.01 2.25); 2. M. Thorton, CWS (1.6 2.58 1.90); 3. Putz, CWS (1.2 1.50 2.10); 4. Balfour, TB (1.1 2.20 2.40); 5. F. Francisco, Tex (1.2 3.92 2.55). Honorable mentions: D. Oliver, Tex; D. Bard, Bos
I wrote earlier this year just how amazing Mariano is. The AL reliever corps are not as strong as their NL brethren, but it's a good group. Thorton and Putz have been awesome on Chicago's South Side, and Balfour continues his consistent, top-level performance.
C -- J. Mauer, Min (2.1, -1 293/368/424 345). This was actually pretty tough. Mauer is not as awesome as usual this year, and Carlos Santana, the remarkable Cleveland rookie, made me think about moving Mauer off the top of the heap. But I didn't. Honorable mention: C. Santana, Cle
1B -- J. Morneau, Min (5.0, 8.0 345/437/618 447). I hated knocking Youkilis off the perch, but Morneau is either having a career year, or he's tranformed into Pujols North. I couldn't pass on him. Honorable mentions: K. Youkilis, Bos; M. Cabrera, Det
2B -- R. Cano, NYY (4.4, 5.6 336/389/556 401). Cano has transformed from an overrated Yankee into one of the best players in baseball. He and Pedroia are really the two best second sackers in baseball, both in the same division. Honorable mention: Pedroia, Bos
3B -- E. Longoria, TB (3.7, 1.6 300/381/513 389). Longoria is the man, sitting on the peak waiting for someone to challenge him. Though Beltre has been very good for Boston, no one is Longoria. Honorable mention: A. Beltre, Bos
SS -- D. Jeter, NYY (1.8, -0.4 274/340/392 328). AL shortstop is not the glamour position it used to be. It pains me to leave Jeter in this position for another year, but he is who I would pick. Has he been the most valuable in 2010? No, Alex Gonzalez in Toronto has been more valuable (2.4 WAR). And Scutaro (Bos) and Pennington (Oak) have been as valuable. But I would still pick Jeter. (Someone shoot me.) Honorable mentions: A. Gonzalez, Tor; M. Scutaro, Bos; C. Pennington, Oak
LF -- C. Crawford, TB (4.7, 15.2 317/373/511 393). Josh Hamilton (Tex) is just as valuable this year, but Crawford's defense is tremendous, and Hamilton is up-and-down a little over time. So this wasn't easy, but Crawford's still the man. Honorable mention: J. Hamilton, Tex.
CF -- T. Hunter, LAA (2.9, 14.9 292/379/502 372). Hunter is having a bit of a career resurgence the past season and a half. He's flashing the leather, and his bat is more valuable than at any time in his career. When he signed the 5-year/$80 million deal with the Angels before the 2008 season, I thought he would be way overpaid by the end of the deal. Though that still may be true (who knows what his value will be in 2012), right now he's worth it. Honorable mentions: A. Rios, CWS; A. Jackson, Det
RF -- S. Choo, Cle (2.8, 2.1 286/390/475 382). I hate to unseat Ichiro, as he's been as valuable as Choo this season. And technically Swisher (NYY) has been a little more valuable (though we're splitting hairs). The truth is, this was a tough one, so I would take the power/youth of Choo over the defense/speed of Ichiro. Honorable mentions: Ichiro, Sea; N. Swisher, NYY
Starters
1. C. Lee, Sea/Tex (4.1 2.59 2.55); 2. F. Liriano, Min (4.5 3.76 2.16); 3. J. Lester, Bos (3.9 2.81 2.97); 4. Grienke, KC (2.8 3.67 3.53); 5. J. Weaver, LAA (3.5 3.16 3.08). Honorable mentions: F. Hernandez, Sea; J. Verlander, Det
Lee and Liriano are clearly the class of the AL this season; Lester is alone after them. After that, it was hard to chose. I think Grienke would thrive in Boston/New York/Anyplace but Kansas City, and Weaver has taken a great stride forward.
Relievers
1. M. Rivera, NYY (1.3 1.01 2.25); 2. M. Thorton, CWS (1.6 2.58 1.90); 3. Putz, CWS (1.2 1.50 2.10); 4. Balfour, TB (1.1 2.20 2.40); 5. F. Francisco, Tex (1.2 3.92 2.55). Honorable mentions: D. Oliver, Tex; D. Bard, Bos
I wrote earlier this year just how amazing Mariano is. The AL reliever corps are not as strong as their NL brethren, but it's a good group. Thorton and Putz have been awesome on Chicago's South Side, and Balfour continues his consistent, top-level performance.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
All-MLB Team: National League
Here's my second annual All-MLB team (here's last year's squad). I'm going to start with the NL.
Just like last year, I'm looking for the best players. If I had to win the pennant this year, who would I pick. I weighed 2010 performance heavily, and I also didn't unseat an incumbent from last year unless there was clearly a better choice.
And here's the format: A. Mangum, Team (WAR, Fielding AVG/OBP/SLG wOBA). All stats are from Fangraphs.com. If the names are in italics, the player is the incumbent.
All NL-Team
C -- B. McCann, Atl (2.7, 1 267/380/447 364). McCann is the class of the NL catchers, and he brings it with a powerful bat (though he's down a little this year). He's also passable behind the plate. Honorable mentions: M. Olivo, Col; G. Soto, ChC
1B -- A. Pujols, Stl (3.4, -1.1 308/416/576 412). Sometimes we might forget just how remarkable Pujols has been over his nine seasons coming into 2010. Joey Votto (Cin) has been more valuable this year(4.2 WAR), but I would take Pujols for the stretch drive (and next year too). Honorable mentions: J. Votto, Cin; A. Gonzalez, SD
2B -- M. Prado, Atl (3.2 1.1 325/367/484 368). If Chase Utley (Phi) wasn't hurt, I'd pick him, but he is, and Prado has been equally valuable this year. So Utley is unseated for a year. Honorable mentions: C. Utley, Phi; D. Uggla, Fla; B. Phillips, Cin
3B -- D. Wright, NYM (4.1, 3.3 314/392/532 396). This is one of the toughest calls in either league. Wright and Zimmerman (Was) are pretty much equals at this point, two dueling virtuosos at the hot corner. Wright has been slightly more valuable, so I kept him, but this is really a pick'em. Honorable mention: R. Zimmerman, Was
SS -- H. Ramirez, Fla (2.7, -6.1 301/381/485 378). There is no doubt that Ramirez is an offensive force, even if he's off his career wOBA number (393). But his fielding is suspect (despite good range and enough talent to be at least average), and apparently he's an attitude problem. I would have gladly unseated him, but if I wanted to win games between now and November, he's the guy. Honorable mention: S. Drew, Ari
LF -- M. Holliday, Stl (4.4, 9.2 309/388/536 399). Last year it was Manny, but he's been limited due to injury. So here comes Mr. Holliday, the $120 million man. He has delivered in the first year of his shiny new contract. And, really, he's the only awesome LF in the NL right now. Honorable mention: A. Torres, SF
CF -- A. Pagan, NYM (3.2, 12.5 306/362/466 366). With incumbent (and teammate) Carlos Beltran sidelined by injury, Pagan has filled in nicely. Technically Marlon Byrd has been more valuable (3.8 WAR), but I would rather have Pagan and his awesome fielding roaming center. Honorable mention: M Byrd, ChC
RF -- J. Upton, Ari (2.4, 5.7 269/354/460 360). Besides 3B, this was the toughest call in the NL. I really like Upton, but he's down this year. But besides the breakout of Heyward in Atlanta, the rest of the field is pretty comparable to Upton. And I wouldn't trust Corey Hart any farther than I can throw him -- which I couldn't at all (he's a bid dude). Honorable mentions: J. Heyward, Atl; C. Hart, Mil; R. Ludwick, Stl; J. Werth, Phi
Starting rotation (WAR, ERA, FIP)
1. J. Johnson, Fla (4.7, 1.62, 2.25); 2. R. Halladay, Phi (4.4, 2.40, 2.97); 3. Y. Gallardo, Mil (3.0, 2.58, 2.98); 4. U. Jiminez, Col (3.6, 2.38, 3.23); 5. A. Wainwright, Stl (3.6, 2.02, 3.05). Honorable mentions: T. Lincecum, SF; R. Oswalt, Hou; C. Kershaw, LAD
It was tough leaving Lincecum off the list, but the five are picked are awesome, and Lincecum is fading behind the pack. Johnson is likely the best starter in the league, and Halladay is a stud. Jiminez has come back to earth, but his stuff is still sick.
Relievers
1. J. Broxton, LAD (1.7, 3.15, 1.60); 2. S. Marshall, ChC (1.6, 1.88, 2.06); 3. Belisle, Col (1.6, 2.72, 2.45); 4. Bell, SD (1.4, 2.01, 2.06); 5. B. Wilson, SF (1.6, 1.98, 1.98). Honorable mentions: L. Nunez, Fla; B. Wagner, Atl; C. Marmol, ChC
Not a single holdover from last year, which basically tells you how mercurial relievers are. That being said, Broxton is awesome, and Bell and Wilson are studs.
Just like last year, I'm looking for the best players. If I had to win the pennant this year, who would I pick. I weighed 2010 performance heavily, and I also didn't unseat an incumbent from last year unless there was clearly a better choice.
And here's the format: A. Mangum, Team (WAR, Fielding AVG/OBP/SLG wOBA). All stats are from Fangraphs.com. If the names are in italics, the player is the incumbent.
All NL-Team
C -- B. McCann, Atl (2.7, 1 267/380/447 364). McCann is the class of the NL catchers, and he brings it with a powerful bat (though he's down a little this year). He's also passable behind the plate. Honorable mentions: M. Olivo, Col; G. Soto, ChC
1B -- A. Pujols, Stl (3.4, -1.1 308/416/576 412). Sometimes we might forget just how remarkable Pujols has been over his nine seasons coming into 2010. Joey Votto (Cin) has been more valuable this year(4.2 WAR), but I would take Pujols for the stretch drive (and next year too). Honorable mentions: J. Votto, Cin; A. Gonzalez, SD
2B -- M. Prado, Atl (3.2 1.1 325/367/484 368). If Chase Utley (Phi) wasn't hurt, I'd pick him, but he is, and Prado has been equally valuable this year. So Utley is unseated for a year. Honorable mentions: C. Utley, Phi; D. Uggla, Fla; B. Phillips, Cin
3B -- D. Wright, NYM (4.1, 3.3 314/392/532 396). This is one of the toughest calls in either league. Wright and Zimmerman (Was) are pretty much equals at this point, two dueling virtuosos at the hot corner. Wright has been slightly more valuable, so I kept him, but this is really a pick'em. Honorable mention: R. Zimmerman, Was
SS -- H. Ramirez, Fla (2.7, -6.1 301/381/485 378). There is no doubt that Ramirez is an offensive force, even if he's off his career wOBA number (393). But his fielding is suspect (despite good range and enough talent to be at least average), and apparently he's an attitude problem. I would have gladly unseated him, but if I wanted to win games between now and November, he's the guy. Honorable mention: S. Drew, Ari
LF -- M. Holliday, Stl (4.4, 9.2 309/388/536 399). Last year it was Manny, but he's been limited due to injury. So here comes Mr. Holliday, the $120 million man. He has delivered in the first year of his shiny new contract. And, really, he's the only awesome LF in the NL right now. Honorable mention: A. Torres, SF
CF -- A. Pagan, NYM (3.2, 12.5 306/362/466 366). With incumbent (and teammate) Carlos Beltran sidelined by injury, Pagan has filled in nicely. Technically Marlon Byrd has been more valuable (3.8 WAR), but I would rather have Pagan and his awesome fielding roaming center. Honorable mention: M Byrd, ChC
RF -- J. Upton, Ari (2.4, 5.7 269/354/460 360). Besides 3B, this was the toughest call in the NL. I really like Upton, but he's down this year. But besides the breakout of Heyward in Atlanta, the rest of the field is pretty comparable to Upton. And I wouldn't trust Corey Hart any farther than I can throw him -- which I couldn't at all (he's a bid dude). Honorable mentions: J. Heyward, Atl; C. Hart, Mil; R. Ludwick, Stl; J. Werth, Phi
Starting rotation (WAR, ERA, FIP)
1. J. Johnson, Fla (4.7, 1.62, 2.25); 2. R. Halladay, Phi (4.4, 2.40, 2.97); 3. Y. Gallardo, Mil (3.0, 2.58, 2.98); 4. U. Jiminez, Col (3.6, 2.38, 3.23); 5. A. Wainwright, Stl (3.6, 2.02, 3.05). Honorable mentions: T. Lincecum, SF; R. Oswalt, Hou; C. Kershaw, LAD
It was tough leaving Lincecum off the list, but the five are picked are awesome, and Lincecum is fading behind the pack. Johnson is likely the best starter in the league, and Halladay is a stud. Jiminez has come back to earth, but his stuff is still sick.
Relievers
1. J. Broxton, LAD (1.7, 3.15, 1.60); 2. S. Marshall, ChC (1.6, 1.88, 2.06); 3. Belisle, Col (1.6, 2.72, 2.45); 4. Bell, SD (1.4, 2.01, 2.06); 5. B. Wilson, SF (1.6, 1.98, 1.98). Honorable mentions: L. Nunez, Fla; B. Wagner, Atl; C. Marmol, ChC
Not a single holdover from last year, which basically tells you how mercurial relievers are. That being said, Broxton is awesome, and Bell and Wilson are studs.
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