MLB 2008

[Big Al]

FWIW, the Rangers have been hovering right at .500 for almost a month now, and have yet to win more than two games in a row in that span. The upside is that they haven't fallen below .500 in a long time; the downside, of course, is that they haven't gotten much higher than .500. At some point, someone down here (probably a Rangers front-office type) will be saying that the Rangers have actually improved over last season.

Okay, technically. I guess it could be (and has been) far worse. But .500 ain't gonna get you anywhere, unless you're in the NL Worst...... er, West. First place held down by a team with a .500 record? How pathetic is that?

Al, I'm going to assume you see more of them than I get to. Is Saltalamacchia ever going to make the next step, or did the Braves really pull one off?

Depends on if the Rangers ever give him that opportunity. The Rangers keep calling up all these youngsters, that a lot of folks around here are wondering if the Rangers are auditioning young talent for the trading block.

[Tim McG]

I'll never rule out the Yankees -- if only because it allows me to focus my hatred. Interleague sucks and should go away. I know it's great to see teams play each other that don't usually get to do so, but that's been in place for over a century -- it's called the World Series.

Don't get me wrong, Goodspeak, I love baseball in general, even the pathetic state that is the West this year. However, it's fun to watch you have a tantrum just because people are passionate about their own teams. Funny, should I expect you to chat about the Sox? Probably not.

I like the Cubs, and appreciate the rivalry between southside and northside, but if I have to spend one more Sunday night watching Ozzie Guillen stare at the camera, I think I'm going to take a hostage.

Now, back to the really good stuff -- I love that Tampa Bay is finally showing its promise. I just hope it keeps up. I'm tired of the Spankees and Red Sox every year, but I'll be damned if I'm going to sacrifice the hometown team in the name of variety. So here's the Spanks going the way that that terrible mustache of Jason Giambi's ought to. Next two series for the Sox ought to be some of the most exciting baseball we've seen in ages, and I'm really counting on some good ball -- maybe even a Donnie Brook!

And I promise, I will do my best to talk about the West now that interleague is behind us and the West can get back to losing against the East in their own league.

Just an obsevation on my part, but get rid of that silly DH rule and we'll see what happens losing-wise, my friend.

My point is I just get a little tired of the East dominating the conversation around here is all. And even when the East does tank, you guys don't stop talking about them, right? So the West is stinking up the joint right now. So what? Still a lot going on pitching-wise out here and the trade deadline looms large.

The MidWest gets some mention so long as they are AL teams playing the AL East but the West, even the A's who have played out of their collective spikes the last couple seasons, rarely get mentioned.

My Giants suck, no doubt about that. But all's I'm saying is there is more to the MLB than just Eastern baseball. Make sense?

Edited June 30, 2008 by GoodSpeak

[Dan Gould]

I have to take back what I've been saying about Masterson. The more I watch, the more I see him get hammered by lefties. I truly fear for what the Yankees will do to him next Saturday on national TV. Its a combination of leaving too many pitches belt high against lefties, and the fact that lefties get a nice long look at his pitches because of his delivery. And how the FUCK can a guy with a supposedly awesome sinker leave so many pitches where they can get hammered? Every single game he's given up bombs to lefties.

The Yankees are going to fucking kill him. Mark my words. Three home runs - MINIMUM.

[Dan Gould]

And the fucking walks. Five of them in six inning,s and an eye-popping four coming with two outs, and two of them scored.

With Buchholz dominating at Pawtucket, they've got one choice: Send Masterson down at the break, and have him work as a reliever. Bring him up by the end of the month. Maybe he can succeed as a starter, maybe not. But right now, without a trade, they need him as a groundball machine reliever. That still needs them desperate for someone to face lefties unless Okajima fixes himself. But I'm a little tired of watching Masterson give up bombs, and I seriously fear his ability to beat the Yankees.

[papsrus]

Gross mentioned in the post-game interview that he thought Masterson was having trouble with his location all night, so he just waited until he left one over the plate. Nice win, but Percival still needs a three-run cushion. I almost breathed a sigh of relief when he tweaked his hammy and had to be yanked.

I look for the Sox to come out full of fire tomorrow. It could be Kaz-Dice K for the rubber match!

And ... the Yankees lost!

And ... now I'm going to sit back and relax and enjoy an A's-Angels game (that's West Coast baseball)

[Dan Gould]

And ... the Yankees lost!

The only part of the night that was worth anything. I never would have guessed that Texas pitching would manage to protect a 2-1 lead from the fifth inning on.

I don't know about the Sox right now. I think they are really missing Papi, who will be lucky to get back after the break, I think it will be at least a week beyond the start of the second half. And Elllsbury's hitting or lack thereof is killing them.

They certainly have to win tomorrow; I'd hate to see them try to beat Kazmir to avoid a sweep.

And tomorrow's Yankee game should be interesting - Joba facing his first real test, an AL team that happens to lead in scoring. If he gets through them and keeps them to three runs or less and goes seven, then I'll start giving him credit.

[Dan Gould]

Fwiw, the Boston papers (well, the Globe) are speculating that with Buchholz improving and Masterson looking shaky, a switch might be made. Its obvious that they are thinking in those terms - Buchholz has been starting on the same days Masterson starts, so there won't be any alteration if they make that move. I'll say it again though - I don't want to see Masterson face Abreu, Giambi, Posada, Damon or Cano with that short porch in right field.

[Big Al]

And ... the Yankees lost!

The only part of the night that was worth anything. I never would have guessed that Texas pitching would manage to protect a 2-1 lead from the fifth inning on.

I'm still pinching myself.

[BERIGAN]

FWIW, the Rangers have been hovering right at .500 for almost a month now, and have yet to win more than two games in a row in that span. The upside is that they haven't fallen below .500 in a long time; the downside, of course, is that they haven't gotten much higher than .500. At some point, someone down here (probably a Rangers front-office type) will be saying that the Rangers have actually improved over last season.

Okay, technically. I guess it could be (and has been) far worse. But .500 ain't gonna get you anywhere, unless you're in the NL Worst...... er, West. First place held down by a team with a .500 record? How pathetic is that?

Al, I'm going to assume you see more of them than I get to. Is Saltalamacchia ever going to make the next step, or did the Braves really pull one off?

Depends on if the Rangers ever give him that opportunity. The Rangers keep calling up all these youngsters, that a lot of folks around here are wondering if the Rangers are auditioning young talent for the trading block.

Al, Thom....I feel like Saltalamacchia has been as poorly used as you will ever see a prized rookie used. Salty missed almost half of the 2006 year because of injuries, and played only 91 games in AA. He played 22 games in AA in 2007(Yes, I am looking this stuff up! ) and was called up by the braves. He looked BETTER than McCann last year! Better at blocking the plate(The one thing McCann doesn't do well these days behind the plate) much better at throwing runners out(Shocked he is having so much trouble this year, and McCann has been much better-shows one year does predict a career)

But, Booby Cox in his infinate wisdom, kept running McCann out there with a bad ankle, and had Salty ride the pine...for weeks, he'd be lucky to play one game. Couldn't use him to pinch hit....

Then, when it was painfully clear Scott Thorman was not a ML 1st baseman, why not try him out at 1st??? Oh no, can't send him down for a few weeks to learn, the majors is just fine!

So, learn to hit in the ML level, play a new position, and catch once in a blue moon.

Then the Rangers decided his swing was too long(Which may very well be true) and shortened it. It looks better to me , and he's walking a lot more...but, he was called up before Laird was hurt! What was the point??? Learn by sitting???

He's still only 23......

[WorldB3]

And ... now I'm going to sit back and relax and enjoy an A's-Angels game (that's West Coast baseball)

Great game pitched by Mr. Smith, the Haren trade has already brought in 3 guys that are contributing. That Gonzalez kid should be special.

Make sure to stay up for the game tonight with Harden vs Santana. Should be a good one.

Oh yeah, Go Devil Rays!!! if somehow the A's and the Rays can get to the post season and keep the two evil empires (red sox and yankees) out I will be so happy I will buy you a Mosaic Box Set.

[papsrus]

And ... now I'm going to sit back and relax and enjoy an A's-Angels game (that's West Coast baseball)

Great game pitched by Mr. Smith, the Haren trade has already brought in 3 guys that are contributing. That Gonzalez kid should be special.

Make sure to stay up for the game tonight with Harden vs Santana. Should be a good one.

Oh yeah, Go Devil Rays!!! if somehow the A's and the Rays can get to the post season and keep the two evil empires (red sox and yankees) out I will be so happy I will buy you a Mosaic Box Set.

In their last four games, the Angels have scored exactly 2 runs and have been shut out twice! Talk about a rough patch.

Yeah, I'll be tuning in to the A's-Angels again tonight. I like the Brewers-D'Backs game, too.

Course, the game of the night will be at the Trop again. Like I said earlier, I expect the Sox to be fired up. I expect the Rays to be fired up. I know I'll be fired up! And I know Dan will be fired up!

[Dan Gould]

this game is just fucking killing me. Just like yesterday, whenever the Sox do something offensively, the Rays respond. One way or another, by a gift or otherwise, they respond.

[papsrus]

this game is just fucking killing me. Just like yesterday, whenever the Sox do something offensively, the Rays respond. One way or another, by a gift or otherwise, they respond.

Nice game by Garza, and Balfour came through with the save, striking out three in the ninth. Makes me wonder if he'd be better in that role than the always hair-raising Percival.

Ellsbury was nice and aggressive. I like his game. The Sox just couldn't generate the clutch hits tonight.

Now Dice-K on Wednesday. He tends to issue a good number of walks. With the Rays being so aggressive once on base, this could be real key to how that game unfolds. And if Kaz is locked in, I think the Rays have a real shot at a sweep.

... And the Yankees lose.

[MartyJazz]

this game is just fucking killing me. Just like yesterday, whenever the Sox do something offensively, the Rays respond. One way or another, by a gift or otherwise, they respond.

Nice game by Garza, and Balfour came through with the save, striking out three in the ninth. Makes me wonder if he'd be better in that role than the always hair-raising Percival.

Ellsbury was nice and aggressive. I like his game. The Sox just couldn't generate the clutch hits tonight.

Now Dice-K on Wednesday. He tends to issue a good number of walks. With the Rays being so aggressive once on base, this could be real key to how that game unfolds. And if Kaz is locked in, I think the Rays have a real shot at a sweep.

... And the Yankees lose.

This Yankee fan is disgusted with how anemic the team has become lately, 4 runs total in the last three games, all losses.

But living here in south Florida with an opportunity to catch the Rays relatively often on the tube, I can't help but root for them, enjoying tonight's game to the utmost. Rays have good young pitching arms and terrific defense, nice to see Manny overpowered somewhat. Add a power hitter to their lineup and I think they'd be able to take the division. Can't see them accomplishing this throughout the rest of the season. In any event, they certainly are tough especially at home. Crowd was really into it, could hardly hear the numerous Sox fans in the stands. With Kazmir tomorrow night, a sweep is definitely possible. At least I can hope.

Edited July 2, 2008 by MartyJazz

[Dan Gould]

I have not felt this negative about the Red Sox at least since a certain "massacre" in 2006. Unless the bats wake up somehow against a pitcher who usually kills them, you can book that sweep, and the reason is that Dice-K will nibble, and walk a couple and then he will groove one and it will be 3-0. And the reason that the bats won't do anything is that no one is doing anything in the first place. Last night doesn't even count in Ellsbury's favor when his two hits went fewer than 92 feet total. Pedroia is hot, but Drew isn't any longer and Manny hasn't done squat since he hurt his hamstring. Varitek is a fucking joke at the plate. This team, with five runs over the last three games, is going to get to Kazmir? Prediction: Dan will have turned the PC off by the third inning.

Honestly, with the road trip from hell moving onto Yankee Stadium, and then the Twins after that, I will be ecstatic if at the ASB, the Red Sox are still in second place and fewer than 5 games out of first.

But I don't expect it.

[papsrus]

It does seem as thought the BoSox fall into a malaise sometimes -- maybe it's the old post-championship thing. But somebody should be throwing a few trash cans around the dressing room. It doesn't help that Ortiz is out and Drew has cooled off.

And what a play by Longoria at third last night, diving into foul territory past the bag to snag the ball, then throwing the base runner out from his knees.

[zen archer]

I have not felt this negative about the Red Sox at least since a certain "massacre" in 2006. Unless the bats wake up somehow against a pitcher who usually kills them, you can book that sweep, and the reason is that Dice-K will nibble, and walk a couple and then he will groove one and it will be 3-0. And the reason that the bats won't do anything is that no one is doing anything in the first place. Last night doesn't even count in Ellsbury's favor when his two hits went fewer than 92 feet total. Pedroia is hot, but Drew isn't any longer and Manny hasn't done squat since he hurt his hamstring. Varitek is a fucking joke at the plate. This team, with five runs over the last three games, is going to get to Kazmir? Prediction: Dan will have turned the PC off by the third inning.

Honestly, with the road trip from hell moving onto Yankee Stadium, and then the Twins after that, I will be ecstatic if at the ASB, the Red Sox are still in second place and fewer than 5 games out of first.

But I don't expect it.

I give Ellsbury credit , sure he didn't scorch the ball but he used his speed to get us the only run . It was nice to

see since on the pregame show they were all over him.

And as they mentioned on the pregame he just needs to just get on base , bunt whatever ......

That was pretty sad by the Captain , he looked like he didn't want to be there !

[Big Al]

... And the Yankees lose.

This Yankee fan is disgusted with how anemic the team has become lately, 4 runs total in the last three games, all losses.

And two of those came against the Rangers on the Yanks home turf! How often does THAT happen??? And it's not like the Rangers were scoring tons of runs, but just enough. The biggest surprise is that the Rangers pitching has held the usually-threatening Yanks bats to three runs over those two games. My goodness, if the Rangers sweep tonight..... ah well, one can dream. On the upside, this is the first time in years the Rangers are three games above .500. You know it's bad when we're celebrating such a minimal accomplishent.

Hey Conrad, Salty did real well for us last night. Thanks again!!!

Edited July 2, 2008 by Big Al

[Dan Gould]

I thought I read something about the Yankees being like 20+ wins vs 6 losses to the Rangers in recent years, but that five of those losses came at the Stadium. So actually the Rangers winning on the road shouldn't be that much of a surprise - if they are going to beat the Yanks its likely to happen there.

I'm not sure if I should root for the Rangers again tonight or hope that the Yankees get their inevitable win out of their system so that some how, some way, the Sox can keep them on a losing trend. I know the Yankees are due to bust out and how long can the Rangers keep them down, but if anyone is due for an outburst, its the number one scoring offense in the league! I'm hoping Ponson will be amped up and out of control and that the Rangers can spank him. That's probably the best outcome since I am pretty sure the Sox will lose. Better the Yankees stay behind us and don't gain ground.

I like most of the pitching matchups this weekend. Lester vs Pettitte should be good, as a lefty throwing with a lot of confidence, I think Jon has a shot to keep the offense in check. Pettitte has been pitching well though and usually gives us a tough time.

Becket vs Rasner is an obvious advantage to us on the Fourth. Saturday will be either Masterson or Buchholz against Moose. I'm still not convinced that Moose has completely reinvented himself, and we've had his number lately. As I've said before I hate the idea of Masterson facing those lefties, but the Globe seems almost certain that Clay will be called up for Saturday's game. Over his last five starts, Clay has an ERA under .50, so it looks like he's really figured out his fastball command issues. Even being clobbered in his only start at the Stadium, I like their chances if Clay gets the call.

And then Sunday Night baseball is Joba vs Wakefield, the hard luck loser last night. Wake is on one of his patented rolls - seven innings a start, three runs or less. And Joba didn't look good last night, he missed the zone a lot and was fortunate to get out with only two runs (the Rangers running into two outs at third base in one inning killed them, particularly when one of those outs was a horrible call on a phantom tag. Classic bad positioning by the umpire. Why does he stand behind A-Rod in foul territory? If he steps out into the field and gets a lateral view, he sees that A-Rod missed on the swipe. F-ing moron.

[Soulstation1]

WTF

ain't anyone talkin' about MannRam pushing down the person in charge of bosox player tix requests??

memo to team

if MannRam needs 1000 tickets just get them for him........

Edited July 2, 2008 by Soulstation1

[Aggie87]

WTF

ain't anyone talkin' about MannRam pushing down the person in charge of boxsox player tix requests??

memo to team

if MannRam needs 1000 tickets just get them for him........

Speaking of pushing, how about Astros pitcher Sean Chacon throwing GM Ed Wade to the floor and threatening him?

He was kicked off the team, though the Player's Union is filing a grievance for being improperly terminated.

Here's a description from the Astro's website:

According to multiple sources, Wade and Astros manager Cecil Cooper attempted to meet with Chacon shortly before the game. The conversation quickly grew heated and a scuffle ensued.

Chacon did not return phone and text messages to MLB.com but told the Houston Chronicle he grabbed Wade by the neck and threw him to the ground.

"He started yelling and cussing," Chacon told the Chronicle. "I'm sitting there and I said to him very calmly, 'Ed, you need to stop yelling at me. Then I stood up and said, 'You better stop yelling at me.' I stood up. He continued and was basically yelling and stuff and was like, 'You need to ... look in the mirror.' So at that point I lost my cool and I grabbed him by the neck and threw him to the ground. I jumped on top of him because at that point I wanted to beat his ... Words were exchanged."

Chacon recalled players coming quickly to separate the two, with outfielder Reggie Abercrombie pulling him away.

"Maybe it shouldn't have happened," Chacon told the Chronicle. "But when you do those things and you're yelling at somebody and you're cussing you better know what type of person you're dealing with. If there's any regret, I just wish they had just let me alone. I wish they had left me alone."

Edited July 2, 2008 by Aggie87

[WorldB3]

WTF

ain't anyone talkin' about MannRam pushing down the person in charge of bosox player tix requests??

memo to team

if MannRam needs 1000 tickets just get them for him........

as much as I loath the Red Sox and the way Manny stands at home plate for 15 minutes after every home run he hits I have to say I kind of respect the way he lives on his own planet. Did anybody read the article last year in the New Yorker on Manny where he got pulled over for a speeding ticket in Boston, the cop tells him I am going to give you a ticket, Manny says, "I don't need tickets, here your go" reached into his glove compartment, hands the cop four lower box seats for the upcoming Yankees series and then proceeds to drive away and makes a illegal u-turn.

ugg.. the A's blew an 8th inning lead last night. Not the game to blow. crap..

Edited July 2, 2008 by WorldB3

[Dan Gould]

Did anybody read the article last year in the New Yorker on Manny where he got pulled over for a speeding ticket in Boston, the cop tells him I am going to give you a ticket, Manny says, "I don't need tickets, here your go" reached into his glove compartment, hands the cop four lower box seats for the upcoming Yankees series and then proceeds to drive away and makes a illegal u-turn.

Citation?

[BERIGAN]

Did anybody read the article last year in the New Yorker on Manny where he got pulled over for a speeding ticket in Boston, the cop tells him I am going to give you a ticket, Manny says, "I don't need tickets, here your go" reached into his glove compartment, hands the cop four lower box seats for the upcoming Yankees series and then proceeds to drive away and makes a illegal u-turn.

Citation?

No, he was in a Chevy Celebrity!

[Dan Gould]

IT'S HARD ENOUGH TO BEAT THE FUCKING RAYS IN TAMPA WITHOUT HAVING TO FIGHT THE MOTHERFUCKING UMPIRES TOO!