Game 163 Live Blog
| 7:59 |
: It’s Game 163! These are great. This should be fun.
|
| 8:00 |
: If you haven’t been in a live blog here before, these are a little different than our regular chats. We won’t do as much Q&A, and this will be more of us reacting to the game as we watch it, interspersing your comments and questions when we can.
|
| 8:01 |
: \’
|
| 8:02 |
: Also, this is my first live blog during the puppy ownership era, so if there are sudden bouts of random letters appearing, my apologies in advance. She’s excited about snuggling with me though.
|
| 8:02 |
Jeff late as usual |
| 8:02 |
I don’t have TBS! WTF do I do?! Postseason.tv? Dave you mentioned you were in the same boat…how are you watching tonight? |
| 8:02 |
: I get cable for one month a year. You can do postseason.TV in a pinch, though.
|
| 8:03 |
Why do people insist on telling me David Price’s #’s vs. Texas lifetime when he’s demonstrably improved? So frustrating. |
| 8:03 |
: ,kj/hmy.;ui
|
| 8:03 |
: Hey, there’s puppy contribution #1
|
| 8:04 |
: It took 3 minutes…
|
| 8:04 |
: Also, people love trivia numbers.
|
| 8:04 |
IS puppy ownership easier/harder than you expected? |
| 8:04 |
: Was way harder for first two months, has gotten much easier over last week since we got electric fence up and running.
|
| 8:05 |
In your article on single game strategy, you said only the best of pitchers should turn a lineup over more than twice. Is price one of those pitchers? |
| 8:05 |
: Yes, especially given that McGee/Peralta/Rodney all pitched a lot yesterday.
|
| 8:05 |
Any predictions on how the game will go based on the lineups or pitching matchup? And if the puppy has a good prediction, I’m sure it will type it out to us as best as it can. |
| 8:05 |
: Rays are probably something like 60/40 favorites, but predictions are just a reason to be wrong.
|
| 8:06 |
: “The big story is that Nelson Cruz is back…” How about that it’s Game 163? Isn’t that a bigger story?
|
| 8:07 |
: Right on time, just like Dave requested!
|
| 8:07 |
: Hey Jeff.
|
| 8:07 |
: Now for the time every year I try to remember which channel TBS is
|
| 8:08 |
: I don’t know if it’s 60/40 Rays, given the home-field advantage aspect
|
| 8:08 |
: 55/45. This is important.
|
| 8:08 |
: We should fight about this.
|
| 8:08 |
: Aggressive move for a guy with a hamstring injury.
|
| 8:08 |
: Wow, he was out by a long way on what looked like an obvious double.
|
| 8:08 |
: He must be really hurting.
|
| 8:08 |
: =]
|
| 8:08 |
: Puppy Contribution #2~
|
| 8:09 |
: I like it. Added some levity.
|
| 8:09 |
THE PUPPY ALREADY KNOWS EMOTICONS?! |
| 8:09 |
: She’s super smart.
|
| 8:10 |
: Dave taught her.
|
| 8:10 |
: So laughable that expanded rosters apply to this
|
| 8:10 |
Should this game actually use 40 man rosters? |
| 8:10 |
: So is this not the playoffs, but tomorrow is the playoffs?
|
| 8:10 |
: Yeah, this is a total joke.
|
| 8:11 |
: I want 25 innings so it comes down to Ross Wolf vs Freddy Guzman
|
| 8:11 |
: Martin Perez, so far, not looking ace like.
|
| 8:11 |
: :O
|
| 8:11 |
: (not a puppy contribution)
|
| 8:12 |
: Doesn’t mean as much now, but having Jennings in the lineup is pretty big for Tampa here. And he did kill the ball
|
| 8:12 |
: Maybe worth noting that Perez had serious command problems in the minors.
|
| 8:12 |
: But what’s his defense going to look like?
|
| 8:12 |
: Hasn’t been a huge problem in MLB, but wildness not a new thing for him.
|
| 8:12 |
: Feels like Perez has been a top prospect since like 2004
|
| 8:13 |
: Four hitters, four baserunners, and no runs.
|
| 8:13 |
: With 18 pitchers, time to get some stirring.
|
| 8:14 |
Time for Delmon Young to step into the phone booth |
| 8:14 |
Over/under on 4IP by Perez tonight? |
| 8:14 |
: Is it too late to answer this?
|
| 8:14 |
: I’m taking the under.
|
| 8:15 |
: Now.
|
| 8:15 |
: Perez, incidentally, had mostly average minor-league strike rates in the upper levels
|
| 8:15 |
: A bases loaded walk to Delmon Young would be amazing.
|
| 8:15 |
: Not amazing.
|
| 8:16 |
: Decent AB for the dad from Family Matters
|
| 8:16 |
: And that’s why we hired Jeff.
|
| 8:16 |
: Although, how many of our readers were alive when Family Matters was still on the air?
|
| 8:16 |
: I generally assume all of our readers are exactly my age
|
| 8:17 |
Should the Indians (fans) be rooting for a specific team tonight? |
| 8:17 |
: Off the top of my head, the Rangers, because they’re probably a little worse.
|
| 8:18 |
If you’re cleveland you root for Tampa. You’d rather face Cobb than Darvish |
| 8:18 |
: Darvish pitched Sunday, so he’s not going Wednesday.
|
| 8:18 |
: Also, Cobb has been quietly amazing
|
| 8:18 |
If it helps, I think Rays are throwing Cobb vs CLE if they win, Garza if TEX wins |
| 8:18 |
: Cobb > Garza.
|
| 8:19 |
You guys taking fantasy questions tonight?! |
| 8:20 |
: Only Jeff is.
|
| 8:20 |
: Take whoever Nick Tepesch is
|
| 8:20 |
: Nate Tepesch?
|
| 8:20 |
: Take the Tepesch
|
| 8:20 |
If you were Wash who would you have started tonight? |
| 8:21 |
: Perez seems like he’s kind of the only option, right?
|
| 8:21 |
Will there be a live blog for tomorrow and Wednesday’s games as well? |
| 8:21 |
: Yes.
|
| 8:21 |
: Tomorrow prominently featuring Dave, Wednesday prominently featuring Jeff
|
| 8:22 |
Where is Carson? |
| 8:22 |
: Paris.
|
| 8:22 |
Do you guys have any qualms about rooting for the Rangers now that Cruz is back? I know he “did his time” so to speak, but it still seems hard to pull for PED users. |
| 8:22 |
: Carson feels about the playoffs the way Elvis Andrus feels about dingers
|
| 8:23 |
: 1. I’m not rooting for the Rangers. 2. If you think TB doesn’t have any guys who used PEDs at some point in their career, you’re probably naive.
|
| 8:23 |
: I am just going to assume that the Rangers just got Molina’d.
|
| 8:23 |
: Ehh, strike
|
| 8:23 |
: Looked like a strike to me.
|
| 8:23 |
: That right there might be the worst pitch Price throws tonight
|
| 8:23 |
: It was unremarkable
|
| 8:24 |
: He’s really pounding the outside corner.
|
| 8:25 |
: As many walks now as Price issued between July 2 and August 3
|
| 8:25 |
: Major League pitchers can’t throw strikes whenever they want. It’s kind of amazing.
|
| 8:25 |
: It’s so hard
|
| 8:26 |
: It doesn’t look that hard!
|
| 8:26 |
: It’s so hard!
|
| 8:26 |
: Try it!
|
| 8:26 |
: I was a catcher. I just yelled at the guys trying it.
|
| 8:26 |
: The camera angle is so deceptive!
|
| 8:26 |
Man, some real “That’s what she said” action going on here… |
| 8:26 |
: Actually spotting pitches is so freaking difficult, beyond throwing in the box
|
| 8:27 |
Price not locating his offspeed stuff, you think that’ll settle down in later innings? |
| 8:27 |
: If there’s actually something to the Texas thing then boy will there be egg on my face
|
| 8:27 |
: I figure he’ll find his changeup in the next 10-20 pitches
|
| 8:27 |
: Holy hell what a block
|
| 8:28 |
: So Loney just blocked the bag.
|
| 8:28 |
: Is that…
|
| 8:28 |
: Is that allowed?
|
| 8:28 |
: It shouldn’t be.
|
| 8:28 |
It feels illegal |
| 8:28 |
: Somebody look that up for us please
|
| 8:29 |
: Minions, research!
|
| 8:29 |
: If it’s allowed, couldn’t a first baseman just stand between the runner and the base?
|
| 8:29 |
: At what point is it obstruction?
|
| 8:29 |
: Prince Fielder, amazing defensive first baseman.
|
| 8:29 |
“By the rules of baseball, a runner has the right to an unobstructed path to a base. However, this right is not granted if the fielder guarding the base possesses the ball or is in the process of catching the ball.” |
| 8:30 |
: Gray area!
|
| 8:30 |
: Seems like Loney was “in the process of catching the ball” from the instant Price threw over
|
| 8:30 |
: Seems like an umpire will never call it if you’re in the position Loney is. If you actually stood in the guys way, maybe.
|
| 8:31 |
If lots of guys exploited the rule, they’d just change it… |
| 8:31 |
: Agree.
|
| 8:32 |
: How is James Loney not just Casey Kotchman?
|
| 8:32 |
He’s not white. |
| 8:33 |
: I don’t see color
|
| 8:33 |
: Okay Colbert.
|
| 8:33 |
: No seriously it’s been crippling
|
| 8:33 |
no, really, jeff is actually watching on a 13″ b/w tv |
| 8:33 |
: #portland
|
| 8:34 |
: Nice hustle, Yunel.
|
| 8:34 |
: Have we ever been more certain of a player being a clubhouse cancer than with Yunel Escobar?
|
| 8:34 |
: Elijah Dukes?
|
| 8:34 |
: Because, you know…
|
| 8:34 |
: Yeah, that’s a good one
|
| 8:34 |
: Escobar, though, 4th among shortstops in WAR
|
| 8:34 |
AROD! |
| 8:35 |
: I hope A-Rod breaks the dinger record
|
| 8:35 |
Do you still hear about Yunel being a clubhouse malcontent? Or is considered at least neutral these days? |
| 8:35 |
: The Rays, publicly, seem to like him, and think he just needed a little guidance
|
| 8:35 |
: I think it is entirely possible that Escobar is just a bad human being, but the Rays have figured out how to make it less public.
|
| 8:36 |
: Pretty sure he hasn’t murdered, so there’s that
|
| 8:36 |
Joe Maddon brings animals and other distractions in the clubhouse so no one focuses on Escobar’s bad attitude “Hey look over here at the python!” |
| 8:37 |
: light a mop mop mop
|
| 8:37 |
: Does TBS always pick songs that have people yelling FIIIIIIIIIIRE in them
|
| 8:38 |
it’s been MLB network’s song all season |
| 8:38 |
: Another great reason to not have cable for 11 months per year.
|
| 8:39 |
: I am still in love with Adrian Beltre.
|
| 8:40 |
that running from beltre looked awful |
| 8:40 |
Injured hamstring |
| 8:40 |
: Beltre and Jennings both, evening out
|
| 8:41 |
: Except that Beltre got to second
|
| 8:41 |
Am I wrong to think that Adrian Beltre is one of the most underrated players in the last 10 years or so? |
| 8:41 |
: I miss Written In The Stars
|
| 8:41 |
: Not at all.
|
| 8:41 |
I use “written in the stars” as an alarm because the song basically makes my body seize at this point |
| 8:42 |
: I can see why one would want to seize every morning
|
| 8:43 |
: “And he’ll swing at anything.” Totally unprompted. Awesome.
|
| 8:43 |
: Swinging is exhausting so A.J. must be in terrific shape
|
| 8:44 |
: Molina’d!
|
| 8:44 |
: AJ won’t swing at anything, apparently.
|
| 8:44 |
: I can’t tell what this reaction is
|
| 8:44 |
: Steroids are clearly a huge problem in baseball
|
| 8:44 |
: Fans won’t stand for PED users
|
| 8:44 |
Texans are unfettered by steroid use |
| 8:45 |
: I mean for god’s sake how much evidence do we need that people just don’t care
|
| 8:45 |
Everything is steroidsier in Texas. |
| 8:46 |
I may be in the minority but I care about PED use. I don’t care for it |
| 8:46 |
: I don’t care for it either. I don’t think that’s a minority opinion.
|
| 8:47 |
: Everybody, I think, would prefer it not be a thing, but it’s not driving people away
|
| 8:48 |
: It’s just something people tolerate as the reality
|
| 8:48 |
: Two baserunners spared by Loney in two innings
|
| 8:49 |
Fans forget and forgive |
| 8:49 |
: Especially if you help their team win.
|
| 8:50 |
Put it this way, Nelson Cruz gets booed like crazy if this game is in any other ballpark. People care about steroids, but it definitely takes a back seat to rooting interests |
| 8:50 |
: Agreed.
|
| 8:51 |
: You can make the same argument that they help the sport as you can with blown calls by umpires
|
| 8:51 |
: PEDs = subject of interest, drawing considerable attention
|
| 8:52 |
: Ad for Bleacher Report on my television
|
| 8:52 |
: Kind of honestly forgot that’s still a thing
|
| 8:53 |
Was the ad in the form of a slideshow? |
| 8:55 |
: Wil Myers, pride of High Point, about 30 minutes from me.
|
| 8:55 |
Which volcanoes best represent each of these teams? |
| 8:55 |
It worked out well for the Royals? |
| 8:55 |
: Rangers = Nyiragongo, Rays = Campi Flegrei
|
| 8:56 |
: No, it did not.
|
| 8:56 |
: God, that talking point.
|
| 8:56 |
High Point, Furniture Capital of the World |
| 8:56 |
: Not anymore – now Vegas has a furniture show too, so buyers can choose between Vegas and a desolate southeastern former factory town.
|
| 8:57 |
: Vegas blows
|
| 8:57 |
: So does High Point.
|
| 8:57 |
: Sounds like it’s higher and more pointy
|
| 8:58 |
: Right as Perez was settling in…
|
| 8:58 |
: The ball is really carryign.
|
| 8:58 |
: carrying even.
|
| 8:58 |
: Yeah, Young almost went out for a grand slam.
|
| 8:58 |
: Pretty remarkable to hit that pitch out to the right side of center
|
| 9:00 |
Has Longo reached his potential? Never really gotten close to .900 OPS |
| 9:00 |
: Also, Evan Longoria and Game 163 again.
|
| 9:00 |
: I’d like to see his numbers adjusted for a different ballpark in a different division with a more average schedule
|
| 9:01 |
: Here’s the WPA graph for anyone who wants to follow along, by the way. http://www.fangraphs.com/livewins.aspx?date=2013-09-30&team=Rangers&dh=0&season=2013
|
| 9:02 |
I propose a moratorium on the word “magical,” especially where it concerns hitting a baseball. Anyone with me? |
| 9:02 |
: I don’t know, it kind of seems like magic. The pitches go so fast
|
| 9:02 |
Jhonny’s comment was magical |
| 9:02 |
: but I was DH’d for in high school
|
| 9:03 |
Wait, does this game count towards regular season stats? |
| 9:03 |
: Yes.
|
| 9:03 |
: A better chemistry shortstop would have made that play.
|
| 9:04 |
: Escobar is probably pretty familiar with using the back of his hand
|
| 9:04 |
: What the actual hell was that swing by Martin?
|
| 9:04 |
What would the suspension be for using actual witchcraft magic? |
| 9:04 |
: Do you want to cross a wizard?
|
| 9:05 |
Does everyone have a sore leg? |
| 9:05 |
I think the whole team is limping |
| 9:05 |
: Team-building exercise
|
| 9:06 |
I’m gonna limp to the fridge. |
| 9:06 |
: Craig Gentry not limping on that one.
|
| 9:06 |
: Pretty good read by Gentry
|
| 9:07 |
: “He takes off on the crack of the bat.” /cue replay of him holding until it is over Zobrist’s head.
|
| 9:07 |
: Loney does not go for block #2.
|
| 9:07 |
: In their defense, they were trying to recall the recent past
|
| 9:08 |
If the Rangers lose, is Wash’s job in danger? |
| 9:08 |
: Shouldn’t be
|
| 9:08 |
Would it make sense to prioritize defense in a one-game playoff? |
| 9:08 |
: Totally depends on what you have available and your opponent
|
| 9:08 |
: You should prioritize outscoring your opponent.
|
| 9:09 |
I asked that question earlier but got no answer…. |
| 9:09 |
: There are 2,000 people in here right now
|
| 9:09 |
There are more people in this chat than would be at the game if it were in Tampa |
| 9:09 |
What is the maximum occupancy for a fangraphs live blog? |
| 9:09 |
: We had a few thousand for a WS game a few years back.
|
| 9:10 |
: Pretty sure Tampa gives unsold tickets to self-operating cow bells
|
| 9:10 |
: Again, why we hired Jeff.
|
| 9:11 |
: Rob Szasz has a Wikipedia page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Szasz
|
| 9:11 |
: Another pickoff.
|
| 9:11 |
: Oh, oh dear
|
| 9:11 |
: Maybe stop giving away outs Rangers.
|
| 9:12 |
: The back ends of both bullpens are pretty exhausted, right?
|
| 9:12 |
: Right.
|
| 9:12 |
: Awesome
|
| 9:12 |
I’m a little rough on numbers, but getting picked off is probably not the new market inefficiency |
| 9:13 |
: It’s all about the errors on pick-off attempts. Unseen value
|
| 9:14 |
Its disappointing that this game isn’t available on a regular mlb.tv subscription, given that it’s technically a regular season game. |
| 9:14 |
: That is odd.
|
| 9:14 |
: That’s pretty crappy.
|
| 9:14 |
It’s been 3 innings and still no Craig Sager. What gives?! |
| 9:14 |
: And for once, Jeff has a stronger opinion than I.
|
| 9:14 |
: This broadcast is actually being aired through a monitor on Craig Sager’s jacket.
|
| 9:15 |
: Opinions are going to be one of my 2014 new year’s resolutions
|
| 9:15 |
National broadcasts usually are blacked out on mlb.tv |
| 9:15 |
: True.
|
| 9:15 |
: Oh right, that part
|
| 9:16 |
: But what is up with this game internationally?
|
| 9:16 |
Are there any ‘pick off move’ metrics? |
| 9:16 |
: You can at least browse http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/MLB/2013-baserunning-batting.shtml
|
| 9:16 |
Meanwhile I’m stuck here with these horrid camera angle options and have almost no idea what’s going on half the time |
| 9:17 |
: Congratulations, you are a Rangers baserunner.
|
| 9:17 |
: The carry!
|
| 9:17 |
: This is crazy.
|
| 9:17 |
: Hell of a catch though
|
| 9:17 |
: Yes.
|
| 9:18 |
: Spotted: pitcher makes accurate throw from mound to base
|
| 9:18 |
: Puppy has just pushed my computer out of my lap and taken over.
|
| 9:18 |
: Matt Garza is confounded
|
| 9:19 |
Does pitcher value include controlling the running game? Or is that already adequately addressed using wOBA allowed? |
| 9:19 |
: Suspicion is that controlling the running game is one of the reasons Cueto beats his FIP
|
| 9:19 |
: Dave wrote about that a year ago(?)
|
| 9:19 |
: Yeah, it’s part of runner stranding.
|
| 9:19 |
In High Heat 2003 like 1/4 of pickoff tries were thrown away |
| 9:19 |
: The best baseball video game ever 🙁
|
| 9:19 |
Any word on whether Billy Hamilton is on the roster tomorrow? |
| 9:20 |
: He really ought to be
|
| 9:20 |
: It would be crazy if he’s not.
|
| 9:20 |
: 8 swinging strikes for Perez so far, 2 for Price
|
| 9:20 |
: Like, lock you up and put in on a straight jacket crazy.
|
| 9:21 |
: Hamilton is such a weapon. You don’t need to worry about whether he can hit big-league pitching well
|
| 9:21 |
Where does one get a Dusty Baker sized straight jacket? |
| 9:22 |
how did you get into your profession, Dave? |
| 9:22 |
: Luck.
|
| 9:22 |
: /high five
|
| 9:23 |
Don’t be modest, you guys are talented. |
| 9:23 |
: A lot of talented writers didn’t get our break.
|
| 9:24 |
: Everything in life is ability + fortune. We’ve both been fortunate
|
| 9:24 |
: Unless you’re born a Kardashian. Then it’s just + fortune.
|
| 9:25 |
: I love when you make pop culture references
|
| 9:25 |
: And yes, that’s me making a pop culture reference. Don’t get used to it.
|
| 9:25 |
: At least this one wasn’t dated
|
| 9:26 |
: So far we’ve got Kardashians and Family Matters. Knocking it out of the park
|
| 9:26 |
: And you were the one who referenced the 20 year old TV show.
|
| 9:26 |
: Anybody want to talk about Wings?
|
| 9:26 |
Have to cook dinner in a few. Rosemary, thyme, or dill? |
| 9:26 |
: Dill is gross. Either of the other two.
|
| 9:26 |
: Dill is really the worst
|
| 9:26 |
seriously how can Matt Garza not practice the throw to first enough to be competent? |
| 9:27 |
: I don’t know but I love that he doesn’t
|
| 9:27 |
: That is a swell defense play by Escobar
|
| 9:27 |
: That was not easy!
|
| 9:28 |
If you didn’t see another Alec Baldwin Capital One commercial, would you be OK? |
| 9:28 |
: I just saw my first one in like 11 months. And yes.
|
| 9:29 |
: I’m only now going through 30 Rock so now those commercials are weirder to me
|
| 9:29 |
: On Escobar, btw:
|
| 9:29 |
: “I said, ‘He’s a great teammate,'” Molina recalled Sunday. “And they said, ‘What are you talking about? Everybody says the opposite.'”
|
| 9:29 |
Alec Baldwin is better than the really creepy Brad Pitt commercials from last year |
| 9:30 |
: I had forgotten about those. Now i won’t be able to sleep.
|
| 9:31 |
: So hey, Perez made it through the fourth after all
|
| 9:32 |
: BABIP gods say hello.
|
| 9:32 |
: But there was also the carrying dinger
|
| 9:33 |
: So I don’t know what to make of this, except that neither starter has really looked great
|
| 9:33 |
: Okay, have to go put the wife to bed. It’s all Jeff all the time, for the next few periods of time.
|
| 9:34 |
: Guess I better pay attention, then, instead of read articles about Yunel Escobar’s personality
|
| 9:35 |
Any great Game 163 memories? Randy Johnson and the Kingdome for me always stands out. |
| 9:36 |
: Good friend of mine got an HDTV in 2007
|
| 9:36 |
: Padres fan in San Diego. Bought the TV and got it home and set up just in time for 163 against the Rockies.
|
| 9:36 |
: That was his first-ever HDTV baseball game and it still makes me laugh.
|
| 9:37 |
Anyone else pulls a stunt like Escobar and they LOSE THEIR JOB. Tired of the chances these guys get |
| 9:37 |
: He did lose his job
|
| 9:37 |
Wings was an underrated show for its time. Lowell was a great character. |
| 9:38 |
: And then Ned & Stacey was downright watchable!
|
| 9:38 |
Thumbs up or down on John Smoltz as a color commentator? |
| 9:38 |
: Mostly in favor but I generally tune the announcers out
|
| 9:38 |
: Especially when I’m live-blogging
|
| 9:38 |
Why did Mitch Moreland get the start at first and not Jeff Baker, who can actually hit lefties? |
| 9:38 |
: Baker has a hernia, I believe
|
| 9:39 |
: Otherwise, yeah
|
| 9:39 |
Game’s moving along at a pretty nice clip so far. |
| 9:39 |
: I always feel guilty for enjoying that, but I do enjoy that
|
| 9:40 |
: Beautiful pitch
|
| 9:40 |
Being a Mariners fan, I used to really hate the Rangers. But now, I mostly just hate the Mariners. |
| 9:40 |
: Bingo
|
| 9:41 |
Dessert- Something chocolate covered, or ice cream? |
| 9:41 |
: both?
|
| 9:42 |
I haven’t watched much of the Rays this year; has Price’s arm slot been this low all year? I’m sure it used to be higher. |
| 9:43 |
Jeff, do you enjoy other forms of sport? |
| 9:44 |
: hockey
|
| 9:44 |
Twins-Tigers 2009 Game 163 might be the best baseball game I have ever seen |
| 9:44 |
: One-game playoffs are always amazing. Playoffs are always amazing. So what if it’s silly to conclude with one game? It’s silly to conclude with one series. Embrace the madness.
|
| 9:45 |
If Price continues pitching effectively, how far do you let him go in this one? |
| 9:45 |
: Anything happen while I was gone?
|
| 9:45 |
: Maybe two innings, max?
|
| 9:46 |
: Outs happened
|
| 9:46 |
: People made fun of your terminology
|
| 9:46 |
: Outs on bases?
|
| 9:46 |
: Just outs
|
| 9:46 |
: That’s boring.
|
| 9:46 |
: Sorry
|
| 9:46 |
: Now a rousing ovation for some reason
|
| 9:47 |
: Is an unethical cheater coming in?
|
| 9:47 |
: (yes, that’s just trolling)
|
| 9:47 |
: Fans are so nice until the losses are sealed
|
| 9:47 |
Is it just me or is the zone bigger for Price? Is it a Molina thing or am I just reacting to the crowd moan? |
| 9:47 |
: Crowd moan will be an influence, but you should expect a bigger zone with Molina than with Pierzynski
|
| 9:47 |
: also, Price is better about hitting his spots
|
| 9:48 |
aside from the really egregious AJ call, seems fine ti me thus far |
| 9:48 |
: This year, Molina at +1.8 pitches/game, Pierzynski at -0.8 (framing)
|
| 9:48 |
Pretty even for both sides. http://brooksbaseball.net/pfxVB/zoneTrack.php?month=09&day=30&year=2013&game=gid_2013_09_30_tbamlb_texmlb_1%2F |
| 9:49 |
: When did they start being able to show data during games again?
|
| 9:49 |
: Used to be blocked for the longest time
|
| 9:49 |
: Pittsburgh.
|
| 9:49 |
: Not sure.
|
| 9:49 |
: Longoria, doing what he does in elimination games.
|
| 9:50 |
: Careful now, don’t spend everything you have on narrative
|
| 9:50 |
: Ogando and velocity: http://www.fangraphs.com/pitchfxo.aspx?playerid=10261&position=P&pitch=FA
|
| 9:50 |
Price going to be wearing a Rangers jersey in a couple months? |
| 9:51 |
: Decent chance
|
| 9:51 |
Wow. Molina’s glove is moving to the zone before he catches the ball. |
| 9:51 |
: One of the techniques. He’s the best at it
|
| 9:51 |
: AJ tried to fake Longo there.
|
| 9:52 |
: And that’s what you can do with your stupid small sample pinch hitting statistics.
|
| 9:52 |
Probably the wrong place for this question but it has been bothering me. Going back to McCann/Gomez…was it the correct call to give him a HR since he never crossed the plate and was ejected? Or should it have been scored a 3B? |
| 9:52 |
: McCann got in his way
|
| 9:52 |
: Now back to this baseball!
|
| 9:53 |
: Wonder how that AB goes if Ogando gets the second pitch
|
| 9:53 |
DeJesus — clutch performer. Or, DeJesus — doing what he does vs. righties. |
| 9:53 |
: It’s like having a bunch of useful players is good.
|
| 9:54 |
Smoltz: “The Rays are trying to get even more runs here.” |
| 9:54 |
Is Price still among the top 5 pitchers in the majors? |
| 9:54 |
: 10-15
|
| 9:55 |
Should the Rays pick up DeJesus’ option? 6.5 mil or a 1.5 mil buyout. |
| 9:55 |
: I think so.
|
| 9:55 |
How much heat do Daniels or Wash feel in Texas this winter if they lose tonight and fail to make the playoffs? |
| 9:55 |
: Ogando doesn’t have it at all right now
|
| 9:55 |
: Daniels should feel no heat.
|
| 9:57 |
Rays’ lineup does not impress me. How can they survive in October if they win tonight? |
| 9:57 |
: You think the Rays are in position to pay that much for DeJesus?
|
| 9:57 |
: They were like 5th in baseball in wRC+. Perhaps you should reconsider your evaluation.
|
| 9:57 |
: $5 million for a +2 WAR OF? Yeah.
|
| 9:57 |
: He’s worth it, in general, but I don’t know about fitting into that budget
|
| 9:58 |
: also, he’ll be 34
|
| 9:58 |
: But this probably isn’t what’s important right now!
|
| 9:59 |
: 9 whiffs for Perez, 3 for Price
|
| 9:59 |
: Ogando with a grounder and three line drives
|
| 10:00 |
pedro’s hair is fantastic |
| 10:00 |
Paraphrasing Verducci–get a good pitcher early because they get better–isn’t this a misnomer as pitchers have better numbers the first time thru an order and worse 2nd time thru, etc? |
| 10:01 |
: Yeah, this is pretty much completely wrong.
|
| 10:01 |
: Jose Molina sliding at you has to be really scary.
|
| 10:01 |
: Sometimes it does take time to settle in, but the numbers sure suggest otherwise
|
| 10:02 |
Have you guys adopted a team for the playoffs? |
| 10:02 |
: I prefer fresher teams, generally
|
| 10:02 |
: Pittsburgh.
|
| 10:03 |
: So, Indians, Pirates
|
| 10:03 |
: but A”s would be awesome
|
| 10:03 |
Are there any freshnss metrics? |
| 10:03 |
: Sell by date?
|
| 10:04 |
I go with the sniff test |
| 10:04 |
Better defense in LF: Delmon Young or the combination of Sullivan and Cameron (i.e. both of you out there at the same time)? |
| 10:04 |
: do we get to practice?
|
| 10:04 |
: I think we’d be better.
|
| 10:04 |
: Even without practice.
|
| 10:04 |
: I’d like to practice.
|
| 10:05 |
Would you play deep short or left right? |
| 10:05 |
: Left right.
|
| 10:05 |
: I think.
|
| 10:05 |
: You’re a righty, correct? I’m lefty. We can do this
|
| 10:05 |
: Let’s lobby for this. Hey MLB, we want to try.
|
| 10:05 |
When should Maddon pull Price? Should he have already when the order came up for the third time? |
| 10:06 |
: They should have pen warming, but have to factor in McGee/PeraltaRodney threw a lot yesterday.
|
| 10:06 |
: I at least let Price get through Pierzynski before thinking about removing him
|
| 10:06 |
: and then I’m not real worried about Moreland/Gentry before Martin
|
| 10:07 |
: welp
|
| 10:07 |
: I was certain that was a dinger!
|
| 10:07 |
: That was crushed.
|
| 10:07 |
: So much for carry.
|
| 10:07 |
man how did that not get out of here |
| 10:07 |
: That didn’t get out, Longoria’s did
|
| 10:08 |
Did Longoria find his hat? |
| 10:08 |
: It’s what motivates him to this day
|
| 10:08 |
: So this sounds loud.
|
| 10:08 |
: love it
|
| 10:08 |
: Playoff atmosphere indeed.
|
| 10:08 |
: Sounded like a baseball town
|
| 10:09 |
Yeah but anyone under the age of 40 doesn’t like baseball |
| 10:09 |
: Might be the loudest they get
|
| 10:09 |
: The sport is dying, you may have heard.
|
| 10:10 |
: I’m comfortable giving Price another inning. Not concerned about the bats coming up, except for Cruz, who leads off
|
| 10:10 |
: Get him through Martin, hand off to the pen
|
| 10:11 |
: still though, just the three whiffs all game long
|
| 10:11 |
: I could see an argument for taking him out before Cruz.
|
| 10:11 |
: that would be now
|
| 10:11 |
: Right.
|
| 10:11 |
: Guess it’s up to Maddon’s evaluation of the freshness of the relievers. Lots of them out there
|
| 10:12 |
: They also have the expanded rosters, so could match-up way through 7/8.
|
| 10:13 |
How do you guys like the announcers? Think Smoltz is far superior to Joe |
| 10:13 |
: I like Smoltz a lot.
|
| 10:13 |
: Smoltz is good, but I’m worried about what he’ll be in five years after enough time with other TV types
|
| 10:14 |
: Colliding outfielders sure look like idiots
|
| 10:14 |
: He’s right beside you!
|
| 10:15 |
Hey, OF communication is hard when you’re that fast. All you hear is wind! |
| 10:15 |
I’m guessing you and Cameron are colliding multiple times in our hypothetical |
| 10:16 |
: I think we would excel at fundamentals
|
| 10:16 |
: I think we would *relatively excel at fundamentals
|
| 10:16 |
: I think we would probably look hilarious.
|
| 10:16 |
: We would need someone to make a lot of GIFs.
|
| 10:17 |
: We’d relay to one another
|
| 10:17 |
I guess lack of known players’ deceives me but I still don’t see how Rays’ lineup will stack against Tigers, Red Sox, and Indians? |
| 10:17 |
: Quite favorably, is the answer!
|
| 10:17 |
If you are the Indians, are you hoping to face Matt Garza or Alex Cobb in the wild card game? |
| 10:17 |
: Garza
|
| 10:17 |
: Garza.
|
| 10:18 |
Wow I didn’t realize the Yankees offense was that bad |
| 10:18 |
: Their second best hitter was Alfonso Soriano.
|
| 10:18 |
: 139 starters threw 100+ innings. Cobb tied for eighth in xFIP-
|
| 10:18 |
any great bunters on the indians? or even decent ones? |
| 10:18 |
: Michael Bourn.
|
| 10:19 |
: What’s Bourn’s injury? Wrist? Knee?
|
| 10:19 |
: Hamstring?
|
| 10:19 |
: calf
|
| 10:19 |
: 0-for-3, just like Pierzynski
|
| 10:19 |
Dave, are you going to do a full article analyzing the Myers-Shields trade in the offseason. It seems like it is still something that people are divided on. |
| 10:19 |
: Not people who read FanGraphs.
|
| 10:20 |
: It would probably still be worth a post in the middle of the winter, when you’re starved for other ideas
|
| 10:20 |
Guys, you don’t win a pennant in April. |
| 10:20 |
: Since I said I liked Smoltz, he has said like 8 dumb things.
|
| 10:21 |
: That ball went an extra 100 feet
|
| 10:21 |
: It looked like an infield fly off the bat.
|
| 10:21 |
: Yeah, like he just flipped the bat at it
|
| 10:21 |
: “HIt well”
|
| 10:21 |
fangraphs vs B-R rec softball plz |
| 10:21 |
: More like FG + B-R vs. BP. Does B-R have much of a staff?
|
| 10:22 |
: B-R has like three employees. So no.
|
| 10:22 |
As a SF Giants fan, it’s amazing to watch this game and see how opposite this park plays to AT&T. |
| 10:23 |
: This is a great example of how parks don’t affect players the same ways.
|
| 10:23 |
: Is AT&T the most extreme pitcher’s park now?
|
| 10:23 |
: I think it’s gotta be
|
| 10:23 |
: Maybe.
|
| 10:24 |
I hope Longoria makes an out so they don’t air that four flavor/four hit twitter pic thing again |
| 10:24 |
: Social media is the worst
|
| 10:24 |
Isn’t this social media? |
| 10:25 |
As he said Social Media is the worst. |
| 10:25 |
: Other social media is the worst
|
| 10:25 |
: “Just missed” – it almost hit him!
|
| 10:25 |
: #angle
|
| 10:26 |
: Those are Mariano Rivera strikes
|
| 10:26 |
Boooooooo!!!!!!!!!!! Bad call on that pitch a foot inside! |
| 10:27 |
How do you search for past articles on fangraphs? |
| 10:27 |
: Google.
|
| 10:28 |
Why are dead center cams not mandatory? |
| 10:29 |
: A lot of people don’t like it, because it looks weird at first.
|
| 10:29 |
: Bad call.
|
| 10:29 |
: That was a trap.
|
Dave is the Managing Editor of FanGraphs.
October Madness Baby!!!
One and done baby!
Might want to check the calendar, Dick.
I’m in China Baby. It’s so Awesome, it’s already October baby!