tigertowner 68
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Post by tigertowner 68 on Aug 26, 2014 16:50:06 GMT -5
As it took me a bit to figure out how to post anywhere other than the shout box on my first day here, I can only say I feel his pain. I 'll get it with you and Zig pointing me in the right direction. What I was saying is that Justin Verlander will never be the pitcher that he was in 2011. Why? 1. There is no longer the physical ability to dial up 99+ whenever he wants to. He can still hit 95, but that is not 99+. 2. Wear and tear. He had that off-season core surgery and he is still not over it. 3. He has thrown over 1,600 innings since breaking in. It does not seem long ago (as time flies) when a) he was just a rookie in 2006 and b) when he was 24-5 and on top of the heap in 2011. But eight years is an eternity in baseball. Even three years can suddenly creep up and seem like a very long time ago. 4. As a result of point 2 and 3...hitters have grown accustomed to his pitching rhythms and pitch selection. He will have to re-invent himself to become a major success again. This is why the A's model of growing your own young pitchers and letting them go when they have peaked is great strategy. That said, not just any idiots can figure this out. but the A's and Rays have it down. Otherwise you are in the Tigers' boat with near 200 mill on the books that has past his peak. Many Tiger fans would call me crazy, but I am glad we have not signed Max Scherzer. If David Chadd is such an expert like he was reputed to be when he arrived in Detroit from Boston, HE needs to get busy and identify the NEXT Scherzer or Verlander. I'd much rather invest $150 mill on Victor Martinez. He is going to be just like Paul Molitor and Edgar Martinez..a hitting jewel through age 40. As for the Tigers' bullpen...I am ready to eat dinner. And I do not feel like spoiling it. Nuff said? |
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bigddude
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Post by bigddude on Aug 26, 2014 17:00:07 GMT -5
As it took me a bit to figure out how to post anywhere other than the shout box on my first day here, I can only say I feel his pain. I 'll get it with you and Zig pointing me in the right direction. What I was saying is that Justin Verlander will never be the pitcher that he was in 2011. Why? 1. There is no longer the physical ability to dial up 99+ whenever he wants to. He can still hit 95, but that is not 99+. 2. Wear and tear. He had that off-season core surgery and he is still not over it. 3. He has thrown over 1,600 innings since breaking in. It does not seem long ago (as time flies) when a) he was just a rookie in 2006 and b) when he was 24-5 and on top of the heap in 2011. But eight years is an eternity in baseball. Even three years can suddenly creep up and seem like a very long time ago. 4. As a result of point 2 and 3...hitters have grown accustomed to his pitching rhythms and pitch selection. He will have to re-invent himself to become a major success again. This is why the A's model of growing your own young pitchers and letting them go when they have peaked is great strategy. That said, not just any idiots can figure this out. but the A's and Rays have it down. Otherwise you are in the Tigers' boat with near 200 mill on the books that has past his peak. Many Tiger fans would call me crazy, but I am glad we have not signed Max Scherzer. If David Chadd is such an expert like he was reputed to be when he arrived in Detroit from Boston, HE needs to get busy and identify the NEXT Scherzer or Verlander. I'd much rather invest $150 mill on Victor Martinez. He is going to be just like Paul Molitor and Edgar Martinez..a hitting jewel through age 40. As for the Tigers' bullpen...I am ready to eat dinner. And I do not feel like spoiling it. Nuff said? Way to break down Verlander Towner. You gave several excellent reasons for his downturn, and I but all of them. So far, I have only said that he is on the downside, but you give all the real specific "whys". And, I look forward to more of this from you, or, at least I hope, as your posts tend to be well thought out, whereas mine are either off the cuff, or, just a cut and paste job to cover for the fact that I am too lazy (or sometimes busy) to write things up myself. Enjoy your dinner, and, if you feel like it after, i'm sure I will still be around. Now, if I could only find any news and info of interest to post.......... |
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bigddude
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Post by bigddude on Aug 26, 2014 18:40:23 GMT -5
The Royals had better hope that this is a minor, temporary thing. Or, it could be an obsticle in them making the playoffs, as it has been their pitching that has brought them this far.
From Blair Kerkhoff of the Kansas City Star comes word that Yordano Ventura has been scratched from his scheduled Wednesday start against the Twins due to stiffness around the middle of his back. Liam Hendriks, acquired from the Blue Jays in late July for infielder Danny Valencia, will be called up from Triple-A Omaha to pitch in Ventura’s place.
“After his last start he developed a little bit of mid-back tightness,” Yost told the Kansas City Star on Tuesday evening. “It’s gotten better, but we’re not going to push it. We’re going to skip a start.”
Ventura has guided the Royals to victories in five of his last six outings and boasts a 3.40 ERA with 125 strikeouts in 145 2/3 innings this season as a rookie. The 23-year-old should return to action this weekend.
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Post by redseat on Aug 26, 2014 20:25:30 GMT -5
Yu Darvish done for the year?
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Post by redseat on Aug 26, 2014 20:28:37 GMT -5
Tue, Aug 26
A CT scan on Tuesday confirmed that Paul Goldschmidt will not need surgery to repair his fractured left hand.
Advice: Goldschmidt is 2-3 weeks from strengthening work. The slugging first baseman is done for the season, but he'll have a regular offseason and be ready to roll for spring training.
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tigertowner 68
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Post by tigertowner 68 on Aug 26, 2014 20:41:47 GMT -5
The Royals had better hope that this is a minor, temporary thing. Or, it could be an obsticle in them making the playoffs, as it has been their pitching that has brought them this far. From Blair Kerkhoff of the Kansas City Star comes word that Yordano Ventura has been scratched from his scheduled Wednesday start against the Twins due to stiffness around the middle of his back. Liam Hendriks, acquired from the Blue Jays in late July for infielder Danny Valencia, will be called up from Triple-A Omaha to pitch in Ventura’s place. “After his last start he developed a little bit of mid-back tightness,” Yost told the Kansas City Star on Tuesday evening. “It’s gotten better, but we’re not going to push it. We’re going to skip a start.” Ventura has guided the Royals to victories in five of his last six outings and boasts a 3.40 ERA with 125 strikeouts in 145 2/3 innings this season as a rookie. The 23-year-old should return to action this weekend. |
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tigertowner 68
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Post by tigertowner 68 on Aug 26, 2014 20:43:04 GMT -5
Ventura's injury is unfortunate for the Royals.
He has had a very good season for KC in his first year.
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nava
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Post by nava on Aug 27, 2014 19:22:03 GMT -5
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Post by NEW YORK on Aug 27, 2014 19:23:47 GMT -5
Something about this Yankee team
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tigertowner 68
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Post by tigertowner 68 on Aug 27, 2014 22:49:01 GMT -5
David Price goes "deer in the headlights" against the Yankees.
Unbelievable. It was like Clayton Kershaw getting lit up for a ten-spot vs. the Douchebags (no offense intended Arizona fans, just being playful and mischievous. Hell, Kirk Gibson is YOUR MGR and I like your team...).
But this is MUCH worse because it is no longer Dave Winfield "Mr. May" time (quote the honorable... tricky Dick liked him, George M. Steinbrenner III...what was he a Pope or some shit?)
It IS the PENNANT RACE now. KC wins again. Phil Hughes is "Phil Hughes" of Yankees MORTALITY again.
Tigers are two and a half games back again...
ARRRGGH.
Now I appreciate geneh's pain much more because he has a team in the Braves that is a total parallel with the Tigers.
Sick and not recuperating much at all...
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tigertowner 68
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Post by tigertowner 68 on Aug 27, 2014 22:57:43 GMT -5
BTW geneh, how's life with ("The Bro's)?
Sure you must love Justin Upton. Except he shares the same first name with a punk called "Bieber" and a near washed up Tiger pitcher that still is due near $200M. $200K used to be called "200 large". So what is $200M? $200 stratospheric?
Now I cut to the chase. Wadda ya think about B.J. (Blow Job) Upton?
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tigertowner 68
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Post by tigertowner 68 on Aug 27, 2014 23:03:19 GMT -5
Something about this Yankee team They are doing a hell of a job. Girardi is my manager of the year, and Cashman is my exec of the year. No matter how the Yankees wind up. I find it very interesting that in a season where the Tigers were near a consensus pick to win it all that now, 5 days in front of Labor Day, that the Yankees with a completely decimated rotation (no crying about Anibal Sanchez fellow Tiger fans, that is just ONE pitcher), are just a two games behind the Tigers for the second wild card... |
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nava
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Post by nava on Aug 27, 2014 23:21:42 GMT -5
BTW geneh, how's life with ("The Bro's)? Sure you must love Justin Upton. Except he shares the same first name with a punk called "Bieber" and a near washed up Tiger pitcher that still is due near $200M. $200K used to be called "200 large". So what is $200M? $200 stratospheric? Now I cut to the chase. Wadda ya think about B.J. (Blow Job) Upton?Isn't that Kate's nickname? |
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Post by redseat on Aug 28, 2014 9:19:33 GMT -5
Tigers on a down whirl spiral?
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tigertowner 68
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Post by tigertowner 68 on Aug 28, 2014 15:53:30 GMT -5
Tigers on a down whirl spiral? Yes. Too many things have gone awry. Miguel Cabrera has had his HR power turn into doubles power. Justin Verlander is about to 6 on the standing 8 count. Anibal Sanchez is at 8 on the same count, probably done for 2014. The Martinez's (Victor and J.D., unrelated) have been bright spots. The bullpen gives any fan in Tigertown a fright. It is not over, but Kansas City has pitching and one of the best defenses in the league, especially the entire outfield, shortstop and particularly catcher. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2014 17:24:23 GMT -5
BTW geneh, how's life with ("The Bro's)? Sure you must love Justin Upton. Except he shares the same first name with a punk called "Bieber" and a near washed up Tiger pitcher that still is due near $200M. $200K used to be called "200 large". So what is $200M? $200 stratospheric? Now I cut to the chase. Wadda ya think about B.J. (Blow Job) Upton? I think he blows grits all over the frigging clubhouse toilet, that's what I think. I wish BJ would get permanently lost in Atlanta traffic before all of the rest of our games. |
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Post by redseat on Aug 28, 2014 18:25:30 GMT -5
Tigers on a down whirl spiral? Yes. Too many things have gone awry. Miguel Cabrera has had his HR power turn into doubles power. Justin Verlander is about to 6 on the standing 8 count. Anibal Sanchez is at 8 on the same count, probably done for 2014. The Martinez's (Victor and J.D., unrelated) have been bright spots. The bullpen gives any fan in Tigertown a fright. It is not over, but Kansas City has pitching and one of the best defenses in the league, especially the entire outfield, shortstop and particularly catcher. It's nice to actually have Kansas City relevant again! What the hell is up with Verlander? Has Upton taken that much out of him? Is he hurt? Victor is the one guy I wish the Red Sox still had but he is a great fit in Detroit. You are correct, it's not over but the door is almost shut |
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Post by redseat on Aug 28, 2014 18:26:54 GMT -5
Nevermind Tigertown... I didn't see your earlier post in regards to Verlander
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nava
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Post by nava on Aug 29, 2014 10:10:35 GMT -5
Yes. Too many things have gone awry. Miguel Cabrera has had his HR power turn into doubles power. Justin Verlander is about to 6 on the standing 8 count. Anibal Sanchez is at 8 on the same count, probably done for 2014. The Martinez's (Victor and J.D., unrelated) have been bright spots. The bullpen gives any fan in Tigertown a fright. It is not over, but Kansas City has pitching and one of the best defenses in the league, especially the entire outfield, shortstop and particularly catcher. It's nice to actually have Kansas City relevant again! What the hell is up with Verlander? Has Upton taken that much out of him? Is he hurt? Victor is the one guy I wish the Red Sox still had but he is a great fit in Detroit. You are correct, it's not over but the door is almost shut Hurt. |
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bigddude
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Post by bigddude on Aug 29, 2014 10:44:03 GMT -5
Sorry to be lagging in my responsibilities here guys. I am but a brittle old man, who seems to be breaking down a bit faster than the one day at a time that most do.
I hope to be back at it on Tuesday, so, please carry on without me.
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Post by Super Paul Mullin on Aug 29, 2014 13:34:07 GMT -5
Trivia time: Of the top 20 in MLB history to GIDP (or GDP if you like), only one never attempted a sacrifice bunt thoughout his entire career. Can you name him?
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Post by Zig on Aug 29, 2014 16:50:50 GMT -5
Trivia time: Of the top 20 in MLB history to GIDP (or GDP if you like), only one never attempted a sacrifice bunt thoughout his entire career. Can you name him? Papi |
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Post by Super Paul Mullin on Aug 29, 2014 16:57:57 GMT -5
Trivia time: Of the top 20 in MLB history to GIDP (or GDP if you like), only one never attempted a sacrifice bunt thoughout his entire career. Can you name him? Papi Nope. Don't think Papi is top 20 in GIDP either. |
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Mr mastodon farm
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Post by Mr mastodon farm on Aug 29, 2014 21:25:58 GMT -5
Trivia time: Of the top 20 in MLB history to GIDP (or GDP if you like), only one never attempted a sacrifice bunt thoughout his entire career. Can you name him? I have two guesses - Rice or Vlad? |
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Post by Mr mastodon farm on Aug 29, 2014 21:26:58 GMT -5
Rice is just because I know he always led the league in DPs
Vlad just a guess because he was such a free swinger, he probably doesnt know how to lay down a bunt
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Post by Super Paul Mullin on Aug 29, 2014 22:46:01 GMT -5
Rice is just because I know he always led the league in DPs Vlad just a guess because he was such a free swinger, he probably doesnt know how to lay down a bunt You got it. But which one? |
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Mr mastodon farm
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Post by Mr mastodon farm on Aug 30, 2014 9:24:45 GMT -5
Rice is just because I know he always led the league in DPs Vlad just a guess because he was such a free swinger, he probably doesnt know how to lay down a bunt You got it. But which one? I cheated after I looked at my guesses From 1980 -1993, George Brett laid down 1 sac bunt |
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Mr mastodon farm
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Post by Mr mastodon farm on Aug 30, 2014 9:29:18 GMT -5
1976 AL MVP Thurman Munson (.302 .337 .432 .769) had the 12th highest WAR in the league and 4th highest on his team (Nettles, Rivers, White)
Brett was runner-up .333 .377 .462 .839
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Post by Mr mastodon farm on Aug 30, 2014 9:30:11 GMT -5
McRae was 4th
.332 .407 .461 .868
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Post by Mr mastodon farm on Aug 30, 2014 9:31:15 GMT -5
The '76 batting average race was already noteworthy because two teammates, George Brett and Hal McRae were chasing one another for the title. Brett was 23, and was enjoying his second season as an elite player in the Big Leagues (he'd been ok, but not super in 1973-74). McRae was 30, and was in the middle of his peak. He'd post the best OBP of his career in 1976 (.406) and the next year he added power to his game, hitting 21 homers.
On September 26, McRae led Brett, .337 to .333. Brett was remarkably steady down the stretch however, and when the season ended, he was still at .333, thanks to a, you guessed it, .333 final week (8-24). McRae lagged however, going 5-23 (.217). McRae ended up officially at .332, decimal points (in many sense of the phrase) behind Brett.
But that's just the wide angle version.
As it happened, the title came down to Brett's final AB of the season. When Brett stepped to the plate in the 9th (McRae was on deck) if he got a hit he'd move ahead of McRae, if not, he'd stay in second. Brett flied to leftfield, and when the ball couldn't be caught by Steve Brye, Brett ended up recording an inside-the-park HR. Next up, McRae, who grounded out. Brett is the batting champion.
Now remember, this was 1976, so having the highest batting average was an incredibly big deal.
According to Joe McGuff's story in The Sporting News, titled, "Misplayed Fly Ball Clouds Brett's Title" (page 31)after McRae grounded out he "made two obscene gestures at the Twins' dugout and had to be restrained when Manager Gene Mauch came on the field".
After the game, McRae claimed that the Twins conspired to give Brett the title. Racism, McRae said, was the motivation.
"Things have been like this a long time. They're changing gradually. They shouldn't be this way, but I can accept it." [...] "I know what happened. It's been too good a season for me to say too much, but I know they let that ball fall on purpose."
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