Game 90, Orioles at Mariners
Dave · July 16, 2007 at 6:39 pm · Filed Under Mariners
Burress vs Ramirez, 7:05 pm.
Horacio Ramirez is not a major league quality starting pitcher. The Baltimore Orioles aren’t a major league quality team. Resistible object, meet the movable force.
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Boy, this sure would have been a great time to put Jones into the lineup. A hobbled Ichiro and playing a below average MLB team. *sigh*
The A’s dumped Kendall to the Cubs. Beane’s putting up the white flag.
It’s a two-team race now.
Exactly how does dumping Jason Kendall hurt the A’s?
2- Before it was a two team race now Beane is making his moves.
#2
Addition by subtraction
Bill Krueger thinks that Ho-Ram should show no signs of rust after his long layoff. Is anyone else curious how bad a rusty Ho-Ram could be?
What the hell do the Cubs want with him?
Lou likes washed up catchers?
The animated microphones were hopping around the screen on FSN, and my wife said “what are those Pez dispensers?”
Well, if Ho-Ram was REALLY rusty, he wouldn’t be able to get his arm all the way around, and every pitch would either bounce a foot in front of the mound, or be a balk. Six consecutive balks to open a game? Yeah, that would be worse than regular or oiled-up Ho-Ram.
I’m not sure dumping Kendall is waving a white flag…. Beane’s probably saving somewhere around $2M….maybe for the future….maybe for another domino…
Unfortunately, he will probably throw a decent game against a bad team, fooling everyone into thinking that he can be a component in a postseason-bound team (much as Weaver did until he was shown up by a good team over the weekend).
I hope HoRam took whatever Weaver did while he was on the DL to turn into an asset for this team.
Haha, they are pugging Green now. GG Dave.
FSN Live just mentioned it is time to give Sean Green his due. Brad Adam must check USSMariner before the telecast.
*plugging
It was worth dumping Kendall for a bag of sunflower seeds. The fact that they got some guys that might turn into something interesting is just bonus.
Great move by Beane, we should call the Cub’s and aske if they have a spot for Vidro. Seriously, an interesting move since Kendall isn’t exactly Lou’s type of player.
I think the Cubs traded their starting catcher a little while ago, to San Diego. I guess they decided they needed a catcher.
Yeah the ESPN announcers reacted like it was an absolutely brilliant move by the Cubs front office. I was like “Wait a minute, hasn’t Kendall been God aweful this year?”
#6 No rust huh? Perfect! So we can expect the usual game from Horacio where the M’s take the lead in one inning and Horacio gives it right back in the next inning. M’s take the lead in the next inning again and Horacio gives it right back again in the very next inning. I don’t want to get repetitive.
#21 – I suppose the best gameplan would be to not score until he is out of the game.
4 (Jigga8481) – What Bill meant was, HoRam sucked already, so it will be difficult to notice any rust.
Err.. make that Number 6 (Jigga8481)
ndrfx: I’m glad you corrected that. I was conjuring up some awful images in my mind.
In what particular way isn’t Kendall Lou’s type of player? Because he’s bloody awful? Exactly whose type of player is he these days?
Near useless, washed up, slow… and expensive. That’s a tough sell in any market. I think even Bill Bavasi has learned his lesson there.
I was like “Wait a minute, hasn’t Kendall been God aweful this year?”
But he is a veteran! He’s been an all-star!
Sometimes I’m glad Lou is gone from Seattle.
Heck, maybe returning to the NL will rejuvinate him. Then again, maybe he’s done and the Cubs will release him next month.
I can’t think of any logical reason we won’t take 2 of 3… this series. And if Jarrod can keep us in it on Weds against Bedard, then we SHOULD sweep this thing…
If Bill had learned his lesson we would be watching Adam Jones start today.
#23 – I was torn between interpreting it that way or “Ramirez had a tremendous start to the year and the M’s have truly missed his presence every 5 days” I was hoping he didn’t mean the 2nd one… I feel better now.
Shouldn’t that be Movable Object and Resistable Force?
Let’s all hope Ellison starts another fight for us to watch. He could be my favorite Mariner by the end of the night.
Ok, the talking Microphone commercials HAVE GOT to go.
Speaking of M’s pitching, according to Sports Mogul’s Baseball Simulator 2008 by the year 2016 King Felix has been to 10 All Star games and has won 5 Cy Young awards.
Does anybody remember Frankie Rodriguez from the late 90’s? He started fights all the time and I loved him for it. Was it Joe Girardi that he charged in the on-deck circle?
The Mariner’s have had interesting lineups all year. If your definition of interesting is bizarre.
I was just looking at baseball-reference and the batting order postions for the M’s that have had a sOPS+ greater than 100 are leadoff, and then 7,8, and 9. Batting order postions 2, 3, and 5 are the worst with sOPS+ of 82, 79, and 74.
I’m actually happy to see Ellison in the OF tonight. Willie B doesn’t belong in the OF. And if Ichiro is DH, and Jones is in Tacoma, Ellison should be the best choice for CF.
Of course, I suppose I just jinxed him.
He took the Weaver DL juice!
The 3rd pitch to Roberts was briliant. Being three feet high and outside totally set up the swinging strike on the next pitch.
Man, Ibanez is still batting third against a LHP.
Ichiro has his elbow pad too tight, his veins are going nuts.
jesus lopez.
Did the Orioles let that bunt drop on purpose, knowing that the sacrifice there was a dumb move by the M’s?
STOP MAKING LOPEZ BUNT!! That was an awful decision. A groundball or long fly gets him over, let him swing.
Nah, it looked more like confusion between the catcher and pitcher
Ichiro 1, Oreo’s 0
Anybody read the PI article stating the M’s considering picking up Guillen’s option of $9million for next year?
Y’know, Ichiro is such a selfish player. I mean, if he got hurt – like maybe a Justin Verlander fastball off his knee or something, you just know he would gimp and limp around, dogging it and not putting in any effort, just milking it for a couple of weeks. How can we give a guy like that a $100 million contract?
Yes, Dave Niehaus, french fries are only found in America.
How’s Ichiro looking tonight? Is he limping? Looking at the boxscore you would think the guy never took a fastball above the knee last night.
WOW. Gorgeous turn by Yuni.
If that’s not a web gem, then I’ve never seen one…
Nice pickup Yuni.
I mean yesterday afternoon.
Wow, Ramirez is looking like Jamie Moyer tonight.
I’ve never seen barehand to barehand in a DP before!
#45, I think they are considering giving him an extension, too. Or maybe not, one article made it sound like that.
I think I would do it, on the assumption that Raul, Vidro, and Sexson will all be gone next year (even though they are signed, they are all in decline), there would be room for Guillen plus Jones plus Wlad.
Nice play by Betancourt.
now, Dave, HoRam must be a major league pitcher– as was pointed out earlier on KJR, he was 4-2 before the DL…
Lou likes a catcher who can run a pitching staff, and is willing to let offense be 2nd; maybe the idea is getting Kendall back to the NL
Heh, Raul leap a little too soon, me finks.
Well at least we turned that DP…if we got an error there we’d be down 3-1 right now.
There’s our Horacio! Welcome back buddy, we missed ya!
I wonder if AJ would’ve caught that… sigh…
Hah! Shoeless Ho(ram)
That play almost makes me want to forgive HoRam for the home run ball. But, you know when almost counts..
A Charley Brown pitcher comes out of his shoes moment there. Nice recovery though.
That was hilarious.
#48: On his steal of third in the first inning, he looked fine.
Good call DizzleChizzle… Nobody should be surprised though.
Adrian…at least you saw 6 pitches before you struck out.
That’s alright just like Jamie Moyer, Horacio Ramirez knows that solo homeruns aren’t a big deal.
wtf. HoRam didn’t get those outside calls.
GRR. I don’t care as long as it’s consistent.
The following is of the blog topic but I wouldn’t get a response if I posted it to the appropriate thread. Apologies if I’m out of line with this stream.
At 8:29 this morning, Dave Cameron wrote:
“No one is worth 4-5 wins over 73 games. Not even Albert Pujols.”
Dave made exactly that claim last week when he pointed out that Raul had cost the M’s 5 wins with his glove in approximately that number of games.
#64 Thanks Paul, I’ve been promising myself that if they get within one game of the division I’ll fork over the money for MLB.TV
54… there’s no way Sexson, Ibanez, and Vidro will all be gone next year.
You’d probably get the most return from Ibanez (relatively cheap at $5.5M), I can’t see anyone biting on Sexson’s contract.
Guillen would be interesting, but the reason we signed him to a one-year was that we were betting that he would do well. That bet can also go bad (see Weaver, Jeff.)
If you can find me a cite where I said that Raul has cost the Mariners 5 wins with the glove, I’ll give you $100.
#67 They are when you have a one run lead.
I’m starting to wonder if McLaren is managing the way he is to make it clear that there was nothing wrong with the way Hargrove was managing.
I should have said “morning blog topic”.
What is with these idiots? They’re guessing the answer to the trivia, and telling us when they’re told an answer is wrong? They may as well turn it into a “Stump Dave” segment.
Dave Niehaus … so many errors in his statements these days. This time saying he always liked the halos on the Mariners early caps (he meant the Angels). And Blowers doesn’t have the heart to keep correcting him. I don’t recall Ernie Harwell aging this quickly (and I listened to him for decades).
I don’t think Neptune was a king, either, he was a god.
How do I get to threads older than a few days? Maybe I’m wrong, maybe not – I would like to look over the transcript. I certainly remember a lively discussion on what value games-won/lost Raul was costing the Mariners.
Not taking sides dang, but maybe that’s research you should’ve maybe checked on before making that claim. Doesn’t look too good now that you’re doubting yourself just a little bit.
77: I love Dave but he has been declining for years. It’s not sudden.
please tell ellison to teach bunting to lopez…please…
on the main page there should be a page back link
so, now that Kevin Seitzer is out of a job, wonder if he’d like to comeup and work with Raul again for a little while …
#78 Isn’t Neptune a planet????
That ball looked to be heading foul. May not have made it, but he sure wasn’t going to get Ellison there. Should have let it roll and hope for a break. But hey, good news for us!
Dave Niehaus has a sonorous voice and is easy to listen to, which makes him above criticism. So I’ve been told.
A smart third baseman doesn’t throw that ball to first – bad things, but no good things, could happen at that point. Nice to see a batter of ours bunt for a single. Of course, as I type that, Ellison gets thrown out trying to steal. Sigh.
Neptune is a planet named after a god. As are all the planets.
And that’s why you don’t try to steal with Ichiro at the plate, Ellison/Mac. (Or was that a failed hit and run?)
79 – All I can remember was a discussion of replacing Ibanez with Adam Jones in the “Adam Jones Conundrum” post. What I can remember was a part about how Adam Jones with his offense and defense could be a couple of games better for the team than what the M’s currently have with Raul playing the field and hitting. Something like Jones is the 4th or 5th best hitter the M’s have even when taking in to consideration the players on the Major League level. I could also be wrong.
88 – Earth?
Why steal there? Steal in front of Vidro, not Ichiro.
#88, I know.
#80
I’m not doubting myself, just trying to be polite and also realize that I make mistakes. I’m also not trying to nitpick or belittle. I’ve checked a RSS on link on the home page but it only goes back a few posts, and I don’t see where to link back further.
88 Good one John…Earth? We might have a winner.
Maybe I’m wrong
You are wrong. I’ve consistently said that the Jones-Vidro swap, with Ibanez moving to DH, is worth about 2 wins to the M’s. Now that a few weeks have passed since I ran the numbers, its a little less than 2 wins, since there aren’t as many games left to make an impact on.
Poseidon/Neptune, god of the sea, horses and earthquakes; born of Kronos, given the Ocean when the world was divided into three parts
91 – Quibbler.
Also, King Neptune was a character in The Little Mermaid, I believe.
Obviously Willie hasn’t been sharing base-running tips with his former roomie.
Dave, were you thinking of Runs?
“Combine Ibanez’s -10 with Jones +5 (and those are conservative rankings), you’re looking at a 15 run improvement on defense alone. To give you an idea of what 15 runs over half a season looks like, let’s scale it to ERA. Let’s take Miguel Batista’s current ERA, then subtract 15 runs per 90 innings and show you the new ERA as a reference point for what that kind of savings looks like in half a season.”
Oops, nm. King Neptune was in Sponge Bob, not Little Mermaid.
can we have Ellison out in right to catch the ball for Jose, and just let Guillen throw the balls in?
God that was clownshoes.
Use your damn body to trap that beehotch.
HORAM! Self destruct in 3-2-1…
Nice job HoRam. Way to cover.
now that’s a fine in kangaroo court
Way to hustle over there HoRam. I think you need to go on the DL for some leg injury now.
97 – You’re right. Apologies.
If I remember correctly, Dave was initially expressing the defensive difference as 20 runs or so, and then said that was about 2 runs. I may be wrong, but I think that’s close.
ramirez sucks…
Just noticed, in #100, I was talking to dang, not Dave. My bad.
The search box in the upper right works pretty well. But you’re probably thinking of the second half suggestions thread where Dave said Raul probably cost the team 15 runs. Which is a lot, but it’s not the same thing as 5 wins.
Welcome back HoRam
I guess Weaver didn’t share any with HoRam.
Sigh. I meant 20 runs, 2 wins, of course.
Can anyone tell me who called that steal last inning? Do we think it was from the dugout? Or a hit and run?
I don’t see where to link back further.
1. Go to the home page, scroll to the bottom, and you’ll see a link for previous entries.
2. At the bottom of that page, you’ll see a link for previous entries…
GOTO 2
101.. John that would be King Triton not Neptune.
Earth was named after Gaia, a Greek goddess, or Terra in Roman mythology.
Gaia, mother of Kronos, grandmother of Neptune….
Don’t know how he walked away with only one run but whew!
I’m probably the only M’s fan who doesn’t mind seeing Horacio’s pitch count reach around 90 in the 5th inning.
Does Ramirez always tap the ball to his glove during his delivery? I just got home, so I’ve only seen him throw his meatball two-seamer, but he has tapped the ball to his glove during his wind-up each time. (The fact that I only saw him throw that lousy fastball during that entire inning might indicate other problems with Ramirez.)
So it looks like the Indians are going to lose a 21-total-run slugfest to the White Sox. That’s something, at least.
OK lets go easy on the 5 wins guy. No need to be rude.
nice jose.
Sims noticed that Guillen hits well against lefties. That’s something. Unfortunately he was using BA, but still.
117 Then how come her name isn’t Earth instead of Gaia or Terra?
Heh, I was just about to post that Ichiro was the only Mariners batter with a positive WPA, and then Guillen goes and redeems himself…
116 – Right, corrected myself. Spongebob was King Neptune. Christ, what’s wrong with me? If I start talking about Idaho traffic, I’m logging off.
117 – I don’t think that’s the etymology of “earth”. Maybe, I’m wrong.
This ump is going to ruin Beltre. He already caused one strikeout.
Woohoo!
Thank you, Sexson. Maybe Mac will scratch his head and realize that’s why Raul shouldn’t be giving away outs batting 3rd against a lefty.
123, who has 5 wins?
Oh man! Richie actually got a hit, and knocked in a run to boot! Woohoo!
I checked the post and I see that Dave said Raul is costing us 15 runs from the beginning of the season to the time of the post. So that translates to two games during that time?
130 someone confused ibanez’s gloves costing runs for costing wins.
Beltre could try smiling for once.
5 innings only giving up 2 runs and only 61 pitches
as i said before, someone have ellison teach that to lopez…
I was just thinking that Horacio is pitching an OK game so far, then I woke up and realized he’s pitching against the Orioles.
136- Exactly.
Why is Lopez hitting lefties so poorly?
So that translates to two games during that time?
Basic formula is 10 runs = 1 win. So 15 runs would be 1.5 wins.
Dave- do you know what the team plans to do with Davis if he clears waivers? wasn’t today the day they had to do something since he was DFAd?
Another opportunity about to be flushed down the toilet here…
Then I am wrong. Thanks for your patience.
really sick of the rally fries…
HoRam can really pitch at Safeco!
Shouldn’t they do the rally fries when the M’s are coming up to bat?
nice inning…
Impressive!
145- I was waiting for them in the last half when 2 runners were on.
If HoRam keeps this up and the M’s win he will be tonight’s Sabermetric Anti-Hero of the Game.
I hope they have someone ready in the bullpen next inning because that was a lucky inning if I ever saw one.
I wish the M’s would put Raul on the DL, with whatever is ailing him.
DMZ, this next Anchor Steam is for you.
Wherever you may roam.
jesus…
So, I guess Adrian has cooled off.
Dammit Richie, stop sucking!
jamie moyer doing his best ho-ram impression tonight
richie had an RBI single earlier and a nice grab at first…cut him some slack…
Way to kill the inning Beltre.
Yeah the Phillies left Moyer in to hit with the bases loaded and 2 out in the 4th and down 6-1.
Damn, it stayed foul.
Bako…sorry, that was a typo. I meant “Adrian.” Force of habit, I guess.
156- You could feel that Kent HR coming.
Wow, did Sims really mention Oregon City High School girls basketball?
#150 Any inning that Horam can get out of without giving up a run is a lucky inning IMO.
Here’s Yuni, ready to put the ball on the ground and end the inning.
Here’s where the fires come in
Told you. Maybe a HR?
Yuni!
He missed that by an inch. If he would have farted when he swung that woulda been a homer.
Why wasn’t that a home run?
Dammit. That was a FUNK BLAST!
Rally fries strike again, though!
I guess the stats show HoRam has been good at Safeco this year or that is what they were saying in the pregame show. Probably if you break those stats down it is pure luck don’t know.
Definitely not a HR. Yellow is in play Sims.
That is at least the 2nd time this year that has happened to the Ms.
Wow, 2 runs with 2 out. Shades of 2001.
Why aren’t they appealing that???
Didn’t they, I guess.
that should be a homer…
I thought the yellow line was a homer?
Who has access to the rules? That ball obviously hit the yellow line atop the fence. I grew up believing that meant home run.
Poor Dave Simms. I love it how Blowers didn’t even respond to Simms pleading that he thought a ball that hit the yellow line was a homerun.
Yeah, it still has to go over the wall. The only thing yellow that can be hit and be a FUNK BLAST is the pole. But, that really should have been one. Oh so close.
Its crazy how they were talking about his last homerun and then boom! They should try that for Richie.
Might somebody fill us Gameday viewers in concerneing this near-homer by Yuni? What was the controversy?
It hit the yellow tape on top of the fence and bounced back onto the field.
so how short of a hook does ramirez get?
The ball hit the top of the fence basically. The yellow line in particular. The call came back into play….no HR.
So if it hits the yellow line and bounces over the wall, is it an automatic double?
HoRam had 69 pitches through 6 innings.
I think it’s a HR because it never hit the ground. Think ball off Conseco’s head. Or off the top of a wall.
Or off Hendu’s glove.
I imagine the answer to #186 is no which leads to the question … what is the point of the yellow line (other than as a visual reminder of the top of the fence)?
HO-RAM, ladies and gentlemen!!!
190: Probably just to officially mark what’s in the park and what isn’t. More useful in parks with more complicated walls and field dimensions.
Visual indication to help the fielders so they know where the top of the wall is at a glance? I don’t know.
The way this game started I thought HoRam would be out before the 5th thanks for proving me wrong.
Maybe the yellow line just looks cool.
Because green is lonely without yellow?
I hate the ducks. GO BEAVS!!
Maybe it’s just a yellow line?
Do they send HoRam out to the mound in the eighth?
GS52 in the eighth.
198: absolutely.
I think the yellow line just indicates where to cut the wall when they’re building it.
198: Only if he pitches well. Otherwise he shouldn’t have =)
Moyer needs a good infield defense.
Boy, from what Gameday’s showing, this Bell fellow must have a crazy curveball.
To amplify – not only do I think they should send Ramirez out to start the inning, I think they will given McLaren’s preference to ride the starters a bit harder. Of course, someone gets on base, you call in the new sheriff in town (GS52).
Moyer=ouch
432 homers given up by Moyer
Time for Guillen to launch another one.
moyer might be done…still my favorite Ms pitcher of all time…
Looks like Green is coming in, however. Now hasn’t there been some discussion about him lately?
3 Dropped K’s, that = nasty curve.
My favorite M’s pitcher also sorry Randy.
209 – Mine was Bobby Ayala…my favorite M’s pitcher to hate that is
Greeny!
Chavez, and McClaren must have decided to become regular readers.
Moyer was great for us for many years, but he is in his mid-40’s, so it’s probably time for him to hang it up. He had a darn good career for a guy with absolutely no velocity…. Well, look who’s here! C’mon, Sean, show everyone that those PI/Times guys don’t know what they’re talking about.
3 Dropped K’s, that = nasty curve.
Baseball Tonight just started. I wonder if they’ll anoint that an official “That’s Nasty” award.
Sigh . . .
The Wiffleballer strikes!
Man, that was funny! How can you swing at a pitch that was like 15 feet outside? I laughed out loud at that!
Jose Mesa relieved Moyer HAHAHA
Either the M’s staff is reading this blog daily or Dave has some connections.
just hearing the human gas can’s (BA) name uttered gives me hives…
#213–thanks for bringing back lots of horrible memories…I’ll retaliate by mentioning Heathcliff Slocumb. So there.
look who is pitching the 8th inning of a close game. wonder where they got that idea?
The wiff and now the snag…nice job SG
Sean Green even looks and acts like he’s feeling the love! Nice snag.
Why haven’t they relieved Moyer yet? If I gave up 10 runs I’d screaming for the manager to get me out of there.
Ok, here comes GS52. They obviously still see him strictly as a LOOGY.
Sean Green makes me forget how bad I hate Reistma.
They relieved Moyer with Jose Mesa
Can’t Greet at least try and get the last out?
What was that Sims? Calling Sherrill the Governor for what reason?
So much for strategy…McLaren should have listened to us and left Green in.
223 – That hurt…oh Varitek and Lowe…that hurt…So much more than James Baldwin for a season…
Dobbs Moyer and Mesa how many former M’s did Gillick bring in to Philly?
I just noticed that Aubrey Huff and Raul Ibanez have eerily similar offensive lines and they are both LH hitters.
Career numbers:
Huff: .283/.339/.470 with 147 HR
Ibanez: .283/.341/.465 with 144 HR
Season numbers: (not counting tonight)
Huff: .262/.301/.396 with 6 HR
Ibanez: .268/.316/.415 with 6 HR
Ibanez has played in about 200 more games and is about 5 years older though. Huff hits for a little more power, but Ibanez strikes out less. Huff is making $4 mil this year vs. Raul’s $5.5 mil.
Thank you. I now return you to your regularly scheduled blog commentary.
I WONDER WHO WILL PITCH THE 9TH!?
Ha. Sherrill gets the R handed batter. Pay attention, now, Mac.
Since Sherrill is GS52 can Green be SG54…actually that doesn’t really work does it.
Looks like Mesa is in to relieve Moyer…
5.1 IP, 9H, 2HR, 9ER, 2BB, 4 SO
-.371 WPA. Ouch.
hey bako . . . i agree with the second half of your comment, but people have been saying that moyer is washed up since 1994.
“the governor”???WTF???
Funny thing about Sims trying to plant that nickname on Sherrill: He pitched at Austin Peay, and their nickname is the Governors.
That chick on the left was dancing? What the hell have I been doing all these years!?
Otto (234) don’t forget Freddy….
Why did they take Ramirez out after just 83 pitches?
234 – Your forgetting Freddy Garcia.
234-freddy garcia, ryan franklin…
Can’t believe I forgot Freddy, been trying to forget Franklin for years.
That’s interesting about Gillick importing ex-M’s. Reminds me of when Piniella first got here; he brought in some ex-Reds. Of course, if memory serves, that’s how we got the loathsome Bobby A., which doesn’t speak well for doing this.
actually, franklin is pitching well this year for st. louis…
It seems like the Cardinals do the same thing with former Angels.
250: True, but we also got THE SHERIFF!!!
Gillick reminds me of that old guy that just keeps repeating the same stories (”I remember when I was young and great…”) except he just keeps repeating the same players. Alas, stories get boring, and players age.
whoops meant to say 249, my bad.
For some reason I’m fearing his first blown save of the year this game.
oh, i can’t wait for the post-game so they can chronicle the history of the “rally fries”
250 I was just going to say that Franklin has revitalized his career in St. Louis. I think he just got an extension as well.
hey, 255, STFU!
#255 no you did not just say that.
lets go Putz 1 down.
Another short rant on the (highly hyped) context-free Fan Graphs, and their WPA. The M’s are listed with a Win Expectancy of 92% here in the 9th inning … with JJ on the mound and a 2 run lead. Who really believes the Oreo’s have an 8% chance of winning? taking context into … context, our We should be 99%. Just a small rant.
Haha, you guys are funny!
Ignoring 255
what is attendance tonight? Lots of green seats in the background.
261 Obviously NDRFX believes the Orioles have an 8% chance of winning this game.
My T.V. must be busted, but is JJ orange? Has he been fake baking.
#252–right you are. Is it just me, or does anyone else worry every time JJ comes in that this will finally be the night he blows a save? He can’t be perfect forever, after all.
256 – I actually usually listen with the sound down so I’m kind of looking forward to finding out how the dumbest thing ever started.
Also, they could deliver some fries to me at home please.
I see #255 shares my neurosis.
if one more person tries to jinx JJ…
255’s really going to get it after one more out.
Blew him away!
Scratch that Beckya falls into that 8% too, I guess that graph is right after all.
It’s so weird seeing Ichiro on the bench when we’re in the field.
266 – He sure is orange-ish
No matter how much you might love JJ, you can’t really believe that he’s going to convert 99% of his save opportunities. That would make him the greatest reliever of all time.
Fangraphs is closer to reality than you are on this one.
One game out of the wild card.
268- some guy tried to reach over the wall to get a foul ball and lost his fries…blowers bought him some to replace…since then, people beg with signs…stupid…
Millar falls to the Demi god that is PUTZ!
I also have the sound down, and am listening to Lil’ Dave Thompson, a great blues guitarist/singer. Most BB announcers, including everyone who works for the M’s not named Niehaus, make me want to throw things at my TV. All right JJ! Tonight wasn’t the night either….
Hey, I just like to keep my hopes low as to not be too disappointed when it does happen. ;P
M’s win!
M’s win! Now stay tuned for a “History of the Rally Fries” … which I was the first to predict would become an unfortunate gimmick (and if I knew how links worked here, I’d provide it … but I don’t).
283 – as long as we keep winning, I’m fine with it. It’s still better than a monkey.
276: Dave, do you really think 92% is closer to the probability than 99%? Great closers in their signature seasons (and this is JJ’s signature season) do better than a 92% success rate. I agree, not 99% but … surely better than 92%.
276 I don’t expect JJ to convert 100% of his save opportunities, but being a superstitious fan myself especially when it comes to sports I don’t like to talk about when JJ is going to blow his next save.
Sometimes I just think it’s too good to be true that we have a closer like JJ in our BP.
I think that the whole heavy metal closer song is a bit cliche… If I was a closer I would have Bridge Over Troubled Water play.. scratch that, instead of playing it over the PA, I’d have a choir of ugly people singing it from the seats behind home plate, and they’d keep singing the whole time that I pitched.
Game Ball goes to HO-RAM (who else???). Now if only we can stack the rotation where he only starts at home
how can JJ’s song be a cliche? don’t they pick their own songs?
287 I could see how that might work in a psychological way.
History of the rally fries. I wondered what I going to do now that the game only took 2 and a half hours.
Haven’t we all thought about what our at bat or entering the game song would be?
I’m thinking the peak from “Slave to the Traffic Light” from Live Phish.
You know what would be nice? It would be nice if the questions were translated too.
Good to see the Rangers and A’s duking it out in Oakland in the middle of July in an almost meaningless series.
292- “Changes in Attitude… Changes in Latitude” by Jimmy Buffett
294 – especially with the A’s losing…
Welcome to the basement, guys.
OK, I don’t know if Dave is checking on this but, of course, he is more on the mark than I am. A save precentage of 92% is right on average for top closers it appears and my expectation of something higher for JJ is out of line. Here (and I don’t know if this will work) is a summary of saved percentages in some recent top closer seasons. I repent.
Seattle Mariners 4, Resistable Objects 2. WP: Movable Force (5-2)
296 My thoughts exactly. It would be nice if Texas could sweep them.
My song would have to be Judas Priest
* The Sentinel
Speaking of the phillies, I thought this pic was hilarious.
Not “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’”? Definitely be mine.
Why do people go out of their way to make fun of things like rally fries and funk blasts? What do they do besides make the game just a little bit more fun? I hate the Angels as much as the next guy but boy I wish we would have thought of the Rally Monkey.
The game is exciting enough for me. I don’t need gimmicks and silliness to keep my attention.
Because we are sophisticated baseball connoisseurs. The rabble disgust us.
It’s not going out of your way. Rally fries and funk blasts are stupid and inane, and represent the “yay!! richey saxsen hitta homur!!” contingent of baseball fans.
Actually, I think “funk blast” is pretty hilarious due to how ridiculous it is, but rally fries are stupid because the essentially validate Mike Blowers’ existence, something that should be discouraged.
Yes. Only serious adult male numbers geeks should be allowed to enjoy basesball.
231: Sims actually tried out (debuted?) two nicknames for Sherrill today. First he refered to him as ‘the Tennessee Gentleman,’ then he refered to him as ‘the Governor.’ Personally, I like both nicknames, but ‘the Governor’ makes a little more sense (and it’s more intimidating). Of course his cyber-nickname will always be GS52…
You got another thing comin is good but The Sentinel is one of my favs.
Sigh at the baseball elitists that plague this blog… you guys suck out all the fun. Check out a video I took of what fans are like in Japan.
http://www.vimeo.com/219059
Now THAT’S what fans should be like. They would even cheer for Vidro
#304 I agree! I’ll bet even the biggest stathead on this site has picked a hydro during the hydro race on the video board at one time or another! Since baseball is so superstitious, a rally monkey or rally fries are no less silly than a lucky rabbit’s foot, it’s just a lucky charm that everyone can focus their collective energy on to support the team.
I love baseball for the intricasies (sp) of the game, but also for all the other goofy stuff as well that makes the total experience.
With men on first and second
Steam begins to rise
The figures primed and ready
Prepared for quick surprise
He’s watching for a sign
The game is on the line
The Sentinel baseball style!
I don’t mind the rally fries. Especially if they keep working.
I think my song would be PJ Harvey, Sheela Na Gig. I thought it might be too profane, but then remembered that they play frickin’ Magic Stick for A-Rod.
#314 in Gymnastics you sit for over 4 hours to watch less than 4 minutes of your childs routines.
Jeff Nelson with yet another blithering idiot moment on the KJR postgame: The M’s need to go get a hard-throwing righthanded setup man.
Nellie should read USSM before he lies on the radio
If it doesn’t interfere with the game or my enjoyment of it, I don’t care how anyone else enjoys it.
The only one I remember truly despising was the “thunder sticks” they had last time I was at Angel stadium.
Those truly sucked.
“Horacio Ramirez is not a major league quality starting pitcher.”
I guess this is what started the discussion but do we have any question about the validity of this question at this point? I know it was the Orioles but they are a true MLB team, albeit lower echelon. Some folks promote Adam Jones as though he has done anything in the MLB. No, only great (really great) numbers in the PCL. Let’s give credit where it is due and Ramirez pitched a very, very MLB game tonight. Let’s hope Adam (eventually) does it in the MLB too.
319 (quickkick87) – Maybe Nelson was trying to pull a fast one on the FO and get a job?
Anyone who thinks there is only 12 minutes of action in a baseball game knows nothing at all about baseball.
geez, next thing you’ll be telling us Bill Veeck was bad for baseball ….
Are Nellie and Thiel getting the same talking points from a junior M’s marketing idiot?
Where the hell did this right handed set up man crap come from?
after the game last night it was mentioned that it had been the main topic of discussion in the press box … dunno if it was because Theil was thinking of writing the column, and brought the subject up, or what.
You know Nelly is always going to think a righty relief pitcher is a good idea, though….
I thought it was supposed to be that the ball was actually ‘in play’ about 12 minutes per game ….
Nice call on the play-on song, Lauren. It makes a change from the well worn Seventies rawk. But if you’re going with early PJ Harvey for a baseball game, surely you’d have to pick “Victory”.
Me, I’ve always fancied something from “Songs About…” by Big Black. Say Kitty Empire, or Columbian Necktie.
No one’s up for “Dancing Queen” as their closer music? Reverse psychology baby. It works. Actually, it doesn’t work.
I’ve been wearing an Orioles t-shirt all day (it’s comfy and it was free). I guess I have to keep it on for a little while longer.
The double bare handed double play made it onto sports center!
287: I love the idea of Bridge Over Troubled Water as a lead-in song. The ugly children twist is brilliant. This opens up vast possibilities for the creative major-leaguer.
I always thought “I Believe In Miracles” by Hot Chocolate would make a great lead in song. “I believe in miracles / where you from / you sexy thing, you”. Who wouldn’t get pumped up by that? Plus, the other team would be laughing and unprepared. Or maybe “I Would Die 4U” by Prince: “I’m not your lover / I’m not your friend / I am something that you’ll never comprehend / No need to worry / No need to cry / I’m your messiah and you’re the reason why.” I want that guy on my team.
I knew I’d seen it someplace….
333: Slack Motherf#*ker by Superchunk!
#339 Best line!
When watching baseball, just about any time is a good time to go for a beer.
I can hear it now. John Smith steps up to bat, and the music swells:
You’re enjoying your day
Everything’s going your way
Then along comes Debbie Downer.
Always there to tell you ’bout a new disease
A car accident or killer bees
You’ll beg her to spare you, “Debbie, Please!”
But you can’t stop Debbie Downer!
Bobby Livingston got called up by the Reds, gave up eight hits, two runs and two walks in five innings — and went 4 for 4 at the plate
Need a sign here
“Please don’t feed the Trolls”
I was seriously worried about the HoRam start today (yeah, I know, who wasn’t). I hadn’t followed him with much interest before he went on the DL, but I saw him pitch in Tacoma on June 30th and he was pretty sad. Ok scratch that — he sucked. Looking at gameday again, the first inning was: double, walk, homer, double, fielders choice, single, single, sac fly, fly out. And this is the frickin’ Salt Lake Bees! Then he gave up 9 hits (admittedly only one unearned run) in his AZL start, which doesn’t sound that bad except they’re the very lowest level of minor league play. I don’t care how bad the Oreos are, they’ve gotta be quite a bit better than the Bees.
So, I have a question. When ML pitchers do a rehab start in the minor leagues, are they typically playing for the best possible game outcome? Or are they more working on problem spots and trying to build fitness, even if it means they give up a few more hits/runs?
I thought John Smith was just a baseball fan being goofy.
…and yet you post to a baseball blog, arguably even more boring than the game itself
FWIW when I was in college we put a stopwatch on an NFL game. Started the watch at the snap of the ball and stopped it whrn the whistle blew. That was several years ago and I do not remmeber the exact minutes and seconds, but I do remember that the total action in the game was less than ten minutes!
But Colm:
Look at these my child-bearing hips
Look at these my ruby red ruby lips
Look at these my work-strong arms and
You’ve got to see my bottle full of charms
I mean it’s supposed to be about ME, right, not just the game.
Shazam! And I strike out the side.*
*In this scenario, I am able to throw a ball with any degree at all of speed and accuracy
Not “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’”? Definitely be mine
Oh, no it has to be “Delivering the Goods.”
Gonna do it again and again
We’ll beat you to submission
So you might as well surrender
You gotta learn your lesson
‘Cause there ain’t nobody here to defend your heart
But really, most anything off Hell Bent for Leather would do.
Crikey, Lauren, if Sheila na Gig really is about you… I just shudder to think. That’s some pretty earthy exhibitionism.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheela_Na_Gig
If I was picking intro music…I’m not sure I could resist “Money for Nothing.” Especially if I was just a crappy utility guy.
Now, as a relief pitcher/closer I’d definitely go with Devil’s Dance Floor (Flogging Molly). If the idea of an Irish girl with eyes “the color of insanity” pulling you into a satanic mosh pit isn’t frightening…well…you haven’t heard Bridget Regan on tin whistle.
Wow. Re: all that “music”, especially the TITLES, what have I been missing all these years? I’ve never been able to understand the NEED to run around with a Walkman (dating myself) or an iPOD plugged in, or before that, walk around with a boombox
I confess, after my teenage years when I listened to KJR endlessly (when they played ’50s and ’60s music), I stopped turning music on automatically as background noise. I guess I always preferred to listen to the music of my own thoughts.
Boy, do I feel like a crotchety old codger-ette.
Baseball content: I wonder if Billy Beane thinks he can run ol’ Mike Piazza out there behind the plate now that he’s gotten rid of Jason Kendall?
Everyone seems to think they’ll try out the rook, but hey, is there some record to set/pass that Mike Piazza needs time behind the plate?
The 12 minutes only counts if you don’t think the tension waiting for the pitch is important. The anticipation is as important for my enjoyment as the actual result, which probably is why I have problems watching a tape delayed game.
#346– they also got a catcher back, as back-up…