10 Things the Rays Should Do to Compete for the World Series
by Jonah Keri on Jun 27, 2010 6:43 PM EDT
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The big "news" tomorrow on mainstream sites will be about B.J. Upton being lazy or combative or a bad teammate or whatever other euphemism writers want to use. Don't listen to any of it. Upton has his flaws, including struggles vs. elite right-handed pitchers with good fastballs (see below). Everything else is noise.
The secondary headline will focus on the Rays' atrocious hitting. Of course this audience is sharp enough to know that the line drives we've seen hit right at fielders will eventually find holes, and that warning track flyballs will eventually clear the fence.
Even with positive regression on the way, the Rays should still be looking for ways to upgrade both their roster, and their usage of the players they already have.
After the jump, 10 moves I'd like to see the Rays make.
1. Approve $7 million in additional discretionary spending. If the Rays win a playoff series (let alone more than one), they'll make it back and then some.
2. Sit Jason Bartlett vs. all RHP (reverse split this year, but just .266/.332/.364 vs. RH for his career).
3. Sit B.J. Upton vs. elite RHP with killer fastballs (.211/.285/.331 vs. RP in 2010, .259/.336/.403 for his career; play the matchups taking into account both handedness and repertoire).
4. Sit Carlos Pena vs. LHP (.190/.275/.404 vs. LH in 2010; .220/.311/.445 for his career).
5. Acquire at least one above-average LH bat, preferably an outfielder who can catch the ball too. David DeJesus would be perfect.
DeJesus is hitting .326/.394/.479 this year. That's good.
Some of that production can be attributed to a .364 BABIP. That's bad.
DeJesus is a solid fielder - more like a +5 defender than the +15.5 he put up last year, but still a net positive. All told, he's conservatively a 3- to 4-win player. That's good.
UZR may contain potassium benzoate. That's bad.
DeJesus will make just $4.7 million salary in 2010 -- about $2.5 million for the rest of the year if the Rays acquired him tomorrow, with a $6 million 2011 option. That's hella-good.
Offer Jason Bartlett straight up for him. If that doesn't work, offer a B+ prospect, a B- prospect and a C+ prospect.
(The names of the prospects aren't vital for this exercise - few teams can match the Rays' minor league pitching depth, such that potential trading partners can drive the bus to some extent when it comes to parsing Matt Moore, Nick Barnese et al.)
6. Call up Dan Johnson.
7. DFA Hank Blalock.
8. DFA Lance Cormier, go with a six-man bullpen.
9. DFA Gabe Kapler, offer him a manager's job in the minors with a disproportionately high salary and the prospect of rapid advancement (man, I hate writing that).
...and the big one...
10. Offer Wade Davis, a B+ prospect and a B- prospect for Cliff Lee.
As we well know, lineup order isn't all that important, as long as the right players see the most playing time. With that said, something like this could work:
Lineup vs. RH
C Jaso
LF Crawford
2B Zobrist
3B Longoria
RF DeJesus
1B Pena
DH Johnson
CF Joyce (Upton can play CF + bat 9th vs. weaker RH, rotate Johnson/Joyce/Pena for rest)
SS Brignac
Lineup vs. LH
CF Upton
LF Crawford
C Shoppach
3B Longoria
1B Zobrist
DH Aybar
RF DeJesus
2B Rodriguez
SS Bartlett (assuming the Royals prefer prospects)
SP Lee, Shields, Garza, Price, Niemann
RP Soriano, Benoit, Balfour, Choate, Wheeler, Sonnanstine
(Call up Jeremy Hellickson the second ANYONE goes down, be it a SP or RP. He's more than ready.)
A big, honking caveat here: The Rays employ a baseball operations staff, along with a research and development staff, that to a man know more about baseball than I ever could if I lived to be 10,000 years old. They see everything we see, scrutinize every series, every game, every at-bat, every pitch.
They also have to deal with real-life factors that writers don't face when shouting from rooftops. How would Carlos Pena, Jason Bartlett and B.J. Upton handle having their playing time reduced? Are there subtle contract clauses or future arbitration considerations that could be impacted by these moves? Will shuffling the lineup dramatically cause the Rays to sell fewer tickets and foam fingers? These are tremendously tough dilemmas that a doofus Canadian like me can't begin to understand, having never stood in their shoes.
But still...
This is the best chance the Rays will have to win a World Series for...at least two years, and maybe five, 10 or more. Payroll's getting slashed by $20-$25 million next year regardless.
The Rafael Soriano move was already a (terrific) go-for-it-now play. Time to up the ante.
Go all-in, gents. Flags fly forever.
Cross-posted at JonahKeri.com
UPDATE: From our good friend Jason Collette:
In the first 44 games of the season, the Rays hit a robust .297 with runners in scoring position.
To win a prize, head to Jason's Tweet to guess the Rays' batting average with RISP over the past 31 games. Hint: It's...not so special. To the point where I'm sure the Rays' brass is waiting for that RISP performance to regulate before making any big decisions.
I still believe to be a true championship-caliber team, they'll need upgrades, but this does explain a hell of a lot.
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Comments
. How would Carlos Pena, Jason Bartlett and B.J. Upton handle having their playing time reduced?
I mean, he sure seems like he handles criticism well
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 6:52 PM EDT reply actions
What are you talking about? He's just telling Evan Longoria that it's not his cap.
I hope you understand how provocative and irritating a statement such as "baseball is played on the field not on paper" is. It is the kind of moronic critique that anti-sabermetric neanderthals use (along with the unfunny "mother’s basement" canard) to debunk what they do not understand.
by kericr on Jun 27, 2010 6:57 PM EDT up reply actions 9 recs
lol'd; rec'd
Can you really be certain, though, that Dan Johnson will be productive if he’s called up? It seems about as risky as the Hank Blalock ordeal.
In my day lots of messy tissues over her
by sternfan1 on Jun 18, 2010 6:30 AM PDT
Poor plate discipline + very high BABIP was a recipe for disaster.
Hank was BABIPing .395 when he was called up for Durham. His shitty production shouldn’t surprise anybody. At all.
See: Vin’s post about why DanJo was the better option
Johnson is sporting a .289/.387/.557 while holding a modest .311 BABIP. He was a better option when I made that post, and he’s a better option now.
Hope that answers your question.
Dan Johnson can draw a freaking BB at least now & then
He can have an OBP @ the ML level above .277(Blalock’s 2009 level)
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jun 27, 2010 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions
There's no reason at all to have blalock on the team over him.
It’s completely baffling.
The thing with Blalock is that the process isn't even any good
At least if he was having good ABs, we could give him more of a chance, but his approach at the plate is so bad right now, it’s painful to watch.
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jun 27, 2010 9:18 PM EDT up reply actions
It does indeed
Thanks.
In my day lots of messy tissues over her
by sternfan1 on Jun 18, 2010 6:30 AM PDT
They've went to a few too many Lightning games together.
I blame Konopka.
by R.J. Anderson on Jun 27, 2010 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions
"They've went"
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Also, with the way and frequency that Maddon uses his relievers, I would think that a 6 man bullpen is a death sentence.
I hope you understand how provocative and irritating a statement such as "baseball is played on the field not on paper" is. It is the kind of moronic critique that anti-sabermetric neanderthals use (along with the unfunny "mother’s basement" canard) to debunk what they do not understand.
I'd be worried he'd just use Choate more often in situations he's not suited for.
And we know how that will work out.
I think that's a fair point, since he has done it in the past. Not that I think Cormier has a ton of value or anything, but I wouldn't mind seeing another LHP
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions
What's with this Choate hatred. Is it because he's a bit funny looking?
After a couple of rough early outings he’s been nearly flawless against lefties.
Precisely
The man is excellent when used properly. I don’t see a compelling reason to dump him.
In my day lots of messy tissues over her
by sternfan1 on Jun 18, 2010 6:30 AM PDT
I was saying IF they went to a 6 man bullpen I'd like to see Choate dropped.
Along with Cromier. Choate is excellent at what he’s supposed to be used for, but not outside of that role. I’m just saying that I’d prefer a more rounded pitcher in Choate’s place if we were going with a 6 man pen.
If we’re going with 7 then Choate is fine.
that doesn't make any sense. we'd still want a lefty specialist, and
if we dropped both Choate and Cormier, we’d be down to 5.
7 - Cormier - Choate = 5
And it’s a horrible idea. Choate has been productive and affective lefty specialists are hard to find
McGee 2nd half call-up
Y/N?
Therefore, I should be ignored completely, because I’m a blithering idiot.
When John Jaso strikes out twice in a game, he becomes Kohn Kaso, which is Spanish for "with cheese."
by kericr on Jun 1, 2010 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions
by PriceMultiCyYoungs on Jun 27, 2010 7:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Has he rebuilt enough arm strength to get ML hitters out? I'm not so sure.
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 7:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Also,
Biscuits pitcher Jake McGee, two years after his major elbow injury, feels he’s fully recovered and said he no longer feels any ill effects.
Tuesday marked the anniversary of the injury, which led to Tommy John surgery for McGee. He missed a full year.
“I’m back to where I was before,” McGee said. “I feel my stuff is almost better than it was two years ago.”
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20100623/SPORTS01/6230333/1002/rss03
I am an artist and I have been drinking.
That's encouraging! I'd like to see him in AAA first though
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, same, at least introduce him to a pen role there.
He’s murdering lefties to the point I’d be comfortable him in a “mostly-facing lefties but no a LOOGY” role.
I am an artist and I have been drinking.
I'd be a bit more patient here
The org still sees him as a starter apparently, and there’s a difeerence between working that way in Double A and relieveing in a majors pennant race.
I’d think Darin Downs could get some consideration for this spot – just bumped to AAA, and did very well in relief role thus far. Plus he’s a minors FA, so adding him now if he’s viewed as a useful piece keeps him around (Choate is an FA). Only 25, and you’ve got lots of roster spots available.
by nyyfaninlaaland on Jun 27, 2010 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Jake McGee is a stud pitcher
According to Chuck Tanner(retired Pitt Pirates World Series manager) and his son Bruce(current Detroit scout and former pitcher), McGee may be one of the best arms in Rays system. I look forward to seeing him in majors!
by Raysball Fan on Jun 27, 2010 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Unless he's dramatically improved his secondary stuff I still can't see him as a starter.
Billy Wagner ceiling in the pen, though.
I am an artist and I have been drinking.
No, He was the bottom of the three, it was close, but people were already talking about a pen move.
I am an artist and I have been drinking.
Not according to BA
Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."
What year?
I remember arguments being made that Mcgee should just head to the pen after Hellboy got off to that insane 16 K/BB start.
Then Mcgee had the arm issues.
I am an artist and I have been drinking.
The last rankings list they did before McGee got injured
He was ranked the highest of the three. Heck, BA never liked Hellickson until recently. They barely had him in the top 100 a couple years ago.
Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."
And then once he got to Durham
and the editors got a chance to actually watch him regularly, he skyrocketed up their charts.
Anyway, here’s how BA ranked our pitchers (top 100 overall ranking in parenthesis)
2007: Niemann (35), McGee (37), Davis (97)
2008: Price (10), McGee (15), Davis (17), Niemann (99) [no Hellickson]
2008 (midseason): Davis (16), Hellickson in 26-50 [no McGee, was struggling and hurt, but not yet out]
2009: Price (2), Davis (32) [no Hellickson, no McGee, but post-injury for McGee]
BA’s always had a somewhat irrational dislike of Hellickson though until recently.
Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."
But a pen move is likely anyway
Still, two plus to plus-plus pitches coming from the left side spells shutdown. And while maybe someone gets more WAR as a starter than as a reliever, it’s all about allocation of resources.
Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."
Lance Cormier has made SEVEN appearances for the month of June
None since June 19.
They’d be fine, and fortify their hitting depth as a result. Maddon only goes nuts with splits on Choate and Wheeler. Benoit, Balfour and Sonny can all go more than 1 inning and pitch well against both times.
And in an absolute worst-case scenario, you call up one of your AAAA guys as short-term insurance for a few days if the pen becomes totally gassed following a particularly tough series.
Free the mustache!!!!!
Voodoo Five - South Florida Bulls SBN Blog
The Toughest Blog in America
by Jamie DeVriend on Jun 27, 2010 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Is Thayer any better than Cormier?
I’d agree with the consensus here – keeping Cormier – or dfa’ing him but replacing him with Thayer or Ekstrom or another AAA RP (Abreu, Bateman, Downs). The experience for the added call up couldn’t hurt for next year, as long as it didn’t hurt this.
And I don’t see the value of another bat, especially now that Interleague play is over. Frankly, Jonah, in your set of named player moves you didn’t add a position player to the mix. It seems to me the extra reliever, even if only used 7 times in a month, is more useful than a 14th bat. & appearnces in mop duty averaging 1.1 IP at that pace still approach 60IP.
But interesting ideas on balance. Would be something to see the org go all in. And the price in prospects could be pretty steep for the future.
by nyyfaninlaaland on Jun 27, 2010 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions
In my scenario...
…5 guys get platooned. This team has very large splits all over the roster. It behooves them to play matchups more aggressivly on offense, the way they already do in the bullpen.
Worrying about a 7th reliever is like worrying about a 3rd catcher: Yes, once in a blue moon you might get stuck, but the day-to-day utility of upgrading the offense, and more specifically, getting the right bats up in high-leverage situations, make up for those rare instances, and then some.
But if this is true
Why aren’t any organizations doing it this way?
Virtually every club is carrying 12 pitchers – even in the NL where they have to pinch hit more, and the Angels, who were one of the last holdouts in the AL.
I just see it the other way. Your platoon split arguemnt is valid, but it seems the ewear and tear on the rest of the pitching staff largely outweighs the benefits.
It just seems to me that if you made the indicated moves – or simply added DeJesus as a less than part time platoon guy with Upton – you could ditch Kapler and there’s no real need for anyone else to fill a platoon role. Jusy my opinion.
by nyyfaninlaaland on Jun 27, 2010 7:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Why don't teams do this?
1. Some teams, especially elite teams, have less pronounced splits than the Rays do. The Yankees don’t need to platoon anyone except Granderson for instance.
2. Managers hate even the remote possibility of getting in a bind. What happens if a game goes 19 innings and they run out of relievers? This kind of peculiar thinking can override more logical decisions.
3. Who says the Rays (or any team) needs to carry the same 6 RP all season? If the pen is gassed, you can always go a few games with a 7th RP by riding the Triple-A shuttle. Or swap out one RP for another. Yes, there might be instances where a player is out of options and might then get snatched up by someone else. But frankly, is there a huge difference between Dan Wheeler and the best Triple-A RP? Or heck, Jeremy Hellickson? (And remember, this is the worst-case, burnout-type scenario.)
4. No team would sport a better rotation than the Rays if they acquired Lee. A pitcher not making it into the 7th would be an upset on that staff. Better pitchers who can go deeper into games = less need to tax the pen.
5. To drive home the platoon argument: Sean Rodriguez looks like (for now anyway) a .250ish hitter with little power and no walks vs. RHP. Would you rather go 120 games with someone like that starting (or Upton vs. RH, or Pena vs. LH) and have Lance Cormier available for the 5 times a year the pen gets taxed AND you’re too concerned about DFA’ing a marginal player to make a move? Or would you rather have someone who can actually hit for those 120 games?
6. My scenario already involves ditching Kapler, by the way.
But aren't 2 guys platooning with Zobrist
Rodriguez at 2b and Joyce in RF?
It seems to me there is a very small segment of AB’s here – those against top RHP’s – where the problem lies. It also seems this is a role Aybar could fill by playing 2B in those instances. Hold your nose on defense?
The other hitch is RH bats to face lefties at both 1B and DH. Aybar fills one spot there. So I guess there’s the 14th guy. So Kapler stays?
But are the limited instances where BJ and Bartlett sit vs righties really worth giving up the money and prospects it would take to get DeJesus – who’d also push Joyce back out of the picture – and play tumbling dice with the bullpen?
I just don’t think the tradeoff is there as much as you – and I think flipflopping pen fill-ins when they get gassed, which means a 10 day demotion for someone, is also problematic. Who has options left in the pen? So the sub out may well take you right back to 13 players again.
The Lee acquisiton is a neat idea – painful to the prospect pool, but neat. More platooning makes sense.
But better bodies for Blalock and Kapler mean more prospects out the door for presumably better now bats. De Jesus (replacing Blalock – Joyce to LHDH?) isn’t the sole solution, and that’s likely another high price.
A Jennings callup would fill the Kapler spot – but you’d like to see him get more PT than just vs LHP’s. At this point you wouldn’t be giving up any service time or added arb seasons on him. What’s wrong with a call while he’s hot?
by nyyfaninlaaland on Jun 29, 2010 12:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Thayer has had a bad year in Durham and left the game the other night with forearm tightness
Maybe he’s dealing with an injury.
Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla
Obviously...
…acquiring someone like Matt Thornton would make this strategy even easier. But with 3 very good multi-inning-capable/both-sides-capable guys, you can live with the LOOGY, ROOGY and closer.
Don’t forget, the starting rotation is the strength of the team, even more so in this scenario where they acquire Lee. Probably not many games where they need to hit the bullpen before the 5th, or even the 6th.
Why the disproportionately high salary and the prospect of rapid advancement or Kapler?
Is there something I’m missing?
Therefore, I should be ignored completely, because I’m a blithering idiot.
When John Jaso strikes out twice in a game, he becomes Kohn Kaso, which is Spanish for "with cheese."
by kericr on Jun 1, 2010 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions
by PriceMultiCyYoungs on Jun 27, 2010 7:17 PM EDT reply actions
Because he'll make a fantastic manager
He’s already proven it in the one year he took off to manage.
Thanks.
I knew he was managing for the Red Sox for a year but I was unaware he had potential.
Therefore, I should be ignored completely, because I’m a blithering idiot.
When John Jaso strikes out twice in a game, he becomes Kohn Kaso, which is Spanish for "with cheese."
by kericr on Jun 1, 2010 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions
by PriceMultiCyYoungs on Jun 27, 2010 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions
The team he managed went 58-81
Obviously wins and losses don’t mean much, but could you expand on why you think he’s proven that he’ll be a great manager?
Vroom vroom party starter
www.raysprospects.com
by Imperialism32 on Jun 27, 2010 11:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I don't get that either. They can offer him a spot but I don't see why he should get a high salary
or be put on a fast track
by RaysTheRoof on Jun 27, 2010 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions
High salary for a minor league manager.
I don’t think Keri is saying pay him MLB manager type money.
by R.J. Anderson on Jun 27, 2010 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions
I do like the idea of trading for Lee.
Not only does he make us better this year but he would add a second 1st round pick & second sandwich for the 2011 draft. From what KLaw says that draft is loaded. Those picks could really help beef up an already good farm system.
All that is assuming the Yankees don’t sign both of them and screw us over.
Can not offer Pena arb at this point so we get no picks for him leaving.
Therefore, I should be ignored completely, because I’m a blithering idiot.
When John Jaso strikes out twice in a game, he becomes Kohn Kaso, which is Spanish for "with cheese."
by kericr on Jun 1, 2010 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions
by PriceMultiCyYoungs on Jun 27, 2010 7:22 PM EDT reply actions
Even SF1 has approved at this point, and we know how he feels about Lee
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions
If we were to trade for him and Soriano walks at the end of the year we would have four 1st round picks and three sandwich picks.
Am I right on that? Assuming they all sign with different teams.
Therefore, I should be ignored completely, because I’m a blithering idiot.
When John Jaso strikes out twice in a game, he becomes Kohn Kaso, which is Spanish for "with cheese."
by kericr on Jun 1, 2010 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions
by PriceMultiCyYoungs on Jun 27, 2010 7:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Soriano's probably a B
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions
When was the last type-A reliever? Krod?
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 7:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Juan Cruz?
Therefore, I should be ignored completely, because I’m a blithering idiot.
When John Jaso strikes out twice in a game, he becomes Kohn Kaso, which is Spanish for "with cheese."
by kericr on Jun 1, 2010 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions
by PriceMultiCyYoungs on Jun 27, 2010 7:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Ugh forget what I said. Kevin Gregg and John Grabow were type-As
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 7:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Using MLBTR's possibly stupid elias rankings, Sori is type A.
I am an artist and I have been drinking.
Yeah, I'm never going to understand that rating process
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 7:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I can see Wheels & Balfour swapping A/B status
But hopefully they both end up @ B. Because then You can offer Arb to Balfour without fear
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jun 27, 2010 8:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Soriano is gonna be an A
The relief market is terrible this year
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jun 27, 2010 8:36 PM EDT up reply actions
with two more compensation picks do you really think we could afford to pay them big $?
I don’t know, I’m not in favor of it. No point in trading for Lee if you can’t sign him I feel.
Well, if we end up with 3-4 first round picks I doubt the FO would go over slot on all of them.
So I think it’s possible they could get them all signed. It would probably cost them later in the draft though.
Therefore, I should be ignored completely, because I’m a blithering idiot.
When John Jaso strikes out twice in a game, he becomes Kohn Kaso, which is Spanish for "with cheese."
by kericr on Jun 1, 2010 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions
by PriceMultiCyYoungs on Jun 28, 2010 7:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Looking at your lineups...
I’m just not sure about consistency when you only have 2 guys playing the same position every day. It seems to me that’s one thing this team is seriously lacking.
RaysRev.com or m_weber on twitter
Do you have any statistical evidence...
…to suggest that platooning hurts team performance?
If so, I would love to see it.
Can Joyce play CF?
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 7:27 PM EDT up reply actions
The report on him when we got him was he was above average in the corners, below at center, right?
I am an artist and I have been drinking.
Yeah, everything I read was poor range great arm
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 7:29 PM EDT up reply actions
The reason he is DHing
is because of a bad shoulder and an inablity to throw at this point..
by Blue or CONKZILLA on Jun 28, 2010 2:10 AM EDT up reply actions
I'd imagine he's as good (if not better) out there as StB.
Therefore, I should be ignored completely, because I’m a blithering idiot.
When John Jaso strikes out twice in a game, he becomes Kohn Kaso, which is Spanish for "with cheese."
by kericr on Jun 1, 2010 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions
by PriceMultiCyYoungs on Jun 27, 2010 7:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Since Crawford has a jihad against CF, wouldn't Zobrist be the best option? Seems like he'd be rangiest.
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 7:30 PM EDT up reply actions
You're right..
I don’t have any statistical evidence that “platooning hurts team performance”. But, psychology plays a big roll in baseball and so does repetition. A full 5 man platoon could hurt in both of those areas. It would be, however, intriguing to see what would happen.
RaysRev.com or m_weber on twitter
Worth a shot, right?
We agree the offense isn’t championship-caliber right now. They can’t trade for 5 Adrian Gonzalezes. They can’t play some of these big splits guys every day if they want to win.
Give it a go. If it fails, for psychological or other reasons, at least they tried. Just might work, though.
Just to get everyone's panties wetter, here's Matt Moore's line from tonight:
6 IP, 11K, 2BB, 5H, 2ER
I am an artist and I have been drinking.
Great list Jonah
The THoH III reference…even better.
by Lurch's Lobbyists on Jun 27, 2010 7:29 PM EDT reply actions
Upton is not THE problem
but Longoria isn’t the only Ray that is sick of his crap. Even Longoria critized him. People here may defend him all day, but obviously HIS OWN TEAMMATES think its crap and he should shape up.
That being said, the Rays need help to make this happen. A bona fide DH would be a great start. DeJesus or Luke Scott would be excellent additions. But only 7 hits in 3 days further shows our problems.
by raysfaninminnesota on Jun 27, 2010 7:31 PM EDT reply actions
You're really making this a bigger issue than it is.
Call in to 690 if you have so much to say about it. Upton is an above-average CF with a struggling bat this season, but he has shown flashes at the plate and is not the fucking patsy you’re making him out to be.
Above average two of the last three seasons.
by R.J. Anderson on Jun 27, 2010 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions
wOBA
.354, .310, .330
league average is normally 335. So above average in ’08.
Isn't he talking about 2007?
Since 2010 isn’t over?
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jun 27, 2010 8:42 PM EDT up reply actions
FG provides the average, click "show averages"
2008: .354 (average: .328)
2009: .310 (average: .329)
2010: .330 (average: .325)
by R.J. Anderson on Jun 27, 2010 8:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Two of the last three, plus 2007. Like I said.
by R.J. Anderson on Jun 27, 2010 8:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks for the info. I'm actually really surprised he's been able to post a .330 wOBA
this year with his abysmal OBP
His OBP isn't all that bad
It’s what like .325, .330?
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jun 27, 2010 8:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Lots of walks and power when he hits it.
BABIP is still lingering below .290 which is close to .050 points below career average.
by R.J. Anderson on Jun 27, 2010 8:46 PM EDT up reply actions
He seems to have stopped trying to go to RF again
He needs to think Derek Jeter when he hits more
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jun 27, 2010 8:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Shelton backed him off the plate to counteract help him achieve this too
But sometimes it looks like he is way to far off the plate to reach the outside pitches. But you’re right, he seems to be pulling off on a lot of outside pitches.
Hopefully it regresses.
He should definitely be 330+ BABIP with his speed.
The deceiving thing about his speed is that he's a RHH
Who’s slow out of the box
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jun 27, 2010 8:50 PM EDT up reply actions
That's why I get annoyed a lot of ppl you are surprised that he gets thrown out a lot on GBs
It’s his hitting style, not effort, but they don’t pay attention to fact
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jun 27, 2010 8:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Totally reactionary!
And ungrounded (whatever the fuck that means?)
It’s not like I’ve been watching virtually every rays game the past three years.
I will admit though that I have a biased against Upton because I’m sick of hearing how he is going to break out. In my opinion, it’s not happening. I’d be rather surprised if he going to be anything more than a league average hitter this point forward. Which is fine a for a CF with plus defense. But I’d rather trade him after this season and stick DJ out there and see what he can do. Especially considering the difference in $ between the two.
I'm fine with that.
I’m fine with doing it this season, although for the opposite of your reason. I’m just tired of hearing people rag on him about how he hasn’t broken out.
Still love him, but sometimes you gotta let go.
by R.J. Anderson on Jun 27, 2010 8:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Completely understand and agree.
I never listen to talk radio or read anything Rays related other than his blog and occasionally Rays Index. So I hear lots more Upton love than hate. If it was the other way around, I’m sure I would be biased in the opposite direction.
My Biggest issue with BJ may not be effort
It’s that he may have maxed out already. Maybe he can’t get any better than he is right now.
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jun 27, 2010 8:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Dunno. It's possible.
He’d probably have a nicer perception if he never had a .387 wOBA in 2007. Set the bar too high.
by R.J. Anderson on Jun 27, 2010 8:57 PM EDT up reply actions
The bar is set very high when you put up that line at 22, I believe.
It is only natural to expect him to improve or at least maintain. I don’t know why it hasn’t happened. Maybe ’07 was a fluke. Maybe its a chronic shoulder fatigue thing. who knows.
Maybe, but could've just been a fluke
It’s hard to figure that out, because he’s got the same ISOp now as then, but not that hitting ability
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jun 27, 2010 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions
sorry, I'll try to use shorter, easier-to-understand adjectives in the future
and not high-school level vocabulary like “ungrounded” (whatever the fuck that means?)
My biggest worry about sticking DJ out there is his body
Can he hold up in CF on the turf.
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jun 27, 2010 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed.
I’d be fine with keeping Upton until his arb is done and running DJ out in left everyday with Zobrist in right. But if we need to cut money I wouldn’t be opposed to rolling the dice with DJ in center and trading BJ if we can get a couple decent spects. If he gets injured Joyce/Srod/Zobrist could fill in for a little while.
who is calling him a fucking patsy other than you?
I just pointed out even his teammates found what he did to be unacceptable. Sugar coat it all you want, defend him all you want. The Rays NEED Upton. But they need him to not assume so much. And this happens too much.
by raysfaninminnesota on Jun 28, 2010 12:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Anyways, I'd prefer we trade Bartlett in the off season to some stupid GM(Moore) who will vastly overpay.
Montgomery straight up.
I am an artist and I have been drinking.
Serious question, and I hope not too reactionary
But given Upton’s flaws and the price he’ll soon demand is he a reasonable candidate for a trade? His defense is exceptional and and I love his plate disciple but it is becoming easier and easier to give up on the idea that he’ll be very lucky to end up with a league average bat (which is quite valuable) playing 140 plus games a year.
I know WAR projections are still in love with him but I’m not sure how upset I’d be if he wasn’t on our 2011 opening day roster for the right return.
by sattp on Jun 27, 2010 7:36 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
At the start of the season I would have been completely against this, but the Briggy outbreak, and the call for him to play SS now means our RF situation at the end of the year is sticky.
You still have the SRod/Zobrist platoon at second, and now you move whoever Deezy replaces(Joyce or BJ), You have a switch hitter a righty, and a lefty searching for ABs. Someone’s going to have to go.
I am an artist and I have been drinking.
That was poorly worded
I shouldn’t make long posts on my phone. I meant it’s easy to lose sight of his ceiling and it seems like he’d be lucky to end up being an average bat if he gets 500+ PAs a season.
by sattp on Jun 27, 2010 7:41 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Brignac hasn't proven he can hit any type of pitching
Joyce has an uppercut to match Pena
I like getting DeJesus
What the hell, better than doing nothing and watching what will probably be the last 500 team we see for a while slip away
I'm glad you're judging Joyce on 3 games. I'm glad you're critical of slick fielding middle infielders.
I am an artist and I have been drinking.
V-Mart has a broke toe.
Therefore, I should be ignored completely, because I’m a blithering idiot.
When John Jaso strikes out twice in a game, he becomes Kohn Kaso, which is Spanish for "with cheese."
by kericr on Jun 1, 2010 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions
by PriceMultiCyYoungs on Jun 27, 2010 7:45 PM EDT reply actions
The best part is both AAA catchers are hurt, so prepare yourself for extended Varitek.
I am an artist and I have been drinking.
Welp.
The next time RJ tells me you don’t ruin threads, I will point to what is about to happen to this thread.
I am an artist and I have been drinking.
I commented to your obvious pleasure in another team's injury
Because the truth hurts, isn’t my fault
c'ya later PBr--off to better things--have fun getting all excited about
syealing bases off Tek, but remember one thing—you can’t steal 1B
by sternfan1 on Jun 27, 2010 7:58 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Awesome
raysprospects.com is sooo much better then this site. to many haters with horrible sense and knowledge of baseball on draysbay.com.
by Still the Devil Rays on May 17, 2010 1:44 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Yeah, if you say so
Jackson has had one good half a season in his career (last season with Detroit). Talbot has a terrible K/BB ratio and peripherals that indicate there’s no way he keeps it up, and Hammel is no great shakes. Whatever let’s you sleep at night, though.
Hello.
Didn't Hammel just get blown up vs the Red Sox @ Home
hmmmmm, facts are good
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jun 27, 2010 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Didn't Jackson just throw a no-hitter vs the Rays @ their home?
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Will he require > or < prospects than Cliff Lee?
98!
raysprospects.com is sooo much better then this site. to many haters with horrible sense and knowledge of baseball on draysbay.com.
by Still the Devil Rays on May 17, 2010 1:44 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
by PlayOnWords on Jun 27, 2010 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Dbacks aren't dumb enough to give him up for a 4th out fielder
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 10:18 PM EDT up reply actions
That 4th OF would be reunited with his brother, though. Locker room chemistry+++
raysprospects.com is sooo much better then this site. to many haters with horrible sense and knowledge of baseball on draysbay.com.
by Still the Devil Rays on May 17, 2010 1:44 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
by PlayOnWords on Jun 27, 2010 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions
If you think B Jupton would be a 4th outfielder on that team you haven't seen how stacked the 'backs roster is
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions
They didn't appear so dominant on my Excel macro.
raysprospects.com is sooo much better then this site. to many haters with horrible sense and knowledge of baseball on draysbay.com.
by Still the Devil Rays on May 17, 2010 1:44 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
by PlayOnWords on Jun 27, 2010 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Who is he better than? Justin? No. Chris B? No. Ryan Ryal (or whatever)? No. Luis Gonzalez? No.
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Eric Byrnes? No.
raysprospects.com is sooo much better then this site. to many haters with horrible sense and knowledge of baseball on draysbay.com.
by Still the Devil Rays on May 17, 2010 1:44 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
by PlayOnWords on Jun 27, 2010 10:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Adam Dunn? No.
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 10:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Ken Griffey Jr? No.
raysprospects.com is sooo much better then this site. to many haters with horrible sense and knowledge of baseball on draysbay.com.
by Still the Devil Rays on May 17, 2010 1:44 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
by PlayOnWords on Jun 27, 2010 10:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Uh, Ken Griffey Jr. doesn't play for the DBacks bro
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Point remains.
raysprospects.com is sooo much better then this site. to many haters with horrible sense and knowledge of baseball on draysbay.com.
by Still the Devil Rays on May 17, 2010 1:44 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
by PlayOnWords on Jun 27, 2010 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe he can play field hockey, or soccer, or whatever is ruining twitter for me (BET Awards atm)
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions
SOCCER.
raysprospects.com is sooo much better then this site. to many haters with horrible sense and knowledge of baseball on draysbay.com.
by Still the Devil Rays on May 17, 2010 1:44 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
by PlayOnWords on Jun 27, 2010 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions
BJ can dawdle around the field (or "pitch") and go 0 for 4 on goal kicks and still be considered elite there at least
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 10:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Best player in Merica.
PLAY BALL DANG IT !!!!!!!
by PlayOnWords on Jun 27, 2010 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Assuming regression for DeJesus (who has been carrying one of my fantasy squads)
Do you (anyone, not just Jonah) expect him to produce enough to justify the salary over promoting Desmond?
raysprospects.com is sooo much better then this site. to many haters with horrible sense and knowledge of baseball on draysbay.com.
by Still the Devil Rays on May 17, 2010 1:44 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
I'm really not sure Jennings is ready to hit MLB pitching
.369 OB and zero homers in Triple-A? I’m not MLE expert, but that’s not too spiffy.
He's been healing from injury, though, and has been hitting much better lately.
raysprospects.com is sooo much better then this site. to many haters with horrible sense and knowledge of baseball on draysbay.com.
by Still the Devil Rays on May 17, 2010 1:44 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Truf.
raysprospects.com is sooo much better then this site. to many haters with horrible sense and knowledge of baseball on draysbay.com.
by Still the Devil Rays on May 17, 2010 1:44 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Yea, and he hit really well last year in AAA
Had an awful first few weeks back from injury this year. Outside of that he’s looked good vs AAA pitching.
Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla
Also SF1
How can you hate on Joyce, Brignac, and Jaso and yet love Rodriguez? You hate on Pena and Upton for strikeouts/OBP and still defend Rodriguez because he “doesn’t have a track record” (whatever that means, considering the first statement here).
I know you like to troll and all, but at least be consistent. You’re showing your age.
Can't we ban him again
That made saturday’s game much nicer
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jun 27, 2010 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm mostly fine with him.
It’s just when he flip flops on topics months after being vehemently the opposite it’s annoying.
He went from being a huge Upton fan to hating him. From telling me how wrong I was about Bartlett to wanting to drop him. Somehow he’s still on the Wade Davis bandwagon.
by R.J. Anderson on Jun 27, 2010 8:45 PM EDT up reply actions
no disrespect to jk
but if everyone on this site had his/her way, every single player maybe save longo (maybe) would be designated for assignment and there wouldn’t be anyone left to play the games.
everyone here want the same thing: for the team to win. but, man, step away from the keyboard and go enjoy the day. please.
Sniffing the Bartlett glue since 2008 ...
That's because there are way too many irrational ppl making comments
But like DFA’ing Cormier is a very logical argument-his numbers scare me
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jun 27, 2010 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I like all the ideas presented except the 6 man bullpen.
But I also readily admit that JK is a much wiser man then I in matters such as these, and I feel that wholesale changes need to be made; his recommendations qualify.
I’m electing not to make any critical comments about the game or today because I didn’t watch it, but I’m sticking to my guns on the concept that when you keep getting extremely ‘unlucky’, that luck really has nothing to do with it.
The usage of luck on this site to explain away problems is almost to the point that it’s being referred to in a celestial sense, used to explain away the woes of this team that are beyond our understanding of the stats we interpret. Either the stats are wrong, our interpretation of the stats are wrong, or (most likely), we aren’t looking deep enough. The quantity and quality of folly currently befuddling this team is not the work of luck alone.
I hope you understand how provocative and irritating a statement such as "baseball is played on the field not on paper" is. It is the kind of moronic critique that anti-sabermetric neanderthals use (along with the unfunny "mother’s basement" canard) to debunk what they do not understand.
Did you say the same thing when we had extremely good luck early in the season?
by R.J. Anderson on Jun 27, 2010 9:33 PM EDT up reply actions
You mean when I was actually attributing their success to a decent amount of luck with RISP and strand rates?
No, I didn’t. But then again, this team hasn’t scored 30 runs in a game 3 times against seemingly invincible pitchers in the last calendar year. They have been no-hit 3 three times by 2 remarkably average pitchers and a guy who hasn’t been on the right side of “Elite” for the past five years. They haven’t gone on a 12 game winning streak, but they did go on a 12 game losing streak. They didn’t manage to score 10 runs two hits and 8 walks, but they just managed to score a whole 6 runs in a 3 game series where they earned 26 walks, a runner reaching on error, and a whole 7 hits. The pitching’s good luck has faded, but last time I checked we still had pitchers going 6, 7, or 8 innings and leaving the team for a chance to win. And when they were ‘lucky’, I didn’t see something extreme, like the entire rotation pitch CGSOs in sequence.
I hope you understand how provocative and irritating a statement such as "baseball is played on the field not on paper" is. It is the kind of moronic critique that anti-sabermetric neanderthals use (along with the unfunny "mother’s basement" canard) to debunk what they do not understand.
We dig about as deep as can dig without proprietary data.
Per Collette we’re hitting about .210 with RISP the last month versus .290 the first month.
Dig all you want, no matte what this team looks like, we shouldn’t be hitting .210 with RISP. The Astros hit better than that, and they’re literally the worst offensive team I’ve seen in a decade.
by R.J. Anderson on Jun 27, 2010 10:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Aren't the O's/Pirates worse?
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jun 27, 2010 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions
In RS or what?
Because good heavens:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/HOU/2010-batting.shtml
Only 4 of their top ~14 batters (by PA) have OPS over .700.
by R.J. Anderson on Jun 27, 2010 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Wow, didn't realize they were THAT bad
They make the Pirates look like the ‘27 Yankees. O’s are actually better than I thought thanks to Luke Scott & Wiggy
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jun 27, 2010 10:54 PM EDT up reply actions
And they have a .250 BA w/ RISP.
I do not accept any idea that this lineup, despite some high K rates, should have a lower RISP BA than the Astros. It’s just not possible. We have ions more talent and production.
by R.J. Anderson on Jun 27, 2010 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions
We could overcome the poor RISP if there was some form of Power
They hit so few HRs now, and they’re usually in clumps & only solo-HRs.
Also yeah sheer math should make it impossible to hit worse than HOU.
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jun 27, 2010 10:58 PM EDT up reply actions
But we are hitting worse than the Astros in June
And may be one of the worst Home Offenses in MLB. Outside of Longoria, almost no one is above an .800 OPS take him out and it’s probably like a .700 team avg
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jun 27, 2010 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions
I sincerely don't believe that will continue.
by R.J. Anderson on Jun 27, 2010 11:04 PM EDT up reply actions
I hope it won't
It shouldn’t, BJ has 7RBIs at home. Think about that-7 how is that possible(yes RBI is not a good stat but when it’s 7, it’s like wtf)
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jun 27, 2010 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Anyway here's how I feel about the 10 Suggestions
1. Works for me, just spend it wisely on expiring contracts
2. Unless the Danks theory is in place, shouldn’t even be a thought
3. If there’s a workable system, then this is a good idea, can stick S-Rod out in CF vs RHP
4. Not big on sitting Pena much. The glove makes his presence at 1B very important even though he’s not a great vs LHP
5. DDJ is nice, doubt we can grab him. I’d rather have a +RHH tha na +LHH
6. Seems okay
7. Seems okay
8. Seems okay
9. Seems okay
10. I like the idea of acquiring Lee, but having to give up so much talent, that it might not be worth it. They’ll want a good hitter, dunno if we have one to spare that’s worth it.
PIZZA?!?
Maybe we dont need to do anything.
The last time two Rays got into a fight in the dugout, we ended up in the World Series.
raysprospects.com is sooo much better then this site. to many haters with horrible sense and knowledge of baseball on draysbay.com.
by Still the Devil Rays on May 17, 2010 1:44 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
by PlayOnWords on Jun 27, 2010 9:47 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
#5
The prospects given up seem real steep using Sickels pre-season ratings it would be; matt moore, alexander colome, and one of torres/beckham/barnese/wilking rodriguez. I think we could get a better player for that price, I know you didn’t say give those players up exactly, but trying to be exact I just took your prospect grades and matched them to Sickel’s list.
The rest seem good, with some being harder to accept (cormier), though the reasoning is solid.
Also thanks for taking the time to write this piece.
by CubFanRaysaddict on Jun 27, 2010 9:50 PM EDT reply actions
Yeah, no way was I implying giving up that much for DeJesus
@CubsRays: Admittedly my prospect grades were very nebulous.
@TDOD: Jaso leading off: If that .400+ OBP is even close to sustainable, Jaso instantly becomes one of the top 5 leadoff men in the league, regardless of how little speed or power he might possess.
@BBC: The 6-man bullpen concept is discussed in depth in the comments above.
@BBC: No one’s written off Joyce. He’s in that mix.
I think MJ and DDJ play the same spot.
Unless you think of MJ as a CF vs. RHP.
How can you have any pudding if you haven`t eaten your meat? I`m still waiting...
by Barnese and Bailey Circus on Jun 27, 2010 10:23 PM EDT up reply actions
what are Jaso's avg/obp as a leadoff man?
If they are pretty good, I’ll accept Jaso as a leadoff man.
by thedudeofdudes on Jun 27, 2010 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions
400 obp for jaso is not sustainable at the mlb level
in my opinion
by RaysTheRoof on Jun 27, 2010 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm pretty sure that's not to be expected
Now .370 I can see that
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jun 27, 2010 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions
370 possibly
His minor league career was all over the place.
06 (A)- .362
07 (AA) – .408
08 (AA) – .408
08 (AAA) – .339
09 (AAA) – .362
Zips has him at about a .350 OBP ML talent, so I guess 370 isn’t unreasonable. 400 is.
by RaysTheRoof on Jun 27, 2010 11:06 PM EDT up reply actions
I say .370 because he has a really nice approach
very disciplined and he can spread his hits around
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jun 27, 2010 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions
There are currently only 30 players in the AL
with 100+ AB’s and a .370 or better OBP. Only 15 that qualify for the batting title with enough PA’s.
It’s a better number than you might think. Perhaps easier in a platoon, but still not easy.
by nyyfaninlaaland on Jun 29, 2010 2:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Couldnt Dejesus leadoff
at least against righties? Because dont really know why, but I just dont like Jaso leading off.
I can`t get in line with a six man pen.
There are still way too many games before Sept. to stress a pen like that.
How can you have any pudding if you haven`t eaten your meat? I`m still waiting...
by Barnese and Bailey Circus on Jun 27, 2010 10:05 PM EDT reply actions
DeJesus is a nice player and would be a welcome addition to any team but...
Has everyone written off Matt Joyce as a player?
How can you have any pudding if you haven`t eaten your meat? I`m still waiting...
by Barnese and Bailey Circus on Jun 27, 2010 10:15 PM EDT reply actions
Anyone notice that Upton pulls his head off the ball when he swings lately?
I am no expert on hitting, but I am pretty sure you want to stay on the ball. He doesn’t do it always, but he will swing through some pitches and his head will turn away with it.
You are suppose to stay on the ball
Utley does that most of the time & that’s why he’s so good
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jun 27, 2010 10:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Do you have a good relationship with your father? Me neither.
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 10:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Dear Chase,
I feel like I can call you Chase because you and me are so much alike. I would love to meet you some day. It would be great to have a catch. I know I can’t throw as fast as you, but I think you would be impressed with my speed. I love your hair. You run fast. Do you have a good relationship with your father? Me neither. These are all things we can talk about and more. I know you have not been getting my letters because I know you would write back if you did, and I hope you write back this time and we get to be good friends. I am sure our relationship would be a real home run.
Mac
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djQZhUc-0U0
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 10:52 PM EDT up reply actions
This stupid thing still brings me to tears.
raysprospects.com is sooo much better then this site. to many haters with horrible sense and knowledge of baseball on draysbay.com.
by Still the Devil Rays on May 17, 2010 1:44 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
by PlayOnWords on Jun 27, 2010 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions
I love your hair
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions
.
I can’t comment anymore on this discusting team, UNTILL THE OWNERS FIRE SH** FOR BRAINS AND GET RID OF UPTON I WILL NOT GO TO ANYMORE GAMES OR EVEN COMMENT ON THEM. THEY DESERVE TO BE IN LAST PLACE, BUNCH OF TANKERS I HAVE EVER WATCH PLAY THE GAME OF BASEBALL. MAKES ME SICK!!!!!!!!!
raysprospects.com is sooo much better then this site. to many haters with horrible sense and knowledge of baseball on draysbay.com.
by Still the Devil Rays on May 17, 2010 1:44 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
CO SIGNED
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 10:49 PM EDT up reply actions
POUNDING MY FISTS ONTO COMPUTER KEYS
raysprospects.com is sooo much better then this site. to many haters with horrible sense and knowledge of baseball on draysbay.com.
by Still the Devil Rays on May 17, 2010 1:44 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
by PlayOnWords on Jun 27, 2010 10:54 PM EDT up reply actions
I often wanna throw my tv out the window followed by my laptop
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jun 27, 2010 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions
I will wait under your window with a trampoline.
PLAY BALL DANG IT !!!!!!!
by PlayOnWords on Jun 27, 2010 10:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh fuck, new sig found.
Posted by (ntothemistic57) on 06/27/2010 at 05:29 pm.
Get back to basics… but i said that over a month ago… No more gimmicks, i.e. stripey socks, quirky haircuts, etc etc ….Basics and play as if you mean to earn the big pay checks you are getting … how about that ? And i dont care if you go fishing and how many fish you catch or dont catch nor if you are going to play drums with after game has been combos….. PLAY BALL DANG IT !!!!!!!
raysprospects.com is sooo much better then this site. to many haters with horrible sense and knowledge of baseball on draysbay.com.
by Still the Devil Rays on May 17, 2010 1:44 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Seen and countered
Upton is a complete waste All his good for is his dirty filthy habit of spitting around home plate and on the base paths. Don’t he understand other players are subject to this spit laying all over the home plate area.He is a over rated big head with a big fat ego. The Rays will do well to trade him. I for one will never pay to see this fat head play again.KUDOS to Longo for calling him out. Bye B J
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 10:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Damn fella makin mud outta the batters square.
PLAY BALL DANG IT !!!!!!!
by PlayOnWords on Jun 27, 2010 10:58 PM EDT up reply actions
BJUpton is a lazy poc. He’s no big league payer. Buh-bye, don’t let the ghetto hit you in the a r s e. Looked like he was paying with the D-Backs today.
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 10:59 PM EDT up reply actions
We just got seven hits off the DIamondbacks and we talking about hustling?
Not hitting. Not hitting. But hustling? We supposed to be the franchise’s best team and we talking about hustling?
by R.J. Anderson on Jun 27, 2010 10:59 PM EDT up reply actions
BJ has been ruining the batters box. How can our puresouled Anglo mashers get any traction on their swings when their slipsliding all over the place???
PLAY BALL DANG IT !!!!!!!
by PlayOnWords on Jun 27, 2010 11:00 PM EDT up reply actions
PS: Thank you Longoria. Someone SHOULD confront this lazy piece of garbage. He's not even good enough to be that lazy.
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Cliff Floyd was the kind of house boy a team needs.
PLAY BALL DANG IT !!!!!!!
by PlayOnWords on Jun 27, 2010 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions
*clubhouse
….?
PLAY BALL DANG IT !!!!!!!
by PlayOnWords on Jun 27, 2010 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions
WELP
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions
See my sig plz
PLAY BALL DANG IT !!!!!!!
by PlayOnWords on Jun 27, 2010 11:04 PM EDT up reply actions
See mine
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Slovenians consume their infants?
PLAY BALL DANG IT !!!!!!!
by PlayOnWords on Jun 27, 2010 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Bad boy bad boy, whatcha gonna do when mama sees the film replay of you getting picked-off on first and saying the big F word ???? Justin, give him heck you out-played your brother!!!!
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Here is one for our Quebecois guest writer (there's froggie talk)
Is this the same Rays management who released Elijah Dukes a couple years ago because of his off field antics that were considered a detriment to the team? I like Willie Aybar, but I wish he would not have gotten in Upton’s way in the dugout. It wont be long until BJ stands for BonJourno!
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:04 PM EDT reply actions
Haha the same Willy Aybar who missed a year for substance abuse and then got arrested (but not charged, obviously) for beating his wife.
by R.J. Anderson on Jun 27, 2010 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions
ALLEDGED
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Isn't that Italian?
(if you don’t at least smack a double here, you need to retire, toppah)
PLAY BALL DANG IT !!!!!!!
by PlayOnWords on Jun 27, 2010 11:06 PM EDT up reply actions
You usually say that when you say hello not good bye
ugh I hate living in an area of stupid rednecks
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jun 27, 2010 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Like all Italian it's just misspelled French.
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Meh. In the words of someone in this thread:
remember one thing—you can’t steal 1B
0/5
PLAY BALL DANG IT !!!!!!!
by PlayOnWords on Jun 27, 2010 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Too bad you can't
Otherwise CC would bat like .500
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jun 27, 2010 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Much like team usa soccer I just can't handle the pressure of a challenge from a third world country (poster)
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I guess what I'm saying here is that PoW is basically Ghana
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions
#1 Black Star
PLAY BALL DANG IT !!!!!!!
by PlayOnWords on Jun 27, 2010 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Further, hand gestures require too much energy for BJ to ever be one of you organ grinders
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:08 PM EDT up reply actions
The worst part about this....
There is no j in buon giorno. THe word is giorno meaning day. Both words are spelled wrong, and this person is an absolute rube.
Here's to swimmin with bowlegged women.
by davelrogers on Jun 28, 2010 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Upton is such a bad seed. We should bring up Dez Jennings who is too dumb to complain or be lazy.
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:13 PM EDT reply actions
He's busy getting hurt anyway
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jun 27, 2010 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions
He's too dumb not to
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions
NOT ACADEMICALLY ELIGIBLE FOR ALABAMA
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions
ALA FUCKING BAMA
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Good soldier.
PLAY BALL DANG IT !!!!!!!
by PlayOnWords on Jun 27, 2010 11:16 PM EDT up reply actions
ha cha cha
And if one has a problem using stats to prove a point, then use your eyes.
by Sandy Kazmir on Jun 28, 2010 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
At the very least, how can these TB ruhtards still not understand how a baseball team functions at a basic player personnel level?
If Upton is not on a bus to Durham by this time tomorrow, every Rays fan in this area should stop attending their games and should stop watching them on television. Sternberg, are you listening? If you haven’t already called Maddon and ordered this clown’s demotion, call now!
PLAY BALL DANG IT !!!!!!!
This would all be solved with a 2 stadium solution
Perhaps we are getting a handle on one reason why attendance is so poor. Not all the players on the team are interested in putting a winner on the field. Nor does it seem that management is interested or able to correct it.
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Keri: This should be #11 on your list
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:19 PM EDT reply actions
Too bad most ppl are too stupid to drive to the right stadium
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jun 27, 2010 11:22 PM EDT up reply actions
You've found the one flaw in that plan
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions
That idea is so good 5 professional sports teams abandoned it.
PLAY BALL DANG IT !!!!!!!
by PlayOnWords on Jun 27, 2010 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions
You've found the one flaw in that argument
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:24 PM EDT up reply actions
You want a flawless argument? See my sig.
PLAY BALL DANG IT !!!!!!!
by PlayOnWords on Jun 27, 2010 11:26 PM EDT up reply actions
I RESPECT THE FUCK OUT OF YOU.
I really respect your blog and the work you’ve done. I sincerely mean that. This blog is truly one of the places I first check into in the morning. You are just happen to be DEAD WRONG even proposing this as a discussion and I hope you’ll see the light and drop the subject altogether.
PLAY BALL DANG IT !!!!!!!
by PlayOnWords on Jun 27, 2010 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Since no one else wants to point out how amazing this is, I'll start.
Financially, the city of St. Pete would take a direct hit from the reduced number of games at The Trop. According to the Trop’s lease, and based on the Cost Price Index,
Cost Price Index.
COST PRICE INDEX
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions
If the city of St. Pete builds a new multi-use stadium prior to the expiration of the current lease at The Trop (2027), games would once again be split evenly between the new stadium in Tampa and the new stadium in St. Pete.
AND THEN TAMPA COULD BUILD ANOTHER NEW STADIUM TO GET THOSE GAMES BACK, BUT IF ST PETE BUILT A 3RD STADIUM THE WOULD GET MORE
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions
It needs to be Bucs season already
help deflect some of the stupidity away from the Rays
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jun 27, 2010 11:30 PM EDT up reply actions
ITS A WIN WIN
The Rays can potentially get a second new stadium in 2027 or move to Tampa full-time after the expiration of The Trop’s lease.
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:32 PM EDT up reply actions
POTENTIALLY THEY CAN JUST KEEP BUILDING NEW STADIUMS
PLAY ONE SERIES IN DUNEDIN, ONE IN CLEARWATER, ONE IN PINELLAS PARK, ONE IN SEFFNER, ONE IN SARASOTA, ONE IN BARTOW….
Just build a new stadium in each place
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Listen, this would only increase attendance
Total attendance for Rays games hosted in both cities would likely be higher than if played in just one city. In addition to bringing the Rays closer to a larger percentage of the local population, the reduced number of games in each city, will increase demand for tickets in those games.
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions
"There's only one series in Valrico? BETTER GO"
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions
On a roll
And if one has a problem using stats to prove a point, then use your eyes.
by Sandy Kazmir on Jun 28, 2010 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions
I seriously don't have a snarky comment for this. I mean. Fuck. Jesus. jesus
A new privately financed stadium, with built-in tax breaks (not tax dollars), to be built in Tampa. Without going into the details, our gut says the Channelside area is the best spot for a new stadium.
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:31 PM EDT up reply actions
if you give people tax breaks it magically makes monies appear
We’d get so many kids off every game it was great.
Hey, Surly only looks out for one guy...Surly!
by Andy Hellicksonstine
by putupyourDUKES on Jun 27, 2010 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions
The invisible hand of the ship raises all tides
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions
All trolls aside, this is seriously the most retarded thing I've ever read
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed it's a bad idea
But at least the guy has ideas and isn’t afraid to put them out there. Shitting on him in a thread that has no relation to the topic is awesome, esp after your fanpost on the subject got deleted.
From what I can tell you do two things. Start OTTOTDs and post heater quotes.
by RaysTheRoof on Jun 28, 2010 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Schizophrenics also have ideas and aren't afraid to put them out there. Doesn't mean that they should.
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 28, 2010 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions
He's built a website with pretty impressive visit numbers. He had a bad idea
why not just trash him on his own site
by RaysTheRoof on Jun 28, 2010 12:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Because then no one would read it
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 28, 2010 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Also, my trolling is much more varied than just OTTOTD's and heater quotes
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 28, 2010 12:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Because their team name is the Yankees and ours is the Rays?
by R.J. Anderson on Jun 27, 2010 11:45 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm not in love with S-Rod's OBP but he does have good power potential
Brignac blows
Yes i thought BJ would turn it around but he can’t
I’m disgusted
.
2010 ISO:
B.J. .171
Rodriguez .169
Brignac .114
Blalock .098
Bartlett .095
by R.J. Anderson on Jun 27, 2010 11:49 PM EDT up reply actions
I give two shits about ISO
I see this kid turning on fastballs just a bit early while BJ stands there time and again and tales strike 3 or tries to pull a pitch a foot off the outside
.
2010 SO%:
Rodriguez 32.5%
Upton 27.6%
Brignac 25.3%
Zobrist: 20.4%
by R.J. Anderson on Jun 27, 2010 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions
How many called strike 3 do we need to see from these guys
Zobrist, BJ and Brignac look like statues upthere sometimes
So you want Briggy to swing MORE?
Is that even possible?
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jun 27, 2010 11:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Brignac will never be the hitter y'all hope for him--face it
huge uppercut
no OBP skills
.
% of total strikes that were called strikes (not fouls or whiffs):
Zobrist 35%
Bartlett 32%
Rodriguez 27%
Upton 24%
Brignac 24%
Pena 20% (lowest amongst qualified batters on the Rays)
by R.J. Anderson on Jun 27, 2010 11:54 PM EDT up reply actions
I hate Upton so much , i hope he gets injured soon.
We’d get so many kids off every game it was great.
Hey, Surly only looks out for one guy...Surly!
by Andy Hellicksonstine
by putupyourDUKES on Jun 27, 2010 11:56 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't hope he gets injured. At least not until he's a Newark Bear
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:57 PM EDT up reply actions
obviously a boston fan
We’d get so many kids off every game it was great.
Hey, Surly only looks out for one guy...Surly!
by Andy Hellicksonstine
by putupyourDUKES on Jun 27, 2010 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions
.
2010 % of strikeouts ended on called strike 3s:
Bartlett 42%
Rodriguez 35%
Zobrist 33%
Upton 25% (league average is 26% by the way)
Pena 22%
Brignac 19%
Crawford 12% (lowest on team)
by R.J. Anderson on Jun 27, 2010 11:57 PM EDT up reply actions
You're just proving SF1's point that Bartlett is a huge problem on this team
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions
CC atRTA HIS SWING FROM THE DUGOUT
AND NO MATTER WHAT STAT YOU GIVE US bj AND HIS 215/315 IS PRETTY FREAKIN POOR—YA THINK?sorry for the caps
I believe you were talking about how Sean Rodriguez is basically a statue at times.
by R.J. Anderson on Jun 28, 2010 12:01 AM EDT up reply actions
The Double-A Montgomery Biscuits could probably use Upton right now...as a locker room attendant. Then again, I wouldn't leave any valuables in those lockers, guys.
We’d get so many kids off every game it was great.
Hey, Surly only looks out for one guy...Surly!
by Andy Hellicksonstine
by putupyourDUKES on Jun 28, 2010 12:03 AM EDT up reply actions
This subthread started with a light conversation about intellectual property rights.
by R.J. Anderson on Jun 28, 2010 12:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Perhaps we should simply begin fielding the Tampa Yankees
instead of the Rays. The Tampa Yankees already have their own local stadium, so that solves both the attendance issue and the “why aren’t we the yankees” issue.
In my day lots of messy tissues over her
by sternfan1 on Jun 18, 2010 6:30 AM PDT
atRTA is an advanced metric that measures a player's stick-to-itiveness
In my day lots of messy tissues over her
by sternfan1 on Jun 18, 2010 6:30 AM PDT
Heilman > Broxton fyi
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Team of destiny
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:49 PM EDT up reply actions
They railroaded Burrell out of town,but Bj no hussle Upton and Carlos,Not ready to hit Pena are certainly making an impact on this team.
How much longer do we have to watch these losers? What has Merlot Joe done to shake up this team? Looks like the Red sox and Twins will both sweep the series.
We’d get so many kids off every game it was great.
Hey, Surly only looks out for one guy...Surly!
by Andy Hellicksonstine
by putupyourDUKES on Jun 27, 2010 11:48 PM EDT reply actions
Only 3.5/6 of the season more
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Sure Burrell sucked when he was here but his ability to now hit the hell out of AL pitching during SF's interleague games really says it all. Burrell wasn't the problem, the hitting coach is the problem and Pollyanna Joe Maddon and his sunny side up style
We’d get so many kids off every game it was great.
Hey, Surly only looks out for one guy...Surly!
by Andy Hellicksonstine
by putupyourDUKES on Jun 27, 2010 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions
of managing is the problem.
We’d get so many kids off every game it was great.
Hey, Surly only looks out for one guy...Surly!
by Andy Hellicksonstine
by putupyourDUKES on Jun 27, 2010 11:56 PM EDT up reply actions
I assume that by "Pollyanna Joe Maddon" you mean Sh*t for brains
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:56 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
As the old greek saying goes, the fish rots from the head down.
We’d get so many kids off every game it was great.
Hey, Surly only looks out for one guy...Surly!
by Andy Hellicksonstine
by putupyourDUKES on Jun 27, 2010 11:57 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
MADUM
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 27, 2010 11:57 PM EDT up reply actions
See if you can make a saber oit of this statement
Good teams find ways to win, bad teams find ways to lose
Which will it be/
This organization is definitely ripe for a drastic change including the manager, coaches, and players.
We’d get so many kids off every game it was great.
Hey, Surly only looks out for one guy...Surly!
by Andy Hellicksonstine
by putupyourDUKES on Jun 27, 2010 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Would you do either of those trades(lee and DDJ)
if KC or Seattle asked for 1 of Jennings(if KC went the prospect way) or Hellickson(instead of Davis in the Lee trade)? We dont have much high level hitting in terms of prospects, and I think everybody but me likes Hellickson more than Davis. And also while talking trades, I think if any trade is made, there will only be 1, as these last 2 seasons have proved, the front office greatly values there prospects and have not made a trade.
Did you just propose Jeremy Hellickson OR Desmond Jennings for David DeJesus?
Maddon's Mission
Make you want to kill him, then make you want to love him. Sly.
by Jonah Keri on Jun 19, 2010 10:31 PM EDT
I like Davis more than Hellickson right now simply because he's here and contributing
Likely we get something good out of Narwhal when he comes up, but it wouldn’t be unheard of for him to tank. TINSTAAPP
And if one has a problem using stats to prove a point, then use your eyes.
by Sandy Kazmir on Jun 28, 2010 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions
I wish I had been around for this seems like a really nice dialogue.
And if one has a problem using stats to prove a point, then use your eyes.
TGN1 gets RISP question right
Rays are 61 for their last .290 with RISP. That’s a pathetic .210 effort
32-12 = .297 w/ RISP
12-19 = .210 w/ RISP
Simply put, start fucking playing GTMI again!
Obviously that dugout fight is just what we needed to right this ship!
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 28, 2010 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions
I think Upton's volatility is a direct result of the disappearance of Olivia Munn.
In my day lots of messy tissues over her
by sternfan1 on Jun 18, 2010 6:30 AM PDT
Any chance you could give the BABIP on that?
And if one has a problem using stats to prove a point, then use your eyes.
by Sandy Kazmir on Jun 28, 2010 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions
BABIP
1st 44 games: .311
last 31 games: .285
by Jason Collette on Jun 28, 2010 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Not enough to make sense of the .210 that's for sure
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 28, 2010 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions
No doubt, if I get some time this afternoon I'll try to wrap my brain around it, that's just unfathomable and pretty much
coincides with every other bad bounce we’ve been getting of late. The baseball gods must have not liked our start because we’re getting the full brunt of their vengeance right now.
And if one has a problem using stats to prove a point, then use your eyes.
by Sandy Kazmir on Jun 28, 2010 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
I wish a site had a way....
to search RISP by a date range but I’m unable to find one. I had to run the RISP by combing through B-R.com data.
by Jason Collette on Jun 28, 2010 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions
What about Napoli?
Could anyone see us targeting him? He has always hit lefties well, has power, and can fill in at 1B and C occasionally.
I thought for sure this team would have targeted him during the initial love affair that Scioscia had with Mathis. Now that they actually need Napoli to split time at 1st I don't think we have a chance at him.
Great we tied a country who eat their young
by sternfan1 on Jun 26, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jun 28, 2010 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions
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