NL Wild Card Game Live Blog
| 6:36 |
: Hi everybody!
Jeff Sullivan and myself will be here with you all night long, if last night is any indication. So come fill up the queue with warmup questions, and we’ll chat the night away. I will make an effort to be in here before the game starts, but I can only guarantee I’ll be here for first pitch. See you soon! |
| 7:59 |
: One minute guys. Literally just searching for the remote.
|
| 8:01 |
: OK, mercifully found it between two pillows. One more sec, setting up polls.
|
| 8:02 |
: Another amazing game!
|
| 8:02 |
: Giants
|
| 8:02 |
: Giants
|
| 8:03 |
: I also had lost my remote!
|
| 8:03 |
: OK, three polls up.
|
| 8:03 |
: I intentionally hid it from myself last night because I was tired of the television. I didn’t know that worked
|
| 8:04 |
: Hey if you guys didn’t read Jeff’s piece on Jarrod Dyson, you should do that now-ish.
|
| 8:04 |
Predictions? |
| 8:04 |
: I wouldn’t do it now, there’s a new game starting!
|
| 8:04 |
: I’ll say 5-3 Pirates.
|
| 8:04 |
: oh what the hell, 7-2 Giants
|
| 8:05 |
: I don’t know what the point of predictions is but I’m feeling a bummer of a game after yesterday
|
| 8:05 |
Prediction: 4-2, Giants |
| 8:05 |
1-0 Giants |
| 8:05 |
PNC Park: Best stadium in the playoffs, or best stadium any time? |
| 8:05 |
: I don’t know, I still haven’t been. Sad face.
|
| 8:06 |
My prediction…. Pain! |
| 8:06 |
Giants 4 – 1 |
| 8:06 |
4-2 buccos |
| 8:06 |
3-2 Pirates |
| 8:06 |
Prediction: Barry Bonds’ team wins. |
| 8:07 |
4-2 Giants |
| 8:07 |
: A year ago, the Pirates’ crowd was loud and charming and awesome. Now, not only do we know about them, but the Royals are the new kids. Going to be hard to top the noise we heard yesterday
|
| 8:08 |
: I’m a little disappointed the Pirates are in alternate unis. I get that they’re trying to do a blackout tonight, but they’re called ALTERNATE unis for a reason.
|
| 8:08 |
: I am always such a sucker for color-coordinated stadium crowds, except when it’s white
|
| 8:09 |
: Agreed.
|
| 8:09 |
: Black towels/pom poms? Stupid
|
| 8:09 |
: NO ONE CAN SEE YOU
|
| 8:09 |
: And, at first blush, it looks like this Pirates crowd did a heck of a job.
|
| 8:09 |
: With the all black, that is.
|
| 8:09 |
You’re a bitter old man Jeff |
| 8:09 |
: Nobody can see black! Or dark red
|
| 8:10 |
: It’s not striking! That’s the point!
|
| 8:10 |
Should be black shirts and yellow towels |
| 8:10 |
How many people are in the chat right now? |
| 8:10 |
: I agree that a yellow out would have been cooler, but perhaps it is jarring to the players nonetheless? Can you imagine even asking a player that with a straight face though? I can’t.
|
| 8:10 |
: It ain’t yesterday, that’s for damned sure
|
| 8:11 |
: Players have to respond to Eno with a straight face
|
| 8:11 |
: Relevant fun fact: PNC is an underrated pitcher-friendly environment
|
| 8:11 |
: Heinz getting that face time right from the start. Already a good night for them!
|
| 8:11 |
Obviously on any given day you’d want to put your best starter out there, but really how much of an impact would Cole have instead of Volquez? One game is kinda random anyway. |
| 8:12 |
: Gregor Blanco seems to feel like he should’ve homered. Does he know what a homer feels like off the bat?
|
| 8:12 |
: MVP out to sliding MVP
|
| 8:12 |
: I agree with you Matts, I didn’t see the harm in starting Cole on Sunday.
|
| 8:13 |
: That was cool.
|
| 8:13 |
Is it just me, or is this center field camera angle dreadful? ROOT Sports Pittsburgh has the best center field camera in the league, why does ESPN’s suck? |
| 8:13 |
: Rule of thumb: unless you’re talking about real aces or real nightmares, there’s not an enormous swing in winning odds by pitcher identity, especially with the bullpens looming sooner than usual
|
| 8:13 |
: Simple answer – ROOT might not share. I imagine they’re still taping the game.
|
| 8:14 |
Giants radio color culling from Jeff’s piece on Pirates pitching inside |
| 8:14 |
: In fairness, people have known about that strategy for a while
|
| 8:14 |
: Now that’s cool.
|
| 8:14 |
When did Boch flip-flop Posey and Sandoval? Was it midway thru this year? I remember Posey hitting cleanup until fairly recently |
| 8:14 |
: I like distinct team strategies. Bummer to have Oakland out because of that, but the Royals have one of their own I suppose
|
| 8:15 |
: Posey has essentially been hitting 3rd all season.
|
| 8:15 |
Jeff, I feel like PNC is the most well-known underrated pitcher’s park. |
| 8:15 |
: Still hipster, but almost too well-recognized to be hipster!
|
| 8:15 |
: It looks like Posey hit 4th for like a week before the All-Star break.
|
| 8:15 |
: PNC Park’s pitcher-friendliness is the Decemberists
|
| 8:16 |
Your pick for surprise star of the game? |
| 8:16 |
: I will say Gaby Sanchez!
|
| 8:16 |
: Edinson Volquez
|
| 8:16 |
: Now my predictions don’t match anymore
|
| 8:16 |
: Whatever, no one’s checking continuity
|
| 8:16 |
: That’s why it’d be a surprise tho.
|
| 8:16 |
Russell Martin seems like an obvious choice for the Cubs. ON Monday, Theo Epstein mentioned that they expect to contend for the division title in 2015 and a 3 or 4 year deal with Martin seems to fit their plan (as well as he being their type of player – high OB% and good defense). |
| 8:17 |
: Pirates recently said they’d go to the mattresses to keep him. Bottom line – Martin makes sense for like half the teams in the league. I had him in the Rockies’ blueprint for 2015 when I wrote that up last month too.
|
| 8:18 |
: but I like that they’re still trying to us Rosario
|
| 8:18 |
: it’s funny for gifs
|
| 8:18 |
Does Volquez have the lowest regular season WAR among any “play-in” game starter? |
| 8:18 |
: I defended Rosario for a long time, but, it’s not working.
|
| 8:18 |
: He’s lower than 2012 Joe Saunders, but I’m not sure he’s actually worse than 2012 Joe Saunders
|
| 8:18 |
: I was just going to say Joe Saunders!
|
| 8:19 |
Does anybody like it when they look behind the hitter when the pitch is coming? |
| 8:19 |
: Absolutely no one, it’s done to infuriate
|
| 8:19 |
: It does succeed in allowing us to more often appreciate the normal view
|
| 8:19 |
: Yeah. That view should be for still photos only.
|
| 8:19 |
: And even then it’s like “why is this a photo”
|
| 8:20 |
Jeff, what is your X factor for this game? You were both right and wrong last night if I remember correctly |
| 8:20 |
: I don’t really have one in the same kind of way but I think if the Pirates are super aggressive with their bullpen they can get the pitching edge in this game by the fourth or the fifth inning
|
| 8:21 |
: They have to know better than to try to push Volquez, and I think they do
|
| 8:21 |
will the a’s always be doomed in the postseason with their strategy of acquiring underrated uppercut swingers? i understand it’s a decision born from financial constraints, but isn’t it easily exploitable with high heat? |
| 8:21 |
: 8 runs yesterday. We wouldn’t be talking about this if it weren’t for the run prevention
|
| 8:21 |
: But it’s like, in retrospect, no wonder the Tigers shut them down
|
| 8:22 |
: Mike Trout is easily exploitable with high heat, and he was worth 8 WAR
|
| 8:22 |
: Also, Moss mashed at least one of his homers off a high fastball, so…
|
| 8:22 |
: I think they were both low
|
| 8:22 |
: I thought the second one was high. But I am frequently wrong.
|
| 8:22 |
: Definitely low, after two high fastballs were taken
|
| 8:23 |
Has the Pirates defense really been that bad?(by the numbers) I can’t believe it |
| 8:23 |
: Doubt it. Numbers don’t know what to do with shifting
|
| 8:23 |
Ohhhh Jeff 1 Paul 0 |
| 8:23 |
: Big insight from Curt Schilling, when Volquez struggles it’s because he’s missing his spots
|
| 8:23 |
: Add a couple zeroes to Jeff’s side!
|
| 8:24 |
Pedro Alvarez is responsible for a good chunk of those bad defensive numbers |
| 8:24 |
Random, but what is the best minor league team name? |
| 8:24 |
: Volcanoes
|
| 8:24 |
FG should do a live podcast during these games to spare us all from listening to the national announcers |
| 8:24 |
: We talked about this yesterday — it’s illegal
|
| 8:24 |
: Biscuits
|
| 8:25 |
Do you guys consider Bumgarner an Ace? |
| 8:25 |
: He’s about at my threshold. Hard to separate him from his league and park
|
| 8:25 |
: Very much illegal! But appreciate the sentiment. I lobbied for Cameron to be the color guy on FOX when we signed with them this year!
|
| 8:25 |
: Yeah, he’s 1A for me. I want him to be a #1, but Bochy ends up needing to lift him in the 5th inning more than a couple times a year.
|
| 8:26 |
: John Kruk analyzing the shift, that’s exactly what we need
|
| 8:26 |
is it illegal to talk about the game without doing a play by play? |
| 8:27 |
: I’m not sure we could successfully pull off talking about a game without talking about a game.
|
| 8:27 |
: I don’t know exactly why this is allowed but that isn’t, but, that isn’t
|
| 8:27 |
: Oh, Josh!
|
| 8:28 |
: How often does a player get an ovation from the home crowd after not making a catch?
|
| 8:28 |
: Hit the heel of the glove. He’s so good he ran a hair past the ball. Rough.
|
| 8:28 |
I am not sure Kruk talking at all is what we need |
| 8:28 |
: Alright, I suppose I should own up to this now – I like John Kruk. There, i said it.
|
| 8:29 |
: I like when I remember that I can tune these people out
|
| 8:29 |
: Then I don’t mind them
|
| 8:29 |
: I feel like while he doesn’t know everything about everything, he does keep an open mind about stuff.
|
| 8:29 |
The TBS crew makes Kruk sound like Vin Scully |
| 8:29 |
: Also that.
|
| 8:29 |
: Martin calling for the high fastball
|
| 8:30 |
: Overthrown, but, welcome to baseball, adjusting to baseball
|
| 8:30 |
Do you see either of these teams being able to defeat the Nationals? |
| 8:30 |
: Sure, why not?
|
| 8:30 |
Good god, I actually measured the parallax on this camera angle and it’s about 30 degrees left of dead center.. so coming from further left than the LF plays |
| 8:30 |
: Yeah, I don’t think the Nationals are an invincible juggernaut.
|
| 8:31 |
Is Joe Flacco elite? |
| 8:31 |
: Best Flacco I know
|
| 8:31 |
: Can’t believe Volquez walked a guy
|
| 8:31 |
I love how they switch to the camera angle that doesn’t suck on any close pitch |
| 8:31 |
: Yeah that’s weird.
|
| 8:32 |
Last year I cheered for the Pirates a lot. This year their fans have made me dislike them more than almost any team in the postseason. I also don’t want San Fran to win another title. Any chance the A’s can momentarily join the NL? |
| 8:32 |
: Fresh teams are really exciting and fun, the first time
|
| 8:32 |
: Yup. Like how you all rooted for the Red Sox in 03 and 04 and then immediately turned on us. Not cool, you guys. Not cool.
|
| 8:32 |
: What a disaster
|
| 8:32 |
: YOU turned on *us*
|
| 8:33 |
: Can’t believe Michael Morse is injured
|
| 8:33 |
: Hey it wasn’t my idea to make Schilling the closer.
|
| 8:33 |
Paul, We need to get the jitters out lol |
| 8:33 |
So who is the least fresh playoff team in 2014? Tigers? Cards? |
| 8:33 |
: Cards
|
| 8:33 |
: Cardinals. I’m so done with them.
|
| 8:33 |
: Man the Cardinals are dull for a team that isn’t dull
|
| 8:34 |
: And I just know we’re in for a week of small market vs big market. Just kill me now.
|
| 8:34 |
: If it has to be the Cards, then I want Cards/Royals
|
| 8:34 |
The Spurs of baseball–I root against both for no real reason other than “staleness.” |
| 8:34 |
: Yes, I said the same thing on Monday, Jeff. Cards/Royals would be fun.
|
| 8:35 |
Paul, why do you despise the cards so much? |
| 8:35 |
: Can’t believe Ishikawa made an out
|
| 8:35 |
: I don’t despise them so much as they’re just super boring to me.
|
| 8:35 |
Boy is Dan Schulman an upgrade over last night’s Ernie Johnson. |
| 8:36 |
: The silver lining is it’s a chance to read more Derrick Goold. And they do have Matt Holliday, who I will always love. But I still am just burnt out on the Cardinals.
|
| 8:36 |
: Was re-watching the highlight of Moss’ second home run. Did Johnson even notice?
|
| 8:36 |
how pissed do you think billy beane is at bob melvin? |
| 8:37 |
: Not very. I don’t think Melvin cost them the game.
|
| 8:37 |
: And yeah, sorry, that wasn’t a high fastball on Moss’ second homer. I’m an idiot.
|
| 8:37 |
Agreed, its baffling to me that Ernie Johnson is the main play by play for any network. |
| 8:38 |
: Ernie knows basketball. Very well, actually. But TBS’ lack of willingness to find another lead man for baseball, in their 8th year of baseball coverage, is baffling.
|
| 8:38 |
: Ernie Johnson is just so…boring. There’s no flavor there.
|
| 8:38 |
: He doesn’t offend me with his stupidity or anything, he just doesn’t add any value.
|
| 8:38 |
My favorite Kruk highlight: http://youtu.be/9SH715tr6ek |
| 8:39 |
: Which is fine on Inside the NBA. He’s the straight man for Charles and Kenny. But they’re not doing baseball games with him, and Ron Darling and Cal Ripken are nowhere near as entertaining or insightful as Charles or Kenny are.
|
| 8:39 |
Are we seeing a reverse lefty strikezone? Ball inside called a strike, outside pitches called balls |
| 8:39 |
: It’s probably the angle
|
| 8:40 |
Martin’s pitch framing skills fooling the crowd. |
| 8:40 |
: Also, crowd wants strikes
|
| 8:40 |
: Also, I’m behind in the queue
|
| 8:40 |
Ripken seems to have almost nothing to say. I |
| 8:40 |
: Yup. He’s wasted there.
|
| 8:41 |
Which team has the better shot to make the world series if they win this game? |
| 8:41 |
: I feel like it’s the Pirates
|
| 8:41 |
: If Pagan was healthy, I’d say Giants.
|
| 8:42 |
: Walker takes the 0-and-2 pitch down the middle
|
| 8:42 |
: It’s a bold strategy, Cotton, let’s see if it pays off for him.
|
| 8:42 |
Royals / A’s would have been the most fun WS, but rules, ya know? |
| 8:42 |
: Royals/Pirates would be awesome and weird
|
| 8:43 |
: I want Angels/Dodgers most of all, I think. But I am on the record as predicting Angels/Nationals.
|
| 8:43 |
Who are each of your least favorite teams (division rivals of your respective teams excluded)? |
| 8:43 |
: I think it’s the Red Sox
|
| 8:43 |
: But Royals/Pirates would be cool too.
|
| 8:43 |
: Rays for me. I’m sooooo over Joe Maddon it isn’t funny.
|
| 8:43 |
: Panik! in the Outfield
|
| 8:44 |
Panik! at the Frisco |
| 8:44 |
How pissed is Adam Dunn? |
| 8:44 |
: I get the sense Adam Dunn doesn’t really get pissed off at anything
|
| 8:45 |
For all the worrying Jeff and Dave were sharing last night. You guys (esp, you Jeff) killed it with the articles today. |
| 8:45 |
: I’m 99% sure that game will have been the best game to cover all playoffs, and it wasn’t even in October
|
| 8:45 |
: Agreed. We should forcibly deprive them of sleep more often!
|
| 8:45 |
Some of it was in October |
| 8:45 |
: Not local time!
|
| 8:46 |
: Come on Jeff, there’s only one REAL time zone in this country.
|
| 8:46 |
: Hawaiian
|
| 8:46 |
Playoff idea: You get to take 5 players from any team you beat for the rest of the playoffs. |
| 8:47 |
: That’s too many!
|
| 8:47 |
: That’s pretty much what they do in the Caribbean Series, is it not?
|
| 8:47 |
What has to happen for this Pittsburgh crowd to throw stuff on the field like the Atlanta crowd did a couple years ago? |
| 8:47 |
Can someone please make a gif of Pence talking to Panik in the dugout? Like now. |
| 8:47 |
: McCutchen rips off his jersey, reveals a Giants uniform underneath, spits on a picture of Sidney Crosby
|
| 8:48 |
: Probably not as much as you think. It is Pittsburgh, after all.
|
| 8:48 |
Show highlights of the PIT-TB game from Sunday |
| 8:48 |
semperty, Brisbee is on it |
| 8:49 |
Is there a website that has public access to shift stats? Pittsburgh has got me itching to dive into the numbers a bit. |
| 8:49 |
Pedro Martinez should be a one man booth for TBS games. Ratings would skyrocket. |
| 8:49 |
: We have access to shift stats. But we’re not allowed to publish them all in data dumps like we do other stats.
|
| 8:49 |
: he’d play poorly in the “speak American” segment of the country
|
| 8:50 |
: I refuse to believe there are people out there capable of hating Pedro Martinez. You can’t make me!
|
| 8:50 |
: Can anyone hate Pedro Martinez today? I don’t get it
|
| 8:50 |
: He’s so adorable!
|
| 8:51 |
Zimmer |
| 8:51 |
: awkward
|
| 8:51 |
: Zimmer actually didn’t. They talked all that out in short order.
|
| 8:51 |
What teams that are left, would match up for the most “sabermetric World Series”. In other words, which teams’ front offices are the most advance in terms of analytics. |
| 8:51 |
: Pirates vs. nobody
|
| 8:51 |
: Angels I guess
|
| 8:51 |
: Yeah the Angels do stuff.
|
| 8:52 |
: Duquette is old school saber.
|
| 8:52 |
: Weird to think that the Angels are the most sabermetric AL team left
|
| 8:52 |
: What happened in the world
|
| 8:52 |
This is more like the game we expected last night. |
| 8:52 |
: And all it took is Edinson Volquez
|
| 8:52 |
:
 I found that Hunter Pence gif semperty requested. |
| 8:53 |
: Is it bad that I know the exact scene you’re referencing there?
|
| 8:53 |
: 55 pitches thrown so far in this game
|
| 8:53 |
: 42 strikes. Eventless
|
| 8:54 |
McCutchen’s hair makes me want to be a better man |
| 8:55 |
that’s hunger games? |
| 8:55 |
: Boat, fire pit, beers and a baseball game. That’s perfect
|
| 8:55 |
: Yes, it is. It’s the scene where Katniss is retelling to Haymitch how she shot the arrow at the apple in the pigs mouth during her evaluation.
|
| 8:55 |
: what are you saying
|
| 8:56 |
: don’t worry about it!
|
| 8:56 |
: I only watch nature documentaries
|
| 8:56 |
: and volcano webcams
|
| 8:56 |
Remember that time that Dustin Hermanson was randomly the White Sox closer. That made more sense than whatever Paul is talking about. |
| 8:56 |
Whoa whoa whoa… Woody harrelson is in hunger games |
| 8:56 |
: Yeah, he’s one of the leads!
|
| 8:56 |
: Why does PNC Park look so hazy
|
| 8:57 |
: Remember that time Dustin Hermanson had a chin starfish
|
| 8:57 |
: “That’s what they get for building the ballpark on the ocean.” – Oil Can Boyd, after a game was postponed for fog in Cleveland
|
| 8:58 |
Jeff, we can’t be sure that the station’s cameras are all just fogged over from poor maintanence, given the camera angles. |
| 8:58 |
: According to Buster Olney, Josh Harrison is always trying to get better
|
| 8:58 |
: His massive breakthrough this season dates back to his time as a young child
|
| 8:58 |
: I like Josh Harrison’s yellow batting gloves.
|
| 8:58 |
I dont know a lot about the Pirates pen. When should Hurdle yank Volquez, if the score remains 0-0? |
| 8:58 |
: Holdzkom!
|
| 8:59 |
Hunger Games was surprisingly good |
| 8:59 |
: Thank you Jamie
|
| 8:59 |
: Volquez should have 1-2 more innings maybe
|
| 8:59 |
: Realistically 1
|
| 9:00 |
Obligatory “Who would win a hunger games with MLB players” question |
| 9:00 |
: Puig
|
| 9:00 |
: I don’t know what the hunger game rules are but it’s Puig
|
| 9:00 |
: I’ll put in a vote for Holliday. It would probably be pretty good, since so many of those dudes like to hunt.
|
| 9:00 |
Stanton |
| 9:00 |
is milton bradley officially retired? he’d win |
| 9:00 |
Somehow Hunter Pence |
| 9:00 |
Hunter Pence |
| 9:01 |
I nominate Kyle Farnsworth for a sneaky win. That dude can Ground n Pound |
| 9:01 |
Ya, but theyre used to hunting things that dont fight back… |
| 9:01 |
Bartolo Colon first to go? |
| 9:01 |
Bartolo Colon would be hungry enough to eat all the other players, so he wins. |
| 9:01 |
Mike Timlin. He always wore camo everything. |
| 9:01 |
Hunter Pence can use photosynthesis, so he would definitely not starve. |
| 9:01 |
Ichiro would figure out a way to win |
| 9:01 |
Jayson Werth looks like a moutain man |
| 9:01 |
A-rod easy first to go |
| 9:01 |
isn’t there audience voting/help ala survivor? puig for sure |
| 9:02 |
Jose Altuve is pretty much Rue, right? |
| 9:02 |
: Ohhhhhhh, he is.
|
| 9:02 |
: How mad is Jeff at me right now for bringing this up?
|
| 9:02 |
I saw Jaysen Worth hanging out at the Cavemen exhibit at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. He looked at home. |
| 9:02 |
: I’m just ignoring the chat at this point
|
| 9:03 |
Sandoval plays for who next year? |
| 9:03 |
: I say Red Sox.
|
| 9:03 |
Pedro says, “Boom goes the dynamite!” http://m.mlb.com/video/topi… |
| 9:03 |
: Sox need a lefty hitter for the middle of the lineup and a third baseman. Sandoval solves both, in the short term anyway.
|
| 9:04 |
What about least analytics friendly? Royals vs. Giants? |
| 9:04 |
: either Giants or Dodgers
|
| 9:04 |
This is late, but Chipper Jones would totally host the MLB hunger games on his hunting land |
| 9:05 |
: He probably already does.
|
| 9:05 |
Redsox better not sign Panda. I’d much rather seen Cecchini play there next year. |
| 9:05 |
: No thanks.
|
| 9:05 |
: There just is not another hitter like Pablo Sandoval today
|
| 9:05 |
I’ve seen talk of Chase Headley as the “Middlebrooks is a bum” plan. |
| 9:06 |
: Headley disappears for half seasons at a time.
|
| 9:06 |
: Here we go, first test for Hurdle.
|
| 9:06 |
: How proactive is he going to be?
|
| 9:07 |
: I’m sure they talked about this before the game
|
| 9:07 |
: Bullpen needs to be stirring right now
|
| 9:07 |
: According to Curt Schilling, don’t allow leadoff runners
|
| 9:08 |
: I suppose in Volquez’s defense, the two hits so far have been on good pitches
|
| 9:08 |
: But shit’s about to go down regardless
|
| 9:09 |
Somewhere, I’d like to think Barry Bonds is enjoying this game |
| 9:09 |
Does it bum you out when outstanding players (past or present) say something ridiculous or redundant like Schilling just did on Twitter? “Seems” like they should be better than that. But after all, a lot of them are just jocks. |
| 9:10 |
: No, it makes me happy because it means there is still room for people like Jeff and myself. If people like Schilling said smart stuff all the time, you guys wouldn’t need us!
|
| 9:10 |
: Schilling has been a talking head for years. It’s what he knows now
|
| 9:10 |
: Lots of former players have a lot of good things to say but not that many of them want to actually be in the media
|
| 9:10 |
: Having said that, Schilling is a smart person. I would echo what Jeff just said.
|
| 9:10 |
: So this is happening
|
| 9:11 |
: Volquez’s first bad PA of the inning. Reliever has to come in as soon as possible though
|
| 9:11 |
: Is Hurdle limping? He looked like he wasn’t moving around too well there.
|
| 9:11 |
: Is that why he hasn’t come out to remove Volquez yet?
|
| 9:11 |
: Nobody throwing in the bullpen. Welp
|
| 9:11 |
Yeah, he’s got that hip replacement coming up |
| 9:11 |
: I mean, I don’t know what to say about this — the Pirates are smarter than I am. This is their idea.
|
| 9:11 |
He needs hip surgery. |
| 9:11 |
Hurdle has had a lingering hip issue for a month or so. |
| 9:11 |
Hurdle fell down the steps and won’t take pain killers |
| 9:12 |
: Ah, that sucks. I like Clint. He used to wear the craziest Cosby sweaters to the Rockies’ holiday parties.
|
| 9:12 |
| 9:12 |
afraid of developing substance addiction since he is a recovered alcoholic |
| 9:12 |
: Yeah, that’s totally fair.
|
| 9:13 |
: What how
|
| 9:13 |
: WOW
|
| 9:13 |
: how did that
|
| 9:13 |
: The box score does not delineate between first row homers and 20th row homers.
|
| 9:13 |
Crawsome |
| 9:13 |
NOW THE PHONE?! |
| 9:13 |
NOW?! |
| 9:14 |
Clint Hurdle gets a reliever up AFTER the grand slam? Wow. Just wow. |
| 9:14 |
I thought that was going to be soft fly out. |
| 9:14 |
: Here’s the thing: I bet even if they got the bullpen going, it wouldn’t have been enough time to get a reliever in for Crawford. But still, it’s Edinson Volquez
|
| 9:14 |
: I was convinced Crawford had himself a moderate-depth sac fly
|
| 9:14 |
: Agreed.
|
| 9:14 |
: I agree with the first thing, not the second. It looked deep to me off the bat.
|
| 9:15 |
Be honest: If you catch that home run, do you throw it back? |
| 9:15 |
: I don’t really care about a Brandon Crawford home run ball
|
| 9:15 |
: No, people that throw back home run balls are morons.
|
| 9:15 |
: I’d give it to someone
|
| 9:15 |
Lester, Scherzer, and Martin to the Cubs in 2015. How many games do they win? |
| 9:15 |
: 91
|
| 9:15 |
: Worley throwing. Would’ve loved Volquez for 3 and Worley for 3 as a tandem starter thing
|
| 9:16 |
: I know that sounds meaningless now
|
| 9:16 |
: I’ll say 92 because life has Price is Right rules.
|
| 9:16 |
: Crawford’s homer worth .198 WPA.
|
| 9:17 |
: That inning started with the Pirates having 50% WE, and now it’s down to 10.1%.
|
| 9:17 |
Well, teams with 4-run leads *are* 0-1 this postseason 😛 |
| 9:17 |
Why is Mercer (.29 wOBA) batting second instead of Neil Walker (.356) |
| 9:17 |
: Mercer’s been super good against lefties
|
| 9:18 |
is brooksbaseball allowed/able to post up to the minute pitche location data? |
| 9:18 |
: nope
|
| 9:18 |
You warm someone up when there are two on and no out. Ready by the time the bases are loaded. Terrible managing. |
| 9:18 |
: We did make note of it at that time, this is true.
|
| 9:18 |
: My blind spot is not knowing how little time it takes for a guy to get warm, especially if it’s a starter like Worley
|
| 9:18 |
: Doubt he gets ready in the span of one walk
|
| 9:19 |
: Everyone is different. Rafael Betancourt likes to throw a ton. He said he’d throw like 40-50 pitches because he likes throwing. Other guys used to tell me like 8 pitches and they’re good.
|
| 9:20 |
: I bet Worley is not an 8-pitch kind of guy
|
| 9:20 |
: No, I wouldn’t think so, especially because he’s not a reliever. But when I saw the rosters today, I also assumed that Worley was the break in case of extras emergency guy, not first man up.
|
| 9:21 |
: No matter the crowd, no matter the stakes, there ain’t no crowd noise after a tie-breaking grand slam
|
| 9:21 |
: My brilliant hindsight plan would’ve been Volquez 3, Worley 3, then normal bullpen usage
|
| 9:21 |
Bring worley in anyway. Volquez was melting down. However warm they could get worley would have been good enough |
| 9:21 |
: I don’t think this is true, unfortunately.
|
| 9:22 |
Why even expect Volquez to go more than 3 innings anyway? Shouldnt they have had someone warming up to start the 4th? |
| 9:22 |
: I think it’s clear by now the Pirates are big believers in Edinson Volquez
|
| 9:22 |
How much does Lester get this offseason? And how much does he leave on the table to for the Red Sox? |
| 9:22 |
: Consensus from last night was $150m/7
|
| 9:23 |
When will managers realize that a winner takes all game should be managed completely different than a regular post season game? |
| 9:23 |
Brandon Crawford: First postseason grand slam by a shortstop. Ever. |
| 9:23 |
: Ned Yost went to Yordano Ventura after James Shields threw like 68 pitches
|
| 9:23 |
That was from Ckamka |
| 9:23 |
So when should the Giants take out Bumgarner? Do they really have a good enough pen? |
| 9:23 |
: Bumgarner’s thrown like 40 pitches. He’s got a while
|
| 9:24 |
: In September, they actually had the worst bullpen FIP- in baseball.
|
| 9:24 |
Would WPA have been the same if the game was tied 5-5, or does the equation build in a higher run scoring environment, making WPA lower? |
| 9:24 |
: Run environment is a factor, but actual score is not a factor, aside from the margin
|
| 9:24 |
Jeff: why not just a setup guy for this inning then Worley next inning? |
| 9:25 |
: That would’ve been my fallback, absent a Worley-in-the-fourth programmed plan
|
| 9:25 |
: In today’s baseball game, injured catcher tries to bunt on
|
| 9:26 |
: McCutchen chuckling at West and Hurdle is my everything.
|
| 9:26 |
: I don’t even mind the idea so much, it’s just weird
|
| 9:27 |
is San Fran planning an orange-out if they advance? |
| 9:28 |
: I can’t say that I’ve spoken with the folks in the Giants’ marketing department lately, but I hope so!
|
| 9:28 |
It’s the bottom of the 4th and you can hear a pin drop in Pittsburgh. |
| 9:28 |
: Every crowd is quiet when they’re losing early on
|
| 9:28 |
Why does that cubs squad with Lester and Max only win 91? Seems like they’d have no weaknesses at all |
| 9:29 |
: It takes a lot to be projected north of 91 wins
|
| 9:29 |
: IIRC, the Nats weren’t projected at much higher than 91 this season. Jeff?
|
| 9:29 |
| 9:30 |
: Dodgers led baseball at 91
|
| 9:30 |
: Nats, Tigers, 89
|
| 9:30 |
: Red Sox, 88…
|
| 9:30 |
: Boom. Not even 91.
|
| 9:30 |
: Dbacks 78, Rockies 79
|
| 9:31 |
Only 4 teams won more then 91 games this year, and projections are conservative…. |
| 9:31 |
How many beers is too many beers in a night? |
| 9:31 |
: Are they real beers or common beers
|
| 9:31 |
: I think people misunderstand how hard it is to win 90 games in a season
|
| 9:31 |
: Also depends on whether or not you have to work in the morning. Or go to class, I guess.
|
| 9:32 |
In the wake of yesterday’s Soto injury on that goofy rundown, should the Pirates try to hit grounders to first for a 3-1 and then run as hard as they can to tackle Madison Bumgarner at the bag? |
| 9:32 |
: I want to go on record as saying again I don’t think having Soto would’ve made a huge difference. A lot of that running was on the pitchers
|
| 9:32 |
damn… Do you think Baez works out? Has he become significantly less shiny in your eyes? |
| 9:33 |
: We all always knew this could happen. He’s extraordinarily young
|
| 9:33 |
I’m making a pizza dough. Should I use: a-no garlic, b-some garlic or c- ALL THE GARLIC? |
| 9:33 |
: some garlic
|
| 9:33 |
: Volquez still pitching btw
|
| 9:33 |
Anyone else realize Lester had retired 13 straight Royals going into the 8th before he allowed 3 to score. It’s baseball. It’s October. It’s weird. Let’s just have some fun, here. |
| 9:34 |
Downside of a bullpen game: less control of the running game |
| 9:34 |
: Giants stole 56 bases
|
| 9:34 |
: “Joe, can you ask this camera guy to leave? I haven’t had a dip all game!”
|
| 9:35 |
16 of those were Pagan |
| 9:35 |
: So much talk about which decisions are or aren’t right, and to me it seems to shift a lot of the responsibility from the players. I don’t like that. There are good decisions and bad decisions, but no one player decision that actually occurs swings the odds by more than a couple percentage points at most. Like, going to Ventura, not great? Sure, I can accept that, but he almost never allows a dinger there
|
| 9:35 |
: Jeers to the managers when they make bad moves, but bad moves don’t cost games. Bad plays cost games
|
| 9:36 |
If the running was on the pitchers yesterday, doesn’t that mean that Ned Yost actually had a gameplan? That’s sacrilege |
| 9:36 |
: The Royals have really good runners
|
| 9:36 |
: Get used to good baserunners. Baseball is going to lean on them for more offense in the next 5-10 years
|
| 9:37 |
Jeff, this Saturday is one of the NW’s best beer festivals: Yakima Fresh Hop |
| 9:37 |
: Missed the Hood River fresh hop, and will miss the Yakima fresh hop
|
| 9:37 |
Ha. I just thought Jim leyland was Don Sutherland. |
| 9:37 |
Are people really more successful stealing on relievers? Any link for that? |
| 9:37 |
: Relievers are generally inferior at holding
|
| 9:37 |
: That’d be fun to look at though.
|
| 9:38 |
| 9:38 |
: 71% against starters this year, 77% against relievers
|
| 9:38 |
: In higher-leverage situations you’ll probably tend to have only better baserunners trying, but still, there’s your gap
|
| 9:39 |
Ventura had thrown 200 pitches over the last 7 days – 73 two days before he threw out of the bullpen. The “he almost never” goes out the window when you’re talking about a kid that’s gassed. |
| 9:39 |
: Yost would’ve known if he were gassed
|
| 9:39 |
What are the odds that we can pull a Royals and get back into this game? |
| 9:39 |
: Not high unless you start working the pitch count. Bumgarner still under 50 pitches.
|
| 9:40 |
: 33% chance the Pirates make this at least anxious
|
| 9:40 |
Royals runners v. Yadier Molina, who wins? |
| 9:40 |
: which pitchers?
|
| 9:40 |
Except managerial decisions seem like some of the few things you actually have control over in terms of swinging the probability of winning. It just requires the right decision. |
| 9:41 |
: Sure, but you still have such low probability swings. Analysis has to start with what happens on the field, I feel like
|
| 9:41 |
: Or maybe I just don’t like reading second-guessing
|
| 9:41 |
: it feels so sabermetric, 12 years ago
|
| 9:42 |
Least favorite commercial so far this playoff game? |
| 9:42 |
: Viagra eye contact
|
| 9:42 |
Yost is the same manager that was “frustrated” Crow gave up a grand slam because they were “one out away from Herrera”. I don’t give him the benefit of the doubt on a lot of things – especially not bullpen management. |
| 9:42 |
: It certainly is off-putting to have so much disagreement on Twitter about this decision or that decision, but sometimes I can’t help but join the fray.
|
| 9:42 |
: I think there’s a difference between not knowing great roles and not knowing who does and doesn’t have the energy to pitch. That second one is pretty basic
|
| 9:43 |
Do we think Bochy repeats Melvin/Yost’s mistakes with his starter? Or does he have a quicker hook? |
| 9:43 |
: Bumgarner has worked deep enough into the game that Bochy will have the luxury of pulling him quickly now.
|
| 9:43 |
Looks like runners take off more against relievers too…so I’d doubt there’s a selection problem driving the difference. |
| 9:43 |
: Relievers are super one-dimensional
|
| 9:44 |
Jeff, if Nike(whoever) said their intention was to build an awesome ballpark in Portland with maybe 35-40k seats and intended to bring a team to town, how do you think it would do? |
| 9:44 |
: It would do ok. People would show up — we support our sports teams. But I don’t think Portland is dying for a baseball team
|
| 9:45 |
It amazes me how all the talk is about Ned Yost, where Bob Melvin should get wayyyy more scrutiny. Leaving Lester in that long was laughably bad. |
| 9:45 |
: Yost made the more unusual decision, Melvin made the more wrong decision
|
| 9:45 |
Cards/Royals 4 games this year. 1 SB by the Royals in 37 innings. |
| 9:47 |
I can’t wait to see Mike Trout in the playoffs. Exciting times |
| 9:47 |
: does Mila Kunis work at Jim Beam
|
| 9:48 |
: I feel like that is a bummer
|
| 9:48 |
: this is Kutcher’s fault
|
| 9:48 |
: I think that’s the most recent celebrity couple I know about
|
| 9:48 |
: all i know is i’m thinking about trying jim beam now
|
| 9:49 |
: I don’t want a woman with access to a brand
|
| 9:49 |
You’ve never tried Jim Beam?! Were you never a high school senior man? |
| 9:49 |
So which park/fan base provides the biggest home field advantage in baseball? |
| 9:49 |
: I actually didn’t drink much in high school. Like, at all, basically. I’m an Eagle scout. I wasn’t corrupted until college.
|
| 9:49 |
: the Rockies have either baseball’s biggest home-field advantage or road-field disadvantage
|
| 9:50 |
: or both
|
| 9:50 |
Melvin’s decision was a baseball norm – something people won’t question. Yost went against the norm and (predictably) lost. Managers that don’t break the norm don’t get burned by the media when it doesn’t pan out. |
| 9:50 |
: just like 4th downs
|
| 9:50 |
Idk what high school you went to, but around here they drink cheap beer like Natty Ice. |
| 9:50 |
I think managerial mistakes get more grief because they’re easier to avoid. There aren’t as many variables as performance itself. The perception is that there are a lot more guys walking the Earth who can do vs. play the game. So with all the money and resources teams expend in order to put themselves in the best positions to succeed, forgetting the game management is maddening. |
| 9:51 |
: Yeah, I get that part. I think it just gets carried away sometimes. People are so dedicated to finding the mistakes they lose sight of the actual significance of them.
|
| 9:51 |
: Yes, Joe Sheehan likes to derisively refer to them as middle managers.
|
| 9:51 |
: Volquez is still pitching btw
|
| 9:51 |
: there we go
|
| 9:51 |
: so there’s a walk that didn’t need to happen
|
| 9:51 |
: The lede for every pittsburgh writer will say “he was good except for one inning”
|
| 9:52 |
: Literally, a walk that didn’t need to happen, for Hurdle. Could’ve spared himself two sorts of pain by starting the inning with someone else
|
| 9:52 |
If you needed one person to steal a base for you in a tie game in the bottom of the 9th, who would you choose? Hamilton? Dyson? Gordon? Other? |
| 9:52 |
: Davey Roberts, duh.
|
| 9:53 |
: I honestly think it might be Dyson
|
| 9:53 |
: Hamilton in a couple years
|
| 9:53 |
: Yeah in todays game, I’d go Dyson. Quintin Berry as a darkhorse.
|
| 9:53 |
: Terrance Gore? I don’t know anything about him
|
| 9:54 |
Anyone else notice that around 10 pm Pacific last night mlb.com briefly had a game recap posted that had the Royals losing in 12? |
| 9:54 |
: Someone did screenshot that!
|
| 9:54 |
: STOP READING TWEETS
|
| 9:55 |
: at least stop reading stupid pointless tweets
|
| 9:55 |
: No, what! These things happen sometimes. There is a lot of pressure to have things live the second the game ends.
|
| 9:55 |
To be fair, the 4th down thing is a bit overstated (A fair amount of the analysis fails to take into account a lot of things like field position, strength of team’s offense vs. defense, time left/score etc) |
| 9:55 |
: Having done that job for two years, I can say it’s no picnic.
|
| 9:55 |
: Football analysis finally getting interesting as the game of football approaches a slow death
|
| 9:56 |
: 5-0…
|
| 9:56 |
: Jeff’s 7-2 prediction is looking better every minute.
|
| 9:56 |
: My first prediction was 7-2 SF, my second prediction was Volquez would be the surprising star of the game. 50% rounds up to 100%
|
| 9:56 |
If Jeff, Paul and Dave C walked into a bar… would anyone have a drink? |
| 9:57 |
: several of them
|
| 9:57 |
: At least two of us!
|
| 9:57 |
“The game of football approaches a slow death” Since when? |
| 9:57 |
: my dreams
|
| 9:57 |
: Some day we’re going to get Cameron hammered, and it will be glorious.
|
| 9:57 |
Pirates fans are completely disoriented: https://twitter.com/stoolpr… |
| 9:58 |
: I can’t even get Cameron to drink hot tea
|
| 9:58 |
: Participation in Pee Wee football was down like 40% last year. By 2025 or so, the only people playing football will be in the deep south.
|
| 9:59 |
Obvious that Pittsburgh must upgrade at first base. How about an Aramis Ramirez acquistion and position switch? |
| 9:59 |
: I don’t hate it.
|
| 9:59 |
If you were the Cardinals, would you consider conceding game one by pitching, say, Lackey against Kershaw, and then going with Wain-o against Greinke? |
| 9:59 |
: Don’t think there’s a benefit to that
|
| 10:00 |
: That’s literally the topic of tomorrow’s Hardball Times piece.
|
| 10:00 |
: Ramirez is about to cost $14 million. Too much for the Pirates
|
| 10:00 |
Any game was going to be a bit of a letdown after last night, but this game would be a let down even if it was the only played in a week. |
| 10:01 |
: felt inevitable in this way. but I suppose yesterday’s game looked like maybe a foregone conclusion in the 7th
|
| 10:01 |
Do the Pirates wildly overspend on Martin if they lose here tonight? |
| 10:01 |
: I would hope that the Pirates’ offseason plan does not hinge on this game at all.
|
| 10:02 |
Which has a greater weight, a pitcher’s platoon split or a hitters? |
| 10:02 |
: Pitcher I believe but they both count
|
| 10:02 |
In the extreme it would have to make sense though, right. If Kershaw was guaranteed to win, then you certainly would want to…the question is where the break-even is… |
| 10:02 |
how quickly people forget that kershaw gave up like 7 runs in the elimination game last year |
| 10:03 |
Did anyone think the Pirates should not have started Volquez? |
| 10:03 |
Am I weird for not wanting Angels in World Series because I think their uniforms are ugly? |
| 10:03 |
: The good news is they’re set up fairly well to be competitive for a while
|
| 10:03 |
: There was a Pirates question that might not have been accepted into the stream
|
| 10:03 |
: That was a response to it
|
| 10:03 |
: That’s a weird reason Cashmere Taco, but at least you have a reason!
|
| 10:04 |
Re: Pirates off-season plans—are the Pirates at the point where they can’t just be content with contending for a playoff spot? That is, do they need to try to make a deep playoff run? |
| 10:04 |
: there we go
|
| 10:04 |
Taco, I’ve heard much worse arguments for rooting against a team. |
| 10:04 |
Cashmere Taco is not weird. My World Series preference is always based on the best Unis. |
| 10:04 |
: Maybe you’re both weird.
|
| 10:04 |
: boy did this slow down
|
| 10:04 |
: hold the fort real quick Swydan, I’m beering
|
| 10:05 |
Best Unis in the playoffs poll! |
| 10:05 |
: My vote is for the team that wears their alternate unis the least.
|
| 10:05 |
: For instance, when the Cardinals wear those stupid blue hats I just want to punch things.
|
| 10:06 |
Dodgers unis |
| 10:06 |
pirates/a’s for the best unis world series 🙁 |
| 10:06 |
Best unis. Cardinals, always. (Their alternate is excellent as well.) |
| 10:06 |
WHAT?! Royals alt. units are sick. |
| 10:06 |
The Cardinals alternate uni is, admittedly, regrettably, beautiful. |
| 10:06 |
Paul, complaining about blue hats is not a poll |
| 10:06 |
: The Royals’ alts are majestic
|
| 10:06 |
: Oh you want me to actually make a poll. Sorry. Well which teams do I leave off the poll? It only fits six teams….
|
| 10:07 |
Orioles Black and Orange is awesome |
| 10:07 |
: Yeah I like the O’s unis.
|
| 10:07 |
O’s-Giants in San Francisco (SF home is vastly superior to road, O’s are awesome, and color cordination) |
| 10:07 |
The Cardinals Uni is hideous |
| 10:07 |
Cardinals home jerseys are outstanding |
| 10:07 |
Jeff, when you beer, what type of beer do you beer? |
| 10:07 |
: Jared Hughes, the man with the impossible O-Swing%s
|
| 10:07 |
: Yeah, Jeff, what are you drinking? I am drinking an Allagash White, thanks for asking me too (sobs in corner).
|
| 10:07 |
: Right now Worthy Easy Day Kolsch because summer never ends
|
| 10:08 |
Because physics, it seems like it’s probably much harder to command a pitch vertically than horizontally. It sounds just as easy to say, pitch this guy high, that guy low, as it does to say, pitch him inside or outside, but is it? |
| 10:08 |
: My guess is pitchers miss horizontally about as often as they miss vertically
|
| 10:08 |
: But I honestly don’t know, just anecdotal
|
| 10:09 |
: Wonder about the release point adjustments necessary
|
| 10:09 |
: I think it’s more noticeable when pitchers miss vertically, because we see the catcher have to move to block the ball, etc.
|
| 10:09 |
Kolsch and Belgian White? Need some pilsner to go with that??? |
| 10:10 |
: Sure, you have the next round, I think.
|
| 10:10 |
: Not going to start with dark beers at 7pm when I still need to think today for a few hours
|
| 10:10 |
: Let’s all split this Speedway Stout after the world series
|
| 10:10 |
did anyone ever get a DQ sundae back in the 80’s that were served in mini plastic MLB helmets? |
| 10:11 |
: I never got DQ sundaes like that, but when I took my son to his first game at Fenway in early September, I absolutely got him soft serve in a helmet.
|
| 10:11 |
: did he wear the helmet home in the car like a responsible passenger
|
| 10:12 |
: He didn’t wear it, but we did bring it home!
|
| 10:12 |
Soft serve in a helmet is more American than apple pie. |
| 10:12 |
: he’ll love that shit for the rest of his life
|
| 10:12 |
I’m currently on a Caldera kick because their Pilot Rock Porter is amazing. |
| 10:12 |
: #Oregon
|
| 10:12 |
it wasn’t pink was it? |
| 10:12 |
: No it wasn’t pink, you jerk.
|
| 10:13 |
Would it be possible to someday have a SportVU type technology that tracks pitch framing (or could be used to track the previous question by tracking where a catcher sets up and receives) |
| 10:13 |
: COMMANDf/x already exists and from what I’ve heard it’s not very useful
|
| 10:14 |
: I’ve now heard Freak Nasty’s Da Dip twice in three days after not hearing it once for about nine years
|
| 10:14 |
: So what you’re saying is that it’s been a good three days?
|
| 10:15 |
: 69 Boyz? wait who did this
|
| 10:15 |
: Freak Nasty, yeah. yes, good three days
|
| 10:16 |
: It feels like the 8th inning, but it’s only the 6th. Show us something, Pirates!
|
| 10:16 |
: ugh this is dull
|
| 10:16 |
: That was not what I had in mind, Jordy Mercer.
|
| 10:16 |
: HIT A DINGER
|
| 10:16 |
Pilsners are not dark….. |
| 10:16 |
: I misunderstood the point of the comment
|
| 10:17 |
: Help us Obi-Wan McCutchy, you’re our only hope.
|
| 10:17 |
is it more difficult to come back from the same run differential if you haven’t scored (i,.e. is it tougher to come back from 5-0 than it is from say 9-4)? Just wondering, since the announcers are kind of referring tolast ights |
| 10:17 |
: One of those implies a better run environment. My guess is there’s a small advantage to already having scored
|
| 10:17 |
: Psychology
|
| 10:17 |
: Agreed. I think I’ve heard this mentioned before.
|
| 10:17 |
: Well this is a bust of a game. You can tell which one of these teams stayed up to watch the Royals and A’s, and which team rested
|
| 10:18 |
If its OK to say “shit” in this chat, is it alright if we drop f bombs? |
| 10:18 |
: We can usually sneak one or two by the censors
|
| 10:18 |
Joe West looks like a thumb with a face on it. |
| 10:19 |
: Not as much as Jorge Posada
|
| 10:19 |
Hypothetically, if the worst team in the league( by W-L record) were to play in the WC game, what are the chances they win? What about the WS? |
| 10:19 |
: Jorge Posada literally looks like a rat.
|
| 10:19 |
: Something like 30-35% in the WC game, maybe 20-25% in the WS
|
| 10:20 |
Here is an almost relevant question: More Likely to end up in the HoF Posey or McCutchen? |
| 10:20 |
: McCutchen
|
| 10:20 |
| 10:20 |
: YES!
|
| 10:20 |
: Agreed on McCutchen vs Posey
|
| 10:20 |
: get those kids off the bridge!
|
| 10:21 |
: McCutchen has a statistical head start, and Posey isn’t far away from leaving his premium position
|
| 10:21 |
There’s so little happening that I actually am listening to what the announcers say. Please help. |
| 10:21 |
: Same problem 🙁
|
| 10:21 |
I once heckled “Jim West” for 6 innings from behind 3rd base dugout. When I finally got it right, he turned and winked |
| 10:22 |
: That’s hilarious.
|
| 10:22 |
As a Giants fan I find this game great to watch! |
| 10:22 |
: I once heckled Coco Crisp so badly that he turned around to look at me right before a single was hit in front of him. But then later in the game, he robbed a homer over the bullpen wall and pointed at me as he ran back to the dugout. Game, set, match for Coco.
|
| 10:22 |
: I felt the same way about the last Super Bowl
|
| 10:23 |
: Show me a 7, San Francisco
|
| 10:23 |
If this chat is PG 13, we get exactly one f-bomb. The question is who gets it. |
| 10:23 |
: fuck if I know
|
| 10:24 |
Would this game seem more exciting if it was in San Francisco? Or if the Pirates were winning? A silent, shrouded in black crowd is a bit funereal. |
| 10:24 |
: Yeah, this Pirates crowd needs to show some spirit.
|
| 10:24 |
: Silent crowds are a total bummer
|
| 10:24 |
: I agree with Paul, but I also know it’s impossible to muster anything in a game like this
|
| 10:24 |
: at least until it’s the end and you realize you might as well lose your voice
|
| 10:25 |
As a Nats fan, I think I’d rather face the Giants, with MadBum only getting to go at most once, than the Pirates short only Volquez. Agreed? |
| 10:25 |
: Right. It won’t take much to get them back in it though. Two baserunners, tops.
|
| 10:25 |
: Agreed
|
| 10:25 |
: In the same inning, I mean.
|
| 10:25 |
: I think they need to score
|
| 10:25 |
: I think they need a run and two guys on
|
| 10:26 |
: There’s Sandoval hitting a fly ball exactly where Kruk couldn’t believe the left fielder was shifted
|
| 10:26 |
: ugh this game
|
| 10:27 |
: It’s not helping that Hurdle has put in two of his lesser relievers.
|
| 10:27 |
: They’re making it worse instead of holding the fort.
|
| 10:27 |
More likely HoF, Trout or Kershaw? |
| 10:27 |
: Kershaw? almost 50/50 for me. Kershaw has a big head start, but is a pitcher
|
| 10:28 |
: I want to say Kershaw, but he’s a pitcher.
|
| 10:28 |
: Damnit Jeff.
|
| 10:28 |
: I get to cheat because I submitted the question
|
| 10:28 |
It seems as if the AL game is inherently more exciting than the NL game. Agree? |
| 10:28 |
: Disagree. Sometimes in the NL Tony La Russa calls the bullpen and gets the wrong reliever
|
| 10:28 |
: Hahahaha.
|
| 10:28 |
: There’s the 7. Now for 2 garbage-time Pirates runs
|
| 10:29 |
Kershaw’s soon to be 3 cy youngs and maybe MVP make it hard to not pick him over Trout |
| 10:30 |
: Bobby LaFromboise, one-game playoff
|
| 10:31 |
Jeff, you constantly complain about football but now you’re bragging about the Seahawks. C’mon |
| 10:31 |
: it’s an awful game with a team I like. humans are complicated!
|
| 10:31 |
Pablo is a different player in October per ESPN Radio. |
| 10:32 |
: what would they have said if this game had been yesterday
|
| 10:32 |
Crowd should start chanting ‘Cueto.’ |
| 10:32 |
What’s the narrative tonight? MadBum + PitBums? |
| 10:32 |
: Straight-up Bumgarner dominance, plus some Cole/Volquez second-guessing
|
| 10:32 |
Favorite heckle was to Kevin Mitchell at Candlestick. I was 11; when I got it right he turned to me (and my friend) and said, “Eat fuck.” |
| 10:32 |
: And Crawford playing the role of Mark Bellhorn.
|
| 10:33 |
Why doesn’t Hurdle want to use his good relievers? I mean, Hughes and LFB? Really? |
| 10:33 |
: I’m not sure. It seems pretty silly, but what can you do.
|
| 10:33 |
JABO powered broadcast coming to Foxsports 1 for the NLCS |
| 10:33 |
: I honestly have no idea where Fox Sports 1 is on my cable package
|
| 10:34 |
: have never looked at it even once I don’t think
|
| 10:34 |
: They moved the channel on my cable recently, but I know I get it.
|
| 10:34 |
What’s the narrative tonight? MadBum + PitBums? |
| 10:34 |
What’s the narrative tonight? MadBum + PitBums? |
| 10:34 |
Is it just me or is there a correlation between Twitter action on a game and fan involvement in the park? I don’t mean a causation, mind you |
| 10:34 |
: people are more active when things are more active
|
| 10:34 |
:
 Hey Paul, I found a photo of you heckling Coco. |
| 10:34 |
: He wishes he looked as good as me.
|
| 10:35 |
: You’re a lot less menacing
|
| 10:35 |
Hey, Jeff you mentioned that you thought the Giants are one of the least analytically oriented teams in baseball. While they definitely don’t talk to the public a lot about, they clearly don’t make a lot of terrible decisions. Are they secretly RBI-lovers or something? |
| 10:35 |
: I was referring to them just among the teams in the playoffs. Pirates are super analytical, Cardinals too, Nationals are getting there
|
| 10:36 |
Hurdle saving his good relievers for Game 2 |
| 10:36 |
At least you guys will get a decent night’s sleep |
| 10:36 |
: I feel like I started an hour ago
|
| 10:36 |
If the Giants team were replaced en masse at this exact moment with the team of the best high school pitcher in America that had a decent defense, what would their win% be? About 32% |
| 10:36 |
: I probably still won’t get to bed before midnight. I have laundry to do, and I have touch up tomorrow’s THT post. And something else will happen, like this game dragging on only for it to finish 7-2 like Jeff said.
|
| 10:37 |
: Ooh! Let’s say 35-40%
|
| 10:37 |
: I don’t even know what sleep before midnight is
|
| 10:37 |
: I think I did that when I was 6
|
| 10:37 |
Hey Paul didn’t you say last year that the Giants should probably rebuild? |
| 10:38 |
: Did I? Your guess is as good as mine
|
| 10:38 |
So I guess Jeff likes doing these, but it sounds like Dave would have preferred blogging this game than yesterday’s. |
| 10:38 |
: I DID say that the Giants wouldn’t win the 2012 World Series. That didn’t work out so well for me.
|
| 10:38 |
: Dave’s time is three hours later than mine, and he still had a Fox post to write afterward
|
| 10:38 |
: Five hours is shitty under those circumstances
|
| 10:39 |
Kershaw has 36 WAR. Trout has 29. Trout 3.5 years younger. |
| 10:39 |
: They’ll care about Kershaw’s ERA more than his FIP
|
| 10:39 |
I feel like Cistulli would easily be the best heckler of the fangraph writers. He wouldn’t offend anyone, but he would confuse them horribly. |
| 10:39 |
: Imagining Eno’s voice with Cistulli’s words
|
| 10:39 |
: I would tend to agree with this sentiment. Wiers is a pretty good heckler too.
|
| 10:40 |
“Life is a frozen cauldron of disappointment” -Cistulli |
| 10:40 |
I hate that Trout is on the Angles. I want to watch him in the playoffs, but it’s really hard to root for the Angels over anyone except the Yanks/Sawks |
| 10:40 |
: Frozen cauldron, interesting. You usually only ever imagine cauldrons above flame
|
| 10:40 |
: When did Kurt Angle get a baseball team?
|
| 10:40 |
: Well that was spectacular
|
| 10:41 |
: Remember when that commenter was asking what it would take for Pirates fans to litter the field
|
| 10:41 |
Paul: “San Francisco — The Giants should probably be rebuilding as well, but with Tim Lincecum, Barry Zito, Hunter Pence, Ryan Vogelsong and Javier Lopez potentially coming off the books this winter, San Fran may have some cash with which to play.” http://www.fangraphs.com/bl… |
| 10:42 |
Keep in mind there would be little to no scouting on the high schoolers. |
| 10:42 |
: There you have it. In my defense, I didn’t think the Giants would be so aggressive in keeping Lincecum, Pence and getting Hudson.
|
| 10:42 |
: Fastball
|
| 10:42 |
: A hit! Now for eight more of them please!
|
| 10:42 |
Since there has not been anything as compelling as Jarrod Dyson’s stolen base, what might you (two) write about this game? |
| 10:43 |
: Honestly no idea right now. Default is Bumgarner. Too easy but there’s not a lot else
|
| 10:43 |
: If you write something about Crawford, he might tweet about it again…
|
| 10:43 |
Wouldn’t Kiley McDaniel be a great heckler? |
| 10:44 |
: That’s true. I keep forgetting that Kiley is a person.
|
| 10:44 |
Timely WAR-related question: What is it about how WAR is calculated that’s held Bumgarner under 4 WAR the past two seasons? His peripherals are great, decent groundball percentage, HR rate seems normal, etc. Is it just a function of his home park? |
| 10:44 |
: Presumably home park and league. AT&T is super pitcher-friendly
|
| 10:44 |
: God, this game
|
| 10:45 |
We need a kickstarted to buy adjoining seats for Eno and Carson to make that happen. Cistulli feed the lines and Sarris delivers them. |
| 10:45 |
: Perhaps something about Brandon Belt, and how the Giants are a different offense with a healthy Belt?
|
| 10:45 |
Is there any rational reason to leave Bumgarner in? |
| 10:45 |
: Barely breaking a sweat, cruising pitches aren’t stressful pitches
|
| 10:46 |
Salaries aside. Who would you rather have for the next ten years? Harper or Rendon? Harper has the upside but Rendon has the health(right now) and may be the better all around player. Although, Rendon will be 34 in ten years and Harper will only be 31. |
| 10:46 |
: Harper
|
| 10:46 |
Better heckler: Dave C or Liberty? |
| 10:46 |
: Liberty would be obnoxious
|
| 10:46 |
But Bumgarner is great on the road. |
| 10:46 |
: Not how park adjustments work
|
| 10:46 |
SF win expectancy just hit 100% |
| 10:47 |
What’s Harper’s peak gonna look like? |
| 10:47 |
: MVP season
|
| 10:47 |
Looking ahead to potential Kershaw-Trout WS at bats, is there any precedent for best hitter vs. best pitcher in a World Series? |
| 10:47 |
: Oh I’m sure there is from back in the day.
|
| 10:48 |
What’s Dayan Viciedo’s peak gonna look like? |
| 10:48 |
: a WAR
|
| 10:48 |
Holdzy!!! |
| 10:48 |
harper Stanton or puig? |
| 10:49 |
: i want to say puig but thats probably not the right answer
|
| 10:49 |
: I still prefer Harper because he’s 22 in a couple weeks
|
| 10:50 |
: Bumgarner audibly upset with himself after striking out at 97mph heat in 7-0 game
|
| 10:50 |
Do you guys adjust individual games, or just do an overall adjustment to the home park? |
| 10:50 |
: Overall
|
| 10:50 |
What is Mount Ontake’s peak gonna look like? |
| 10:50 |
: steam
|
| 10:51 |
Last year WC game. http://youtu.be/KjJcUENuOyc… |
| 10:51 |
: I’m still watching the ad.
|
| 10:52 |
If this story about Miggy refusing to take a playoff bonus is true, the Union’s going to come down on him pretty hard, right? |
| 10:52 |
: so weird http://espn.go.com/mlb/stor…
|
| 10:52 |
: I mean, the money’s nothing to him, but, so weird
|
| 10:52 |
if the dodgers make the WS, would it be worth it to move greinke’s start to game three to get his bat in the lineup? |
| 10:53 |
: actually…
|
| 10:53 |
: Ehh, probably not
|
| 10:53 |
: But we’ll talk about that, maybe!
|
| 10:53 |
To Pittsburgh’s credit, those seats are still full. |
| 10:53 |
: On the bonuses, I don’t think the Union can make a beef. Players split those up however the hell they want.
|
| 10:54 |
: A lot of non-players end up getting bonuses, like clubhouse attendants and people like that.
|
| 10:54 |
Because playoff bonuses were brought up, we can’t miss a opportunity to remember the greatness of Rickey Henderson. http://www.fangraphs.com/no… |
| 10:55 |
: Yeah, and it does.
|
| 10:56 |
: And now I can’t even look forward to having an accurate score prediction
|
| 10:56 |
: Alright, this game is bumming me out.
|
| 10:57 |
What adjustments does Yordano Ventura need to make to “take the next step”? Throw more CBs? |
| 10:57 |
: The answer is always release point consistency
|
| 10:57 |
: Everything comes out of that
|
| 10:57 |
The seats behind home plate sure aren’t full |
| 10:58 |
: Can’t say I blame them.
|
| 10:58 |
Re: bonuses, why wouldn’t you just take the money and donate it to a damn charity? Same with Phil Hughes and his IP bonus from last week. |
| 10:58 |
: I guess this way it gets spread around to other people? If Miggy cares about charity he’s already donating millions of dollars
|
| 10:59 |
3 years and 3 days ago, the Rays trailed the Yankees 7-0 going to the bottom of the 8th, with a spot in the division series potentially on the line. Looks like SF just got a big insurance run, knowing what happened back then. |
| 10:59 |
: Not gonna lie, I forgot that game was 7-0
|
| 10:59 |
: oh, how we talked about Cory Wade
|
| 11:00 |
What would it take to have a successful pitcher who used the eephus as his primary pitch? |
| 11:00 |
: Wind
|
| 11:00 |
Give me a reason to keep watching this game. Please. |
| 11:00 |
: not that much longer, there’s some chance of a miracle, and what else do you have to do?
|
| 11:01 |
Re: the playoff money – it just gets reallocated via shares. It simply means more money to other players and whatever organizational folks the players vote for shares or partial shares on |
| 11:01 |
: See if Bumgarner can complete the shutout?
|
| 11:01 |
Sleep? |
| 11:01 |
: I forgot there are people not in my time zone
|
| 11:01 |
I haven’t eaten anything except 4 pieces of toast all day. I could make some food. |
| 11:01 |
: You should do that then with the game in the background just in case
|
| 11:02 |
What’s the total number of people in this chat? Close to yesterdays? |
| 11:02 |
: Not close, this game blows
|
| 11:02 |
What the hell were those fans doing giving Pence that free out. Get that umbrella in there lady. |
| 11:02 |
it begins! |
| 11:02 |
: Crawford the goat!
|
| 11:03 |
Paul, you should go to the BU vs. BC hockey games so we can drink too much beer and root against BC |
| 11:03 |
: I know, I need to go to more games this season.
|
| 11:03 |
: I actually didn’t go to any last season. In my defense, my daughter had just been born.
|
| 11:04 |
5 full articles written about yesterday’s game. How many about today’s? |
| 11:04 |
: Guessing two, tops?
|
| 11:04 |
: Sounds about right, this is stupid
|
| 11:04 |
: Unless, miracle!
|
| 11:05 |
: Otherwise, plenty else to look forward to
|
| 11:05 |
There needs to be an article about how much better last night’s game was. Like inning by inning breakdown. |
| 11:05 |
: Thank you, Jaack! Genuinely! I have an idea now
|
| 11:05 |
: Meanwhile I’m going to watch highlights from the last day of the 2011 regular season until the Pirates are on the board
|
| 11:05 |
Jeff, I love how you went with the gif-heavy article today, even after getting shit for it last night. |
| 11:06 |
: I know my place
|
| 11:06 |
: brb, lavatory
|
| 11:06 |
: Did I get shit for it? I honestly don’t even remember. That was a blur.
|
| 11:07 |
When it gets to 2 outs in the 9th, the Pirates ought to send in Gerrit Cole as a PH, just for maximum absurdity if they do come back. |
| 11:07 |
If you can only do exactly one thing right in a game, and suck the rest of the time, do it how Brandon Crawford has. |
| 11:07 |
Is SF one on those “no star” teams? Posey could be a star. Pence and Bumgarner are great. But everyone else is meh. |
| 11:07 |
: Posey’s a star
|
| 11:08 |
Time to pull Madison? |
| 11:08 |
: Delayed now but, his night’s over, one hopes. Could’ve been pulled in the 8th as well, but I doubt he was taxing himself too much there
|
| 11:08 |
I was just about to type how Sullivan that idea sounded. |
| 11:08 |
: Credit to Jaack! Love you guys
|
| 11:09 |
Salaries not aside. Next ten years. Buxton or Heyward? |
| 11:09 |
: Heyward
|
| 11:09 |
: Let’s let Buxton reach the majors before we go ahead and declare him a superstar.
|
| 11:09 |
: Buxton
|
| 11:09 |
: Not wedded to it though. Salary factor
|
| 11:10 |
In a quick summary, do the Royals have much of a chance against the Halos? |
| 11:10 |
: Something like a 40% chance. Some swing depending on Shoemaker’s health.
|
| 11:10 |
: Davis vs. Trout is gonna be awesome
|
| 11:10 |
: Yeah, the Royals have a chance for sure.
|
| 11:10 |
Corey Dickerson or Victor Martinez for 2015? |
| 11:11 |
: You can only say Dickerson if you’re convinced he gets 600 PA, and the last time I checked, Walt Weiss is still a moron. So … Martinez.
|
| 11:11 |
: I like that question and I’m saying Dickerson!
|
| 11:12 |
For having so many playoff games in the past few years, the only really fun game the Giants have been involved in was this one: http://www.lookoutlanding.c… |
| 11:12 |
: Shouldn’t be long until they’re in Cardinals territory
|
| 11:12 |
Pence is 10 WAR over the last 2 years. That’s legit star numbers. |
| 11:12 |
: I just feel like the Rockies are going to re-sign Cuddyer and keep playing Blackmon over Dickerson.
|
| 11:12 |
: “Star” gets weird. Are we talking about WAR or rep?
|
| 11:12 |
: Rockies could trade
|
| 11:12 |
Who would you rather have going forward: Darvish or Tanaka? |
| 11:12 |
: The Rockies COULD do lots of stuff.
|
| 11:13 |
But they won’t |
| 11:13 |
: Darvish. Similar pitchers, one less likely to have Tommy John surgery in the next half year
|
| 11:13 |
12:37 Comment From Alex Dodd: just use lots of gifs and maybe no one will notice the lack of analysis 12:37 Jeff Sullivan: ssshhhhhhh |
| 11:13 |
: I tried to do analysis!
|
| 11:13 |
Do people not think the Giants are in Cardinals-boring territory? I certainly think so. |
| 11:13 |
: I’m not sure. I think the Cardinals are hated a little more
|
| 11:13 |
Would you rather have a team of 25 Craig Kimbrels or 25 Yasiel Puigs? |
| 11:13 |
: Puigs by a mile
|
| 11:14 |
: Cards definitely hated more. Not sure how Giants can have Pence AND be boring, but OK!
|
| 11:14 |
: He hit a pitch three times!
|
| 11:14 |
Apparently, a scout said the “realistic floor” for Buxton was Tori Hunter, which is insane. |
| 11:14 |
: Scouts say lots of stuff. Have you read Kiley’s articles? They’re each like 5,000 words?
|
| 11:14 |
Would you rather smoke weed with Tim Lincecum or drink scotch with Miguel Cabrera? |
| 11:14 |
: weed
|
| 11:15 |
With the 8 teams (almost) now in place, World Series predictions? |
| 11:15 |
: Nationals over…Angels?
|
| 11:15 |
: weed as well
|
| 11:15 |
: More Bumgarner. ok
|
| 11:15 |
: Sames
|
| 11:15 |
The realistic floor for Buxton is Buxton 2014. |
| 11:15 |
The third option is smoke PCP with Hunter Pence |
| 11:15 |
: I’m a believer in there being a difference between high-leverage pitches and low-leverage pitches but what’s the point of this?
|
| 11:15 |
: still weed
|
| 11:16 |
: option 4: trip balls on your own, while watching someone follow Hunter Pence with a camera for 5 hours
|
| 11:17 |
If Chapman ended up as starter, would he look similar to Ventura? |
| 11:17 |
: More strikeouts
|
| 11:17 |
Who signs Lester this offseason and what’s his contract? |
| 11:18 |
: Cubs
|
| 11:19 |
If Pablo leaves the Giants this year, could we see Posey go to first, Belt to third, Susac behind the plate? |
| 11:19 |
: I was going to say Posey to third. Lefties at third are weird.
|
| 11:20 |
Could Posey play 3rd well enough? |
| 11:20 |
: Prob not, but worth a try I guess.
|
| 11:21 |
Posey played SS in college. |
| 11:21 |
Well that was boring |
| 11:21 |
: whoa, zoned out watching old highlights and now this is over
|
| 11:22 |
: You said it, AJT. But it was a little less boring with you guys and gals to keep us company. Thanks for hanging out with us!
|
| 11:22 |
: I don’t think it’s time to move Posey when he’s still a good catcher
|
| 11:22 |
: I always like the post-loss home fan chant but that one didnt’ last very long
|
| 11:22 |
Are the fans still chanting “LET’s GO BUCS”? Little late for that. |
| 11:22 |
: Disagree!
|
| 11:23 |
Panda to 1st for the Mariners? |
| 11:23 |
: Morrison at 1B, Butler at DH
|
| 11:23 |
: Also, Panda has no reason to sign as a first baseman.
|
| 11:23 |
Which projects as the more lopsided series KC vs LAA or Wsh vs SF? |
| 11:24 |
: Probably…the…latter
|
| 11:24 |
: Not quite sure, though. KC and LAA both have relatively weak rotations but full bullpens
|
| 11:24 |
Posey is basically a league average defender behind the plate. While there’s still (a lot of) value in that, I don’t think we can call him “good” |
| 11:24 |
: Good receiver
|
| 11:24 |
: I think KC-LAA. Giants always hang in there.
|
| 11:24 |
: Posey was top 10 in catcher framing according to Statcorner.
|
| 11:24 |
: BP agrees
|
| 11:25 |
The great thing about the Pirates is that the future is still bright. Cutch.Marte.Polanco.Cole.Tallion…etc are going to be there a while |
| 11:25 |
: Yeah, the Pirates are a thing, and they will be for years. So this is sad but it’s just a part of the cycle
|
| 11:25 |
Thanks for doing the live blog guys, both have been really great! |
| 11:25 |
: Thanks everybody! More chats tomorrow! Although I’m not back in one until next week sometime
|
| 11:25 |
: And thanks Paul!
|
| 11:25 |
: We’ll have them the next two days as well. Tell your friends!
|
| 11:25 |
: No, Jeff, thank you, sir.
|
| 11:25 |
: Time to wrap this thing up. Be well, everybody
|
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.
I’m JACKED