Friday, October 31, 2003
NUMBERS DON’T LIE?
(CNN) -- A majority of Americans in two different age groups have a favorable opinion of President Bush, according to a CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll, but the survey found sharp differences on a number of issues between younger respondents and those 30 and older.
I had a difficult time believing the above headline on CNN.com. After reading the article, the dirt is definitely in the details. The last paragraph of the story describes the stat summary of the polls.
Telephone interviews were conducted with 421 Americans between 18 and 29 and 884 Americans 30 and older on October 24-27. The poll's sampling error was plus or minus 5 percentage points, except on questions of registered voters (plus or minus 5.5 percentage points) and registered Democrats (plus or minus 8 percentage points).
It appears that two polls were taken one with a sample size of 421 and the other 884. Both polls have a sampling error of +/- 5 percentage points (it seems weird that both polls have the same rate when one’s sample is twice as much as the other), but the real kicker is the rate for registered Democrats at +/- 8 points. From my limited knowledge of statistics and polling, El Guapo’s Ghost can gather that in both polls a larger percentage of Republicans participated and possibly a huge percentage since the “registered Republicans sampling error” was not mentioned.
Our country is equally divided among liberals and conservatives, as our last Presidential election demonstrated, each poll should have had a fairly equal number respondents from each wing of the political spectrum in order to most accurately compare the political views of varying age groups. It appears that each poll had a larger number of conservatives participating; thus “A majority of Americans in two different age groups have a favorable opinion of President Bush.” The “Liberal Media” conducted a flawed poll and reported on it simplistically.
BTW, it was also mentioned in the article that
While 69 percent of Americans between 18 and 29 said they follow politics, 81 percent 30 and older said they do.
CNN's "Crossfire" co-host Paul Begala said: "If ignorance is bliss, then young voters are the happiest folks in America.
Nice attitude, Begala. How about trying to make politics more interesting to younger adults since you are in the media? Also, nice job in the Clinton Administration turning off young people after Candidate Clinton attracted many. DONKEY!
(CNN) -- A majority of Americans in two different age groups have a favorable opinion of President Bush, according to a CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll, but the survey found sharp differences on a number of issues between younger respondents and those 30 and older.
I had a difficult time believing the above headline on CNN.com. After reading the article, the dirt is definitely in the details. The last paragraph of the story describes the stat summary of the polls.
Telephone interviews were conducted with 421 Americans between 18 and 29 and 884 Americans 30 and older on October 24-27. The poll's sampling error was plus or minus 5 percentage points, except on questions of registered voters (plus or minus 5.5 percentage points) and registered Democrats (plus or minus 8 percentage points).
It appears that two polls were taken one with a sample size of 421 and the other 884. Both polls have a sampling error of +/- 5 percentage points (it seems weird that both polls have the same rate when one’s sample is twice as much as the other), but the real kicker is the rate for registered Democrats at +/- 8 points. From my limited knowledge of statistics and polling, El Guapo’s Ghost can gather that in both polls a larger percentage of Republicans participated and possibly a huge percentage since the “registered Republicans sampling error” was not mentioned.
Our country is equally divided among liberals and conservatives, as our last Presidential election demonstrated, each poll should have had a fairly equal number respondents from each wing of the political spectrum in order to most accurately compare the political views of varying age groups. It appears that each poll had a larger number of conservatives participating; thus “A majority of Americans in two different age groups have a favorable opinion of President Bush.” The “Liberal Media” conducted a flawed poll and reported on it simplistically.
BTW, it was also mentioned in the article that
While 69 percent of Americans between 18 and 29 said they follow politics, 81 percent 30 and older said they do.
CNN's "Crossfire" co-host Paul Begala said: "If ignorance is bliss, then young voters are the happiest folks in America.
Nice attitude, Begala. How about trying to make politics more interesting to younger adults since you are in the media? Also, nice job in the Clinton Administration turning off young people after Candidate Clinton attracted many. DONKEY!
Thursday, October 30, 2003
I topped 500 visitors. Thanks to all. I am putting together a way to demonstrate my appreciation. It will be coming out shortly.
Seven Days a free weekly newspaper out of Burlington, Vermont that has some great columnist. Check out Peter Freyne for the latest on Vermont and National politics and the inside scoop on Howard Dean. I believe Freyne was the first to predict Dean will make it out of the Democratic Primary. Rick Kisonak's thoughts on television programming is also highly recommended. Here is a taste...
I've already figured out how to top that [Joe millionaire], though. My bachelor is going to be secretly gay and come out of the closet in the final two-hour episode.
It is hilarious, insightful and creative. Seven Days is a great publication.
I've already figured out how to top that [Joe millionaire], though. My bachelor is going to be secretly gay and come out of the closet in the final two-hour episode.
It is hilarious, insightful and creative. Seven Days is a great publication.
MY BOY'S WICKED F!@#IN' SMAHT
Ed Cossette take on Theo's move.
A roll of the dice so friggin' shrewd and gutsy on Epstein's part. You know that else is so sublime about this waiver move? It completely kills any more media or fan discussion about Grady Little. That story is so old news now. This kind of control over the news cycle is straight out of James Carville's or Karl Rove's "Politics 101."
Put another log into the stove. Let's get this bitch heated up!
EGG is in full agreement. Who says this is the offseason. Red Sox Baseball has no offseason.
Ed Cossette take on Theo's move.
A roll of the dice so friggin' shrewd and gutsy on Epstein's part. You know that else is so sublime about this waiver move? It completely kills any more media or fan discussion about Grady Little. That story is so old news now. This kind of control over the news cycle is straight out of James Carville's or Karl Rove's "Politics 101."
Put another log into the stove. Let's get this bitch heated up!
EGG is in full agreement. Who says this is the offseason. Red Sox Baseball has no offseason.
THEY PULL ME BACK IN
I did not want to post until Monday, but Manny was put on irrevocable waivers meaning if claimed the Sox can not pull him back off the waiver wire. Another club can attain the sluggers services and assume his huge contract without giving the Sox anything in return. Until the outcome is known, all EGG will post is that the move is BALLSY.
I did not want to post until Monday, but Manny was put on irrevocable waivers meaning if claimed the Sox can not pull him back off the waiver wire. Another club can attain the sluggers services and assume his huge contract without giving the Sox anything in return. Until the outcome is known, all EGG will post is that the move is BALLSY.
Wednesday, October 29, 2003
NOMAR TRADE RUMORS.
Even in Southern Cal the Hot Stove is heating up for the winter.
The Boston print media does not seem to be picking up on this yet. Everyone is still talking about Shady Chicken Little. The rumors around Nomah’s desire to play in L.A. and not sign a long-term deal with the Sox seem to have some merit now.
Orange County Register columnist Randy Youngman: "Red Sox shortstop Nomar Garciaparra, who was born in Whittier and graduated from St. John Bosco High in Bellflower, has told friends he wants to relocate in Southern California after marrying Mia Hamm next month and would like to play for the Angels or Dodgers."
This is not news to the rumor mill, but espn.com reports that…
New owner Arte Moreno has authorized a record $90-million player payroll.
Anaheim could easily pay Nomah’s $11.5 million salary without dumping players and still stay within budget. As for the Dodgers, the acquisition of Nomah would be a big splash exciting the fan base that new owner Frank McCourt may desire. Assuming payroll is not cut, Nomah’s salary would replace McGriff ($3.75 mil.), Jordan ($9.6) and Ashby ($8.5) with room to spare.
Even though Epstein, Henry and LL have never wavered in their support of re-signing Nomah, LL did say on WEEI via a transcript from the Dirt Dogs site that
We're going to reassemble the team, you have to do that every year…there are some players who may leave because of age or free agency. I'm just guessing at this stage, there will be 5-8 new faces on this team next year... they would require a trade or release but I do think that's possible…There are some free agents we're going to look at to be sure and we just aren't going to make the mistake that's been made before, that I've made before (in San Diego) which is to be too comfortable with your players. One of the biggest mistakes you can make in management is to fall in love with your veterans. We appreciate them. We respect them. We feel grateful for the style of play that they had but as we reassemble the team for next year, we'll look at ways we can get better and try not to let that gratitude and sentiment stand in the way.
We know that the Sox want to win now. They are not looking to rebuild in 2004. If the Sox trade a veteran, they would want to fill the position with a capable replacement and additional valuable players for 2004. Able substitutes for Sox veterans in the free agent market are at SS (Tejada, Matsui), LF/RF (Vlad, Sheffield) and CF (Cameron). Thus, Nomah, Nixon and Damon could be on the block (as much as many want Manny out of town, virtually no team can take on his salary).
Nixon’s approach at the plate is more valued with the Sox than by most other clubs. It would be difficult for the Sox to attain their value for Nixon in a deal. The opposite maybe true regarding Damon and Nomah due to Damon’s speed and Nomah’s counting stats. Both hitters are not as disciplined as the organization would like as well. Nomah’s production and salary in 2004 makes him more valuable to another club than Damon. It is time to face the facts; my favorite Red Sox could be dealt.
Even in Southern Cal the Hot Stove is heating up for the winter.
The Boston print media does not seem to be picking up on this yet. Everyone is still talking about Shady Chicken Little. The rumors around Nomah’s desire to play in L.A. and not sign a long-term deal with the Sox seem to have some merit now.
Orange County Register columnist Randy Youngman: "Red Sox shortstop Nomar Garciaparra, who was born in Whittier and graduated from St. John Bosco High in Bellflower, has told friends he wants to relocate in Southern California after marrying Mia Hamm next month and would like to play for the Angels or Dodgers."
This is not news to the rumor mill, but espn.com reports that…
New owner Arte Moreno has authorized a record $90-million player payroll.
Anaheim could easily pay Nomah’s $11.5 million salary without dumping players and still stay within budget. As for the Dodgers, the acquisition of Nomah would be a big splash exciting the fan base that new owner Frank McCourt may desire. Assuming payroll is not cut, Nomah’s salary would replace McGriff ($3.75 mil.), Jordan ($9.6) and Ashby ($8.5) with room to spare.
Even though Epstein, Henry and LL have never wavered in their support of re-signing Nomah, LL did say on WEEI via a transcript from the Dirt Dogs site that
We're going to reassemble the team, you have to do that every year…there are some players who may leave because of age or free agency. I'm just guessing at this stage, there will be 5-8 new faces on this team next year... they would require a trade or release but I do think that's possible…There are some free agents we're going to look at to be sure and we just aren't going to make the mistake that's been made before, that I've made before (in San Diego) which is to be too comfortable with your players. One of the biggest mistakes you can make in management is to fall in love with your veterans. We appreciate them. We respect them. We feel grateful for the style of play that they had but as we reassemble the team for next year, we'll look at ways we can get better and try not to let that gratitude and sentiment stand in the way.
We know that the Sox want to win now. They are not looking to rebuild in 2004. If the Sox trade a veteran, they would want to fill the position with a capable replacement and additional valuable players for 2004. Able substitutes for Sox veterans in the free agent market are at SS (Tejada, Matsui), LF/RF (Vlad, Sheffield) and CF (Cameron). Thus, Nomah, Nixon and Damon could be on the block (as much as many want Manny out of town, virtually no team can take on his salary).
Nixon’s approach at the plate is more valued with the Sox than by most other clubs. It would be difficult for the Sox to attain their value for Nixon in a deal. The opposite maybe true regarding Damon and Nomah due to Damon’s speed and Nomah’s counting stats. Both hitters are not as disciplined as the organization would like as well. Nomah’s production and salary in 2004 makes him more valuable to another club than Damon. It is time to face the facts; my favorite Red Sox could be dealt.
Caple makes some good points on da Yankees' Seventh Inning Stretch Spectacular and on the whole "competitive imbalance" theory the in his latest.
Have a nice weekend. I'll be back next Monday reporting on Sox rumors.
Have a nice weekend. I'll be back next Monday reporting on Sox rumors.
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Baseball transactions and rumors. It is time to heat up the Hot Stove for the winter.
A ton of transactions went down after the regular season. Now and in the future, I will only discuss the ones that interest me which are most.
• Steve Reed, RHP, Colorado - declined $1.15 million option becoming free agent (D$=FA). Not much of a surprise since it is hard to justify that kind of money to a ROOGY on a rebuilding club. Reed is a very interesting pitcher that dominates RHB. He would be a nice addition to any contending team's pen.
• Mike Williams, RHP, Philly - D$4.0. Even Philly is not that stupid. M.W. is the typical overrated closer.
• Shane Spencer, OF, Texas - refused minor league assignment becoming a free agent (RMLA=FA). Texas has plenty and better corner outfield options. Spencer should come cheap and can hit LHP around the tune of 800 OPS, which makes him an above average platoon partner for rhymes with Vixen.
• Ellis Burks, DH, Cleveland - D$5.0. I would not expect for Burks to resign with the Indians with Hafner, Gerut, Broussard (kick ass BP hitter), etc. getting the bulk of the at-bats. If Burks has not lost any bat speed, he is still valuable with the stick and would fit nicely as a DH on a contender like Oakland.
• Miguel Batista, RHP, Arizona - D$5.0. The D-backs can not afford to pay both Batista and Dessens a combined $9 million to man the back of the rotation. Batista is coming off his best DIPS stat season and the D-backs are looking at re-signing him at a reduced rate.
• Glendon Rusch, LHP, Capital of Cheap Beer - D$5.0. I always liked Rusch - the NYM. He was a durable, innings eater, southpaw in his mid-20s with a 3-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio but gave up a lot of hits. I thought in the right park and defense behind him, Rusch could be an All-Star. Every since moving to Selig's world, Rusch has gone from below average last season to horrible in 2003. His DIPS stats stink too. Rusch is a lefty with past “success” so he is worth a flyer. If it does not work out, I would see if he can throw side-arm.
• Jimy Williams and Gerry Hunsicker, Manager and General Manager of Houston, received contract extensions through 2005. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
• Brad Fullmer, DH, Anaheim - released. Is this the NFL? A player gets hurt then released. If Fullmer is healthy, he can mash RHP for an AL team.
• John “Way Back!” Wasdin, RHP, Colorado of the AL - signed to a minor league deal. If he makes it back to the show at Arlington, fans should not spend the extra cash for a closer parking spot. It is a great jingle but you never want to call it: 1-800-54-GIANT.
• Manny Alexander, UTIL, Texas - signed to a minor league deal to help expedite the supply of pharmaceuticals.
• Jose Jimenez, RHP, Colorado - RMLA. A ground ball pitcher over his career made him effective at Coors becoming the Rockies closer for the past couple of seasons. He is a sinker/slider pitcher without an effective off-speed pitch which makes the recent conversion to a starter even more difficult. Jimenez did not find success as a starter or reliever this season. Control problems, that were never an issue in the past, appear to be the major factor in his poor performance in 2003. If Jimenez can regain his control, he would be a valuable commodity like Mendoza was for the MFYankees as a long, middle reliever and spot starter. Jimenez should be a low cost/high reward option on the market, especially for a club with a good defensive infield.
• Jose Cruz, Jr., OF; J.T. Snowhite, 1B; Eric Young, 2B; San Fran declined options. Overpaid players - bad contracts finally expiring - should find jobs but at a much lower rate - further proof of market correction.
• Frank Catalanotto, LF, Toronto - signed a one-year contract for $2.3 mil. I am surprised J.P. and company jumped on the F.Cat so quickly. First the positive, F.Cat can hit (299/351/472 last season) which is nearly identical to his career and 2000-2002 numbers. Next season, should be much of the same with the bat, perhaps a slight decline due to aging. Now onto the negative. First, F.Cat is an average left fielder with a below average arm. He has very little value in the field. Second, he can't hit southpaws so the Jays need to spend additional funds and a roster spot for a platoon partner. Third, the signing and allocating of at-bats to F.Cat could hurt the growth of Kielty, Phelps, Reed Johnson and possibly Gross and Rios, who I believe all could figure into the Jays next championship run. It is understandable to have F.Cat as a stop-gap once again in 2004 (with the possibility of moving him in a mid-season deal although at $2.3 the Jays are not going to get much in return), but with cheaper alternatives both in-house and probably on the market J.P. pulled the trigger too fast for too much cash.
•Greg Myers, C, Toronto - signed a one-year deal for 900K. The Jays got a good hitting catcher with a short-term commitment at a bargain price once again. Since the Jays have no in-house, young and cheap alternatives ready to play behind the plate full-time in 2004, this will not block player development and could be used to ease Kevin Cash or another young backstop into the Show against lefties. On the other side, if I were Myers, I fire my agent. I have a hard time understanding not filing for free agency with his numbers last season as a CATCHER. Myers should have gotten at least a commitment of $2-3 million from a club.
A ton of transactions went down after the regular season. Now and in the future, I will only discuss the ones that interest me which are most.
• Steve Reed, RHP, Colorado - declined $1.15 million option becoming free agent (D$=FA). Not much of a surprise since it is hard to justify that kind of money to a ROOGY on a rebuilding club. Reed is a very interesting pitcher that dominates RHB. He would be a nice addition to any contending team's pen.
• Mike Williams, RHP, Philly - D$4.0. Even Philly is not that stupid. M.W. is the typical overrated closer.
• Shane Spencer, OF, Texas - refused minor league assignment becoming a free agent (RMLA=FA). Texas has plenty and better corner outfield options. Spencer should come cheap and can hit LHP around the tune of 800 OPS, which makes him an above average platoon partner for rhymes with Vixen.
• Ellis Burks, DH, Cleveland - D$5.0. I would not expect for Burks to resign with the Indians with Hafner, Gerut, Broussard (kick ass BP hitter), etc. getting the bulk of the at-bats. If Burks has not lost any bat speed, he is still valuable with the stick and would fit nicely as a DH on a contender like Oakland.
• Miguel Batista, RHP, Arizona - D$5.0. The D-backs can not afford to pay both Batista and Dessens a combined $9 million to man the back of the rotation. Batista is coming off his best DIPS stat season and the D-backs are looking at re-signing him at a reduced rate.
• Glendon Rusch, LHP, Capital of Cheap Beer - D$5.0. I always liked Rusch - the NYM. He was a durable, innings eater, southpaw in his mid-20s with a 3-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio but gave up a lot of hits. I thought in the right park and defense behind him, Rusch could be an All-Star. Every since moving to Selig's world, Rusch has gone from below average last season to horrible in 2003. His DIPS stats stink too. Rusch is a lefty with past “success” so he is worth a flyer. If it does not work out, I would see if he can throw side-arm.
• Jimy Williams and Gerry Hunsicker, Manager and General Manager of Houston, received contract extensions through 2005. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
• Brad Fullmer, DH, Anaheim - released. Is this the NFL? A player gets hurt then released. If Fullmer is healthy, he can mash RHP for an AL team.
• John “Way Back!” Wasdin, RHP, Colorado of the AL - signed to a minor league deal. If he makes it back to the show at Arlington, fans should not spend the extra cash for a closer parking spot. It is a great jingle but you never want to call it: 1-800-54-GIANT.
• Manny Alexander, UTIL, Texas - signed to a minor league deal to help expedite the supply of pharmaceuticals.
• Jose Jimenez, RHP, Colorado - RMLA. A ground ball pitcher over his career made him effective at Coors becoming the Rockies closer for the past couple of seasons. He is a sinker/slider pitcher without an effective off-speed pitch which makes the recent conversion to a starter even more difficult. Jimenez did not find success as a starter or reliever this season. Control problems, that were never an issue in the past, appear to be the major factor in his poor performance in 2003. If Jimenez can regain his control, he would be a valuable commodity like Mendoza was for the MFYankees as a long, middle reliever and spot starter. Jimenez should be a low cost/high reward option on the market, especially for a club with a good defensive infield.
• Jose Cruz, Jr., OF; J.T. Snowhite, 1B; Eric Young, 2B; San Fran declined options. Overpaid players - bad contracts finally expiring - should find jobs but at a much lower rate - further proof of market correction.
• Frank Catalanotto, LF, Toronto - signed a one-year contract for $2.3 mil. I am surprised J.P. and company jumped on the F.Cat so quickly. First the positive, F.Cat can hit (299/351/472 last season) which is nearly identical to his career and 2000-2002 numbers. Next season, should be much of the same with the bat, perhaps a slight decline due to aging. Now onto the negative. First, F.Cat is an average left fielder with a below average arm. He has very little value in the field. Second, he can't hit southpaws so the Jays need to spend additional funds and a roster spot for a platoon partner. Third, the signing and allocating of at-bats to F.Cat could hurt the growth of Kielty, Phelps, Reed Johnson and possibly Gross and Rios, who I believe all could figure into the Jays next championship run. It is understandable to have F.Cat as a stop-gap once again in 2004 (with the possibility of moving him in a mid-season deal although at $2.3 the Jays are not going to get much in return), but with cheaper alternatives both in-house and probably on the market J.P. pulled the trigger too fast for too much cash.
•Greg Myers, C, Toronto - signed a one-year deal for 900K. The Jays got a good hitting catcher with a short-term commitment at a bargain price once again. Since the Jays have no in-house, young and cheap alternatives ready to play behind the plate full-time in 2004, this will not block player development and could be used to ease Kevin Cash or another young backstop into the Show against lefties. On the other side, if I were Myers, I fire my agent. I have a hard time understanding not filing for free agency with his numbers last season as a CATCHER. Myers should have gotten at least a commitment of $2-3 million from a club.
FOOTBALL?
I have not watched one entire football game this season for various reasons. One reason is that all I need to do is watch the highlights. My hypothesis is that the outcome of the game is solely dependent upon which team has more “big plays.” “Big plays” defined as turnovers, offensive and special team plays of more than 20 yards and defensive plays resulting in a loss of more than 10 yards. I am not sure where I can easily find this data to test my hypothesis. If anyone does, please email me the link. Thanks in advance. I hope to have this completed by the conclusion of the regular season.
BTW, I want to thank Ben Jacobs for a very good analysis of Wojnarowski’s article mentioned yesterday.
I have not watched one entire football game this season for various reasons. One reason is that all I need to do is watch the highlights. My hypothesis is that the outcome of the game is solely dependent upon which team has more “big plays.” “Big plays” defined as turnovers, offensive and special team plays of more than 20 yards and defensive plays resulting in a loss of more than 10 yards. I am not sure where I can easily find this data to test my hypothesis. If anyone does, please email me the link. Thanks in advance. I hope to have this completed by the conclusion of the regular season.
BTW, I want to thank Ben Jacobs for a very good analysis of Wojnarowski’s article mentioned yesterday.
Monday, October 27, 2003
IT'S ALL IN THE TIMING
Baseball and Red Sox Rumors. It is time to heat up the Hot Stove.
Grady Little's replacement rumors (it is difficult for me to make fun of a person who has just become unemployed; he is back to SCL by tomorrow):
Edes
Edes again
Silverman
One big name, Davey Johnson, who played under Earl Weaver (a.k.a the SABR ideal Manager) and has won a W.S. was not mentioned by the Boston media. He would be a good choice.
El Guapo's Ghost also likes Larry Dierker as I did back in July. Rob Neyer had a very interesting interview with Dierker. After reading the piece, I think you will agree that Dierker believes in the Red Sox philosophy and has won with the Astros. He was not drafted and developed by the organization either. My only concern right now is his ability to handle the second guessing of not only the players but the media, the front office, the owners and all of real New England. Dierker says
I think those guys -- not Bagwell so much, but maybe Biggio more so -- started wondering if we were playing the right people, if the manager was making the right moves, that sort of stuff. I don't think Biggio was more of a problem than anybody else, in terms of what he said. But because it was Biggio, maybe people paid a little more attention. But he wasn't that big a problem.
Dierker would need to get the big three's buy in to be successful in Beantown as would any Manager to a certain extent.
BTW, this article by Adrian Wojnarowski could be the worst thing I have ever read on espn.com, including Gammons' work before he was assigned an intern to run his pieces through spell and grammar check (I know I am not much better, but I don't get paid for this stuff either), I hope a fellow blogger rips this to pieces like Ed Cossette did today. I would but not enough time this week.
Baseball and Red Sox Rumors. It is time to heat up the Hot Stove.
Grady Little's replacement rumors (it is difficult for me to make fun of a person who has just become unemployed; he is back to SCL by tomorrow):
Edes
Edes again
Silverman
One big name, Davey Johnson, who played under Earl Weaver (a.k.a the SABR ideal Manager) and has won a W.S. was not mentioned by the Boston media. He would be a good choice.
El Guapo's Ghost also likes Larry Dierker as I did back in July. Rob Neyer had a very interesting interview with Dierker. After reading the piece, I think you will agree that Dierker believes in the Red Sox philosophy and has won with the Astros. He was not drafted and developed by the organization either. My only concern right now is his ability to handle the second guessing of not only the players but the media, the front office, the owners and all of real New England. Dierker says
I think those guys -- not Bagwell so much, but maybe Biggio more so -- started wondering if we were playing the right people, if the manager was making the right moves, that sort of stuff. I don't think Biggio was more of a problem than anybody else, in terms of what he said. But because it was Biggio, maybe people paid a little more attention. But he wasn't that big a problem.
Dierker would need to get the big three's buy in to be successful in Beantown as would any Manager to a certain extent.
BTW, this article by Adrian Wojnarowski could be the worst thing I have ever read on espn.com, including Gammons' work before he was assigned an intern to run his pieces through spell and grammar check (I know I am not much better, but I don't get paid for this stuff either), I hope a fellow blogger rips this to pieces like Ed Cossette did today. I would but not enough time this week.
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
REVERSE CURVE
I just read the AFKATBSG’s column/emails and I must have blocked this out.
Three moments are etched in my brain forever:
1. Pedro comes off the field after the 7th pointing to the sky thanking his God for a strong performance ... he's done
2. Nomar's hug in the dugout after the 7th, thanking Pedro for his work and letting him know they'd take it home from here.
-- Mark Foss, Hamilton, Mass.
How the hell could I have forgotten that series of events? I think subconsciously I wanted to block out those events to rationalize Shady Chicken Little’s decision to help me deal with it better. The numbers regarding match ups are inconclusive (if you want them send me an email) so I was siding with SCL, but SCL SHOULD NOT HAVE MISSED PEDRO’S SIGNS THAT HE WAS DONE. Give me a freaking break SCL! A player needs to be both physically and mentally ready to perform. Pedro made it apparent that he was not ready mentally to pitch the eighth. I want Little’s head on a stick and a shoulder to weep on now.
I do not plan on posting for the rest of the week. I need a break. Since placing a counter on El Guapo’s Ghost, I have averaged about 50 visitors a day. More than I ever thought. Thanks to all!
I just read the AFKATBSG’s column/emails and I must have blocked this out.
Three moments are etched in my brain forever:
1. Pedro comes off the field after the 7th pointing to the sky thanking his God for a strong performance ... he's done
2. Nomar's hug in the dugout after the 7th, thanking Pedro for his work and letting him know they'd take it home from here.
-- Mark Foss, Hamilton, Mass.
How the hell could I have forgotten that series of events? I think subconsciously I wanted to block out those events to rationalize Shady Chicken Little’s decision to help me deal with it better. The numbers regarding match ups are inconclusive (if you want them send me an email) so I was siding with SCL, but SCL SHOULD NOT HAVE MISSED PEDRO’S SIGNS THAT HE WAS DONE. Give me a freaking break SCL! A player needs to be both physically and mentally ready to perform. Pedro made it apparent that he was not ready mentally to pitch the eighth. I want Little’s head on a stick and a shoulder to weep on now.
I do not plan on posting for the rest of the week. I need a break. Since placing a counter on El Guapo’s Ghost, I have averaged about 50 visitors a day. More than I ever thought. Thanks to all!
Tuesday, October 21, 2003
NO REST FOR THE GHOST
I wanted to take this week off, but Danny Ainge decides to move Antoine Walker.
I do not know hoops that well but most would agree that the Celtics were not going to win number 17 with Walker and Pierce as the top dogs and that Walker was the one to be moved. My initial questions about this deal were:
1. Is the deal just to save money in the short-term a la Bake me a rum cake deal?
2. Raef LaFrentz and his big ass contract?
3. Is this all Walker is worth?
I am not sure about the answer to the first one because I do not have all the figures. The last two are easy to answer. Walker has very little value; thus the Celtics had to take back a contract.
Jason Ouellette from Real GM thinks that
Despite what a lot of Boston fans think, Walker’s league wide value was not very high. Maybe it was his penchant to hoist up more threes than his character on NBA Jam. Maybe it was his incessant whining to officials during games. Maybe it was the looks he gave during games as if he constantly smelled something bad.
Bob Ryan goes even further in today’s Globe:
The only surprise here is that Danny Ainge was actually able to find a buyer. It wasn't easy. I heard him tell Glenn Ordway on WEEI yesterday, "I talked to every team in the league, and, believe me, there are people out there who, even if he averaged 20 points, 10 rebounds and shot 50 percent from the floor, would not want him on their team."
I guess Walker was not in “the best shape of his life” or it would not impact his game/trade value as Peter May states.
Rather than let this thing drag on until next summer, Ainge decided that what Dallas offered was as good as anything he was going to get -- and there was just as strong a chance that any future offer might be worse.
But what about the Knicks deal, Kurt Thomas, Charlie Ward and a salary filler (around $2.7 million) for Walker, which was reported to be on the table this summer? Thomas would have filled Walker’s spot for the Celtics and more importantly Thomas would opt out of his final year. Both Thomas and Ward’s salaries would come off the books after this upcoming season allowing the Celtics to be on a one-year rebuilding plan instead of a “three-year.” They could offer a max contract to a more worthy player than Walker.
As we all know, the championship formula for the NBA is not rocket science: attain one dominating player with an All-Star mix in seven other role players. Perhaps, I am missing something but even if next season this deal turns out to be a four-for-two as Peter May expressed (LaFrentz, Welsch, Draft Pick, and Mid-level FA for Walker and Delk), it still would not get the C’s any closer to raising another banner. The Celtics need to attain that other All-Star then find the other seven.
I wanted to take this week off, but Danny Ainge decides to move Antoine Walker.
I do not know hoops that well but most would agree that the Celtics were not going to win number 17 with Walker and Pierce as the top dogs and that Walker was the one to be moved. My initial questions about this deal were:
1. Is the deal just to save money in the short-term a la Bake me a rum cake deal?
2. Raef LaFrentz and his big ass contract?
3. Is this all Walker is worth?
I am not sure about the answer to the first one because I do not have all the figures. The last two are easy to answer. Walker has very little value; thus the Celtics had to take back a contract.
Jason Ouellette from Real GM thinks that
Despite what a lot of Boston fans think, Walker’s league wide value was not very high. Maybe it was his penchant to hoist up more threes than his character on NBA Jam. Maybe it was his incessant whining to officials during games. Maybe it was the looks he gave during games as if he constantly smelled something bad.
Bob Ryan goes even further in today’s Globe:
The only surprise here is that Danny Ainge was actually able to find a buyer. It wasn't easy. I heard him tell Glenn Ordway on WEEI yesterday, "I talked to every team in the league, and, believe me, there are people out there who, even if he averaged 20 points, 10 rebounds and shot 50 percent from the floor, would not want him on their team."
I guess Walker was not in “the best shape of his life” or it would not impact his game/trade value as Peter May states.
Rather than let this thing drag on until next summer, Ainge decided that what Dallas offered was as good as anything he was going to get -- and there was just as strong a chance that any future offer might be worse.
But what about the Knicks deal, Kurt Thomas, Charlie Ward and a salary filler (around $2.7 million) for Walker, which was reported to be on the table this summer? Thomas would have filled Walker’s spot for the Celtics and more importantly Thomas would opt out of his final year. Both Thomas and Ward’s salaries would come off the books after this upcoming season allowing the Celtics to be on a one-year rebuilding plan instead of a “three-year.” They could offer a max contract to a more worthy player than Walker.
As we all know, the championship formula for the NBA is not rocket science: attain one dominating player with an All-Star mix in seven other role players. Perhaps, I am missing something but even if next season this deal turns out to be a four-for-two as Peter May expressed (LaFrentz, Welsch, Draft Pick, and Mid-level FA for Walker and Delk), it still would not get the C’s any closer to raising another banner. The Celtics need to attain that other All-Star then find the other seven.
Monday, October 20, 2003
STAY TUNED FOR OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAM
I plan on keeping El Guapo’s Ghost up through the winter. The baseball season really never ends. From now until February, I’ll be try to keep the following schedule:
Monday – Baseball Rumors
Tuesday – Pats and/or Celtics
Wednesday – Baseball Transactions
Every other Thursday or Friday – potluck
Of course when the Sox make a move, it will throw off the schedule. February will be for Fantasy baseball analysis and March will have team previews.
I would really like some reader feedback on possible topics for potluck. Please email me (link to right). To date some posts will cover:
• If I could buy a baseball team, besides the Red Sox, which one would it be and why?
• The best team money can buy on a $50 million budget
• 2003 Red Sox draft pick update
• Red Sox business analysis
• GM for a day (a.k.a. what would EGG do with a MLB club) – I would love to have team suggestions
• Various political and entertainment rumblings
I plan on keeping El Guapo’s Ghost up through the winter. The baseball season really never ends. From now until February, I’ll be try to keep the following schedule:
Monday – Baseball Rumors
Tuesday – Pats and/or Celtics
Wednesday – Baseball Transactions
Every other Thursday or Friday – potluck
Of course when the Sox make a move, it will throw off the schedule. February will be for Fantasy baseball analysis and March will have team previews.
I would really like some reader feedback on possible topics for potluck. Please email me (link to right). To date some posts will cover:
• If I could buy a baseball team, besides the Red Sox, which one would it be and why?
• The best team money can buy on a $50 million budget
• 2003 Red Sox draft pick update
• Red Sox business analysis
• GM for a day (a.k.a. what would EGG do with a MLB club) – I would love to have team suggestions
• Various political and entertainment rumblings
FOR BETTER FOR WORSE, FOR RICHER FOR POORER, IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH…
Bill Simmons of espn.com sums being a member of RSN.
Hey, this is my team. I came to grips with that a long time ago. They're part of my life. Sometimes they lift me to a higher place. Sometimes they punch me in the stomach and leave me for dead. There's no rhyme or reason. And there are thousands and thousands of diehards just like me, all trapped in that same bad marriage, united by our experiences and memories. We wear Sox caps, we pack Fenway Park, we travel insane distances to support our team on the road. We always have each other. And some days are better than others.
You spend six months following a team, you devote something like 1,000 hours of your year to watching-reading-discussing them, and then everything vanishes in thin air. And you feel like a moron for devoting so much of your time to something so, so, so . . . wonderful as Red Sox baseball. When a World Series Championship is won, it will all be worth it. Keep the faith.
Bill Simmons of espn.com sums being a member of RSN.
Hey, this is my team. I came to grips with that a long time ago. They're part of my life. Sometimes they lift me to a higher place. Sometimes they punch me in the stomach and leave me for dead. There's no rhyme or reason. And there are thousands and thousands of diehards just like me, all trapped in that same bad marriage, united by our experiences and memories. We wear Sox caps, we pack Fenway Park, we travel insane distances to support our team on the road. We always have each other. And some days are better than others.
You spend six months following a team, you devote something like 1,000 hours of your year to watching-reading-discussing them, and then everything vanishes in thin air. And you feel like a moron for devoting so much of your time to something so, so, so . . . wonderful as Red Sox baseball. When a World Series Championship is won, it will all be worth it. Keep the faith.
SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO NOW?
I maybe the only member of RSN that does not want to see Shady Chicken Little’s head on a stick. Should he be let go? Yes. Theo and company should be putting out feelers as I am typing. I am changing my position on SCL because it would be difficult for a Manager to keep the players focused – SCL’s major asset - when you are the eye of a media hurricane. RSN is like elephants; we never forget.
I know the stats on Pedro after 100 pitches but he is the Red Sox best. I believe you make them beat your best. He was strong; hitting mid-90’s with his fastball in the eighth. Petey got two strikes on each of the batters faced in his final inning. I understand SCL’s reasoning behind staying with Petey as well as the counterargument. It was a judgement call that did not work out.
Unfortunately, SCL did not make the Sox last opponent beat their best in the eleventh. Scott Williamson should have been in the game to start the tenth. Wakefield should not have been the ballgame before Williamson. Williamson is a better relief pitcher than Wake. Williamson was also well rested throwing only 11 pitches the following night; Wake was not with TWO days following his brilliant Game 4 start. SCL should not have been saving Williamson for the save situation. Lowe or Wake could have closed out the game. SCL should have went with his best again in the extra frames.
I feel better now. The 2003 Red Sox season was really fun to watch. It was a fantastic team. I believe I saw eight games at Fenway, including Pedro-Clemens, one in the Bronx, a true double header in Steel City, and a great comeback in the home of cheap beer. Good times with a tough ending.
I maybe the only member of RSN that does not want to see Shady Chicken Little’s head on a stick. Should he be let go? Yes. Theo and company should be putting out feelers as I am typing. I am changing my position on SCL because it would be difficult for a Manager to keep the players focused – SCL’s major asset - when you are the eye of a media hurricane. RSN is like elephants; we never forget.
I know the stats on Pedro after 100 pitches but he is the Red Sox best. I believe you make them beat your best. He was strong; hitting mid-90’s with his fastball in the eighth. Petey got two strikes on each of the batters faced in his final inning. I understand SCL’s reasoning behind staying with Petey as well as the counterargument. It was a judgement call that did not work out.
Unfortunately, SCL did not make the Sox last opponent beat their best in the eleventh. Scott Williamson should have been in the game to start the tenth. Wakefield should not have been the ballgame before Williamson. Williamson is a better relief pitcher than Wake. Williamson was also well rested throwing only 11 pitches the following night; Wake was not with TWO days following his brilliant Game 4 start. SCL should not have been saving Williamson for the save situation. Lowe or Wake could have closed out the game. SCL should have went with his best again in the extra frames.
I feel better now. The 2003 Red Sox season was really fun to watch. It was a fantastic team. I believe I saw eight games at Fenway, including Pedro-Clemens, one in the Bronx, a true double header in Steel City, and a great comeback in the home of cheap beer. Good times with a tough ending.
Friday, October 17, 2003
I really do not know what to say. It is roughly nine hours after the end of last night’s game and I am still in shock. Right after the game, I exited the bar and walked home (not until this morning did I realize my credit card is still at the joint). I am not sure if I am going to read or listen to any Sox stuff today. It is too painful. Every fiber of my being thought the Sox would pull it out. The Red Sox Best, the man that gives me hope and faith to believe that a World Series Championship will be won got hit up last night. Sometimes balls fall for hits; it happens.
It was a great season.
Anyway, my life regains some sense of normalcy until opening day, no make that spring training, wait the winter meetings, oh forget it. Jose Jimenez was released a few days ago from the Rockies. He might be worth a look at the right price.
It was a great season.
Anyway, my life regains some sense of normalcy until opening day, no make that spring training, wait the winter meetings, oh forget it. Jose Jimenez was released a few days ago from the Rockies. He might be worth a look at the right price.
Thursday, October 16, 2003
BELIEVE!
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
RUMBLINGS
• Manny swinging at a 1-0 curveball grounding out with the bases loaded. What da F$@#!
• Nomah now has struck out eight times in 39 post-season at-bats. The good folks over at Sox Therapy have been discussing the cause for his slump for sometime. The traditional media has just begun to write about it.
• The biggest difference between DLowe 02 and 03 is the walk rate. It hurt him again yesterday in the second.
• End the high, out of the zone fastball strategy when the count is 0-2 or 1-2. They are not taking the bait.
• The Sox lack of offensive production in the second season is directly related to an OBP of 290 in the Oakland series and 309 to date in the ALCS. It is not solely the lack of timely hits. The Sox are not getting enough opportunities for clutch hits too.
• Rob Neyer would ask Suppan to give you his three best innings, ask Burkett for the same, and see if your bullpen can get you through the last three. Yes, it's radical. But losing conventionally isn't any better than losing radically. It is a good notion, but having two similar pitchers follow one another is not a good option. Burkett for three, Wake for one, Charles in Charge Arroyo for two, then give the ball to Timlin, Embree and Williamson for an inning apiece.
• Doug Marshall, 35, a Giants fan from San Francisco, said he came to Boston this weekend because he loves baseball and wants to see history. "I don't think it got out of hand at all," he said. "We live in a vanilla world and finally someone comes out and they show they have some passion, and then people want to criticize them for it. In the Bay Area, nobody has this kind of passion about sports. That's why I wanted to come here to be a part of it" (Weiss and Rosenwald, Globe).
• Darren Rovell found out that scoring tickets in Boston is like nowhere else as well.
• Did you see Lawyer?" asked Derek Lowe, today's starter. "I told him that he should come play baseball. In our game, they don't cut you when you become too good or too expensive. In our game, we ain't gonna cut you (Holley, Globe).
• Word on the street from my pal, Steve and the Tribune is that three security guards ejected one fan after throwing beer. "I hope you're happy," the man screamed. "You cost us a [expletive] World Series." Another fan yelled, "You could tell we're better than Boston or he'd be dead already." Proof that Sox fans deserve a W.S. more than Cubs fans. Stupidity should not be rewarded.
I STILL BELIEVE!
• Manny swinging at a 1-0 curveball grounding out with the bases loaded. What da F$@#!
• Nomah now has struck out eight times in 39 post-season at-bats. The good folks over at Sox Therapy have been discussing the cause for his slump for sometime. The traditional media has just begun to write about it.
• The biggest difference between DLowe 02 and 03 is the walk rate. It hurt him again yesterday in the second.
• End the high, out of the zone fastball strategy when the count is 0-2 or 1-2. They are not taking the bait.
• The Sox lack of offensive production in the second season is directly related to an OBP of 290 in the Oakland series and 309 to date in the ALCS. It is not solely the lack of timely hits. The Sox are not getting enough opportunities for clutch hits too.
• Rob Neyer would ask Suppan to give you his three best innings, ask Burkett for the same, and see if your bullpen can get you through the last three. Yes, it's radical. But losing conventionally isn't any better than losing radically. It is a good notion, but having two similar pitchers follow one another is not a good option. Burkett for three, Wake for one, Charles in Charge Arroyo for two, then give the ball to Timlin, Embree and Williamson for an inning apiece.
• Doug Marshall, 35, a Giants fan from San Francisco, said he came to Boston this weekend because he loves baseball and wants to see history. "I don't think it got out of hand at all," he said. "We live in a vanilla world and finally someone comes out and they show they have some passion, and then people want to criticize them for it. In the Bay Area, nobody has this kind of passion about sports. That's why I wanted to come here to be a part of it" (Weiss and Rosenwald, Globe).
• Darren Rovell found out that scoring tickets in Boston is like nowhere else as well.
• Did you see Lawyer?" asked Derek Lowe, today's starter. "I told him that he should come play baseball. In our game, they don't cut you when you become too good or too expensive. In our game, we ain't gonna cut you (Holley, Globe).
• Word on the street from my pal, Steve and the Tribune is that three security guards ejected one fan after throwing beer. "I hope you're happy," the man screamed. "You cost us a [expletive] World Series." Another fan yelled, "You could tell we're better than Boston or he'd be dead already." Proof that Sox fans deserve a W.S. more than Cubs fans. Stupidity should not be rewarded.
I STILL BELIEVE!
Tuesday, October 14, 2003
Are all heathens fat and obnoxious? Well...
...of course not but a prime example was out in front this evening at Nectars. Perhaps, it is just the infidels that live in New England?
...of course not but a prime example was out in front this evening at Nectars. Perhaps, it is just the infidels that live in New England?
Monday, October 13, 2003
Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars.
Martin Luther King, Jr. is correct and it was on display Saturday at Fenway Park.
First off, pitchers need to throw inside to be effective but not at a batter’s head. Throwing a fastball at a hitter’s head is an act of violence like Rivera-Hillenbrand in 2002 and the infamous Clemens-Piazza incident. I believe Pedro Martinez was throwing inside to Karim Garcia. He was not trying to hit Garcia in the head or throw behind him given the circumstances of the game. A man was on third base in a tight PLAYOFF game. A wild throw, trying to hit Garcia in the head, could get by the Catcher scoring another run. It was not worth the risk. Regardless of intent, the act (I am still not convinced Garcia was actually hit by the pitch) spurred multiple foolish plays of retaliation between the Red Sox players and their opponents. Aaron Gleeman has an good and unbiased take on the situtation.
But the most asinine event occurred in the visitor’s bullpen. A Red Sox security staff person got involved in a physical altercation with a member(s) of the pen and Garcia. It is unclear how it started or all of the participants involved. The police report authored by witnesses, Det. William Dunn and Officer Michael Pankievich states that
…Jeff Nelson was observed pushing/grabbing the victim in the chest area at which time both parties fell to the ground where Jeff Nelson began punching and flaring his legs at the victim. At that point numerous other members of the Yankees bullpen jumped on the victim (some striking the victim and others attempting to break up the melee). The right fielder (Karim Garcia) from the Yankees was then observed jumping the right field wall, into the bullpen and begin striking down at the victim with his left hand.
I know Garcia was involved. I saw him jump into the bullpen, I was standing right above the visiting team’s dugout, and then Garcia came right in my sight line holding his hand with the trainer. I do not fault Garcia for trying to aid his
teammate(s). I assume he like I thought fans hopped into the pen. When he realized it was only one guy, he should have, at the very least, backed off. Of course, I do not know who started the altercation but I can not fathom why any sane person would start a fight with a professional athlete in a semi-confined area with about five of his teammates within 70 feet. By all accounts the victim is of sound mind, an exemplary Red Sox employee and Special Education Teacher. I wish him a speedy recovery.
I still BELIEVE!
Notes:
• While waiting for a beer on Saturday, a staff person said that Clemens made them wait outside before entering the Park. He was just sitting in his car making hard-working people wait to do their job. The story was confirmed by her fellow beer pourer who demonstrated his pinstripes earlier. Clemens = DONKEY
• My buddy, Tim, called last night after MLB canceled the game saying “This is proof God is a Red Sox fan.”
• Is it time to move Nomah down in the lineup like Torre did with Soriano?
• I am so envious of Pacers fans. Donnie Walsh, Larry F*$%@ Bird and former Coach of the Year, Rick Carlisle guiding the best talent in the East while playing in a great arena. I feel like the ugly step-child with Danny Ainge, Jim O’Brien, and the Fleet Center.
• "If you want to live like a Republican, you've got to vote for the Democrats." – Richard Gephardt
Martin Luther King, Jr. is correct and it was on display Saturday at Fenway Park.
First off, pitchers need to throw inside to be effective but not at a batter’s head. Throwing a fastball at a hitter’s head is an act of violence like Rivera-Hillenbrand in 2002 and the infamous Clemens-Piazza incident. I believe Pedro Martinez was throwing inside to Karim Garcia. He was not trying to hit Garcia in the head or throw behind him given the circumstances of the game. A man was on third base in a tight PLAYOFF game. A wild throw, trying to hit Garcia in the head, could get by the Catcher scoring another run. It was not worth the risk. Regardless of intent, the act (I am still not convinced Garcia was actually hit by the pitch) spurred multiple foolish plays of retaliation between the Red Sox players and their opponents. Aaron Gleeman has an good and unbiased take on the situtation.
But the most asinine event occurred in the visitor’s bullpen. A Red Sox security staff person got involved in a physical altercation with a member(s) of the pen and Garcia. It is unclear how it started or all of the participants involved. The police report authored by witnesses, Det. William Dunn and Officer Michael Pankievich states that
…Jeff Nelson was observed pushing/grabbing the victim in the chest area at which time both parties fell to the ground where Jeff Nelson began punching and flaring his legs at the victim. At that point numerous other members of the Yankees bullpen jumped on the victim (some striking the victim and others attempting to break up the melee). The right fielder (Karim Garcia) from the Yankees was then observed jumping the right field wall, into the bullpen and begin striking down at the victim with his left hand.
I know Garcia was involved. I saw him jump into the bullpen, I was standing right above the visiting team’s dugout, and then Garcia came right in my sight line holding his hand with the trainer. I do not fault Garcia for trying to aid his
teammate(s). I assume he like I thought fans hopped into the pen. When he realized it was only one guy, he should have, at the very least, backed off. Of course, I do not know who started the altercation but I can not fathom why any sane person would start a fight with a professional athlete in a semi-confined area with about five of his teammates within 70 feet. By all accounts the victim is of sound mind, an exemplary Red Sox employee and Special Education Teacher. I wish him a speedy recovery.
I still BELIEVE!
Notes:
• While waiting for a beer on Saturday, a staff person said that Clemens made them wait outside before entering the Park. He was just sitting in his car making hard-working people wait to do their job. The story was confirmed by her fellow beer pourer who demonstrated his pinstripes earlier. Clemens = DONKEY
• My buddy, Tim, called last night after MLB canceled the game saying “This is proof God is a Red Sox fan.”
• Is it time to move Nomah down in the lineup like Torre did with Soriano?
• I am so envious of Pacers fans. Donnie Walsh, Larry F*$%@ Bird and former Coach of the Year, Rick Carlisle guiding the best talent in the East while playing in a great arena. I feel like the ugly step-child with Danny Ainge, Jim O’Brien, and the Fleet Center.
• "If you want to live like a Republican, you've got to vote for the Democrats." – Richard Gephardt
Friday, October 10, 2003
GAME NOTES OR BITCHING…
…is what I was going to write about but everyone has already done that – Jackson for Walker, Sour-suck, Kapler leading off and the first pitch DP, Ferris Mueller not protecting Kapler. I will be attending tomorrow’s game (thanks Rick and Amy) and I also went to Clemens’ last regular season game at Fenway when he received a Standing O. I did not stand, but I clapped. As much as I hate da fatty, he accomplished a lot with the Sox and it was the appropriate time to acknowledge it. I know one thing – a similar response will not be coming tomorrow.
I want the liar to know all of “real” New England hates every once of his being.
I want the anti-Christ’s room service food undercooked.
I want the devil’s shower to only provide scolding hot or ice cold water.
I want the team bus re-routed through Roxbury.
I want 35,000 plus to serenade baseball’s Benedict Arnold.
I want the delinquent’s children to cry again like in 1999.
I want bastard’s last game to be his worst ever.
Sorry, my meds wore off.
We, RSN, need to BELIEVE!
…is what I was going to write about but everyone has already done that – Jackson for Walker, Sour-suck, Kapler leading off and the first pitch DP, Ferris Mueller not protecting Kapler. I will be attending tomorrow’s game (thanks Rick and Amy) and I also went to Clemens’ last regular season game at Fenway when he received a Standing O. I did not stand, but I clapped. As much as I hate da fatty, he accomplished a lot with the Sox and it was the appropriate time to acknowledge it. I know one thing – a similar response will not be coming tomorrow.
I want the liar to know all of “real” New England hates every once of his being.
I want the anti-Christ’s room service food undercooked.
I want the devil’s shower to only provide scolding hot or ice cold water.
I want the team bus re-routed through Roxbury.
I want 35,000 plus to serenade baseball’s Benedict Arnold.
I want the delinquent’s children to cry again like in 1999.
I want bastard’s last game to be his worst ever.
Sorry, my meds wore off.
We, RSN, need to BELIEVE!
Thursday, October 09, 2003
Notes, quotes, and links about a great game!
• Every time Wakefield emerges from a game by allowing four runs or less, people all over New England vow to put a little extra money in the collection plate when next they visit a house of worship (Bob Ryan, Globe).
• Wake pitched a great game. Quality starts is a key to this series.
• Even though Mussina in his career has been tough on Sox hitters, getting behind when facing good hitters will hurt every pitcher.
• Jeter has no range and should be moved to third.
• Jose Contreras could be a big factor. He hit 97 on the gun with a nasty splitter.
• Don Aucion on RSN relationships.
• The Red Sox Animal Clubhouse
• Should I be concerned? – Nomah struck out 35 times in 436 abs through July and from August through last evening 29 times in only 242 abs.
• Andy Pettitte’s stats versus probable Sox starters with 20 or more abs. Manny – 424/470/695; Nomah – 333/366/538; V-Tek – 361/400/444; Ortiz – 409/458/682
• I am not the only Sox fan not speaking to heathens so is Ed Cossette at Shaughnessy's Curse.
Two other notes:
• Congrats to Geoff and Tanya on the birth of their first child, Liam Hristo. I’ll be heading down to see the baby after I attend Game 3 at Fenway.
• VT International Film Festival appears to be incredible. Howard Zinn's book, You Can't Stay Neutral on a Moving Train, has been made into a documentary and Zinn will have a Q&A session following the showing. Danny Glover is also scheduled to make an appearance to end the event.
BELIEVE!
• Every time Wakefield emerges from a game by allowing four runs or less, people all over New England vow to put a little extra money in the collection plate when next they visit a house of worship (Bob Ryan, Globe).
• Wake pitched a great game. Quality starts is a key to this series.
• Even though Mussina in his career has been tough on Sox hitters, getting behind when facing good hitters will hurt every pitcher.
• Jeter has no range and should be moved to third.
• Jose Contreras could be a big factor. He hit 97 on the gun with a nasty splitter.
• Don Aucion on RSN relationships.
• The Red Sox Animal Clubhouse
• Should I be concerned? – Nomah struck out 35 times in 436 abs through July and from August through last evening 29 times in only 242 abs.
• Andy Pettitte’s stats versus probable Sox starters with 20 or more abs. Manny – 424/470/695; Nomah – 333/366/538; V-Tek – 361/400/444; Ortiz – 409/458/682
• I am not the only Sox fan not speaking to heathens so is Ed Cossette at Shaughnessy's Curse.
Two other notes:
• Congrats to Geoff and Tanya on the birth of their first child, Liam Hristo. I’ll be heading down to see the baby after I attend Game 3 at Fenway.
• VT International Film Festival appears to be incredible. Howard Zinn's book, You Can't Stay Neutral on a Moving Train, has been made into a documentary and Zinn will have a Q&A session following the showing. Danny Glover is also scheduled to make an appearance to end the event.
BELIEVE!
Wednesday, October 08, 2003
Maybe it is because the students are back or more tourist are in town to check out the foliage or whatever, but the Vermont Chapter of Red Sox Nation has Cowboyed Up! As I walked home from the gym (I had to burn off some energy before the game), I saw plenty of Sox caps. Even one house with a "Red Sox fan only parking" sign, a big flag on the house and a Cowboy Up sign in the window. I am pumped! It is go time! Shit another hour until the first pitch. Where are my meds?
BELIEVE.
BELIEVE.
Tuesday, October 07, 2003
There is no need for a preview of this one. We saw it 19 times over the last six months so I'll make it short. The Sox won nine out of the 19, but out scored their rival by 15 runs. The Sox offense and glove work is a notch above their opponents. The other team's starting pitching is slightly better and certainly deeper, rested and lined up. Both team's middle relief is iffy, but one has an top notch ace coming out of the pen. The Sox pen has more potential with Williamson, Embree and Timlin. The benches are equal. The other club's management gets the nod. Intangibles go to the Sox with the smiles, the hugs, the shaved heads, the Rally Karaoke Guy, Cowboy Up and we, RSN, BELIEVE!
WHAT DO YOU STAND FOR?
Wednesday begins the battle between Good and Evil, the Allies versus Hitler, Believers and Heathens. It is Baseball’s Holy War.
I will not be socially speaking with any infidels, friends and family included, until after the series. No negative energy will pierce inside of RSN. No evil doers will break down the church doors of RSN. Good will prevail over evil.
We need to BELIEVE!
Wednesday begins the battle between Good and Evil, the Allies versus Hitler, Believers and Heathens. It is Baseball’s Holy War.
I will not be socially speaking with any infidels, friends and family included, until after the series. No negative energy will pierce inside of RSN. No evil doers will break down the church doors of RSN. Good will prevail over evil.
We need to BELIEVE!
LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING…
• Manny, I forgot that you could speak or hit, but last night you did both and with some emotion after the homerun and the check-swing strike call.
• Pedro cowboyed up on his fastball to 94 mph. Good times. Good times.
• Closer’s mentality is BS. DLowe is the pitcher who never wanted to close games again ended one of the biggest games in Red Sox history.
• V-Tek – MVP!
• Just a total team effort.
• And another “W” was taken down. Eight more to go!
• Manny, I forgot that you could speak or hit, but last night you did both and with some emotion after the homerun and the check-swing strike call.
• Pedro cowboyed up on his fastball to 94 mph. Good times. Good times.
• Closer’s mentality is BS. DLowe is the pitcher who never wanted to close games again ended one of the biggest games in Red Sox history.
• V-Tek – MVP!
• Just a total team effort.
• And another “W” was taken down. Eight more to go!
Monday, October 06, 2003
THE TUCK RULE BASEBALL STYLE
First, I want to say how great it is to be writing about Boston Red Sox games in October! Second, Jason Grady has very clear take on the “obstruction” and “interference” calls in Game 3 for Baseball Prospectus. It is a pay or premium article, but in summary Bill Welke makes the right calls. The V-tek play could have been avoided if Chavez and Hernandez executed the run down properly. Chavez should not have been in a position to catch the relay throw from Hernandez; it was Tejada’s. Then, Tejada should have run out the “interference” play. As Grady notes,
If he is safe, well then, he is safe. If he is called out, it is in the umpire's judgment whether he would have been safe if for the obstruction and if so, the umpire will overturn the out due to the obstruction. Incidentally, there will be cases when the runner would obviously still have been out and cases when the runner would obviously have been safe. For the middle ground, umpires will tend to "penalize" the defense for the obstruction, giving the benefit of the doubt to the runner, so if Tejada had continued the play and been thrown out, it is likely that would have been overturned.
Plus, another error on Chavez and one charged to both Hernandez and Tejada. Jim Caple knows the A’s have not been fundamentally sound in the postseason before.
In Game 1, the Sox did not play a clean game allowing the A’s to steal one. The opposite occurred on Saturday night as I watched the game at the 99 in Springfield, Mass-hole or where folks begin to find pinstripes more fashionable than red colored sox.
Then, the Olde Towne Team takes a squeaker the following day allowing me to take down two “W”s last night. I plan on removing another one just before midnight tonight. We have to BELIEVE!
Light Number Crunching:
Given this theory is flawed in too many ways to describe, please indulge EGG. The Red Sox averaged 5.93 runs per game while Oakland gave up 3.97 per game. Averaging the two averages, one could expect the Red Sox to score 4.95 runs per game or 24.75 over five games with Oakland. After four games, the Sox have put up 13 runs on the A’s. 11.75 runs are needed in Game 5 to reach 24.75 through five games. I’ll settle for eleven runs tonight. The offense is due for an explosion.
Notes:
• Lilly on the jackets was BUSH League. Next year, a Red Sox hitter gets one up and in.
• which is almost as foolish as Hudson and Zito being featured in the Boston version of fight club.
• which is almost as foolish as Kim’s flicking off RSN.
BTW:
If Howard Dean does not become President, his candidacy will have made a positive impact energizing college students. Hopefully, Dean has ended the general apathy young people have regarding politics and government.
First, I want to say how great it is to be writing about Boston Red Sox games in October! Second, Jason Grady has very clear take on the “obstruction” and “interference” calls in Game 3 for Baseball Prospectus. It is a pay or premium article, but in summary Bill Welke makes the right calls. The V-tek play could have been avoided if Chavez and Hernandez executed the run down properly. Chavez should not have been in a position to catch the relay throw from Hernandez; it was Tejada’s. Then, Tejada should have run out the “interference” play. As Grady notes,
If he is safe, well then, he is safe. If he is called out, it is in the umpire's judgment whether he would have been safe if for the obstruction and if so, the umpire will overturn the out due to the obstruction. Incidentally, there will be cases when the runner would obviously still have been out and cases when the runner would obviously have been safe. For the middle ground, umpires will tend to "penalize" the defense for the obstruction, giving the benefit of the doubt to the runner, so if Tejada had continued the play and been thrown out, it is likely that would have been overturned.
Plus, another error on Chavez and one charged to both Hernandez and Tejada. Jim Caple knows the A’s have not been fundamentally sound in the postseason before.
In Game 1, the Sox did not play a clean game allowing the A’s to steal one. The opposite occurred on Saturday night as I watched the game at the 99 in Springfield, Mass-hole or where folks begin to find pinstripes more fashionable than red colored sox.
Then, the Olde Towne Team takes a squeaker the following day allowing me to take down two “W”s last night. I plan on removing another one just before midnight tonight. We have to BELIEVE!
Light Number Crunching:
Given this theory is flawed in too many ways to describe, please indulge EGG. The Red Sox averaged 5.93 runs per game while Oakland gave up 3.97 per game. Averaging the two averages, one could expect the Red Sox to score 4.95 runs per game or 24.75 over five games with Oakland. After four games, the Sox have put up 13 runs on the A’s. 11.75 runs are needed in Game 5 to reach 24.75 through five games. I’ll settle for eleven runs tonight. The offense is due for an explosion.
Notes:
• Lilly on the jackets was BUSH League. Next year, a Red Sox hitter gets one up and in.
• which is almost as foolish as Hudson and Zito being featured in the Boston version of fight club.
• which is almost as foolish as Kim’s flicking off RSN.
BTW:
If Howard Dean does not become President, his candidacy will have made a positive impact energizing college students. Hopefully, Dean has ended the general apathy young people have regarding politics and government.
Friday, October 03, 2003
The negativity in this town sucks!
Was said by a man that took at least 3-months off my life but the bastard is right and it extends throughout New England (minus southern CT; Giuliani should have made it officially a part of NYC when he had the chance). I couple of weeks ago when Burlington had around two weeks of glorious sunny weather - we get like literally 20 sunny days a year – two fellow shuttle passengers were bitching about not having any rain. We, New Englanders, will find something to complain about. Of course, I exemplify New England negativity as well (my last post was somber only). I have lived here my entire life minus two months in DC.
But Kevin Paul Dupont's article on Shady Chicken Little is tough to overlook. He writes:
If Little's leaguers are dumped in straight sets, he could be dumped within three minutes after the game tomorrow night. The Sox hold an option on his services for the next two years, a pair of one-year deals, but it doesn't take much of a leap in cognitive thinking to figure the option drops dead if his Sox do, too.
If you are a frequent reader of EGG, you know that SCL is not my ideal manager. But the man has steered the ship and achieved the organization’s major objective: get into the playoffs. It is difficult for me to cognitively think that Theo could justify not renewing SCL’s contract after the team’s accomplishments.
I would recommend bringing in a Bench Coach that would be more in line with the organization’s philosophy like Larry Dierker, who seems to be every RSN SABR fans’s first choice now, to assist with in-game decisions.
BTW, I still BELIEVE.
BTW2, Howard Dean is not a part of Red Sox Nation. I really hate shitting on a guy I may vote for President, but any member of RSN would have known the start time of a playoff game.
"All I want to know is, are the Red Sox winning?'' Dean asked the crowd, two hours before the first pitch in the playoff game against Oakland (Adam Silverman, Burlington Free Press).
Was said by a man that took at least 3-months off my life but the bastard is right and it extends throughout New England (minus southern CT; Giuliani should have made it officially a part of NYC when he had the chance). I couple of weeks ago when Burlington had around two weeks of glorious sunny weather - we get like literally 20 sunny days a year – two fellow shuttle passengers were bitching about not having any rain. We, New Englanders, will find something to complain about. Of course, I exemplify New England negativity as well (my last post was somber only). I have lived here my entire life minus two months in DC.
But Kevin Paul Dupont's article on Shady Chicken Little is tough to overlook. He writes:
If Little's leaguers are dumped in straight sets, he could be dumped within three minutes after the game tomorrow night. The Sox hold an option on his services for the next two years, a pair of one-year deals, but it doesn't take much of a leap in cognitive thinking to figure the option drops dead if his Sox do, too.
If you are a frequent reader of EGG, you know that SCL is not my ideal manager. But the man has steered the ship and achieved the organization’s major objective: get into the playoffs. It is difficult for me to cognitively think that Theo could justify not renewing SCL’s contract after the team’s accomplishments.
I would recommend bringing in a Bench Coach that would be more in line with the organization’s philosophy like Larry Dierker, who seems to be every RSN SABR fans’s first choice now, to assist with in-game decisions.
BTW, I still BELIEVE.
BTW2, Howard Dean is not a part of Red Sox Nation. I really hate shitting on a guy I may vote for President, but any member of RSN would have known the start time of a playoff game.
"All I want to know is, are the Red Sox winning?'' Dean asked the crowd, two hours before the first pitch in the playoff game against Oakland (Adam Silverman, Burlington Free Press).
I HATE BEING RIGHT…WELL THIS TIME
I was not the only one, Aaron Gleeman and Ben Jacobs also wrote about the real difference in the Sox and A’s – the DEFENSE. As it was too painful for me to write anything yesterday (I do think I was not mentally capable of completing a sentence), I can not relive the miscues in the in the field for the Sox and the brilliant plays by the A’s. I actually logged all of them for Game 1. I just can’t bring myself to write about them.
Since I started this blog, some of friends have asked me if I would like to try this for a living. (They are also surprised that I can write coherently since I am a numbers geek and do that for a living. As if I never had to write a paper to graduate from college. They also forget that my other major was political science. I know they are just BSing, right?) Well, no way. I have even more respect for journalists now. I always thought it would be great to work for a MLB club or any sports team as well. But I could never just sit and analyze every single pitch like Theo. I would not be able to divide my head from my heart. I am a fan first - I mean I taped up eleven “W”s on a wall in my apartment - and hopefully, I’ll be able to watch my favorite team play more than just one more time in 2003.
I was not the only one, Aaron Gleeman and Ben Jacobs also wrote about the real difference in the Sox and A’s – the DEFENSE. As it was too painful for me to write anything yesterday (I do think I was not mentally capable of completing a sentence), I can not relive the miscues in the in the field for the Sox and the brilliant plays by the A’s. I actually logged all of them for Game 1. I just can’t bring myself to write about them.
Since I started this blog, some of friends have asked me if I would like to try this for a living. (They are also surprised that I can write coherently since I am a numbers geek and do that for a living. As if I never had to write a paper to graduate from college. They also forget that my other major was political science. I know they are just BSing, right?) Well, no way. I have even more respect for journalists now. I always thought it would be great to work for a MLB club or any sports team as well. But I could never just sit and analyze every single pitch like Theo. I would not be able to divide my head from my heart. I am a fan first - I mean I taped up eleven “W”s on a wall in my apartment - and hopefully, I’ll be able to watch my favorite team play more than just one more time in 2003.
Thursday, October 02, 2003
One of the great things about baseball is that the team usually plays everyday. The Sox are back at it again in about two hours.
Wednesday, October 01, 2003
I think I am one of the few people not rooting for a Cubs-Sox W.S. I want to see either the Braves or Marlins because I'll have a better shot at Series tickets. And let's go Twins! The drive to Min. is only 20 hours or so.
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER
A key in the series is controlling Tejada and Chavez. They make the A's go offensively. Tejada is a free swinger, so get ahead and he will get himself out. Of course, that is much easier said than done. Unlike Tejada, Chavez has one glaring weakness - his inability to hit LHP.
Once the starter is out of the game, Chavez should never face a RHP with runners on base. Should it be Embree or Sour-beck? Both have not been pitching particularly well of late and neither has enough Abs against Chavez for the numbers to be significant – greater than 20. But here is a list of current AL LHP that do (AVG/OBP/SLG):
• Rhodes (261/292/304)
• Washburn (250/250/438)
• Buehrle (192/185/308)
• Schoenewis (115/148/154)
• Moyer (258/343/645)
Rhodes is a pure power relief pitcher (mid-90s heat with a slider). Washburn and Buehrle mix things up more. They top out with low 90s heat, feature a slider or curve and changeup. Schoenewis is mostly a sinkerballer. Moyer is a classic control pitcher who changes speeds and nibbles. ESPN.com notes that Moyer’s outpitch to LHB is a looping curveball. Sour-beck’s best pitch is his curveball as well. Embree is a similar style pitcher as Rhodes. The evidence is inconclusive but I would rather have Embree take on Chavez than Sour-beck or should it be Burkie (156/227/300) or Suckpan (143/182/190)?
Series notes:
• Timlin should not pitch to Chavez, Durazo or TLong. LHB with power have teed off on him this season.
• The A’s like Sox emphasis OBP but the A’s have been tops in Defensive Efficiency over the last couple of years. It was learned in Moneyball that Assistant A’s G.M., Paul DePodesta has a system to quantify and evaluate a player’s defensive ability, which is a big part of preventing runs. It seems to be working. Is defense now being undervalued in the baseball marketplace instead of OBP?
• Williamson will come up big. His head is on straight and has been impressive of late. The last sentence was influenced by the man from Mulberry Street who I think was also a Sox fan. Email me if you know who I am referring to; the prize has yet to be determined.
• Rich Harden in the pen could be a factor in the series. Strikeout pitchers can get out of jams more easily than others. Good things happen for the defense when the ball is not put into play.
Other notes:
• …in Boston, baseball fandom is religion, a manifestation of hope, a test of endurance. If you've built up the strength to bear years of cruel defeats, you don't have another favorite team. You have a community of fellow sufferers, and you can't let them down. (Joanna Weiss, Boston Globe).
• That 70's sale: Tom Werner is looking to save a buck on everything and everything around Fenway whenever he comes to town, playing the old "do you know who I am?" card and "do we get a discount?". I'm talking $10.00 items here. Yikes. BostonDirtDogs.com – if this is true, it is sickening. Tom Werner has a net worth of $600 million based on a Los Angeles Almanac report in 2002 like he needs a discount. Who the f_ck does this Laker fan think he is? BTW, nice fire sale in San Diego. Try that here and you will be tar and feathered or worse.
A key in the series is controlling Tejada and Chavez. They make the A's go offensively. Tejada is a free swinger, so get ahead and he will get himself out. Of course, that is much easier said than done. Unlike Tejada, Chavez has one glaring weakness - his inability to hit LHP.
Once the starter is out of the game, Chavez should never face a RHP with runners on base. Should it be Embree or Sour-beck? Both have not been pitching particularly well of late and neither has enough Abs against Chavez for the numbers to be significant – greater than 20. But here is a list of current AL LHP that do (AVG/OBP/SLG):
• Rhodes (261/292/304)
• Washburn (250/250/438)
• Buehrle (192/185/308)
• Schoenewis (115/148/154)
• Moyer (258/343/645)
Rhodes is a pure power relief pitcher (mid-90s heat with a slider). Washburn and Buehrle mix things up more. They top out with low 90s heat, feature a slider or curve and changeup. Schoenewis is mostly a sinkerballer. Moyer is a classic control pitcher who changes speeds and nibbles. ESPN.com notes that Moyer’s outpitch to LHB is a looping curveball. Sour-beck’s best pitch is his curveball as well. Embree is a similar style pitcher as Rhodes. The evidence is inconclusive but I would rather have Embree take on Chavez than Sour-beck or should it be Burkie (156/227/300) or Suckpan (143/182/190)?
Series notes:
• Timlin should not pitch to Chavez, Durazo or TLong. LHB with power have teed off on him this season.
• The A’s like Sox emphasis OBP but the A’s have been tops in Defensive Efficiency over the last couple of years. It was learned in Moneyball that Assistant A’s G.M., Paul DePodesta has a system to quantify and evaluate a player’s defensive ability, which is a big part of preventing runs. It seems to be working. Is defense now being undervalued in the baseball marketplace instead of OBP?
• Williamson will come up big. His head is on straight and has been impressive of late. The last sentence was influenced by the man from Mulberry Street who I think was also a Sox fan. Email me if you know who I am referring to; the prize has yet to be determined.
• Rich Harden in the pen could be a factor in the series. Strikeout pitchers can get out of jams more easily than others. Good things happen for the defense when the ball is not put into play.
Other notes:
• …in Boston, baseball fandom is religion, a manifestation of hope, a test of endurance. If you've built up the strength to bear years of cruel defeats, you don't have another favorite team. You have a community of fellow sufferers, and you can't let them down. (Joanna Weiss, Boston Globe).
• That 70's sale: Tom Werner is looking to save a buck on everything and everything around Fenway whenever he comes to town, playing the old "do you know who I am?" card and "do we get a discount?". I'm talking $10.00 items here. Yikes. BostonDirtDogs.com – if this is true, it is sickening. Tom Werner has a net worth of $600 million based on a Los Angeles Almanac report in 2002 like he needs a discount. Who the f_ck does this Laker fan think he is? BTW, nice fire sale in San Diego. Try that here and you will be tar and feathered or worse.
Thank you - Red Sox!
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