Cheech Tremendous 0 Report post Posted July 12, 2006 With each day that passes, it looks more and more like Soriano won't be traded. He is saying that he wants to play in DC. It'll be a hard-sell for that new ownership group if they get rid of their best player just like that. If he is traded, the Yanks are a likely destination. They would probably ask for Hughes though and Cashman is not going to do that. It'll be interesting if the Tampa group backs that deal though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EVIL~! alkeiper 0 Report post Posted July 13, 2006 So to sum up: Because Manny was playing injured for his team in a 19 inning game but chose to skip an exhibition game, he should be suspended by mlb for three games and further penalize the team by taking the bat out of potential mvp David Ortiz's hands by having the likes of Trot Nixon protect him in the lineup. Bingo. Let's take the rule to other sports. All NFL players that are elected to, but skip the Pro Bowl will be suspended for the first game of the season. All NBA players that skip the All-Star game will be suspended for the first six games of the second half (baseball plays about twice as many games as the NBA). Umm, by that logic the NBA would suspend a player for less games. And the NBA DOES hold players out of action in the game before and the game after the All-Star game, if the player opts out. Even better, all NHL players that choose not to play in the Olympics to represent their country are suspended for six games. There's a key distinction. That's the Olympics, not the NHL. The problem is that it is in MLB's direct interest to properly market the All-Star game. If players routinely fail to attend, it hurts the overall product. It is in MLB's best interests to coerce players to attend. Otherwise, the interests of the individual teams override the interests of the game as a whole. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Felonies! Report post Posted July 13, 2006 Pipe down, Al. The Boston Red Sox are bigger than the game. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
the max 0 Report post Posted July 13, 2006 There's a key distinction. That's the Olympics, not the NHL. The problem is that it is in MLB's direct interest to properly market the All-Star game. If players routinely fail to attend, it hurts the overall product. It is in MLB's best interests to coerce players to attend. Otherwise, the interests of the individual teams override the interests of the game as a whole. How does it affect the overall product if it allows a player to go who normally wouldn't get the chance to go (Vernon Wells, who last appeared in the game in 2003). Last I checked, the game was played last night and Manny wasn't on the team...and the world didn't end. And it had a great ending! So, Manny not going affected the game how? ... ... Exactly. But by all means, let's suspend him for three games for playing with a torn meniscus. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
naiwf 0 Report post Posted July 13, 2006 Suspending people who don't want to participate in the AS game seems pretty stupid to me. There's always someone who got "snubbed" who'll gladly go. It's not like the supposed integrity of the game means anything to anyone outside of the Commish's office. Just don't put Manny on the ballot the next year and let him forfeit his bonus for making the team. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Felonies! Report post Posted July 13, 2006 Yeah, just stop putting him on the ballot and bypass all of this bullshit. I think I need to add the All-Star Break to my calendar as another Time That Red Sox Fans Should Just Fucking Shut Up Or Die Already, in addition to the insufferable pseudo-fantasy-sports offseason of "I want this guy. I want this guy too. And I want that guy. And that guy. And that guy." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EVIL~! alkeiper 0 Report post Posted July 13, 2006 How does it affect the overall product if it allows a player to go who normally wouldn't get the chance to go (Vernon Wells, who last appeared in the game in 2003). Last I checked, the game was played last night and Manny wasn't on the team...and the world didn't end. And it had a great ending! So, Manny not going affected the game how? ... ... Exactly. But by all means, let's suspend him for three games for playing with a torn meniscus. If he's got a torn meniscus, he shouldn't be playing those games anyway. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanadianChris 0 Report post Posted July 13, 2006 It's time to stop pretending the All-Star Game is anything more than it is -- a meaningless exhibition. All the other major sports leagues have realized that. When's the last time you saw the NBA or NHL All-Star Games taken very seriously? The MLB All-Star Game lost whatever luster it once had four years ago. I have no problem with Manny skipping the All-Star Game, even if he played in a 19-inning game the Sunday before the break. The interests of your team supersede everything else, ESPECIALLY when the game is in the middle of the season. If you want to make him travel to the game to put in an appearance, fine. Take away incentive clauses for not playing, no problem. But to force a player to play an exhibition game in the middle of the season is just wrong. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
the max 0 Report post Posted July 13, 2006 Yeah, just stop putting him on the ballot and bypass all of this bullshit. I think I need to add the All-Star Break to my calendar as another Time That Red Sox Fans Should Just Fucking Shut Up Or Die Already, in addition to the insufferable pseudo-fantasy-sports offseason of "I want this guy. I want this guy too. And I want that guy. And that guy. And that guy." Look out everyone! Czech's trying to be humorously relevant! Please show me where Red Sox fans at TSM have pulled that crap that I bolded. And for reference, the weekly baseball threads have been non-stop Bruiser bitching about the Cubs moreso than any Red Sox fan who happens to bring something up. But I wouldn't expect you to know that. You'd actually need to have a grasp on what you're talking about to know that. Just so you can complete the hilariousness, the NHL off-season thread is a few threads down. Make sure to make a lot of awesome jokes about the Whalers and other subjects that ceased being relevant in 2002. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Felonies! Report post Posted July 13, 2006 The Max is really playing to win now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hawk 34 0 Report post Posted July 13, 2006 Aside from this place, the entire universe known as the internet revolves around the type of people Czech is talking about. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Princess Leena Report post Posted July 13, 2006 I believe there's nothing in anyone's contract that forces them to play the All-Star game. That's all that matters. By biggest problem is home field in the World Series. It's about the dumbest idea I've heard of in sports. Why can't baseball take the easy and correct way for once... best record gets home field. Fin. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanadianChris 0 Report post Posted July 13, 2006 The way they had it originally was fine, too. Each league gets home field every other year. It certainly didn't make any less sense than having it based on the result of an exhibition game. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bruiser Chong 0 Report post Posted July 13, 2006 Yeah, just stop putting him on the ballot and bypass all of this bullshit. I think I need to add the All-Star Break to my calendar as another Time That Red Sox Fans Should Just Fucking Shut Up Or Die Already, in addition to the insufferable pseudo-fantasy-sports offseason of "I want this guy. I want this guy too. And I want that guy. And that guy. And that guy." And for reference, the weekly baseball threads have been non-stop Bruiser bitching about the Cubs moreso than any Red Sox fan who happens to bring something up. But I wouldn't expect you to know that. You'd actually need to have a grasp on what you're talking about to know that. That's all quite easy to say when your favorite team's in first place. Have the Sawx go 20 under and see if Red Sox Nation is still so complacent. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
the max 0 Report post Posted July 13, 2006 Yeah, just stop putting him on the ballot and bypass all of this bullshit. I think I need to add the All-Star Break to my calendar as another Time That Red Sox Fans Should Just Fucking Shut Up Or Die Already, in addition to the insufferable pseudo-fantasy-sports offseason of "I want this guy. I want this guy too. And I want that guy. And that guy. And that guy." And for reference, the weekly baseball threads have been non-stop Bruiser bitching about the Cubs moreso than any Red Sox fan who happens to bring something up. But I wouldn't expect you to know that. You'd actually need to have a grasp on what you're talking about to know that. That's all quite easy to say when your favorite team's in first place. Have the Sawx go 20 under and see if Red Sox Nation is still so complacent. True. I'm not denying that. And I wasn't throwing you under the bus, just making a point. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hawk 34 0 Report post Posted July 13, 2006 Bruiser's antics here aren't any different from Cena's Writer and all the other Knicks "fans" complaining constantly in the NBA threads. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bruiser Chong 0 Report post Posted July 13, 2006 Gary Gaetti's out as hitting coach for the Astros. Here's an instance of a coach playing the scapegoat role. Is it really his fault Willy Tavarez isn't that good, Craig Biggio continues his decline and the Astros continue to regularly start the offensive black holes known as Adam Everett and Brad Ausmus? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brett Favre 0 Report post Posted July 13, 2006 Yeah, just stop putting him on the ballot and bypass all of this bullshit. I think I need to add the All-Star Break to my calendar as another Time That Red Sox Fans Should Just Fucking Shut Up Or Die Already, in addition to the insufferable pseudo-fantasy-sports offseason of "I want this guy. I want this guy too. And I want that guy. And that guy. And that guy." Look out everyone! Czech's trying to be humorously relevant! Please show me where Red Sox fans at TSM have pulled that crap that I bolded. And for reference, the weekly baseball threads have been non-stop Bruiser bitching about the Cubs moreso than any Red Sox fan who happens to bring something up. But I wouldn't expect you to know that. You'd actually need to have a grasp on what you're talking about to know that. Maybe you weren't posting these trades, but all those four way trades involving Manny, like 29 of them, were getting tiresome. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Report post Posted July 13, 2006 I guess no baseball puts everyone in a bad mood. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
the max 0 Report post Posted July 13, 2006 Yeah, just stop putting him on the ballot and bypass all of this bullshit. I think I need to add the All-Star Break to my calendar as another Time That Red Sox Fans Should Just Fucking Shut Up Or Die Already, in addition to the insufferable pseudo-fantasy-sports offseason of "I want this guy. I want this guy too. And I want that guy. And that guy. And that guy." Look out everyone! Czech's trying to be humorously relevant! Please show me where Red Sox fans at TSM have pulled that crap that I bolded. And for reference, the weekly baseball threads have been non-stop Bruiser bitching about the Cubs moreso than any Red Sox fan who happens to bring something up. But I wouldn't expect you to know that. You'd actually need to have a grasp on what you're talking about to know that. Maybe you weren't posting these trades, but all those four way trades involving Manny, like 29 of them, were getting tiresome. Yeah, that was Frigidsoul. And if that's all there is, it was like...what. Seven months ago? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
the max 0 Report post Posted July 13, 2006 Bruiser's antics here aren't any different from Cena's Writer and all the other Knicks "fans" complaining constantly in the NBA threads. The antics are understandable. My precious Bruins crashed and burned last year and I felt the same way that Bruiser feels. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bruiser Chong 0 Report post Posted July 13, 2006 Bruiser's antics here aren't any different from Cena's Writer and all the other Knicks "fans" complaining constantly in the NBA threads. The antics are understandable. My precious Bruins crashed and burned last year and I felt the same way that Bruiser feels. It's not even because they're a bad team, anymore. It's them starting to resemble the New York Knicks that's irritating. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EVIL~! alkeiper 0 Report post Posted July 13, 2006 That was mostly 7 months ago, but Frigid popped in a month ago with another similar trade offer like that. It's not indicative of every Sox fan, and we have several good fans on this board. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brett Favre 0 Report post Posted July 13, 2006 Well he did say offseason. Speaking of trades, http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/story/434475p-366047c.html, the Yankee farm system isn't that bad anymore, so a trade is possible. Gillick likes Delluci, so he would replace Abreu if he were traded. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vivalaultra 0 Report post Posted July 13, 2006 Gary Gaetti's out as hitting coach for the Astros. Here's an instance of a coach playing the scapegoat role. Is it really his fault Willy Tavarez isn't that good, Craig Biggio continues his decline and the Astros continue to regularly start the offensive black holes known as Adam Everett and Brad Ausmus? Well, it can't hurt to try somebody else. It's weird though. All season everybody involved with the Astros has been saying what a great hitting coach Gaetti is and how he really works well with the guys and so forth. I do find faults with your statement, though. First off, it's TaveraS. Second, Biggio has no decline. Craig Biggio will continue to play until he's 75 and hit .335 every season with 35-40 homers. I mean, dude's got a statue in front of Minute Maid Park. The only reason Adam Everett is starting is because he's a defensive whiz, and with at least 6 other guys being paid to drive in runs, you can afford to start an offensive black hole. Ausmus isn't expected to hit above .250 or so, but he calls such a great game and knows everything there is to know about opposing hitters, so the pitching staff really likes him. But, yeah, it seems like Gaetti's getting a raw deal. However, the guy replacing Gaetti, Shawn Berry, has a career BA about .20 points higher than The Rat, so we'll see where it goes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Felonies! Report post Posted July 13, 2006 Gary Gaetti can't keep his job and Gene Clines can. What a team. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bruiser Chong 0 Report post Posted July 13, 2006 I get tired of people defending Ausmus for his defensive credentials. The guy's thrown out a handful of runners this season and the Astros are in the middle of the pack when it comes to ERA. With the starters they have, I think they could upgrade to an offensive catcher and not be all that affected with the pitching. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vivalaultra 0 Report post Posted July 13, 2006 Maybe the Cubs could look into getting Gary Gaetti...I bet he could straighten out Juan Pierre.... It's not so much a question of Ausmus' defensive abilities as it his (I hate this word) intagibles. He acts like a bench coach. He's the one that goes over lineups with the pitchers before games. He can go out to the mound and tell Roy O, or Pettitte, or Roger, or whomever what, if anything, they're doing wrong and how to get on track. He saves managerial visits. So, yeah, his arm isn't that good, but as far as blocking balls go, he's up there at the top. That's why whenever Lidge comes in, if Eric Munson is catching, he comes out and Ausmus comes in...not that that's helped Lidge really, but Ausmus blocks his slider in the dirt. And, the main thing, our pitching staff likes working with him, especially Clemens. That's probably the main factor in us resigning him. Clemens said if Ausmus ain't catching, he ain't pitching. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fökai 0 Report post Posted July 13, 2006 Anyone else watching that "Best of the World Series Champions" tournament they're currently airing on ESPN2? They've stuck 64 championship teams in brackets (AL side and NL side) and are using fan voting to determine the results. Not a bad waste of an hour, especially when you see how stacked many of these teams were. Case in point: the '98 Yankees, the #1 seed in their bracket, who look like a Little League team compared to others in the tournament. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vern Gagne 0 Report post Posted July 13, 2006 Every regular on that '98 had a productive season. The lineup doesn't have the staying power, but for one season it was a great team. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
