Game 114, Mariners at White Sox
DMZ · August 11, 2007 at 3:05 pm · Filed Under Mariners
4:05. Batista vs Floyd.
Check out that M’s lineup. Wooo-wheeee, that is nice. Good work there, McLaren, don’t strain yourself thinking too hard or anything.
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McLaren’s a freakin’ joke!
This is my first and last post of the night.
I will not watch a game that Richie Sexson starts.
I made a vow after watching him hit into a DP in the bottom of the 8th while Broussard and Jones sat on the bench.
I’m going to spend time with my family and forget about baseball for a night. Sorry but I can’t take anymore.
We blow.
There, I said it.
I’m not sure I can watch tonight, because I have a feeling I’m going to be even more pissed off than I was last night by the end of it.
At least Batista is competent and Floyd is not, but surely our manager will find a way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
So…people are still kinda upset, hm?
Ok, I know this is stupid, but I where is the lineup you are referring to?
I would bother to type it out, but you can just look at yesterday’s line-up. Hasn’t changed one bit.
Batista’s looking for his career high 12th. I wonder how he feels about the lineup. Best of luck to him.
The lineup’s avaliable on MLB gameday. Ibanez is hitting 4th, Sexson 6th. No Jones, no Broussard.
The great part of this is that the White Sox starting pitcher tonight, Gavin Floyd, is terrible. Awful. And this ballpark is still a total joke, especially in the summer. So it’s pretty likely that the crappy veterans are going to rack up some runs today, and after the game, John McLaren will feel vindicated and continue to play them, not realizing that hitting Gavin Floyd in Comiskey is not the same as hitting a major league pitcher in a real ballpark.
Sometimes I feel like the M’s are just reading this blog and doing the opposite just to spite us.
Thanks beck. Guess I’ll be concentrating on the Hawks preseason game to keep my BP down.
What website has it out prior to gametime? I checked the M’s site and espn and saw nothing.
I hate to say it, but a win tonight might be a BAD thing for the M’s. McLaren will think this lineup is working and we’ll just see this lineup more. Everyone but McLaren knows this lineup isn’t the best the Mariners have.
The only hope we have for change is for McLaren to get tired of Sexon and Ibanez messing up at the plate and in the field (respectively) while the Mariners lose. Maybe then he’ll bench those two.
By the way, I saw the lineup earlier on the Seattle Times website.
Gavin Floyd can’t throw strikes, we can’t take any pitches… anti-gravity.
Sometimes when you check the M’s website and Gameday isn’t up yet, you can hop on to mlb.com and be able to see it there.
Just something I’ve noticed for awhile.
So, my question is this – does McLaren genuinely believe this lineup gives him the best chance to win?
If so, then I’d really like to understand, because it beats the heck out of me.
Does he just horribly undervalue defense? Does he really expect so little from Jones and Broussard despite what they’ve shown they can do? Does he really expect so much from Sexson, Vidro, and Ibanez despite the obvious holes in their games? As a new manager, is he simply horribly afraid of change? Is he blindly following baseball dogma in some way (don’t rock the boat, run with what got you here)?
I know this subject has been discussed ad nauseum here, but rather than just call the guy a moron, I’d like to try to figure out his thought process (however broken it is). He’s a career baseball guy, and while he may be mistaken, he has to be following some sort of strategy. I’d like to understand what he thinks he’s doing.
The Mariners, as an organization, wildly overvalue track records. Sexson and Ibanez have had success in Seattleas recently as last year, while Adam Jones and Ben Broussard do not.
That’s the entirity of the depth of their thinking.
Dave just summed up my worries perfectly in #10.
And JI @ 15… I think, sadly, that it actually means seven shutout innings for Gavin Floyd that he wouldn’t earn against a reasonably patient lineup.
19
So, fail or succeed, we’re boned either way. (’Boned’ is classroom appropriate, right)?
In a search for a silver lining, at least Ibanez has been on fire as of late. However, it would be preferable to have him playing somewhere other than the outfield… Which is going to leave someone as the odd man out.
I still do not understand what else Jones has to do to earn more playing time for Johnny Mac. It is difficult to understand McLaren’s line of thought – that is if he is thinking at all, which is a valid question to ask at this point…
Thanks, Dave – it makes sense and explains a lot, though I’m shocked they could be so short-sighted.
I can understand valuing a track record, but it seems obtuse to value a track record without considering the recent past as part of that track record – and weighting it higher as more relevant.
In this case, it seems to me that sticking with Richie Sexson despite his recent performance is like continuing to stick with the Titanic as it sinks because it has an excellent track record of floating.
Hey-
First post, I trust I will be getting past the moderator. I have been RTFB, so I do expect to be on point.
As the lineup remains the same as yesterday, I trust Ral will get another chance to blow the game for us. I won’t cut him any slack as he seems to be infecting other OFs with his ineptness. As in Ichiro’s pathetic attempt to short hop that ball last night from the side. As a youth BB coach I have come to rely on Ichiro to display solid fundamentals for the kids. Like keep the ball in front of you. I digress.
Last night was tough, and then as I am driving around I had to listen to Dave Valle describe Ral as a “warrior,” who has battled and rises to the occasion “on a day-to-day basis.” I was in the queue on KOMO to rip him a new one and ask if he was even watching Ral singlehandedly give the game away in LF. Unfortunately I got where I was going too soon to hang out any more on hold, so I am only now getting to vent.
At any rate any baseball organizaton with Ho Lincoln at the top is suspect from the get go. Until he goes we will continue to get substandard management. That is my opinion and I am sticking to it.
Ideal scenario: M’s win, golden sombrero for Richie. I think it is extremely wishful thinking to expect McLaren to get Jones into the lineup regularly at the expense of Vidro, Guillen, or Ibanez, but maybe a tough night for Richie would convince McLaren that he isn’t “coming alive,” as he put it in the papers yesterday.
This line of thought is shared by the entire organization, I think. It stems downward from Armstrong (and Lincoln caught it from Armstrong and Gillick, I think). That’s why I think there should be a more systematic cleaning of the organization.
Past track records DO mean a lot, of course. But, by their very nature, they’re reactive and not sensitive to in-season changes. And, obviously, they’re tracking in-season changes by eyeball only…
I think if Jones gets rusty enough, McLaren will run him out there. Then, when Jones goes 0-4, he will say “oh well, he’s no better than Sexson, might as well go with the veteran.”
Considering the Titanic sank on its maiden voyage. I’d say it might be more like the Britannic, since it at least had some work time under its belt.
Although “giant block of ice” does tend to describe Sexson’s performance lately better than “explosive device.”
All management makes mistakes, but refusal to learn from them is intolerable.
Accepting the track record fetish, the worst part about it is their insistence on cherry picking what results they want to matter.
The 8 game losing streak meant nothing, but two games of Raul hitting well mean everything.
Just fire these jokers and move on.
Is it bad that I keep envisioning that scene from The Natural where the aging has-been veteran plows through the wall and dies? I just keep seeing our Wilford Brimley of a manager turning to Jones and saying, “Alright Jones you’re in!”
15: “Gavin Floyd can’t throw strikes, we can’t take any pitches… anti-gravity.”
Like the cat with buttered toast strapped to its back (Cats always land on their feet, toast always falls buttered side down).
I’ve decided its easier to just root for the M’s to lose and wait out the Bavasi/Grover/McLaren era altogether.
Thus saith a 13 year season ticket holder.
Honestly, I think it’s time we got a bunch of actual season ticket holders together to protest this crap. I’m sure the M’s think that all the USSM “complainers” are nerdy types who never go to actual baseball games, when in fact many of us are paying customers who have been grinding our teeth for what, five years now?
“Ideal scenario: M’s win, golden sombrero for Richie.”
Any scenario that doesn’t help get Jones out there is not ideal to me.
My ideal scenario involves Raul dropping five fly balls in the outfield.
In fact, I hope Batista throws a complete game no-hitter, but loses because Raul commits 4 errors in one inning and he, Jose and Sexson leave 20 men on base between them.
Maybe that would wake the fools up.
*31, thats wayyyy to realistic sounding.
Accepting the track record fetish, the worst part about it is their insistence on cherry picking what results they want to matter.
The 8 game losing streak meant nothing, but two games of Raul hitting well mean everything.
That’s just human nature. It’s easy to concentrate on evidence that you’re doing the right thing, and it’s equally easy to rationalize away evidence that you’re not.
McLaren’s quotes about Ramirez’s last outing are excellent evidence of the latter.
If I can divert attention from the McLaren love-in for a moment… in case you missed it Rick Ankiel had two more homeruns today. What a great story that is.
Looks like I need to learn how to quote here, because the q tag doesn’t seem to work.
Apologies – the first two lines in my post #33 are quoted.
I get so frustrated with this team sometimes…. it’s obtuse obstinance if that makes sense…. it’s almost a blind ideological bent that refuses to be informed and unfortunately doesn’t jive with reality.
Pale Hose, you will bow to us!
Sorry, but dlb, #29, it’s clear you haven’t seen that movie for a long time: the still-clearly-in-his-prime-but-corrupt player who dies crashing into the wall (and being inducted into the HOF, especially due to his “heroic” death, presumeably, but to an at least a near-HOF career) is replaced by the absurdly over-the-hill “rookie.”
This doesn’t seem a very good match to our absolutely infuriating situation here (So maddening that I now must use a peg leg, having gnawed my own off after seeing this morning’s lineup.)
As an aside to today’s frustration, can other’s suggest a more apt movie comparison?
33 – Scary, ain’t it.
34 – Totally agree about human nature, but it’s one of the reasons experts are experts, in whatever field.
Considering McLaren is one of only 30 major league baseball managers in the world, it doesn’t seem to much to expect to expect him to see deeper than that.
Rizzs talked to Cora on the pre-game (which meant waaaay too much ‘95 luv for Rizzsy, there), but Li’l Joey had a great line about that game against the Yankees:
“a bunt, a single, a double … and a new ballpark”
So FSN just aired an interview with Edgar. Boy was that depressing. Come back Edgar, we need you!
/ only half joking
I only saw The Natural once years ago, didn’t care for it much, and don’t even remember what the plot was. I just have vague memories of Robert Redford using some kind of special bat.
It has always bothered me how the Rangers belt out the Natural theme whenever a Ranger hits a home run. Sammy Sosa trotting around the bases to the the tune of the natural just irks me beyond belief.
I think the best we can hope for tonight is a win despite Richie going 0-5 and Ibanez not quite getting to 3-4 fly balls. If those two things don’t happen we’re screwed because our manager is a dumbass.
Everyone is probably going to light up Floyd, I just really hope Sexson isn’t one of them. It seems like every hit he gets wins him 10 more starts with this manager.
I must be getting old, because I love The Natural.
Rooting for the M’s this year has been like getting kidnapped by a somewhat personable axe murderer, getting in a high-speed chase, and having them try to outrun the cops. We’re running red lights, going the wrong way on the highway, driving on the curb, and heading for train tracks with the gate down. We might not be dead yet, but we’re basically just hanging on and waiting for the wreckage.
45. See, that is where I have to draw a line. As long as he is in the lineup, I want him to go 5 for 5 with 5 home runs. I WANT Richie to suceed. Sure, he has no business playing right now, but as long as he is penciled in, I’m going to rot for him.
Oriole pitchers have held the Red Sox to 11 runs in 2 games. We got out of Camden just in time.
well, i think that tonight might not turn out what we think, with out taking walks we cant use his unability to hit strikes against him, take pitches is not what we do, first pitch, first swing.
47: That was beautiful, ever think about writing an action movie? The whole thing could be a metaphor for the Mariner’s 2007 season.
I want to see this guy try to throw his ‘huge breaking ball’ to Guillen.
45 – don’t forget an old man with a recently removed sling is at the wheel and looking in the rearview mirror for clues as to where to go next.
48: Same here. I’ll root for whoever is penciled into the M’s lineup even while criticising McLaren for it.
I meant #47 – Dave
game day has been screwing up lately,
Look at Turbo waddle, oops I meant run.
Turbo did not just take third on a ball hit to left. I don’t care if Podsednik had to dive and has no arm….
Just out of curiousity, where do you get the lineups before the game starts?
I see the Mariners this season much the same way I do our, ahem, foreign policy. While I question both the judgment and intelligence of those in charge, whether in Washington or at Safeco, I sure as hell ain’t rooting for the other side when the shooting starts either.
#47: For me it’s been more like being diagnosed with a terminal illness….sure I can try to enjoy the pain-filled day to it’s fullest, but I’m certainly not pre-booking a fight for Christmas in Hawaii….
Raul is back?
Rauuuuuul
He is on fire
Rauuuuuuul?
Adam Jones could have done that too! Wait. Opposite field? Maybe not.
Dave’s #10 is already coming all too true.
Wow…where the hell did this come from?
Ergh, sorry. i found it in the thread already. Dunno why I didn’t see it the first time through.
What the hell has gotten into Raul? Who whudda thunk that we needed to threaten his daily play to get him to pull his head out.
What a joke this ballpark is. That’s a routine flyout in Safeco.
Did you catch the “I told you so” look on McLaren’s face when the camera swung over to him just after the HR? Ain’t nothin’ gonna change for awhile.
Mac is a genius!!!!
Wow…where the hell did this come from? I know these haven’t been strong pitchers, but come on. We’ve faced weak pitching before and Raul could barely touch them.
OK so give him a U or 2, along with a D and an H.
WHAT!!!! whats goin on with Raul? where was this guy 2 months ago!
76- Safeco Field
hey theres our richie flyin out as usual.
RAUUUUUUULLL!! Any one got any flame retardant? He keeps setting off the fire alarm!
Watch the replay of that home run again. He hit the ball off the end of the bat with very little authority. It got up in the air and just carried.
There’s a reason there are 30% more home runs hit in this park than in an average park.
78 – nothing wrong with that flyball. It was deep and well struck. A little bit to the right and it’s extra bases. It’s qualitatively no different than any double he might hit.
Richie only has 2 errors, obviously he is a great defensive player.
Why all the Ibanez hate? Don’t you guys want him to be DHing? Shouldn’t you be happy with these results?
It really does look like he has his swing back.
#76: Raul claims to have found his lost stroke. Let’s hope this isn’t some 1 week trend.
You gotta love FSN. Look Sesson only has 2 errors this year! We gotta leave him in the lineup!
So what if Raul is hot with the bat, that has never really been the issue.
When he gets hot with his legs we’ll talk.
#80
Yeah, that did not look like an HR off the bat. But Im glad it was!
It’s qualitatively no different than any double he might hit.
There’s a lot of no-account doubles that happen to split fielders every year, too. I’m happy that Ibanez is hitting and helping to win ballgames. But it’s not evidence that he’s back to being an offensive force.
#83 No hatred from me, at least. I really like Ibanez. And, yes, as a platooning DH and PH, not in left.
Didn’t Raul use to be a pull hitter though? It seems like almost everything goes to center or left these days.
I think it could be argued that a veteran hitter knows:
a. ballpark characteristics
b. wind conditions
And then, adjusts his batting strategy accordingly.
Of course, it depends on the player. I have no evidence that Ibanez adjusts his approach to suit the ballpark, wind, or anything else.
What bugs me to no end is McLaren’s insistence on starting Richie and his .200 ba against a RH. Way to go Mac.
If they want to argue about chemistry, how is it that a guy like Broussard doesn’t play more? Letting him sit is bad for chemistry! (I don’t really buy chemistry, just playing devil’s advocate).
when does the Stockholm Syndrome kick in?
Despite Floyd, Comiskey and all the stars in the universe aligning in a special way…
Sexson STILL can end an inning
#83
Yeah, really.
Sesson only has 2 errors this year!
Good thing they don’t score errors on bad swings….
Wow, the WGN announcers may be dumber than McLaren—they just called Batista the M’s ace because of his 11 wins.
You can’t make an error if you can’t get to it.
We’re not unhappy with the runs. We’re unhappy with the fact that Ibanez hitting the weakest home run ever off Gavin Floyd in this park is going to lead to him continually playing left field the rest of the year, and that is going to cost the team ballgames.
It’s not like we didn’t see this coming – check comment #10. This doesn’t mean Ibanez is back, or that he’s good, or anything of the sort. It means that Gavin Floyd is a terrible pitcher and this ballpark is a joke.
Dave – Gameday is showing Batista topping out at 95 mph, so I assume that means it’s still showing 3 mph over actual. Any word on that being corrected anytime? And is that +3 consistent across pitch speeds and types?
#83
my first post here, but based off of my thoughts and the rest of the USSM, here’s the general feelings on Raul.
He can be a good hitter who can hit for power, but he’s a defensive liability. LF at the Safe has a ton of ground to cover, and because of the fact he’s only converting something like 79 percent of balls hit into his zone into outs proves that he doesn’t have the wheels and defensive prowess to play the position. Not only can Adam Jones field the position better, but he can also hit.
That isn’t to say that Raul should be riding pine all the time. I’d prefer to see him at DH/1B just so his bat can stay in the lineup and also keep his defensive shortfalls from hurting the team.
YEah Miggy!
Adam Jones is probably wishing he was traded to a team that would actually, you know, play him once in a while.
Maybe we can trade him for Kenny Lofton.
It seems like Raul’s recent power surge only strengthens the case for DHing him. He’s putting together good at bats, and is getting enough bat speed to knock them over the left field fence. Imagine what he might do if he were able to rest his legs every half inning.
What would happen if Vidro played first base while Richie rode the pine?
Yea, gameday’s still pumping up velocities, but it differs on a park to park basis. He’s not throwing 95 though, you can be sure of that. They’re aware of it, but it’s unlikely to get fixed until next year. This is still the beta testing year for the Pitch F/X system.
i just pray to god that Raul can realized he can be a gigantic boost for this team playing in the DH spot. I’ve heard before that Raul doesn’t want to come out of the field, is there any truth to this?
So maybe Raul is getting his stroke back. That does nothing for his problems on defense. Platoon Raul/Vidro at DH and put Adam in LF.
You know, if Johnny Mac is so dead-set against letting Broussard play, I actually wouldn’t mind seeing either Raul or Vidro instead of Richie. At least then there’s a spot in the OF for AJ.
#99
Hes hit 5 HR in 5 games. What more can the guy do? He’s doing what we need him to do. Cant we just be happy about that? The real problem at the moment is Sexson. Just saying.
Raul was a full time DH a couple of years ago when Winn and Reed were playing LF and CF. I don’t know why there’s such resistance to put him back there.
@90 & 91
When a guy is going opposite field for home runs, usually means he is seeing the ball real well and is going with the pitch. Taking what is given him. Really difficult to pull an outside pitch out, much easier to bang it as Raul did.
he’s only converting something like 79 percent of balls hit into his zone into outs
Wow! I had no idea he was that bad.
Nice catch by Erstad. Broussard would not have caught that.
48-Actually Broussard is the one rotting for Sexson…
#10-
Dave, any thought that McLaren is fully aware of the pitcher/park combo and realizes he can dial this one, knowing full well the M’s will blow Floyd and the ChiSox regardless of the line-up? Or is that giving too much credit to the man who helms the team?
85
Also them putting up Richie’s (4-12) 1 double, line haha.
looking at erstad’s numbers, he is sort of like the sox’s version of vidro.
Is there any past evidence that any major league managers have ever adjusted lineups based on ball park factors? Is it just not something that crosses their minds? I know starting Raul in left is never a good idea but is it possible that in some parks it is at least a -better- idea than at home? He seems to have just enough power to get it out of ball parks that carry well, yet in Safeco he can barely seem to reach the warning track (both offensively and defensively).
111- that is usually true, but that is not what happened on Raul’s HR. He was late and got it in the air. He certainly didn’t drive that ball.
109-
He’s not doing what he needs to do, because he’s still starting in left field. Runs allowed are just as important as runs scored, and he gives up a ton in the outfield.
It’s good that he’s hitting well, but he should be doing it as our DH, and this little hot streak against very bad pitchers is probably going to make McLaren keep trotting him out there every day, thus killing our team. We can’t keep having this same discussion over and over, you need to just listen to what people say and acknowledge it at least.
#109, while Raul’s 5 HRs in 5 games has been a nice, if statistically improbable, happenstance, it doesn’t diminish the following two facts:
1. it is an anomaly, and not the likely or expected outcome.
2. It doesn’t take into account the butchering of left field defense that Raul does on a routine basis.
All else being equal, the single most important task that John McLaren (and the upper Mariner management can do) is to maximize the chances of FUTURE Mariner success. Based on logic and mathematical reasoning presented ad nauseam on this site, the most important thing that the M’s leadership can do is to remove Raul Ibanez from left field, and play Adam Jones there on a regular basis.
For the record, I think it has also been well documented on the site by Dave and others that Raul should be the DH in lieu of Vidro against right handed pitching.
The real problem at the moment is Sexson.
If you had a gunshot wound, a knife wound, and a concussion, the idea is to get medical attention for all three. When the doctor starts stitching up your knife wound, you don’t tell him that the gunshot wound is the real problem and that he should work on that.
This isn’t a sitiuation where Raul’s job is to hit-home runs off Triple-A pitchers in Triple-A parks and he gets a free pass. He’s an inferior player to Adam Jones, and the longer it takes the Mariners to realize that, the less likely it is that they make the playoffs.
114,
I’m not Dave, so I don’t know if I can answer this question, but I’m of the opinion that Mac is not as stupid as USSM thinks.
#121
He hasn’t done a whole lot to prove otherwise.
Ps. You know Raul can play 1b as well. He has played a quite a bit there in the past.
Just to stir the pot a little more.
# 99 I agree with your sentiments regarding Sexson. However, the real problem is not Sexson. The real problem is MacLaren who can’t come to grips with the idea that Ben should be at 1B and Richie should be riding the pine.
Did Dave N just say “owned”?
Okay, I’m going to state openly that I came onto the thread a half-hour into the game with the M’s up 3-0. Reading all the posts to get caught up is actually kinda, sorta painful.
Last I checked the M’s are tied for the wild card, are they not? So what’s with all the kvetching? It almost makes it kind of hard to take anybody seriously on this site any more. It’s like listening to your parents tell you smoking a marijuana cigarette will turn you into an axe murderer or that you can get AIDS the first time you have sex, so just don’t do it.
Does anybody ever think their credibility is on the line when they post their hiistronic posts?
#123
I imagine that Raul is probably a defensive liability at 1B as well, just not as much as in LF. However, like I said earlier, if Mac is intent on making sure Broussard doesn’t play, I’d rather see Richie sitting right next to him and Raul/Vidro at first.
123 – But we got a proven 1b in Broussard. Raul can DH with Vidro.
#123, Raul Ibanez is an inferior alternative at 1B to Ben Broussard against right handed pitching, or to Ben Broussard and Richie Sexson against left handed pitching.
Just to settle the pot before it is needlessly stirred.
#118
#119
#120
Alright. (Takes off Ibanez jersey, puts on Jones T-shirt)
Ichiro should take a can of spray paint with him and spray a line from 3B to the left centerfield wall and tell Ibanez, “You stay on that side!”
125
Would been better had Dave said, “Pwnd”.
Ahem…getting off the subject of Raul/Richie/AJ/Lopez etc. for a moment…but still on topic as far as the game is concerned…
Does anybody know what the deal is with Scott Podsednik? He supposedly was claimed off waivers by the Cubbies, and the CWS apparently have 2 days to work out a deal to trade him or pull him back.
So he’s in the lineup and playing tonight for the CWS.
Do they want him, or don’t they?
(if this was discussed by our announcers, or the CWS announcers for that matter, I’m sorry I missed it; I just tuned in via KOMO online/MLB audio in the bottom of the 2nd)
I wouldn’t mind having him back in the Mariner fold…
122,
Well, he certainly is part of the “chemistry” camp, which I don’t agree with. But you can’t ignore the win percentage he’s put up since he’s taken over…
Yes, it could be better. But at least he’s not Hargrove.
Knowing that the Mariners have a 25-30% chance of making the playoffs (per Bpro) reminds me of playing ping pong against my Dad. I can’t make any mistakes if I want to win. He is a better player than I am. I can’t rely on some luck and I have to concentrate every moment.
Right now, the Mariners, including McLaren, are not good enough to make mistakes and still make the playoffs.
But guys, surely the fans being able to yell Rauuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuul! is worth giving up some games right? Right? No? . . . Ok then.
#126, the reason for the “kvetching” posts as you call them is to try and minimize the travesty of games like last nights, where the M’s shot themselves in the foot by not making simple, logical changes that would increase their chances of winning what turned out to be a close game.
Would you ever pitch to Thome or Dye if you faced these guys? This Sox lineup is shockingly bad besides those two.
126 – You must be new to this blog. People here kvetch more than the RedSox fans used to (and still do). If the Mariners win the WS in seven games many on this blog will protest it took seven games. Come on down and join in the misery.
133 – Guillen claimed that he didn’t even know Podsednik was on the trading block.
#126
Wow. Perhaps one of the most incoherent posts I’ve ever read here. Congrats.
Yes, their tied for the WC lead, but this team could be leaps and bounds better than what it is right now. If they dumped HoRam’s sorry rear end, made an attempt to pick up Wells, sat Richie and Vidro, played Ben and AJ, many of the holes on the roster would suddenly be plugged. That is what is so incredibly frustrating about this team: we know they have the resources at their disposal to be better right now.
Podsednik is disastrously bad. The White Sox should just let the Cubs take him, but conversely, the Cubs shouldn’t have any interest in him, especially since he’d simply be getting in the way of better players (Matt Murton, Felix Pie).
#109, while Raul’s 5 HRs in 5 games has been a nice, if statistically improbable, happenstance, it doesn’t diminish the following two facts:
1. it is an anomaly, and not the likely or expected outcome.
No one is going to keep up that kind of pace but considering he’s well below his career numbers and his numbers from just last year it’s not unreasonable to think this might be a sign he’s returning to the level of productivity he’s shown in the past.
132 – maybe Dave is trying to speak to the younger crowd. I wonder if he’ll say Felix is a “groovy” pitcher.
I’ll say it again – if you think we’re histrionic idiots who complain about everything, go the hell away. We won’t miss you.
#126 – You have fallen victim to the same thing many others have, thinking that because we lament the improper use of players that we don’t enjoy winning. What we would enjoy more is winning while also putting the best possible product on the field instead of hitting Mendoza against RHP.
#127
Did Raul have off-season knee surgery? Or break a hip at some point in his career? Why is everyone making him out to have the athletic skill of an over-weight asthmatic grandma?
I don’t know how to evaluate Jose Guillen. Use Runs Created per Hardball times? If so, he is in the middle of the pack of all rightfielders. Use OPS? If so, he is at the top of the second tier of all rightfielders.
hmmm
I agree with what is being said for the most part… I like Raul a ton and I’m elated that he is finding his “lost stroke”, but I with his (dare I say) Edgar-like wheels, he just seems to be a better fit for the DH position.
The thing that has been baffling me about the whole Raul/AJ thing is this: Okay, fine. John McLaren has made it clear that he isn’t going to start Adam Jones any time soon…. But wouldn’t you think that he would be lifting Raul for AJ any time Ibanez reaches late in the game? I mean, it would at the very least get him out there and let us benefit from a speed upgrade on the bases and the added defense in left. I know it ignores his number one asset in his bat, but it is something, right?
Sexson on the other hand… I hate to bash a Northwest guy, but given his nightly flirting with the Mendoza line, he just needs to take a seat for a while.
147 We watch him play.
147,
79% of fly balls converted to outs. That’s why.
142 – think of it as “Lou grabs former Ms player.”
The Mariners have shown over the years that they have a propensity (proclivity even) to stick with veterans for a long time. To name a few Olerud, beloved Edgar, Boone and the list goes on. It’s not unreasonable to think that McLaren adheres to this theory (he must unless you think he is tanking games on purpose).
Gavin Floyd could have struck out Ibanez two weeks ago? Sad.
#147
Like I said earlier, only 79% of balls hit to his zone are converted into outs. That’s bad. That’s Manny territory bad.
#143, you’re making a common mistake called the “gambler’s fallacy” where people think that because a coin comes up seven heads in a row it is more likely to come up tails in the future to “even out” the odds. Raul Ibanez is not “due” to hit more than his expected share of home runs in order to “make up” for his abyssmal perfomance earlier this year.
Raul has been pretty bad this year, but he is a major league caliber player and as such is probablistically prone to have stretches of apparent offensive domninance.
However, the most important thing for us (and more importantly, the Mariner front office/McLaren) determine is what the expected FUTURE probability of success is.
From a variety of metrics, the higher probability rests with Adam Jones–not Raul Ibanez.
Note: this does not GUARANTEE success–no one can do that. What it does do is INCREASE the chances of success, which is the most any of us can hope for.
155 – thank you.
Danno
You taught me something in #111.
Wow, that 2-2 pitch was so bad it was good. Can’t blame Rauul for not swinging at that one.
So up here in Alaska we get all the KSTW games on FSN. The only problem with that is we get the same six or seven commercials every single inning break. If I see that Foundation for a Better Life hockey commercial one more God Damn time, I’m just gonna snap.
154,
Haha, it’s so refreshing to watch Manny in left field. At least Raul makes an effort. And his hat stays on his head.
148
Aren’t middle of the pack and top of the second tier about the same? Maybe you use a different definition of second tier than me, but I think of second tier as the lower half and the top of the lower half would be the middle.
147 Last night’s blunder where the ball bounced off the wall and made Raul slip and fall on a banana was the most recent example.
Raul is suffering from the same disease that afflicts Vlad. He spent his youth playing in turf. His legs are shot.
159 Where in AK? Just curious, I’m from AK as well but living in the lower 48.
#160
Effort (in Raul’s case) isn’t translating into outs.
Well, there goes another for sure walk, turned into an out by our beloved mariners. It pains me sometimes to watch these games, its like Helen Keller at a pinata party sometimes, swingin at everything.
159 – I’ll trade ya for a Banner Bank ad.
164. In Palmer, in the Mat-Su Valley.
165,
No argument there. What I mean is that it’s still depressing to watch, but a different kind of depressing.
155: you’re making a common mistake called the “gambler’s fallacy” where people think that because a coin comes up seven heads in a row it is more likely to come up tails in the future to “even out” the odds. Raul Ibanez is not “due” to hit more than his expected share of home runs in order to “make up” for his abyssmal perfomance earlier this year.
I’m not saying he’s “due” to hit an abnormal number of home runs. I’m saying there’s a possibility he may be returning to a level of productivity he has shown in the past.
DA
To be more clear, I would say 2nd tier is in a pack that is below the top tier and, therefore, not obviously one of the best (Ordonez or Guerrero), but in a pack (or 2nd tier) of players who are not as good (Rios, Swisher, Markakis, and Guillen)
I hope that I’m clear.
167,
COM-CAST HOUSE-MATES!!!!
167. Done, I’d rather hear Thanks to “mom and Dad” thirty times than see that asshole sing itsy bitsy spider one more time.
#169
Well, at least Manny occasionally has the virtue of being comical.
171 – I’m glad you cleared that up
Wow. I hope this doesn’t make me a pariah in here, but I just can’t understand the point of view that prevents one from enjoying it when the M’s win because one doesn’t agree with how they’re going about it.
168
I have a few buddies that live in Palmer. Crazy!
Oh, and M’s rule! Except for McLaren, Bavasi, Raul (in LF), Vidro, Sexson and M’s entire front office.
I just checked. ESPN has him 10th in OPS, 12th in RC among right fielders so it still seems like he’s about the same in both categories.
176 -
It’s not enough to win. We have to win the right way.
At least Manny supplies some comic relief, he acts like he doesn’t care out there, and he probably doesn’t.
Ibanez cares, he just can’t do it.
Does anyone know of a way to access archived gameday data? Like in XML format or something?
#176
We’re glad they win. It’s the losses like last night’s that makes us pull our hair out.
173… that’s another bank. Banner Bank ads are the six degrees of separation ads. “Joe drinks wine made by his childhood friend Ed who buys grapes from tobacco baron Bob who gets his shoes signed… by Joe.”
Is something substantively different with Miguel Batista now as compared to the first couple months of the season, or was it just a bad luck streak followed by a stretch of moderately good luck?
#141
sorry about the incoherence. but let me get this straight- you’d swap HoRam with a pitcher who’s allowed 26 earned runs over his last 16.1 innings? who’s so obviously washed up to the casual observer? for what reason- so he can get torched in a few starts and ensure no games for Seattle in October?
that’s your idea of a “smart” move?
I’ve been following the Mariners all year and there is only one conclusion: they are a lucky team with a record that far exceeds their talent. (look at that run differential.) this may be interpreted as skeptical pessimism, but they can play AJ ever day and they’re not reaching the play-offs. it’s called reality. deal with it.
170: Of course it is “possible.” The question is how likely it is.
176 -
There is a big difference between luck and skill.
LOL, didn’t need to be a lip reader to know what McLaren said there.
185,
Regarding “casual observer”, let me help you out: http://ussmariner.com/2006/08/29/evaluating-pitcher-talent/
Oh, Miguel Batista, mother says you’re very good for me. But I’m afraid that I’m no good for you!
Better speed + better arm makes that a close play at the plate. Grrr. MINUS ONE U, RAUL!
#170
>>>
I’m not saying he’s “due” to hit an abnormal number of home runs. I’m saying there’s a possibility he may be returning to a level of productivity he has shown in the past.
>>>
Raul Ibanez has never shown the capability of hitting 162 home runs in a season–of course no one has ever shown that capability.
What we have seen is a statistically insignificant blip at an emotionally charged time (The M’s are in the playoff chase; Gritty veteran Ibanez is at risk of losing time to upstart newcomer Jones.)
We all have a tendency to ascribe storytelling conventions to these moments in particular, but the sad fact is that these emotional feelings have a tendency to drown out established fact and falsifiable hypothesis.
Not to get all Spock on any one…
As you said it is “possible” that Raul is reverting to some previous ability of performance but as much we might like this to be the case, the outcomes of 5 games do not provide enough strong evidence that this is the case, especially when weighed against the hundred and twenty games that have been played this season–and in fact the hundreds of games played over the last few seasons which have set up a pattern of not unexpected decline for Mr. Ibanez.
176- I think alot of the people on the stats side of baseball begin to think of the GM as the real artist on a team. The players are just statistical composites that rub up against each other during the season. So, just like one might feel a bit uneasy about a hack artist making tons of money others might feel a bit queesy about a hack GM getting in to the playoffs.
176 -
A lot of people are still mad about last night. It was the most terribly managed game I’ve seen in a long long time, and we would have won had the right steps been taken, steps the people on this blog have been advocating for months. We would still win games like today with Broussard and Jones in the lineup, and we would also win games like yesterday too instead of giving them away because of poor decision making.
Anyways, go M’s. And c’mon Batista….
Wow. I hope this doesn’t make me a pariah in here, but I just can’t understand the point of view that prevents one from enjoying it when the M’s win because one doesn’t agree with how they’re going about it.
Because you have to win the right way, the USSM way.
An odd thought, USSM should post their own standing. Or do a power ranking every week.
Well, if you
A) Look at his Strikeouts and walks per 9 innings,
B) Check his BABIP
C) Check out his last game and saw HOW those runs were scored (lots of dinks and dribblers),
Yes, it could be a smart move.
But YMMV.
192 -
Oh come on that’s unfair. Very few left fielders are going to throw him out on a ground ball hit like that.
That taco bell commercial is in bad taste considering current situation with the miners in Utah.
#197
Thanks, I was trying to figure out how to word that response.
Damn you Erstad!
Because you have to win the right way, the USSM way.
Or, maybe, we just know something about baseball that the Mariners don’t, and it’s frustrating to watch a team lose because they’re more ignorant than their fans.
Damn. Nice play. It’s weird to see first basemen making a defensive contribution.
The entire Taco Bell franchise is in bad taste
I’m not ready to pass judgement on Raul’s offensive resurgence yet. Baseball is a very mental game and it’s possible that Raul is hearing footsteps. His decline from last year has been precipitous and it wouldn’t surprise me if it took the threat of losing his starting job to Jones to really move past his shoulder and leg problems and focus.
BUT I also wouldn’t be surprised if this is a statistical blip and he reverts to the mean he’s established this season. The question is just that: to which mean will he revert, that of his season or that of his career?
Sexson on the other hand has completely gone over a cliff and has shown us four and a half months of jack squat. That’s a blimp, not a blip.
How did he not make it to second!?
According to blow and sims ritchie is about to turn it around!
Ok, I know Dave doesn’t need me to speak for him, but I have to get this off my chest. There are three things I hate about blogs. I am not trying to be an asshole here, just trying to point out a few things.
1. Just because the blog authors give you a voice, does not make your opinion as valid as theirs. They have every right to prevent you from participating.
2. If your dissension is simply to say, these guys hate dissention, then you are an idiot. Do some research and come at them with facts. This is best explained with Jose Vidro. There is literally so much info and facts out there prooving what a terrible DH he he is that to say otherwise just makes you look stupid. I’m sorry, it just does.
3. If you don’t like the blog, then don’t post or hang around here. Seriously do you hate yourself so much you are willing to stick around and participate in something you hate? Seriously, go away. Read a book, fly a kite, anything. Life is too short to sit around making yourself miserable.
206 -
I won’t argue that Raul should be in LF. He wasn’t good last year either. But there is a possibility that he had been hurt and he is finally feeling better. That doesn’t make him a good left fielder but it may make him a good DH.
All that veteran presence….
198 -
The ball was in Joh’s glove when the guy slid in. Jones gets to the ball quicker and makes a better throw, which would have made it a close play. And not many left fielders have Jones’ cannon. There’s a reason we want to see him out there.
Ghahhh….anybody else other than Sexson woulda scored….
Ive asked this before, but is it possible to teach Sexson to run FASTER!?
That park is small. Thank God.
Hey, maybe that guy in #10 knew what he was talking about, and the offensive surge is the pitcher and the park…
#205–I assume this was your post and not a quote:
>>>
I’m going to play contrarian and disagree with this.
This assumes a constant set of conditions throughout the season. There has demonstrably has not been the case; it may be that Raul cannot perform adequately at 85% anymore–but can at 90%+. He may have finally shook off the lingering effects of injury and has gotten back on track (which I define as being good against RH pitching and still sucking against LH).
>>>
I agree with assertion that the conditions may not have been constant. (I’m not sure what you mean by the 85%/90% comment, seems like you may have gotten the percentages reversed?)
However it is then incumbent upon anyone basing policy decisions on this premise to show
a. that there are demonstrable, statistically significant changes in condition. (and I may add, that you will need to control for a variety of factors, not limited to ballpark effects and strength of pitchers faced, among others.)
b. that 5 games provides a large enough sample to show a statistically significant change in measured ability for Ibanez.
My math skills are not good enough to do either, but my intuition tells me that the error bars will be too great to show real significance.
On an unrelated note: NICE GRAND SLAM!
Ozzie Guillen said on the pregame show that Gavin Floyd has electric stuff. Dave says he is terrible. Are most Major League managers as incompetent as ours?
I love the White Sox announcers…..Yuni hits a grand slam and they say basically nothing…..just another hit against “our guys”.
213 & 214 Are the both of you watching the game live or following it on gamecast or yahoo?
Yuniiiii love ya man.
Now as Simms pointed out, our 9-hole batter is almost hitting .300. That begs the question: Why is he still hitting 9th?
Ozzie Guillen ranks right up there with McLaren as far as terrible managers go.
As you said it is “possible” that Raul is reverting to some previous ability of performance but as much we might like this to be the case, the outcomes of 5 games do not provide enough strong evidence that this is the case, especially when weighed against the hundred and twenty games that have been played this season–and in fact the hundreds of games played over the last few seasons which have set up a pattern of not unexpected decline for Mr. Ibanez.
I don’t see the pattern of decline you’re seeing considering that last year was a career year for Ibanez in many offensive categories.
What I do see is that there has been significant decline between this year and last. Now it may turn out that this is where Ibanez is now in his career and this is all he’s capable of. Or he may be able to return to a level of productivity similar to what he displayed as recently as last season. Obviously he won’t keep hitting at a pace of a homer a game, but his current hitting streak is giving me some encouragement that it’s the latter, not the former.
This is kind of random but I notice the Ms are in the first base dugout on the road here in Chicago and they also take the first base side at home. Isn’t it convention that home team take 3rd base side?
I love blatant sexuality in advertising. What does a hot woman eating a banana have to do with the SPEED channel? Oh well, it beats Grimson singing to his daughter again. Seriously, I keep hoping this time he’ll tell his wife it’s over, that daughter isn’t his, and sing to her your damn self.
The White Sox annoucers are having a discussion about how scary or not scary this Mariner lineup is. Funny stuff.
and Lopez 8th….?
225 –
Raul Ibanez just turned 35.
Check out this chart:
http://bradbury.sewanee.edu/hatpic/ops_age.jpg
206 –
Amen to that. We’d all rather see him DH than play left. That’s how we should be finding out whether this power is for real or not. Even if it isn’t he’ll still put up the same OPS as Vidro.
I wouldn’t mind seeing him play right field vs. the tough right handed pitchers. Guillen doesn’t hit good RHP very well and Raul isn’t a giant downgrade defensively
That was a hell of a play by Beltre.
“Wow. I hope this doesn’t make me a pariah in here, but I just can’t understand the point of view that prevents one from enjoying it when the M’s win because one doesn’t agree with how they’re going about it.”
If you truly don’t understand then it must be because you can’t separate winning today from winning long term.
We all want the team to win. If people can’t wrap their head around the distinction between winning today and winning, say, in the playoffs, then that is that person’s problem.
You know, speaking of commercials, I bet Abe Lincoln and the beaver would be a great broadcasting crew.
Raul’s health, based on what he’s said to the coaches.
That’s ideal, but as you yourself point out, the sample sizes are too small to do that. And when dealing with health issues, I think we aren’t at that point where we can point out quantitative differences. Yet we all know there can be important effects from injuries.
I think this is still a problem of the Mariner management–not allowing Ibanez to heal properly….but I think it’s a factor that we should not ignore.
It is Vidro that we need to start struggling. Then maybe Johny Mac will finally realize what a waste of space he is at DH and do the right thing and slide Raul there and finally let Adam play. There is no arguement for Vidro playing on a regular basis (even his good average). And by the way, what does Sexson have to do to get benched? Because it seems that his sub .200 BA is not enough to get it done.
If anyone other than Adrian gets the AL 3B gold glove, it will be a travesty.
#225
I’m in your camp.
Nice work of getting to first on time by Miggy!
Seriously, would someone throw Beltre a frikkin’ bone and give the guy a Golden Glove already. I think he’s the best defensive third baseman in all of baseball right now.
#225,
>>>
Obviously he won’t keep hitting at a pace of a homer a game, but his current hitting streak is giving me some encouragement that it’s the latter, not the former.
>>>
Fortunately for Ibanez and his family, but unfortunately for Mariner fans who would like post-season baseball in Seattle, the Mariner management probably agrees with you.
236 – but Sexson is just in a slump. He’ll return to the norm by hitting one home run a game for the rest of the season.
234. I don’t know why really, but I love those commercials. There seems to be a genuine chemistry between Abe and that beaver. Kinda like the Geico cavemen. I realize it is a little stupid, but it makes me chuckle anyway.
Hustle!! RAUUUULLL!!
Clearly on fire. He really got a hold of that one.
Our worst fears come to pass:
Richie Sexson has 2 hits.
That means he’ll be starting for the rest of the season.
Argh. Yeah, Richie’s really is “on fire.”
Nice hit Richie. Too bad hes only hitting singles…
Wow… Grand slam out of the 9-hole. You don’t go to the ball park every day looking for that. Nice!
#223 – Such a valid point.
#224 – The difference is, Guillen has a ring. (Just saying!)
re: Ozzie’s comments about Floyd’s electric stuff &
re: McLaren’s comments about except for 2 or 3 bad pitches thrown by HoRam, he threw well.
Do they say this stuff because they think the fans are stupid or are they actually that stupid. McLaren’s point has been echoed by many a manager about pitcher XYZ, and I just don’t get it. For every mistake pitch that gets hit hard, there’s almost assuredly 1 or 2 more mistake pitches that just happened to be missed by the hitter. It’s not just 3 bad pitches. It’s like 6 or 7. You can’t throw 6 or 7 batting practice pitches during the live action game. It’s disheartening to think that McLaren either doesn’t know that or thinks he can pull a fast one on the fans.
Vidro has been giving Sexson hitting advice, looks like it’s paying off.
what happend to beltre? he was doin soo good there for a while, now he’s slumping again.
Dave –
If the park is such a joke, any idea why is the White Sox offense so bad?
They’re last in OPS (in the AL) and 12th in SLG (in the AL).
Are they really even worse than that because of the park? Or is there something else going on?
Sexson still sucks.
249 -
Yeah the evidence is really piling up that McLaren fears any change at all, and can’t make even the simplest managerial decisions.
When your 9th man is batting .300, he shouldn’t be your 9th man anymore, period. You maximize his offensive potential with him earlier in the lineup.
Can he do it again? Logic says no, but…
Reality also says no.
Yuni? 2 grands slams in one game? has that ever happend! lol but then i woke up.
#253
Extreme lack of talent.
O great. Now BOTH our DH and 1B batters are singles-tastic hitters. These should be power generating positions. I swear I still have no idea how this team manages to be an over-.500 team (though they aren’t over the past 40 games).
I though Contreras was Starting tomorrow?
230: That chart shows a two or three percent decline between age 34 and 35. Raul has fallen off a cliff. That’s why I would expect him to rebound some from his play of earlier this season. But it would be insane to expect him to continue the output of the last five games given the opposition and the ballparks he’s been in.
DH him or platoon him in right. Let AJ run free!!
Has this announcer always used the “can of corn” reference to flyballs? It’s kind of corny.
Didn’t Fernando Tatis hit 2 grand slams in one game?
If the park is such a joke, any idea why is the White Sox offense so bad?
Aging players (Dye, Konerko, Thome) and the rest are just bad players. Erstad, Podsednik . . . these guys that Ozzie loves so much are professional out-makers. It’s a really bad lineup with very little pop. Plus they’ve been injured a little bit.
Actually 255, I don’t know if I’d move Betancourt out of the nine hole. Maybe I’d bat him seventh or eighth, but no higher. He has good speed, but he doesn’t have much power and he never walks. Despite the good average, he’s a bottom of the order guy.
Blowers sounds like he’s got a clothespin on his nose.
I like McLaren. (waits for beer to be thrown at me)
Me, I can take singles-hitters at any position, even DH… if they bat at least .340 .
265: I should add that Konerko had a pretty bad first half, but I can’t chalk it all up to age. He’s only 31 or 32.
264 – Yes, a few other players have as well, including Frank Robinson and Nomar:
http://www.baseball-almanac.com/feats/feats11.shtml
Let’s not go overboard on Yuni’s offensive abilities….his OBP is .317 despite the shiny batting average.
DA -
I’m not saying bat him third or anything, but honestly he’s behind Lopez? For what reason?
7th would be fine with me.
In other news we were at the Reds game today (completeing our roadtrip which we mentioned several days ago) and we saw Ellison go in as a defensive replacement. He made two outstanding throws from Left Field. In one he almost got Morgan Ensburg at second and the other he held Geoff Blum to a long single.
Oh and we also saw that other two guys who used to play Center Field for Seattle…
In other news we were at the Reds game today (completeing our roadtrip which we mentioned several days ago) and we saw Ellison go in as a defensive replacement. He made two outstanding throws from Left Field. In one he almost got Morgan Ensburg at second and the other he held Geoff Blum to a long single.
Oh and we also saw that other two guys who used to play Center Field for Seattle…
#269
Yeah singles rule. Doubles rule twice as hard though. Triples are epic.
263. Can of corn is used by every announcer from little league to the MLB. Our guys don’t own the patent.
As I’m still I’m Bama, I’m watching WGN. I don’t think I’ve seen a Sox game on here since Wilson Alvarez’s no hitter.
OMGWTF?
It’s like Rick Rizzs and Joe Morgan had two mentally deficient children. Only that’s an insult to the developmentally disabled.
How can anyone watch this with the volume on?
Sorry for the double post, things are spotty with the cellular internet.
one thing adam jones has done is scare ibanez in to playing well…
241: Fortunately for Ibanez and his family, but unfortunately for Mariner fans who would like post-season baseball in Seattle, the Mariner management probably agrees with you.
Actually I agree with the USSM orthodoxy that Jones should be in LF and Ibanez should be DH’ing. Raul’s a lousy left-fielder and nothing will change that at this point in his career. I just think there’s a good chance he’ll be a much more productive hitter over the last third of the season than he has been over the first two-thirds. Hell, if he’s been battling injuries then not playing every day in the field would probably increase the odds of that.
Listening to the crowd the fans truly believe they can come back and win. I’m actually nervous now.
well… here we go.
280 – ???
It is a rare and beautiful occurrence when the M’s can score seven runs (so far) without Ichiro getting on base even once (so far.)
And screw you, Fields.
well, with Thome and Dye coming up, against batista, you never know.
#255 – Believe me, I’m in your camp. He shouldn’t be batting 9th. I’m just still stunned and elated that Yuni would jack his first (I believe) career slam. Hence the “You don’t go to the ball park every day looking for that.”
Come on baggy tits get it together…
Yuni has been killing the ball recently as well.
#250- I agree. How do you give up 7 runs with 5 hits and 5 walks in 5 innings and be 2 or 3 pitches away from throwing a really good game.
You have to wonder where McLaren comes up with this stuff. Does he really think that Vidro/Ibanez is a better option than Ibanez/Jones? Does he really think that HoRam was a few pitches away from being really good? I just don’t see how its possible, but it appears he really thinks this way
I think Tatis hit two Grand Slams in one inning.
Is the runner at second going on the pop-fly to Ibanez a testament to Rauls arm? Or would any one have gone on that play?
#289 saltydawg05:
McLaren doesn’t mean anything he says; it’s just bad for team ch*****ry for him to state anything to the contrary.
well, what are we pridicting for this little predicament that batista has so cleverly gotten him self into…yet again.
“I think Tatis hit two Grand Slams in one inning.”
I know absolutely nothing about that, but if he came to bat with the bases already loaded twice in one inning, that doesn’t really say much for the pitcher he was facing.
293: 6 pitch walk
C’mon now Batista. This is probably the game here.
well if he swings at that slop maybe Batista gets out of this
293-
He’s gonna walk in a run
Yes!
Or not.
Good job baggytits.
talk about swinging at ball four… he got kinda lucky there…
i’m glad i was wrong but Batty made me nervous there… time to warm up the bullpen
He swung at it before, why not throw it again. Good job Batista.
Seventh would be fine with me too I guess, but I’d probably go with eighth (behind Johjima) unless Jones is starting. When Jones is starting, I’d bat him seventh and put Adam ninth. I think ninth on the Mariners is probably the easiest spot to hit. Ichiro is by far our best hitter and nobody wants to walk the guy ahead of him. If Jones were up ninth, he might get more fastballs and he can crush fastballs. I’d like to see him start his career with a hot streak. Seems like it would be good for his confidence. Of course, he’s looked pretty good batting in front of Lopez so maybe he doesn’t need any advantage.
Phew. That was a really nice pitch. But. I think it’s definitely time to go to the bullpen.
Which undoubtedly means Batista will go back out there.
Ride it like you stole IT!!!
And that’s the difference between Batista and HoRam. When Batista gets into trouble he limits the damage. When HoRam gets into trouble he gets blown up and needs a mulligan so McLaren can pretend he pitched well.
Wow… Never under estimate the ability of a hitter to get themselves out.
I just thought of a new slogan for the Mariners. It’s not original, though.
“Rumblin’, Stumblin’, Bumblin’ Along”…
Now showing in Chicago:
“Fire Walk with Me” starring Miguel Batista.
Limited showing, ending about now I hope.
304: Not to mention a speed guy getting on in front of Ichiro is going to create more of a headache for the defense, and will be a good way to open up holes for Ichiro.
Wow… Never under estimate the ability of a hitter to get themselves out.
Absolutely. The White Sox are professional out-makers. Lowest OBP in the AL.
I see 40+ SBs for Ichi by the end of the season.
Ah come on guys…I don’t pay a lot of attention to press statements…puffery costs little and if it salves somebody’s ego, at such little cost, then no problem….
Good point, Sidi.
Sorry, I should have clarified that was in regards to sticking in Jones at 9th, not moving Yuni up in the order.
wow… good job by Ichiro not to get doubled up…
Whoa…Ichi got back to the bag FAST!
Another hard hit by Ibanez
anyone tell me why someone with Ichiro’s speed is not tagging there? of course he’d look silly standing on second if the ball gets by LF but I gotta believe he would still score
Appears to me this ump calls low strikes.
Teej: Ouch! I hadn’t noticed that… Brutal.
Another Safeco fly out for Ibanez–only difference is this one was an out at US Cellular Field as well.
Can someone stop these stupid animated FSNW commercials? Please? Pretty please? With sugar on it?
I want a Raul Bobble Head.
They should make a Dave Sims bobble head.
They SHOULD make a Dave Sims Bobblehead! How funny would that be!!?
Isn’t Dave Sims already a bobblehead?
Isn’t he already a bobblehead?
328 – that was my immediate reaction.
Whoah! The announcer just said the only soft spot the Mariners have is in LF! If even the announcer knows this then what’s the deal with McLaren not knowing?
I like how the White Sox announcers are doing their best to be tactful about Raul’s defence – their conclusion is that “he’s adequate out there”.
Oh, Ibanez! I have a gift for you. I’ll give a hint. You don’t need your glove and you might get splinters.
331: McLaren HAS to know this … anyone with any baseball knowledge that has been paying attention knows this. He just is stuck in the endless loop of sticking with the veterans. Like Dave said on the radio show, the teams, like the Yankees, that get rid of the weak link are now winning. I feel we’re going to raise the ire of the SPCA kicking this poor dead horse
#331
Wow. So I’ll bet hes been the major topic of conversation on the Whitesox side, huh?
Kenji always looks defeated out there. He always has the look of a fallen warrior.
what’s the deal with McLaren not knowing?
The fox knows many things but McLaren knows one big thing: who has the negatives of the photos of the 2001 team party.
311 -
That’s a good idea. At least until we could better gauge AJ’s productivity offensively. If he hits for power though he might be better utilized elsewhere, due to our lack of it earlier in the order.
They DO make a Dave Sims Bobblehead…
http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=FU8108
333: he’ll just need some work gloves to keep those splinters away
#333
WTF??!
335 No just that they were discussing the M’s defense and Ibanez’s name came up as probably the weakest link.
the bullpen is now activated. i can finally start feeling good about pulling this game out. Angels/Twins just starting. Anyone know if this is on DirectTV maybe i can get the bar to throw it on the back TV
When I was drunk last night, I thought of a few stats that might be interesting to look at. Tell me if you guys have seen these before, or whether or not they would be useful:
Walks per batter’s average. Better pitchers should save their walks for the best hitters, right? This would theoretically measure a pitcher’s intelligence in navigating the opposing lineup.
Out-of-zone strikeouts versus in-the-zone strikeouts. How good is the pitcher at getting batters to chase?
And this one might be a little weird: WPA accordance in walks. Does the pitcher give up walks in high-leverage situations? For example, do they walk Ichiro with no outs, or do they walk Vidro with two? Another (less accurate) way to measure this might be walks per number of outs.
Also, props to Norm’s in Fremont for their “Cheap Sexson Mondays”: Every Monday, Budweiser bottles cost the same as Sexson’s batting average.
333, 341 : sorry just my stupid sense of humor… don’t worry i’m done
That was scary, good to see the ump didn’t get beaned too bad there.
Hey, I missed Dave’s KJR segment on Friday. Does anyone know if they have posted the audio somewhere?
204
“Love is patient, Love is kind, It does not envy, it does not boast, It is not proud, It is not rude, It is not self-seeking, It is not easily angered…”
Seriously, I empathize with your frustration. You know that when a team has a chance at the playoffs they shoudn’t take the opportunity lightly because another chance might not come again. It’s clear that your work is done in earnest.
#343, Twins-Angels is on DirecTV channel 742
339
Hilarious!
No more Comcast House-Mates please.
344: DAMN! I thought I came up with that idea. I tried to get the bar here in Ballard to do a “Richie Special” as well. The owner thought it would be too hard to deal with.
Hey, how close is our top pick from this year to signing?
I love our bullpen.
Good eye Richie, swing at 2 terrible ones and let strike 3 go down the middle without moving.
Wow! What is Sexson looking at………yikes!
wow…sexson completely carved up by contreras
352,
He was probably more worried about having to give beer away for free
Well, that was easy …. Our bullpen will see us through this one
Sexson is beyond finished. If only someone had warned them about his contract…
Yep, Sexson faces competent pitching and he looks like a complete fool again. McLaren probably didn’t notice though.
361 – but Mclaren will notice his singles and say “he’s swinging a hot bat, don’t want to take him out now”.
I like are chances in this one fellas…
Bullpen > Whitesox Lineup
On a parallel note, where has the Indians’ pitching gone to in the Cleveland/New York series? I mean, the Montgomery Burns’ Bombers are capable of scoring runs, but I’d thought the Indians would at least have had a chance at a split.
Walks per batter’s average. Better pitchers should save their walks for the best hitters, right? This would theoretically measure a pitcher’s intelligence in navigating the opposing lineup.
Out-of-zone strikeouts versus in-the-zone strikeouts. How good is the pitcher at getting batters to chase?
And this one might be a little weird: WPA accordance in walks. Does the pitcher give up walks in high-leverage situations? For example, do they walk Ichiro with no outs, or do they walk Vidro with two? Another (less accurate) way to measure this might be walks per number of outs.
1. Do you mean walks by opposing batter? In general I’d love to know which pitchers are not backing down against the best batters.
2. This would be useful. It’s the opposite of the concept of plate discipline for a hitter.
3. Not sure what you’re getting at. And I don’t think any situation involving Vidro would be high-leverage.
363: I’m with you. Once we get to the 7th with a 5 run lead I’m feeling pretty good. Maybe we can even rest JJ tonight
I don’t see the Mariners staying ahead of the Yankees very long but here is to hoping.
Everytime I look at Yahoo Gamechannel the Yankees are beating teams by double digits.
361: Take away just a few at-bats, and he was 2 for 2 today…
The Unknown Comic Says:
Everytime I look at Yahoo Gamechannel the Yankees are beating teams by double digits.
Stop looking!
funny
“Aaaah hes such a good guy that Rauul”
- guy in Bobblehead commercial.
bleh acting
1. Do you mean walks by opposing batter? In general I’d love to know which pitchers are not backing down against the best batters.
I think he means the exact opposite, actually. Basically, if a pitcher’s going to walk someone, is he at least walking the heavy hitters and not the No. 9 hitter? Interesting thoughts . . .
Gotta love Guillen as a manager
WTF… Was Ozzie just making fun of McLaren?
lol, that was pretty funny.
WTF… Was Ozzie just making fun of McLaren? Where’s Ellison when we need him to clear the benches
Yes, nwtrev, he was
I missed it. Can someone tell me what Ozzie did?
Blowers … I wonder what his first language is? Commenting on McLaren and his past visits to Venezuela says “He really misses not going.” No, Mike, what you’re trying to say is that “Re really misses going.” ‘Cause you know … he really liked Venezuela.
#375, 377
I missed it. What did Ozzie do?
367 – Well, we have the same record after 113/115 games, I’m not going to write us off until we’re at least behind the Yankees. We’ve been lucky, but personally I think the bullpen accounts for a sizeable portion of our luck with respects to how our actual win-loss record deviates from pythag.
I hate having to root for the A’s, but go Oakland go!
nice play, Richie. How much are we paying you to suck, again?
O’Flaherty, shedding his LOOGY image right here.
#382, there is no evidence that shows a bullpen has a disproportionate effect on a pythag record, sadly.
Ozzie used a towel to make a temporary sling to hold his right arm … like McLaren had when he became manager. He then dangled his fingers like his arm was useless.
Ooooohh. So close for Richie. Thats the kind of nice defensive play that could build momentum and confidence at the plate…
379, 381 : that was pretty funny. Ozzie wrapped a towel around his arm like a sling and started making signals. There is no audio here, unfortunately this bar would rather play the jukebox, so I couldn’t tell if it was tongue in cheek. But nevertheless, gotta like it.
O’Flarhety lobbed the throw to Yuny. Costed the DP precious miliseconds…
McLaren has unleased a fury of revisionism among USSM posters. I’m loving all the creative phrases people have written to mock his wonderful justification (of HoRam).
If my six of my previous seven posts had been filled with original and powerful ideas, had been organized logically and effectively, had used an authentic and unique voice, had smooth and expressive sentences, employed correct grammar, and had evidence of specific and precise choice of words, then 100% of my posts would have been brilliant.
New Ms ad campaign: “Mariners Bullpen, ya gotta love these guys.”
386 – I disagree, there’s a positive correlation between relief pitching WPA and pythag wins. To take just 2007, of 9 teams with a significant degree of “luck” (as determined by pythag) 8 of them have a bullpen with a WPA above 3. The same relationship is shown in larger data sets. Admittedly it isn’t the whole picture (I wouldn’t argue that for a minute) but there’s a definite positive relationship if you look at WPA.
AUTO Renegade Says:
O’Flarhety lobbed the throw to Yuny. Costed the DP precious miliseconds…
Always better than firing a bullet to the outfield, though.
If a couple of rolls of the genetic dice had come out differently I’d look like Brad Pitt.
SherrO’Florrow Mojo
Hell, two rolls and you could look like Angelina Jolie.
Dave Sims just called Raul Ibanez the hottest man on the planet. How wrong we could have been?
# 394
Agreed
grinning, rsrobinson
If Guillen had not seen 3 strikes from Contreras, he would have walked on 4 pitches.
Holy cow, a Mr. Jones sighting!
Woo! Go get ‘em, pinch running defense replacement!
Raul keeps it going in the 9TH! I don’t know about you, but in my eyes hes back. Or at least coming back.
Hey…the token Adam Jones playing time is here again.
AJ time.
404 – you beat me to the punch, hahahhahahahah
Any chance we totally rock Contrera’s enough for Jones to come around in the rotation?
Somehow I don’t think Jones is going to get at bats any other way.
403: get your eyes checked.
Also, Contreras seems to be “pitching like a Cuban” today.
bye Ibanez:
1 long fly ball
1 strike out
1 soft grounder
1 long fly ball
1 short bloop
THAT IS A H*T HITTER!
Those were 2 pathetic ABs by Beltre and Sexson.
Wow. Thanks Richie. That would have been better if 2B booted the ball back to Contreas for the put out at first
OH CMON!!! Richie! I’m really starting to question Sexson having any kind of running skill. I think Ben would have made that alot closer…
Can’t McClaren just log in on this blog and say F— Y– to the majority of us here, like any red-pixeled 21st man would, instead of bringing Jones in as a PR with no chance for even one AB?
Good job Ozzie decided not to start the “inconsistent” Contreras tomorrow, hmm?
Again, McLarens logic escapes me with putting Jones on to pinch run for Ibanez. It’s not as if we need the run, so why not have him pinch hit for Ibanez? Seriously, how good can it be for Jones or the organization to let him rot on the bench.
It makes me so sick.
Raul would have caught that
AJ is there for defense.
Sigh, McLaren thinks Adam Jones = Jason Ellison 2.0.
#393–I missed that article on The Hardball Times, is that where you saw the article on the relationship between WPA and Pythag?
#408
Actually Contreras has pitched pretty well. His fast ball was itting low ninties and he had some movement on his pitches.
And what does “pitching like a Cuban” mean?
Cubans cant pitch?
Let’s see. Without Ibanez the score would be 4-2. Why is this assetion incorrect?
Seriously, I think Raul gets to that faster. Jones looked like he was taking it easy getting to that ball…
It just wouldn’t be Johnny Mac if he didn’t manage to get George Sherill into every game.
419: its a reference to a comment by Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez. When Contreras was struggling and was removed from the rotation. El Duque told him that he needed to “pitch like a Cuban.”
I actually meant the opposite of how you took it. He has pitched very well in relief today.
Anyone want to guess on the over/under of how many Rick Ankiel screenplays are being written right now?
One more base runner and it’s a save situation for Putz … with a 5 run lead.
Dammit
424: and who will play him in the film?
I disagree with putting Putz in the game. It’s a panic move. Why is the manager making the call to the ace?
This is setting up to be a script in which AJ wins the game. It’s part of my plan.
424 and 427: That gives me an idea of what to do with Richie Sexson. I wonder if anyone’s ever clocked his throwing speed. And whether or not it’s too late to teach an old washed-up dog new tricks with a baseball.
Watch out!
Defensively, UZR suggests Raul is a -29 run defender over the course of a full ‘07 season.
BP suggests his bat has been worth 8 runs above replacement (think Ellison as your starter) to this point based upon his VORP.
I’m thinking nobody should be yelling scoreboard based upon Ibanez’s last week or so. If you’re inclined to anyway and you believe this is your chance to yell “FACE!!!!” to the USSM authors, consider this-Ibanez needs roughly an additional 20 runs above replacement just to break even for the season. Yes. That means he’s got to put up a historic final 40 games for him in order to simply not have been a drag on the Ms RS/RA for the season.
Even if you believe his last week is the real Raul offensively, there still is zero reason not to give him his at bats via rotating platoons in RF/1b/DH while taking advantage of the large upgrade defensively represented by playing Jones in left.
Putz wooooo!! Tough way to get a save, but I’ll take it!!
Gotta make it interesting, huh JJ?
Well Twins up 1-0 top of 5. Go Twins!
To quote G&S’ “The Mikado” – “Thank goodness that’s over!”
That wasn’t a “save” until JJ gave up the grand slam, right? I admit to being a little fuzzy on the rule.
Is that -29 compared to Average or to Replacement, terry?
Whew. Ugly finish but I’ll take it.
#437 — No, the save was in effect when he came into the game. If a pitcher comes in with the tying run on deck, then a save situation is present.
As of this second, the Mariners have the fourth-best record in baseball. All things considered, that is absolutely mind-boggling to me.
Except for two bad pitches (one to Fields and one to Thome) JJ would have dominated!
437
It was a save the minute he faced the hitter with the bases loaded. Those aren’t his runners. JJ is charged with 1 run.
Other than those six runs, the M’s pitched a shutout. Nicely done.
JJ got the save but he sure torched the ERAs of O’Flaherty and Sherrill … yet another demonstration why this is such a misleading stat, especially for relievers.
Other than the 50 losses, the M’s are 64-0. Mac is awesome!!!
441. Me too. I wouldn’t have predicted that Bavasi could do it.
Note to announcers and print media: The Mariners are not leading the wild card race. They are not .001 ahead. They are even.
It is correct to say that they are tied with the Yankees because a team can get a wild card playoff position by virture of playing more games than the other team. Look at it this way, Stone and whoever writes the headlines at the papers: If the season ended today, the Mariners would not represent the wild card. Instead, the M’s would have to play two more games so that the total games played would equal the Yankees.
#438: its to average and basically for defense, average is roughly replacement since the minors are literally littered with feckless hitting leather….
# 415
Cuz Raul got a hit and is hot at the plate. You Pinch run for him so that Jones can finally get into the game, and you award Raul for hitting so well by resting his legs. Jones probably had a lower chance of doing well coming into the game so cold.
#449
Your logic is beyond screwy. You know, Jones wouldn’t be so cold if Mac had half a brain.
Putz’s first pitch to field had the ghost of Arthur Rhodes written all over it. Has he been reading Rhodes’ “Art of the untimely homerun” (with a forward by David Justice)?
What irritates me the most about the M’s, is that McLaren is constantly being rewarded for bad behavior. I’m sick of Sexson playing, yet he gets a hit. “Oh he must be coming around!”, states a confident McLaren.
424 Anyone want to guess on the over/under of how many Rick Ankiel screenplays are being written right now?
427 And who will play him in the film?
Why not Costner or Quaid? Granted, they’re both in their late 40’s, but they have a lot of experience playing young ballplayers. You know if John McLaren was casting director he would value that veteran experience.
# 432
I understand all that. But Wherever he plays, (DH/LF/1B) I want him in there. I think he will end up being our Scott Rolen of the Cardinals. Having a sub-par year but coming through in the clutch with a kind of random consistency that will always make him dangerous.
#450
Well duh. But the fact is, hes STILL COLD.
Dont ever compare Raul to Rolen. You should be whipped.
random consistency ???
HAHAHA. Thanks Captain.
Yeah. Random consistency. I stand by my contradiction. Its more of a awkward emotional description then an accurate comment. Kinda like a vibe of sorts.
Oh man. Random consistency.
That’s awesome.
Random Consistency should be Raul’s Nickname. Like hes a walking contradiction of terms. Good Offense/Bad Offense, Good defensive play/ bad defense play.
I always thought “a kind of random consistency” made major leaguers untrustworthy rather than dangerous…or rather it makes them dangerous to your own chances if you count upon him in the clutch…
#461
It could probably work both ways. He is untrustworthy AND dangerous at the same time.
He’s never been a good defender. And yea, random consistency is exactly what we need now. It’s perfect timing, right in the middle of a playoff race.
#463
“…random consistency is exactly what we need now.” (sarcastic tone)
Yeah, I hear ya. But it also brings those unexpected miracle wins that make baseball great. I cant wait for the Mariners next big come from behind victory. Those are fun to watch, build character and confidence and keep you on the edge of your seat. Which from the perspective of a Fan, can be very exciting.
Yunys Grand slam was a nice Mariner moment, I thought. Anyone else agree?
Izturis 2-run HR in 8th makes it 3-2 Angels. Damn Twins!
Why did the Twins take out Silva? 7 innings, 2 hits, 88 pitches. HUH?
Now that I think about it, there was a poster at the last SABR convention titled: “Random Consistency….the Next Market Inefficiency?”. Nobody was talking to the author but hey, it appears like Beane was all over the idea given the 2007 Athletics…
The Halos are sooo lucky; they just miss Santana’s start and we will face him.
467 – The trainer came out and looked at him in the 7th inning. I don’t know what they looked at but they let him pitch to Vlad who hit into a DP to end the 7th. They pulled him between innings for precautionary reasons.
470-Thanks for the clarification. At least it wasn’t a head-scratching McLaren move.
418 – I don’t know of an article explicitly on the subject, but I’d encourage anyone to look at the numbers.
Hard for me to see Ibanez as only 8 runs better than a replacement player offensively. It seems like he is 4th among all AL LF’ers in runs created.
He is first among LF’ers @ 6.5 “clutch”.
He is first among LF’ers BA/RISP.
I don’t want to see him play LF but is it okay to want to see the leading RBI guy on the team (and one of the top 10 “clutch” hitters in the league) bat?
chiming in belatedly (a grand slam save?!?)
212–Ibanez injured a shoulder in spring which lingered into most of the year, had lower back problems and hamsting problems. He is also 35, and never was the fastest guy out there (you may recall he has had a history of hamstring injuries, and in fact “re-learned” how to run back in 2004, trying to protect his hammies)
Sexson–well, he hurt his thumb in July. somehow I don’t think that’s been the problem, though.
Apparently Adam Jones gets to play on Sunday. Raul at DH. Don’t know the rest of the lineup.
I just hope to god there’s a way to keep Sexson in the lineup.
/sarcasm
Just got on the site to read the USSM take of the game today, and from starting the comments backwards, I almost got confused and thought this was the AUTO Renegade blog. 43 comments, seriously??? You had 43 pieces of insight to share with everyone?? I really hope your account is booted. Sorry, but jeez, after the whole posting issue has been on the forefront of this blog, you went out and knowingly offered 43 useless comments. Wow!
[and there's the ballgame]
#473: THT gives him roughly 7 RC for what is essentially non-repeatable skill….i.e. his BA is roughly 60 pts higher with RISP than overall this season. Clutch is neat and all but Ibanez’s is driven entirely by batting average which I think might make a lot of people bristle.
But lets ignore that issue for a moment. Context is everything with stats. Raul does have the 4th highest RC total for left fielders in the AL (12th highest for left fielders in the majors) but he also has the 5th highest number of PA for left fielders in the AL (12th highest for LFers in the majors). If his RC are normalized for 600 PA’s things look dramatically different. Looking at left fielders with at least 350 PA thus far (i.e. other starting left fielders; 19 of them), Raul’s normalized THT RC total would be 88 compared to the group average of 91 and he’d be ranked 12th out of 19. If you don’t honor his bonus for BA represented by THT’s clutch, then he’d have 78 RC over 600 PAs ranking him 16th out of 19 left fielders who’ve had at least 350 PAs.
Raul seems to have a lot of RC but then again he’s burned a lot of PA’s as well…. Factor in his defensive innings and he’s really resembling a black hole. Basically using the RC argument to defense Raul’s playing time essentially reduces his value down to an ability to have a hyperbolically higher average with RISP than overall. That’s a tenuous place to be as a major leaguer…
We can all see that he doesn’t belong in the outfield but I still can’t quite wrap my mind around the statistical argument against Ibanez in the Batting order.
He has been in a prolonged slump but his “win shares” are middle of the outfield pack and comparable to Abreu, M.Rameriz, Matsui, Guillen, etc. – I presume they are not coming with his leather.
I don’t know the statistical arguments for hitting with men on base not being a repeatable skill but Ibanez hit .337 RISP/.377 RISP 2 outs last year, .343 close & late in 2005.
I am just a casual observer of the games but when I see stats used that seem to contradict my observations I begin to question the application of the data.
Win Shares include defense.
Win Shares are not a good metric.
Also: there’s no evidence clutch hitting is a skill, much less something worth considering in putting together lineups.
And “.. when I see stats used that seem to contradict my observations I begin to question the application of the data.”
This is, by far, the hardest thing for people getting into this stuff to get over, and I sympathize, because I’ve been there before. But it should be the other way around. There are many, many people who for years swore that Derek Jeter was the best defensive shortstop they’d ever seen because he looked so good out there, never mind that you could look at the stats and see he just did not make as many plays as his peers.
You don’t want to be that guy. Don’t dismiss either side, but you should really consider that if the weight of evidence is against what you see, perhaps there’s something else you’re not seeing.
Jones in, Ibanez DH, Burke catching today. Turbo sits.
Is there any site that has the UZR for every Mariner?
Or one like here…
http://www.baseballthinkfactory.org/files/dialed_in/discussion/defensive_rankings_by_position_american_league/
Except up to date?
Can McLaren stop hitting Lopez 2nd vs lefties? He’s hitting .225/.273/.326 against them. That’s awful.
481 – This is good of course, but it only ever seems to be a product of some arbitrary “it’s Sunday so we give everyone a rest” logic. You know that if these moves actually made the team significantly worse then not only would we still make them, but we’d make as many of them as we can possibly make in the same game just because “it’s Sunday”. For that reason I’m not going to applaud the lineup today, it’s a symptom of the problem with how the team’s managed, it just so happens that when it comes to Sunday games blind adherence to arbitrary baseball rules makes the team better by default.
I don’t really care for Lopez hitting 2nd either. Why not try Jones there?
Checking the scoreboard… apparently the Yankees will never lose again.