3/18/09 GDT: Reds @ Rays: Hammel Starts, Upton to Play Defense
by Tommy Rancel on Mar 18, 2009 11:21 AM EDT
168 comments
Game Time: 1:05
TV/Radio: None
Lineup:
- Jason Bartlett, SS
- Carl Crawford, LF
- Willy Aybar, 2B
- Carlos Pena, 1B
- Pat Burrell, DH
- Gabe Gross, RF
- Gabe Kapler, CF
- Morgan Ensberg, 3B
- Michel Hernandez, C
Probable Pitchers: RH Jason Hammel, RH Troy Percival, RH Lance Cormier, RH Grant Balfour, RH Joe Nelson, RH Dan Wheeler
Things to watch: Of course, Jason Hammel. Most have Hammel as the clubhouse leader for the fifth starter spot. A good performance today would move Hammel closer to sealing the deal regardless of Jeff Niemann's shinny spring numbers.
Troy Percival makes his third appearance. Up until now, Percy has been pefect. Dan Wheeler, Joe Nelson and Grant Balfour are all scheduled to appear. None of the three has had an impressive spring, but at least in the cases of Balfour and Nelson we know they are working on specific pitches. It is not known if Wheeler is doing the same.
Marc Lancaster tell us Evan Longoria was a late scratch, but it's because he doesn't feel well, not because he got the call up to Team USA. All is quiet on that front.
He also gives us this wonderful information on B.J. Upton
Center fielder B.J. Upton, working to get back into shape after off-season shoulder surgery, took team batting practice and will play defense in the Class A minor league game (the AA and AAA teams are on the road). --Rays Report
The report goes on to mention that Matt Joyce will join Upton in the outfield.
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THE SHINNING!!!
Vogt early, Vogt often.
by Brickhaus on Mar 18, 2009 11:24 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
No TV and no beer makes Homer something something
I could be wrong though
by staplemaniac on Mar 18, 2009 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Go crazy?
I could be wrong though
by staplemaniac on Mar 18, 2009 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
DON'T MIND IF I DO
I could be wrong though
by staplemaniac on Mar 18, 2009 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not the most awe-inspiring lineup.
Check out my blog on (mostly ColdFusion, but some PHP) web development at kericr.wordpress.com
by kericr on Mar 18, 2009 11:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Longo late-scratch
Happy St. Paddy’s
Do what you love to do and give it your very best. Whether it's business or baseball, or the theater, or any field. If you don't love what you're doing and you can't give it your best, get out of it. Life is too short. You'll be an old man before you know it.
-Al Lopez
by Sandy Kazmir on Mar 18, 2009 11:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Seriously!
It said he “isn’t feeling well.”
by Tommy Rancel on Mar 18, 2009 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You can't give that excuse to your employer no matter how hungover you are
Allergies
a cold
couldn’t sleep well
food poisoning
there really is no wrong answer
Do what you love to do and give it your very best. Whether it's business or baseball, or the theater, or any field. If you don't love what you're doing and you can't give it your best, get out of it. Life is too short. You'll be an old man before you know it.
-Al Lopez
by Sandy Kazmir on Mar 18, 2009 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I had a "cold" Monday.
Now I’m paying for it. Of all weeks to skip Monday.
by rglass44 on Mar 18, 2009 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The trick is to call in as soon as your boss gets there and sound like shit
then shut your phone off and pass back out
Do what you love to do and give it your very best. Whether it's business or baseball, or the theater, or any field. If you don't love what you're doing and you can't give it your best, get out of it. Life is too short. You'll be an old man before you know it.
-Al Lopez
by Sandy Kazmir on Mar 18, 2009 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Alright Hammel, do well
Either make me feel slightly better about you being the #5 or raise your trade value
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 11:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
We are awesome on all fronts
- Jeff Niemann leads AL pitchers with a 0.83 ERA (11.0-IP, 1-ER).
- At 9-7-1, the Rays own the best record in the AL East.
- The Rays 25 stolen bases are second in the majors to the Orioles (28).
- Rays pitchers have issued 41 walks, fewest in the majors.
- The Rays have drawn 62,663 to Charlotte Sports Park through 10 games so far this spring, a 6,266 avg. (exhibition with Puerto Rico included), already the 5th-highest spring total attendance figure in the club’s 12-year history.
Today’s game should put us 3rd all time and the record will easily be broken by the end
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 11:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
9-7-1 record
MLB should really add shoot-outs to pre season games.
Beyond the Boxscore // Calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy.
by Sky Kalkman on Mar 18, 2009 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seems Hammel has already given up a run
Nice start, #5
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 1:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
.
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2009_03_18_cinmlb_tbamlb_1
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why in hell would you walk Taveras
That guy can’t hit, period
Do what you love to do and give it your very best. Whether it's business or baseball, or the theater, or any field. If you don't love what you're doing and you can't give it your best, get out of it. Life is too short. You'll be an old man before you know it.
-Al Lopez
by Sandy Kazmir on Mar 18, 2009 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought today was the Cards game on FSN.
Instead I’m greatly disappointed, yet pleased that we get to see Kazmir.
by R.J. Anderson on Mar 18, 2009 1:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Since they are prob willing to let him go 6
I wanna see how his PC is going and if he can get through 6
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope his slider looks good.
Lord knows I don’t want people emailing me telling me I’m a dick….again.
by R.J. Anderson on Mar 18, 2009 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh that pitch which bring us all pain?
I hope he keeps using it effectively and often.
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
you're a dick
Do what you love to do and give it your very best. Whether it's business or baseball, or the theater, or any field. If you don't love what you're doing and you can't give it your best, get out of it. Life is too short. You'll be an old man before you know it.
-Al Lopez
by Sandy Kazmir on Mar 18, 2009 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
People called you a dick for your Price post?
by plasticman on Mar 18, 2009 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just in case you forgot
you are a dick
Swav or Die.
by SRQman on Mar 18, 2009 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wish we had a way to follow the Minor League Game
See if Upton is using his rifle in CF and if Joyce is hitting and staying healthy
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 1:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What if Joyce sat on Beej's shoulders inthe OF then the healthy legs could carry around the healthy arm
They could switch position at the plate depending on whether a lefty or right is on the mound
Do what you love to do and give it your very best. Whether it's business or baseball, or the theater, or any field. If you don't love what you're doing and you can't give it your best, get out of it. Life is too short. You'll be an old man before you know it.
-Al Lopez
by Sandy Kazmir on Mar 18, 2009 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I presented this idea already
Except replace Joyce with Burrell and Beej with CC.
Check out my blog on (mostly ColdFusion, but some PHP) web development at kericr.wordpress.com
by kericr on Mar 18, 2009 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh Hammel
Lead off homer to Encarnacion 2-0 Reds
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 1:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I had a random idea
I love Raymond and all but I want to hire Taylor Swift to be at every game, I guess she would have to be the mascot but no costume.
Thoughts?
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 1:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What about Rip Taylor while we're at it?
Do what you love to do and give it your very best. Whether it's business or baseball, or the theater, or any field. If you don't love what you're doing and you can't give it your best, get out of it. Life is too short. You'll be an old man before you know it.
-Al Lopez
by Sandy Kazmir on Mar 18, 2009 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
taylor swift.
overrated on every front…
by liquidmuse3 on Mar 18, 2009 1:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
She is underrated
She is the Edgar Martinez of hot chicks.
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hammel has given up 3 runs through 2
Who told that bastard that his job is secure?
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 1:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
My season tickets arrived
Christmas in March
by GomesSweetGomes on Mar 18, 2009 1:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
taylor swift
is the shawn abner of hot chicks…or maybe matt bush.
by liquidmuse3 on Mar 18, 2009 1:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Are you saying you would not have relations with that young woman?
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't say the things I would do to her......
Mound Visit
by Mound Visit on Mar 18, 2009 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
as long as i dont have to...
hear her sing in the morning… ;o)
plus she wears more eyeliner than a tramp @ a truckstop. just not my scene…
by liquidmuse3 on Mar 18, 2009 1:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Gameday would be useful if it wasn't useless
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 1:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I say Japan wins
but who thinks we get Aki back after tonight?
I kinda want a Aki vs Longo WS, JP will be there but not like he will actually pitch
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 2:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Aw damn
Just had a Gabe – Gabe DP, step it up Kapler…..
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 2:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh yeah, BTB's ALE chat is tomorrow.
2ish.
Hold your fiddle cat jokes.
by R.J. Anderson on Mar 18, 2009 2:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I like to think of my fiddle cat wearing a tuxedo t-shirt
cuz you know he wants to be formal, but hes hear to party
Do what you love to do and give it your very best. Whether it's business or baseball, or the theater, or any field. If you don't love what you're doing and you can't give it your best, get out of it. Life is too short. You'll be an old man before you know it.
-Al Lopez
by Sandy Kazmir on Mar 18, 2009 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone wanna take a bet against me?
Name how much.
I predict the Rays first no hitter this season. I think Garza has the best shot but I am not predicting who throws it, just that it will happen. Anyone want to take that bet?
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 2:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This Hammel over Niemann & Price thing...
As much as I love Andrew & Joe, it’s the same administration that cut Carlos Pena, sent down the Rookie of the Year, made a possible closer ineffective(Orvella), thought Upton could play 2nd, cut Grant Balfour, & thought Josh Hamilton was only a AA player 2 years ago.
by liquidmuse3 on Mar 18, 2009 2:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
So in the end we lost a "possible closer of the future" and Hamilton
Hamilton hurts, but he was a A ball player to them at that point with a drug history, I don’t blame them for giving up on him.
How about turning a 66 win team into AL Champs in 1 season?
Now lets take a look at the 3 you mentioned.
Niemann – Already a injury risk, want to switch his role mid season?
Price – How about we make sure the top SP prospect in the land is fully ready?
Hammel – I am not gonna call him a Cy Young but he is a very good stop gap who may pick up some trade value.
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They also failed to kill Hitler
all of these things are facts, some more important than others
Do what you love to do and give it your very best. Whether it's business or baseball, or the theater, or any field. If you don't love what you're doing and you can't give it your best, get out of it. Life is too short. You'll be an old man before you know it.
-Al Lopez
by Sandy Kazmir on Mar 18, 2009 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But
it’s the same administration that cut Carlos Pena. So did Brian Cashman, Theo Epstein and Billy Beane.
sent down the Rookie of the Year-You make like they had no idea Longoria was a stud. And they recalled him less than two weeks into the season
made a possible closer ineffective(Orvella)-Or maybe Orvella just wasn’t a major league pitcher.
thought Upton could play 2nd—A lot of people though B.J. Upton could play SS. Lou Pinella played him at 3B.
cut Grant Balfour—So did the Twins and the Brewers traded him for Seth McClung
thought Josh Hamilton was only a AA player 2 years ago—2 years ago So did a lot of people probably including Josh Hamilton.
by Tommy Rancel on Mar 18, 2009 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm just saying---
Their spring training decisions sometimes leave a lot to be desired…
—-yeah, they signed Pena, but then cut him in favor of Greg Norton.
—-yeah, they drafted Longoria third overall, but sent him down in a year he won ROY.
—-Orvella possibly isn’t a MLB pitcher—-thing is, he proved that he was the year before they tinkered with his delivery.
—-yeah, they knew Upton could be good in center(“He’ll be a young Willie Mays” I remember some random club official said @ the time)—-& I guess they couldn’t have known that Rocco would fall the way he did.
—-obviously they believed in Balfour enough to get him—-but kept Gary Glover(& Scott Dohmann?)over him @ the end of spring.
—-& NO WAY do you expose a talent like Hamilton. Even Friedman admits that was a mistake. The slack I cut him on that is—-I betcha they didn’t want him to become “Josh Hamilton, the Great Baseball Player”, sign him to a big deal, & then he pisses it away again. I really wonder if that’s what they were thinking, which is understandable.
by liquidmuse3 on Mar 18, 2009 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pena was nothing special up to that point
They sent Longo down as a negotiating move
Orvella was never great he just seemed good compared to the rest of that suckfest pen in 2005
Before Upton moved to CF we had projected an OF of Craw, Baldelli, Young, fitting Upton in the IF would have been a bonus
Balfour was throwing crazy walks in ST, it was always down to him and Dohmann, and Dohmann had a better spring
I still believe that there is now way Josh Hamilton becomes JOSH HAMILTON in Tampa, too many distractions and hangerson
Do what you love to do and give it your very best. Whether it's business or baseball, or the theater, or any field. If you don't love what you're doing and you can't give it your best, get out of it. Life is too short. You'll be an old man before you know it.
-Al Lopez
by Sandy Kazmir on Mar 18, 2009 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know man.
Players with knee injuries and cocaine issues usually become superstars within three years of being banned from the game.
by R.J. Anderson on Mar 18, 2009 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously, you can do this for all GMs.
Theo signed J.T. Snow in place of Youkilis.
Theo traded away Hanley — how can you do that?!
Theo traded Manny! Why!
Theo signed Julio Lugo.
Theo traded Shoppach for Coco. WHY.
by R.J. Anderson on Mar 18, 2009 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
For Beane:
Got nothing for Tim Hudson.
Jeremy Brown? Fuuuck.
Signed Chavez instead of anyone else.
Traded Eric Hinske for nothing.
by R.J. Anderson on Mar 18, 2009 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Theo did not trade Hanley if I remember correctly.
He was resigned as GM when that move was made.
When you're 90 years old, you don't buy green bananas.
by PriceMultiCyYoungs on Mar 18, 2009 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Orvella was never that great"
No, Chad Orvella was really, really good. He’s right that he didn’t start to stink until they tried to speed up his delivery. Just not sure that can be pinned on the front office.
http://minors.baseball-reference.com/players.cgi?pid=25718
Vogt early, Vogt often.
by Brickhaus on Mar 18, 2009 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Process and Results. You can't be perfect all the time.
The Blue Jays sent Roy Halladay to the minor leagues. The Indians sent Cliff Lee to the minors in 2007 and he won the Cy Young in 2008. The Rays still have Pena and Balfour who have been tremendous. They resigned Longoria to a long term deal. They moved Upton to CF and the Hamilton discussion is one we’ll never really have an answer on.
by Tommy Rancel on Mar 18, 2009 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh yeah.
& was so overprotective about Price(didn’t Joe say he didn’t want him to have that pressure?), that they kept him out of that rain-delayed WS game. I still think he should have started that thing(in the 5th or whatever it was), & we maybe win the whole damn thing…
by liquidmuse3 on Mar 18, 2009 2:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
reply button dude, reply button
But sure lets talk about the WS game again! You are mad at Maddon because he didn’t throw out a season worth of stats? They weren’t much better than JP and Balfour last season so he went with them.
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I never got a chance to talk about the World Series... ;o)
so I am sorry if it’s been done to death in here. But to me, it points out a managerial style & tendency—-& we didn’t have a season’s worth of stats to tell us how good Price would be in that role against the Red Sox—-yet it was the smart(& turns out, right)thing to do.
by liquidmuse3 on Mar 18, 2009 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That sounds like results based analysis.
So because Price worked it was the right move, if Price failed you would say “Damn Maddon, man, putting Price in that high leverage situation with no experience. WTF?”
Right?
by R.J. Anderson on Mar 18, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No.
I thought that at the time. We all knew Price had a decent chance to be special in the BP in the playoffs, given his makeup & stuff. So I’m not sure his performance against the Red Sox was that much of a surprise. I WAS surprised that Maddon just refused to use him in the biggest game of the year. Stunned in fact.
by liquidmuse3 on Mar 18, 2009 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah...
but they switched Niemann’s role last year mid-season.
Isn’t Kazmir essentially a two-pitch pitcher? As are many more. Price has already admitted this insistence on a third pitch has already f’ed up his out pitch.
Like I said, I believe in just about everything these people do—-I’m just pointing out they do have a tendency to overthink, & make the occasional error.
It makes sense to have Niemann moving towards the closer role, & bring Price up when he has his full 3 pitches, meanwhile, having Hammel be the stop-gap. I just wonder, in such a close race, if those first 30-50 games—-while we don’t have our best team out there—-will come back to haunt us. We didn’t pitch Price when it mattered in the Series, & we lost the Series…
by liquidmuse3 on Mar 18, 2009 2:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Dude, so many other things went wrong for us in the series
blaming it on Maddon not putting in Price is not, in my opinion, a tenable argument.
If the only way we were going to win the series was with Price, we did not deserve to win. Period.
by plasticman on Mar 18, 2009 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know---
But if a series is close, &/or, you need a spark, you actively look for the spark. It’s what happened in the Sox series, & yet, we kept the spark on the bench the next series. It made no sense.
Speaking of, the Red Sox proved a series is never over if you just keep driving. And NO WAY do Longoria & Upton stay in those slumps for three more games(IMO).
When it’s the championship game, you put every card on the table. These are literally the only games(& decisions that ever matter)—-& Maddon didn’t do it. I really don’t think the Phillies are a World Series champion-type team…but we didn’t play our best team.
& yes, one player CAN make a difference…
by liquidmuse3 on Mar 18, 2009 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Although BJ can score a run all by himself
Does anyone have a youtube of that?
by plasticman on Mar 18, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Though I get what you're saying I do think that saying 30-50 games misconstrues reality
Our 5th starter is on pace to get something like 4-5 starts over the first month and a half. We could, arguably, run Carlos Hernandez out there and the impact on the season would be minimal.
Do what you love to do and give it your very best. Whether it's business or baseball, or the theater, or any field. If you don't love what you're doing and you can't give it your best, get out of it. Life is too short. You'll be an old man before you know it.
-Al Lopez
by Sandy Kazmir on Mar 18, 2009 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What was the difference last year?
In the standings? It was really close. Heck, I remember how we started the year—-we pissed away a few games we should’ve won the first 10 days. If Balfour & Longoria were here, maybe we don’t do that, we win a little more comfortably, & don’t peter out in the Series. You never know—-& since you never know, go with what you DO know—-your best players. Just my opinion…
by liquidmuse3 on Mar 18, 2009 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So, if the Rays keep Evan and Balfour up, we win the World Series?
Well then.
by R.J. Anderson on Mar 18, 2009 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, R.J.
I’m not exactly saying that…but every decision has huge ramifications. I don’t quite get this “we can lose in the beginning, as long as we don’t lose towards the end”. All the games count the same.
by liquidmuse3 on Mar 18, 2009 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're assuming Evan and Balfour being up for 10 additional games means a shit in the playoffs.
It doesn’t.
Maybe, just maybe, we can simply say the Rays didn’t have their best set of games in the World Series and leave it at that instead of trying to goat someone. Regression for our hot DS/CS caught up to us and sunk us.
There doesn’t have to be a scapegoat or intangible to blame on every loss.
by R.J. Anderson on Mar 18, 2009 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not goating anyone.
I wouldnt know how ;oP
It was a small argument, admittedly—-I’m just saying, imagine Longoria & maybe your best bullpen guy for 10 more games last year. Then you’re not expending so much energy(mentally as well)trying to stay ahead of the Sox at the end. Then maybe you have more of it in the Series. All because Joe’s decisions in ST are sometimes questionable. It was worth pointing out, though I’m not basing everything on it by any stretch.
As for the intangible/loss thing—-when it’s win or go home, you CAN pinpoint such things. A game of inches(or degrees of decision). & I will always believe bringing Price in at such a critical time(rain-delay game 5)was a big key. We didn’t win the championship. And as happy as I am about last year, following this team for 10 years—-maybe you never get back to the Series. Grab it while you can.
by liquidmuse3 on Mar 18, 2009 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The impact over 4-5 games is a lot smaller than 30-50 as you mentioned
4<30, 5<50 see how that works
Do what you love to do and give it your very best. Whether it's business or baseball, or the theater, or any field. If you don't love what you're doing and you can't give it your best, get out of it. Life is too short. You'll be an old man before you know it.
-Al Lopez
by Sandy Kazmir on Mar 18, 2009 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
so Sandy...
Is that the way all debates happen here? Condescending & belittling? That’s great…
Here’s how this works—-4 to 5 games can be the margin between making the playoffs in this division.
by liquidmuse3 on Mar 18, 2009 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I give what I get
We had home field advantage throughout the playoffs last year. If we had won 4 or 5 more games it would not have mattered. I was just a little aggravated by your suggestion that somehow Hammel being the number 5 would have an effect on 30-50 games
Do what you love to do and give it your very best. Whether it's business or baseball, or the theater, or any field. If you don't love what you're doing and you can't give it your best, get out of it. Life is too short. You'll be an old man before you know it.
-Al Lopez
by Sandy Kazmir on Mar 18, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm talking this year.
But I was never even remotely asshole-ish in any reply. Just surprised that’s where it went.
30-50 was clearly overstated—-I just think, in this division, you can’t take chances like Hammel at 5. I hope I’m wrong…
by liquidmuse3 on Mar 18, 2009 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I took your comments as smirking and smartassy, so maybe not asshole-ish, but thats how I read it
I would think him as a #5 is as good as most #5’s in the league unless you are talking about the moster clubs, do you think he gives us an opportunity to win going up against whomever Baltimore runs out there, or the White Sox, we still have a top-notch defense, and a better lineup than last year.
Do what you love to do and give it your very best. Whether it's business or baseball, or the theater, or any field. If you don't love what you're doing and you can't give it your best, get out of it. Life is too short. You'll be an old man before you know it.
-Al Lopez
by Sandy Kazmir on Mar 18, 2009 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
nah, I can't do smirking & smartassey that well ;o)
Hammel definitely has a chance to beat the Orioles of the world, though they should be better(though they’re not starting with Wieters…there goes their chance at the Series! ;o) , so that’s a good point. I just know the Sox & Yankees’ 5th starters are better than ours right now, so their chances of winning those games are better, I would think…
by liquidmuse3 on Mar 18, 2009 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough
Will Hammel be matched up with them during his 4 starts? I haven’t looked that far ahead, but having Price pitch those innings would only be a small upgrade in such a small sample. If Hammel gets tagged people will say Price should have pitched, if Price gets tagged (as he will at some point this year, he isn’t Fernando Valenzuela) will people say Hammel should have pitched? Probably not.
Do what you love to do and give it your very best. Whether it's business or baseball, or the theater, or any field. If you don't love what you're doing and you can't give it your best, get out of it. Life is too short. You'll be an old man before you know it.
-Al Lopez
by Sandy Kazmir on Mar 18, 2009 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
nah, I meant...
The Yanks’ & Sox 5 starters are better than Hammel, so they have a better chance to win those games(against other teams)than we do in our Hammel games. That said, I think today is probably how it’s gonna go—-Hammel’ll give up 3-4 runs, our bullpens pitches the last 4, our offense saves the day. If this means Price gets better(developing that 3rd pitch), I guess it’ll work out…
by liquidmuse3 on Mar 18, 2009 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the best part is you're expecting Price to apparently be amazing.
Otherwise the difference between Hammel and Price is probably less than a half of a win over 75 innings.
by R.J. Anderson on Mar 18, 2009 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A half win is significant in this case
Vogt early, Vogt often.
by Brickhaus on Mar 18, 2009 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can dig that argument
I agree that it’s not like we are giving a game away, there will be plenty of games where we lean on our starting pitching this year, it is not too much to ask the offense to carry a few games early in the season.
Do what you love to do and give it your very best. Whether it's business or baseball, or the theater, or any field. If you don't love what you're doing and you can't give it your best, get out of it. Life is too short. You'll be an old man before you know it.
-Al Lopez
by Sandy Kazmir on Mar 18, 2009 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Meanwhile, back in the game
Hammel has had a very good 3rd and 4th, time for the bats to stop missing chances
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 2:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Here's Nelson
plz pitch well
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 2:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
a VERY quick 5th for him
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
CAN HIS ASS
Do what you love to do and give it your very best. Whether it's business or baseball, or the theater, or any field. If you don't love what you're doing and you can't give it your best, get out of it. Life is too short. You'll be an old man before you know it.
-Al Lopez
by Sandy Kazmir on Mar 18, 2009 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Long ass inning
I hope we are scoring some runs
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 2:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
3-2
I think they are still batting
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 2:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
No one answered me!
Anyone wanna take a bet against me? I am predicting the Rays pitch their first No Hitter this season. Name a price, if it isn’t insane, then it’s a bet.
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 2:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm still waiting for people to realize the genuis of the phrase "vulvan nerve pitch" for Nelson
by plasticman on Mar 18, 2009 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I realize the genius
NOW, do we have the bet?!
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, the problem is I don't really want to bet against you.
I’d like to see them pull that off, as well.
Why not put up a poll… see if people think we will get our first no hitter, two, none at all, or more than two.
by plasticman on Mar 18, 2009 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hideo Nomo had 2 no hitters
Gotta think Shields/Garza/Price/Kaz(if he can last that long) get one eventually
I know, wishful thinking
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is it weird I had a dream of Sonny throwing one?
It even had a sick commercial for it.
Swav or Die.
by SRQman on Mar 18, 2009 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Navarro 2 rbi double
He came in for Michel Hernendez which was nice and its 4-3 Rays now
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 2:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Ah, I can really smell Opening Day coming
Navarro came in so he can work with our relievers. Few weeks ago Michel Hernedez would of just worked with them.
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 3:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
REID BRIGNAC
2 run homer
7-3 Rays
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 3:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Question
Aybar can fill in at 2B, 3B, 1B and DH obviously. Brignac would be able to fill in at SS and Gabe who is sitting on the bench can take any OF spot. Can we please have Brignac take Zobrist’s spot?
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pretty sure the Rays would want Brignac getting consistent playing time.
by R.J. Anderson on Mar 18, 2009 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, true
but I want his bat over Zobrist’s!
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can we please have Zob's wife take Zob's spot?
That’s the one reason why they keep him around, I’m convinced of it.
Check out my blog on (mostly ColdFusion, but some PHP) web development at kericr.wordpress.com
by kericr on Mar 18, 2009 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh I am sure
That’s why Kris Benson kept getting a job
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow I know it's just ST, but Reid is really growing on me
Do what you love to do and give it your very best. Whether it's business or baseball, or the theater, or any field. If you don't love what you're doing and you can't give it your best, get out of it. Life is too short. You'll be an old man before you know it.
-Al Lopez
by Sandy Kazmir on Mar 18, 2009 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was pretty hard on him
I have no problem with him proving me wrong
by plasticman on Mar 18, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
can you bet against Rays winning the 09 WS?
plz?
by daveh33 on Mar 18, 2009 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm on that kind of roll
but even I’m not going to let those words slip through, Kiss of Death or not. If Syracuse loses in the first round I might think about it.
Do what you love to do and give it your very best. Whether it's business or baseball, or the theater, or any field. If you don't love what you're doing and you can't give it your best, get out of it. Life is too short. You'll be an old man before you know it.
-Al Lopez
by Sandy Kazmir on Mar 18, 2009 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Count me in the group that has seen Watchmen
I thought it was very very good. I’d give it a solid 4.5 glowing blue penises out of 5.
Which I guess that means 4 hardons and a limper.
Check out my blog on (mostly ColdFusion, but some PHP) web development at kericr.wordpress.com
by kericr on Mar 18, 2009 3:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
P Brady is boxing people who says it sucks.
by R.J. Anderson on Mar 18, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well I didn't see any sucking in that movie. There was some banging, but no sucking.
Check out my blog on (mostly ColdFusion, but some PHP) web development at kericr.wordpress.com
by kericr on Mar 18, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
have you read the comic?
awesome book
good enough, that I have no interest in seeing the movie.
by plasticman on Mar 18, 2009 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No I haven't.
I’m not an avid comic book reader. I skimmed the article on wikipedia after reading some reviews saying that you wouldn’t get the movie unless you read the comic.
That being said, I’m pretty sure I get the movie, and I think those criticisms are completely unwarranted.
Check out my blog on (mostly ColdFusion, but some PHP) web development at kericr.wordpress.com
by kericr on Mar 18, 2009 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not making those claims
but you have to understand, one of the reasons the book is so good, is that it comments on comic books, and uses all that metafiction stuff
it works really well
by plasticman on Mar 18, 2009 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough
But I still haven’t read it. I might consider it if I buy the DVD.
Check out my blog on (mostly ColdFusion, but some PHP) web development at kericr.wordpress.com
by kericr on Mar 18, 2009 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I haven't seen it and was wondering if it's worth the dough
Do what you love to do and give it your very best. Whether it's business or baseball, or the theater, or any field. If you don't love what you're doing and you can't give it your best, get out of it. Life is too short. You'll be an old man before you know it.
-Al Lopez
by Sandy Kazmir on Mar 18, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, same
The previews always intrigued me, so I’ll probably go and see it at some point.
"I never threw an illegal pitch. The trouble is, once in a while I toss one that ain't never been seen by this generation." - Satchel Paige
by Steve Slowinski on Mar 18, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Isn't it like 4 hours long?
Count me out. I hate 2 hours of shitty comicbook movie. 2 of ’em back-to-back and I might kill myself.
by rglass44 on Mar 18, 2009 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Percy is in
Another prefect inning, please
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 3:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
perfect inning
This Spring: 9 up, 9 down
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Save some for the season Hoss
Do what you love to do and give it your very best. Whether it's business or baseball, or the theater, or any field. If you don't love what you're doing and you can't give it your best, get out of it. Life is too short. You'll be an old man before you know it.
-Al Lopez
by Sandy Kazmir on Mar 18, 2009 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hoss is such a good word.
Swav or Die.
by SRQman on Mar 18, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
7-3 Rays, top of the 8th
Balfour is in currently. Nelson, Percy, and Wheeler all pitched scoreless innings.
"I never threw an illegal pitch. The trouble is, once in a while I toss one that ain't never been seen by this generation." - Satchel Paige
by Steve Slowinski on Mar 18, 2009 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Joyce
OF Matt Joyce said he felt “really good” after playing in the outfield three innings in a Single-A exhibition, saying he’s confident he’s on the right track of getting back after being sidelined all spring with right leg tendonitis.
Joyce had three at bats, with a single, walk and groundout, and made one play in the field (“an easy fly ball”) .
“Just getting your legs back into it, that’s the biggest thing,” Joyce said. “Running on and off the field, you’d be surprised with how quick it fades you know, how ure body has to adjust …”
I know Single A, 3 innings but it’s better than a air cast!
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 3:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Ah crap, long inning against Balfour currently.....
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 3:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
nevermind
Perfect inning for Aussie now
Cormier’s turn in the 9th
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was about to say...
Gameday is moving really slow for me, but it looked like he plowed through those three.
"I never threw an illegal pitch. The trouble is, once in a while I toss one that ain't never been seen by this generation." - Satchel Paige
by Steve Slowinski on Mar 18, 2009 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, Jonny Gomes...
I wish I could watch the game…seeing Jonny strike out would have brought back so many memories.
"I never threw an illegal pitch. The trouble is, once in a while I toss one that ain't never been seen by this generation." - Satchel Paige
by Steve Slowinski on Mar 18, 2009 3:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
To clarify, I love the guy
For some reason, I couldn’t get too mad when he struck out because his swing was so huge, it just made me laugh.
"I never threw an illegal pitch. The trouble is, once in a while I toss one that ain't never been seen by this generation." - Satchel Paige
by Steve Slowinski on Mar 18, 2009 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And finally, its the 9th
Cormiers turn to be perfect
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 3:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
4 IP 3ER
but he looked good in the 3rd and 4th
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
but, but, but
but he sholdn’t be our 5th starter. i have ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA what Niemann had to do to win that job, he’s been stellar, great, as good as we could have hoped, much better then Hammel, yet it still seems like Hammel is the front runner. this was apparently never an open competition, as it seems they decided before SP to just go through the motions…
by davidsmarch on Mar 18, 2009 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would kind of like to see Niemann get settled in his new BP role.
by rglass44 on Mar 18, 2009 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
NOOOOOOO
SP PLZ
I could be wrong though
by staplemaniac on Mar 18, 2009 7:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rays win 7-3
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 4:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
got the first 2
then gave up a triple and then got the 3rd out
So a very good job from our pen today
Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart
by joeybw on Mar 18, 2009 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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