EVIL~! alkeiper

Speaking of the Rockies, I find it interesting that they have actually enjoyed one of their best pitching years in franchise history. Only in 1998 did they allow less runs per game. The problem is that their offense is the worst in franchise history.

It's mostly to do with the fact they were playing in a football stadium. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Many teams played in large capacity stadiums and didn't draw 4 million, particularly Cleveland. The Rockies drew 4 million thanks largely to the novelty of Major League Baseball. The Rockies still led the league in attendance for five consecutive years after they moved to Coors Field.

Fourth time in history, and first time in 12 years (Toronto, 1991-92; Colorado, 1993) That was a surprising stat to me. Did they add seats to Yankee Stadium this season? How have the Yankees never passed 4 million in attendance before? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Mostly it is the uncertaincy of the season creating exciting drama, as well as the threat of Yankee Stadium closing shop that encourages fans to attend while they can.

One positive for the Yankees, their attendance officially surpassed four million today.

I can't remember ever seeing an athlete's public image falling faster than Palmeiro's over the last few months. Palmeiro's right up there with OJ Simpson in that regard. Even the players caught up in cocaine-usage don't get as much scorn as Palmeiro has over steroids. I don't know whether it was because he was such a high-profile player, or because of his adament denials. Palmeiro is a baseball player who used steroids. That does not make him inherantly evil. In this case, Palmeiro stated Tejada gave him a B-12 injection. Tejada did, in fact, give him a B-12 injection. And this was months ago, in a hearing that was held under a confidentiality agreement. Whatever opinion you gather is yours. The point is that Palmeiro is likely deserving of our professional scorn, but that doesn't make him a bad person. He's not exactly Albert Belle.

Agreed. TheDon, consider this your fair warning. This is a discussion forum, not one's personal running bitch-fest.

Yes. For non-Philly fans, if you want to risk the wrath of the sports mod, be my guest.

In half an hour I've gone from extreme depression to elation. The Phillies are now ONE game back in the wild card. And anti-David Bell signatures and avatars are now BANNED from TSM.

David F'n Bell!!

Coming from a Sox writer, no surprise there. A few responses... 1. This is not a case of pure dominance. A-Rod has a better batting average and on base percentage, one less home run, 14 more stolen bases, and a higher OPS. And that's without considering that Fenway is a much easier park to hit in than Yankee Stadium. 2. Ortiz gets more clutch opportunities because he hits behind Manny Ramirez. Rodriguez is a table-setter higher in the order. That does not make Ortiz more valuable. 3. The concern is not that Ortiz is undeserving because he is a DH, and that makes his job easier (the effect is small and unimportant). The issue is that Rodriguez's play at third base adds value, while no value is added to Ortiz due to defense. The other day, A-Rod made a great play that ended a ballgame. That is every bit as important as one of Ortiz's clutch-hits. Rodriguez this season has recorded 107 putouts, 265 assists, and 25 double plays. That adds value. 4. It is not as if Rodriguez folds in clutch situations. 5. The Yankees have been on a tear lately. They're something like 30-10 over their last 40. David Bell just saved my season so I can't check into it further.

Ryan Madson has struggled, but I can not fault Manuel for going with him. He has the ability, and it is just a matter of confidence. Yes, it may be the pressure, but he's going to have to learn, and you can't sit him the rest of the way. To me, the real problem is leaving your top relievers out until you get to the 8th and 9th innings. By then the game is out of reach. Almost all managers manage by roles and not situations, and it is quite tiresome. I don't blame the players though. If we were tied for the wild card instead of 1.5 back, this wouldn't be a big deal.

Bobby Abreu doesn't hustle his way to an infield hit. That's more towards a Philadephia Inquirer writer who's identity I don't recall.

After yesterday, doesn't David Bell deserve safe haven from your avatar?

I was just searching out examples. I actually did a piece at NMB, mentioning Lee Mazzilli's firing. In terms of wins and losses, it is not a historic collapse. But in terms of franchise image, it ranks up there.

I'd reverse the White Sox and Orioles. Like the Nationals, the White Sox played over their heads. The difference is the White Sox played significantly better. No one expected them to win 90-95 games this season. Besides Palmeiro, the Orioles have dealt with Sammy Sosa and of course Sidney Ponson.

I'm wondering who keep leeking these "confidential" hearings. And remember that Palmeiro said this before the steroid suspension was announced. This is not something he is starting now. I do think it is likely however that Palmeiro has played his last MLB game.

As long as they don't give it out AT the game. That's never a good idea.

The Astros and Phillies would indeed play a one-game playoff, and because of a coin flip, that game would take place at Citizens Bank Park. I believe the head-to-head matchups only take effect when there are two teams tied for the division and both will make the playoffs regardless.

From Cawthon's site... It may have aired on one of those pre-PPV specials that USA would run in those days.

Hedge your bets. Buy three hats.

Marlins lose, fall three behind in the wild card. Phillies fall two back. Right now, the spot is the Astros' to lose.

Astros win, Phillies lose. Marlins are just about fighting for their playoff lives in this game, tied in the 12th.

Was the Nationals' bullpen killed in a plane crash or something? Jesus. A high pitch count is well and good, but what's the point of leaving the starter in when he just gave up three runs?

But THIS bad? Milton coming into this year had a career ERA of 4.76. Over his career Milton had ERAs of 5.64, 4.49, 4.86, 4.32, 4.84, 2.65 (17 innings) and 4.75. Over Milton's career he has been essentially league average. It's a big jump from there to an ERA in the high six range.

Certainly. The Indians have several young prospects on the rise. Catcher Ryan Garko would normally be a good prospect, but with Victor Martinez on the scene, he may be trade bait. Franklin Gutierrez (acquired in the Milton Bradley trade) is a nice young center fielder, but again he's got Grady Sizemore and Covelli Crisp to contend with at the big club. Fernando Cabrera dominated in AAA out of the bullpen, and he has now posted a 1.27 ERA with Cleveland in 21.3 IP. Adam Miller faces injury issues, but he's near the top of pitching prospect lists. The Indians probably have one of the top five farm systems in baseball.