FanGraphs After Dark Chat – 7/8/14
6:43 |
I’m sure you didn’t miss us last week, but we missed you. Join us at 9 pm ET, when hopefully word of a Jake Peavy trade will have leaked and I’ll finally have some good Red Sox news to digest! Until then, fill up the queue. See you soon! |
8:58 |
Germany just scored again. 9-1. |
9:01 |
: Breaking newz: Royals sign J. Buck and A. Soriano
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9:02 |
: More Breaking news: Steve Lyons has no idea what he’s talking about.
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9:02 |
Really hard up for power. Should I stash Alfonso Soriano and hope for the best…or add a player like Cory Hart or Mike Moustakas (UTIL spot)? Thanks. |
9:02 |
: If those are your options, I’d just stash Soriano.
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9:03 |
: I like the Hart play right now. Moose will get platooned.
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9:03 |
If you were an old school ballplayer, what would you want your nickname to be? E.g. Paul “Jackrabbit” Swydan |
9:03 |
: Oh man, that’s a great question. Steamroller? Definitely not Jackrabbit.
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9:03 |
: more like Jacka$$
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9:04 |
Pick two of these four SS for rest of season production (most overall production in 5 cat roto)- Brad Miller, JJ Hardy, Jed Lowrie, A simmons. Thanks. |
9:04 |
: miller and kowrie
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9:04 |
: Lowrie and………. Miller.
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9:05 |
: agreements!!!!
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9:05 |
What do you think about Xander B as a replacement for E5? Is he going to pick it up? |
9:05 |
: He’ll pick it up as soon as Farrell wises up and moves him back to shortstop. Don’t hold your breath on that happening this month.
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9:06 |
: He will be fine, but he will not be close in production, but not many choses since 3B is a waste land this season
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9:06 |
Is Jose Quintana a top 50 SP? Do you have him ahead of Marcus Stroman going forward? |
9:06 |
: Maybem and no.
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9:07 |
: Maybe, not maybem. Stupid fat fingers.
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9:07 |
: No (probably), I like Stroman better.
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9:07 |
OBP dynasty Abreu/Springer for Posey/Polanco who wins? |
9:08 |
: I don’t see Abreu as being a big on-base guy. More of a slugging guy. So I’ll take the Posey side without double checking the stats. But that is a damn sexy challenge trade. I like everything about it.
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9:08 |
: Abreau > Posey. The real rookies are a crap shoot so even.
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9:08 |
If you needed power would you deal Pablo Sandoval and A Lind for Pedro Alvarez? Sick of all these noodle bats man…offense is weak this year. |
9:08 |
: If you can take the hit in batting average, sure.
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9:09 |
: I am with Paul (sadly).
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9:09 |
Last 30 days, Mikey Moustakas is hitting .280 with 6 Hr. What’s going on? Is he worth a flier add? Thanks man. |
9:09 |
: I’ll let Jeff take this one.
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9:10 |
: He is better since he is basically in a platoon. Crazy how that works.
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9:10 |
why is first strike percentage kept up with but not getting to a 1-2 count after 3 pitchers percentage kept up with. if you get the first strike but then go 2-1 that isnt as good as throwing a first pitch ball and then getting to 1-2 |
9:12 |
: Some where on the interwebs is an article that states the results of the 1-1 pitch is more important than the 0-0 pitch.
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9:12 |
: I guess I’m not sure what you mean by “kept up with,” but I think the reason why we focus on first-pitch strikes more than 1-2 counts or 2-strike counts or what have you is because strikeout rate ends up being a pretty decent proxy for how a pitcher does with 2 strikes.
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9:12 |
I have to ask the weekly Mookie question. What are the Red Sox doing with him and is he destined to be sent back down any time soon? |
9:13 |
: I think that if things don’t turn around in a week or so, Gomes is on his way out of town and that we’ll see Bradley and Mookie in the lineup on a more regular basis, together.
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9:13 |
: I think he heads down once Victornio is back. A lot of missed time for everyone.
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9:14 |
: But the general theme right now is that if you’re winning, it’s OK to play veterans. If you’re not, you need to change up, and John Farrell has been INCREDIBLY, INCREDIBLY, INCREDIBLY slow to change up. There is no point in losing 3-0 every night with a team full of veterans. Play the kids.
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9:14 |
Do you think the Red Sox trade Lester and/or Koji at the deadline? What kind of return could they get? |
9:14 |
: No, I think the Sox may sell off some guys – Peavy and Gomes first and foremost – but I don’t think those two guys are going anywhere.
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9:14 |
: They will be traded or resigned IMO.
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9:15 | : Link to article on 0-0 vs 1-1 count: |
9:15 |
if you turn the M upside down I’m Wookie! |
9:15 |
: I like it.
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9:15 |
How much does someone like James Shield lose in free agency if he gets a QO? how about Cruz or Colby Rasmus if TO is so bold |
9:16 |
: Not sure on Shields, but not a ton of FA pitching. I think he will be out of KC.
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9:16 |
Rasmus – there’s no way he gets anything of substance if the Jays make him a QO. Cruz – Hard to say. His big year may turn some heads. |
9:17 |
Sell Nel Cruz and Latos for Stanton in an OBP/SLUG 14team Dynasty league? Or ride out the career year Cruz is going to put up? I am in 2nd and absolutely playing for this year. |
9:17 |
: If that’s all it takes to get Stanton, do it RIGHT. NOW.
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9:18 |
: Sell, Latos is crap, Correa and Gibson are comps to Latos right now.
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9:18 |
Do you think Tulo will be trade in the next 12 months? And does his No-Trade clause help the yankees? (as we know he would accept a trade to them). |
9:19 |
: I think, ultimately, that the organization loves Tulo but is indifferent on CarGo, and CarGo has replacements readily available right now. I expect CarGo to be traded this winter, not Tulo.
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9:19 |
as the reds are starting to play better do you think they will make a splash before deadline |
9:19 |
: No idea really
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9:19 |
: I never expect the Reds to make a splash. Ever.
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9:19 |
: The Reds never trades, at least it seems that way.
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9:19 |
Thoughts on the HR derby Contestants (Brian Dozier??). |
9:20 |
: I haven’t seen who they are and truthfully don’t care.
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9:20 |
: Dozier is there because the game is in Minnesota and it’s nice to have someone for the home team. I might quibble with Adam Jones, but after Cruz turned it down, he was probably the most willing. Overall, it’s a great field.
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9:21 |
IF, they come up with strong evidence that some banned substances do help prevent arm injuries for pitchers, would you be all for legalizing them? |
9:21 |
: I’m all for legalizing them now. End the charade.
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9:21 |
: Education is the way to get kids to not do drugs. Banning them has no effect.
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9:22 |
: What Paul said.
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9:22 |
Could you hit a 3 iron further than Giancarlo hits a baseball? |
9:23 |
: No.
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9:23 |
: Definitely not. If I could hit a 3 iron 450 feet, I probably wouldn’t be doing internet chats.
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9:23 |
: I can’t even hit my driver 450 feet. Who can?
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9:23 |
Verlander has given up 5 runs in the first, which contract will be more hindering long term: JV or Miguel> |
9:24 |
: Always bet on the pitcher to fall apart first. We all tend to love Verlander, but that contract never made much sense to me.
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9:24 |
: Remember when Roy Halladay was never going to break down?
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9:25 |
What’s the highest pitch sound you’ve ever heard? |
9:25 |
: Probably my daughter crying, which is happening right this very second.
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9:26 |
: (Don’t worry, my wife is on it. Though she’s not real pleased about it.)
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9:26 |
: Don’t know……
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9:26 |
Ho great would it be if Colorado hit the reset button by trading Tulo and Cargo in two separate blockbusters on the same day?? |
9:27 |
: I just don’t see the argument for trading Tulo, unless you’re getting a major league caliber shortstop back in the deal. And chances are, you wouldn’t be.
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9:27 |
: The internets would burst and the residents of CO would smoke a bowl and eat some girl scout cookies.
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9:28 |
: Or some edible marijuana. Come on Jeff, keep up.
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9:28 |
Could use some trade advise. Give Lucroy and get J. Zimmerman and Rosario. Thoughts? |
9:28 |
: Nope, not enough.
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9:29 |
: Depends of depth of league, getting both in a NL league would be huge. All depends on WW depth or the lack of it.
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9:29 |
Girl scout brand space cakes |
9:29 |
What would the Cardinals have to give up for Cole Hamels? With that salary commitment, wouldn’t a Piscotty headliner get it done? |
9:29 |
: I could get fatter off them for sure.
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9:30 |
: A Piscotty headliner would definitely not get it done, no.
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9:30 |
Hey guys uhhh if you’re above 11 years old you sholud be able to hit your driver 450 ft… |
9:30 |
: Like the Phillies are going to trade aging vets. Get real.
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9:30 |
: Should I? I am thinking yards instead of feet. What are the general measurements at a driving range?
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9:31 |
250 yards is a nice, solid adult drive |
9:31 |
Pros hit 300+ |
9:31 |
: I can’t do that, I haven’t golfed in 15 years.
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9:31 |
: OK, so my mistake. Why did I think it was feet?
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9:31 |
Let’s just take the rest of the night and explain golf to Paul |
9:32 |
: Yeah, seriously.
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9:32 |
With Tulowitzki’s recent comments, would , or more importantly should the Cardinals make a run at him. Would the Rockies take Peralta as part of the no doubt, large return? Would Peralta, Piscotty, Martinez, and a high upside lower level guy be close? |
9:32 |
B) No, that’s not enough. |
9:33 |
: It would take Taveras, top 10 guy and more.
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9:33 |
What’s yall’s favorite sandwich? |
9:33 |
: Meatball or chicken salad, usually.
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9:33 |
: Good ruben
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9:34 |
: Yeah that’s a good one too. Not too many places where that happens, tho.
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9:34 |
: Po’boy
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9:34 |
: Also good, same thing about scarcity. Unless you live in the south, I guess. Which I don’t.
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9:34 |
Whose extension looks worse: Votto or Verlander? |
9:34 |
: Still Verlander, but Votto’s isn’t looking pretty.
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9:34 |
: Torta with machca (sp?)
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9:35 |
: Verlander.
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9:35 |
Bautista for Kluber and Marte a solid deal? |
9:35 |
: Yeah that’s solid. I like that.
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9:35 |
: In a keeper I Kluber and Marte more.
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9:35 |
Because literally every FG writer must answer this question: Opinion on the A’s/Cubs trade? |
9:36 |
: I thought it was win-win, especially when you look at the list of available starting pitchers now to contenders. Weaver coming down with back pain last night was like a double whammy.
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9:36 |
: I like it, both teams got good pieces. The Cubs now need to figure out what to do with their pieces.
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9:37 |
Wow! Taveras plus a top ten guy? Would that at least include taking on Peralta? I get it, but the whole Coors factor/118 million owed would seem to factor in a bit more. Thanks for the answer! |
9:37 |
: The Rockies have absolutely no reason to take on Jhonny Peralta. He only makes sense for a contender, and the Rockies can’t even contend with Tulo. Sorry.
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9:38 |
In a world where they all pan out, do the Cubs really have that big of a problem? Bryant’s bat plays well in the OF, Baez/Castro/Russell can spread around 2B/SS/3B… |
9:38 |
: Whoops, sorry Jeff.
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9:38 |
: Oh, Jeff will be right back.
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9:39 |
I think you solve this by trying to move Castro for pitching. Or by making Alcantara an outfielder as well. Not sure. Interested to see what they do. |
9:39 |
Paul: Is that really your headshot on your Twitter profile? |
9:40 |
: I mean, it’s not a professional headshot or anything. It’s just a pic my wife took of me in our kitchen. But yes, it’s really me, if that’s what you’re asking.
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9:40 |
: Yep that is Paul
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9:40 |
Ottoneu, just lost E5, I have a tenuous 1 point lead for first, who do you start at 3B: Josh ‘All Star’ Harrison or Chase ‘I’m a disappointment to my own mother’ Headly (5×5 old school) |
9:41 |
: Uh, probably Harrison unless Headley is traded.
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9:41 |
: Harrison for now.
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9:41 |
: Though really, I’d just go matchups.
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9:41 |
Would you take Alex Rios or Brandon Moss, ROS ? |
9:42 |
: Moss for me, though it depends on your need… your need, for speed.
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9:42 |
: Moss, take the power.
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9:42 |
McAllister or Salazar on Saturday for CLE? |
9:43 |
: Kind of not my call, but I’d like to see Salazar get another crack at it in advance of the trade deadline. If he’s fixed, then CLE’s need to trade for a SP goes down dramatically.
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9:43 |
: McAllister is who McAllister is.
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9:43 |
: McAllister is the safe call, but I would love to see Salazar.
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9:44 |
When will the O’s admit Gausman is the best SP they have and stop messing around with him? |
9:44 |
: When they sent him down, it read like they were doing so to keep his innings down a little bit. Seems silly to me, but at least they had a reason other than “we have five better guys.”
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9:45 |
: Because he has pitched horrible without any results to prove other wise. He will be the Orioles Phil Hughes with his flyball tendencies.
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9:45 |
Adam Jones extension seems to be paying off, since people are talking about extensions and all. Fun fact: it made AJ highest paid player in Orioles history. Not fun fact: Jiminez’s deal was highest pitchers FA deal in Orioles history |
9:46 | : more on Gausman: |
9:46 |
: Yeah, no one ever talks about Adam Jones, but he just consistently puts in work. Gotta respect that.
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9:47 |
: Jones just does the same thing every year. Kind of reminds me of Matt Holliday.
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9:47 |
: Yes, I like that comp.
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9:47 |
I think they have been giving Alcantara reps in CF. |
9:47 |
: ok
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9:48 |
: Yes, but they also have Albert Almora coming in center. The question is whether or not an outfield of Alcantara-Almora-Bryant is good enough. That’s two infielders in the outfield, and Alcantara doesn’t profile to have the typical corner outfield power. Not saying it can’t work, just that it’s probably not ideal.
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9:48 |
: Of course, having an entirely homegrown infield and outfield IS ideal, so….
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9:49 |
: That dude is ugly. And what the hell is he looking at, anyway?
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9:49 |
: Eno’s hair?
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9:49 |
Paul you love Taveras correct? |
9:49 |
: Love is a strong word. I’m a little concerned that it took him this long to break through. But I definitely like him.
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9:50 |
: He needs to begin producing soon.
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9:50 |
What would you feel if I told you ever question you answered tonight was submitted by me under a rotating array of socks? |
9:51 |
: This would probably be funnier if I hadn’t given up on Fringe in the middle of season 2.
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9:51 |
: I have done weirder things… a lot weirder.
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9:51 |
If in 5 years, hitting and scoring is reaching all time lows, what changes do you think should be implemented to get the hitting back up? |
9:52 |
: I don’t think any changes should be implemented at a league/rules level.
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9:52 |
: Expansion or tighter baseball.
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9:52 |
: The baseball will not be official.
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9:53 |
What is a good batting avg to have in a softball league? |
9:53 |
: .750 at least.
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9:53 |
: Your batting average in a slow-pitch softball league isn’t good unless you’re hitting .900.
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9:53 |
*Fringe |
9:54 |
Am I the only one annoyed by fans clamoring for the Red Sox to blow things up and “let the kids play”??!? Like letting the kids play isn’t the reason why the team sucks?? Great, let’s rush more prospects to the majors and burn service time during a lost season, perfect way to prepare for the future right there! Like they expect the team to be a contender next year by running out the same awful lineup, but with CHRISTIAN VAZQUEZ, who will be their offensive savior. I guess they think Xander will suddenly start hitting again after he’s moved back 40 feet to the left, because his mind is so fragile he can’t take the change!! Isn’t there a better plan than “do nothing and hope it gets better”? Because that plan ISN’T WORKING. Who the hell is going to carry the team’s offense next year?!? |
9:54 |
: Which free agents are available again?
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9:55 |
Cruz. (answer to Sox FA available question) |
9:55 |
Relax man, your team has won a lot lately |
9:55 |
Have Paul and Jeff pitch all the innings! |
9:55 |
Second of all, they’re already burning the clock on Betts, Bogaerts and Bradley, so you might as well play them. Third of all, the Red Sox don’t need to play service time games. Fourth of all, you play the kids because watching veterans suck at baseball is about as fun as that torture Daniel Craig had to endure in Casino Royale. |
9:56 |
Quest for Paul: Why did Bost call betts up and sit him on bench? |
9:56 |
: No clue.
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9:57 |
I’ve been hanging out with Elijah Dukes a lot recently … I’ve learned so much more about the game |
9:57 |
: Hey now, that hurts.
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9:57 |
Jon Lester, career year or a real step forward? |
9:58 |
: Going to say career year.
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9:58 |
: Career year. Step forward are uncommon at his age.
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9:58 |
Which fangrapher is most likely to sit on a phonebook while driving? |
9:59 |
: Wiers, probably.
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9:59 |
: I was going to say Cwik … Wiers is it.
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9:59 |
Which one of you would win in a fight? |
9:59 |
: Me
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10:00 |
: Jeff! Jeff was in the Navy. He probably knows 13 ways to kill me before I even land a punch.
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10:00 |
can FanGraphs have a hangout somewhere on the East Coast somewhere south of the Mason-Dixon at some point? |
10:00 |
: or just send you 4400 words on TJS.
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10:00 |
: Cameron’s house?
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10:00 |
: I’d be down to have an event in Charleston if Appelman wants to pay for my flight down there!
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10:01 |
I’m surprised you computer nerds even know what a phone book is. |
10:01 |
: One was thrown in my driveway yesterday. I promptly tossed it in the trash. What is it, 1994?
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10:02 |
: OK, guys, I think we’re going to have to call it a night. Thanks so much for hanging out. Talk to you next week!
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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.
If Dustin Ackley started in the Cardinals organization, would he be an All-Star? Seems like the M’s are absolutely awful at developing bats.