One of the running jokes around here is that I hate Carl Crawford. Really, I don’t. And I don’t take greater than usual glee in his disappointing season (at least, above seeing the Red Sox lose). It all stems from this article I wrote back in February complaining about the near-universal acclaim for the 7/$132m deal that he signed with the Red Sox. The gist of it was that I thought that while Crawford is a great player, there’s a big risk in signing a guy to a seven-year deal whose eggs are largely in one basket (speed) that can disappear quickly. We all saw how quickly it happened to Alfonso Soriano, also an exceptional athlete entering 30s.
However, I did not expect Crawford to have such a terrible first year of his contract. At first glance it doesn’t look like it can be chalked up to injury – he was awful for the first two months of the season before hitting the DL with a minor hamstring injury in June.Since then he’s had a few other minor ailments (elbow, neck) but as of now he is the not so proud owner of a .259/.293/.410 slash line, for a .310 wOBA.
However, when I look at his more directly speed-related skills, I’m not so sure that there isn’t more reason for concern going forward.
After purloining an average of fifty bases per season in his first 8 years as a regular, Crawford has only stolen eighteen this season. There doesn’t seem to be any pattern in when those stolen bases happened – he rate had declined even before his hamstring injury. Plus, it’s not like the Red Sox don’t like to set their fast players loose. Ellsbury has stolen 50, 70 and 37 bases in his last three full seasons respectively.
Crawford’s defensive numbers have also taken a nosedive. Single season defensive numbers don’t mean much, but when the metrics agree that a player has had a 20 run drop from a skill level that they widely agreed on, well, that’s something. It could be the effect of the Monster, though IIRC MGL’s latest update to UZR, at least, worked on fixing park effects.
Maybe he’s finally paying for playing all those years on the turf at TB, as Brad suggested in the comments of February’s piece, Andre Dawson style. Maybe he’s just really on the wrong side of thirty. Meathead fans/radio hosts out here have been complaining about how Crawford’s contract (and Lackey’s) is now an albatross, untradeable, etc. etc, all the stuff we’ve heard for years in Chicago. I don’t see the Red Sox trading him anytime soon – there’s more than enough reason to believe that even if he fell off a cliff on the age curve that he’ll see some regression next year.
We’re definitely going to need more data than one season to determine if Crawford is heading down the Soriano path, but even if he does that doesn’t necessarily mean that I was right. Free agent contracts are in a broad sense a quantification of the probablity distribution of outcomes that a team expects from a player. All I was trying to say was that I thought the chances of this happening were much higher than the contract suggested, based on his skillset. Any contract is a gamble, and the Red Sox lost. I just thought that it was a worse bet than they did.
Comments
purloining (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
I didn’t like the contract either. Seemed kind of absurd to me for the skill set that he has. Paying that much money when a lot of his value comes from his speed (excellent defense prior to this year) is a terrible gamble. Like we discussed at the time, he’s one leg injury away from being not just a bad contract, but a ridiculously bad one.
mb21Quote Reply
Poor Carl Crawford’s mom.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]Poor your mom.[/quote]
fixed.
BerseliusQuote Reply
Let’s Paint An Anal Holocaust (dying laughing)
WenningtonsGorillaCockQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I didn’t like the contract either. Seemed kind of absurd to me for the skill set that he has. Paying that much money when a lot of his value comes from his speed (excellent defense prior to this year) is a terrible gamble. Like we discussed at the time, he’s one leg injury away from being not just a bad contract, but a ridiculously bad one.[/quote]
I don’t really follow the AL or the Red Sox etc. etc. but I’m surprised that I’ve never seen the kind of nagging rumors you usually see all year about a guy being injured, slower, etc. etc. when he puts up numbers like Crawford has. Most of the things I’ve seen/heard suggest that it’s in his head. I can accept that (somewhat) for his batting line, but it doesn’t make sense when you look at his SB and defensive numbers at all. I’m baffled.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=WenningtonsGorillaCock]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uWf3078x6o
Let’s Paint An Anal Holocaust (dying laughing)[/quote]I’m afraid to watch it. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]I don’t really follow the AL or the Red Sox etc. etc. but I’m surprised that I’ve never seen the kind of nagging rumors you usually see all year about a guy being injured, slower, etc. etc. when he puts up numbers like Crawford has. Most of the things I’ve seen/heard suggest that it’s in his head. I can accept that (somewhat) for his batting line, but it doesn’t make sense when you look at his SB and defensive numbers at all. I’m baffled.[/quote]
Shouldn’t BA and SB be related? I mean if you get on base more, you are going to have more SB.
WaLiQuote Reply
So which one was worse…Crawford’s contract, or Werth’s contract?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=WenningtonsGorillaCock]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uWf3078x6o
Let’s Paint An Anal Holocaust (dying laughing)[/quote]Holy shit….Holy shit.
Holy shit.
Holy shit.
That’s it. Humanity: done.
binkyQuote Reply
Looked at his stats. His CS% is in line with his previous years of around 21%, although his really good CS% years it was closer to the 15% range. His SB per H % is 15% and if you include BB it’s even worse at 12%. His average SB per H % is 28% (not including this year or his first year) and SB per H+BB % is 23%. So yeah, he is sucking this year (dying laughing)
WaLiQuote Reply
Crawford’s depressed batting line stems almost entirely from his terrible April. Since then, he’s been hitting like he normally does (though some regression from his huge 2010 was inevitable). His basestealing and defense are harder to explain. It would be interesting if anyone knows whether he’s actually been running slower than normal this year.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]So which one was worse…Crawford’s contract, or Anal Holocaust?[/quote].
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=WaLi]Shouldn’t BA and SB be related? I mean if you get on base more, you are going to have more SB.[/quote]
True, but not that much. Ellsbury stole 50 bases with a .336 OBP. Not as bad as Crawford’s line this year, but still.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Crawford’s depressed batting line stems almost entirely from his terrible April. Since then, he’s been hitting like he normally does (though some regression from his huge 2010 was inevitable). His basestealing and defense are harder to explain. It would be interesting if anyone knows whether he’s actually been running slower than normal this year.[/quote]
I’m not so sure. His slash lines and wOBA by month are
.155/.204/.227 , wOBA .196 4 SB, 2 CS
.301/.325/.478 , wOBA .345 3 SB, 2 CS
.278/.298/.463 , wOBA .330 1 SB, 0 CS
.250/.308/.292 , wOBA .282 4 SB, 1 CS
.279/.310/.491 , wOBA .344 5 SB, 0 CS
.302/.343/.492 , wOBA .365 1 SB, 0 CS
Not exactly world beating in those other months, especially OBP. IIRC Fangraphs wOBA includes SB which hurts him more too
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]So which one was worse…Crawford’s contract, or Werth’s contract?[/quote]I’m inclined to think Werth’s is worse because it’s the Nationals. At least with the Sox, if Crawford’s deal does end up being historically bad, they are still the Red Sox with an endless stream of money who can absorb it and move on. That Werth contract just seems like it could really handcuff the Nationals if he ends up Sorianoing the next 6 years. I understood the Sox signing Crawford. I didn’t and still don’t understand the Nationals signing Werth.
MuckerQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]So which one was worse…Crawford’s contract, or Werth’s contract?[/quote]
Probably Werth’s, though the Nationals do have that they’re going to be very good soon and it could help lure some more free agents when it happens. Crawford’s contract isn’t so great but at least the Red Sox are a team that can afford to eat it.
BerseliusQuote Reply
TOOTBLAN from a couple days ago…this one is on the base coach and the runner:
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=19465419
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mucker]I’m inclined to think Werth’s is worse because it’s the Nationals. At least with the Sox, if Crawford’s deal does end up being historically bad, they are still the Red Sox with an endless stream of money who can absorb it and move on. That Werth contract just seems like it could really handcuff the Nationals if he ends up Sorianoing the next 6 years. I understood the Sox signing Crawford. I didn’t and still don’t understand the Nationals signing Werth.[/quote]
The length of that deal is the problem, but you can sum up the reason they signed him with Strasburg, Zimmerman, Zimmermann, Harper, Espinosa, and Morse. They’ve got a window opening with a ton of cheap young talent to build around.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Probably Werth’s, though the Nationals do have that they’re going to be very good soon and it could help lure some more free agents when it happens. Crawford’s contract isn’t so great but at least the Red Sox are a team that can afford to eat it.[/quote]I really like what the Nationals are doing but that Werth signing was a huge Edward Nigma. I live in the DC area and get to watch their games and they have a really good young nucleus of players. They are near .500 and they didn’t have Strasburg all season. I’m looking forward to watching them the next 5 years.
MuckerQuote Reply
False.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I’m afraid to watch it. (dying laughing)[/quote]Be not afraid.
WenningtonsGorillaCockQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]The length of that deal is the problem, but you can sum up the reason they signed him with Strasburg, Zimmerman, Zimmermann, Harper, Espinosa, and Morse. They’ve got a window opening with a ton of cheap young talent to build around.[/quote]
Oh sure, I can understand them wanting to get a veteran player but like you said, the length and amount of the contract is crazy. Especially for Werth, who I think really benefited hitting around Rollins, Utley and Howard in that Phillies lineup.
MuckerQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]I’m not so sure. His slash lines and wOBA by month are
.155/.204/.227 , wOBA .196 4 SB, 2 CS
.301/.325/.478 , wOBA .345 3 SB, 2 CS
.278/.298/.463 , wOBA .330 1 SB, 0 CS
.250/.308/.292 , wOBA .282 4 SB, 1 CS
.279/.310/.491 , wOBA .344 5 SB, 0 CS
.302/.343/.492 , wOBA .365 1 SB, 0 CS
Not exactly world beating in those other months, especially OBP. IIRC Fangraphs wOBA includes SB which hurts him more too[/quote]Keep in mind, offense is overall down this year, and he’s never really been a great hitter. His career wRC+ is 110. I estimate his wRC + since April at 107 (I took the average of the remaining months and weighted them by plate appearances).
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Mucker]Oh sure, I can understand them wanting to get a veteran player but like you said, the length and amount of the contract is crazy. Especially for Werth, who I think really benefited hitting around Rollins, Utley and Howard in that Phillies lineup.[/quote]
I think you’re underrating Werth, Mucker. He mashes left-handed pitching and until recently played very good defense. Not worth the 7/kabillion deal but should be a current All-Star TTL player on whatever team he plays for.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]False.[/quote]MO, so what’s your thoughts on Carimi being done for the next month or so and Omiyale stepping in? I didn’t think it was possible for the line to be any worse but I guess I was wrong.
MuckerQuote Reply
[quote name=Mucker]I didn’t think it was possible for the line to be any worse but then we traded Olin who’s still a Pro Bowl Center.[/quote]/The Score’d
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Keep in mind, offense is overall down this year, and he’s never really been a great hitter. His career wRC+ is 110. I estimate his wRC + since April at 107 (I took the average of the remaining months and weighted them by plate appearances).[/quote]
Wow, hard to believe his career number is only 110, but he never was that great at getting on base until recently.
BerseliusQuote Reply
Crawford has also beaten his career OPS+ every month except April and July (when he only had 52 PA).
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Crawford has also beaten his career OPS+ every month except April and July (when he only had 52 PA).[/quote]
That’s not the production they’re expecting though. And it still ignores the SB/defense angle.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]I think you’re underrating Werth, Mucker. He mashes left-handed pitching and until recently played very good defense. Not worth the 7/kabillion deal but should be a current All-Star TTL player on whatever team he plays for.[/quote]I don’t know. I see your point about mashing lefties but the guy is sluggin .388. He takes walks but that .716 OPS is terrible value for his contract. I actually like him as a player and think he’s a nice little player but he seems to be having a pretty shitty year at the plate.
MuckerQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]TOOTBLAN from a couple days ago…this one is on the base coach and the runner:
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=19465419%5B/quote%5DThis kind of reminds me of that scene in Get Shorty, where Dennis Farina says to that guy “You must be one of them, uh, quick draws or something,” with Quintero as Dennis Farina, and Homer Baily as the guy about to be shot.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=Mucker]MO, so what’s your thoughts on Carimi being done for the next month or so and Omiyale stepping in? I didn’t think it was possible for the line to be any worse but I guess I was wrong.[/quote]I think Clay Matthews is the happiest man in pro football right now.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]/Haugh’d[/quote].
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mucker]I don’t know. I see your point about mashing lefties but the guy is sluggin .388. He takes walks but that .716 OPS is terrible value for his contract. I actually like him as a player and think he’s a nice little player but he seems to be having a pretty shitty year at the plate.[/quote]
It happens. I have more confidence that Werth will bounce back with a good season than Crawford will.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I think Clay Matthews is the happiest man in pro football right now.[/quote]Poor Cutler. You think the Bears should just cut to the chase and just start Hanie since he’ll most likely be playing by halftime?
MuckerQuote Reply
[quote name=Mucker]Poor Cutler. You think the Bears should just cut to the chase and just start Hanie since he’ll most likely be playing by halftime?[/quote]Why don’t the offensive line just take turns sucker punching him before the game first, though, so he doesn’t miss out on the full experience.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=Mucker]Poor Cutler. You think the Bears should just cut to the chase and just start Hanie since he’ll most likely be playing by halftime?[/quote](dying laughing), I think the Bears need to gameplan to throw a lot of screens right over Matthews and try and force their LB into coverage where they are, to a man, dire. But no matter what the scheme if the line can’t block it, it won’t matter.
If Martz tries that 7-step drop shit vs. GB with Omiyale at RT, Jay will not leave this game upright.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
So I’m a bit behind on the Bears but it sounds like they have receiver issues in addition to offensive line issues (correct me if I’m wrong). If that’s the case, someone needs to mandate that an extra tight end or two should always stay back to protect Cutler, or even the running back since it doesn’t sound like they’re calling all that many running plays anyway considering how often Cutler has been sacked so far.
That way you give the QB a bit more time/protection to throw to the one or two actual receivers that can catch the ball…at least that’s what I hope would happen.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]So I’m a bit behind on the Bears but it sounds like they have receiver issues in addition to offensive line issues (correct me if I’m wrong). If that’s the case, someone needs to mandate that an extra tight end or two should always stay back to protect Cutler, or even the running back since it doesn’t sound like they’re calling all that many running plays anyway considering how often Cutler has been sacked so far.[/quote]That would be called “having a game plan to protect the quarterback in any given blitz” and the Bears aren’t about to start doing that. That’s just playing the other team’s game.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]That would be called “having a game plan to protect the quarterback in any given blitz” and the Bears aren’t about to start doing that. That’s just playing the other team’s game.[/quote]Right, but if they don’t do that, the QB is going to die (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
What’s your prediction on a score, MO? I think GB wins in a shootout.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]Why don’t the offensive line just take turns sucker punching him before the game first, though, so he doesn’t miss out on the full experience.[/quote]Yeah, since he’s a big pussy, he needs to get toughened up and since he’s not a leader, the team doesn’t respect him anyway.
/FOX’d
MuckerQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]So I’m a bit behind on the Bears but it sounds like they have receiver issues in addition to offensive line issues (correct me if I’m wrong). If that’s the case, someone needs to mandate that an extra tight end or two should always stay back to protect Cutler, or even the running back since it doesn’t sound like they’re calling all that many running plays anyway considering how often Cutler has been sacked so far.[/quote]The two biggest hits Cutler took vs. ATL and NO were from the TE whiffing on a block, and both Spaeth and Davis have been largely unimpressive as both run and pass blockers. Khalil Bell has also looked like shit as a blocking back.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder](dying laughing), I think the Bears need to gameplan to throw a lot of screens right over Matthews and try and force their LB into coverage where they are, to a man, dire. But no matter what the scheme if the line can’t block it, it won’t matter.
If Martz tries that 7-step drop shit vs. GB with Omiyale at RT, Jay will not leave this game upright.[/quote]I don’t know about you, MO, but I want to see more of that gameplan they had in the second half against Dallas last year.
MuckerQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]What’s your prediction on a score, MO? I think GB wins in a shootout.[/quote]I don’t see a shootout. CHI can’t block GB pass rush, and Lovie’s cover-2 is tailor made to keep GB contained. If the over is more than 40, I’d take the under. I think GB wins 20-10.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mucker]I don’t know about you, MO, but I want to see more of that gameplan they had in the second half against Dallas last year.[/quote]I want to see big boy offense, not the training wheels shit they have to run with this pisspoor OL.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]The two biggest hits Cutler took vs. ATL and NO were from the TE whiffing on a block, and both Spaeth and Davis have been largely unimpressive as both run and pass blockers. Khalil Bell has also looked like shit as a blocking back.[/quote]Well, sounds like your team is full of problems eh (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I want to see big boy offense, not the training wheels shit they have to run with this pisspoor OL.[/quote]Yeah, but at this point, they have to do what they have to do. If the Bears come anywhere close to this one it’s going to be because their defense or special teams score a couple.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]Yeah, but at this point, they have to do what they have to do. If the Bears come anywhere close to this one it’s going to be because their defense or special teams score a couple.[/quote]Yep.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I want to see big boy offense, not the training wheels shit they have to run with this pisspoor OL.[/quote]Oh me too. But until they fix that line, I don’t see that being an option. Sooner or later, teams are going to just start focusing on Forte and then the Bears are fucked since he’s their only form of offense it seems.
MuckerQuote Reply
http://deadspin.com/5735160/when-auburn-fans-descend-on-walmart/gallery/1
SEC! SEC! SEC!
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Things I have learned from Former Playgirl Model Steve Stone just now:
1.) Castro has 20-something errors. If Carlos Pena leaves, he will have 40.
2.) David Eckstein won 2 World Championships by making routine plays.
3.) Next to John Grisham novels, Moneyball is the “greatest fiction” he has ever read.
4.) Steve Stone is literate.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]
3.) Next to John Grisham novels, Moneyball is the “greatest fiction” he has ever read.[/quote]Yeah, as if some magical city called “Oak Land” suddenly had a baseball team that just happens to be called “Athletic.” Pff Garbage.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]The two biggest hits Cutler took vs. ATL and NO were from the TE whiffing on a block, and both Spaeth and Davis have been largely unimpressive as both run and pass blockers. Khalil Bell has also looked like shit as a blocking back.[/quote]This.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Things I have learned from Former Playgirl Model Steve Stone just now:
1.) Castro has 20-something errors. If Carlos Pena leaves, he will have 40.
2.) David Eckstein won 2 World Championships by making routine plays.
3.) Next to John Grisham novels, Moneyball is the “greatest fiction” he has ever read.
4.) Steve Stone is literate.[/quote]As a playgirl playmate, he’s a pretty inciteful fella.
MuckerQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Things I have learned from Former Playgirl Model Steve Stone just now:
1.) Castro has 20-something errors. If Carlos Pena leaves, he will have 40.
2.) David Eckstein won 2 World Championships by making routine plays.
3.) Next to John Grisham novels, Moneyball is the “greatest fiction” he has ever read.
4.) Steve Stone is literate.[/quote]Holy shit. Tell me there is a link somewhere.
Aisle424Quote Reply
Any chance the Bears have anyone on their team who came from humble origins and worked his way into the league despite all odds using pluck and scrappiness? Cause if so, I’m going to bet on Bears to win the Big Game.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Holy shit. Tell me there is a link somewhere.[/quote]When Boers and Bernstein post their podcasts (prob in about two hours on the station website) listen to Hour 2.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Things I have learned from Former Playgirl Model Steve Stone just now:
1.) Castro has 20-something errors. If Carlos Pena leaves, he will have 40.
2.) David Eckstein won 2 World Championships by making routine plays.
3.) Next to John Grisham novels, Moneyball is the “greatest fiction” he has ever read.
4.) Steve Stone is literate.[/quote]
Sounds like there were some good articles in that issue of Playgirl (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
Tim: http://chicago.cbslocal.com/show/the-boers-and-bernstein-show/#
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Tim: http://chicago.cbslocal.com/show/the-boers-and-bernstein-show/#%5B/quote%5DI think I’ll probably skip that since my blood pressure is already pretty high right now.
binkyQuote Reply
I’ve never actually asked before, but was Steve Stone really in Playgirl or is this just another running gag?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I’ve never actually asked before, but was Steve Stone really in Playgirl or is this just another running gag?[/quote]http://blackdogue.net/Playgirl2/SteveStone/SteveStone.html
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]Any chance the Bears have anyone on their team who came from humble origins and worked his way into the league despite all odds using pluck and scrappiness? Cause if so, I’m going to bet on Bears to win the Big Game.[/quote]Robbie Gould.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]http://blackdogue.net/Playgirl2/SteveStone/SteveStone.html[/quote]You had that link ready to go surprisingly fast, MO.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]http://blackdogue.net/Playgirl2/SteveStone/SteveStone.html[/quote]I don’t want to click on this ever, right?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Has anyone ever told Stoney that his Cy Young is one of the most ill-deserved in history?
ACTQuote Reply
Two years ago when I used to regularly email Dan Bernstein with saber-y stuff to read on air, I used to give him constant flack for giving air to Steve Stone.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]You had that link ready to go surprisingly fast, MO.[/quote]Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]You had that link ready to go surprisingly fast, MO.[/quote]You never know when you’re going to need to embareass Steve Stone.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I don’t want to click on this ever, right?[/quote]Coward.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Holy crap
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]You never know when you’re going to need to embareass Steve Stone.[/quote]/Freudian slip’d
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I don’t want to click on this ever, right?[/quote]Depends on how much you would or would not like to see 1980’s Steve Stone’s right ass cheek, I guess.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Holy crap
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFJ_CXJ0qPo%5B/quote%5DReminds me of some of my friends’ ex-girlfriends/ex-wives.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Holy crap
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFJ_CXJ0qPo%5B/quote%5DI was just reading this earlier. Beetles rule.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]Depends on how much you would or would not like to see 1980’s Steve Stone’s right ass cheek, I guess.[/quote]I’ll take your word for it. Plus I’m at work so that might not be good (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Their larvae do the same. There was one experiment where the frog ate the larva, spit it up after two hours, and was promptly killed and eaten by his regurgitated dinner.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]/Freudian slip’d[/quote]Not unintentional.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Crawford has just plain sucked vs lefties this year and he hasn’t hit righties exceptionally well like he has the last couple years. He’s been horrible vs lefties and average vs righties.
mb21Quote Reply
I started reading Bill James’ crime book. Good read so far. Of course, he could probably write about paint drying and make it fun somehow.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]That’s not the production they’re expecting though. And it still ignores the SB/defense angle.[/quote]Yeah, the Red Sox paid for someone who was going to contribute at least 1 win with his defense and baserunning, if not more. They didn’t get it. He’s been worth 2 wins less on fielding (yeah, I know single season UZR sucks) and .75 wins less on the bases. UBR doesn’t include SB and CS. wOBA does. Nearly 3 wins worse on defense and on the bases. Wow.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]http://blackdogue.net/Playgirl2/SteveStone/SteveStone.html[/quote]now that’s an Ocular Holocaust
WenningtonsGorillaCockQuote Reply
Prospectus is a bit more optimistic about CC’s baserunning, rating him at 3.1 runs above average (including steals). FRAA rates him as league-average, though.
ACTQuote Reply
So much for Jocketty/TLR heading up the boys in blue next summer. Jock just signed through 2014 in Cinn City.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Yeah, the Red Sox paid for someone who was going to contribute at least 1 win with his defense and baserunning, if not more. They didn’t get it. He’s been worth 2 wins less on fielding (yeah, I know single season UZR sucks) and .75 wins less on the bases. UBR doesn’t include SB and CS. wOBA does. Nearly 3 wins worse on defense and on the bases. Wow.[/quote]
Single season any-metric sucks but it says a lot when all of them agree on a general level of talent in each of the last three seasons and the all agree that he hasn’t been so good at the same rate this year (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]So much for Jocketty/TLR heading up the boys in blue next summer. Jock just signed through 2014 in Cinn City.[/quote]
Thank DeRosa.
BerseliusQuote Reply
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=19518913
Fukudome vs. Adam Dunn’s batting average
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=WenningtonsGorillaCock]now that’s an Ocular Holocaust[/quote](dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
WGC’s DY/C ((dying laughing)s per comment) is off the charts the last few weeks.
Whitlock just knows that he’s funny and doesn’t give a shit about his DY/C though.
GBTSQuote Reply
An SI players poll has named Pierzynski baseball’s meanest player…ahead of MB and Z.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]An SI players poll has named Pierzynski baseball’s meanest player…ahead of MB and Z.[/quote]I never really saw MB or Z as mean. More like animated. Maybe I’m misunderstand what “mean” means.
binkyQuote Reply
Found the link below on RLYW. 45 of 45 “experts” on ESPN picked the Red Sox to win the division: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/preview/2011/news/story?page=11expertpicks
(dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
I have no idea how a white guy could be the meanest guy around. That’s like saying the most scrappy player around is a Mexican. Not possible.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=josh]I never really saw MB or Z as mean. More like animated. Maybe I’m misunderstand what “mean” means.[/quote]
In Pierzynski’s case, mean = douchebag. Not necessarily the same thing.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Found the link below on RLYW. 45 of 45 “experts” on ESPN picked the Red Sox to win the division: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/preview/2011/news/story?page=11expertpicks
(dying laughing)[/quote]They also all pretty much agreed AL Central was between the White Sox and the TWins.
binkyQuote Reply
Mia Farrow wins the Twitter:
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Found the link below on RLYW. 45 of 45 “experts” on ESPN picked the Red Sox to win the division: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/preview/2011/news/story?page=11expertpicks
(dying laughing)[/quote]
Eh, it’s not that surprising. TTL they’re probably the best team in the AL East. They’ve been decimated by injuries.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=josh]I never really saw MB or Z as mean. More like animated. Maybe I’m misunderstand what “mean” means.[/quote][quote name=Berselius]In Pierzynski’s case, mean = douchebag. Not necessarily the same thing.[/quote]Yeah, I think in this case, it meant “players MLB players shitty enough to have time to take an SI survey think are dickheads,” i.e. Ryan Theriot.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
.[quote name=mb21]Found the link below on RLYW. 45 of 45 “experts” on ESPN picked the Red Sox to win the division: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/preview/2011/news/story?page=11expertpicks
(dying laughing)[/quote]Three experts picked the Cubs to win and should have been immediately fired.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Yeah, I think in this case, it meant “players MLB players shitty enough to have time to take an SI survey think are dickheads,” i.e. Ryan Theriot.[/quote]The Onion agrees, at least on P: http://www.onionsportsnetwork.com/video/everyone-in-baseball-suspect-in-attempted-murder-o,19630/
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=josh].
Three experts picked the Cubs to win and should have been immediately forced to work for Cubs with Todd Ricketts as their immediate supervisor.[/quote].
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Eh, it’s not that surprising. TTL they’re probably the best team in the AL East. They’ve been decimated by injuries.[/quote]I don’t know if they are, but I do know that they’re not without a doubt the best team in the AL East. That 45 out of 45 picked the Red Sox is odd.
mb21Quote Reply
You know, if the Yankees thump the Red Sox this weekend, they’ll
most likelyclinch home-field and will be in prime position to tank their final three games with the Rays.GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]You know, if the Yankees thump the Red Sox this weekend, they’ll
most likelyclinch home-field and will be in prime position to tank their final three games with the Rays.[/quote]That would be cheating. And baseball teams don’t cheat.binkyQuote Reply
Hardest contact Denard Span has made all season:
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/23/denard-span-rear-ends-teammate-driving-to-airport-re-triggers-concussion-symptoms
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]You know, if the Yankees thump the Red Sox this weekend, they’ll
most likelyclinch home-field and will be in prime position to tank their final three games with the Rays.[/quote]Except the Yankees want to play the Red Sox. A Yankees/Sox ALCS is must-see tv. A Yankees/Rays ALCS results in people watching Dallas reruns.mb21Quote Reply
Also, Sox/Yankees = long games = lots of commercials
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Also, Sox/Yankees = long games = lots of commercials[/quote]No way the Sox make it past Texas, so moot point.
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Also, Sox/Yankees = long games = lots of commercials[/quote]True, but from the standpoint of a baseball fan I’m not sure there’s much better than a yankees/sox game. The Cubs/Cards series is more regional. Same with Giants/Dodgers. When it comes to watching teams in the postseason, I want stars.
mb21Quote Reply
Or would it be the Tigers? Eh, either way.
binkyQuote Reply
Come to think of it, a lot of the time taken in a Sox/Yanks game is between commercial breaks, so probably less commercial time, relatively speaking.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Come to think of it, a lot of the time taken in a Sox/Yanks game is between commercial breaks, so probably less commercial time, relatively speaking.[/quote]It’s impressive to see how deep each at-bat goes in a Red Sox/Yankees game. That’s in addition to the cup-readjusting and the pitchers taking their sweet time, of course.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
For those interested in listening to Former Playgirl Model Steve Stone piss down his leg, the link to that hour of B & B is now posted at the link I posted above.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Except FOX wants the Yankees to play the Red Sox. A Yankees/Sox ALCS is must-see tv. A Yankees/Rays ALCS results in people watching Dallas reruns.[/quote]
Fixed. Why should the Yankees care. Winning the WS is what matters, the ALCS rights are already sold.
BerseliusQuote Reply
Desipio’s angry rant:
http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/Detention-Lecture-Your-2011-Chicago-Cubs?urn=mlb-wp20570
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Desipio’s angry rant:
http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/Detention-Lecture-Your-2011-Chicago-Cubs?urn=mlb-wp20570%5B/quote%5D
(dying laughing)
GBTSQuote Reply
That’s not how OPS+ works.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]That’s not how OPS+ works.[/quote]Don’t make him Whitlock you.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
He has the second-best K-BB ratio of his career. It’s better than it was last year and is better than in 2008 when he was 6th in CYA voting.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]He has the second-best K-BB ratio of his career. It’s better than it was last year and is better than in 2008 when he was 6th in CYA voting.[/quote]Don’t bother Dolan with facts while he’s hamfistedly trying to make a joke.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Except the Yankees want to play the Red Sox. A Yankees/Sox ALCS is must-see tv. A Yankees/Rays ALCS results in people watching Dallas reruns.[/quote]
Me and the other Rays fan do not like this.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Don’t bother Dolan with facts while he’s hamfistedly trying to make a joke.[/quote]Facts make humor hard. *fart noises*
Aisle424Quote Reply
Ohhhhhhhhh, David Price is dealing tonight.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]For those interested in listening to Former Playgirl Model Steve Stone piss down his leg, the link to that hour of B & B is now posted at the link I posted above.[/quote]I don’t know how you can actually sit through shit like that. When I make the mistake of scrolling below the equator on a random YouTube page and read a user comment, I’m filled with despair and resignation about the human race that leaves me useless for a week. I can only imagine that listening to idiots interview an idiot for the benefit of idiots can only be, you know, worse…
uncle daveQuote Reply
(That comment should be read as “I’m amazed at your ability to endure torture” than “you’re a dumbass for doing so,” BTW. Not doing so well with the sarcasm this week, apparently.)
uncle daveQuote Reply
Castro —> 200 hits
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Keith Moreland just called Albert Pujols lazy (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Keith Moreland just called Albert Pujols lazy (dying laughing)[/quote]He prefaced it with “I hate to say this, but….” so all good.
binkyQuote Reply
29 of Demp’s 74 walks have been in the 1st inning.
ACTQuote Reply
A new era in Cubs baseball? “Quade interested in seeing ‘Moneyball'”
binkyQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Ohhhhhhhhh, David Price is dealing tonight.[/quote]I hate to be a stats nerd, but the score seems to indicate otherwise.
binkyQuote Reply
new shit: http://obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/articles/starlin-castro-has-200-hits-and-andy-dolan-doesnt-understand-stats.html
mb21Quote Reply
Oooh, here’s the autobunt of stupidity!
Rice CubeQuote Reply