TWiB 6/26 - 7/2

[MikeJordan23 0]

What's Hamels' deal? He's been awful since coming back.

 

Cards are looking like the Cubs right now. Non-plays just led to three runs for the Tribe in the 8th. I don't expect their pen to hold the lead, but the Cards still haven't been playing good fundamental baseball.

 

The Cardinals haven't been making errors during this losing streak. They just can't pitch. The starters have been horrendous for the most part, the bullpen even worse, and the hitting has been inconsistent. It's a complete team meltdown, and it's getting almost laughable. It's like someone is pulling a practical joke on the fans. Every day it's something else. They lose games all kinda ways; pitching duels, walk offs, blowouts. It's ridiculous.

[Bruiser Chong 0]

What's Hamels' deal? He's been awful since coming back.

These have been awfully frustrating games to watch because it seems they're down 4-0 or something like that within the first three innings. They were never in either game today.

Probably a good thing you aren't a Cubs fan. We've been fed on those kinds of games all season.

 

Here's one for the Cards fans: what do you think of TLR's overmanaging re: the bullpen? He has this fixation on using half the pen in one inning certain games that doesn't seem to work out a lot. He used four pitchers in the 8th and they still gave up three runs and the lead. Of course, if So Taguichi makes the catch, they probably don't score those last two, but I digress.

[Bruiser Chong 0]

What's Hamels' deal? He's been awful since coming back.

 

Cards are looking like the Cubs right now. Non-plays just led to three runs for the Tribe in the 8th. I don't expect their pen to hold the lead, but the Cards still haven't been playing good fundamental baseball.

 

The Cardinals haven't been making errors during this losing streak. They just can't pitch. The starters have been horrendous for the most part, the bullpen even worse, and the hitting has been inconsistent. It's a complete team meltdown, and it's getting almost laughable. It's like someone is pulling a practical joke on the fans. Every day it's something else. They lose games all kinda ways; pitching duels, walk offs, blowouts. It's ridiculous.

The color commentator for the Cards pointed out how they messed up even after Taguchi didn't make the catch. The runner at second wasn't even close to third when the ball dropped and even though Rolen was waiting at third for what would've been a force out, they threw the ball down the third base line, allowing the runner to advance and eventually score. That's the difference in the game to this point.

[Guest Felonies!]

Really, if that's all you have, just stop.

 

I can recall NUMEROUS idiots banking the Cubs season on the health (please, don't laugh) of Wood and Prior. As if those two have ever given any analyst a reason to believe they'll do anything other than drag the hopes of their fans down.

 

To ANYONE who thought the Cubs could hang with the top NL teams, for shame.

 

Let 2003 go, Czech.

They were solid in 2004 until they collapsed at the end. And there's no reason why they can't be a top NL team. It's just a lot of piss-poor management moves and the worst coaches in the majors. Get these guys some good coaching, and a lot more can be done with this team. But don't let that stop you from being a condescending dickhead that brings nothing to the table!

[MikeJordan23 0]

What's Hamels' deal? He's been awful since coming back.

These have been awfully frustrating games to watch because it seems they're down 4-0 or something like that within the first three innings. They were never in either game today.

Probably a good thing you aren't a Cubs fan. We've been fed on those kinds of games all season.

 

Here's one for the Cards fans: what do you think of TLR's overmanaging re: the bullpen? He has this fixation on using half the pen in one inning certain games that doesn't seem to work out a lot. He used four pitchers in the 8th and they still gave up three runs and the lead. Of course, if So Taguichi makes the catch, they probably don't score those last two, but I digress.

 

I've always hated the way Larussa micromanages the game and has it moving at a snails pace. It's RARELY effective and it's just time consuming and annonying.

[MikeJordan23 0]

What's Hamels' deal? He's been awful since coming back.

 

Cards are looking like the Cubs right now. Non-plays just led to three runs for the Tribe in the 8th. I don't expect their pen to hold the lead, but the Cards still haven't been playing good fundamental baseball.

 

The Cardinals haven't been making errors during this losing streak. They just can't pitch. The starters have been horrendous for the most part, the bullpen even worse, and the hitting has been inconsistent. It's a complete team meltdown, and it's getting almost laughable. It's like someone is pulling a practical joke on the fans. Every day it's something else. They lose games all kinda ways; pitching duels, walk offs, blowouts. It's ridiculous.

The color commentator for the Cards pointed out how they messed up even after Taguchi didn't make the catch. The runner at second wasn't even close to third when the ball dropped and even though Rolen was waiting at third for what would've been a force out, they threw the ball down the third base line, allowing the runner to advance and eventually score. That's the difference in the game to this point.

 

Ahh, I'm not watching the game so I couldn't see the play. But that kinda mental error is inexcusable. Jesus. They can't pitch, can't hit and are now making stupid defensive decisions on the field. Amazing.

[Bruiser Chong 0]

Cleveland's defense is more embarrassing than the Cards'. Jesus.

 

An error starts the inning and leads to a tied game. And with the winning run at third and two outs, Peralta throws away a fairly easy grounder to end it. Wow.

[Guest]

Notice something about all the people bitching....

 

Their teams play in the National League. The closest team to complete in the league is the Cardinals, and their record isn't terribly great. Every team in the NL has huge weaknesses. How long it's going to be like this, I don't know.

 

Me, myself, I don't bitch when the Dodgers suck because I'm too disappointed to talk about it. To each their own.

[MikeJordan23 0]

Cleveland's defense is more embarrassing than the Cards'. Jesus.

 

An error starts the inning and leads to a tied game. And with the winning run at third and two outs, Peralta throws away a fairly easy grounder to end it. Wow.

 

At this point (or any other), I'll take the ugliest win there is, and it can't get much uglier then this. Luck-EEE

[Bruiser Chong 0]

I know errors are a part of the game, but I just can't believe the throw from Peralta. It's obvious he was concerned about not getting the throw off in time, so he just threw it away. Physical error that followed a mental one.

[Guest Princess Leena]

A-Rod's homer will be downplayed be Yankees fans and then completely forgotten in a few days when he comes up short again. It happens everytime he has a game-winning hit.

 

Nah.

 

First off, he should have homered earlier in the game. Alexander isn't very considerate of his worn out bullpen now.

 

Also, with his $10000 zillion dollars he made this year, he should have bought out Pujols, Bonds, etc... contracts and they could have all hit HR's, and no game would be in doubt.

[Guest Felonies!]

As for the NL sucking: whatever, these things ebb and flow; over in football the AFC was worthless for like 15 years.

 

As for referring to StylesMark as Prince Paul: how is that different from calling Art Sandusky "Kotz," ABOBO "Piss," Felonies! "Czech," or so on? What a stupid thing to get mad at me about. Go be smug and useless elsewhere.

[Vern Gagne 0]

The Twins still can't make up any ground.

 

At least they have the Cy Young winner, ROY, and Batting Champion.

[Bruiser Chong 0]

I don't expect them to make a real run at the Central, since the two teams ahead of them have been as hot as they have during this stretch. It's going to be real interesting when these three start meeting up with each other again.

 

Among the three, I'd venture to say the Twins have the best 1-2 punch in Santana and Liriano. Actually, I'd be hard pressed to think of a better combo in the bigs.

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

Among the three, I'd venture to say the Twins have the best 1-2 punch in Santana and Liriano. Actually, I'd be hard pressed to think of a better combo in the bigs.

 

According to Sportsline's rankings, Glavine and Pedro are the best 1-2 punch, with Glavine ranked 3rd among the pitchers and Pedro 10th.

[Bored 0]

I heard Brett Myers has a great 1-2 punch. *rim shot*

[Vern Gagne 0]

I'm worried the Twins start to struggle when they play Detroit and Chicago.

[CanadianChris 0]

Too early to say, but Halladay/Burnett could be right up there when the season's over.

[Guest StylesMark]

As for the NL sucking: whatever, these things ebb and flow; over in football the AFC was worthless for like 15 years.

 

As for referring to StylesMark as Prince Paul: how is that different from calling Art Sandusky "Kotz," ABOBO "Piss," Felonies! "Czech," or so on? What a stupid thing to get mad at me about. Go be smug and useless elsewhere.

 

 

You complete me.

 

No Yankees today, as the Sox look to finish off the Mets before the Subway Series. I await Mussina's dominance.

 

Glavine vs Schilling tonight at Fenway? Could be good.

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

So I am an admitted Red Sox homer through and through, but I love this year's team and definitely think the World Series is a distinct possibility. They have the one of the best defenses in baseball (infield is the best for sure, but the OF drags them down a little) and are currently leading the league in runs scored. The back end of the bullpen is nasty.

 

The team still needs a reliable 4th and 5th starter, but the top 3 would probably be enough to get by in the playoffs. The AL is stacked this year, but I think they division is theirs.

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

I was shocked to learn that Bobby Jenks has more saves than Jonathan Papelbon.

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

I was shocked to learn that Bobby Jenks has more saves than Jonathan Papelbon.

 

Which continues to show that saves is one of the stupidest stats in baseball. I think the game would be a lot better if they just abolished the save.

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

So because a non-Red Sox player isn't leading in that category, it's stupid? Gotcha.

 

Honestly I'd agree, saves are pointless, and Papelbon is pretty nasty, but don't pretend like Jenks is some scrub who happens to have more saves.

[naiwf 0]

So I am an admitted Red Sox homer through and through, but I love this year's team and definitely think the World Series is a distinct possibility. They have the one of the best defenses in baseball (infield is the best for sure, but the OF drags them down a little) and are currently leading the league in runs scored. The back end of the bullpen is nasty.

 

The team still needs a reliable 4th and 5th starter, but the top 3 would probably be enough to get by in the playoffs. The AL is stacked this year, but I think they division is theirs.

 

I think Boston NEEDS for Chicago to win the Central, otherwise a Boston/Chicago ALDS is not a certainty. Boston/Detroit in the ALDS however looks good. It's pretty apparent that whoever wins the Central will get the winner from the West and sweep them, so I'd put my money on the Central winner to get to the World Series and probably crush the Mets or Cards in 5 or 6.

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

So I'm clear, you think Boston has a better chance against Detroit than against Chicago?

[Guest]

It's way too early to tell.

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

So because a non-Red Sox player isn't leading in that category, it's stupid? Gotcha.

 

Honestly I'd agree, saves are pointless, and Papelbon is pretty nasty, but don't pretend like Jenks is some scrub who happens to have more saves.

 

No, it's stupid for a bunch of other reasons, namely writers and analysts using the stat as a way to measure the success of a pitcher. Jenks is good, but Papelbon has something like 0.40 ERA. But most importantly it leads to managers misusing their bullpen because of "save situations."

[Guest StylesMark]

It's way too early to tell.

 

If Boston wants the WS though, they NEED to win the division.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

Phillies.com presents the power of positive thinking!

 

Coming up: Madson's recent history suggests that the right-hander should be primed for a good outing against righty Rodrigo Lopez and the Orioles in Thursday's 7:05 p.m. series finale at Camden Yards.

 

Madson has followed good outings with poor outings in the past six starts. His last June start was particularly poor, as he lasted just 1 2/3 innings, and surrendered six earned runs. He gets hit most when he can't establish the fastball and then has to rely on the changeup.

[naiwf 0]

So I'm clear, you think Boston has a better chance against Detroit than against Chicago?

 

Yes, especially in a short series. I don't trust the Tigers' starting pitching especially since none of those guys have done it before except for Kenny Rogers, and well he's Kenny Rogers.

 

If Boston gets the White Sox, I could easily see the ALCS end up being Tigers/White Sox with Chicago winning in 5.