The Baseball Thread

[Keystone]

I'll start one this season. Maybe we can get a proper subforum like the Euro kick-ballers have some day.

[LarryMahan]

Honus Wagner is all that is man. I used to have that same picture as my avatar on another site.

[Keystone]

The Buccos sweep the 'stros.

Ohh Glory Days...

[Keystone]

Mets sweep the Redbirds, go 3-0.

Carlos Beltran crushes 2 HR in 10-0 romp.

[Keystone]

Daisuke Matsuzaka (Dice-K!) lives up to the hype sooooo far as the Red Sox beat the KC Royals 4-1 on Thursday. The Nip struck out 10 in seven innings...well it was the fucking Royals.

[Trojan]

The Buccos sweep the 'stros.

Ohh Glory Days...

You going to the home opener on Monday? Since I work just a block away from the Park now, I might be tempted to take a half day ...

[Keystone]

You going to the home opener on Monday? Since I work just a block away from the Park now, I might be tempted to take a half day ...
I can't get out of working Opening Day. It's gonna be cold, too.

I'm going the following weekend to heckle Barry (Jagoff) Bonds on my birthday.

[Intrepid]

Smoltz, Glavine meet again in Atlanta
Longtime former Braves teammates face off on Saturday

PHILADELPHIA -- They've navigated countless golf courses together and counseled each other through life's tribulations. In the process, two of the most recognizable players in Braves franchise history have formed a friendship that has stood the test of time and separation.

Once their paths intersected in 1988, they marched toward greatness together for each of the next 14 years. As their careers have wound down over the past five years, they've found themselves as division rivals, who have once previously had the opportunity to match their masterful mound skills against each other.

But this second opportunity to do so will be much different. It will bring a nostalgic feeling that will have some Braves fans reminiscing about those days when Tom Glavine's head contained no gray and John Smoltz's head included a little more hair.

When Glavine and Smoltz oppose each other in Saturday afternoon's game between the Braves and Mets at Turner Field, they'll be back in the same neighborhood in which together they grew into men and celebrated many division championships.

"As we wind down our careers, this will certainly be a thing to remember," said Smoltz, who joined a Braves pitching staff that included Glavine in 1988 and has remained a member ever since.

After making his Opening Day start against the Phillies on Monday afternoon, Smoltz placed a call to Glavine. His primary intention was to have his close friend leave some tickets for him in St. Louis. But before hanging up, he made sure to ask, "You are pitching on Saturday, right?"

"This time might be different," Glavine said while acknowledging the historic and nostalgic presence this matchup brings. "It might be the last time."

There's certainly a chance that this will be the last time Braves fans get to see Glavine in Atlanta before he notches his 300th career win. He is nine wins away from completing this milestone march that began with the 242 wins he garnered in Atlanta from 1987-2002.

During Glavine's stay in Atlanta, the Braves won 11 of their 14 consecutive division titles and captured a World Series that may not have been realized without his dominance. After allowing just one hit over eight scoreless innings of the decisive sixth game of the 1995 Fall Classic, the crafty southpaw was fittingly named World Series MVP.

Smoltz may be the greatest postseason pitcher the Braves have ever seen. But it was Glavine who provided the one postseason start that allowed the city of Atlanta to celebrate its only major professional sports championship.

"His career has taken the path that it has," Smoltz said referencing Glavine's move to the Mets before the 2003 season. "But I think we can all assume what hat he's going to wear when he goes into the Hall of Fame. ... I think everybody will remember what he gave to Atlanta."

Smoltz emerged the victor during his first matchup against Glavine. During that July 15, 2005, game at Shea Stadium, he allowed one earned run and four hits over seven innings. As for Glavine, he found himself with a no-decision after limiting the Braves to one earned run and six hits over seven innings.

"When it's John, I hope I just win," Glavine said. "[Winning] 4-1 would be OK with me. Knowing him, he's probably thinking 2-1 or 1-0. But I prefer a little cushion."

Glavine, who tossed six innings and allowed just one run in his Opening Day start against the Cardinals on Sunday night, will certainly be looking to avoid the disasters he too commonly encountered when he first began facing the Braves.

During his first 11 starts against the Braves, Glavine was 1-8 with a 6.94 ERA. His fortunes seemed to turn when he was given that first opportunity to oppose Smoltz two seasons ago.

Including that start, Glavine has gone 2-1 with a 2.11 ERA in his past six starts against his former team.

"Now he's a totally different pitcher," Smoltz said. "It's amazing what a few changes can do. He's pitching as good as he ever has."

For the most part, Glavine and Smoltz have downplayed this matchup. They've said the only time they'll truly be opposing each other is when the other is in the batter's box.

"The first time I actually had to bat against him, I know I smiled," Glavine said. "How do you not? It's your friend. He's my best friend in the game. The second time, it was all business.

"I mean, I want to get a hit because it might help us win. And no matter what he does against me, in 10 years, he'll be saying how he raked against me."

During their first matchup against each other, both Smoltz and Glavine went hitless in one at-bat. But that doesn't mean one didn't escape with some bragging rights.

As Smoltz unfortunately remembers, Glavine got him to ground into a double play with the bases loaded.

So has Glavine talked trash ever since?

"He doesn't have to," Smoltz said, admitting he certainly hasn't forgotten the moment.

By the time Saturday concludes, Smoltz and Glavine will have shared yet another moment in Atlanta that they'll remember as their friendship continues to prosper many years from now.

http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070405&content_id=1881267&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl

[Keystone]

Good stuff.

It's a Fox national TV game. I'll be rooting for Smoltzie and the Braves vs the Mucking Fets.

[Keystone]

It's amazing that those Braves teams of the 90's only managed one World Series title.

However 4 pennants in 9 years is just as amazing. I'm one who thinks winning the league championship is still a big deal.

[Greenberg]

I only like soccer baseball. I might start a league some day.

[Intrepid]

Good stuff.

It's a Fox national TV game. I'll be rooting for Smoltzie and the Braves vs the Mucking Fets.

Other than having a 3-0 team, too, you're a wise man.

Hey, wanna bet on the season records between the Bravos & Buccos for the year? I'll give you, say, the difference between their records last year. Whatever it was, 10 or 12 games, I think. I don't know for what, though. Maybe $20 of a regional condiment or something that either of us don't see in our own locales? Good sauce or something?

It's amazing that those Braves teams of the 90's only managed one World Series title.

However 4 pennants in 9 years is just as amazing. I'm one who thinks winning the league championship is still a big deal.


Still depressing, that is, the four WS losses. The '91 loss to Minnesota was the worst, fucking gut wrenching, that one. We never had a decent closer, really, other than Smoltz. By then, we didn't have much of a rotation.

[Keystone]

Other than having a 3-0 team, too, you're a wise man.

Hey, wanna bet on the season records between the Bravos & Buccos for the year? I'll give you, say, the difference between their records last year. Whatever it was, 10 or 12 games, I think. I don't know for what, though. Maybe $20 of a regional condiment or something that either of us don't see in our own locales? Good sauce or something?
Spot me 12 wins? Hell yes. (It's the Iron City talking)

You're on, man.

[Intrepid]

Spot me 12 wins? Hell yes. (It's the Iron City talking)

You're on, man.

That'll work. (It was a 12 game difference last year - 67-95 vs. 79-83.)

What are some good sauces out yonder there? I'm moving back to SoCal. If I wasn't, I'd send you some of our green chile sauces here in NM, as they're excellent on lots of things.

[Keystone]

That'll work. (It was a 12 game difference last year - 67-95 vs. 79-83.)

What are some good sauces out yonder there? I'm moving back to SoCal. If I wasn't, I'd send you some of our green chile sauces here in NM, as they're excellent on lots of things.
Not too deep on sauces in the Burgh, but I'll figure something out.

[Trojan]

Not too deep on sauces in the Burgh, but I'll figure something out.

I'd say try one of the Heinz brands, but they are pretty much nationwide now - hard to offer up a Pirmanti's cheese steak or some O' fries :)

[Keystone]

I'd say try one of the Heinz brands, but they are pretty much nationwide now - hard to offer up a Pirmanti's cheese steak or some O' fries :)
You can FedEx a Mineo's pizza...that's an idea.

[il ragno]

Ahem.

I suppose y'all are trying not to notice, but...

4-0 with a 0.75 team ERA, and our lineup's burying the rest of the league 31-3. We even got another gem out of Oliver Perez!

Obviously no club can stay this hot indefinitely, but Week 1 been beddy beddy good to me.....

[Keystone]

Ahem.

I suppose y'all are trying not to notice, but...

4-0 with a 0.75 team ERA, and our lineup's burying the rest of the league 31-3. We even got another gem out of Oliver Perez!

Obviously no club can stay this hot indefinitely, but Week 1 been beddy beddy good to me.....
Yeah, I see em.

Perez pitched a jewel, and scored 2 runs. Christ. Can we have him back now? lol.

Jose Reyes is ripping the ball...Wright...Beltran...LoDuca!?

Braves looked dazed. So did the Bucs.

[Keystone]

Honus Wagner is all that is man. I used to have that same picture as my avatar on another site.

http://www.diamondsg.com/images/bakpic05.jpg

The Dutchman guards home plate.

He died a few years before I was born, but everyone I talked to who had met him around town said he was a great old fellow.

Greatest SS ever to play.

[Intrepid]

Ahem.

I suppose y'all are trying not to notice, but...

4-0 with a 0.75 team ERA, and our lineup's burying the rest of the league 31-3. We even got another gem out of Oliver Perez!

Obviously no club can stay this hot indefinitely, but Week 1 been beddy beddy good to me.....


That was sick last night. I go to the store, while it's 2-1, come back and it's 11-1. I figure it was a figment of my imagination..

2-2 in the 6th; Smoltzie and Tommy still battling at 117 & 92 pitches, respectively...

Hiram drops the ball and knocks Tommy out of the 'game. Woo hoo!!! 3-2 Bravos!

[Intrepid]

The Mets' team doctor performed the "Tommy John" surgery on him and is to do this flexor tendon repair, as well, which he apparently didn't notice the first time around.

Hmm... on two counts.

Hampton to have surgery, miss season
Braves left-hander to undergo another procedure on elbow

ATLANTA -- When he acquired Mike Hampton before the start of the 2003 season, Braves general manager John Schuerholz was lauded for his ability to work a deal that would provide his club with what appeared to be a three-year bargain.

Unfortunately, Hampton was still under contract for six years and, with the injury woes that have followed the veteran left-handed pitcher, now appears to have been anything but a bargain for the Braves.

While being evaluated by Dr. David Altchek in New York City on Monday, Hampton learned that he'll be forced to miss his second consecutive season. He has a torn flexor tendon in his left elbow that Altchek will attempt to repair during a surgical procedure on Tuesday morning.

Altchek has told the Braves that it will be another six to nine months before Hampton is able to resume pitching activities. The 34-year-old left-hander hasn't pitched since Altchek performed Tommy John surgery on him on Sept. 25, 2005.

"It's disappointing because Mike has worked so hard physically and mentally to come back to pitch for us," Braves general manager John Schuerholz said. "He wants to pitch again for us almost as bad we want him back pitching for us."

While this is the same elbow that Altchek attempted to repair via the elbow ligament transplant surgical procedure 18 months ago, this surgery will be different. Still, it will be one that won't allow Hampton to return to the Braves rotation until the start of the 2008 season.

Hampton experienced occasional elbow discomfort in Spring Training and then saw his rehab delayed when he strained a left oblique muscle on March 7. He rebounded from that ailment much quicker than expected and created a lot of optimism while completing a simulated inning on April 1.

But when he awoke the next morning with inflammation and discomfort in his elbow, he knew something was wrong. While they held out hope that the pain was a result of breaking scar tissue, the Braves prepared themselves for Monday's revelation.

"Once you have a Tommy John injury, you never know how you're going to bounce back," Schuerholz said.

When Hampton missed all of the 2006 season, insurance picked up a significant portion of his $13.5 million salary. There's a belief that under some circumstances insurance could cover some of this year's $14.5 million salary. But Schuerholz chose not to comment on this.

"I'm more worried about Mike, his arm and the team," Schuerholz said.

Schuerholz doesn't feel like he has to make a move to account for this development. When Hampton strained his oblique, the Braves immediately signed Mark Redman. In the weeks that have followed Redman has shown signs of encouragement and proven that he can be a valuable fourth or fifth starter.

If Redman were to struggle, the Braves feel confident in the progress that has been shown by Kyle Davies and Lance Cormier, who have both proven they can be key components at the bottom of the rotation.

"I feel pretty good about the pitching that we have," Schuerholz said.

When they acquired Hampton from the Rockies in a three-team trade that also involved the Marlins, the Braves made sure they wouldn't be responsible for all of the $84.5 million he was guaranteed over the next seven years of his contract, including the option for the 2009 season.

The Rockies were responsible for $12.5 million and the Marlins for $23.5 million. That left the Braves on the hook for just $48.5 million over the course of the final six guaranteed seasons in his contract. Thus they were essentially giving him a $6.93 million annually salary.

Since acquiring Hampton, the Braves have prorated his salary on annual basis. But contractually, they were responsible to pay him $5.5 million from 2003-05 and $43 million from 2006-2008.

As fate would have it, those first three years would encompass the only time that Hampton has ever pitched for the Braves. Elbow discomfort limited him to just 12 starts and 69 1/3 innings in 2005.

When Hampton began feeling discomfort in May of that year, he was in the midst of an impressive stretch. During the 22-start stretch that preceded the first of the four trips he made to the disabled list in 2005, he was 15-2 with a 2.62 ERA.

By the time this season is complete, Hampton will have been paid $42.5 million for the 12 starts that he'll have made since the start 2005 season. Putting this in context, John Smoltz earned $228,571 per start last year.

Since the start of the 2003 season, Hampton has made 72 starts and notched 32 wins for the Braves, who by the time this season ends will have paid the veteran southpaw a total of $33.5 million. Breaking it down, they will have paid him $465,777 per start and $1.05 million per win.

When Hampton returns to complete the final guaranteed portion of his contract, the Braves will be responsible for his $15 million salary. The Rockies are responsible for the $6 million buyout that is associated with his 2009 option.

The Rockies were the organization that gave Hampton the eight-year, $121 million contract before the start of the 2001 season. Schuerholz simply made it a more financially-savvy deal when he acquired the left-hander. But unfortunately, like all mortal beings, he had no way to predict the injury-wrecked future that would follow.

"Injuries are a part of what we do," Schuerholz said.

http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070409&content_id=1888533&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl

[Keystone]

It's saba-toogie!

This is a very strange story.

Since the start of the 2003 season, Hampton has made 72 starts and notched 32 wins for the Braves, who by the time this season ends will have paid the veteran southpaw a total of $33.5 million. Breaking it down, they will have paid him $465,777 per start and $1.05 million per win.
When will this madness end? Just a few years ago the Lords of Baseball were publically standing around with their pockets inside-out crying about the iniquities of contracts being paid, and still they have no will-power over multi-year, guaranteed deals like this. It's only gotten worse.

Most MLB teams have AAA or AA players on the rosters who earn a cool mill or so. With teams like my bucs, you can only afford 3 or 4 real players and the rest are dregs.

[il ragno]

If your (modest-market) team blossoms after years of sharp scouting and patient minor-league development, and rips up the league all year, you can't truly enjoy it because you're dreading the mass defections that will take place all winter. You almost have to root for second and third-place finishes to hope to keep the team intact!

Baseball's version of the "free market system" is the long gray mainstreaming of mediocrity - in other words, everything we were taught that socialism would turn into, only with much, much higher price tags.

[Intrepid]

It's saba-toogie!

This is a very strange story.


Yeah, having Hampton worked on (torn up) by the Mets' team doctor is akin to having the Russians do the maintenance work on our Nuclear sub fleet.

When will this madness end? Just a few years ago the Lords of Baseball were publically standing around with their pockets inside-out crying about the iniquities of contracts being paid, and still they have no will-power over multi-year, guaranteed deals like this. It's only gotten worse.

Most MLB teams have AAA or AA players on the rosters who earn a cool mill or so. With teams like my bucs, you can only afford 3 or 4 real players and the rest are dregs.

It's bad, but it didn't used to be this bad. Just the current gap between the Yanks and even the second team on the moneybags list - Sox, I believe at around 120M - shows the folly of the whole system. KC, in the '80s, was at the top for salaries. Damn near the top were Oakland & Cincy - Pittsburgh, too, for that matter - at the time, as the payrolls didn't seem to coincide with market size.

[Intrepid]

Say what?

"I hope he arouses the fire that's dormant in the innermost recesses of my soul."

-Ichiro on facing Matsuzaka tonight in Fenway.

[Keystone]

Say what?

"I hope he arouses the fire that's dormant in the innermost recesses of my soul."

-Ichiro on facing Matsuzaka tonight in Fenway.
Maybe Ichiro has lived in the US too long, or it sounds more pedestrian in Japanese.

Matsuzaka went 7 innings tonight with 8 hits, 3 ER and 4 K's.

Ichiro is 0-4 through 8 innings. Not Godzilla vs Mothra stuff.

[Intrepid]

Maybe Ichiro has lived in the US too long, or it sounds more pedestrian in Japanese.

Still, it sounds odd in any language. Lots of homos in Japan.

Matsuzaka went 7 innings tonight with 8 hits, 3 ER and 4 K's.

Ichiro is 0-4 through 8 innings. Not Godzilla vs Mothra stuff.

The story ended up being about that Hernandez kid for the Mariners:

Hernandez (W, 2-0) 9.0 1 0 0 2 6 0 0.00

[Keystone]

Felix Hernandez ends up with a 1 hit shut out for the Mariners...Beats the Red Sox 3-0.

[Keystone]

Braves beating the stuffing out of the Hapless Nationals (TM) in the 8th, 5-zip. Chipper with the HR.

Braves will be 7-1 in the NL East.

[Intrepid]

Are they eatin' up Roachy for the slow start yet? If so, remind 'em that Gonzo has been less than stellar himself: 4-2/3 innings - 7 hits - 4 walks - 3.86ERA

[Keystone]

Are they eatin' up Roachy for the slow start yet? If so, remind 'em that Gonzo has been less than stellar himself: 4-2/3 innings - 7 hits - 4 walks - 3.86ERA
Tracey benched Laroche today...he's hitting about .070 or thereabouts. We still got swept by the Cards.

Fucking hell.

[Intrepid]

Tracey benched Laroche today...he's hitting about .070 or thereabouts. We still got swept by the Cards.

Fucking hell.

Your starting pitching has been very tough so far, especially in comparison to the rest of the Central. The bats will come around.

[Keystone]

Your starting pitching has been very tough so far, especially in comparison to the rest of the Central. The bats will come around.
Starters have been very solid. Torres is NOT a closer. Hitting and defense are horrendous.

[Scryllak]

Another Braves fan here. :) Not a diehard fan, but it's been sort of an annual event since my childhood for me to catch them once they're plowing through the playoffs (they eventually lose, of course, bar the victory vs. the Indians). That ended last year, sadly. Shitty ass pitching--I grew up with the holy triumvirate of Maddux/Smoltz/Glavine in the bullpen, so a weak Braves rotation is practically a contradiction in terms as far as I'm concerned.

Glad to see Chipper's going strong... that $11 mil/year better be worth something. Hampton's a financial disaster. What Atlanta can hopefully shell out is enough to keep Andruw around for years to come, since his contract expires after this year. He's a fine player, and I hope he'll stick around despite earning less than he can elsewhere, as the bigger-city teams will likely try to lure him away.

[Scryllak]

When will this madness end?

The absurd overpayment of MLBers truly hit home for me back when Sosa was fined by the Cubs for skipping out on that one game. They fined him his pay for the game, which was $87,000.

The number was stunning for me... obviously it's not surprising if you simply divide all the X,000,000's by 162, but it's easy to get dazzled by all the zeros. Learning that that slugger was paid more for an afternoon of baseball than my parents ever made together in a year was damned amazing.

[Intrepid]

Another Braves fan here. :) Not a diehard fan, but it's been sort of an annual event since my childhood for me to catch them once they're plowing through the playoffs (they eventually lose, of course, bar the victory vs. the Indians).

Good to hear. Thought this was just the 40+ club babbling to each other on this thread.

That ended last year, sadly. Shitty ass pitching--I grew up with the holy triumvirate of Maddux/Smoltz/Glavine in the bullpen, so a weak Braves rotation is practically a contradiction in terms as far as I'm concerned.

Actually, the rotation has been pretty sub par since Smoltz was initially placed in the 'pen 4 years ago. The arrival of the Who the fuck is this guy? filling out the 4 & 5 slots in the rotation and menagerie of has-beens in the 'pen brought it all to the fore.

What Atlanta can hopefully shell out is enough to keep Andruw around for years to come, since his contract expires after this year. He's a fine player, and I hope he'll stick around despite earning less than he can elsewhere, as the bigger-city teams will likely try to lure him away.

Hopefully, they won't attempt to resign AJ. The economic reality says they won't anyway. He will be looking for a contract somewhere in the range between Arod's and Soriano's. With Boras his agent, he'll likely recieve it. He's a lifetime .265 hitter, with very old knees/back for a 30-year-old. You must remember, he's been acrobatically roaming center in the bigs since he was 19. You don't give 120+ mil contracts to center fielders, with declining physical attributes. Mind you, someone will, but J.S. is far too shrewd. It's a shame we're only going to get two draft picks for him, though. Should've traded him to the Bsox before last year's trading deadline.

[Scryllak]

Good to hear. Thought this was just the 40+ club babbling to each other on this thread.

My dad's a 40+er and a longtime Braves fan. It's his infectious love for them that keeps me interested. :)

Baseball seems to attract an older spectator crowd in general.

Actually, the rotation has been pretty sub par since Smoltz was initially placed in the 'pen 4 years ago. The arrival of the Who the fuck is this guy? filling out the 4 & 5 slots in the rotation and menagerie of has-beens in the 'pen brought it all to the fore.

I can never keep up with the damn pitchers anymore. Used to be a staple of icons--now it's a rotating door of mediocrity.

Hopefully, they won't attempt to resign AJ. The economic reality says they won't anyway. He will be looking for a contract somewhere in the range between Arod's and Soriano's. With Boras his agent, he'll likely recieve it. He's a lifetime .265 hitter, with very old knees/back for a 30-year-old. You must remember, he's been acrobatically roaming center in the bigs since he was 19. You don't give 120+ mil contracts to center fielders, with declining physical attributes. Mind you, someone will, but J.S. is far too shrewd. It's a shame we're only going to get two draft picks for him, though. Should've traded him to the Bsox before last year's trading deadline.

Ah, ok. I'm afraid I'm not very knowledgeable of the financial intricacies and such. :o All I know about is his eventual entry into the 500-HR club (despite the mediocre average) and his constant golden gloves.

Will Andruw sign a long-term contract, then, and ride out the zeros even when he's bench material?

[Intrepid]

Baseball seems to attract an older spectator crowd in general.


It's more family-oriented than the other three major sports. It's more affordable, too, to take an entire family to a game. Whiter, too, probably from the lack of jigabo dances. Seriously, can you imagine homerun & strikeout dances? I noticed myself appreciating baseball more as I've gotten older. It plays much better on the radio, that is, in comparison to the other 3, as well.

All I know about is his eventual entry into the 500-HR club (despite the mediocre average) and his constant golden gloves.

He a fine player who's likely headed to Cooperstown. He's always given his all; he's played hurt; he's never caused discord in the clubhouse. Thing is, it's a physically demanding position, and - if he does get an 8 year contract - he's likely to go into decline, probably heavily, in its later duration.

Will Andruw sign a long-term contract, then, and ride out the zeros even when he's bench material?

He'll never be "bench material." But Boras has the Angels, who desperately
lack an impact bat of AJ's stature, Rangers, and the Giants - who'll be free from Bonds' contract, salivating. Boston, the Yankees and Chisox will also come into the bidding, but he really wants to play in a warm weather city.

Financially, it'd make much more sense to lock up Smoltz for two more years, pick up a mid range center fielder - say, a Mike Cameron type, if Langerhams continues to struggle offensively - and lockup Francoeur and James to longterm contracts, like they just did with McCann. We still have Hampton's albatross for one more year, but freeing up AJ's 14mil will do the above, plus provide enough for another backend rotation guy.

[Intrepid]

Spot me 12 wins? Hell yes. (It's the Iron City talking)

You're on, man.

It's anyone's bet, at the break:

Atlanta 47-42

Pittsburgh 40-48 6.5 GB

[il ragno]

Whaddaya call that - the mild-card race?

[The Retard]

Go White Sox! :anon:

[Dr. Gutberlet]

how does one follow a sporting event where none of the participants are human?

[Count Eustace II]

Two things I hate about Major League Baseball:

Barry Bonds and Interleague play.

Bonds is a disgrace to MLB and his records are shit. The only reason he's given a free pass is because he's a nigger.

Inter-league Play completely ruins Intra-league rivalries and also ruins the surprise of the World Series.

That said, I think the Boston Red Sox are playing mighty well and will be a sure factor in October, although they're my most hated team.

NY Yankees may make a run in the second half but the competition for the AL Wild Card will be fierce, with the Indians, Tigers, Blue Jays, A's, Twins and White Sox all fighting each other for position.

In the National League, if the NY Mets can stay focused, they have everything they need to make it big. I still think the Atlanta Braves will challenge them. The NL Central is a mess and up for grabs between the Brewers, Cardinals, Cubs, Astros and even the damn Pittsburgh Pirates!

The NL West is also up for grabs. I think the LA Dodgers are poised to win that one.

My pick for sleeper team to make a surprise run: Florida Marlins.

[Keystone]

It's anyone's bet, at the break:

Atlanta 47-42

Pittsburgh 40-48 6.5 GB
LaRoche is coming around...finally. Probably too much pressure at first to right the Pirate dinghy single-handedly.

I like our chances at finishing .500 or better for the first time in a long time.

That's right---we aim low here matey....

[Keystone]

and even the damn Pittsburgh Pirates!

AAARRRR!!!!

[il ragno]

NY Yankees may make a run in the second half but the competition for the AL Wild Card will be fierce, with the Indians, Tigers, Blue Jays, A's, Twins and White Sox all fighting each other for position.

In the National League, if the NY Mets can stay focused, they have everything they need to make it big. I still think the Atlanta Braves will challenge them. The NL Central is a mess and up for grabs between the Brewers, Cardinals, Cubs, Astros and even the damn Pittsburgh Pirates!

The NL West is also up for grabs. I think the LA Dodgers are poised to win that one.

My pick for sleeper team to make a surprise run: Florida Marlins.

The Marlins, White Sox, Cards, Astros and Pirates have NO chance. They're all dead in the water. And the Blue Jays are starting to attract flies.

The reason the Yanks still have a shot and the Jays don't, despite the same record, is the overall talent. Red Sox have already won the division, though. And in order for the Yankees to get to the playoffs this year, not only will they have to play .650 ball in the second half - at least four (good!) clubs will have to go belly-up simultaneously. That ain't happening.

And my Mets could miss the playoffs as well. If they should fall out of first place in the East at any point.....and if Pedro doesn't come back firing on all six.... they're not going anywhere.

[The Retard]

how does one follow a sporting event where none of the participants are human?

What are you talking about? The majority of the major leagues is white, although most white players are pitchers. The sport is less polluted than soccer, basketball, and football.

[Ace Rimmer]

Love that baseball!

[Dr. Gutberlet]

What are you talking about? The majority of the major leagues is white, although most white players are pitchers. The sport is less polluted than soccer, basketball, and football.


seems that the kaffe-coloured spics run the show.

[Keystone]

seems that the kaffe-coloured spics run the show.
Lots of spics, yes, but it's an improvement. True Orcs are down to about 9%. MLB is mostly white.

[Intrepid]

http://www.shannonwoodward.com/broom.jpg

[Keystone]

:mad:

Yeah, I know. Our 3-4-5 hitters had 0 ribbies in that series. Zero. 17 hits, total.

Ian Snell broke down, etc... Almost had ya last night, though...:rofl:

The Buccos have the depth of a kiddie pool.

Oh, the Braves played pretty well, too.

[Intrepid]

:mad:

Yeah, I know. Our 3-4-5 hitters had 0 ribbies in that series. Zero. 17 hits, total.

Ian Snell broke down, etc... Almost had ya last night, though...:rofl:

The Buccos have the depth of a kiddie pool.

Oh, the Braves played pretty well, too.

Did you know Gonzalez blew his arm out and got TJ surgery? Maybe Littlefield knew something...

Hear about this one, as well: Snell for Salty?

Braves Want Young Impact Pitcher For Salty

Back on June 24th, Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette mentioned that the Pirates inquired as to the availability of catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia. At that point the required bounty was thought to be a frontline starting pitcher like Mark Buehrle.

Today, Kovacevic clarifies: the Braves want an impact-caliber young pitcher. That makes sense. The Pirates have a couple of those: Tom Gorzelanny and Ian Snell. They'd have to give one up to get Salty. Such a trade would be excellent for Atlanta but wouldn't really seem to move the Pirates forward.

While shaky in terms of confirmation, we do have one report that indicates the Pirates could trade Snell this month. Snell is 25, healthy, and a long ways from free agency. He's been the eighth best pitcher in the National League this year according to VORP. Better than Roy Oswalt, Brandon Webb, Carlos Zambrano, or Cole Hamels. It's been quite a breakout season for Snell, and he's improved his efficiency greatly. He averaged 5.81 innings per start in '06 and increased that all the way to 6.76 per start this year.


http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/07/braves-want-imp.html#comments

[Keystone]

Did you know Gonzalez blew his arm out and got TJ surgery? Maybe Littlefield knew something...

Hear about this one, as well: Snell for Salty?



http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/07/braves-want-imp.html#comments
The Pirates could have drafted catcher Matt Wieters from Georgia Tech but noooo...too expensive. You can shlubb along for 2 years or so with Doumit until Wieters comes up. Huge upside. Now Littleyield is reduced to trading away the very thing he said he wanted to build the team back up around....effective starting pitchers.

We need a real GM.

[Scryllak]

Went to the Braves game at Turner Field earlier today. Had a good time... Carlyle shut them out beyond a first-inning one-shot homer. The highlights were Chipper's jumping-in-reverse sling from first to third and Willie Harris' backpedaling left field grab to close the game. A good way to finish the sweep. :)

The only bad thing was the utterly insane concession prices. $7.25 for a little burger, $4.50 for a medium coke. No, I will not have the $5 fries with that.

[Ace Rimmer]

Do some of you guys bet on MLB games?

[Intrepid]

Busy day.

Big bat.

Impact 'pen arm.

Footsteps being heard shortly...

[Keystone]

Busy day.

Big bat.

Impact 'pen arm.

Footsteps being heard shortly...

Busy day.

We got a rock.

No wait, it's Matt Morris.

:/

[raven]

Lots of spics, yes, but it's an improvement. True Orcs are down to about 9%. MLB is mostly white.Yeah I heard that the MLB is only 8.5% "African American" (thankfully), 28% Latino (I suppose Black Latinos count as "Latino" since there's no way MLB is only 8.5% Black. White non-mestizo latinos count towards this too), 2.5-3% Asian (because of the Japanese imports) and something like 58/59% White. The US is only 2/3 White so Whites are only slightly under-represented and still majority white (esp. if you include those latinos who are white). The NBA (78% Black) and the NFL (65% Black) are pratically infested by Negroes though.

[Keystone]

Yeah I heard that the MLB is only 8.5% "African American" (thankfully), 28% Latino (I suppose Black Latinos count as "Latino" since there's no way MLB is only 8.5% Black. White non-mestizo latinos count towards this too), 2.5-3% Asian (because of the Japanese imports) and something like 58/59% White. The US is only 2/3 White so Whites are only slightly under-represented and still majority white (esp. if you include those latinos who are white). The NBA (78% Black) and the NFL (65% Black) are pratically infested by Negroes though.
More and more Japanese coming to MLB. I don't have a problem with that as long as they aren't just "Japanese" players for the sake of it. You need the talent.
Ichiro Suzuki is like Cobb, fer crissakes.

[raven]

I don't mind Japanese imports in the game either. They are talented and the Japanese are among the most civilized minorities anyway. The American soliders and ex-pats (especially the Negroes) in Japan behave worse than the Japanese working in America. The Japanese leagues have lots of Americans playing in their league anyway so it's pretty much a two-sided deal. The game does have lots of Dominicans and Puerto Ricans though.

[Keystone]

The game does have lots of Dominicans and Puerto Ricans though.
You will always have that. They are baseball crazy and do have the talent down there in Latin America.

I'm a Pirates fan since 1966 and my favorite player was Roberto Clemente. Black and Puerto Rican. He was everybody's favorite player here because he was great at the baseball. Oh yes he was.

[Intrepid]

Busy day.

We got a rock.

No wait, it's Matt Morris.

:/

You got him for, apparently, a song, though. SF was just dumping salary. Oddest trade of the year, that is, you picking up the bag. It makes virtually no sense.

Littlefield find 9 million under his pillow?

[Ace Rimmer]

5:4 in 10th, thank you Pirates :)

[Keystone]

You got him for, apparently, a song, though. SF was just dumping salary. Oddest trade of the year, that is, you picking up the bag. It makes virtually no sense.

Littlefield find 9 million under his pillow?
This deal makes no sense, but what's new?

We pass on the kid Matt Wieters from Georgia Tech in the draft---switch hitting catcher, huge upside:

"What's not to like about Wieters?"
http://mlb.mlb.com/content/printer_friendly/mlb/y2007/m05/d14/c1964151.jsp

---for a fucking relief pitcher. Wieters is a Scott Boras client, so he may want a little money. Well, we just gave it to Matt Morris--a thirtysomething pitcher on the way down. A cool $15 MIL over two years, all told. 15-20% of our entire payroll over that stretch...

Mother of Mercy.

[Keystone]

5:4 in 10th, thank you Pirates :)
We blew our run total wad for the rest of August in the last 2 days.

BFD.

[il ragno]

It amazes that Boras is not the sole rep for every pro ballplayer in Christendom by now. That conscienceless cocksucker is the only Commissioner of Baseball that counts - like it or not.

[Keystone]

It amazes that Boras is not the sole rep for every pro ballplayer in Christendom by now. That conscienceless cocksucker is the only Commissioner of Baseball that counts - like it or not.
He's working on it.

Boras is playing the system that front offices have established: Everyone's Bob Feller and Teddy Ballgame, and entitled to vast sums of geld in a watered-down, 30 team league. The MLB places less value on the fundamentals than my Little League manager did.

Most baseball fans who are supporting this nonsense don't know the history of the game or the true worth of a good baseballer.

[Crowley]

Two things I hate about Major League Baseball:

Barry Bonds and Interleague play.



I know a guy that works at Giants stadium and he sees Barry regularly, and BB is in fact as big a prick as they say. He actually snubs kids who run up to him.

[OVERWATCH]

We blew our run total wad for the rest of August in the last 2 days.

BFD.

Pirates pwnt 13-4 @ home by the last place Reds yesterday. :rofl: Your thoughts?

[Keystone]

Pirates pwnt 13-4 @ home by the last place Reds yesterday. :rofl: Your thoughts?
Make that the former last place Reds...I told you the Buccos spent their mojo in 2 games.

Blubber game of the series tonight...

Alex Rodriguez hit number 500 today.

[Ace Rimmer]

My picks for today:
Chicago Cubs & Texas

[Intrepid]

http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/images/2007/08/09/hEAoec4M.jpg

[Count Eustace II]

I know a guy that works at Giants stadium and he sees Barry regularly, and BB is in fact as big a prick as they say. He actually snubs kids who run up to him.

I hear the kids he snubs are white kids. It sounds totally believable. Bonds is a white-hater. I laugh at all those suckers in SF who pay money to cheer for that baboon.

I also read today that Atlanta Braves player Chipper Jones fired a shot at A-Rod concerning steriod use. Major League Baseball is hurting itself by allowing players to cheat.

[The Retard]

Closer Bobby Jenks has been as stubborn in revealing reasons for his success as he has been on opposing hitters.

But Mark Buehrle equates Jenks' White Sox franchise record of retiring 35 consecutive batters to a starting pitcher throwing a perfect game.

"I don't know if you guys have talked to him about it, because he's not big on [talking about it]," Buehrle said. "I know he didn't give up a home run and he was asked about it, and the next time he gave up a home run. So if you do and he pitches today, I'm sure he's going to come back and blame you guys."

Buehrle was toying with a coat hanger and playfully glaring at reporters asking him about the streak, which is the sixth longest in major-league history entering Thursday.

San Francisco's Jim Barr (1972) has the major-league record of 41 consecutive batters retired. David Wells (1998) has the American League record of 38 with the New York Yankees.

Jenks showed his agility by fielding Ryan Garko's chopper to the left of the mound to keep his streak intact Wednesday.

"You know what?" Jenks responded. "One thing—that was not going to be the hit."

Source (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/cs-070809soxbits,1,3545739.story?track=rss)


Way to go Bobby! We know you're not on steroids, you're too fuckin' fat!

[Intrepid]

Way to go Bobby! We know you're not on steroids, you're too fuckin' fat!

Is the new Comiskey in a nig-nog 'hood, too, Retard? My gramps used to tell me he'd have to give little nigger kids some coin to watch his sled, lest it get nicked during the game. During the late '40s/ early '50s, I think.

[The Retard]

Is the new Comiskey in a nig-nog 'hood, too, Retard? My gramps used to tell me he'd have to give little nigger kids some coin to watch his sled, lest it get nicked during the game. During the late '40s/ early '50s, I think.

Yes, but they tried to clean the area up a little bit. The new park was built on the parking lot of old Comiskey. When I first went to games there were bullet holes in the seats.

[Keystone]

Looks like I'll owe Intrepid a Pittsburgh care package. Christ, we went into the dumpster after the AS break.

We've lost every series since then. Our ownership can't/won't afford the prices of good to mediocre talent in baseball today.

[Intrepid]

Looks like I'll owe Intrepid a Pittsburgh care package. Christ, we went into the dumpster after the AS break.


Ahh, it's still anyone's game. I've only got a 1/2 game lead on ya. You forget something: we suck, too.


We've lost every series since then. Our ownership can't/won't afford the prices of good to mediocre talent in baseball today.

Any rationale behind the Morris trade. The trade rumor blogs/sites, particularly Pirates' fans, were brutal on your GM. Absolutely brutal.

[Keystone]

Ahh, it's still anyone's game. I've only got a 1/2 game lead on ya. You forget something: we suck, too.
Geez we just clobbered SF 13-3. LaRoche is now what we expected. The Morris deal was window dressing. The Pirates have these games, you know...if they could keep up the pace....but we can't.

Been a Bucco fan for 40 years and this is freakin' frustrating.

[Intrepid]

LaRoche is now what we expected.


Yeah, I've noticed his numbers have been creeping up quite nicely. Prolly end up in the 22hrs 90 rbis .265ave range. Not bad, and better than the 25 innings we got out of Gonzo.

Been a Bucco fan for 40 years and this is freakin' frustrating.

From '74 - '90 the Braves, if memory serves, had a grand total of one season over .500. So, I know quite well how you feel.

[Keystone]

Yeah, I've noticed his numbers have been creeping up quite nicely. Prolly end up in the 22hrs 90 rbis .265ave range. Not bad, and better than the 25 innings we got out of Gonzo.
Too much pressure on Laroche in the beginning methinks.
From '74 - '90 the Braves, if memory serves, had a grand total of one season over .500. So, I know quite well how you feel.
Oh yeah. I remember watching "America's Team" on TBS featuring the unfortunate Dale Murphy.

[il ragno]

From '74 - '90 the Braves, if memory serves, had a grand total of one season over .500. So, I know quite well how you feel.

They had four, actually: 74, 80, 82 and 83. In fact, looking at the franchise circa 74-90, maybe it's not so surprising Joe Torre eventually turned into one of the great managers: he won 89, 88 and then 80 games with a pretty godawful club. No other manager they had back then, including the first version of Bobby Cox, even came close.

My fondest memory of the Bad News Braves - the Mike Lum/Rick Camp/Biff Pocoroba Braves - was one magical day around 77or 78 when they drew a scintillating 877 paying customers to a midsummer home game. Of course, they were probably already 25 games out of first by then, but still....877 people. Damn.

That one day's attendance probably laid the groundwork for another 3-5 years of last place finishes all by itself.

[Ace Rimmer]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1-9LhYdJOU

Hell yeah! :dance2:

[Intrepid]

Hey Intrepid. I read about the unfortunate loss of your pooch. Condolences.


Thanks, Key. Best one I've ever had, he was.

Looks like I owe you a Buccos Smiley Bouquet as well.

Real turnaround the last 10 games or so. You had me by 3 before then.

[Keystone]

Real turnaround the last 10 games or so. You had me by 3 before then. We just lost our 8th straight to the Cubbies. Really fucking awful

Ownership has hired Frank Coonelly from the MLB offices as CEO and it looks like Neal Huntington, the Tribe's Asst. GM is our new General Manager. We desperately need someone who can assess talent.

[Intrepid]

We just lost our 8th straight to the Cubbies. Really fucking awful

Ownership has hired Frank Coonelly from the MLB offices as CEO and it looks like Neal Huntington, the Tribe's Asst. GM is our new General Manager. We desperately need someone who can assess talent.

I think the wizardry of the Morris deal finalized change was in the air.

Check this out: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/mlb/news/entertainment/artists/eltonjohn/index.jsp

I almost lost my oatmeal a couple mornings ago. Knucksie, Lemmer and JS chatting 'ball with this Limey fruit was too much.

[Keystone]

I think the wizardry of the Morris deal finalized change was in the air. Och.
Check this out: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/mlb/news/entertainment/artists/eltonjohn/index.jsp

I almost lost my oatmeal a couple mornings ago. Knucksie, Lemmer and JS chatting 'ball with this Limey fruit was too much. Sir Elton the Poofter told JS that Brian McCann was a top prospect! Thank God. Phew!
That clip is just too weird.

By the way, could we borrow JS for a few seasons? Just 'til we get our sea-legs?

[Intrepid]

Och.
Sir Elton the Poofter told JS that Brian McCann was a top prospect! Thank God. Phew!
That clip is just too weird.


Yeah, it is. Look at the other ones, if you're immensely bored, he starts babbling about Sheffield and team chemistry.

Celebrities and sports talk = vapid moments to forget

By the way, could we borrow JS for a few seasons? Just 'til we get our sea-legs?

Him and Bobby are retiring after next season, odds are. I think that's why they sold the farm for Texiera. You know who is an underrated GM? Kevin Tower of the Padres. I'd grab one of his guys, if I were looking.

[Burrhus]

We just lost our 8th straight to the Cubbies. Really fucking awful

http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/153/841427~Cubs-Win-Posters.jpg

Thanks for Aramis.

[Keystone]

http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/153/841427%7ECubs-Win-Posters.jpg

Thanks for Aramis.

Our pleasure....:mad:

[Scryllak]

Goodbye Andruw. (http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071002&content_id=2245761&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl)

Jones/Scott Boras wanted $120 million over 7 years ($17m/year).

[Intrepid]

That message was permanently chipped into the clubhouse wall when they acquired Teixeira. If Boras can get a 7yr/120mil contract for a guy whose back is that of a 50 year old, and stood proudly on the Mendoza line with RISP, he should be President.