Game 119, White Sox at Mariners
DMZ · August 17, 2007 at 5:59 pm · Filed Under Game Threads
Future Mariner Jose Contreras v Current Mariner Miguel Batista. 7:05.
The crew that will determine whether or not there’s a trade?
CF-L Ichiro
DH-B Vidro
RF-R Guillen
LF-L Ibanez
3B-R Beltre
1B-R Sexson
C-R Johjima
2B-R Lopez
SS-R Betancourt
mmm… familiarity means comfort. Is beating up on Contreras in the team’s long and short-term interest? Would they be better off if he’s dominant? Who knows.
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[first and last post]
See, Mac’s secret plan is to keep both Guillen and Sexson in the lineup at the expense of Broussard, thereby making Contreras look dominant, which will, in turn, justify a trade.
Just curious, what did Broussard do to catch Petagine-itis? Shouldn’t he get a start or two, either at 1B or RF, against opposing righties?
I think the Ms are almost a lock to win this game, regardless of how well Contreras does (within reason, he won’t shut us out).
McLaren is beaming with excitement right now because Parrish is coming off a two day rest!
For those of you guys/gals and the game, you enjoy those crazy bobbleheads!
So, after talking to a few people in the game, here’s what I’ve come to on Contreras – if the White Sox will pick up any money at all, make the deal.
The market value for Contreras is probably in the $6-$7 million per year range. Really. I know it’s hard to believe, but he’d probably get something like 2/14 if he was a free agent this winter. Don’t believe me?
Adam Eaton – 3/24
Jason Marquis – 3/21
Orlando Hernandez – 2/12
Jeff Weaver – 1/8
Randy Wolf – 1/8
The going market rate for a healthy pitcher with any recent success, regardless of his performance last year, is $6-$8 million a year. You can be a total disaster and still cash in on a short contract.
So, if we pick up Contreras, we owe him 2/20 the next two seasons. If he’s a success the last six weeks and helps the team down the stretch, he’d be remarkably easy to move without picking up any salary. If he’s terrible, you have to pick up $2-4 million a year to dump him. Your maximum liability, barring injury, is $8 million, and it’s probably closer to $4 million.
Given the length of the deal and teams remarkable willing to overpay for arms, the contract just isn’t that much of an albatross. The M’s can essentially rent Contreras for the stretch run, and if they don’t see what they like, they’re out a couple million bucks.
It’s worth the risk.
Just wondering, what is the source of the we’re-going-to-trade-for-him-if-we-like-what-we-see?
Dave, how do you think Contreras will do in Safeco compared to what he did at Comiskey?
The change in parks can’t hurt, but he’s not a homer prone flyball guy, so the effect won’t be as pronounced as it is with some of the others.
A potential problem in the switch is that he’s a contact guy and the White Sox defense is much better than the Mariners defense. But, overall, his peripherals still indicate that he’s not entirely done. If you look at him as a right-handed Jarrod Washburn, then you probably won’t be disappointed.
I don’t believe in magic, I don’t believe in chemistry and I don’t believe in grit. I do believe in perversity, however, and perversity suggests the Ms will beat the Sox tonight by about 12-1, mostly off Contreras.
So, what’s the upside to Contreras? Does he give up a lot of flyballs that might otherwise fly out of the yard? Then Safeco might be the place for him.
I dunno. I’m not enthusiastic about the rent-a-hack idea.
Another question. If Contreras knows that he may be traded, and since, as far as I know he does not possess a no trade clause, what if he stinks up the joint semi-purposefully because he does not want to move his family? I won’t complain.
Well, crap, if I’d taken the time to read Dave’s post (#8), I’d see that he’s not prone to homers, so no real safeco advantage.
Sorry, Dave.
You guys know anything about Edward Salcedo? I heard the Mariners are bidding on him.
Or how bout Jhrmivy DeJesus? He any good?
JC has slight GB tendencies…to me the big flag with him is his dramatically declining make ‘em miss ability.
Is he worth the risk? To me, that depends upon what the risk ends up actually being. Would the Ms actually have to trade someone useful or would they basically just take on salary?
I see absolutely no reason why the Mariners should help the White Sox, winners of a World Series a couple of years ago, and not going anywhere at all this year, get rid of their detritis. Why don’t they let us have a pitcher that will actually help us achieve the same goal? How about Buehrle?
Obviously I’m kidding, but really…Contreras is the best the Mariners can do? Boy, they’re really wheelin’ ‘n dealin’.
I don’t like Jim Bowden of the Nationals one bit, but if he were our GM he might get a few players for the Mariners that actually might be useful, just because of the sheer numbers of the players he acquires. Now there’s a wheeler-dealer…
Garbage picking is garbage picking. Bowden just seems to pick from cheaper dumpsters.
Contreras basically looks like another Weaver to me. He’s an $8-10M reasonable bet to eat innings at somewhere between average to slightly below league average.
Who do you suggest Karen? There really is noone out there. I say take Contreras he is WAY better then Ramirez
And the Red Sox tie it up against K-Rod.
Off topic to date, but [deleted, off-topic]
Down 3 runs in the bottom of the 8th no less. Good job Sox. Keep it coming.
ManRam. Red Sox 5, Halos 4. Bottom 8th.
And the Red Sox take the lead 5-4.
And now the Angels are losing
Woo woo Red Sox rally
Anybody have any idea of what possibly, if anything, the M’s would have to give up to get Contreras? Would it be as simple as taking on his contract?
I have to say I would rather see Contreras or even Baek on the mound than Ramirez at this point.
Dave,
If we end up getting Contreras, what sort of package would that require? I’m guessing we wouldn’t have to give up WB or Clement, especially if we eat a sizeable chunk of the contract. Any thoughts?
Nice question 26.
DAMellen
Are they international players?
Oh crap. Gagne is in.
26-27 – my guess would be nothing. Strict salary dump/waiver claim.
26- I don’t think the White Sox are interested in Willie Ballgame…
Probably one question that has to be considered: Is Contreras better than the free agents that will be available after this season is over? i.e. Is he the best #5 starter we can get for the future.
However, we must play for this year first and foremost (this has a limit, obviously).
How does Contreras compare to David Wells, who carries no multiyear liability?
32-
Thanks. LOL. You obviously know who I meant.
11 pitch at-bat (so far) for Watchootalkingaboutwillits.
And he flies out on the thirteenth pitch.
36 – the constant stream of “Foul” was really getting to me. Glad he made an out though
Dave,
I think I have heard you say in the past that there is no “showcasing” before trades. If that is true, wouldn’t we trade for Contreras before we play him? Is the FO silently hoping he shuts us down so that the fans will buy the move? I guess I just do not understand the machinations of this whole rumor. If we think Contreras is a quality enough arm to pitch for a contender, then why would we want to face him?
#39 the worst irony is that we lose to Contreras tonight, trade for him, have him pitch brilliantly for the next month and a half and miss the playoffs by one game.
And Gagne walks Kotchman. Could he possibly be the Red Sox karmic payback for Heathcliff Slocumb?
Oh man…LA losing two in one day could be big.
Gagne sucks. What happened?
damnit, why don’t the red sox have papelbon in?
Damn you Gagne. Game tied.
Gagne sucks at helping out the Seattle Mariners!
Eric Gagne, you motherbitchslut.
Sheesh. Gange has completely imploded since getting traded to Boston.
GAGNE IS THE WORST.
43- He pitched the early game.
Remember when Gagne was good? This is the first time I miss that.
Good grief. It’s like watching Bobby Ayala try and close out a game.
Curse you! *shakes fist*
That’s what the Red Sox get for completely ignoring how good Okajima’s been this season and going out to get a “setup man” to replace the better “setup man” they already had.
That said, though, Gagne had been outstanding in Texas before that trade.
Maybe Schilling would give him #38?
He sucks as an 83.
Okajima went 1.2 innings in the first game of the doubleheader.
53- Okajima also pitched in the early game.
He got lucky on the DP, or it could be even worse.
Massive reversal of fortune watching fangraphs. Red sox had 93% win expectation at the start of the ninth. now after vlad? 7%.
Good to see the White Sox still insist on giving away outs for free. I love playing this team.
Go Jason Varitek and Kevin Youkilis! Get on for the homer that Lugo’s about to hit! He’s gonna do it. Just watch.
How sweet is it, that we care at this point in the season that Gagne is blowing a lead that the Red Sox had against the Angels?
I’ll take this over the last few years, that’s for sure!
(I’m still feeling yesterday’s positivity thread)
Yes, Gagne sucks but if the M’s don’t start playing better, it won’t matter.
55 and 56:
I hear you. I’m not saying Okajima should have been in there. I’m just saying trading for Gagne seemed unnecessary for a team with Okajima and Papelbon shutting teams down.
Ok, Show(case)time.
Beluga Tits!
Miggy Bats!
Time to see trade bait.
efficient 11 pitch inning for miguel…let’s see how contreras starts out for the sox
Do we really want to trade for a 62 year old pitcher though? Geez, he looks like Greg Oden!
Major screwover in the Sawks game.
Youk is called out on a check swing where he didn’t even go, and then it was clear he foul tipped it into the ground anyway.
The call? Yes, he went and no, he didn’t foul is. Manager and batter ejected. The Angels have been blessed enough by getting a full inning of the pitcher formerly known as Eric Gagne
must have been a good one, even in Extended Excessive Penalty Week
RAUUUUUL!
RAUUUUUUUL
Bobble Head POWER!
Bobblehead power!
Cancel that trade
Thanks for the audition … we’ll call if we’re interested. Bye.
Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together – mass hysteria.
Well done Rauul. I will now type your name with two “U”s in my posts.
Looking good Rauuul. Plus two.
If Contreras is meant to be a potential upgrade as a #5 and he is essentially auditioning tonight, what’s a deal breaker- 6 IP and 9 ER?
is that erased from the Contreras plus-minus ledger because Raul is just so darned hot?
#78
Thank you, Venkman.
Here’s the real question:
What would Contreras cost us?
I don’t wanna give up one of our A prospects (Balentien, Clement, Triunfel).
Gee
A few more runs this inning…
Ok, his ERA still won’t be as bad as Ramirez’s
The good news: RAUUUUUUUUUUL!
The bad news: The Ho stays in the starting rotation.
Paging David Wells. Mr. Wells to a white courtesy phone.
#84
In an ideal world, it would cost is Richie Sexon. In reality, it’ll cost is something valuable.
When did we trade HoRam to the Sox?? I thought Contreras was on the mound for them??
81 – getting out of the first would be a plus
Triunfel? There’s zero chance of him being traded.
DAMellen: After this inning he’ll cost us a bag of chips. I think we can look forward to NOT getting Contreras. His outs have been Ichiro swinging at garbage and Vidro hitting a ball pretty hard right at first base.
Well, good inning anyways.
wait, wait– so Raul is hot again? I can never keep track of these things.
Looks like Contreras has good stuff and decent control….even though he is getting hit hard this inning, he is not pitching too poorly. In my mind, he has to give up about 100 runs for me not to take him over Ramirez.
That guy who keeps fa e guarding the ball girl down the left field line needs his arse kicked…
I’m trying to watch a pro work dude…you’re trying to get here killed. Arsewhole.
Richie proves he’s, uh, well…
Richie
DMZ- He is 1-1 today, thats 1.000 BA! Of course he is hot!
He handled Sexson. Get the trade done….
I guess, Richie is still not too sexy for the strike zone.
Even though I still think The Box should be in left, I like that Raul is doing something offensive that is offensive.
Jhrmivy DeJesus needs to buy a vowel.
At one of the Red Sox games at Safeco a couple weeks ago some Sox fans were gloating about their acquisition of Gagne. Justice.
Contreras only made a few bad pitches. Take away those pitches and he would have had a good first inning. The M’s will make the trade and help him get back on track to when he was dominating!
Contreras looked pretty good that inning, actually. 92-95 on the FSN gun, so probably more like 90-93, but solid sink on the fastball, an effective splitter, and an okay slider. Guillen’s double was an off balance swing that was barely fair. The pitch to Ibanez was the only really bad pitch he threw.
Put it this way – Contreras’ stuff in the first inning was better than Batista’s. I’d still take him.
#102
How is that justice? Gange just cost us a half-game.
Did anyone notice Contreras’ arm dropping way down after Ibanez’s homer? Does he frequently change arm angles? I could have just been seeing stuff . . .
105 — You’re right, lost my mind for a moment. Sorry.
When does Philippe actually start pitching? And where?
Hi Phillipe!
Aumont’s looking sharp!
Contreras’ split between balls and strikes is pretty amazing.
Anyone else worried that the language barrier might slow Aumont’s development into a major leaguer?
Greg O, sorry it took me so long to get back to you.
Yeah, they’re both Dominican shortstops. The Mariners just got DeJesus for about a million dollars and are in the bidding for Salcedo who is 16 and supposed to be the best player in the Dominican.
Did anyone read today’s peace on Batista? Pretty interesting stuff about him. Also pretty typical cream puff piece in teh seattle media.
Geoff Baker said he’s been learning English steadily for the past 18 months.
He speaks english.
Anyone else worried that the language barrier might slow Aumont’s development into a major leaguer?
There are like four guys on the Mariners whose first language is English. I’m not concerned.
It doesn’t seem to affect the legions of latino players who speak no English.
That splitter is worth the money, I hope the scouts weren’t eating their rally fries for that pitch.
Aumont looks like his about 27
Crap
Looks like “HE’S” about 27
Contreras definitely looked good in that inning.
Maybe we should worry about our own English.
it was an off-day personality piece… how is that different from any other media market?
Contreras’ stuff that inning was the same as the first – he just got to face three right-handers who chase pitches out of the strike zone and get themselves out.
Those two innings are exactly why results based analysis sucks.
So much for all the praise Boston received from the Gagne trade. I didn’t understand what was wrong with the Okajima/Papelbon combo?
Maybe we should worry about our own English.
Well done.
As long as Aumont can spell Pineiro, he’ll beat many potential USSM contributors.
Right, but he probably won’t acknowledge anyone who tries to speak to him using English…
Frankly, I don’t know why the trade for Contreras hasn’t been made yet. I mean, he’s a proven veteran with a solid track record! He’d be a valuable addition to clubhouse chemistry!
I probably should shut up. I want this deal to be made so I’d best not jinx it.
124-
It was more a comment about the Seattle media in general. Not this piece specifically -which I liked. How is this market different. Pickup a newspaper in Boston, New York, LA, Philly and you’ll see the difference. The Seattle media in general is not very good in my opinion.
Contreras, with his WS ring, would be a fine addition to Weaver and Washburn.
You mean Piñeiro.
LA’s columnists are hooooooooooooorrible
At least LA doesn’t have Art Thiel…
Pickup a newspaper in Boston, New York, LA, Philly and you’ll see the difference. The Seattle media in general is not very good in my opinion.
Not as good as the biggest media market in the world? The city that attracts the best of the best? No way!
Dave–Re:#8 Chicago’s defense is much better than Mariners. Other than left field and first base would you trade theirs for ours.
Noting of course the defensive cure to left field is on the bench tonite.
Does Blowers think every pitcher is a “cutter”?? Jesus.
But I digress. We have a “nicer” media, I suppose.
The rumor is that Contreras is headed to the Dodgers (according to the Sun-Times).
I really like Thome.
Sheesh I just had a panic attack. I saw Raul’s numbers on that last play.
Would that last flyball by Thome been against the wall in Chicago?
So I’m confused. Do you guys think the Mariners SHOULD get Contreras or not?
143. Or over it.
#144
If it’s to replace HoRam, yes. Absolutely. In a heartbeat. Should have done it yesterday.
Seattle is a Top 10 media market. And I didn’t say they were better -but they sure can be mean. Ever read Mike Lupica?
Anyone would be better than the Ho. This is Bavasi’s worst move by far. Joel Pineiro would be better than the Ho.
Holy crap. Niehaus just remembered something correctly. Good for him.
I hear we are going to trade for Junior. That’d be awesome!
Ah. Speed on the basepaths is a beautiful thing.
Does fielding a bunt weigh into the decision?
Vidro can’t GIDP here.
Small side note to the game. My daughter and I went to the game on Wednesday and got there early. Our seats were behind the dugout and it happened that two Mariners were signing autographs, one at each end of the dugout. On the home plate side was Eric O’Flaherty who was delighted to be signing and chatted very amiably. At the other end of the dugout was Miguel Batista who wore a very surly expression …. no small talk … glared at anyone who handed him a sharpie without the top removed (and the only words he spoke were a curt “Where’s your pen?” to a young girl who handed him a hat without a pen). Anyhoo, the impression was that Batista was there under orders from management to spend 5 minutes signing once a week whereas O’Flaherty would have signed all afternoon. Still, my daughter got two autographs on her favorite cap and that was great!
150 If you make a claim like that, can you at least give us the source?
155… Bob Finnegan told me, isn’t that enough?
#155
Trading for Junior draws ire from the USSM faithful. I think he was being sarcastic.
#157 — you mean, draws eye rolls.
I forgot this place oozes with sarcasm. My mistake.
#158
Okay, let me rephrase that. Rumors of trading Adam Jones for Junior draws ire from the USSM faithful.
Picture a lighter, alcohol consumption, laughing buddies and singed underpants…
The fact that Contreras isn’t doing that great could be a good thing. Bavasi likes that.
The DP is the blog poster’s best friend!
Well one thing is for sure, Contreras is a lot better than HoRam. But his contract is still not really worth it….
162. He isn’t doing that bad. An unearned run on a short fly ball isn’t anything to hold against him. As professor Dave pointed out, he only threw one bad pitch in the first.
Does anyone here at USSM think Batista is going to win 17,18,19 games?
Why are there fans in the stand holding signs that say UUUUAR?
Have we heard why paying THAT much in salary to Contreras is better than getting Joe Kennedy for next to nothing?
That bobble head looks nothing like Raul.
If we did get Contreras, the Ho would go to the pen. He could replace Parrish or RRS and pitch in blow-out games. He could go a lot of innings in relief and wear out the other team’s batters for the next day.
Back to Contreras:
So you guys would even want to trade for him considering his contract? Why? I’m not arguing, just wondering.
170
McLaren would then let HoRam try to work his way out of a jam late in the game (as Rizzs likes to say) and Sherrill would get one batter to face.
3 Strikeouts?! That’s like more than HoRam has had in his entire career!
Knowing McLaren, he’d throw out Ho in the most pressure-packed situations.
166: If Batista wins today he’ll have 13 wins. 17 isn’t out of the question.
Dear Richie
Thank you for sucking slightly less lately.
… I wasn’t sure if he was going to make it to second.
Has Richie adjusted his swing at all lately? It looks a lot prettier lately than it has been looking over the past few months.
171 See comment 5, I believe that’s why most people think the M’s should trade for him, or you can keep it simple and just go with the “he’s better than Horam” reason which works as well, but then when you think about it, who isn’t better than Horam?
Likely this has been commented on but that shot of the lineup card made me wonder … how many other bullpens have more lefties than righties (we have 4 lefties and 3 righties)?
I do believe it’s time for a Rally Hoegaarden.
181:
Good call. I’m going to 7-11. Here’s to a 1-2-3 beer run.
Horam out of the bullpen? Horam should be delivering the Rally Fries if he ever gets replace in the rotation.
182… it’s on sale at Central Market!
Oh Batista, you listen to Kenny G? You can do -so- much better. Think of all the real jazz saxophonists that have lived.
How ’bout that Beltre…nice pick to save a run and a double to boot.
Beltre’s throws to first are worth the price of admission
Looks like Ichiro forgot there was 2 outs for a second there.
And while I know it’s an almost meaningless statistic around here …. Batista’s ERA just dropped below 4.00. Bavasi must be proud.
Nice hustle Yuni!
Atta boy Yuni. Way to hustle.
Yeah Yuni!
HUSTLIN’ YUNIESKY BENTANCOURT!!!!!! What a great sight.
Great hustle by Yuni!
Why is Ichiro bunting in the fifth inning!?
Not sure I play small ball up 3 in the 5th…
Yeah I don’t agree with the bunt there.
Because the White Sox offense sucks, and the Mariners bullpen is good.
2 sac flies for Vidro. Nice job.
Does McLaren even know how good Ichiro is with RISP? Who am I kidding, no he doesn’t.
Thatta boy Turbo.
Just stay off of the field and you’re a mildy dope player.
Nothing pisses me off more than one Ichiro bunts with a man on second. And I don’t think McLaren told him to do that. Ichiro bunts with men on second ALL THE TIME. STOP IT!!!!!!!
Forget the results based analysis … Raul’s mechanics just look better.
No thanks, Sox.
198 You could use what you just said as an argument not to bunt. White Sox’s offense sucks and the Mariners BP is good, so 3 runs should be a comfortable lead, then why not try and blow them out? I’m not against bunting just not in certain situations.
Now that is what you call good baserunning.
Er…uh… Good hustle Jose?
Lmao Guillen.
LOL, he scores from second on an infield chopper. You gotta like that.
An I hearing boos for Sexson?
There’s that ugly swing again….
I hope Richie gets thrown out like the last homestand.
This looks well in hand, off to the bar! Go M’s!
>>205
I do not want to start another discussion about bunting since people seem to be very stubborn about it, but in respect to your logic you used, if a 3-run lead is comfortable, a 4-run lead should make the comfortable lead a pretty convincing lead. So in that case, is there really much need to make it a blowout? You would want to blow them out if they had an offense capable of coming back from a 3-4 run deficit.
To bunt is to intentionally make an out. Outs shorten the inning, thus reducing scoring opportunities. To purposefully make an out – regardless of the rationale – is not logical.
214 Shouldn’t you always try to blow a team out? I didn’t know there was a strategy to trying to win a game by only 1 or 2 runs? Like I said, I’m not against bunting, just thought it wasn’t a wise decision by Ichiro in the last inning.
Late in the game where it might be decided by one run, I can understand laying down a bunt, but laying one down in the fifth inning with a runner on second and no outs is flat out stupid.
It sounds like they had the wave going in Safeco. I hope whoever invented that burns in hell.
Contreras is not making it easy to muster a lot of enthusiasm to go after him. Yes – he’s a HoRam upgrade. That’s a faint praise argument. Would we give up much for him? Would he still be a viable starter a season and a half from now at a fairly hefty salary? I’m not sold and I’m not completely turned off. This has been a mediocre outing that makes us all say we shouldn’t over-evaluate this single performance.
The goal is to score runs. Bunting almost always lowers your chance to do so. Sitting on a three-run lead because it’s “good enough” and giving away outs is a terrible strategy. It’s always best to make it a blowout. I’m cool with a bunt late in a game where one run will tie or take the lead. This wasn’t that.
My guess? Ichiro thought he saw an opening for a bunt base hit and tried it without getting the bunt sign, knowing that even if it doesn’t work, the runner will at least move over.
214 BTW I was using your logic in saying that a 3 run lead was a comfortable lead in THIS game based on your logic in comment 198.
215 Bunting was a terrible idea in this case, but it isn’t always illogical. Bunting a runner from second to third increases the chance of scoring a single run, but decreases the chance of scoring more than one run. There are definitely situations where you’d like a better shot at scoring just one run.
With Ichiro’s bat control and speed…unless he’s pushing one towards third to try to get on base…I almost never think it’s a good idea to bunt.
Wow so much for not starting a bunting discussion there Tak!
this is why I did not want to start this. People are so unflexible with their thoughts about bunting, if it was such an obviously bad move to make, no team in baseball would EVER bunt. There are definitely situations where bunting is a smart move, I am not gonna start discussing if today’s situation was one of those, but I am just trying to point out that there probably are some reasons why the team (or Ichiro) thought it was a good idea.
>>216
A 1-0 win is the same as a 10-0 game. I understand there is nothing “wrong” about trying to blow a team out, but lets say, if this were the 9th inning and the score was tied, would you put the priority on scoring 1 run, or trying to make it a blow out game? Obviously the above situation was not as obvious as this example…
Ugh. I just discovered a rally fries entry on Wikipedia.
I don’t want to jinx it, but Batista has a chance.
http://groups.google.com/group/alt.sports.baseball.sea-mariners/topics?lnk=srg
Hey, did you know that some people STILL post to alt.sports.baseball.sea-mariners?
Ah, those were the good old days. I still remember the first time I called Dave Cameron a hack like it was yesterday.
#226
A chance of what? Spontaneously combusting? I admit it’s a longshot, but there is a chance.
I’ve missed the game so far, how’s the audition going?
This would be a rarity if Batista makes it through the seventh.
A 1-0 win is the same as a 10-0 game.
If you’re talking about final scores, sure, but this is an oversimplified argument. If you’re in the fifth inning, a 10-run lead is obviously going to give you a much better chance to win than a one-run lead.
but I am just trying to point out that there probably are some reasons why the team (or Ichiro) thought it was a good idea.
I agree. I think Ichiro thought it was a good idea. It’s just that the probabilities disagree. But Ichiro can turn a lot of those into singles, so it’s hard to knock him too hard.
That bottom of the fifth was a perfect example of why results-based analysis is wrong. A bloop double, a ground ball up the middle, and a high-chopper off the mound lead to two runs.
228 A chance of a 7 inning shutout of course. You didn’t think I meant CG shutout, did you?
228 A chance of a 7 inning shutout of course. You didn’t think I meant CG shutout, did you?
A chance at what? I could have swore I saw some hits from the white sox, and sure enough they have 3….
Well, that makes a bit more sense.
On other news Brandon Webb has thrown 42 consecutive scoreless innings. The scary thing is that that is still needs two more CG shutouts to break Hershisher’s 59. Will that record ever be broken by starter?
A starter I meant.
The worst possible thing a pitcher can ever do: Walk Darin Erstad and Scott Podsednik consecutively. Those are two of the worst regulars in the bigs. Plus they’re fast. Hopefully we can get a DP here.
M’s starter + 100 pitches = Pumpkin
Felix in 2011 will break it. I just got a copy of that book that Biff had, my future self paid me a visit.
Miggy throwing a 7 inning GC…some things just weren’t meant to be.
DizzleChizzle totally jinxed him.
243 – Think McFly, think!
Again?!?! You have got to be kidding me.
Yeah, well, Miggy could have done that.
you’ve gotta be kidding me….
5 run leads rock.
This is why you Ichiro shouldn’t have bunt.
Jesus H. Christ. On a popsicle stick.
A fluke grand slam to cut the lead to one? That’s why you don’t give away outs. That’s why you score as many runs as possible.
Mariners just screwing it to the Pythagorean record people.
Two things: Gameday had ball two as well inside the strikezone, for whatever that is worth. And don’t remove Sherrill now. I would rather have Sherrill pitch to Fields than have Morrow pitch to Thome.
Leave GS52 in McLaren…c’mon!
HamNasty jinxed it in comment 213. Right about now his beer goggles are kicking in and it serves him right.
Why would they bunt there? o.o
Oh well I’ll take it.
Well, I may have been wrong about ball two to Richar. At least Fields made Morrow’s job easy.
Walking Juan Uribe is, to say the least, “ill-advised”
And then the White Sox bunt to give away another out. Gotta leave a team that actively tries to lose.
How is that even possible? Give up a FIRST MLB HR to a dude batting ninth and 160 something? Has every member of our bullpen now given up a GS in the past 2 weeks? This is insane!
This team HATES to be winning by more than 2 runs. That’s the theory I’m working on.
How many salamis has the pen given up in the past five days???????
255- I am back, the bar was lame. Hopefully I unjinxed the M’s. I wish I was getting housed right now.
260: I don’t know if you saw it, but tt was an inside pitch that he just turned on and pushed over the fence. He could have bunted it out of the park. He looked like he check-swinged. He might not hit another homer this year.
Has there been 7 grand slams given up by the M’s. I don’t remember that many.
If we did get Contreras, would we go into the record books as the first team to have 4 Jose’s on the 25 man roster?
Niehaus is all but blind now. That’s why he can’t read the ball off the bat. What’s your excuse, Simms?
The ten million dollar question:
Would Contreras really want to go to a team not even good enough to beat HIM?
Nothing good can come from walking the bases loaded. That’s my theory.
264: I saw it and you can’t justify it away. Sherril threw a terrible pitch and there has been an insane number of these lately with the bases loaded.
Damn HamNasty, do you like live around the corner from the bar?
Ramirez is, no doubt, pointing out to anyone who will listen, “Hey guys, this Jose pitcher isn’t really that good. Lets get some effin’ runs!!”
Uh yeah…they say its best to start a power hitter off, like Thome, with a fastball down the pipe
271- 2 across the street, love me a college town.
Morrow does have some hot, stinky cheese though even if he doesn’t always know where it’s going.
Okay JJ is in, I feel safe and warm now.
Does Morrow throw anything but 95+ fastballs?
Why have Morrow pitch to Pierzynski but not Erstad? You’re killing me Johnnie Mac!
Gee whiz… JJ for a multi inning save again. Brilliant, Mac, brilliant.
Concerning Morrow – it is both a pleasure and a sadness to watch him pitch. He shows signs of awesomeness and of 23 yearoldness. If only he’d been left to develop in the minors as a starter … I so hope they follow through with the plan to make him a starter.
There are many reasons to bash McLaren.
Being willing to use the team’s best reliever in a high-leverage situation outside of the 9th inning is not one of them.
277 — He better not.
There are many reasons to bash McLaren.
Being willing to use the team’s best reliever in a high-leverage situation outside of the 9th inning is not one of them.
Thank you!
Podsednik with an impressive .442 OPS w/RISP this season.
JJ!
dunno. I do know the Pirates had 4 Jasons at one time….
My brother owns a painting contracting business. Every other guy working for him is named Jose.
Raul is having a good night. They should keep giving out hte bobbleheads.
let’s give away a Raul Bobblehead every night!!!!!
Forget four Jasons. I want four guys named Boof on my team.
281 & 283 — I agree with the high leverage logic. But when do you know your closer’s been pitching too many two innings? (Not trying to be smart ass, honestly asking for advice.)
Maybe if we have a HoRam bobblehead night he’d be inspired enough to hold the other team under double figures.
Raul had a 1.294 OPS for August coming into this game.
This guy’s got a funky name and a funky delivery. I like him. Can we trade Parrish for him?
I’d give Parrish to anyone in exchange for some BP baseballs.
Why does Dave Sims, keep saying “Everybody’s safe” when it’s only two people?
Dear Richie
I’ve been nice to you today. Because of that, could you please get an RBI basehit? A home run would be nice, too.
Somebody tell Ben Broussard to start throwing seeds at McLaren, I don’t think he knows Ben is on the roster anymore.
Yeah, the Broussard/Sexson platoon plan lasted about two games.
293: I know his year-long OPS is still bellow .800, but Raul having a hot august and (hopefully) a hot september – and having this streak continue into the Safe – is giving me a lot of hope for the M’s.
I’d prefer Jones; but I’ll take Raul circa 2006 if we can’t get defense in left field.
Is it possible that the talk about Raul finally being healthy was genuine, and that the low mid-season OPS was due to fatigue and nagging injury? If so, then this could be a sustainable change. We all know that Raul is a capable hitter (or at least that he has been). I have optimistic hope that this will continue…
Probably not at a 1.294 OPS clip – but hey, if we get one or two weeks of that, and then a marginal streak, and then a hot streak… my goodness we’d have a normal hitter on our hands.
…
And quote the Nehaus “Podsednik is waiting for gravity to do it’s thing… which it always does.”
Pure, brilliant, unintentional humor. I love the M’s radio broadcasts. Call me a glutton for punishment, but I love them. They’re classic!
And apparently the concept of a pinch hitter is as foreign to McLaren as reading a splits chart on a player.
#299
Now if only Mac had that little patience with HoRam.
296: it is everybody isn’t it?
If we end up losing this game somehow I’m going to be ill.
Who is this Jones kid and what is he doing in the game?
Why is WFB in left!? We’ve established that Jones does more good in left field at Safeco!
Homer: Here’s your magazines. How many of these guys are named Corey?
Lisa: Eight.
Heart attack Ms…living up to their nickname!
GameCast says…that wasn’t a ball. Was it?
Nah it looked high.
This ump has the lowest strike zone I’ve ever seen.
Man, that was close. Putz is having a hard time finding the strike zone.
That was ugly Putz.
Anyone–Walking the leadoff batter results in him scoring–what per cent of the time?
Come on JJ!!
JJ was careful with Fields because he remembered the Grand Slam in Chicago. He knew Cintron was on deck.
PUTZ WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Whew. Screw the Pythagorean. I’ll take the W.
Simms: Boy, that was interesting.
NO MORE 4 OUT SAVES!!!!!!!!!!!! JJ will have no arm left…..
Thank goodness…game over.
JJ is 11 of 12 in 8-inning saves.
Thanks Sims!
Mr. Mojo Risin’
Mac looked steamed as he appeared to be yelling at something or someone immediately after the game ended. Anyone have a clue as to what got under his skin.
He didn’t get to pitch Parish?
He was hoping it would go to extra innings since we do well in those games?
He wanted to get Sexon up there one more time to let his veteran “work it out?”
Ben Broussard had happy feet from sitting on the bench and it was annoying Mac?
Just a few thoughts…
I was at this game in section 323.. every time one of our Jose’s came up, they led the section in what I can only call “the Jose song”. Pretty funny..