ALDS Game One(s) Live Blog
| 3:06 |
: The schedule for today’s live blogs: Wendy Thurm and August Fagerstrom have the Orioles/Tigers game, and then I’ll be joined by David Temple for the Royals/Angels game at 9:30. We’ve got ~7 hours of baseball in front of us. Let’s have a good time.
|
| 5:25 |
: Welcome.
|
| 5:27 |
Hi Wendy! |
| 5:27 |
Can the Royals make a this a competitive series? Can they get to a fifth game? |
| 5:28 |
: Royals’ opening is with the Angels’ starters. But Angels have same opening with Royals’ starters and have a much more potent offense. It does appear to be a mismatch, but that’s why you play the game.
|
| 5:29 |
I bet the royals wish they hadn’t traded away Wil Meyers for a 2 year Shields rental. I mean their fan base must be so upset right now. |
| 5:30 |
: Royals traded for strong starting pitching and it worked. A’s did same and it didn’t work. All we can do is make projections based on the best available info.
|
| 5:30 |
: Hi people! I’ve never done this before so I hope I’m not a complete failure! Hi Wendy!
|
| 5:30 |
How many times through the O’s lineup can Scherzer go before he’s as bad as the Tigers’ bullpen |
| 5:31 |
: I’ll say 7.
|
| 5:32 |
What is a Fagerstrom |
| 5:32 |
what the O/U on bunts in the KC/LAA game tonight? |
| 5:32 |
: Ohp, that looks different from what the rest of the responses.
|
| 5:33 |
: I’ll peg the O/U on bunts tonight at 3.5. Taking the over.
|
| 5:33 |
For that matter, what’s a Thurm? |
| 5:34 |
Who do you like in the first game? |
| 5:34 |
: For what it’s worth, Orioles and Tigers were both in the bottom 10 in sac bunting this year. Think Ned might be blazing the trail on that one
|
| 5:35 |
Where do you stand on retiring 21 across the league in honor of Roberto Clemente? |
| 5:35 |
He said Royals/Angels. God Fagerstrom, get it together |
| 5:36 |
: Interesting idea. I like giving teams the opportunity to honor their players, and let the league do it for the greats. I’d be inclined against, but don’t feel strongly about Clemente.
|
| 5:37 |
Thanks Wendy, that’s what I wanted to hear 🙂 How important do you think it is for the Tigers to have a lead before going to the bullpen? |
| 5:37 |
Who’s able to make it a closer series, Orioles or Royals? |
| 5:38 |
As few as 3200 tigers exist in the wild today |
| 5:38 |
How do you explain Steve Pearce and Nelson Cruz? |
| 5:39 |
: Hey look, baseball!
|
| 5:39 |
Which MLB manager will be first to advocate for a 30-man roster with 9 DHs? |
| 5:39 |
How much of the game do you guys miss tending to this chat? |
| 5:40 |
What’s your guys’ ideal World Series matchup this October? |
| 5:40 |
: Out of the AL, I’d love to see the Royals make it because of the story, or the Angels make it because Trout
|
| 5:41 |
: I don’t have an ideal matchup, although as a Giants fans, I’d prefer to not see either the Dodgers or the Cardinals in the WS.
|
| 5:42 |
: 33% of Tillman’s pitches this season were fastballs in the upper-third. Can you tell?
|
| 5:43 |
Hopefully this is a good Wendy question and quasi relevant: With Chris Davis’s assertion he had an exception for Adderall last year and just didn’t get one this year, how does that happen? As someone that takes a similar medication it’s not really something you stop taking. Seems like between Chris, his agent, and the Orioles they wouldn’t let the exception lapse. Is there something weird where the MLB would take away his exception or is this just an excuse that doesn’t hold up? |
| 5:43 |
Who is more legit, Steve Pearce or JD Martinez? |
| 5:43 |
Why would a Giants fan not like the Cradinals? |
| 5:44 |
Orioles/Nats is our last hope at a wacky, good World Series |
| 5:44 |
: Wow. That curve after all those high fastballs
|
| 5:44 |
: Chris Tillman is a bit amped up.
|
| 5:44 |
: And then right back to the heat. Hi, Chris Tillman.
|
| 5:45 |
Camden Yards seems like it’d help Cruz, but have you noticed he hit 25 of his 40 HRs away, with an OPS about .150 higher? |
| 5:45 |
Has their ever been a postseason rotation with 3 consecutive Cy Young Award winners such as the Tigers’? |
| 5:46 |
By the sounds of it, we would be intrigued by a world series with any two of the remaining teams involved. |
| 5:47 |
Am I incorret in thinking it’s supposed to be “Game(s) One,” or just pedantic? |
| 5:47 |
Which team (other than the A’s) has the most trouble with high heat? Wonderful inning by Tillman |
| 5:48 |
It’s not 3 consecutive Cy Youngs, but considering Verlander shouldn’t count anymore, Kershaw-Greinke is at least 2! |
| 5:48 |
I think a Angels – Dodgers WS would be most entertaining. Giants – A’s would have been fine as well. |
| 5:48 |
: Tigers, as a team, actually hit the high heat well this year. .378 SLG was seventh-best in MLB
|
| 5:49 |
: Funny enough, nobody hit high fastballs quite like the Orioles (.437 SLG, 30 points better than second place)
|
| 5:49 |
do you think scherzer gets a similar deal to what cain got? |
| 5:50 |
How did Markakis go from star to somewhat okay player? |
| 5:50 |
: Power disappearing didn’t help, either
|
| 5:51 |
I remember the name Fagerstrom for when Conan O’Brien went to Finland for an episode |
| 5:51 |
2 strikes lost to framing already |
| 5:51 |
What’s your predicted W/L record for the Tigers bullpen this postseason? |
| 5:52 |
: Wonder if that’s the most inside/outside pitch Scherzer has thrown all year. Something tells me it is.
|
| 5:53 |
Oh boy Jones..maybe take a pitch there. |
| 5:53 |
: Boom goes Cruz
|
| 5:53 |
: I bet Dave’s glad he switched chat times today. He’d be getting hammered with “Nelson Cruz worst FA signing” comments right now.
|
| 5:53 |
so who gives Cruz 4/60 this offseason |
| 5:54 |
: Wow, if Cruz and Pearce went back-to-back off Scherzer with two outs in the first that would have been sooo Orioles
|
| 5:54 |
the phillies probably |
| 5:54 |
The Mariners |
| 5:55 |
1997 NLDS featured Braves with Maddux-Glavine-Smoltz. Each had at least 1 Cy Young by that point, and each got the win in their game on the way to a series sweep. |
| 5:55 |
The 1997 Braves playoff team had six consecutive Cy Young winners (Glavine, Maddux, Maddux, Maddux, Maddux, Smoltz). |
| 5:56 |
Just how on earth did Cruz not get picked up by anyone for more than 10 million, while Choo got 100? |
| 5:56 |
Would O’s be World Series favorites with Machado, Weiters, and Davis? |
| 5:56 |
: Cruz had a great season, but he’s still not a very attractive free agent, TBH
|
| 5:57 |
: Choo was coming off a .423 OBP season, can run the bases and hasn’t graded out terribly in the corners. Nobody could have seen the season he had coming
|
| 5:58 |
: Lots of comments saying Mariners will sign Cruz
|
| 5:58 |
Since we all know pitching wins championships, I’m not even going to bother looking up how many they won. All of them, assuredly. |
| 5:59 |
: Cruz and Martinez to lead the way, who could have guessed?!
|
| 5:59 |
Welcome to Camden Yards everybody! |
| 5:59 |
Just because a player isn’t an attractive free agent doesn’t mean there aren’t one or teams who will stupidly overpay him |
| 5:59 |
Why is Victor Martinez good again |
| 6:00 |
whoever is doing the PBP has already shown more emotion than ernie johnson |
| 6:01 |
: Can I repost the comment that said “Welcome to Camden Yards everybody”?
|
| 6:01 |
: Astros let JD Martinez go. Still crazy
|
| 6:01 |
: Chris Tillman: career 1.26 HR/9
|
| 6:01 |
Do pitchers who are about to be a FA and perform well in the postseason get more money? |
| 6:02 |
Will there be more home runs in this game than there will be Royals bunts in the next? |
| 6:02 |
Where would the Tigers be without the Kinsler trade? |
| 6:03 |
Honestly these were home runs in most ballparks |
| 6:03 |
Victor Martinez never had this much power. Is it because of the move off of catcher, you think? |
| 6:04 |
What are your favourite Postseason-coverage quirks? Love me some swearing picked up by on-field mics and awkward broadcasters’ apologies |
| 6:05 |
Is there a type of pitcher that defies the worse-every-time-through-the-order? |
| 6:05 |
Dickey has a huge times through the ordr penalty actually |
| 6:06 |
MGL did something on this a year ago http://www.baseballprospect… |
| 6:07 |
: So many fly balls.
|
| 6:07 |
where could one go to find stats on 2nd and 3rd time through the order? |
| 6:08 |
Can you post a screenshot of how many questions you are looking at at one time? |
| 6:10 |
B-ref splits page has times through the order explicitly. It’s called “Times Facing Opponent in Game” |
| 6:12 |
I feel like a deep repertoire would help, or just nasty stuff |
| 6:13 |
How many people are in the chat? |
| 6:15 |
I wonder how many days in a row Mike Trout has been one of the 10 players in the drop down box when you go to search for players on Fangraphs |
| 6:15 |
I think Royals chat topped out at 2300. |
| 6:15 |
Don’t you hate when the team you want to lose has great uniforms? |
| 6:16 |
Royals chat hit 2900 at the peak afaik. |
| 6:17 |
Hey Wendy, I feel like some idiot gave you a lot of **** on the Player of the Year article. I personally think your articles are some of the best and well written on the site. Thank You for being here. |
| 6:17 |
Was anyone else disappointed when Castellanos ruined the Tigers’ chances for a perfect 3 true outcomes game? |
| 6:18 |
Cream of wheat or oatmeal? |
| 6:18 |
How much money did Hardy cost himself this season? I fell like he went from an “elite FA shortstop” to almost a qualifying offer guy in one season… |
| 6:19 |
To make it to the LCS in the last 20 years you needed to be either 1 or 2 in spending in your division. Like, 95% of LCS teams were 1 or 2. Why? And does Baltimore beat those odds? |
| 6:20 |
Why is Verlander starting in game two? |
| 6:21 |
Isn’t defensive war into your 30’s tough to count on continuing? |
| 6:22 |
: Max Scherzer’s elbow just entered the Matrix
|
| 6:22 |
Wendy, now that we have you live chatting, what would it take to make you the next commissioner? And what would you change first? You would clearly be awesome at that job. |
| 6:22 |
Will Ausmus use A. Sanchez like a setup man or a traditional longman? |
| 6:23 |
Ausmus said the reason was to not have too long of a layoff in throwing for Verlander (his last start was last Wednesday). |
| 6:23 |
For what it’s worth, the Game 3 starter would be on normal rest for Game 1 of the LCS. |
| 6:23 |
I really like staying with the center field camera on singles up the middle– that was a nice view |
| 6:24 |
Speaking of that,Have you every though about going into business with a baseball agent? You have an elite level education(unfortunately still valued over skill in legal/business fields) and you obviously have terrific understand of off the field and on the field baseball matters.Scott Boras would be lucky to have you. |
| 6:24 |
I like the way you spell your name, Jon |
| 6:25 |
: Markakis’d
|
| 6:25 |
Can Verlander survive 6 innings tomorrow? |
| 6:27 |
: This start to the game is really going to test Ausmus’ bullpen management, which was not great this season.
|
| 6:27 |
Does this mean Scherzer will only get a QO now? |
| 6:27 |
TBS needs a pitch count on the screen, so used to it now |
| 6:29 |
: Last home game, that is
|
| 6:30 |
Okay google, how much should we regress defensive statistics when calculating WAR? |
| 6:31 |
Are you able to mentally recalculate what a player’s WAR should be once you have halved the UZR? |
| 6:32 |
Which broadcast is it that has the defensive positioning in the corner between pitches? I see it occasionally when MLB Network does live look-ins and it is amazing. |
| 6:32 |
: Well if you take a +20 run defender and make it +10, you can knock off about a win. From 10 to 5 knocks off about half a win. Doesn’t have to be exact
|
| 6:32 |
If Phile Coke faces a right handed batter in this game how drinks should I have? |
| 6:32 |
“how drinks should I have” sounds like you’re already deep enough |
| 6:35 |
I’m actually just about to leave work I’m just already dreading the bullpen decision making given how Scherzer is pitching right now. Probably beer. |
| 6:35 |
Is keeping hitters in the batters box a fair way of speeding up the game? |
| 6:35 |
How long do you think until we start hearing about pitch framing on national television broadcasting? |
| 6:36 |
: I don’t think they ever cite him by name but they cite the same numbers and concepts that are clearly from his article.
|
| 6:36 |
: Kinsler doing the lead off job beautifully with this AB.
|
| 6:36 |
to be fair, I’m on beer number 3 |
| 6:37 |
I don’t think pitch framing itself is really a “non-traditional” sort of concept its just that no one ever thought it could be quantified. |
| 6:38 |
: Jesus, this at-bat
|
| 6:38 |
David Cone does it on YES |
| 6:38 |
Cone loves Fangraphs etc on YES for the Yankees, Mets guys are a bit slower to embrace…Keith Hernandez loves wins |
| 6:39 |
Ok guys. How much should framing matter? I’ve been a Lucroy advocate for player of the year/NL MVPe. Including framing, he should be worth close to 9 WAR as BP says he has saved close to 24 runs.. If you half it, he is one level with Trout/Kershaw. Take it away, still a top 30 catching season of all time, especially considering the “intangibles” like calling a game/physical demand. What do you guys think? Is it that hard to believe a defensive player involved in EVERY pitch more unreliable than normal defensive metrics? |
| 6:39 |
: wat?
|
| 6:39 |
: torii hunter 2-out bunt for hit?
|
| 6:39 |
Kinsler didn’t do the lead-off job very well there, since I’m pretty sure the job is getting ob base. |
| 6:40 |
Does talking about the process of framing without citing run values count? Because Dan Dickerson has mentioned it a couple times this game on Tigers radio. |
| 6:40 |
pls don’t comment on game action, I’m 20 seconds behind |
| 6:41 |
2 |
| 6:42 |
Is there somewhere that has what percentage of pitches a pitcher throws end up as foul balls? Cause Tillman has to be up there |
| 6:43 |
Wendy, I just get annoyed with this idea that fouling off pitches is really that important. |
| 6:43 |
: Phil Hughes led the league in foul balls by five (!) percentage points. He was at 25%, Kershaw was second at 20%
|
| 6:44 |
Hey Wendy, I liked your article on the technology in stadiums, but felt personal comfort was neglected. Do teams underestimate how important thermal and visual comfort are to the viewing experience? Thanks |
| 6:44 |
That was the most Adam Jones at bat ever |
| 6:44 |
A&W, have you guys ever met? If not, do you even know each virtually very well or is this like an awkward Skype first date with the whole world watching? |
| 6:45 |
: She seems great though and is an excellent writer
|
| 6:46 |
August: Mets overtake #Natitude in ’15? Wild card? Or 7th losing season in a row? |
| 6:46 |
Under current FG thinking, that you should go to the bullpen very early in a playoff game, doesn’t driving up the pitch count matter a lot less? |
| 6:46 |
: It will be interesting to see what they do in the offseason to lineup/bullpen
|
| 6:46 |
Wait… We’re going to refrain from talking about the game real time because some guy has the game paused and is 2 pitches behind? It’s a commercial K-Man. Fast forward |
| 6:47 |
: Sorry K-Man
|
| 6:47 |
Wendy, why do you think that Kinsler’s atbat was positive? Sure he had a lot of foul tips but he didn’t get on base. |
| 6:48 |
with pitch framing data becoming a thing, will it be reflected in FIP? |
| 6:49 |
I’m trying to engage the giants on it with some tech invented by the CBE at Berkeley, http://www.cbe.berkeley.edu/, if you have a contact it’d be appreciated. pancakeindian@yahoo.com |
| 6:49 |
I would like to be clear that my comment about Wendy on the POTY article was mocking the original commenter insulting her. I thought signing off “semper fudge” would give it away. |
| 6:50 |
Which city left in the playoffs has the best food? |
| 6:50 |
Do you guys play fantasy? |
| 6:51 |
: A lot of you think more than 6 relievers will be used. Unless we go extras, I can’t see that
|
| 6:52 |
But how many leagues did you play in? |
| 6:52 |
That’s relievers total right? |
| 6:53 |
Since we’ve had like 3 questions on that one Kinsler AB, why not another one: Do you think broken bats have an affect on anything? Or is it just the result of a bad swing? |
| 6:53 |
How old are you, August? You must have inherited a team I assume |
| 6:54 |
: This game is so Chris Tillman. Everything is good save for a couple costly singers
|
| 6:54 |
: dingers, damnit autocorrect
|
| 6:54 |
PIT? For Food? it’s better than Hotdogs and popcorn but have you been to AT&T? Hands down the best food and I’ve been to 22 of the 30. Then again, I like variety and fresh, non processed stuff. |
| 6:54 |
does this chat have autocorrect? |
| 6:56 |
: 5 more minutes on the poll. Want to make sure we end the poll before the first reliever.
|
| 6:56 |
AT&T Park does have excellent food….But San Diego beats it in terms of beer |
| 6:57 |
August being a year younger than me makes me feel like a failure |
| 6:58 |
How hot is Mila? |
| 6:58 |
What are you studying August? |
| 6:59 |
tell us about getting into the industry august. what did you do |
| 7:00 |
: Ungroomed Brett Favre >>>>>>>>> groomed Brett Favre
|
| 7:00 |
Good luck man. I’m rooting for you. Your ability to write and a cool name will take you far |
| 7:01 |
Are you sure there wasn’t any blackmail involved August? |
| 7:02 |
If you eliminate Fenway and Wrigley AT+T=best stadium. |
| 7:02 |
Chance Nelson Cruz declines a QO? I could see many teams interested in him as a good DH. |
| 7:02 |
: Coors is beautiful too. Can’t beat Wrigley or Fenway for the atmosphere, but to be honest Wrigley is a dump (sorry cubs fans i love them too)
|
| 7:03 |
If a contract has a team option that the team declines, can itthen make a QO to try to get draft pick compensation? Seems like it’s against the spirit, and might spawn a grievance, but is it actually against the rules? |
| 7:03 |
You can’t fit in a Beantown seat unless you are 5′ 6″ |
| 7:04 |
: Closing the poll after this half inning.
|
| 7:04 |
My prediction: Tigers will win this game without ever putting a man on base. |
| 7:04 |
Fenway is in a great location with a great atmosphere, but the stadium itself is still too small and kinda a dump. |
| 7:04 |
I have to go pick up the kids now. Please don’t talk about the game at all until I return and catch up. I don’t want it spoiled. |
| 7:05 |
This game needs more steals and bunts |
| 7:05 |
: definitely the wrong question
|
| 7:05 |
What are your guys’ spirit animals? |
| 7:06 |
: I think you’re higher than me on the food chain
|
| 7:06 |
What’s your prediction on the life of Kershaw’s contract: Bargain, Fair Deal, or Bust? |
| 7:07 |
I have visited 30 MLB stadiums. Dont discount Miller park on best fan experience. Roof keeps the noise in, Lots of sausage, and there’s a free shuttle from the Miller Brewery. That’s a fun Satrday right there. |
| 7:07 |
Oh wow, I didn’t realize you were the one behind the lineup optimization article last year. I really enjoyed that one. |
| 7:07 |
Lower on the list of “things you might survive running into with your car” though. |
| 7:07 |
Did Wendy mean Cougar? |
| 7:08 |
We’ve now had comments from queef pulverizer and boner jamz. No commentary, just think it’s funny. |
| 7:08 |
August, you are underestimating how big a Moose is and how small Jaguars are. |
| 7:09 |
D Wright back to 5+ WAR next year? |
| 7:10 |
A jaguar would destroy a moose in a fight. Those big cats are literally killing machines. |
| 7:10 |
Ya, but how much has the moose been working out? |
| 7:11 |
: I think the closest I’ve ever been to a fist fight was with own of my best friends on who would fit a fight between a hippopotamus and a grizzly bear
|
| 7:11 |
: This autocorrect is KILLING me
|
| 7:11 |
Grizzly cmon bruh |
| 7:11 |
Hippo, right? |
| 7:11 |
: I love you guys
|
| 7:12 |
: That’s how it all started.
|
| 7:12 |
: Machado would’ve had that
|
| 7:12 |
someone needs to start walking around and stretching in the O’s ‘pen right? |
| 7:12 |
: Obvious comment is obvious
|
| 7:13 |
: Wow. That guy is manning center field for the Tigers right now? might want to think about ezequiel carrera.
|
| 7:14 |
Moose weight up to a 1400 pounds and can stand 6-7 ft tall with 6ft wide antlers. A jaguar wouldn’t think of taking on something that massive. |
| 7:15 |
What should managers do in playoff blowouts? Assuming it’s not an elimination game is it ever a good idea to punt a game? What would be the best way to go about this? |
| 7:15 |
Hunter-O’Day-Miller-Britton ENGAGE |
| 7:16 |
THT Wendy |
| 7:16 |
Rajai Davis has a career UZR/150 of 0.0 in CF and negative everywhere else. |
| 7:17 |
: Tigers’ hitters grit factor is off the charts right now
|
| 7:17 |
: Wow.
|
| 7:18 |
: Crazy at-bat
|
| 7:18 |
: That should be it for Tillman
|
| 7:19 |
: Torii’s timing looks off.
|
| 7:19 |
So uh, pitch framing |
| 7:19 |
too long for Tillman, right? |
| 7:19 |
: If I’m Showalter I’m doing anything in my power to make sure Miggy doesn’t bat this inning
|
| 7:20 |
43% of Tillman’s pitches have been to Kinsler, that is just awesome. |
| 7:21 |
Now would be the time for one of those groundball specialists. |
| 7:21 |
Was hoping for a Royals- Pirates WS to make TV networks cry, but what would be the second worse outcome for them? |
| 7:21 |
: How did Kinsler make that such a close play
|
| 7:22 |
Question for Wendy – Will any of the ongoing litigation possibly result in local games available on MLB.TV? Or is that a pipe dream? |
| 7:22 |
Orioles infielders are so scared to throw the ball hard at the base after their last few weeks of throwing teh ball all of the place |
| 7:22 |
(Correction, accidentally used strikes, not total pitches. Still, 30% (30/99) at the time Kinsler walked.) |
| 7:22 |
Baltimore fans are the worst. Stop with the Seven Nation Army, you aren’t a Big Ten school. |
| 7:23 |
So no relief for those of us who would rather burn $100 per month than give it to Comcast… |
| 7:23 |
Got the email today about MLB.tv streaming the playoffs on mobile devices, with a cable subscriber login — presumably a pilot program? |
| 7:25 |
: I just ordered a pizza. Yay pizza!
|
| 7:26 |
where is his fanship talked about? link please? |
| 7:27 |
Just search “Jack White Cubs” on Google Image Search. It’s clear how much he likes baseball. |
| 7:27 |
: Here’s the article on staggered rotations in the postseason.
|
| 7:27 |
There’s also this Tigers promo Video where Jack White refuses to say “get Miggy with it” |
| 7:27 |
Never buy pizza. Always make your own. I’m snooty like that. |
| 7:29 |
: Did the Tigers borrow the Pirates defense?
|
| 7:29 |
: The MLB’s worst defensive third baseman this season, ladies and genetlemen
|
| 7:30 |
On the win expectancy charts, what’s the difference between the green line and the gray line? |
| 7:32 |
Don’t know White but was at that Cubs game. 98 degrees for my first day inChicago. |
| 7:33 |
I think the grey line is the one that starts at the original win expectancy instead of 50/50. Because the tigers were at above 50 to start the game, hence why the grey line is lower |
| 7:34 |
shouldnt this be o’day? |
| 7:35 |
did Wendy abandon us to go track down homeless-looking Brett Farve? |
| 7:36 |
: Miggy just made Steve Pearce look like a baby!!!! What is Pearce, like 5’3″?
|
| 7:36 |
Wendy, who won at the party? |
| 7:37 |
when did Vmart last strike out twice in a game? |
| 7:37 |
Maybe Buck considers Miller his best non-closer and wants him to face the middle of the order? |
| 7:37 |
: That was a guess
|
| 7:38 |
It is odd that you don’t do chats more on timezone. I thought Wendy and Jeff would do the later game with August and someone else on east coast game. |
| 7:39 |
Buck Showalter is a good manager |
| 7:39 |
3-2 |
| 7:39 |
: Andrew Miller had a 1.35 ERA and 1.13 FIP with Baltimore this year. Jesus.
|
| 7:40 |
: 2.02/1.51 for the season
|
| 7:41 |
poor Wendy |
| 7:41 |
: 42.6 K%! 7 BB%! 0.43 HR/9!
|
| 7:41 |
having to trade with Dave and be with August |
| 7:44 |
Would you let Miller pitch next inning? Or would you bring in Hunter? |
| 7:45 |
August, you’ve spent half this chat talking about being a moose |
| 7:45 |
creepiest car insurance commercial ever, thanks Progressive |
| 7:45 |
high socks fans? love A. Jones look. |
| 7:46 |
Who would win in a fight between a Moose and a Hippopotamus? |
| 7:46 |
I think Miller could be one of those rare reliever trades that really matter. Good relievers are more undervalued than top end starters in the playoffs. |
| 7:47 |
: creepy Guest
|
| 7:47 |
Sometimes it seems like you publish questions based on the name moreso than the question |
| 7:48 |
I was shocked that after carrying 3 LHRP all season, the O’s left Matusz and McFarland off the roster, with Miller being the only lefty, and he doesnt really play like a true lefty out of the pen who is exposed to RHPs |
| 7:48 |
“Boner jamz” |
| 7:49 |
: Tigers defense doing work.
|
| 7:49 |
: That’s the angriest a pitcher has ever been about an out before
|
| 7:49 |
: The juxtaposition of Scherzer’s emotions from the strikeout to the ball coming off that bat were classic
|
| 7:51 |
: Poll still open. Get those votes in.
|
| 7:51 |
Why Steve Pierce, why |
| 7:51 |
That makes it slightly less painful to remember Pearce was claimed by the Blue Jays and refused to play there |
| 7:52 |
Pearce had to have got a slow jump out of the box there |
| 7:52 |
Showalter is shaking his head and looking at his little book of names until play restarts |
| 7:52 |
JD got a gun |
| 7:52 |
Bud Norris is super emotional everytime a ball goes in the air. It could be going 500 feet and it just points in the air right above the mound as if its going to hit a 747 and come shooting down for an IFFB |
| 7:52 |
Do you take sherzer out now or try to extend because that bullpen sukc |
| 7:53 |
You need to work on your #brand if you don’t want those to show up on Google when looking for your writing August. |
| 7:53 |
: After the fourth “JD’s got a gun” comment, I get the joke
|
| 7:54 |
: Andrew Miller’s making fools look silly right now
|
| 7:56 |
Who does Scherzer play for next year? |
| 7:56 |
Why have NBA and NFL always had plenty of black muslims but MLB doesn’t seem to have ever had one? |
| 7:57 |
: Showalter brought Miller in to face 5/6 righties and it appears to be genius
|
| 8:00 |
what’s his lefty righty split? |
| 8:00 |
: He’s their best reliever against to either side. Makes sense to have him go through the heart of the order
|
| 8:02 |
Miller is a free agent next season and agent has to be going crazy |
| 8:02 |
Black baseball players are always the minority once they’re pro’s, so less exposure to others converting or teaching Koran, and not so for NBA/NFL |
| 8:02 |
Decreasing # of African Americans in MLB? |
| 8:02 |
the amount of non-Muslim Black players in the NBA/NFL is similar to the amount of non-Black players in MLB |
| 8:02 |
I mean, how many black players are there in MLB compared to NBA/NFL? its a sample size thing |
| 8:02 |
I think the lack of Black Muslims is more of a race thing. Most black players come from strongly Catholic countries in Latin America, not from the United States. |
| 8:03 |
: Poll closing before the first pitch of the B7
|
| 8:03 |
other than britton you mean |
| 8:04 |
why doesn’t miller close? |
| 8:07 |
: Hitters have not missed the mistake pitches in this game
|
| 8:07 |
: JJ Hardy didn’t like all the attention Brandon Crawford got for his GS as a SS
|
| 8:08 |
TBS’ coverage of this game tonight has actually been surprisingly good. Any thoughts on that? |
| 8:08 |
did you play baseball August? |
| 8:09 |
position? |
| 8:09 |
Do they call mixed amateur softball “beer leagues” in the US like they do in Canada |
| 8:10 |
can you play hardball in the US without being in HS, College, Minors, Indie Ball, or the MLB? |
| 8:11 |
August, are you a Tiger fan? I remember reading somewhere about someone missing Galarragas almost perfect game, that was you? |
| 8:11 |
Softball bat > car payment. True or false? |
| 8:13 |
Is Ausmus right to keep Scherzer in? It doesn’t seem like they have a reliable replacement for him in Det |
| 8:13 |
do you two read other FG writers chats from the regular week chats? |
| 8:14 |
On a scale of zero to “I can’t believe this guy gets paid to make these decisions,” does Joba get the 8th over Sanchez or Soria? |
| 8:15 |
Showalter vs Ausmus just might decide this series… |
| 8:17 |
fun fact. Buck and Brad only have 12 years difference in age. seems like Buck could be Ausmus’s dad |
| 8:17 |
As a Royals fan, should I be cheering for Baltimore here? Or are they a tougher match-up? |
| 8:18 |
Honestly I think the Orioles can win this series just because they have such a formidable bullpen that they can actually hold onto leads they get. |
| 8:19 |
Best night in regular season history: 2011 when TB beat NYY minutes after BOS blew a lead to BAL, completely turning the playoff picture Topsy Turvy. Agree or Disagree? |
| 8:22 |
Which series has the best chance of going 5? |
| 8:22 |
: Ouch.
|
| 8:23 |
Is it just me or does the crowd seem quiet for a 4-2 lead in the 8th? |
| 8:23 |
: All the home runs. ALL OF THEM
|
| 8:23 |
: No way. I was in the process of typing “Miggy’s gonna go deep here” when he did that.
|
| 8:24 |
: That Miggy guy
|
| 8:24 |
: He’ll getcha
|
| 8:24 |
: I was so close to having my own Anthony DiComo moment.
|
| 8:25 |
: Did we just witness the Orioles outperforming their BaseRuns with lucky sequencing?
|
| 8:26 |
His was way more of a stretch than “miggy’s going deep” |
| 8:26 |
Fun how Britton went from a failed prospect to an elite closer. Pitchers, amiright? |
| 8:27 |
As an Orioles fan, this is what 90 percent of their games are like |
| 8:27 |
Anyone care to explain the Anthony DiComo moment”? |
| 8:28 |
Miller wasn’t as heralded as Britton though, was he? |
| 8:29 |
Were most elite closers once upon a time starting prospects? Or is this an exaggeration? |
| 8:29 |
: Miller was the sixth overall pick in the 2006 draft. Britton was a third-rounder
|
| 8:29 |
Andrew Miller was considered one of the better pitching prospects in baseball. Zach Britton was projected more as a middle of the rotation picther |
| 8:30 |
More n00b comments: Steve Pearce had a 5 win season. What!? |
| 8:30 |
Miller and Maybin were the main chips in the Cabrera/D-Train trade. |
| 8:31 |
: Guys this pizza is so good
|
| 8:33 |
why is Scherzer still pitching? |
| 8:34 |
Has anybody else seen more than enough Rob Lowe for 5 lifetimes? |
| 8:34 |
what kind? |
| 8:35 |
You’re the Red Sox. Taking everything into account (money years player production) who would you rather sign. Sandoval or Headley? I’m all for Headley |
| 8:35 |
: Should clarify – if you’re giving a deal longer than 3 years, I’d give it to Sandoval, but only in the AL
|
| 8:36 |
If there’s so much concern about Verlander why is he pitching in game 2? Why did Torii Hunter bunt? Why is Joba warming up? Why did they just call a hit and run with Miggy on deck? *head explodes* |
| 8:36 |
: Yeah, depends on the length of the contract but I like Headley
|
| 8:37 |
Team A has a WRC+ of 125 but relies largely on power numbers. |
| 8:38 |
Greek pizza is objectively the best pizza |
| 8:40 |
Does greek pizza not have tomato sauce or something? |
| 8:40 |
: There’s the Tigers defense we were expecting
|
| 8:41 |
: Who could have seen the Tigers defense doing that
|
| 8:41 |
Yeah I just wouldn’t want to commit 4-5 years or whatever it’d take for Panda when you can probably give Headley 2 years. And Headley is probably the better overall player too |
| 8:42 |
Pizza without tomato sauce isn’t pizza. It’s an abomination |
| 8:42 |
Should the Orioles use Gausman in their playoff rotation, or out of the pen? |
| 8:42 |
Sandoval is actually a pretty solid defender. Not Headley good, but he’s not awful or anything |
| 8:43 |
: Jeez, Nelson Cruz
|
| 8:43 |
: Now you know why Ausmus left Scherzer in
|
| 8:44 |
When is the crowd going to start singing Hotel Yorba? |
| 8:45 |
During this game I learned that the Orioles are a threat and that scotch and chocolate chip cookies is not as bad a combination as it sounds |
| 8:46 |
Soria > Sanchez > Joba > Nathan |
| 8:47 |
: Look at those Nelson Cruz intangibles
|
| 8:47 |
: And the wheels on the bus are falling off, falling off, falling off
|
| 8:47 |
: Are there intangibles in a sport where everything is quantified?
|
| 8:47 |
That play perfectly sums up the Cruz signing. Not a good idea whatsoever, but it works out in the end |
| 8:48 |
I can’t wait to watch the gif of Cruz running ina circle over and over again. |
| 8:48 |
hahaha, best thing Wendy has said all night |
| 8:48 |
8 million dollar flyer for one year is not even close to a bad idea |
| 8:49 |
: Name the last time an IBB to load the bases worked out well for the team on the field.
|
| 8:51 |
: Real laser from Romine there at short
|
| 8:52 |
Britton isnt coming back in right? |
| 8:52 |
: You could witness Torii Hunter’s self-esteem deflate as he chased the ball down in right field
|
| 8:53 |
Miguel Cabrera selfishly directing the spotlight on himself by refusing playoff money = obvious distraction. Tigers weren’t ready to play. |
| 8:55 |
|
| 8:57 |
: Is it worth it to burn another pitcher to keep Britton’s pitch count down? Probably, but it’s something to think about
|
| 8:58 |
: Hey guys
|
| 8:59 |
yes. miller isn’t pitching tomorrow, so you want your next best reliever around if possible right? |
| 8:59 |
They should let a bench bat close out this game. No one ever would, though… |
| 8:59 |
: I have a hot take
|
| 8:59 |
: The Tigers defense and bullpen both suck.
|
| 8:59 |
: also, scorching.
|
| 8:59 |
Dave, August is trying to convince us he’s a moose. Like all chat long. |
| 9:00 |
That analysis is why you get paid the big bucks, Dave. |
| 9:00 |
: I do?
|
| 9:00 |
: Dave and David are here. I’m leaving. It’s been a pleasure. Thanks for keeping the misogyny to a minimum.
|
| 9:00 |
: Thanks for hosting, Wendy!
|
| 9:00 |
Thank you Wendy. |
| 9:00 |
Thanks Wendy, you rule! |
| 9:00 |
We love Wendy! |
| 9:01 |
: Oh, hello.
|
| 9:02 |
most impressive part of Orioles/Tigers game? |
| 9:02 |
: Buck Showalter’s bullpen management.
|
| 9:03 |
Temple, you old so-and-so, how the heck are you? |
| 9:03 |
How do you like the Tigers’ chances of winning the series after this game is over? |
| 9:04 |
: That’s not what I meant. Maybe it’s time for me to log off too!
|
| 9:04 |
: Night August.
|
| 9:05 |
Maybe the Tigers realized they can’t lose the series if the bottom of the 8th never ends |
| 9:05 |
August has no place in October. (just kidding August you’re cool) |
| 9:05 |
I want to name my kid August Fagerstrom |
| 9:06 |
Thanks August. Now I want pizza and a moose |
| 9:06 |
: Later y’all. Thanks for chatting! It’s been fun
|
| 9:06 |
: hey look a reliever
|
| 9:06 |
: This is already the best episode of Castle I’ve ever seen.
|
| 9:07 |
De Aza seems like a really good pick up for the Os. Basically got him for nothing. |
| 9:07 |
I got here too late to ask why August’s name is a month. |
| 9:07 |
: Yep, super underrated move.
|
| 9:08 |
Ew. Escobar is leading off again |
| 9:08 |
: This is the Royals stock line-up.
|
| 9:08 |
: Angels
|
| 9:08 |
: POLL TIME
|
| 9:08 |
Thanks August, that is pretty cool |
| 9:09 |
: 68 on the curve. Fun.
|
| 9:10 |
: Escobar looked useless there.
|
| 9:10 |
: helpless. I think I meant helpless, but useless is accurate too.
|
| 9:11 |
: My dad is so mad the Brewers traded Aoki.
|
| 9:11 |
How about feckless? Fun word. |
| 9:11 |
: Will Smith is pretty good, and Khris Davis was a fine replacement.
|
| 9:12 |
Four years in a row now Jered weaver has seriously out-performed his FIP and xFIP; do you think that continues? |
| 9:12 |
: Yep. He’s an infield fly machine, and extreme fly ball pitchers who get a lot of IFFBs usually post low BABIPs.
|
| 9:12 |
do the angels have one of the worst starting rotations in a long while of top seeds entering the playoffs in recent years? |
| 9:13 |
: Well then.
|
| 9:13 |
: I’m not sure the Orioles rotation this year is any better.
|
| 9:13 |
: Nori Aoki, sneakily terrible baserunner.
|
| 9:14 |
That might be the first time I’ve ever seen the out at first on a pickoff delivered via backhand slap to the face |
| 9:14 |
: Gives it a little extra, doesn’t it?
|
| 9:15 |
Yikes! -10 bsr. That’s tough to do. |
| 9:15 |
I don’t think you would reach base enough to do that |
| 9:16 |
Can anyone write a post explaining why Aoki has been so bad running? Please |
| 9:16 |
what is the justification for starting verlander in game 2? or at all for that matter in this series |
| 9:17 |
: Over Price? I don’t know. In this series: Sanchez is hurt.
|
| 9:17 |
: Well, too hurt to start.
|
| 9:17 |
: That’s out in ~25 other ballparks.
|
| 9:17 |
Fly ball to the Royals outfield? Can of corn. |
| 9:17 |
: It’s happening, nerds. Soak it in.
|
| 9:17 |
WOW, AL version of Lagares out there |
| 9:18 |
vargas with a nice GIF face reaction |
| 9:19 |
Speaking of Sullivan and baserunning: that article he wrote about Dyson’s stolen base was amazing. One of the best baseball articles I’ve ever read. |
| 9:19 |
: Yup.
|
| 9:20 |
: Lots of balls in the air. Jason Vargas doing Jason Vargas things.
|
| 9:22 |
If a team declines a contract option, can it still make a QO to try to get a comp pick? Seems like it might cause a grievance, but is it against the rules? |
| 9:22 |
: No, two separate decisions.
|
| 9:23 |
So, KC could decline Butler’s 12.5 mil option, then offer him a 14/15 mil QO? |
| 9:24 |
: Yes, but he’d instantly accept.
|
| 9:24 |
: “You don’t want Eric Hosmer to beat you”
|
| 9:24 |
: Lots of breaking stuff from Weaver so far.
|
| 9:25 |
: Well, it’s true. I don’t want to get beaten up by anyone, especially a pro athlete.
|
| 9:25 |
: I see your point. Hosmer would do a number on me, for sure.
|
| 9:25 |
Wow Butler is slow |
| 9:26 |
: Aybar could have slammed a Mountain Dew before throwing.
|
| 9:26 |
: Just absurd how slow he got down the line.
|
| 9:26 |
: Billy Butler could hit .320 and still be a mediocre player.
|
| 9:26 |
: When he hits less than .320, he’s just garbage.
|
| 9:28 |
: Grabbed my stopwatch. 4.69 secs contact to 1b mitt.
|
| 9:28 |
If Butler was more of a fly ball hitter would that help his value out? |
| 9:28 |
: Yes.
|
| 9:28 |
Oh, dear, that means a Mariner |
| 9:28 |
Butler has more GIDPs than Bonds did over his career. |
| 9:28 |
but the grit. he’s got grit. and grits |
| 9:29 |
: Whoops.
|
| 9:29 |
How many years do the Mariners give Butler? |
| 9:29 |
: That’s what I wanted.
|
| 9:30 |
: I’ll guess 3/33.
|
| 9:31 |
nooo Mariners have to sign Cruz so Orioles get a draft pick |
| 9:31 |
: Cruz has no interest in playing half his games in Safeco.
|
| 9:31 |
: Angels
|
| 9:32 |
: Whoa. Abrupt Castle just happened.
|
| 9:32 |
Hamilton “just trying to make contact”… I can’t wait to see that! |
| 9:33 |
: Abrupt Castle was also the name of my jazz combo in college.
|
| 9:33 |
Dave (both): do you actually think the M’s are so desperate that they offer Butler that kind of a deal? |
| 9:33 |
: They’ve been trying to get him for years.
|
| 9:33 |
: I think they look at other options, certainly. But it still may happen.
|
| 9:35 |
: The correct answer was the Nationals, by the way. Matt Williams was drafted 3rd overall in 1986. Thanks for playing.
|
| 9:35 |
: Bruce Bochy was also a first rounder!
|
| 9:36 |
is that a sad attempt at a playoff mustache by vargas |
| 9:36 |
: He also might just be like me, and that’s five days worth of not shaving.
|
| 9:36 |
Cain is amazing to watch in CF, wow. |
| 9:36 |
Ned Yost was a first rounder, too. |
| 9:36 |
Welcome to the joy that is Lorenzo Cain, America. You’re welcome. |
| 9:36 |
: Correct!
|
| 9:36 |
vargas gif time |
| 9:37 |
If you can’t grow facial hair, you shouldn’t try |
| 9:37 |
: I tried once
|
| 9:37 |
: Grew a super shaggy homeless “beard”
|
| 9:37 |
: The mere image of that made me giggle.
|
| 9:37 |
: Flew out to Seattle, didn’t tell my parents I’d arrived, walked into my parents shop, and she said “I’ll be right with you sir.”
|
| 9:37 |
: (she being my mom)
|
| 9:38 |
: HA!
|
| 9:38 |
Are there pictures of the Dave Cameron beard |
| 9:38 |
: Maybe? I don’t know. That was the first weekend I ever met Jonah Keri, too, so that was his first impression of me. Ask him about it sometime.
|
| 9:39 |
: Honest question: I agree that some of the announcing so far has been subpar. But I also am reluctant to criticize because I know I would be terrible at it. Like, it’s a hard job. I know no one pays me to do it, but am I crazy for feeling sympathetic?
|
| 9:39 |
: No
|
| 9:40 |
: Like, it would be really hard. So much dead air to cover.
|
| 9:40 |
: And it’s not like you have time to give context
|
| 9:40 |
: It’s just snippet after snippet.
|
| 9:40 |
It’s hard. But don’t you think it’s like anything else…After a while you should be pretty good, or someone else should get a shot. |
| 9:40 |
: This seems very reasonable.
|
| 9:41 |
: Jared Weaver, Curveball Machine.
|
| 9:41 |
: I’m not going to post them all, but many of you are making valid arguments re: announcing.
|
| 9:42 |
Without looking, guess the over/under fcareer SB for Billy Butler |
| 9:42 |
: 18?
|
| 9:42 |
: 7
|
| 9:43 |
Butler has 5 |
| 9:43 |
: !!
|
| 9:43 |
: I WAS WAY OFF
|
| 9:43 |
: Slightly embarrassed.
|
| 9:43 |
Billy Butler has been worth 56 offensive runs, and negative 123 defensive runs |
| 9:44 |
: I think the scouting report on the Royals line-up is “sucks at bendy pitches”
|
| 9:44 |
“sucks *particularly* at bendy pitches” |
| 9:44 |
The fake rocks, just so Orange County and awful. |
| 9:45 |
: I actually applied for a job in LA once, and legit thought “ugh. I’d have to go to games in Anaheim.”
|
| 9:45 |
So Dave, are you going to be up at 9am to watch baseball? It has to be odd watching baseball so early. |
| 9:45 |
: I live on the east coast. And I’m taking tomorrow off.
|
| 9:45 |
Question: how has Butler been worth -44 BsR, +56 Off, and -123 Def but is a career +10 WAR? Shouldn’t it be negative? |
| 9:46 |
: First three are relative to average, not replacement.
|
| 9:46 |
Yea, but getting out of the parking lot and onto the freeway in like 5 minutes is amazing. |
| 9:46 |
: I’ve been ~5 times, and have never enjoyed it.
|
| 9:47 |
Here are the anti-David Temples: http://deadspin.com/fans-of… |
| 9:47 |
: “Don’t fake it, show it.” Cal Ripken on pickoffs, and sexual predators.
|
| 9:49 |
On stolen bases thinking about Jeff’s column on Dyson), how can we divide credit/blame on stolen bases between pitchers & catchers? How would we decide on the proper weighting? |
| 9:49 |
: Max Weinstein did a bunch of posts on this over the last year. Google Max Weinstein battery effect or something and it should come up.
|
| 9:50 |
: And the first run will score on a curve. Of course.
|
| 9:50 |
: Weaver has other pitches, yes?
|
| 9:51 |
: Yeah, his change is pretty good.
|
| 9:51 |
How much more dangerous will the KC pen be when they add Hochevar back next year? |
| 9:52 |
: Isn’t he a free agent?
|
| 9:52 |
: And even if he isn’t/weren’t, reliever performance is not static. Very good chance their pen takes a step back next year, just because relievers.
|
| 9:53 |
: Yep. This is why I will never be Dave Cameron (among many other reasons).
|
| 9:53 |
: Also, you blink.
|
| 9:53 |
: Maybe not on TV. Haven’t checked yet.
|
| 9:54 |
Does KC becomes the favorite in the series if they win this game? |
| 9:54 |
: Every team that wins game 1 becomes the favorite.
|
| 9:55 |
Would you try Britton out as a starter next year? Throwing the FB 91% of the time worries me, makes me think he has given up on his secondary pitches. Or is that something he still works on? |
| 9:55 |
: He’s a reliever until he retires.
|
| 9:55 |
Do any of you think its possible for a team to succeed without a manager and the players look out for themselves? |
| 9:55 |
: I don’t know but I like the way you think.
|
| 9:56 |
: I mean, someone has to make the lineup and stuff. Is there a council that votes or something?
|
| 9:56 |
Who would make bullpen decisions? |
| 9:57 |
: I guess we could go back to player/manager types or something.
|
| 9:57 |
You’ve heard of ‘bullpen by committee’, right? Well we made it literal. |
| 9:57 |
: Can you imagine the Dodgers figuring out their OF situation by themselve this year?
|
| 9:57 |
: I’m sure Ethier would have just been like “yeah, I’ll sit, no problem.”
|
| 9:57 |
: It is now tied.
|
| 9:58 |
that was a long time coming |
| 9:58 |
: I’m talking about LA/KC, in case some of you are still watching DET/BAL. I assume that’s still going on.
|
| 9:58 |
: If that game was tied, we’d be live blogging the crap out of it.
|
| 9:59 |
: Oh, I just assumed the 8th was still happening.
|
| 9:59 |
Noticed this in the Oriole game, why aren’t we getting the straight on view from CF all game? Seems they go to it during replay though. |
| 10:00 |
WHERE THE HELL IS THE CASTLE LIVE BLOG?!? |
| 10:00 |
: It’s still standing, and made of stone.
|
| 10:01 |
Should I keep watching this, or switch to the Duck game in half an hour? |
| 10:01 |
Oregon |
| 10:02 |
Yes |
| 10:02 |
: What hideous jersey choices have the Oregon Ducks made this year to distract you from the fact that the university is funded by the sweat of four year olds?
|
| 10:02 |
They are wearing actual duck feathers |
| 10:03 |
: Thanks for the Packers score updates in the comments. My dad should be in a good mood tomorrow. Maybe I’ll ask for money.
|
| 10:04 |
packers up 98 – 0 !! |
| 10:04 |
: !! Indeed!
|
| 10:04 |
Haha, you think this poll is the absolute definition of respondent sample bias? Maybe? |
| 10:04 |
DC, does taking the day off tomorrow just mean no writing for Fangraphs? Or is there another job you can play hooky from? |
| 10:04 |
: I’ll write something tonight to run tomorrow.
|
| 10:04 |
: Probably on Buck Showalter’s awesome bullpen usage.
|
| 10:05 |
via @BenLindbergh: Reminder: The Angels have no below-average hitters, including their no. 9 guy. |
| 10:05 |
: I haven’t fact-checked that, but Ben seems smart.
|
| 10:05 |
: They would have interviewed Jeff, but he’s currently rolling a blunt.
|
| 10:05 |
: DC, King of Zings.
|
| 10:05 |
But he’s asking of FG pays you enough to live off (on?). |
| 10:06 |
: FG is my full time job. Same with Sullivan/Carson/Eno/Swydan/McDaniel, and of course Appelman. We’re a real business!
|
| 10:06 |
: My wife just texted me. She’s going to Target. Do I need anything?
|
| 10:07 |
: Cargo shorts and a polo?
|
| 10:07 |
: That’s insulting, Dave.
|
| 10:08 |
: Have you been in a Target? They actually make you change into that if you’re not wearing your own when you get there.
|
| 10:08 |
: I live in Minneapolis. There are Targets every 500 feet. I do know if you go there in a red shirt, at least one person will ask you where something is.
|
| 10:09 |
How low is Cal Ripken on the list of ballplayers you’d like to watch a game with? Bottom eight? |
| 10:09 |
: Higher than his brother.
|
| 10:09 |
A baseball booth of Delmon Young, Yuniesky Betancourt and Michael Young. Best booth or worst booth? |
| 10:10 |
: Don’t know, but I’d be willing to find out.
|
| 10:10 |
1. Brandon McCarthy 2. Brandon Moss 3. Adam Dunn 4. Joey Votto 5. Hunter Pence |
| 10:10 |
: I hope Pence becomes an analyst SO MUCH
|
| 10:10 |
: You wouldn’t want to watch a game with Yasiel Puig? Heathen.
|
| 10:12 |
Couldn’t it be more fun in many ways to watch a game with someone who appreciates the game differently than you? |
| 10:13 |
: After watching 100+ games with my father, I can attest it gets old.
|
| 10:13 |
: I mean, I love him. But the dude LOVES bunting.
|
| 10:13 |
Best games you’ve ever attended or watched? |
| 10:14 |
: I went to a few of the Mariners games during their 1995 comeback, including the one where they got down 6-0 early, only to have Vince Coleman hit a grand slam to lead the comeback. That was pretty fun.
|
| 10:14 |
Cards/Cubs, late August-2006. Gary Bennet was playing for Yadi because of an injury, and walked off with a grand slam. It was incredible. |
| 10:14 |
: I’m not a real big Twins fan, but game 163 vs Tigers was a blast.
|
| 10:15 |
I was at Game 1 in 86, but best game I ever saw was Phils vs. somebody in 1993 (Year of Magic). Rain delays, extra innings, game went so late they eventually opened the gates to anyone who wanted to come see the end. Mitch Williams ended up driving in the winning run |
| 10:16 |
: I also went to a Jays/Astros game this year that was incredible. Jon Singleton homered. Altuve scored from first on an errant pickoff. Chris Carter stole a base. Robbie Grossman robbed a homer. It was pure joy.
|
| 10:16 |
As a Braves fan, Chipper’s last home game was pretty great. |
| 10:16 |
yanks sox game 7 03 alcs |
| 10:16 |
White Sox – Angels, September 2007. Sox trail 7 to 1 after 6 1/2 innings only to come back and win on Jim Thome’s 500th home run in the 9th. |
| 10:17 |
It will never show up in the box score, it will never show up in the stats, it will never show up period. But the O’s/Tigers game was won in the 6th when Showalter brought Miller in to face the heart of the order. In the 6th. Inning. |
| 10:17 |
: That is actually exactly what box scores were designed to show.
|
| 10:17 |
I wonder if “usually you pitch as good if not better at home” is something Colorado pitchers have ever said |
| 10:18 |
: There’s like a whole section for it.
|
| 10:18 |
If Vargas goes 5 and gives up 2, should the Royals fans be pretty happy with his performance? |
| 10:19 |
: Thrilled.
|
| 10:19 |
: If I want a lady to talk to me in a clinical way about my gentleman parts, it would not hurt if she had a British accent.
|
| 10:20 |
Uh.. what are you talking about david? |
| 10:21 |
: Just life, in general.
|
| 10:21 |
: I love the lack of context for people reading the transcript later, or not watching the commercials now.
|
| 10:21 |
What are your expectations for Verlander tomorrow and the rest of the playoffs? |
| 10:21 |
: Weaver throws a belt way, down the middle curve.
|
| 10:21 |
: Really got away with that one.
|
| 10:21 |
: belt way = belt high.
|
| 10:21 |
Why didn’t Trout go after that ball? |
| 10:21 |
: That was… odd.
|
| 10:22 |
BUNT HIM TO THIRD, BUNT HIM TO THIRD |
| 10:22 |
: Lost it, I guess.
|
| 10:22 |
Is Cistulli allowed to host chats? Or would his writing style break CIL? Seriously though, you should wrangle him into hosting one of these. |
| 10:22 |
: Tomorrow, 1-5 pm.
|
| 10:22 |
: If he wakes up in time.
|
| 10:22 |
Too early for Yost to be justified in bunting? |
| 10:22 |
: Yes.
|
| 10:23 |
Any idea what the Royals bullpen strategy will be tonight? |
| 10:23 |
: Probably Frasor for 6, big three for 7-9.
|
| 10:24 |
No problem sending O’Day and Miller out there tomorrow right? |
| 10:24 |
: Ride ’em till they buck ya.
|
| 10:24 |
: Right. it’s the playoffs. You fire your bullets until you are out of them.
|
| 10:25 |
O’s haven’t played since sunday, no reason not to run your horses out there 2 days in a row. |
| 10:25 |
: Another meatball.
|
| 10:26 |
: Gordon would’ve had third anyway, but Hamilton falling for no reason was pretty funny.
|
| 10:26 |
: Weaver has gotten very lucky to not give up multiple dingers this inning.
|
| 10:27 |
Is there any evidence for the “nighttime balls don’t carry” theory? |
| 10:27 |
: Yep. Direct correlation between heat/humidity and batted ball distance.
|
| 10:27 |
On the multiple home runs, it is the Royals. |
| 10:27 |
Yeah, science. |
| 10:28 |
: More like “Yeah! Science!”
|
| 10:28 |
Dave, you’ve submitted your BBWAA ballots now, right? In the end, did you feel satisfied with your manager evaluation? |
| 10:29 |
: I did the best I could. I looked at challenges, bullpen usage, willingness to use players out of conventional roles, and tried to gauge the respect of the clubhouse/crisis management stuff I could. And gave extra points to guys who actually had to overcome some adversity versus just rolling out the same time all year.
|
| 10:29 |
So you are telling us you voted for Buck, gotcha. |
| 10:30 |
: I had an NL ballot.
|
| 10:30 |
: Sorry, didn’t know closing the polls would post them like that.
|
| 10:31 |
Looking at bREF, the league had a slightly lower SLG in day games compared to night games; does something offset the flyball distance increase in day games? |
| 10:31 |
: I’m guessing the day game lineups.
|
| 10:31 |
: Day game after night is a very common off day for a lot of regulars.
|
| 10:32 |
Dave. If the Cubs could do a trade for Cole Hamels with Baez being the centerpiece and then signing Lester, how good could they be next season? |
| 10:32 |
: A legitimate contender.
|
| 10:32 |
David, it turns out you shouldn’t Google yourself. You specifically, I mean. |
| 10:33 |
: Crushed.
|
| 10:33 |
: Note: I didn’t murder my wife. Some other dude named David Temple did. Just want to make that clear.
|
| 10:33 |
: Also, he murdered his own wife. Not my wife.
|
| 10:34 |
Is there a player who doesn’t love playing in October? |
| 10:34 |
: Rick Ankiel.
|
| 10:34 |
: +1
|
| 10:34 |
All David Freese does is hit homers in October, and get hurt, and not hit for power in the regular season. |
| 10:34 |
: Erick Aybar might have been faster if he wasn’t carrying 10 pounds of dip in his mouth.
|
| 10:35 |
Do players get pro-rated salary for the month of October? Wouldn’t that hurt club budgets? And if not, doesn’t that kind of suck for the players? |
| 10:35 |
: I posted this because I have no idea how that works and I assume Dave does.
|
| 10:36 |
: There’s a revenue split collectively bargained for the postseason, and the players vote on how their share should be divided. The pool grows the deeper into the postseason a team goes.
|
| 10:36 |
: Miguel Cabrera declined his share for this year, in fact.
|
| 10:37 |
if the Cubs did a Baez + X for Hamels and signed Lester, would the A’s take McKinney and a secondary prospect for Samardzija? |
| 10:37 |
: No. And I don’t think the Cubs trade Baez for Hamels.
|
| 10:37 |
ESPN reported that that was a joke. Cabrera took his share |
| 10:37 |
What is there to vote on? How it’s apportioned among the different players, or what? Like, would Pujols get twice as much as Trout normally? |
| 10:38 |
: Make that paper.
|
| 10:38 |
: Not everyone gets a full share. If you started the year with another team and were traded over at the end of the year, you might get a partial share.
|
| 10:39 |
Packers up 42-0 now. Deer lord. |
| 10:39 |
: ALL HAIL DEER LORD
|
| 10:40 |
I really liked the the beer commercial about the dog and drunk driving the first few times. Now I’m just sad. |
| 10:40 |
Are we headed for extras? Does Dave C have a piece to write after tonight’s game? |
| 10:40 |
: If this game goes too late, you just won’t get a piece from me tomorrow after all.
|
| 10:41 |
Tied going into 6 is pretty good for the Royals, no? That bullpen… |
| 10:41 |
: Yep, this is a good outcome for KCR.
|
| 10:42 |
If you’re the Orioles, would you rather face the Royals or the Angels? |
| 10:42 |
: I still think Royals. Probably.
|
| 10:42 |
: Royals, easy.
|
| 10:43 |
Do you think Yost goes to the pen now, or sticks with Vargas since it’s still tied and he’s only at 60 pitches? |
| 10:43 |
: No way he pulls Vargas.
|
| 10:44 |
Tough to fan |
| 10:45 |
Yes |
| 10:45 |
were you as amazed as I was about the MadBum CG yesterday? |
| 10:45 |
: Dude was on point.
|
| 10:45 |
Is that Scott Boras is the cage behind home plate? He is there every game and looks just like him. |
| 10:45 |
: I notice that too! I always thought it was him. Confirmation anyone?
|
| 10:46 |
: He lives out there.
|
| 10:46 |
: Weaver’s agent.
|
| 10:46 |
: Would make sense.
|
| 10:46 |
: In the stadium?
|
| 10:46 |
: Sweet crib.
|
| 10:46 |
: Yes, he owns Angels Stadium.
|
| 10:46 |
Weaver is the answer when people complain about Boras’ players always going to FA. |
| 10:47 |
: Andrus too.
|
| 10:47 |
Didn’t Weaver also take an undervalued deal as well? |
| 10:47 |
cargo |
| 10:47 |
: Yeah, Weaver’s deal was light.
|
| 10:47 |
Any chance that Boras made some sort of deal with Morales/Drew to reduce their risk by holding out? |
| 10:47 |
: There are rules about agents not being allowed to pay players, I believe.
|
| 10:49 |
What’s the role of the agent in the years when he’s not negotiating with the team? Like if a player signs a 10-year deal, does the agent just kinda kick it for 9 years? |
| 10:49 |
: They do more than just negotiate contracts. They’re basically all lawyers, and a lot of them handle marketing/promotional type stuff too.
|
| 10:50 |
I would imagine they take a lot of phone calls that players don’t have the time to take. |
| 10:50 |
Can remember who, now, but there’s a couple guys who just started their own shop to offer cut-rate services — contract negotiations only, something like that, no endorsements, etc. Think that will catch on? |
| 10:50 |
: That’s Proformance. Wendy wrote about it. I asked around and there’s a lot of skepticism that players care enough about the extra 2-3% to actually make that business model work. Players are rich. They buy back time.
|
| 10:51 |
Don’t players who are established want that guy one phone call away who can make things appear/disappear at a whim? thats why you are rich and thats why you pay someone like an agent |
| 10:51 |
: Yep.
|
| 10:52 |
: Also, letting Vargas face Trout here is not great.
|
| 10:52 |
Can agents bail their players out of jail? and do the players have to pay that back? |
| 10:52 |
: They do in TV/movies.
|
| 10:52 |
: I know we bang the use-your-bullpen drum a lot, but Trout/Pujols against a lefty in a tie game in the playoffs is not wise.
|
| 10:53 |
: That was the same pitch.
|
| 10:53 |
: He’s just throwing it to that spot hoping for random strikes.
|
| 10:54 |
Pop up! Thank you Mike Trout! |
| 10:55 |
: This is why winning the division is good. If you’re best player(s) has a bad night, you can still make it work.
|
| 10:55 |
most people who are not considered flight risks (such as obvious public figures like professional athletes)are released on bond and not bail anyways (as long as they didn’t murder someone or something like that). And though the paper says ‘released on $5000 bond’, that doesnt mean the person released fronted that money, they just agreed to appear in court under the threat of owing that money in addition to other punishments if they didnt appear |
| 10:55 |
: Knowledge bomb = dropped.
|
| 10:55 |
Where does Sal Perez rank in terms of snazziest looking catcher gear? |
| 10:56 |
: Saw him in a bar in Minneapolis (he was at the same hotel as the SABR conference). Also dresses well in the wild.
|
| 10:56 |
: Bars in Minneapolis are “the wild” now?
|
| 10:56 |
: Come up some time. Aaron Gleeman will show you a good time.
|
| 10:57 |
: I’ve been, twice, both in the summer. It was glorious.
|
| 10:57 |
At Stella’s fish bar |
| 10:57 |
: Exactly.
|
| 10:58 |
: Yost going to the mound after Vargas faces the tough righties?
|
| 10:58 |
: This was all very strange.
|
| 10:58 |
: And now sticking with him against another righty. Okay.
|
| 10:59 |
At some point, you have to figure Ned Yost is just doing this to spite you, Dave. |
| 10:59 |
: Well then.
|
| 10:59 |
what the efffffff |
| 10:59 |
ROYALS BASEBALL EVERYONE |
| 10:59 |
: Really thought that hit the wall at first glance.
|
| 11:00 |
looked like clean catch on replay |
| 11:00 |
: Agreed.
|
| 11:01 |
Royals baseball is the action movie where the hero walks into an ambush and somehow never gets hit. |
| 11:01 |
Perhaps Ned Yost is actually a wizard? |
| 11:01 |
Maybe Aoki had a ball in his pocket? |
| 11:02 |
He was behind Cain when it caught it. He couldn’t even see it, incredible! |
| 11:02 |
: That really is miraculous.
|
| 11:03 |
: Pretty fun game, right?
|
| 11:04 |
: When scouts say a player has a long swing, they are talking about the one Hosmer just took.
|
| 11:06 |
: Pop-up Weaver.
|
| 11:07 |
: Oh man, I forgot. I used to post music videos during the commercials so people had something else to watch.
|
| 11:07 |
: If Cameron lets me do another chat, I’ll do that.
|
| 11:07 |
How, exactly, does one become a popup specialist like Weaver? |
| 11:07 |
face the Royals. |
| 11:07 |
: Four-seamers at the top of the zone with pinpoint command. If you’re too high, they won’t swing. Too low, it’s a dinger.
|
| 11:08 |
: In talking with some players, they’ve expressed the notion of a thin slice of the strike zone that is kryptonite. Looks great to swing at, but hard to get the swing plane high enough to hit it squarely.
|
| 11:09 |
: It’s how Chris Young survives, basically.
|
| 11:09 |
What can Chris Tillman do in the offseason to put hitters away? All season long, he seems to get into a lot of 8/9/10 pitch batters? Is it really just location? |
| 11:10 |
Chris Young survives? |
| 11:10 |
: Career ERA- of 93 over 1,000+ innings? Yes.
|
| 11:10 |
Petco and Safeco are how Chris Young survives on that plan |
| 11:10 |
: Infield flies are infield flies everywhere.
|
| 11:10 |
: I know with Phil Hughes (who has the same problem), it could have to do with the movement of his fastball and breaking stuff. His was very similar. Allowed hitters to just swing and hope.
|
| 11:11 |
Do you think Weaver could still be as successful pitching down in the zone |
| 11:11 |
So, time to just take pitches then |
| 11:11 |
: Here is something I wrote regarding that on fangraphs dot com http://www.fangraphs.com/bl…
|
| 11:11 |
: No. Weaver’s entire game is pitching up.
|
| 11:13 |
does herrera have a blister or something? |
| 11:13 |
: Seems likely.
|
| 11:14 |
: Finnegan now, maybe?
|
| 11:14 |
Who do they roll with in Herrera’s spot if he’s a no-go from here on out? |
| 11:14 |
: Frasor?
|
| 11:15 |
Cistulli is having quite a year, between Kluber and now Finnegan |
| 11:15 |
: To be fair, Finnegan was a first round pick a few months ago, and projected as a top 5 guy for a while.
|
| 11:15 |
: So not exactly a nobody.
|
| 11:15 |
Wouldn’t you use Davis or Holland now, with the leadoff runner on, tie game, bottom of the 7th? |
| 11:15 |
: Lefties coming up.
|
| 11:18 |
Any chance Finnegan gets in the rotation next year? |
| 11:18 |
: Strong chance, I’d say.
|
| 11:19 |
: Finnegan fielded that pretty well.
|
| 11:19 |
: Awkward catch there.
|
| 11:19 |
Still early for bunting? Or is the 7th good? |
| 11:19 |
: That was fine, I think.
|
| 11:19 |
So, the Angels have sac bunted before the Royals. Opposites day? |
| 11:20 |
They’ve also hit two dingers |
| 11:20 |
Nah, Royals are still homer-less |
| 11:20 |
The Royals haven’t hit a HR |
| 11:20 |
: Point made, hive mind.
|
| 11:21 |
Right call here. |
| 11:21 |
: Agree.
|
| 11:21 |
Wasn’t here for Orioles/Tigers chat, so excuse the question if asked already. Why did Asmus keep going to the bullpen after the game was decided? Mainly going to Coke to face Markakis. |
| 11:21 |
: Brad Ausmus’ bullpen decisions have come into question quite a bit all year.
|
| 11:22 |
Well, he’s not very smart and his bullpen isn’t any good, kind of a perfect storm. |
| 11:22 |
Because Coke is not that good |
| 11:22 |
: Mopup work for a mopup reliever.
|
| 11:23 |
: CJ Cron! He interests me.
|
| 11:23 |
yost hasn’t been bad these two games maybe stuck with Vargas too long but he’s been okay |
| 11:24 |
: What is happening.
|
| 11:24 |
: Yeah, I mostly agree with this. Reaction/bad decision ratio is way off.
|
| 11:24 |
aoki lol |
| 11:24 |
What on earth was that route? |
| 11:24 |
Horrendous route. Please mention that, Ernie. |
| 11:25 |
at least he caught it |
| 11:25 |
What’s the lowest Statcast route efficiency you can score while still making the catch? |
| 11:28 |
: Joe Smith, super underrated.
|
| 11:28 |
Do you think Joe Smith’s name contributes to him being underrated? |
| 11:28 |
: Absolutely.
|
| 11:29 |
: 2.85 FIP
|
| 11:29 |
: Good strand rate.
|
| 11:29 |
Joe Smith or Darren O’Day? |
| 11:29 |
: Smith.
|
| 11:29 |
: But I like O’Day too.
|
| 11:30 |
I hope that was an ironic hat-tip |
| 11:31 |
“The Royals outfield defense is great” *shows fielding percentage* |
| 11:31 |
: At least they aren’t wrong.
|
| 11:31 |
: Trout coming up third in the 8th, btw.
|
| 11:32 |
I can’t stand this commentary, so I have the game on mute and am listening to a webcast rerun of my amateur baseball championship game last weekend…too much? |
| 11:32 |
: Yep.
|
| 11:33 |
How far off are we from seeing more advanced statistics on national broadcasts? |
| 11:33 |
: ESPN uses them.
|
| 11:33 |
: I mean, they are still talking about the game at hand. If you want to listen to something else, fire up Spotify or something. That’s what I do when I play NHL 15.
|
| 11:33 |
fox sports 1 is doing that JABO simulcast deal |
| 11:34 |
: Right, next week.
|
| 11:34 |
are there game chats for tomorrow? |
| 11:35 |
: All of them.
|
| 11:35 |
: Noon to midnight. One big long chat with rotating hosts.
|
| 11:35 |
Any fangraphs people among their “special guests?” |
| 11:35 |
: No, but Rob will be using our data a bunch.
|
| 11:36 |
you guys are awesome. who has the early game? I’m paying for FanGraphs+ mostly because I just want to financially support the site in some manner |
| 11:36 |
: Brad Johnson and Carson have the first shift.
|
| 11:36 |
: And thank you!
|
| 11:37 |
why does no broadcaster EVER mention odorozzi? |
| 11:37 |
: They’ve probably never heard of him.
|
| 11:38 |
: That looked like an easy strike.
|
| 11:38 |
: That was basically down the middle.
|
| 11:38 |
TBS broadcaster talking about how well Perez framed that pitch…for some reason…. |
| 11:38 |
: Perez is a bad framer too.
|
| 11:39 |
You bunt they walk Trout WTF! |
| 11:39 |
: Yeah, don’t like the bunt here.
|
| 11:40 |
: No way you should be bunting 2-0.
|
| 11:40 |
: with a good hitter.
|
| 11:40 |
: and Trout on deck.
|
| 11:41 |
Surely Scioscia’s not bunting 3-1. |
| 11:41 |
: Hey, I’m back. Sorry.
|
| 11:41 |
: You would hope not.
|
| 11:41 |
: Ugh.
|
| 11:42 |
: “Bunting is almost always dumb.” – my wife.
|
| 11:42 |
Easy DP if he MM let it drop too. |
| 11:42 |
Thats the bunt of a player who has rarely been asked to bunt before |
| 11:43 |
David still trying to convince us he didn’t kill his wife. |
| 11:43 |
DT’s wife didn’t really say that…you may recall that he murdered her |
| 11:43 |
: She came home from roller derby practice, saw that on tv, and stated that previous quote.
|
| 11:44 |
: The point is, I did OK for myself.
|
| 11:44 |
Roller Derby practice? At least make it believable. |
| 11:44 |
: Minnesota Roller Girls, yo!
|
| 11:44 |
: Iannetta with a super risky advance.
|
| 11:44 |
: Stop trying to make outs in front of Mike Trout.
|
| 11:45 |
When David actually kills her, this transcript is going to be so much less funny. |
| 11:45 |
Man, if they had thrown him out they could have given an assist the the umpire’s balls. |
| 11:45 |
: I know this is morbid, but she would find it humorous.
|
| 11:46 |
Fastball up, strike three |
| 11:46 |
fastball not far enough up, 4-2 |
| 11:47 |
There should be a rule against stepping out twice between pitches. |
| 11:47 |
: MLB testing out new no-step-out rules in AFL this year.
|
| 11:48 |
: Off the ump again.
|
| 11:48 |
: Poor guy.
|
| 11:49 |
Trout made contact with a high strike! |
| 11:49 |
: I think everyone in the park knows that Davis wants to go hard/up here.
|
| 11:50 |
Great AB by Trout |
| 11:50 |
i’d warm up holland right now |
| 11:50 |
Pujols is going to GDP somehow. |
| 11:50 |
: Is Mike Scioscia having a hot flash?
|
| 11:50 |
: He does that a lot.
|
| 11:50 |
Maybe not the worst thing in the world to walk Trout there? |
| 11:50 |
: Puts go ahead run at second, though.
|
| 11:51 |
Go ahead run was already at 2B |
| 11:51 |
: Right, my bad.
|
| 11:52 |
Angels hitters are gonna make this a 12 hour game at this rate |
| 11:52 |
: The Red Sox approve.
|
| 11:52 |
Herrera with “fore arm tightness”, by the way. |
| 11:52 |
: That’s not great.
|
| 11:52 |
: forearm tightness often means TJ surgery.
|
| 11:53 |
: Infante almost whiffed on that.
|
| 11:54 |
No infield fly called there? Thoughts, Braves fans? |
| 11:54 |
: Swing hard in case you hit it.
|
| 11:54 |
Luckily that hanger hung a little too high |
| 11:55 |
davis made kendrick look foolish in that AB |
| 11:55 |
Wade Davis is a bad, bad man |
| 11:56 |
So do you FGs fellas believe that no relief pitcher should get a 3 year deal? And is there any reliever you might break that mold for? |
| 11:56 |
: No, we don’t believe that.
|
| 11:57 |
Do you save Holland to face the top of the order, or use him vs. Beckham/Aybar/Hamilton? |
| 11:57 |
: I’d probably mix and match in the 9th, save Holland for the good hitters.
|
| 11:57 |
: But have him warming in case the mixing and matching isn’t working.
|
| 11:58 |
Dave, are relievers undervalued in the playoffs? Is say, Andrew Miller more valuable than a starter if you can manage the bullpen correctly in the playoffs? |
| 11:58 |
: Yeah, I’ve written about this. Relievers are more valuable than one start starters in October, so you’d rather have a relief ace than a #4 starter if given the choice.
|
| 11:59 |
Does a relief ace and #4 starter cost the same? |
| 11:59 |
: Roughly, yes.
|
| 11:59 |
: Though you can develop relief aces for cheap.
|
| 12:00 |
Escobar looked awful |
| 12:00 |
: He has a really loopy swing on breaking balls, but it worked earlier.
|
| 12:01 |
Possible that Wacha could be that relief ace for the Cards this year or is that just me wishcasting.? |
| 12:01 |
: Depends on health, probably. Using a guy with recent arm problems aggressively on back-to-back days might be tough.
|
| 12:02 |
: Collins warming, so he’s probably the pick.
|
| 12:02 |
: With Holland as insurance.
|
| 12:02 |
: Which is what I’d do.
|
| 12:03 |
: Whew. That was close.
|
| 12:03 |
: Kinda lazy there, Albert.
|
| 12:03 |
Stop jogging, Pujols. |
| 12:04 |
If you knew that one game today would be a blowout, and the other a pitcher’s duel tied in the ninth, would you have picked correctly? |
| 12:04 |
: Probably would have picked the other game as a blowout but other direction.
|
| 12:08 |
: Not sure that hit him.
|
| 12:08 |
: It didn’t.
|
| 12:10 |
how on earth yost didnt challenge the HBP this late in the game? save it for what? |
| 12:10 |
: Agree.
|
| 12:10 |
: Use it.
|
| 12:11 |
Remember when Josh Hamilton was good? |
| 12:12 |
: Tim Collins – Just a little bit taller than his teammates standing on the first step of the dugout.
|
| 12:12 |
So, at this point which Hamilton would you rather have? Josh or Billy? |
| 12:12 |
: Billy, not close.
|
| 12:12 |
: Not even.
|
| 12:12 |
I could have sworn Collins was a submariner. Am I crazy? |
| 12:12 |
: He’s really short, so his normal delivery looks sidearm.
|
| 12:13 |
Almost rather have Alexander Hamilton |
| 12:13 |
: I was discussing with a friend how much $ Hamilton was still owed and he straight-up called me a liar. Would not believe it.
|
| 12:13 |
: Contract is backloaded too.
|
| 12:13 |
: Makes $30M per year at the end.
|
| 12:14 |
: Frasor, not Holland.
|
| 12:14 |
: Heh.
|
| 12:16 |
Ripken speaks on average once every 7 minutes |
| 12:16 |
: I’m okay with this.
|
| 12:18 |
do these announcers get paid as wildly as I imagine for doing these games? |
| 12:19 |
: I’m sure it’s absurd.
|
| 12:19 |
: Walking CJ Cron isn’t so easy.
|
| 12:20 |
Can’t be as much as you two I’m sure. |
| 12:20 |
: TBS can’t afford us.
|
| 12:20 |
: Speak for yourself.
|
| 12:20 |
That was insane. If Frasor doesn’t touch the ball, that’s game. |
| 12:21 |
: I say this with no snark: I think Dave would be a great color guy. His view of the game is unmatched.
|
| 12:22 |
: I mean, maybe some classes would be in order, but baseball comes so easy to him. He’d be great.
|
| 12:22 |
: (Dave C has no input in my pay)
|
| 12:22 |
: I would be a terrible color guy.
|
| 12:23 |
: I talk insanely fast. I stumble over words. My voice cracks. I make nerdy jokes that no one laughs at.
|
| 12:23 |
: I really think you’d be good. I’m not kissing butt. Well, I would love it at least.
|
| 12:23 |
: I would be a disaster, but thanks for the butt kissing.
|
| 12:23 |
: Perhaps you would not test well. If we could beam your thoughts into someone else, perhaps.
|
| 12:24 |
: I think that’s what I’m getting at. I just want your brain.
|
| 12:24 |
: You can have it when I die. But you can’t kill me like you did my wife.
|
| 12:24 |
: But that dog would have to go 🙂
|
| 12:25 |
: Your wife.
|
| 12:25 |
: See, I screw up jokes.
|
| 12:25 |
There’s a very good game going on guys |
| 12:25 |
: Someone struck out. News at 11.
|
| 12:25 |
: Oh, we’re mostly paying attention.
|
| 12:26 |
Fangraphs just got a shot out on ESPN Radio. |
| 12:26 |
: Probably Jon Sciambi. He’s awesome.
|
| 12:26 |
prediction – how many innings? |
| 12:26 |
: 12
|
| 12:26 |
: 13.
|
| 12:26 |
quit flirting |
| 12:26 |
18. I’m going with 18 innings. Final answer. |
| 12:26 |
: I will not live blog 18.
|
| 12:27 |
: Just saying it ahead of time.
|
| 12:27 |
: Oh I will. I give very little attention to my real job.
|
| 12:27 |
whats your real job? |
| 12:27 |
: Jepsen’s pitches this at-bat: middle-middle or almost to the backstop.
|
| 12:28 |
: Very boring IT stuff.
|
| 12:28 |
: Anything but a walk by Butler there would have been grounds for extermination.
|
| 12:28 |
: Terrance Gore.
|
| 12:28 |
: He’s going to run.
|
| 12:28 |
: It’s almost guaranteed.
|
| 12:29 |
I believe it’s ‘Grounds for termination’. Extermination seems a bit extreme for a baseball play. |
| 12:29 |
: I meant what I said.
|
| 12:30 |
: Not even taking a big lead.
|
| 12:30 |
: Interesting.
|
| 12:30 |
: No chance.
|
| 12:31 |
Does he steal third here? |
| 12:31 |
: I would.
|
| 12:31 |
Why is he carrying his gloves? |
| 12:31 |
: Some guys do that so they don’t bust up their fingers. Makes them slide knuckles first.
|
| 12:31 |
: He liked Willie Mays Hayes.
|
| 12:32 |
What would you think of a double-steal here? |
| 12:32 |
: I wouldn’t risk Gordon running.
|
| 12:32 |
: Just have Gore take third.
|
| 12:33 |
: This is a good baseball game.
|
| 12:33 |
Gordon should run if Gore goes. Pujols is nowhere near the bag & he can get a huge jump. |
| 12:33 |
: True.
|
| 12:34 |
: “Big Out”
|
| 12:34 |
: Indeed.
|
| 12:34 |
: Steal is off the table now too.
|
| 12:34 |
: Or should be at least.
|
| 12:35 |
: One would think.
|
| 12:35 |
: New school is not “get to third, there’s so many other ways to score”
|
| 12:35 |
: Sorry.
|
| 12:36 |
: Infante swinging at a pitch over his head.
|
| 12:37 |
: So close.
|
| 12:39 |
Do you find it weird that damn-you-nerdy-bloggers-in-your-basements follow you on Twitter? |
| 12:39 |
: Nobody follows me on Twitter.
|
| 12:39 |
: People like to troll.
|
| 12:39 |
: Same reason I follow JPM.
|
| 12:40 |
: Restroom time!
|
| 12:40 |
Rest of Career: Bryan Cranston or Leonardo Dicaprio? |
| 12:40 |
: Leo.
|
| 12:42 |
: And apparently it’s going to be Duffy against the heart of the LAA order.
|
| 12:42 |
: Which is mostly RH.
|
| 12:42 |
: Not great, Ned. Not great.
|
| 12:42 |
: I love Cranston, but imagine Leo when he’s 50-60. Dude’s gonna out-Brando Brando.
|
| 12:43 |
: Anyway, baseball.
|
| 12:44 |
So this means we won’t see Holland, unless the Royals get a lead, right? Isn |
| 12:44 |
: Right. This is Duffy until Royals get lead or lose.
|
| 12:45 |
What is the “business end” of a baseball? |
| 12:45 |
: We need a physics professor for this. Get Alan Nathan.
|
| 12:45 |
: Cistulli.
|
| 12:45 |
You don’t think Yost would get fired in the offseason? |
| 12:46 |
: God, no.
|
| 12:46 |
: No way.
|
| 12:46 |
I love the huge ball boy. |
| 12:47 |
: Proof that hyphens or commas can really impact a sentence.
|
| 12:49 |
: Joe (in the comments) – I hear your argument, but this is not the place. Perhaps some other time.
|
| 12:49 |
: Trout missed a meatball.
|
| 12:49 |
Hard not to want a Mike Trout hero post-season moment.. |
| 12:49 |
Posting from the future. You guys are going to LOVE how this game ends… |
| 12:50 |
Mike Trout theft of home. calling it. |
| 12:50 |
: Duffy gets Trout out with low-inside fastballs.
|
| 12:50 |
: You heard it from someone…
|
| 12:50 |
: Trout kills low-inside fastballs.
|
| 12:52 |
Any chance Trout runs here? |
| 12:52 |
Any chance Trout runs here? |
| 12:52 |
: I don’t see it.
|
| 12:52 |
: Seems like no.
|
| 12:52 |
: With two outs, though, he should go.
|
| 12:52 |
: Cost of a CS is now quite low.
|
| 12:52 |
What’s the deal with Trout not stealing as much this year? |
| 12:52 |
: He got slower.
|
| 12:53 |
: (and bigger)
|
| 12:53 |
: Those are related…
|
| 12:53 |
: Nodding.
|
| 12:54 |
Is Trout really the best player in MLB, by far, going into 2015? I always thought so much of his value was tied into his well-roundedness. |
| 12:54 |
: If you think defense isn’t worth much, you could argue for Kershaw.
|
| 12:54 |
: But it’s one of those two.
|
| 12:55 |
It looks like Trout still runs well though |
| 12:55 |
: Trout-lite. Great player, but worse version of same skillset.
|
| 12:55 |
What about McCutchen? |
| 12:56 |
: My laptop is at 6% battery. Time to find the charger.
|
| 12:57 |
: I’m at 12%.
|
| 12:58 |
6% battery on a laptop is about 45 seconds. That gives DC about 90 to find a charger and keep us connected |
| 12:59 |
“it’s one of those two.” over the past 3 years, trout has kershaw beat by almost 10 WAR. the difference between trout and kershaw over that period is the same as the difference between kershaw and phil hughes. |
| 1:00 |
: Trout has been better. Trout might not be better going forward, by a lot.
|
| 1:00 |
: And I did put in that the argument would require that you don’t put much value on defense.
|
| 1:00 |
: Oh boy.
|
| 1:00 |
SOLO ROYALS! |
| 1:01 |
wow |
| 1:01 |
I knew it coming out of ST! |
| 1:01 |
Moose?! |
| 1:02 |
: Eno thought Hosmer hit that.
|
| 1:03 |
same stupid haircut |
| 1:03 |
Eno’s had a few libations |
| 1:04 |
Also, for the Trout/Kershaw debate, going by RA9-WAR it’s like 5 WAR the last 3 seasons, not quite 10 wins. |
| 1:06 |
: Regardless, I’m excited for the game tomorrow.
|
| 1:06 |
now the Angels have a sac bunt and the Royals have a homer. Happy? |
| 1:08 |
: Aoki out 🙁
|
| 1:08 |
: It’s not hard to believe that they would take out Aoki, Ron Darling. We watched him run.
|
| 1:09 |
I just got the Eno/Hosmer joke. |
| 1:09 |
The fact that the Royals defense is good enough to force Cain to RF gives me the warm-fuzzies all over. |
| 1:10 |
: Gordon Beckham was a very good hitter in college. He looked like he couldn’t hit a college pitcher today.
|
| 1:11 |
: Maybe stop swinging at pitches thrown 50 feet?
|
| 1:12 |
Nasty. |
| 1:12 |
Terrable |
| 1:12 |
Greg Holland, you naaaasty |
| 1:12 |
whoa, terrible |
| 1:12 |
: So it’s a 50/50 nasty/terrible split.
|
| 1:12 |
: Not a swing.
|
| 1:13 |
: You have to at least go to third base ump.
|
| 1:13 |
: Right?
|
| 1:13 |
: Well, then.
|
| 1:14 |
: The Royals have some more magic.
|
| 1:14 |
: I guess that’s it for us.
|
| 1:14 |
: Thanks for hanging out with us everyone.
|
| 1:14 |
: Come back tomorrow for one crazy long live blog.
|
Dave is the Managing Editor of FanGraphs.
Those lucky Orioles