Aug 2009
Big Things in Anaheim
08/30/09 14:33 Filed in: Baseball
During the past off-season, the Angles were a minor player in the Mark Teixeira sweepstakes, after giving up Casey Kotchman as rent for a few weeks of Teixeira's services in late 2008. Maybe the Angels did know something. I, for one, was not thrilled with going into the season with basically one option for first base - Kendry Morales.
Well, as August comes to a close, the stats for the two are shockingly similar:
Kendry Morales HRs: 30 RBI: 94 Avg.: .311
Mark Teixeira HRs: 32 RBI: 101 Avg.: .284
Shockingly similar, with one little exception - Morales isn't earning quite as much as Teixeira's $180 Million.
Hopefully, the move they did make will turn our as well as the one they didn't. This week's deal for Steve Kazmir looks like a gem, assuming Kazmir stays healthy. Healthy, he may well be the ace of the staff, and is the dominating number one guy that could lead a team to a WS title.
A key to the deal, though, is who is that player to be named. Giving up two top prospects for a 25-year-old established star is a no-brainer, but that third name figures to end up being an established player as well.
Well worth it, if Kazmir anchors the rotation for the next five years, or more.
Well, as August comes to a close, the stats for the two are shockingly similar:
Kendry Morales HRs: 30 RBI: 94 Avg.: .311
Mark Teixeira HRs: 32 RBI: 101 Avg.: .284
Shockingly similar, with one little exception - Morales isn't earning quite as much as Teixeira's $180 Million.
Hopefully, the move they did make will turn our as well as the one they didn't. This week's deal for Steve Kazmir looks like a gem, assuming Kazmir stays healthy. Healthy, he may well be the ace of the staff, and is the dominating number one guy that could lead a team to a WS title.
A key to the deal, though, is who is that player to be named. Giving up two top prospects for a 25-year-old established star is a no-brainer, but that third name figures to end up being an established player as well.
Well worth it, if Kazmir anchors the rotation for the next five years, or more.
theHoundDawg |
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The King Plays - Vikings Get Money's Worth
08/21/09 23:31 Filed in: NFL
In an amazing turn of events, there was a Brett Favre sighting on a football field, rather than behind a microphone.
In tonight's game in which the non-existent Kansas City "Chiefs" (maybe they meant to say "Chefs"?) defense made Tarvaris Jackson (12 of 15, 202 yds., 80%, 158.3 QB rating) and John David Booty (6 of 8, 61 yds., 75%, 96.4 QB rating) look like Hall-of-Famers, the King of Interceptions barely escaped with his life, having completed a single pass and a 39.6 QB rating to go along with a 25% completion percentage.
I know exhibition stats don't count, but as of now, the King is getting more money per pass completion then Jason Schmidt got from the Dodgers per start ($12 mil per completion, $4.7 mil per start).
After a thorough perusal of the team's schedule, it would appear that the King chose Minnesota because is seems every rancid defense in the NFL is on the Vikings schedule. In fact, their first five games feature those defensive stalwarts Cleveland, Detroit, and St. Louis. Granted, they do play Green Bay in game four, so the King may not be around for number five in St. Louis.
In tonight's game in which the non-existent Kansas City "Chiefs" (maybe they meant to say "Chefs"?) defense made Tarvaris Jackson (12 of 15, 202 yds., 80%, 158.3 QB rating) and John David Booty (6 of 8, 61 yds., 75%, 96.4 QB rating) look like Hall-of-Famers, the King of Interceptions barely escaped with his life, having completed a single pass and a 39.6 QB rating to go along with a 25% completion percentage.
I know exhibition stats don't count, but as of now, the King is getting more money per pass completion then Jason Schmidt got from the Dodgers per start ($12 mil per completion, $4.7 mil per start).
After a thorough perusal of the team's schedule, it would appear that the King chose Minnesota because is seems every rancid defense in the NFL is on the Vikings schedule. In fact, their first five games feature those defensive stalwarts Cleveland, Detroit, and St. Louis. Granted, they do play Green Bay in game four, so the King may not be around for number five in St. Louis.
| theHoundDawg |  |
Interesting Developments in Met-Land
08/21/09 12:14 Filed in: Baseball
Very interesting happenings with that other NY team.
When Billy Wagner had Tommy John surgery near the end of last year, two things seemed pretty clear: He would not pitch in 2009 and he would never again pitch for the Mets, if he ever did return to baseball.
Well, the 38-year-old Wagner has made a super-quick recovery, and as of yesterday, was back on the Mets' active roster, and appeared in the Mets' game against the Braves, pitching a shutout inning with two strikeouts. The Mets had previously said, after paying almost the full $10.5 million that Wagner had due for 2009 under his $43 million deal that began with the 2006 season, that they would not pick up his $8 million option for 2010 (they have a $1 million buyout available.) So, if he CAN still pitch, he is likely trade-bait, and it looks like Tampa Bay is the front-runner in the Wagner sweepstakes.
Also, in the past couple of days, the Mets' love affair with the biggest jerk to play in the major leagues in the past three or four decades, gary sheffield, has now ended. He has worn out his welcome with team number eight. Reports (rumors?) are that he has threatened to walk out on the team. (Typical sheffield behavior.) The Mets can easily retain their fourth-place spot through the rest of the season without him.
When Billy Wagner had Tommy John surgery near the end of last year, two things seemed pretty clear: He would not pitch in 2009 and he would never again pitch for the Mets, if he ever did return to baseball.
Well, the 38-year-old Wagner has made a super-quick recovery, and as of yesterday, was back on the Mets' active roster, and appeared in the Mets' game against the Braves, pitching a shutout inning with two strikeouts. The Mets had previously said, after paying almost the full $10.5 million that Wagner had due for 2009 under his $43 million deal that began with the 2006 season, that they would not pick up his $8 million option for 2010 (they have a $1 million buyout available.) So, if he CAN still pitch, he is likely trade-bait, and it looks like Tampa Bay is the front-runner in the Wagner sweepstakes.
Also, in the past couple of days, the Mets' love affair with the biggest jerk to play in the major leagues in the past three or four decades, gary sheffield, has now ended. He has worn out his welcome with team number eight. Reports (rumors?) are that he has threatened to walk out on the team. (Typical sheffield behavior.) The Mets can easily retain their fourth-place spot through the rest of the season without him.
| theHoundDawg |
Our Last Word on Favre,.... Until He Does Something on the Field
08/20/09 09:45 Filed in: NFL
Managers Brawl in Winnipeg Goldeyes and Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks Minor League Game
08/19/09 23:34 Filed in: Baseball
Entertaining video from a minor league contest between the Winnipeg Goldeyes and Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks. Apparently several batters had been hit in games between the two teams, and bad blood had been brewing. Ump warns the benches, and then the managers have at it:
| theHoundDawg |
The King of Interceptions Signs with Vikings, Hopes Arm Doesn't Fall Off
08/18/09 17:35 Filed in: NFL
The Circus in Minnesota hit new highs today, with the King of Interceptions' arrival, televised "motorcade", coronation, and press conference.
I was tempted to title this post "Daring daylight theft of $12 Million from unsuspecting billionaire team owner", but I'm reasonably sure that Zygi Wilf was a willing participant in this particular million dollar mugging.
The King is in perfect physical shape for the new season, as reported in Yahoo Sports by Jason Cole. In today's article Specialist assured Favre that shoulder is ‘OK’, Cole discusses the fact that the surgery B.F. had a few months ago included the repair of a rotator cuff tear, a surgery that has seen limited success over several decades now, when performed on people who throw a sphere for a living. Cole quotes agent Bus Cole with these overly reassuring words from surgeon James Andrews: “He can’t promise that it won’t get worse, but Dr. Andrews basically said it should be OK to get through the season."
Get through the season? Ok to Get Through the Season? For $12 Million dollars!
My only solace: Should the Vikings be Ed Roski's team of choice and be playing the 2012 season in the City of Industry Stadium, the King really should have heaved his final interception into the arms of a sleepwalking defender a couple of seasons earlier.
I was tempted to title this post "Daring daylight theft of $12 Million from unsuspecting billionaire team owner", but I'm reasonably sure that Zygi Wilf was a willing participant in this particular million dollar mugging.
The King is in perfect physical shape for the new season, as reported in Yahoo Sports by Jason Cole. In today's article Specialist assured Favre that shoulder is ‘OK’, Cole discusses the fact that the surgery B.F. had a few months ago included the repair of a rotator cuff tear, a surgery that has seen limited success over several decades now, when performed on people who throw a sphere for a living. Cole quotes agent Bus Cole with these overly reassuring words from surgeon James Andrews: “He can’t promise that it won’t get worse, but Dr. Andrews basically said it should be OK to get through the season."
Get through the season? Ok to Get Through the Season? For $12 Million dollars!
My only solace: Should the Vikings be Ed Roski's team of choice and be playing the 2012 season in the City of Industry Stadium, the King really should have heaved his final interception into the arms of a sleepwalking defender a couple of seasons earlier.
| theHoundDawg | |
Enough of Favre, Already!
08/17/09 20:57 Filed in: NFL
Yes. No. Yes. No.
Shaddup, already!
The Minnesota Vikings have a great defense, and one of the top running games in the league. Their single big question mark is where it has been for several years now, at quarterack. They had an offseasonto to address the void, and their one actual move was picking up vereran back-up Sage Rosenfels, who, at times during his career, has shown the ability to be a number one guy. Their romance with the King of Interceptions, one B. Favre, has been a painful romance novel for Viking fans, and a major distraction for the majority of basically sane football fans around the country.
Favre's love affair with himself, wherein he has tried to keep the Vikings and the press at his beck-and-call for months, with his "Yes. No. Yes. No." diatribe, and "I'll decide tomorrow" mantra, appeared to finally be over a couple of weeks ago, when he said he would not play again. Now, the deceitful jerk, as reported by Fox and ESPN, has again "changed" his mind, and according to reports, will shortly be in Viking garb.
The play-out of the Vikings' childish crush is as sickening to watch as are Favre's self-centered, immature antics, and they probably deserve each other.
Get this over with already. Give the ball to Sage.
Shaddup, already!
The Minnesota Vikings have a great defense, and one of the top running games in the league. Their single big question mark is where it has been for several years now, at quarterack. They had an offseasonto to address the void, and their one actual move was picking up vereran back-up Sage Rosenfels, who, at times during his career, has shown the ability to be a number one guy. Their romance with the King of Interceptions, one B. Favre, has been a painful romance novel for Viking fans, and a major distraction for the majority of basically sane football fans around the country.
Favre's love affair with himself, wherein he has tried to keep the Vikings and the press at his beck-and-call for months, with his "Yes. No. Yes. No." diatribe, and "I'll decide tomorrow" mantra, appeared to finally be over a couple of weeks ago, when he said he would not play again. Now, the deceitful jerk, as reported by Fox and ESPN, has again "changed" his mind, and according to reports, will shortly be in Viking garb.
The play-out of the Vikings' childish crush is as sickening to watch as are Favre's self-centered, immature antics, and they probably deserve each other.
Get this over with already. Give the ball to Sage.
| theHoundDawg |  |
The Bullpen is Everything
08/16/09 11:55 Filed in: Baseball
The Philadelphia Phillies are World Champs because of Brad Lidge. Their chances of repeating are up to ....... Brad Lidge.
His phenomenal season, playoffs and World Series carried them to last year's title, but for all the Cliff Lees, Pedro Martinezes, and Ben Franciscos they acquire, they will go only so far as Lidge takes them, and with his major league leading eight blown saves, 7.27 ERA, and total unreliability, that does not look like it will be too far.
Similarly, the biggest single reason for the Dodgers' recent slump, has been the bullpen, and specifically, Jonathan Broxton, as last night deomonstrated. They had another good outing from the starter (which ended prepaturely with Hiroki Kuroda's injury), and some timely hitting, but another disasterous outing from Broxton lost the lead and the game.
As I have said before, whether it's his sore toe (most likely), fatigue, or the league just catching up with him, Broxton needs some time away from the closer's role. The Dodgers now do have another option, with an experienced, suffessful closer on the roster, thanks to the asquisition of George Sherrill, and if Broxton is hurting, put him on the DL and let Sherrill close until Broxton is well. If Broxton is not hurt, then just the mental aspect of less pressure for a couple of weeks, setting up instead of closing, may do the trick.
It's no coincidence that the scumstripes recent streak has coincided with the vast imporvement in their bullpenn, in particular remaking Phil Hughes from an awful starter into a valuable set-up man.
His phenomenal season, playoffs and World Series carried them to last year's title, but for all the Cliff Lees, Pedro Martinezes, and Ben Franciscos they acquire, they will go only so far as Lidge takes them, and with his major league leading eight blown saves, 7.27 ERA, and total unreliability, that does not look like it will be too far.
Similarly, the biggest single reason for the Dodgers' recent slump, has been the bullpen, and specifically, Jonathan Broxton, as last night deomonstrated. They had another good outing from the starter (which ended prepaturely with Hiroki Kuroda's injury), and some timely hitting, but another disasterous outing from Broxton lost the lead and the game.
As I have said before, whether it's his sore toe (most likely), fatigue, or the league just catching up with him, Broxton needs some time away from the closer's role. The Dodgers now do have another option, with an experienced, suffessful closer on the roster, thanks to the asquisition of George Sherrill, and if Broxton is hurting, put him on the DL and let Sherrill close until Broxton is well. If Broxton is not hurt, then just the mental aspect of less pressure for a couple of weeks, setting up instead of closing, may do the trick.
It's no coincidence that the scumstripes recent streak has coincided with the vast imporvement in their bullpenn, in particular remaking Phil Hughes from an awful starter into a valuable set-up man.
| theHoundDawg |
Snoop Dogg and the Dodgers - Say It Ain't So!
08/13/09 13:45 Filed in: Baseball
This past March, I wrote a lengthy post on theHoundDawg Blog entitled "Snoop Dogg and Farrakhan", describing the rise of Snoop Dogg as a cultural icon despite his sociopathic history and his association with Louis Farrakhan.
Now, the Dodgers have chosen to use Dogg in the marketing of their new "Ticket Truck" campaign. Following is a comment I left on the Dodgers' official website, folowing the article announcing this campaign:
Now, the Dodgers have chosen to use Dogg in the marketing of their new "Ticket Truck" campaign. Following is a comment I left on the Dodgers' official website, folowing the article announcing this campaign:
There is not much more that I can say about my disgust with this situation, other than how much I resent his soiling of the noble "Dogg" ["Dawg"] name.The Dodgers now have their own Michael Vick - a man who spent several years in prison, has had numerous drug and firearm related arrests, has been on trial as an accomplice to murder, has been sued for allowing (or ordering?) his "crew" to assault a fan, and who has been a driving force in making obscene, violent, and misogynistic lyrics a mainstay of popular music, and worse yet, who has admitted his membership in the Nation of Islam and of his fervent support for the most miserable, disgusting anti-Semite on the American scene, Louis Farrakhan, who, during a lifetime spewing lies and hatred, was quoted in the New York Times as calling Judaism a "gutter religion", and who in a 1984 speech broadcast on a Chicago radio station stated unequivocally that "Hitler was a very great man". Jamie McCourt, as Dodger CEO and as an active member in the Jewish community, you should be ashamed of yourself in associating the Dodgers with Snoop Dogg.
| theHoundDawg |
Late-Season Deals Change Races, Especially in Central Divisions
08/11/09 16:48 Filed in: Baseball
A few teams really helped themselves in late July and early August deals, especially in each leagues' Central division.
The White Sox did the most to upgrade their shot at a division title, or wild card, getting Jake Peavy, healthy enough they hope for a September and playoff time boost. Now, they have added a bat in center field, in Alex Rios, and they look like they could be the AL central's best bet for a September-October playoff run. Detroit did booster their staff with the addition of Jarrod Washburn, but I never felt the Tigers had enough to win their division, and I don't see Washburn alone making the difference, especially because my pre-season pick for the wild-card, Minnesota, has helped themselves as much by adding Carl Pavano, and with the return of Nick Punto from the DL. Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau in the batting title and home rune races respectively, figure to keep the Twins' power going strong to the bitter end.
In the National Leagues' Central, my pre-season pick, Milwaukee, did little to help their stretch run, acquiring only Claudio Vargas, on a team with a disappointing starting staff. St. Louis, who I felt needed a bit more, including a healthy Chris Carpenter, to take the division, now feature not only an 11-3 Carpenter (with a 2.26 ERA), but Matt Holliday in the outfield, and Julio Lugo at short. The Cardinals figure to ride their current roster to a division title. The Cubs are a sinking ship, and will finish fourth or fifth. Their best hope is that Lou won't blow a gasket and be able to return to make another run at it next season.
The Red Sox also need mentioning. The team that looked so solid in every facet only a few weeks ago, now seems to be floundering. The many deals Theo Epstein pulled of in a short time make little sense. Of course Victor Martinez is a great addition, but injuries to the staff make the trade of Justin Masterson seem like a mistake. The crown around first base is also hard to comprehend, especially since offensive leader Kevin Youkilis should be there every day. But where does that leave Martinez, let alone Casey Kotchman?
The return of Jason Bay - out of the lineup during much of the Sox' slump - and the combination of the Red Sox' overall talent, the managerial capabilities of Terry Francona, and the liklihood that the staff will get healthier, still, however, makes me think that the ship will be righted, and that it will be Boston on top of the East come October 4.
The White Sox did the most to upgrade their shot at a division title, or wild card, getting Jake Peavy, healthy enough they hope for a September and playoff time boost. Now, they have added a bat in center field, in Alex Rios, and they look like they could be the AL central's best bet for a September-October playoff run. Detroit did booster their staff with the addition of Jarrod Washburn, but I never felt the Tigers had enough to win their division, and I don't see Washburn alone making the difference, especially because my pre-season pick for the wild-card, Minnesota, has helped themselves as much by adding Carl Pavano, and with the return of Nick Punto from the DL. Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau in the batting title and home rune races respectively, figure to keep the Twins' power going strong to the bitter end.
In the National Leagues' Central, my pre-season pick, Milwaukee, did little to help their stretch run, acquiring only Claudio Vargas, on a team with a disappointing starting staff. St. Louis, who I felt needed a bit more, including a healthy Chris Carpenter, to take the division, now feature not only an 11-3 Carpenter (with a 2.26 ERA), but Matt Holliday in the outfield, and Julio Lugo at short. The Cardinals figure to ride their current roster to a division title. The Cubs are a sinking ship, and will finish fourth or fifth. Their best hope is that Lou won't blow a gasket and be able to return to make another run at it next season.
The Red Sox also need mentioning. The team that looked so solid in every facet only a few weeks ago, now seems to be floundering. The many deals Theo Epstein pulled of in a short time make little sense. Of course Victor Martinez is a great addition, but injuries to the staff make the trade of Justin Masterson seem like a mistake. The crown around first base is also hard to comprehend, especially since offensive leader Kevin Youkilis should be there every day. But where does that leave Martinez, let alone Casey Kotchman?
The return of Jason Bay - out of the lineup during much of the Sox' slump - and the combination of the Red Sox' overall talent, the managerial capabilities of Terry Francona, and the liklihood that the staff will get healthier, still, however, makes me think that the ship will be righted, and that it will be Boston on top of the East come October 4.
| theHoundDawg |
Jason Who III - The Bitter End?
08/08/09 18:03 Filed in: Baseball
Roy Halladay is still in Toronto, but Cliff Lee, Jake Peavy, Jarrod Washburn, Carl Pavano, Justin Masterson, Ian Snell, Clayton Richard, and even Pedro Martinez, all have new major league homes. While I emphatically said that there is no way the Dodgers should or could trade Clayton Kershaw, a deal for one of these starters could have been worked out, but the Dodgers felt they did not have to make a move, because they had, ............ Jason Schmidt.
Well, after four 2009 starts, bringing his lifetime total as a Dodger to 10 ($4.7 Million per start), Schmidt is back on the DL, and his Dodger and MLB career are quite likely finis'.
The Dodgers may be in first, but they have lost the distinction of having baseball's best 2009 record, and their division lead is shrinking. Chad Billingsley has been hurting, Hiroki Kuroda has been inconsistent, the rotation now includes Scott Elbert, whose next start will be his first, and Jonathan Broxton has not been the consistent given he was before the All-Star game - is it his sore toe, overwork, or what? What this adds up to, is that the Dodgers, as dominating as they have been in so many aspects of the game, and for virtually the entire season to date, today do not look like a team that can win a playoff series against teams like Philadelphia and the oh-so improved Cardinals.
Well, after four 2009 starts, bringing his lifetime total as a Dodger to 10 ($4.7 Million per start), Schmidt is back on the DL, and his Dodger and MLB career are quite likely finis'.
The Dodgers may be in first, but they have lost the distinction of having baseball's best 2009 record, and their division lead is shrinking. Chad Billingsley has been hurting, Hiroki Kuroda has been inconsistent, the rotation now includes Scott Elbert, whose next start will be his first, and Jonathan Broxton has not been the consistent given he was before the All-Star game - is it his sore toe, overwork, or what? What this adds up to, is that the Dodgers, as dominating as they have been in so many aspects of the game, and for virtually the entire season to date, today do not look like a team that can win a playoff series against teams like Philadelphia and the oh-so improved Cardinals.
| theHoundDawg |