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Post by Deleted on Sept 10, 2014 14:18:46 GMT -5
Sorry BigD, I only like the Giants and hate the Dodgers in baseball and like the Sharks for hockey. Don't have much of a sweeping interest in baseball. I used to when I played fantasy baseball, but not anymore.
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bigddude
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Post by bigddude on Sept 10, 2014 14:21:42 GMT -5
It can only help....... But, anytime a team is winning despite the production or even availability of a star player or players is a good thing. Yup. Not liking how strong the Dodgers top 3 starters are. I think the Giants have an outside chance at the division, but looks slim. I don't like the odds of a one-game playoff should they pin down a wildcard, but beggars can't be choosers. whos your pick for NL MVP and ROY? For MVP, my heart would want the Pirates Josh Harrison to win. Without his production, and contributions all over the diamond, they would not still be in the playoff hunt. My gut though says it will go to Stanton. For ROY, I think I would have to go with the Nats Tanner Roark. He did play some last year, but I do not think enough to eliminate him from the award. For Panik, it is a case of "a little too late", and, that he is not all that productive while hitting for a high average. |
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Post by Deleted on Sept 10, 2014 14:25:47 GMT -5
Yup. Not liking how strong the Dodgers top 3 starters are. I think the Giants have an outside chance at the division, but looks slim. I don't like the odds of a one-game playoff should they pin down a wildcard, but beggars can't be choosers. whos your pick for NL MVP and ROY? For MVP, my heart would want the Pirates Josh Harrison to win. Without his production, and contributions all over the diamond, they would not still be in the playoff hunt. My gut though says it will go to Stanton. For ROY, I think I would have to go with the Nats Tanner Roark. He did play some last year, but I do not think enough to eliminate him from the award. For Panik, it is a case of "a little too late", and, that he is not all that productive while hitting for a high average. Yeah, I think Harrison doesn't have the peripherals to trump Stanton, but he is having a hell of a year. Yeah, ah, panik is too little (impact) and far too late. |
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Post by bigddude on Sept 10, 2014 14:28:20 GMT -5
Sorry BigD, I only like the Giants and hate the Dodgers in baseball and like the Sharks for hockey. Don't have much of a sweeping interest in baseball. I used to when I played fantasy baseball, but not anymore. No need to appologize, as, I know that it is me that is weird and different here. Outside of the fantasy rhelm, it is very hard to find people who are a fan of the sport first, and the fan of a specific team second, as I am. It is even more difficult to find someone who continues to be interested in baseball all year, as most folks tend to abandon baseball for football once September rolls around. While it would be very nice to find more folks like myself, in one way, I am not sad at all. With just another reason that I am weird, I like the fact that I like what I like, and do not let how publicly popular something is have anything to do with my level of interest. I wear being very different than most as a valuable badge of honor actually. I would make a horrible sheep, and a worse lemming.... |
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Post by bigddude on Sept 10, 2014 14:29:55 GMT -5
And, once again, this gets a big "meh" from me.
Hockey meets baseball once again. Via PHT, we learn that the 2015 Winter Classic between the Chicago Blackhawks and Washington Capitals will held on Jan. 1 at Nationals Park in Washington.
The 2014 Winter Classic was held at Michigan Stadium, but baseball stadiums are the norm. Wrigley Field, Fenway Park, and Citizens Bank Park have hosted the event before.
Washington can have some warm days in the winter from time to time, but they played hockey in Los Angeles early this year, so I figure they can handle it
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Post by bigddude on Sept 10, 2014 14:36:11 GMT -5
For MVP, my heart would want the Pirates Josh Harrison to win. Without his production, and contributions all over the diamond, they would not still be in the playoff hunt. My gut though says it will go to Stanton. For ROY, I think I would have to go with the Nats Tanner Roark. He did play some last year, but I do not think enough to eliminate him from the award. For Panik, it is a case of "a little too late", and, that he is not all that productive while hitting for a high average. Yeah, I think Harrison doesn't have the peripherals to trump Stanton, but he is having a hell of a year. Yeah, ah, panik is too little (impact) and far too late. As any good fantasy baseball player knows, versitility/position eligability is and has a value of it's own. And, nobody has used this better than Harrison this year. He has played in 125 games this year. And, as he has played more than one position per game sometimes, these numbers will not add up. Still, I see so far, he has played 16 games at 2B, 58 at 3B, 8 at SS, 26 in Left Field, 26 in Right Field, and 21 times as a pinch hitter. |
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Post by bigddude on Sept 10, 2014 14:37:15 GMT -5
It only took 5 + innings, but the Sox have their first hit off of Chen in their game today. Still 8-0 O's.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 10, 2014 14:38:26 GMT -5
Yeah, I think Harrison doesn't have the peripherals to trump Stanton, but he is having a hell of a year. Yeah, ah, panik is too little (impact) and far too late. As any good fantasy baseball player knows, versitility/position eligability is and has a value of it's own. And, nobody has used this better than Harrison this year. He has played in 125 games this year. And, as he has played more than one position per game sometimes, these numbers will not add up. Still, I see so far, he has played 16 games at 2B, 58 at 3B, 8 at SS, 26 in Left Field, 26 in Right Field, and 21 times as a pinch hitter. That's insane. Makes Zobrist seem so inadequate! Love to have Zobrist or Harrison on the Giants, lol. |
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Post by bigddude on Sept 10, 2014 14:41:30 GMT -5
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Post by bigddude on Sept 10, 2014 14:45:36 GMT -5
As any good fantasy baseball player knows, versitility/position eligability is and has a value of it's own. And, nobody has used this better than Harrison this year. He has played in 125 games this year. And, as he has played more than one position per game sometimes, these numbers will not add up. Still, I see so far, he has played 16 games at 2B, 58 at 3B, 8 at SS, 26 in Left Field, 26 in Right Field, and 21 times as a pinch hitter. That's insane. Makes Zobrist seem so inadequate! Love to have Zobrist or Harrison on the Giants, lol. Zobrist is still no slouch himself. His year includes 75 games at 2B, 28 at SS, 32 in Left, 2 in Center, 19 in Right, and 1 as a pinch hitter. And, as to getting Zobrist, or anyone else like him, I have a sliver of an idea. Trade Brandon Belt to get one. The Giants have far too many 1B types, and need to shed one to be able to bring someone else in to cover another spot. And, it's not like I do not think Belt is good, it is just that he is the most expendable in my eyes, while at the same time holding enough value to bring someone good back in return. |
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Post by Zig on Sept 10, 2014 14:56:52 GMT -5
As for BigD, lol download "Sniper" or "Stick man golf" apps! That'll help with the boredom! Or,.....the people that poston this board daily and often could actually come and post here every so often. I ask too much,......, I know.... sorry D been busy doing adminny type stuff /trying to make the place more attractive en sech |
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Post by bigddude on Sept 10, 2014 15:01:36 GMT -5
Or,.....the people that poston this board daily and often could actually come and post here every so often. I ask too much,......, I know.... sorry D been busy doing adminny type stuff /trying to make the place more attractive en sech As well you should be. You have much more important things to do around here, and I have always fully understood that. I'm just getting a little discouraged, but, will pull through it. |
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Post by BHR on Sept 10, 2014 15:07:32 GMT -5
If you were the Yanks. What would you do with ARod
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Post by bigddude on Sept 10, 2014 15:29:38 GMT -5
If you were the Yanks. What would you do with ARod Bring him to camp, and have him learn to play 1B. That way, they could increase their chances in getting some sort of bang for the bucks he is still owed. |
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Post by bigddude on Sept 10, 2014 16:10:07 GMT -5
For any Giants fan with money to burn, or, with much more money than time.
If you’ve been to a Major League Baseball game this season, you may have noticed that one or more of the gates at the stadium now has TSA-like security checkpoints, as the league has required that all teams scan all attendees with metal detectors starting next season. And just like the airport, the lines can back up and cause annoyance. So of course some company is looking to make a buck off impatient baseball fans.
TravelSkills.com reports that starting today, San Francisco Giants fans will be able to pay for fast-lane security access through CLEAR, a trusted-traveler program that currently operates at a handful of airports around the country.
Unfortunately, this isn’t something where you can show up to the game and decide to spend a few extra bucks to get into a faster lane. Instead, the CLEAR pilot program requires that you are already a CLEAR member, which starts at $179/year for the first person in your family.
Since we can’t imagine someone paying $179/year just to save a few minutes of time entering AT&T Park (of course, we’re not Silicon Valley billionaires… yet), we don’t see all that many people being able to take advantage of this benefit, especially since the fast-lane access is only granted to the holder of the CLEARcard while his or her friends and family have to stand in line with everyone else.
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Post by bigddude on Sept 10, 2014 16:23:25 GMT -5
Feeling hungry? How does a burger made of eight 8 oz. patties, 32 slices of bacon and eight slices of cheese with a pound of fries on the side sound? Visit The Trop for a Rays game and ask for 'The Fan vs Food Burger.' Make sure you bring $30 and a cardiologist.
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Post by Zig on Sept 10, 2014 16:26:29 GMT -5
Feeling hungry? How does a burger made of eight 8 oz. patties, 32 slices of bacon and eight slices of cheese with a pound of fries on the side sound? Visit The Trop for a Rays game and ask for 'The Fan vs Food Burger.' Make sure you bring $30 and a cardiologist. it sounds like I wouldn't be able to fit it in my mouth |
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Post by bigddude on Sept 10, 2014 16:27:05 GMT -5
 Though I am a huge dog and animal lover, I question the need to have them go to ballgames. And, this is not just because I can't take mine (he hates other dogs). But, if you do feel the need, at least make sure they are dressed for the occasion. Like this White Sox fan did recently. |
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Post by bigddude on Sept 10, 2014 16:29:58 GMT -5
Feeling hungry? How does a burger made of eight 8 oz. patties, 32 slices of bacon and eight slices of cheese with a pound of fries on the side sound? Visit The Trop for a Rays game and ask for 'The Fan vs Food Burger.' Make sure you bring $30 and a cardiologist. it sounds like I wouldn't be able to fit it in my mouth Hell. Mr. Mega-mouth Mick Jagger would have problems with it......  |
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Post by bigddude on Sept 10, 2014 16:33:46 GMT -5
As I am seeing this all over, I will assume that it will be true that the Mets will not be spending much money this offseason. As such, it is probably still going to be tough to be a Mets fan for the foreseeable future. While this all can and probably will change, here are some initial numbers and info.
While the Mets look to have primed themselves for a potential run next year, the organization’s expectation is that payroll will remain in the low-to-mid-$80MM range, reports ESPN.com’s Buster Olney. A major portion of that (just over $54MM) is already promised to veterans David Wright, Curtis Granderson, Bartolo Colon, and Jon Niese. And several players — including Daniel Murphy, Bobby Parnell, Dillon Gee, and Lucas Duda – will be in line for sizeable salaries through arbitration. GM Sandy Alderson said recently that the team will “have some flexibility,” Olney says it seems likely that the front office will need to look for buy-low options to fill its various areas of need.
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Post by bigddude on Sept 10, 2014 16:39:31 GMT -5
Speaking of the Mets, some news that is good news for fantasy folks. Now that Daniel Murphy is off the D/L, and as David Wright replaced him, I see that Murphy is now being used to replace Wright at 3B. And, with 17 games to go in the season, for most leagues, he has time to qualify at 3B for the upcoming season. In most leagues, he was 2B eligable only this year ( In Yahoo, he was able to keep 1B ). So, his overall fantasy value will take a slight tick upward, as having 2B & 3B elig, and Corner & Middle I.F elig, he will be very valuable indeed.
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Post by bigddude on Sept 10, 2014 16:44:51 GMT -5
News out of Boston. As has been expected since news on the subject broke yesterday, Dustin Pedroia has been shut down for the year. He will be having hand surgery sometime in the near future, and should be healthy and ready to go next year.
Also out of Boston, they are ready to start using Koji Uehara again. Just not as a closer. Not right away this year anyway. And, as a 39 year old pending free agent coming off a horrible last month of play, one has to wonder if his time in basbeall is done, much less just his time in Boston.
Hmm....
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Post by bigddude on Sept 10, 2014 17:12:36 GMT -5
One less baaseball game tonight, as I am now seeing that the Twins/Indians game has been rained out.
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Post by Zig on Sept 10, 2014 17:49:28 GMT -5
News out of Boston. As has been expected since news on the subject broke yesterday, Dustin Pedroia has been shut down for the year. He will be having hand surgery sometime in the near future, and should be healthy and ready to go next year. Also out of Boston, they are ready to start using Koji Uehara again. Just not as a closer. Not right away this year anyway. And, as a 39 year old pending free agent coming off a horrible last month of play, one has to wonder if his time in basbeall is done, much less just his time in Boston. Hmm.... much as love Koji he was a guy they probably should have dealt at the deadline |
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Post by bigddude on Sept 10, 2014 18:03:08 GMT -5
News out of Boston. As has been expected since news on the subject broke yesterday, Dustin Pedroia has been shut down for the year. He will be having hand surgery sometime in the near future, and should be healthy and ready to go next year. Also out of Boston, they are ready to start using Koji Uehara again. Just not as a closer. Not right away this year anyway. And, as a 39 year old pending free agent coming off a horrible last month of play, one has to wonder if his time in basbeall is done, much less just his time in Boston. Hmm.... much as love Koji he was a guy they probably should have dealt at the deadline As they will probably let him walk, either they will have to be happy with Mujica as their closer next year, or they will have to get one in free agency. Unless they have someone in AAA that will be ready for prime time next year. |
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Post by Zig on Sept 10, 2014 18:10:35 GMT -5
much as love Koji he was a guy they probably should have dealt at the deadline As they will probably let him walk, either they will have to be happy with Mujica as their closer next year, or they will have to get one in free agency. Unless they have someone in AAA that will be ready for prime time next year. yeah I forget which one but they have a kid in AAA that's supposed to be the closer of the future. Not sure what happened to Mujica but he's been pretty bad for the Sox. His stats aren't all that bad but trust me no Sox fan feels good when he comes in lol |
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Post by bigddude on Sept 10, 2014 18:22:01 GMT -5
As they will probably let him walk, either they will have to be happy with Mujica as their closer next year, or they will have to get one in free agency. Unless they have someone in AAA that will be ready for prime time next year. yeah I forget which one but they have a kid in AAA that's supposed to be the closer of the future. Not sure what happened to Mujica but he's been pretty bad for the Sox. His stats aren't all that bad but trust me no Sox fan feels good when he comes in lol I did not see a likely candidate at AAA for them. I do see someone in AA that looks promising. His name is Noe Ramirez. Maybe he will be ready for the big time next year? |
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Post by bigddude on Sept 10, 2014 18:23:31 GMT -5
Looks like it will not be Jerome Williams day today...... Nothing like starting a game by hitting the first 2 guys you face.
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Post by Zig on Sept 10, 2014 18:24:25 GMT -5
In my chat on Tuesday, a reader asked my thoughts on John Holdzkom, if I thought he was for real. I didn't know anything about him, other than a name I had seen in a Pirates box score. I hadn't heard of him as a prospect, hadn't seen him pitch, just assumed he was another minor league reliever called up as another arm in the bullpen.
As it turns out, Holdzkom has a pretty interesting story. He's a 26-year-old, 6-foot-7 right-hander with a 95 mph fastball and, apparently, the only palmball in the majors. In his second major league outing, he picked up a save in a 5-3 win over the Cubs, pitching the bottom of the 11th and striking out two of the three batters he faced. So far, in three appearances, he's allowed one hit in three innings with six punchouts.
[+] EnlargeJohn Holdzkom
Jeff Curry/USA TODAY Sports
John Holdzkom fanned six of the first 10 batters he faced as a Pirates reliever.
Jeff Sullivan of FanGraphs has the story on Holdzkom's rise from nowhere, complete with palmball GIFs and links to this Baseball America story by J.J. Cooper and a transcript of Holdzkom calling in to a podcast (after he had apparently washed out of the minors) and admitting he had blown all of his $210,000 signing bonus (among other issues).
Holdzkom signed with the Mets as a fourth-round pick in 2006, didn't throw strikes and got hurt. He missed all of 2011, pitched sparingly for the Reds' organization in 2012, and then spent 2013 pitching for Amarillo and Sioux City of the independent American Association, walking 36 batters in 43.2 innings.
He got cut from the Sioux Falls team in spring training and eventually ended up pitching for San Angelo in the United League, an even lower rung of independent baseball, for $600 a month. From there, he moved back up to Amarillo for a few games, and the Pirates signed him; somewhere in there he slightly changed the grip on his fastball and started throwing more strikes. He pitched four games for Double-A Altoona and 18 at Triple-A Indianapolis (combined numbers: 36.2 IP, 22 H, 14 BB, 46 SO) and Pittsburgh added him to the 40-man roster on Aug. 31, making him eligible for the postseason.
Whew. That's a wild ride, a little reminiscent of Mariners reliever Tom Wilhelmsen, who had washed out of the Brewers' system and become a bartender before giving baseball another try.
Is Holdzkom for real? I have no idea. The arm is legit, the palmball looks nasty, and while the command may still be iffy, it's good enough now to carve out a major league career.
It makes you wonder: How many other John Holdzkoms are out there? Change your grip, don't give up on the game, just hoping for one more shot..
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Post by bigddude on Sept 10, 2014 18:33:49 GMT -5
In my chat on Tuesday, a reader asked my thoughts on John Holdzkom, if I thought he was for real. I didn't know anything about him, other than a name I had seen in a Pirates box score. I hadn't heard of him as a prospect, hadn't seen him pitch, just assumed he was another minor league reliever called up as another arm in the bullpen. As it turns out, Holdzkom has a pretty interesting story. He's a 26-year-old, 6-foot-7 right-hander with a 95 mph fastball and, apparently, the only palmball in the majors. In his second major league outing, he picked up a save in a 5-3 win over the Cubs, pitching the bottom of the 11th and striking out two of the three batters he faced. So far, in three appearances, he's allowed one hit in three innings with six punchouts. [+] EnlargeJohn Holdzkom Jeff Curry/USA TODAY Sports John Holdzkom fanned six of the first 10 batters he faced as a Pirates reliever. Jeff Sullivan of FanGraphs has the story on Holdzkom's rise from nowhere, complete with palmball GIFs and links to this Baseball America story by J.J. Cooper and a transcript of Holdzkom calling in to a podcast (after he had apparently washed out of the minors) and admitting he had blown all of his $210,000 signing bonus (among other issues). Holdzkom signed with the Mets as a fourth-round pick in 2006, didn't throw strikes and got hurt. He missed all of 2011, pitched sparingly for the Reds' organization in 2012, and then spent 2013 pitching for Amarillo and Sioux City of the independent American Association, walking 36 batters in 43.2 innings. He got cut from the Sioux Falls team in spring training and eventually ended up pitching for San Angelo in the United League, an even lower rung of independent baseball, for $600 a month. From there, he moved back up to Amarillo for a few games, and the Pirates signed him; somewhere in there he slightly changed the grip on his fastball and started throwing more strikes. He pitched four games for Double-A Altoona and 18 at Triple-A Indianapolis (combined numbers: 36.2 IP, 22 H, 14 BB, 46 SO) and Pittsburgh added him to the 40-man roster on Aug. 31, making him eligible for the postseason. Whew. That's a wild ride, a little reminiscent of Mariners reliever Tom Wilhelmsen, who had washed out of the Brewers' system and become a bartender before giving baseball another try. Is Holdzkom for real? I have no idea. The arm is legit, the palmball looks nasty, and while the command may still be iffy, it's good enough now to carve out a major league career. It makes you wonder: How many other John Holdzkoms are out there? Change your grip, don't give up on the game, just hoping for one more shot.. I love these redemption tales. And, sometimes, they are so good, that they end up as movies ( Disney's, The Rookie ) |
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