All-Star Game Live Blog – 7/15/14
| 4:06 |
: Hi everybody! Tonight, since there’s this fancy game up in Minneapolis, the FanGraphs After Dark chat has been supersized into the All-Star Game Live Blog.
We’ll start earlier than usual, 8 pm ET, to coincide with the start of the game. I’m going to be flying solo on this one, because Jeff is off on a family vacation this week. So, I’m not sure I’ll last the whole game, especially if there are stupid rain delays like there were last night. But I’ll give it the ole’ college try! I’ve got some polls set up, and the queue is open. I’ll take the normal questions we take each week too, if you want to ask those. But we’ll try to focus on the action, Jackson. See you soon! |
| 7:57 |
: Hi guys. Just settling in. We’ll get started in a few minutes.
|
| 7:59 |
I was expecting a chat, but I get a live blog instead. This is probably the highlight of my week… |
| 7:59 |
: Me too!
Well, I am going to a De La Soul concert on Thursday, but this is right up there! |
| 8:00 |
How good is Cutch? His numbers are unreal am I reading them right. |
| 8:00 |
: You are in fact reading them right.
|
| 8:00 |
: Did we get a new national anthem and nobody told me? What the heck is this crap?
|
| 8:00 |
: I mean, uh, the children are our future.
|
| 8:01 |
McCutchin has an inflated BABIP, regress that and he’s no better than Allen Craig |
| 8:01 |
: Now that’s funny.
|
| 8:01 |
Why was there a rain delay in the derby? Can you not hit homers in the rain? |
| 8:01 |
: Yeah, I’m not sure. No one went indoors.
|
| 8:02 |
Jeter will single, score, come out (having played just 1 inning in the field, helping the AL), and win the MVP if the AL wins the game (or maybe even if they don’t). |
| 8:02 |
: Apparently Johnny Farrell says he’s giving him four innings. I guess we’ll see.
|
| 8:02 |
Paul – Is Allen Webster going to get a shot at the rotation this year? |
| 8:03 |
: I don’t think he gets a real look unless and until someone gets traded.
|
| 8:03 |
TOO MUCH RESPECT |
| 8:03 |
: Catoblepas is not having it.
|
| 8:03 |
Whats Alcantara do ROS and also is he a good keeper for next year? |
| 8:04 |
: I wouldn’t bank on him for a big performance right out of the gate, but he’s definitely a good keeper for next year.
|
| 8:04 |
see, i dont care at all about the all star game at all (not even watching). but these chats? ya, cant miss em. |
| 8:04 |
: Appreciate it!
|
| 8:04 |
Johnny Farrel v. Colin Farrel FITE |
| 8:04 |
: I think Johnny Farrell would just smack him with his square jaw and that’d be that.
|
| 8:04 |
JETER IS PLAYING 4 INNINGS!? – i bet the NL teams will be laughing every second of it |
| 8:05 |
: Well, I didn’t say it was a good strategy for winning the game.
|
| 8:05 |
I always see PS around these chats and I’m curious, what does the PS stand for |
| 8:05 |
Just some swing porn here: http://gfycat.com/OpenAlive… |
| 8:05 |
: That’s pretty.
|
| 8:05 |
carlos gomez batting 9th? |
| 8:06 |
: Hard to look at that and decide that Matheny filled out the lineup card honestly. Brewers occupy spots 6, 8 and 9. Pretty homerish lineup if you ask me, but then I am not a big Matheny fan.
|
| 8:06 |
Just explained to my daughter why this is Jeter’s last all-star game and now i’m sad because he’s the only one in the game older than me |
| 8:07 |
: Yeah, that is sad for you. I’m probably not far off.
|
| 8:09 |
: Who is Idina Menzel? Good ole MLB and FOX. Thousands of performers on the planet, and they pick someone that no one outside of the NYC theater crowd (no one whom are watching this) recognize. Classic.
|
| 8:09 |
: They couldn’t even ask Prince? Come on.
|
| 8:09 |
: At least make Prince tell you no.
|
| 8:10 |
I just learned that Ben Lindbergh and I graduated a few years apart from the same undergrad and have mutual friends. There’s him, former editor in chief of BP. Here’s me, praying for my questions to be answered on Fangraphs chats and hitting about 1% of the time. Where did I go wrong? |
| 8:10 |
: Isaac, I like you just the way you are.
|
| 8:10 |
They said she was from Frozen. |
| 8:10 |
Wasn’t she on Glee for a few episodes? |
| 8:11 |
: See, but none of us is sure. That fails the standard. Whoever sings the national anthem of the All-Star Game needs to be instantly recognizable.
|
| 8:11 |
Let it go Paul |
| 8:11 |
: You can’t make me!
|
| 8:11 |
: Oh my, Taye Diggs is married? That ruins all of my wife’s dreams.
|
| 8:12 |
: And now I see Harold Reynolds, and that ruins all of my dreams for a pleasant evening. Everyone’s screwed.
|
| 8:12 |
Thanks, Paul. I’m gonna submit to you a pitch for an article I have a new way to think about pitcher wins, I think it will really shake the industry. |
| 8:12 |
: Cool!
|
| 8:12 |
Never heard of her and hope to not hear her sing again |
| 8:12 |
: I mean, she did a good job, I’ll five her that.
|
| 8:12 |
I sang Let it Go from Frozen. I’m huge. |
| 8:12 |
: I guess MLB is targeting the tween set?
|
| 8:13 |
this might be oddly creepy/weird, but my first chat was run was actually run Paul so i just copied his initials for the lack of a creative name; and i have just kept them since. weird? also i think i was OD’ing on red bull at the time (from utter lack of sleep) while studying for midterms so my brain couldnt think of a create name |
| 8:13 |
(or a reference to ‘ PS i love you’) but as a 19 year old male, its a little tougher to prove that one. |
| 8:13 |
: Well, alright then.
|
| 8:13 |
who is the best keeper for 2015 only–jordan zimmermann ($18), felix hernandez ($34) or sonny gray ($17)? |
| 8:13 |
: I’ll say Felix, Gray and Zimmerman, in that order.
|
| 8:13 |
Speaking of Frozen, how about some late October baseball outdoors in MN. |
| 8:13 |
: Maybe next year?
|
| 8:14 |
I want to see Trout vs. Kershaw tonight, best against best. That’s why we watch this thing, right? |
| 8:14 |
: I think so. But at least everyone in St. Louis gets to see Wainwright!
|
| 8:14 |
I’ve been thinking: people will care more about the HR Derby if it actually matters, right? So let’s say that whoever wins earns his team 5 free wins. Hell, he can even pick what teams to take the wins away from. So long, Angels… |
| 8:14 |
: Five wins is a ton.
|
| 8:14 |
Fangraphs contributor trade value off the dome, go: |
| 8:14 |
I’ve been thinking: people will care more about the HR Derby if it actually matters, right? So let’s say that whoever wins earns his team 5 free wins. Hell, he can even pick what teams to take the wins away from. So long, Angels… |
| 8:15 |
: 1. Dave Cameron
1A. Jeff Sullivan. 3000. Paul Swydan |
| 8:15 |
Why don’t Fangraphs commenters care about my fantasy team? |
| 8:15 |
: I don’t get it either.
|
| 8:15 |
Make a prediction: what’s the most exciting deal we’ll see in the next 16 days? |
| 8:16 |
: The David Price deal will be the most exciting for everyone, but the Jake Peavy deal will be the most exciting for me personally.
|
| 8:16 |
am i the only one who finds it absurd that Selig wants to ban smokeless tobacco? |
| 8:17 |
: His ASG presser is all about tossing out cream puffs of positive publicity for all the extra press that show up. I’m sure that was more than part of the motivation there.
|
| 8:17 |
What do you think about Kipnis ROS. Was offered Kip, Polanco and Revere for Adam Jones and Prado. Sounds decent, but Jones is a freaking stud and is Mr. Consistent. |
| 8:17 |
: I could see it. Kipnis SHOULD be better. Maybe ask for someone better than Revere as the third player in the deal?
|
| 8:17 |
For your NL starter question your forgot to put “Matheny doesn’t want to piss of the giant that is Waino”. |
| 8:17 |
: Well I was trying to frame that delicately.
|
| 8:18 |
when did you work for the rockies and what did you do for them? You miss it? |
| 8:18 |
: March 2004-November 2010. Started in tickets, moved on to help run the team’s magazine/program and work in advertising and marketing. I also got to sit in with the baseball ops team on arbitration prep.
|
| 8:19 |
What team does Joc Pederson play for next year and does he get everyday ABs? |
| 8:19 |
: Dodgers, and yes.
|
| 8:19 |
: Here we go!
|
| 8:20 |
I’ll mow the grass, sing the national anthem, star in frozen, eat Harold Reynolds and win MVP. Believe dat. |
| 8:20 |
: Almost a perfect beginning for Jeter. Wow.
|
| 8:20 |
: McCutchen just too fast.
|
| 8:20 |
Did you see Eno’s piece on all-star matchups? Were you surprised at how little players seemed to know about rosters? |
| 8:21 |
: I didn’t, but no, I’m not. This is part of the reason why the players’ vote has been horrible in the past.
|
| 8:21 |
Come on ump, this give him the call, it doesn’t matter…Oh wait. |
| 8:21 |
HA JETER MISSES IT! (i decided to watch it. ugh) |
| 8:21 |
NL takes it, and Stanton wins MVP… called my shot |
| 8:21 |
How is Trout not in CF? |
| 8:21 |
Whose chats are more full of nerds: yours or Eno’s? |
| 8:21 |
: Tie?
|
| 8:22 |
: RE: Trout, have to wonder if Farrell made Scioscia a promise to not ride Trout too hard? Still tho.
|
| 8:22 |
Well now we know the NL’s plan: hit everything to the shortstop because jeter can’t field |
| 8:23 |
: Man, Carew really whipped that first pitch in there, didn’t he?
|
| 8:23 |
Fashion advice per Joe Buck, exactly what will get the TV ratings. |
| 8:24 |
Swydan weekly chat regular contributors trade value off the dome, go: |
| 8:24 |
: I’m freezing up. There are a lot of regulars that I recognize, but can’t think of them at the moment.
|
| 8:24 |
tulo is not better than trout. debating watching this on mute. |
| 8:24 |
: Wait, did they say that?
|
| 8:25 |
How many SS’s make that play? Probably only the ones playing deep enough to get around the ball, but it was still a rocket and if anyone else on the NL hits it its a top 10 play… |
| 8:25 |
: Don’t disagree with that. It was a great play.
|
| 8:25 |
Better stash in points league redraft? Alex Meyer or Dylan Bundy. |
| 8:25 |
: Bundy.
|
| 8:26 |
should i have a beer tonight |
| 8:26 |
: No, you should have multiple beers!
|
| 8:26 |
: Speaking of…
|
| 8:28 |
: That Jeter ad is really something else. Well done by Nike/Jordan.
|
| 8:29 |
are the rockies really considering re-signing cuddyer? will that stunt development of Blackmon and Dickerson? |
| 8:29 |
: Come on brad, I’m in a good mood here.
|
| 8:29 |
Have a kombucha! |
| 8:29 |
: Carl, we’ve been over this.
|
| 8:30 |
: That was cool.
|
| 8:30 |
: Now that’s funny!
|
| 8:30 |
sorry paul will this cheer you up? sox trade peavey to Yankees? |
| 8:31 |
: That wouldn’t, because he’d probably rip off 10 straight wins.
|
| 8:31 |
: Nice – Jeter with the double. Good for him.
|
| 8:31 |
Seriously Gomez isn’t in CF? Do the managers just not care? |
| 8:31 |
: Well, it’s hard to argue with McCutchen in center.
|
| 8:32 |
WHY DOES THIS GAME HAVE TO DECIDE HOME FIELD HULKSMASH |
| 8:32 |
: Tell em Hulk.
|
| 8:32 |
Did you hear that “Overrated” chant in the background? |
| 8:32 |
: I didn’t. That’s disappointing.
|
| 8:32 |
dude should have a sweet natty. don’t drink nerdy Eno beers. |
| 8:32 |
: I’m having a Summer Shandy. Definitely not a nerdy Eno beer.
|
| 8:33 |
The overrated chant was a single heckler. |
| 8:33 |
: Still tho.
|
| 8:33 |
That’s going to bother a lot of people on this site. |
| 8:33 |
: Wait, what is?
|
| 8:33 |
Haven’t seen Perez catch all that much – does he regularly backhand stuff in the dirt or is that more unfamiliarity with Felix’s stuff? |
| 8:34 |
: I’m not intricately familiar with them either, but I’d guess they just got crossed up.
|
| 8:34 |
: Wow, two hitters, both balls crushed to right field.
|
| 8:35 |
: It’s almost like Wainwright isn’t the best pitcher in the National League…
|
| 8:35 |
Is Kershaw available to pitch? |
| 8:35 |
: He’s listed on the bench.
|
| 8:35 |
Oh no, now we’re going to hear all the “they grooved pitches to Jeter just like they did with Ripken” comments |
| 8:35 |
: He’s still got to hit it.
|
| 8:35 |
We rate the Leinenkugel Summer Shandy with a 8.17 BAR and 104 Style+ |
| 8:35 |
: Is that good?
|
| 8:36 |
I WANNA B LIKE MIKE |
| 8:36 |
Trout gonna Trout. |
| 8:36 |
KERSHAW WOULDA K’d HIM |
| 8:36 |
: I stand corrected, this IS an Eno beer! Ha.
|
| 8:36 |
“This is a fantastic beer” — our own site says so! |
| 8:36 |
Sample size of 2 AB, great Fangraphs analysis. |
| 8:37 |
: I didn’t need the 2 AB to tell you that Kershaw is better than Wainwright.
|
| 8:37 |
According to Inside Edge, Jackie Bradley Jr. is 0 for 22 on Remote and Unlikely plays in his career. Also, Brock Holt, as an outfielder, is 6 for 10 on such plays. Can we safely conclude that Brock Holt is a much better outfielder than JBJ will ever be? |
| 8:37 |
: Uh, no.
|
| 8:37 |
Waino earned this, just wait until we’re 81-0 in the second half morans! |
| 8:37 |
You need one hit. Who do you want up at bat, Trout or Miggy? ….had a conversation with an old bar regular the other night |
| 8:37 |
: That’s a good question. Let’s put it to a poll!
|
| 8:38 |
: Wow that got out in a hurry.
|
| 8:38 |
i called it MIGGY |
| 8:38 |
TROUT. YOU WANT TROUT HITTING. |
| 8:38 |
double, triple, homer, YIKES |
| 8:39 |
What about a 4 PA sample size? |
| 8:39 |
ugh of course miggy has to show up Trout on one of the most watched stages. |
| 8:39 |
To be fair, any pitcher will struggle facing Trout. |
| 8:39 |
: Tell that to ’99 Pedro. Tell that to Felix last inning.
|
| 8:39 |
If I need one hit I want Trout, if I need 1 rbi with a man on 3rd less then 2 outs I want miggy. |
| 8:40 |
: That’s very specific. Are there are any other situations in which you’d want Miggy?
|
| 8:40 |
maybe we get to see Kershaw vs trout next inning |
| 8:40 |
: Silver lining!
|
| 8:40 |
if kershaw had the start miggy wouldn’t even been up this inning. |
| 8:40 |
: It’s true.
|
| 8:40 |
Wow, that pitch was a couple inches in off the plate. |
| 8:41 |
Who did ’99 Pedro struggle against? There must have been someone. |
| 8:42 |
: Matt Williams reached on an error by Roberto Alomar.
|
| 8:42 |
| 8:42 |
: And then was wiped out on a double play.
|
| 8:43 |
Tough realistically you want Trout to get the hit because you want Trout on base afterwards. Miggy is useless on the base paths, but your prototypical RBI situation with a man on 3rd I’d bet miggy has better numbers and fewer k’s |
| 8:43 |
: That wasn’t the question though.
|
| 8:43 |
id want trout over miggy even if trout is swinging with only one arm (say the other one is broken) |
| 8:43 |
where would you rank pedro all-time? His domination in steroid era has to help his case dramatically? |
| 8:44 |
: Yes. Yes it does. Personally, the best ever. Objectively, still top 10, but not the best ever. He didn’t have the longevity.
|
| 8:44 |
In context it was the answer you were looking for though. You asked what other situations would I want Miggy, my answer was in context only when you need a productive out to get a run in. |
| 8:44 |
: Oh, sorry, you’re right, I did say that.
|
| 8:44 |
what’s the hottest thing you’ve ever touched |
| 8:45 |
: The stove? Or the oven rack maybe? Or Rihanna?
Just kidding, I’ve never touched Rihanna. |
| 8:45 |
paul, whats your opinion on the lester contract situation (a slight deviation from the discussion at hand) i dont want them not to sign him but i dont want them to give him too many years because i think its slowly downhill from here |
| 8:45 |
: The lowball offer wasn’t smart. I think they’ve gone from a situation where Lester would hear them out after the season ends to a situation where Lester is definitely going to test the market now.
|
| 8:46 |
: Red Sox management hasn’t had a real strong season, to say the least.
|
| 8:46 |
what would YOU give lester tho? |
| 8:46 |
: I’d try to bowl him over with the dollars on a shorter years contract. Say, 4/$110.
|
| 8:46 |
i was expecting 2 innings for felix |
| 8:47 |
: I was too. This is ridiculous.
|
| 8:47 |
You listen to this Comcast customer service call that’s been making the rounds today? I hit play while doing some mindless work and it filled me with rage; unpleasant, but perhaps better than a deep sense of ennui. |
| 8:49 |
: The first and only time I was a Comcast customer was in 2003. I was living in a graduate dorm at U of Denver, and had no other options.
I ordered the NBA package. Channels 751-to like 765. Something like that. Nearly every night, the Celtics were the first game to start, so they were channel 751. One problem. The ODD NUMBERED channels on the package DIDN’T WORK! I called customer service to complain a half dozen times over the first month or so of the season, only to be finally told that they wer aware of the problem, weren’t going to fix it, and weren’t going to refund me my money either. Like I said, last time I was a Comcast subscriber. Rant over. |
| 8:49 |
LOVE CHASE UTLEY |
| 8:49 |
Lester: 5/135. Because if the Sox don’t sign him, the Yankees are going to. |
| 8:50 |
: I would still prefer 4. But I would prefer 5 to him on the Yankees, for sure.
|
| 8:50 |
Can’t stand Verducci as a writer. So sanctimonious. No opinion yet on his announcing. |
| 8:50 |
: He’s been OK, but in general I just don’t like 3-man booths. I never know who is going to talk. It’s maddening.
|
| 8:50 |
Well there was that article about the increased number of relievers, and pitchers in general in the all star game |
| 8:51 |
: I don’t care. Not everyone has to play.
|
| 8:51 |
Why don’t we elect all-star announcers? |
| 8:51 |
: That’d be great.
|
| 8:51 |
: I feel like maybe Trout didn’t go at that as hard as he could have.
|
| 8:51 |
Trout pulled a Puig. |
| 8:51 |
Vin Scully. Forever. |
| 8:52 |
It’d be Vin Scully every year though. |
| 8:52 |
Vin Scully with 98% of the vote, and 2% for Hawk stuffing the ballot box for himself. |
| 8:52 |
ID PICK KUIPER KRUKOW |
| 8:52 |
Vin Scully always! |
| 8:52 |
Is there any current all star you could possibly justify telling to sac bunt? |
| 8:52 |
: In the starting lineup? Maybe Gomez?
|
| 8:52 |
: Josh Harrison?
|
| 8:53 |
That’s why Trout’s not in CF, obviously. |
| 8:53 |
Like the CF camera angle tho! |
| 8:53 |
: Yes, definitely on that. Hopefully this is the start of a trend for FOX. Though they can’t do it everywhere. Like Colorado, for instance.
|
| 8:53 |
That is why Gomez is batting 9th. |
| 8:53 |
: Damn.
|
| 8:54 |
: Ouch. I have higher hopes for Episode VII than this.
|
| 8:54 |
Best fans in baseball chirping that Puig should have caught the ball hit by Trout. #leadership |
| 8:55 |
Lester’s WAR over the last 5 years: 6.3, 5.2, 4.4, .7, and 3. 2.5 this year puts him on pace for less then 5. For a player on the wrong side of 30 that doesn’t exactly scream 26-27m per year. |
| 8:55 |
: Well, perhaps not. But the way I look at it, I’d rather overpay for fewer years with pitchers, because I’d rather not pay $20M for an injured pitcher.
|
| 8:55 |
: In a fifth year, that is.
|
| 8:56 |
: Man, I can’t wait for Guardians of the Galaxy.
|
| 8:56 |
I’m imagining that cartoon as sung by Idina Manzell. |
| 8:56 |
is Trout in Guardians of the Galaxy? |
| 8:57 |
: I think he’s the tree.
|
| 8:57 |
: We deserve to have a movie where Trout just yells, “I am TROUT!”
|
| 8:57 |
In a federal court, the right to a jury trial in a civil action: (a) is available for actions in equity, not law; (b) is guaranteed by the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution; (c) can be conferred by statute; or (d) may never be waived by inaction, because it is a constitutional right. Only two weeks left of this nonsense! Then I’ll be missing your chats while I spend a month and a half attempting to forget everything I’ve just learned. |
| 8:57 |
: Good luck! We have at least two lawyers on staff in Wendy and JD.
|
| 8:58 |
Trout is *the* guardian of the galaxy, learn your marvel universe shit |
| 8:58 |
: Damnit.
|
| 8:58 |
If Brooklyn Nine Nine is going to Sundays…does that mean “Animation Domination” is over |
| 8:58 |
: Oh man, Terry was the only one they could get to show up? C’mon.
|
| 8:58 |
: And Terry is like the hardest working one of the group to begin with!
|
| 8:59 |
Aww, looks like no Kershaw vs Trout 🙁 |
| 8:59 |
: Why did they take Trout out? He’d be up 5th…
|
| 8:59 |
How good of a hitter would Matt Adams be if he had some plate discipline. He swings( but often hits) at everything. |
| 8:59 |
: He’d probably be a worse hitter. He’s successful with his style. Let him rock it.
|
| 9:00 |
: Tom Verducci with the breaking news that Kershaw has a hitch in his delivery.
|
| 9:00 |
Kinda like how I rock a mullet |
| 9:00 |
: Thanks for sharing, Andrew.
|
| 9:01 |
Can we stop making fun of Cardinals’ fans now that Kershaw is in? |
| 9:01 |
: I’m not sure why I would ever want to stop making fun of Cardinals fans.
|
| 9:01 |
No. |
| 9:01 |
Can we never stop making fun of Cards fans? |
| 9:01 |
apparently invisible puddles exist on pitchers mound. |
| 9:01 |
ain’t no thing Paul |
| 9:02 |
: A high, hard one. Joe Buck channelling Nick Nolte in 48 Hours. Hopefully not too much though…
|
| 9:02 |
It pleases me to no end that Cards fans have developed such a negative public image. When did this happen, I want to celebrate it annually |
| 9:02 |
: Annually? Why not daily?
|
| 9:02 |
verducci is trying way to hard to get excited like harold reynolds… nobody should try to do anything like harold reynolds |
| 9:02 |
: Sal Perez is slow.
|
| 9:03 |
Don’t we see Trout v Kershaw annually in the interleague rival series? |
| 9:03 |
: Well, maybe, but the whole country isn’t paying attention for those games.
|
| 9:03 |
People are jealous of success (and annoyed by the continuous media coverage). Hence the hate for all things Yankees, Cardinals, etc. |
| 9:03 |
: Is that it? Wow, I never knew that before!
|
| 9:03 |
Way to screw up who’s coming up next Fox |
| 9:04 |
: FOX – just trust us, K?
|
| 9:05 |
I mean if I was FOX I’d want Jeter and Trout up every inning. You can’t blame then for trying. |
| 9:05 |
: True.
|
| 9:06 |
This liveblog should just scroll across the bottom of the game |
| 9:06 |
: That would be something.
|
| 9:06 |
is fangraphs ever doing something in DC? i live in Vermont (so no chance of seeing you guys around here) but i go to school in DC so…something in DC during august-may excluding select breaks? |
| 9:06 |
: Hank Aaron is like, “what the HELL is he talking about now?”
|
| 9:07 |
True story: Ken Rosenthal is standing up during this interview with Selig. |
| 9:07 |
: Awww, leave Ken alone, he’s one of the good guys.
|
| 9:07 |
I’d be at a FG in DC event in a heartbeat FWIW |
| 9:08 |
PS bring all the Heady Topper and Hill Farmstead and Lawson’s you can in your car when you come to DC and I will pay you handsomely. |
| 9:08 |
Hey Paul, I’m going to the Saber Seminar in August. I want to go to the meetup Friday night, is the bar going to give me grief getting in since I’m 20? |
| 9:08 |
: That’s a good question. I don’t remember them checking IDs at the door, but then it’s been a long time since I had to worry about such things.
|
| 9:08 |
Same for me but in LA (or Chicago when I’m in school). |
| 9:08 |
: There is one in Chicago this week, isn’t there?
|
| 9:09 |
“I don’t think I would have done anything different” – The Commissioner over one of the most controversial eras in baseball history |
| 9:09 |
Woo! FG commenters meetup in DC |
| 9:09 |
sup all, hey boss! |
| 9:09 |
: Hi Matt!
|
| 9:09 |
: Bautista has played at Target Field before, right?
|
| 9:09 |
: That was weird.
|
| 9:09 |
wait you worked for rockies when they lost to red sox in world series, who did you root for? |
| 9:10 |
: Fortunately, the Red Sox winning in ’04 gave me the luxury of rooting for the team who was signing my paychecks. Still, one of the worst weeks of my life. I was getting it from both sides the entire time.
|
| 9:11 |
Over a 7 game series, do you have the NL or AL team winning? |
| 9:11 |
: Probably the NL team.
|
| 9:12 |
: But I haven’t given it any sort of hard analysis.
|
| 9:12 |
DC ppl: Black Squirrel (in AdMo) Saturday night let’s do it |
| 9:12 |
: I mean, maybe if you put your real name on it….
|
| 9:12 |
ILL BRING VERMONT BEER! ill just be uber specific when i have a 21 year old buy for me |
| 9:12 |
Having David Ross as your personal catcher for an entire season is worth about 1 WAR (according to BP pitch framing numbers) or 0.35 ERA. Why would you give that to a guy about to hit free agency? |
| 9:13 |
: A) I’m not real sure I want to go ahead trust the veracity of those numbers. B) I’m pretty sure David Ross is also a free agent after this season.
|
| 9:13 |
…I’m Dutch. |
| 9:13 |
It’s a known fact that OF defense suffers after participating in the HR derby. Of course, that doesn’t explain Trout’s route to the ball earlier tonight. |
| 9:13 |
: Burn.
|
| 9:13 |
If pitch framing ends up really that valuable, is that a case for robo umps? |
| 9:14 |
: In all honesty, robot umps would be boring.
|
| 9:14 |
Is everyone on this site half my age |
| 9:14 |
: Probably. Not me tho. I’m 35.
|
| 9:14 |
Right but David Ross being a free agent won’t matter when he’s already inflated Lester’s numbers to the point where you can’t afford him anymore. |
| 9:15 |
: Well, in general, signing free-agent pitchers isn’t exactly an optimal strategy. But if that’s your strategy, there’s only going to be a couple better options than Lester, inflated stats or not.
|
| 9:15 |
Trout must have heard that comment about his routes to the ball. |
| 9:15 |
: Ya. That, or it was a lollipop.
|
| 9:15 |
do we have a velocity reading on that darvish curve |
| 9:16 |
: Well, I can’t even check because of the silly Gameday mid-inning ad.
|
| 9:16 |
Have you heard anyone put forth an argument that pitch framing is “cheating”? I got a guy saying it and I find it a little unfathomable. |
| 9:16 |
: If it was cheating, it would be against the rules.
|
| 9:16 |
Gameday says 57 mph |
| 9:16 |
: Cripes.
|
| 9:16 |
Paul are you a fan of any other sports or just a baseball guy? |
| 9:17 |
: I love basketball (Celtics). I love college hockey (BU). I used to love football (Patriots), but now my interest in waning, and I think I’ll be out on football after Brady and Belichick retire. Also, I love soccer, but can’t pick a team. Was obsessed with the World Cup. Watched almost every game.
|
| 9:17 |
That movie that perpetuates the “10% of the brain” idea…I think maybe Hollywood people use 10% of their brains, but |
| 9:17 |
: Yeah whatever, stuff blows up and Scarlett is in it. Count me in. Even the wife is excited. Score!
|
| 9:18 |
Why college hockey but not the NHL? |
| 9:19 |
: Well, college hockey at BU is one of the best experiences in sports. Or, at least it was when I went there. Stupid Agannis Arena.
Also, I gave up on the NHL after the last strike. If you’re dumb enough that you sit out for a whole year and still end up with the short end of the stick when your foe is Gary Bettman, then you don’t deserve my attention. |
| 9:19 |
If you ranked every American by their combined interest in movies and soccer, I think I’d be in the bottom 100. |
| 9:19 |
: But we both love baseball, and that’s a beautiful thing!
|
| 9:19 |
Speaking of Scarlett, you see Under the Skin? Heard it was great. |
| 9:20 |
: I have not. It seemed like the kind of movie I’d want to see, but only as a rental when I’m by myself so that if I hated it I wouldn’t have to admit to anyone that I watched it.
|
| 9:20 |
2-2. MVP. |
| 9:20 |
(of the game) |
| 9:20 |
: If the AL maintains this lead, probably.
|
| 9:20 |
: Oh, Verducci.
|
| 9:21 |
Are you excited about KC’s reported interest in Jonny Gomes? Also, how much do you hate JF for playing Mookie Betts less than half the time? |
| 9:21 |
: Yes and yes.
|
| 9:21 |
what was alfredo simon’s fake name again? |
| 9:21 |
: Oh, I forget. Help me out, guys.
|
| 9:21 |
Chances Jeter gets to 1 WAR in his final season? |
| 9:21 |
: Decent. Steamer has him at 1.0, ZiPS at 0.8.
|
| 9:21 |
Carlos Cabrera. |
| 9:21 |
Carlos Cabrera |
| 9:21 |
Carlos Cabrera for Simon |
| 9:22 |
: Thanks guys.
|
| 9:22 |
carlos correa? |
| 9:22 |
: WRONG AGAIN, brad!
|
| 9:22 |
brad miller is shamefully close to 1 WAR so i’d imagine its a good shot |
| 9:23 |
Is there another, younger outfielder the Mariners should be targeting? I don’t like the idea of giving up assets for Marlon Byrd to give them a slightly better chance at getting to a 50/50 playin game. |
| 9:23 |
: Well I think the point is that they really wouldn’t give up assets for Byrd.
|
| 9:25 |
Odds that two consecutive Red Sox games will feature a Clay Buchholz CG? |
| 9:25 |
: 0.0%.
|
| 9:25 |
After no luck going through people I know, I’m currently attempting to fill a room in my place via craigslist ad. What are the odds the person doesn’t turn out to be a serial killer |
| 9:26 |
: My sister found a roommate on CraigsList once, and lived with her for like 3+ years. It could happen to you too!
|
| 9:26 |
0.1%, common paul. |
| 9:26 |
: I mean, I know I’m not special, but you don’t have to put such a fine point on it, geez.
|
| 9:26 |
Good to know! Although I’m not inspired: there should be a FG classifieds section… |
| 9:27 |
: There definitely should not be a FanGraphs classified section.
|
| 9:27 |
I hear Scarlett Johannsen is searching for a room on Craigslist. |
| 9:27 |
: Synergy!
|
| 9:27 |
I think you could’ve used the same answer for the Buchholz question and the Craigslist roommate question. |
| 9:27 |
Cabrera better not homer again at steal the mvp from Jeets |
| 9:27 |
i was curious about a mets-rangers colon-for-rios swap with both teams looking toward 2015, and what the chat community thinks of that |
| 9:28 |
: Everyone is free to weigh in. Personally, I don’t see why the Rangers do this.
|
| 9:28 |
your more special than anybody who will ever work for Fox sports (specifically their baseball announcing team) |
| 9:28 |
There is a Fangraphs classified section: http://www.fangraphs.com/qa/ |
| 9:29 |
: That’s not the same thing. Though I do forget about that section of the site all the time.
|
| 9:29 |
Rios > Colon (terms of value) |
| 9:29 |
I don’t like Colon in Arlington at all |
| 9:29 |
am the guy who is wrong a lot, but why would rangers trade rios for colon? |
| 9:29 |
paul is wrong again. |
| 9:29 |
in you illustrious fellows’ opinions, any realistic chance Chase Utley gets dealt? |
| 9:29 |
: I think a desperate team may try to get him to waive his no-trade, but I don’t see it happening.
|
| 9:29 |
10-5 and he has his ring. case for? |
| 9:30 |
: I mean, being excited about life, I guess.
|
| 9:30 |
Jeter dated Scarlett Johansson |
| 9:30 |
: He did, didn’t he?
|
| 9:30 |
Tulo>Jeter |
| 9:30 |
: Not if you asked Tulo. When the Yankees came to Colorado in 2007, the Rockies bought Tulo a big bottle of Jeter’s cologne. ‘Twas funny.
|
| 9:31 |
no, Phillies ownership treats Utley like their jeter and Utley doesn’t want to leave |
| 9:31 |
Who hasn’t Jeter dated? |
| 9:31 |
: My wife, I hope.
|
| 9:31 |
Jeff Passan on twitter ~ Adam Wainwright admitted he grooved a fastball to Derek Jeter in the first: “I was gonna give him a couple pipe shots. He deserved it.” |
| 9:31 |
: Killing me, Jeff.
|
| 9:32 |
: Nice. Farrell hasn’t done a lot of things right this year, but he treated Jeter right tonight. That was nice.
|
| 9:32 |
: Curtain call?
|
| 9:33 |
: Those Red Sox hats are awful, btw. Why is their triangle red?
|
| 9:33 |
: Rangers too.
|
| 9:34 |
Did Waino groove those ones to Trout and Cabrera, too? |
| 9:34 |
: Once you get used to it…
|
| 9:34 |
: Sale vs. Stanton is pretty sweet.
|
| 9:34 |
Did my eyes deceive me or was that Pete Rose sitting near Selig? |
| 9:34 |
: I hope your eyes did not deceive you, but they probably did.
|
| 9:35 |
If you were running an expansion franchise, which of these players with their current contract would you most like to draft as your 2B? A. Dustin Pedroia, B. Mookie Betts, C. Brock Holt, D. Sean Coyle |
| 9:35 |
: Probably Pedroia. Still a bargain contract. No offense, Mookie.
|
| 9:35 |
That fits with the conspiracy theory in 2001 that Chan Ho Park grooved one to Cal Ripkin |
| 9:36 |
: It’s not a conspiracy. I’m sure he did it. I’m sure Wainwright did it tonight. It doesn’t matter.
|
| 9:36 |
: Once you get used to it…
|
| 9:36 |
I dated a woman that ‘dated’ Pedro Martinez while he pitched in AAA. |
| 9:36 |
: That’s cool.
|
| 9:37 |
Lol miggy holding Gordon |
| 9:37 |
That was indeed puffy faced Pete Rose |
| 9:38 |
That’s why the whole home-field-advantage thing is so stupid. It makes us think this stuff matters! None of this matters, and that should be encouraged, with full absurdity. |
| 9:38 |
: Hey, it’s not Jeter’s fault the NL doesn’t have a generational talent retiring at the end of the year.
|
| 9:39 |
how bad would jeter have had 2 play to not get the mvp award? |
| 9:39 |
: I dunno. The game is setting up nicely for him to get it. Doesn’t usually happen.
|
| 9:39 |
Between how he did and Uggla in that one ASG |
| 9:39 |
: Oh man, Uggla was so bad. That was in ’08.
|
| 9:39 |
So I was thinking, no one watches the Futures Game, right? What if we had it decide draft rankings; whichever team’s players do worst gets the first pick, and going backwards from there… |
| 9:39 |
: What if we had the Futures Game tomorrow?
|
| 9:40 |
: Gordon is so fast.
|
| 9:41 |
Who would win in a race: Dee Gordon, Billy Hamilton, Usain Bolt, or a Cheetah? |
| 9:41 |
: Still probably the cheetah, right?
|
| 9:41 |
What the hell is Harold talking about? Can LuCroy not hit bad pitchers? |
| 9:42 |
: See, the problem is that you’re still listening.
|
| 9:42 |
What if each one of them was riding a cheetah? |
| 9:42 |
: Then Usain Bolt. He’s a cheetah whisperer.
|
| 9:43 |
Cheetahs can reach 60mph in 3 seconds. |
| 9:43 |
: I feel like you made that up, Lyle.
|
| 9:43 |
All those pitchers in the regular season disre2pecting Jeter by trying to get him out. |
| 9:43 |
no chance for Jeets to win MVP now right? |
| 9:44 |
: I’m leaving the door open.
|
| 9:44 |
: That Simon Says ad is horrible. Do kids even still play Simon Says? I wasn’t planning on teaching that game to my kids.
|
| 9:45 |
Randall Simon says hit a sausage mascot with a baseball bat |
| 9:45 |
I agree it was annoying |
| 9:45 |
: Thanks Josh C!
|
| 9:45 |
i hope the unnamed scout that berated me a year and a half ago for saying id take lucroy over hosmer at first base is reading this now…. |
| 9:45 |
: I hope so too!
|
| 9:46 |
: brb
|
| 9:49 |
: FWIW, I think that Gotham show is oing to be awful.
|
| 9:49 |
Fox execs be like “Whats a show idea that can’t fail?!” Answer: Batman |
| 9:49 |
: I feel like we see plenty of Batman’sback story. I don’t think we need a whole show about it.
|
| 9:49 |
Gotham = DC’ attempt at a SHIELD-like show, even though SHIELD isn’t particularly good or popular? |
| 9:49 |
i watched the gotham trailer, it actually looks good |
| 9:50 |
…but it will still fail |
| 9:50 |
Trying to think of a long irrelevant children’s game to make a Fausto Carmona pun about but failing. Crowdsource? |
| 9:50 |
: Agents of SHIELD got better as the season progressed, and if the rumored thing that happened actually did happen, it’s gonna get even better next year.
|
| 9:50 |
Sequels and Superheroes – 99% of movies |
| 9:51 |
: 98%. Come on now.
|
| 9:51 |
Not fair. They are leaving Kershaw in. |
| 9:51 |
: They are?
|
| 9:51 |
2% for Adina Menzell musicals! |
| 9:51 |
Batman would be a better commentator than Harold Reynolds. |
| 9:51 |
: Dark and brooding.
|
| 9:52 |
Fangraphs writers have recently been citing a stat called “tru” ERA which takes into account quality of contact allowed for pitchers. Is this stat kept track of somewhere? |
| 9:52 |
: We have?
|
| 9:52 |
truERA = the new line of flat-brimmed era ballcaps iirc |
| 9:53 |
If All-Star teams had mascots who would you vote for? |
| 9:53 |
: For Dinger, just to piss everyone off.
|
| 9:54 |
I prefer the falsERA, presonally |
| 9:54 |
: That’s a joke I would make.
|
| 9:55 |
Philly Phanatic best mascot in sports |
| 9:55 |
Yes, “tru” ERA has been referenced in several posts this year. Kershaw, Tanaka, and Alfredo Simon have been analyzed in this way, to name a few. |
| 9:55 |
: Don’t know. We have the various FIPS, and SIERA, on the player pages.
|
| 9:55 |
the philly phanatic once pantsed my brother in public |
| 9:55 |
: WINNER.
|
| 9:56 |
Verducci railed against the length of MLB games for SI, blaming working the count; now praising Puig’s plate patience |
| 9:56 |
is it possible to pants someone in private? |
| 9:56 |
: That’s a good homework assignment for you. Report back with your findings in the seventh inning.
|
| 9:57 |
LVP=Cano |
| 9:57 |
Puig got LVP locked up? |
| 9:57 |
: Make up your mind, Bob!
|
| 9:58 |
: But no, I think Wainwright has that locked up.
|
| 9:58 |
: Wow that was a lot closer than I thought it would be!
|
| 9:59 |
: Thanks, Harold.
|
| 9:59 |
Princess Bride is on Encore. That seems a better way to use my TV screen. |
| 9:59 |
: Well, thanks for stopping by, RR.
|
| 9:59 |
All kidding aside I think the poster on truERA is referring to Tony Blengino’s work looking at various pitcher sustainability. (he looks at LD, FB GB production and adjusts it) |
| 9:59 |
: Oh, ya. Tony has got all kinds of crazy stats.
|
| 9:59 |
he did the arm thing after the tag had already missed him……………… |
| 9:59 |
heh, that was a pretty sweet move by Tulo avoiding the tag on the arm |
| 10:00 |
: Both of these statements are true.
|
| 10:00 |
Why are all the best mascots in the NL? Who would the AL all-star mascot be? |
| 10:00 |
: Hmmmm…the Oriole?
|
| 10:00 |
: Mariner Moose?
|
| 10:00 |
God, I hate these hats. Do idiots actually buy these ugly things? |
| 10:00 |
: Yes. Yes they do.
|
| 10:00 |
Bernie Brewer has a slide! |
| 10:01 |
Does Pedroia count as a mascot? |
| 10:01 |
: Not yet.
|
| 10:01 |
The best AL mascot, Twinkie the Loon, is unfortunately long retired. |
| 10:01 |
: CURRENT MASCOTS ONLY!
|
| 10:01 |
Sorry for the heresy, but every “Guardians” ad makes it look even dumber. |
| 10:02 |
: I think that is sort of the entire point of the movie. Marvel is just rubbing it in DC’s face at this point.
|
| 10:03 |
: to wit:
|
| 10:03 |
But really you want to post this picture: http://33.media.tumblr.com/… |
| 10:03 |
: I really didn’t want to, but I did it anyway.
|
| 10:03 |
so how does CJ Wilson have one of the most visible sponsorships in baseball? |
| 10:03 |
: I don’t know, but it makes me embarrassed to use Head & Shoulders.
|
| 10:04 |
How do you post pictures? People do it in Eno’s chats all the time 🙁 |
| 10:04 |
: There’s a little button for it, I think.
|
| 10:04 |
I’ll take Harold over McCarver a.n.y.d.a.y |
| 10:04 |
: Nope.
|
| 10:04 |
Wainwright can groove one all he wants, but doesn’t coming out and saying he grooved it like completely nullify the gesture? |
| 10:04 |
: Absolutely it does. Jeff Passan is a good reporter for a reason. Also, baseball players are dumb.
|
| 10:04 |
(the arrow on the right of the chat box allows you to post pics) |
| 10:05 |
well this is creepy |
| 10:05 |
: Agreed.
|
| 10:05 |
Jerad Head & Rock Shoulders |
| 10:05 |
: Why not Miles Head?
|
| 10:05 |
Maybe Waino said he grooved one because he was too embarrassed to admit he allowed an XBH to Jeter? |
| 10:05 |
: Maybe. Still classless.
|
| 10:06 |
Moose is cool |
| 10:07 |
I’m really happy to be watching Pat Neshek right now, after all that’s happened to him the last couple years. |
| 10:07 |
Why can’t a Royal be a regular dude with a crown? The old Burger King mascot? Maybe Lorde just for irony’s sake? A thing that has a crown for a head, really?? |
| 10:07 |
is that you on the TV paul??? |
| 10:07 |
: My beard is way sweeter.
|
| 10:07 |
I can’t believe Alexei is an all-star! |
| 10:07 |
: He’s another for the “which All-Star would you ask to bunt question.”
|
| 10:07 |
Describe your reaction when NESN shows the Wally Wave (again). |
| 10:08 |
: Pure hatred. What’s worse is that my son loves Wally, so he always perks up when they show it, and I’m afraid that he’s going to start liking the wave too. Stupid NESN.
|
| 10:09 |
: I’m glad that Neshek made the team, but it would be nice if Matheny was using one of the pitchers on his team that didn’t, you know, suck.
|
| 10:10 |
: He’s got Clippard up. You have to assume Chapman comes in at some point. That leaves two innings.
|
| 10:10 |
: Kimbrel for another.
|
| 10:10 |
: And, actually I take it back. Neshek is no better or worse than any of the other candidates. How is this their team? Geez.
|
| 10:11 |
Yeah, I was kinda just thinking that. This – this ain’t good. |
Sorry everyone, the transcript stops here. We spent the majority of the last hour or so discussing whether or not there five future Hall of Famers in last night’s game. My conclusion was that while there are likely more than five future Hall of Famers playing this season — with Ichiro and Pujols being chief among them — that five in the game might be aggressive. Many thought I was being too conservative. We settled on Jeter as a definite, Miggy as a probably, and Felix, Kershaw, Trout and Beltre as having a good shot. It was a fun discussion, but unfortunately it got cut off. Hopefully, in the future we can fix this issue.
Paul Swydan used to be the managing editor of The Hardball Times, a writer and editor for FanGraphs and a writer for Boston.com and The Boston Globe. Now, he owns The Silver Unicorn Bookstore, an independent bookstore in Acton, Mass. Follow him on Twitter @Swydan. Follow the store @SilUnicornActon.
3.5 hrs of unfettered slurpin on Jeter and zero mention of Tony Gwynn. Whatta show.