Have a question for Andrew Friedman?
by td32 on Jan 27, 2011 2:19 PM EST
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PrintWe're going to have Andrew Friedman on our radio show (The King David Show) tomorrow at 2:15pm. If you have any questions you'd like to have answered, feel free to leave them here, and I'll try to get to some of them. You can listen streaming live @ 1010sportsonline.com or tune in to 1010AM if you're in the Tampa Bay area You can be sure this will be a saber friendly interview...Thanks!
This post was written by a member of the DRaysBay community and does not necessarily express the views or opinions of DRaysBay staff.
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A follow up question: "How many humorists do you employ and are there any openings?"
(PoW, Beef and BWoodrum crosses their fingers and thumb their rosaries.)
A DRaysBay writer from Cubs Stats and Twitter @BradleyWoodrum
What the fuck
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "I am going to deem your kids as a POS"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jan 27, 2011 4:10 PM EST up reply actions
"Is the draft budget normally seperate from the payroll budget"
I know a lot of people have been wondering about this one.
"Dan Johnson has only ~300 plate appearances against lefties in his career.
But it appears — at the major league level — that he has a pretty neutral platoon split. Has management given any thought to offering Johnson full-time plate appearances?"
A DRaysBay writer from Cubs Stats and Twitter @BradleyWoodrum
Does it make you uncomfortable when grown men masturbate to your glory?
/looks at every DRB user
Seriously though:
“Does fan favoritism factor into your decision making processes at all?”
Cause he’s got balls to make the moves he’s made this offseason, in the midst of all the attendance talk and whatnot.
If John Jaso somehow strikes out, it means you didn’t do your job right as an umpire.
by raysrule44 on Jul 9, 2010 8:37 PM CDT
Ask what you really want to ask.
If John Jaso somehow strikes out, it means you didn’t do your job right as an umpire.
by raysrule44 on Jul 9, 2010 8:37 PM CDT
How hard is it to do your job when being constricted by a jew banker from New York?
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
by Doug09 on Jan 27, 2011 3:08 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
"How much better is it to trust baseball people than to listen to morons like Budman?"
Hell yeah it is.
Any amount of points can be scored week to week. well, besides 1 point. Any number is as likely to be reached as another, since there’s only one of each number, each has the same chance to be hit. IT’s how the syetemof averages works.
by waltermercier on Sep 21, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 27, 2011 3:52 PM EST reply actions
"Do you give a sh*t what bloggers ask or think?"
Follow up question….If yes, “do you give much credence to comments from morons like Andy Hellicksonstine?”
"Mr. Friedman, how laughable do you consider the notion that batting in the same spot in the lineup on a daily basis has any impact on a players performance?"
“Second question, would you consider players that have to hit in a certain spot to be bad teammates that hurt the team so that they can accrue more plate appearances?”
Hell yeah it is.
Any amount of points can be scored week to week. well, besides 1 point. Any number is as likely to be reached as another, since there’s only one of each number, each has the same chance to be hit. IT’s how the syetemof averages works.
by waltermercier on Sep 21, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 27, 2011 6:38 PM EST up reply actions
"Mr. Friedman, was the signing of Johnny Damon made to fill a need for aconsistent tp of the order hitter with experience in being able to get on base at a high percentage?"
“And was Manny Ramirez signed to protect Evan Longoria(either before or after) in the 3/4 slot and give the Rays a consistent high BA, RBI bat?”
“Would these acquisitions give John Maddon the line-up strength and confidence to perhaps install BJ Upton as a full time lead-off hitter to take advantage of his speed and high OBP?”
Could you see Ben Zobrist thriving in the 6th slot where he has a career .533 Slugging avg and .924 OPS?"
Mr. Friedman
Who is John Maddon?
www.espn1040.com, www.theprocessreport.com, www.bloombergsports.com Twitter @trancel
by Tommy Rancel on Jan 27, 2011 8:51 PM EST up reply actions
Rays players' OBP since 2008:
Zobrist (.369)
Jaso (.368)
Longoria (.364)
Joyce (.349)
Upton (.340)
Upton is above league average, but let’s not pretend he’s … well, Zobrist up there.
by R.J. Anderson on Jan 27, 2011 8:54 PM EST up reply actions
And yes, his OBP is high versus lefties. Nobody has an issue with Upton batting lead off versus lefties.
Batting him lead off versus righties is better than Bartlett doing it, but not an optimal use of the players on the roster.
by R.J. Anderson on Jan 27, 2011 8:56 PM EST up reply actions
I could see Reid Brignac with his career .600 SLG and 1.250 OPS thriving in the cleanup spot ( I can make up numbers as well)
Hell yeah it is.
Any amount of points can be scored week to week. well, besides 1 point. Any number is as likely to be reached as another, since there’s only one of each number, each has the same chance to be hit. IT’s how the syetemof averages works.
by waltermercier on Sep 21, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 27, 2011 8:57 PM EST up reply actions
I could see Reid Brignac with his career .600 SLG and 1.250 OPS thriving in the cleanup spot ( I can make up numbers as well)
Hell yeah it is.
Any amount of points can be scored week to week. well, besides 1 point. Any number is as likely to be reached as another, since there’s only one of each number, each has the same chance to be hit. IT’s how the syetemof averages works.
by waltermercier on Sep 21, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 27, 2011 8:58 PM EST up reply actions
I could see Reid Brignac with his career .600 SLG and 1.250 OPS thriving in the cleanup spot ( I can make up numbers as well)
Vroom vroom party starter
www.raysprospects.com
by Imperialism32 on Jan 27, 2011 10:55 PM EST up reply actions
I could see Reid Brignac with his career .600 SLG and 1.250 OPS thriving in the cleanup spot ( I can make up numbers as well)
by Patrick L. Kennedy on Jan 27, 2011 10:59 PM EST up reply actions
I definitely can see Reid Brignac with his career .600 SLG and 1.250 OPS maybe thriving in the cleanup spot ( I can not make up numbers as well as others)
Jay's favorite line: "Dog, in due time"
Now he look at me, like "Damn, dog, you where I am"
A hip hop legend.
I think I died in an accident, cause this must be heaven.
"Of all the moves you made since taking over as GM, what's your favorite?"
Also, what’s your favorite color?
"Why do the cuban sandwiches at the Trop not have lettuce and tomato?"
@thekidpow
by PlayOnWords on Jan 27, 2011 4:00 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
That's not at all true, but thanks for your opinion from St. Petersburg.
I’ll value your thoughts on the Cuban sandwich when you’re born in the area that invented it, you fucking piece of SHIIIIIIIIIIIIT.
@thekidpow
How much control does Maddon have over roster construction
and what is the thought process in handling callups for prospects.
As you can always expect come from behind victory is when you least expect it.
by Buc Wild on Jan 27, 2011 4:01 PM EST reply actions 7 recs
This is a good one.
I love Casey Fossum. Now try and take me seriously.
by Steve Slowinski on Jan 27, 2011 5:31 PM EST up reply actions
Maddon and Pavlov's dogs...
Friedman to Maddon..“Hey Joe, what do you think of us signing Johnny Damon?”
Maddon (as Friedman wipes the saliva off Joe’s mouth with a bath towel), ‘You would do that for me Andrew? Get me a guy who has settled into the #2 slot the last two seasons(.367 OBP, .487 Slug and .853 OPS on 2009 and .362 OBP .422 Slug and .784 OPs in 2010), has been in the top 20 in the AL the last 2 seasons in seeing pitches per plate appearance, walks per plate appearance and walks/KO’s?
“Andrew, thanks for asking me but you already know me so well!”
B(r)uc(e) Wild(e)?
Just guessing.
If John Jaso somehow strikes out, it means you didn’t do your job right as an umpire.
by raysrule44 on Jul 9, 2010 8:37 PM CDT
I'd like to hear his response.
It’s like the audio version of an inkblot test.
As you can always expect come from behind victory is when you least expect it.
I'm going to call in and answer
Boom. Outta Here.
by Ryan Gilliss on Jan 27, 2011 8:54 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
"What does it feel like to know you have the biggest dick in the room everytime you go to the Winter Meetings?"
where are my gifs? is this a new thread? you guys are litl fucking sluts. uck you guys. i bet you guys tmpons in the womines bathromms and pay 75 cents for each ne. fuck you
by daveh33 on Sep 3, 2010 11:09 PM EDT reply actions
by PriceMultiCyYoungs on Jan 27, 2011 4:58 PM EST reply actions
I'm always (never) shocked by your penis fixation
The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "I am going to deem your kids as a POS"
by Top Gun Numba 1 on Jan 27, 2011 5:03 PM EST up reply actions
Are we going to see a more settled batting lineup so batters can be comfortable knowing they will be hitting in the same spot day in and day out?
B.J Upton should bat second and left there everyday. Remember his post season of 2008. Be good to have his base stealing in front of Longo and Manny now that CC is gone.
You honestly don't see the issues with using 20-game samples from THREE SEASONS AGO to make lineup decisions?
by R.J. Anderson on Jan 27, 2011 8:37 PM EST up reply actions
To expand.
Using career splits by batting order is inherently flawed for so many reasons, but let’s make blind leaps of faith and suspend logic for a second. Here are his career OPS by slot:
1st: .732
2nd: .730
3rd: .802
4th: .815
5th: .711
6th: .725
7th: .763
8th: .763
9th: .784
I’m sure you’ll have some excuse for this – he was shuffled around too much or whatever – but you’re falling for numerous cognitive biases if you think those 20 games are indicative of what we should expect from Upton batting anywhere, but in particular second. There’s just no reason to think batting order slot effects performance and especially not dramatically.
by R.J. Anderson on Jan 27, 2011 8:46 PM EST up reply actions
Beej is clearly more comfortable when he's batting 4th, he can just be Beej and not worry about all the haters.
Hell yeah it is.
Any amount of points can be scored week to week. well, besides 1 point. Any number is as likely to be reached as another, since there’s only one of each number, each has the same chance to be hit. IT’s how the syetemof averages works.
by waltermercier on Sep 21, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 27, 2011 8:48 PM EST up reply actions
I don't think 20 games cuts it but there are larger samples
…sometimes career wise or to my taste maybe the last two or three seasons, where stats (and probably advanced numbers too) show the difference in where a player hits in the batting order. And if you believe that advanced numbers show a players value/production as well as projections, than why can’t where he hits the best in a line-up be evaluated as well? I’m not as concerned with a players individual performance as it relates to their hitting spot but how hitting him in a specific spot in the line-up can maximize the team’s ability to be a more productive offense in total.
And IMO, I think Saber metric GM’s like Friedman, place a good deal of value on where they project hitters in a specific line-up, and more importantly how each player(hitting in certain spots) can make the other hitters around them better. Constructing not only a roster but a line-up.
Nobody is arguing you shouldn't leverage skills in a lineup.
The argument is over the basis for the ideas. If Upton were one of our best on-base percentage guys (and he is, versus lefties) then batting him first or second would be no big deal (and it isn’t … versus lefties). Trying to fit a square peg in a round hole everyday because you — for whatever reasons — believe it drastically affects performance is actually a bigger blemish on the player than the manager in my book.
Zobrist has said it’s his job to be prepared regardless of where he’s playing or batting. He’s right. I do not understand how fans can blast players over physical mistakes but try to cater to them as if they were children when it comes to trivial things like batting order slot or inning entry point.
by R.J. Anderson on Jan 27, 2011 9:05 PM EST up reply actions
Trying to fit a square peg in a round hole everyday because you — for whatever reasons — believe it drastically affects performance is actually a bigger blemish on the player than the manager in my book.
I agree with that but that may be the ultimate difference between a guy like Upton and Zobrist. Ben doesn’t care where he hits, he is always ready. But BJ will sulk and slump when he gets dropped from 7th to 8th in the line-up. That may very well be his nature and his psyche.
But if you take BJ aside and tell him(coddle a 5 million dollar ballplayer if needed) that the team is going to bat him lead-off full time, and we want you to continue to be selective on pitches, and get better at keeping AB’s alive(and cut down on the KO’s), work a pitcher more to get even more walks, be able to steal more bases as a result, and be more aggressive in RBI situations.
And we’ll coach you up to improve your mechanics in that role and go over the book on how pitchers will pitch you so you can have a better mental approach to ABs to make you a more accomplished lead-off hitter, because that is part of our responsibilities….. to you to put you in the best possible situation to succeed.
But again, if you believe that Upton is sulking over batting order, that's not on Maddon, that's on the player.
In that case, I don’t see why you would bend over backwards to build around him. As much as I love B.J., he’s ostensibly gone after this season. I don’t believe there’s a point in potentially hurting the team to help a non-elite player.
Of course they sort of did that with Crawford, but in those years, who cared who batted first or second? They usually weren’t good anyways.
by R.J. Anderson on Jan 27, 2011 9:25 PM EST up reply actions
I'm not sure I would call it bending over backwards
..but more to the hope that he could
1) significantly increase his value to be able to trade him at the deadline this year(if the Rays are not contending)
2) actually be productive and help the Rays make a play-off run all season
3) both 2 and three and trade him over the winter
The Rays have basically gone all in this year(all be it at a bargain basement price) and while you may think a BJ batting first could potentially hurt the team, if given the right opportunity and coddling, he may also help their chances too.
We do agree that he is a non-elite player.
He's non-elite but he's still well above average.
He’s like a true talent three-to-four win player. He’s probably the third best player with the Rays over the last three seasons (behind Longoria and Crawford, maybe Zobrist). He’s not a replacement level player or some fringe starter. He’s legitimate.
1) This assumes teams value batting slot when they trade. I’ve never seen reason to think this is true.
2) But … he was super productive last year. He was almost a four-win centerfielder and he smashed lefties. That’s good. He doesn’t need to be better for the Rays to win.
I think it hurts the team because it’s not optimal. I think you go with Upton v. LH and Jaso v. RH, keep Damon second if you want, but that’s because he’s good versus both hands (or at least better than Crawford was versus lefties) so whatever. Longoria has zero platoon split, keep him third and Manny fourth or whatever.
by R.J. Anderson on Jan 27, 2011 9:48 PM EST up reply actions
But what if he could get better?
Even if he could get to just average against RH’ers and show some more lead-off skills against both, would that not be a better option than platoon lead-ing off with Jaso? As opposed to dropping him constantly from lead-off to 6/7th? or even finding a better option for Jaso(like batting 9th?)
Why would Jaso batting ninth be a better option?
And why would you assume Upton versus righties would suddenly get better than the other options? Literally nothing but his slot changes. Even last year, during his “sulking” he still killed lefties. You really must think Upton is stupid and fragile to shift so dramatically.
by R.J. Anderson on Jan 27, 2011 10:00 PM EST up reply actions
You're right
I actually think that Upton is lacking in baseball smarts and I really have no business in expecting him to change his approach against RH’ers since he has yet to make any adjustments in the face of consistently struggling against them. I’m serious here. But it would be something if he got coached up and actually made some changes to see if he could make it worth.
My thinking in Jaso batting 9th is in conjunction with good year from a potential span of Jaso, Upton, and Damon hitting in front of Manny and Longoria.
No...I said not baseball smart
There is a big difference. For a guy who has played for 4 full years in the majors, I still see throws going after the wrong runner he shouldn’t make, over throwing cut-offs and the lack of hitting adjustments to his weaknesses in the face of obvious sequences that pitchers work him, I am amazed.
But yet I hopelessly, think that he could improve if given the right set of circumstances. Kind of like the Rays wish.
I choose to ignore your response and I will continue to assume you think he's just stupid.
Just like you continue to think all the stupid shit you think.
Carry on.
Then I'd still rather have Zobrist or Jaso leading off against righties because they are better than average and don't give a shit if they hit 7th yesterday
Hell yeah it is.
Any amount of points can be scored week to week. well, besides 1 point. Any number is as likely to be reached as another, since there’s only one of each number, each has the same chance to be hit. IT’s how the syetemof averages works.
by waltermercier on Sep 21, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 27, 2011 10:05 PM EST up reply actions
You'd rather have a below-average option in play so that a guy doesn't have to move around a lineup
It’s singly the dumbest argument I have read on this site and your conviction toward it makes me wish you weren’t a fan of this team. Go back to the Mets you fucking moron.
Hell yeah it is.
Any amount of points can be scored week to week. well, besides 1 point. Any number is as likely to be reached as another, since there’s only one of each number, each has the same chance to be hit. IT’s how the syetemof averages works.
by waltermercier on Sep 21, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 27, 2011 10:06 PM EST up reply actions
The use of colorful adjectives becomes you.
You have given up on Upton improving against RH’ers enough to be a viable fulltime lead-off hitter. As I should probably do as well. If that’s what fans do, I’m guilty.
And I never left the Mets.
You said his ceiling is to be league-average against righties, let's say that's a .335 wOBA
Another guy can wOBA >.360, why in the hell would you not take that advantage just so a guy can stay in the same spot everyday? Imagine how many runs we could have scored if we didn’t have to bat Carl Coward in the 2/3 spot against lefties and watch him flail around like, well, like you trying to argue simple facts. I was explaining this “conversation” to my girlfriend and she instantly got it. I have now confirmed that my girlfriend knows more about baseball than you.
Hell yeah it is.
Any amount of points can be scored week to week. well, besides 1 point. Any number is as likely to be reached as another, since there’s only one of each number, each has the same chance to be hit. IT’s how the syetemof averages works.
by waltermercier on Sep 21, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 27, 2011 10:43 PM EST up reply actions
Perhaps at that big a difference I would
But at a league average of .335 w/OBA, he would fall in between a Zobrist who was at .312 w/OBA against righties and Jaso who was ate .347 w/OBA against righties last season, it might not be such a slam dunk. I would much rather have BJ’s speed over Zobrist/Jaso with that little difference.
BTW…it’s easy to convince a blow-up doll to get it. We know what you get from her but what does she get from you? A new patch once in a while?
Welcome to his world Aussie
It didn’t take you long to figure him out
I hope you die a slow and painful death of ass cancer that you acquired from taking it in the ass from each other
I’ve always wanted to ask a couple of gays, and now I finally get my chance, is it possible for you both to be catcher at once? Thanks I’ll hang up and listen. PS, my beautiful, highly intelligent girlfriend still know more about baseball than you two fucksticks put together.
Hell yeah it is.
Any amount of points can be scored week to week. well, besides 1 point. Any number is as likely to be reached as another, since there’s only one of each number, each has the same chance to be hit. IT’s how the syetemof averages works.
by waltermercier on Sep 21, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 28, 2011 8:53 AM EST up reply actions
I actually respect your use of advanced stats
It’s your power point presentation(with the emphasis on abuse of power) and your color analyst style that is lacking.
What's lacking is your understanding of statistical analysis.
And your insistence on BJ’s stupidity is offensive.
Tell me where I said BJ was stupid?
And if you believe that baseball intelligence and being “smart” are the same thing, than you less about baseball than you think. If a player can’t realize his deficiences and makes no effort to improve(like BJ’s last four seasons w/OBA against righties dropping from .386..to .343.. to .321 …to .294) maybe it does point to his ability to learn about the game.(like understanding a hitting approach or knowing what a pitcher is likely to throw).
Some anaylyze their way to prove a point. Like every one does everywhere. Why can’t I?
Surely his declining wOBA is a function of his stupidity
Not the league adjusting to him, or lingering effects from shoulder surgery, or a hole in his swing, or any number of other things.
by firemangreg on Jan 28, 2011 10:00 AM EST up reply actions
When pitchers adjust to you to gain an advantage, you have to adjust back
BJ hasn’t done that yet against rightiesover the past two seasons. I was waiting for you to play the injured shoulder card(which was repaired over two years ago). BTW, it didn’t hurt him so bad in the 08 play-offs did it? Until the Phils threw him nothing but off speed pitches in the WS.
And if he has a hole in his swing, why don’t you tell him where it is so he can correct it. Better yet why haven’t any coaches done that? Hey, maybe they have.
Or any number of other things.
Jason Bartlett couldn't hit righties because he's stupid too, right?
Or maybe hitting pitchers is about more than stupid/smart. Nah, it’s probably just Upton is a stereotype.
by R.J. Anderson on Jan 28, 2011 12:46 PM EST up reply actions
It takes about 18 months to get fully comfortable, physically, from the surgery.
I would presume it also takes a little while to brush the rust off and rework adjustments made due to the injury. But hey, all the justification in the world isn’t going to change your opinion about him.
I don't give a fuck what you think
If we start tailoring our message to getting the last members of the bandwagon caught up then nothing would get done around here. There are literally hundreds of great articles in the vaults here and abroad, I suggest you read them. This isn’t Bleacher Report and we don’t have much tolerance for those that talk that blah, blah, blah while not having a single ear open to facts that prove the crux of the argument. Read more, post less.
Hell yeah it is.
Any amount of points can be scored week to week. well, besides 1 point. Any number is as likely to be reached as another, since there’s only one of each number, each has the same chance to be hit. IT’s how the syetemof averages works.
by waltermercier on Sep 21, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 28, 2011 9:14 AM EST up reply actions
Budman, if you want to learn more, check out this:
http://saberlibrary.com (shameless self-promotion)
Read around. It’s there to help.
I love Casey Fossum. Now try and take me seriously.
by Steve Slowinski on Jan 28, 2011 9:20 AM EST up reply actions
Actually it's on both.
The role of the player is to play. The role of the manager is to manage his players.
by AUSSIExRULES on Jan 27, 2011 9:47 PM EST up reply actions
So, the manager should do whats best for the team, by using his players optimally.
And the players should do whats best for themselves, which is be prepared regardless of role because that helps them and the team the most.
I don’t see an issue with how Maddon handles his lineups then since that’s how baseball works.
by R.J. Anderson on Jan 27, 2011 9:50 PM EST up reply actions
Just Curious
How many teams have won WS based on how Maddon Platoons as much as he does?
by AUSSIExRULES on Jan 27, 2011 9:57 PM EST up reply actions
I'm going to assume you don't know much about Earl Weaver. Correct?
by R.J. Anderson on Jan 27, 2011 9:59 PM EST up reply actions
You're correct
And just like him, i don’t read braille either.
by AUSSIExRULES on Jan 27, 2011 10:03 PM EST up reply actions
You may want to read up on Weaver. And Terry Francona. And Joe Girardi.
Because they’ve all used platoons, and they’ve all won titles.
by R.J. Anderson on Jan 27, 2011 10:04 PM EST up reply actions
Read Weaver on Strategy. The dude used to bat his shortstop leadoff while on the road.
Except, he used the best hitter he didn’t have a defensive position for. After the top of the inning, he put his all-defense, no-hit shortstop into the game. Thus, he got his worst hitter out of the lineup for one PA while also optimizing his leadoff PA.
by R.J. Anderson on Jan 27, 2011 10:07 PM EST up reply actions
Point me in the right direction and i'll gladly do it.
In all seriousness, I love learning about baseball.
by AUSSIExRULES on Jan 27, 2011 10:10 PM EST up reply actions
What do you mean? Go to whatever book store or book store website and look for Weaver on Strategy.
Read Baseball Between the Numbers. James Click wrote a lot of it and he’s in the Rays’ FO. He discusses lineups. You’re going to hate him for what he writes, but he’s a big reason why the team is good.
Read The Extra 2% when it comes out too.
by R.J. Anderson on Jan 27, 2011 10:13 PM EST up reply actions
I live in Australia
There is no such thing as baseball over here.
by AUSSIExRULES on Jan 27, 2011 10:14 PM EST up reply actions
Then fucking kill yourself
Hell yeah it is.
Any amount of points can be scored week to week. well, besides 1 point. Any number is as likely to be reached as another, since there’s only one of each number, each has the same chance to be hit. IT’s how the syetemof averages works.
by waltermercier on Sep 21, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 27, 2011 10:15 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Rare form? or shit faced?
Topper rarely shows his ignorance, but today is a golden day
Hell yeah it is.
But you have access to the internet. You can order those books if you really want.
by R.J. Anderson on Jan 27, 2011 10:15 PM EST up reply actions
Great to see people getting personal
Such character building.
by AUSSIExRULES on Jan 27, 2011 10:30 PM EST up reply actions
I'm not getting personal?
Those are genuinely good strategy books. If you were being sarcastic then I apologize for miseading it. If not, I do recommend them as both are highly acclaimed.
I’d offer you my copy of BBTN but I still reference the playoff payout chapter annually.
by R.J. Anderson on Jan 27, 2011 10:34 PM EST up reply actions
Not at you RJ
You didn’t say i should kill myself.
by AUSSIExRULES on Jan 27, 2011 10:40 PM EST up reply actions
Well maybe you should
Hell yeah it is.
Any amount of points can be scored week to week. well, besides 1 point. Any number is as likely to be reached as another, since there’s only one of each number, each has the same chance to be hit. IT’s how the syetemof averages works.
by waltermercier on Sep 21, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 27, 2011 10:58 PM EST up reply actions
I leave for 5 months and he's still a fucking retard. I'm not shocked.
12-19-2010 - TAMPA, Fla.: The Detroit Lions erased some painful memories by ending the longest road losing streak in NFL history against YOUR Tampa Bay Succaneers.
Also, melanin makes people lazy.
Ain't nobody getting my BBTN, Jonah's personal message and autograph is about to make that thing pretty collectible.
Hell yeah it is.
Any amount of points can be scored week to week. well, besides 1 point. Any number is as likely to be reached as another, since there’s only one of each number, each has the same chance to be hit. IT’s how the syetemof averages works.
by waltermercier on Sep 21, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 27, 2011 10:54 PM EST up reply actions
How many teams take advantage of platoons to be a juggernaut team with a payroll under 50M?
Great players can hit both hands better than average, and usually mash one. Great players are really expensive. Guys that have huge platoon splits are usually reasonably priced. When they have irreplaceable defense there is no reason to bat them early against their better split and lower against their weaker split. WHY IS THIS SO GODDAM HARD TO UNDERSTAND? ALL YOU GOOBERS CAN FUCKING ROOT FOR ANOTHER TEAM THIS IS HOW SHIT IS DONE HERE AND IT HASN’T CHANGE IN 4 FUCKING YEARS.
Hell yeah it is.
Any amount of points can be scored week to week. well, besides 1 point. Any number is as likely to be reached as another, since there’s only one of each number, each has the same chance to be hit. IT’s how the syetemof averages works.
by waltermercier on Sep 21, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 27, 2011 10:11 PM EST up reply actions
WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU PEOPLE ACTUALLY LIKE ABOUT THIS TEAM IF YOU HATE THIS KIND OF STUFF? THE WINNING?
Fucking bandwagoners need to get run over, the reason to love this team is that they expose all these inefficiencies not berate the geniuses that find ways to make it work.
Hell yeah it is.
Any amount of points can be scored week to week. well, besides 1 point. Any number is as likely to be reached as another, since there’s only one of each number, each has the same chance to be hit. IT’s how the syetemof averages works.
by waltermercier on Sep 21, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 27, 2011 10:12 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The first two sentences of this are great (although I dont want to downplay the rest)
This isnt a team with unlimited resources where we can blow our load on 10 top free agents every year. They have to (wait for it) maximize resources. Not you (s)Andy, but though its baseball strategy, its business strategy too. People dont get that. Its not about closing your eyes and holding to status quo, its understanding how to leverage and utilize your assets in the most efficient manner. I’d say at typically some of the lowest payrolls, the last 3 years would show an incredible return on their investment when looking at wins. They’ve managed their assets/players better than just about anyone.
As you can always expect come from behind victory is when you least expect it.
Last time I checked Zobrist was a switch hitter that's pretty good against both hands while Beej mashes lefties and is sub-par against righties, but yeah keep passing on your stupid ass opinion as if anyone takes you seriously
Hell yeah it is.
Any amount of points can be scored week to week. well, besides 1 point. Any number is as likely to be reached as another, since there’s only one of each number, each has the same chance to be hit. IT’s how the syetemof averages works.
by waltermercier on Sep 21, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 27, 2011 10:01 PM EST up reply actions
This, suck on it if you don't agree
Hell yeah it is.
Any amount of points can be scored week to week. well, besides 1 point. Any number is as likely to be reached as another, since there’s only one of each number, each has the same chance to be hit. IT’s how the syetemof averages works.
by waltermercier on Sep 21, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 27, 2011 9:59 PM EST up reply actions
Remember that game where everyone got a hit?
How come we don’t use that lineup every game? I’ll hang up and listen.
Hell yeah it is.
Any amount of points can be scored week to week. well, besides 1 point. Any number is as likely to be reached as another, since there’s only one of each number, each has the same chance to be hit. IT’s how the syetemof averages works.
by waltermercier on Sep 21, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 27, 2011 5:57 PM EST reply actions
Is there a typical career arc that is desired for projects?
As you can always expect come from behind victory is when you least expect it.
Meaning, a set # of years in the minors before being moved up
As you can always expect come from behind victory is when you least expect it.
How have the recent overseas projects gone? Are there any plans to build baseball academies in East Asia?
A DRaysBay writer from Cubs Stats and Twitter @BradleyWoodrum
by BWoodrum on Jan 27, 2011 8:05 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
If most of the commenters of DraysBay were not dicks, would you consider hiring some as consultants?
Topper rarely shows his ignorance, but today is a golden day
Hell yeah it is.
It would be silly for the Rays to hire any of us, we have too much passion for the team and it would cloud judgement
It’d be cool to go work for the Rockies, though. Plenty of teams that could use the outside perspective to go with an ability to evaluate.
Hell yeah it is.
Any amount of points can be scored week to week. well, besides 1 point. Any number is as likely to be reached as another, since there’s only one of each number, each has the same chance to be hit. IT’s how the syetemof averages works.
by waltermercier on Sep 21, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 27, 2011 8:50 PM EST up reply actions
I'm actually waiting for Alex Anthopoulos to call us and Friedman'd Friedman
www.espn1040.com, www.theprocessreport.com, www.bloombergsports.com Twitter @trancel
by Tommy Rancel on Jan 27, 2011 8:53 PM EST up reply actions
AA scares me. Smarts and money to use. Kinda like Theo.
Topper rarely shows his ignorance, but today is a golden day
Hell yeah it is.
I gave up the sliver of hope that I'd ever get a call long ago, makes it easier to just be a snarkmonster and not worry about people not getting ironiracism
But yeah, that would be outstanding, I’m only 2.5 hours from Toronto
Hell yeah it is.
Any amount of points can be scored week to week. well, besides 1 point. Any number is as likely to be reached as another, since there’s only one of each number, each has the same chance to be hit. IT’s how the syetemof averages works.
by waltermercier on Sep 21, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 27, 2011 9:01 PM EST up reply actions
I would sleep in my car, work for $10/hr, eat garbage out of dumpsters, wash toilets, doesn't matter
Anything to get my foot in the door
Hell yeah it is.
Any amount of points can be scored week to week. well, besides 1 point. Any number is as likely to be reached as another, since there’s only one of each number, each has the same chance to be hit. IT’s how the syetemof averages works.
by waltermercier on Sep 21, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 27, 2011 9:02 PM EST up reply actions
You don't think the RFO employees have passion and are not fans of the team now?
Topper rarely shows his ignorance, but today is a golden day
Hell yeah it is.
I would imagine it's like any job...
you have to be passionate about it to do well, but on a day to day basis you need to be more analytical
Boom. Outta Here.
by Ryan Gilliss on Jan 27, 2011 9:01 PM EST up reply actions
No doubt, but I think you could be a fan and be analytical too.
Topper rarely shows his ignorance, but today is a golden day
Hell yeah it is.
Just trying to show my own obvious biases and realize that it's not exactly a selling point to be a fanboy of a team
Hell yeah it is.
Any amount of points can be scored week to week. well, besides 1 point. Any number is as likely to be reached as another, since there’s only one of each number, each has the same chance to be hit. IT’s how the syetemof averages works.
by waltermercier on Sep 21, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 27, 2011 10:13 PM EST up reply actions
What is the situation with the Brazil academy?
Is there an expectation that any of the players there will be in the minor league system within the next 2 or 3 years?
by bobr on Jan 27, 2011 8:59 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Do other GMs treat you better today than when you first started?
Topper rarely shows his ignorance, but today is a golden day
Hell yeah it is.
by DeadeyeRR on Jan 27, 2011 9:08 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Also a good question.
I’m kind of curious if he had difficulty stepping into the “fraternity” to begin with, and whether that has changed.
by Patrick L. Kennedy on Jan 27, 2011 10:58 PM EST up reply actions
How much time are you personally spending evaluating 2011 draft prospects right now?
Obviously the % of your time increases as the draft approaches, but how so? At what point does it start taking up most of your attention?
How much extra time will you and your staff be spending on the draft this year compared to previous years, considering how many early picks you have?
What are your plans with Tim Beckham and his defensive position with HJ Lee now in the picture?
by Dbullsfan on Jan 28, 2011 1:10 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
This, that would be interesting to ask.
Jay's favorite line: "Dog, in due time"
Now he look at me, like "Damn, dog, you where I am"
A hip hop legend.
I think I died in an accident, cause this must be heaven.
I would ask him a few general question
Not get specific like would he be willing to give up what it would take for Soria or what would he trade for a Meek type. I would want him to answer the odds that he will acquire a closer before the season, chances that Damon plays 1B and Jennings plays LF with a great camp and if McGee is not only being looked at as a SP/RP in Tampa/Durham but if he might close for us.
Under construction
Thanks guys...
I’ll make sure to get to some of these questions. Still deciding on Anti Semitic responses…
Any thought of a natural warning track with the new turf as opposed to the synthetic one now used?
follow me on twitter @sternfan10
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